Mangrove Habitat Formation and Response to Holocene Sea-level Changes on Kosrae Island,Micronesia

Mangrove habitats on Kosrae are divided into three types, i.e., an estuary or delta type, a backmarsh or lagoon type and a coral reef or tidal-flat type. Most of the mangrove forests of Kosrae have been developed during the last 2000 years by accumulating mangrove peat with the gradual sea-level rise of 1 to 2 mm/yr except the landward part of the estuary or delta type. On the other hand, during the period of rapid sea-level rise of about 10 mm/yr between 4100 and 3700 yr B.P., the mangrove forests ceased peat accumulation and retreated landward. Until 3500 yr B.P., mangrove forests were distributed only in narrow bands in the inlets. Therefore, the critical rate of mangrove peat accretion with sea-level rise is estimated at more than 2 mm/yr and less than 10 mm/yr. If the anticipated sea-level rise exceeds this critical rate, all of the mangrove forests of Kosrae will retreat landward and reduce rapidly.     

Vertical accretion and shallow subsidence in a mangrove forest of southwestern Florida,U.S.A.

Simultaneous measurements of vertical accretion from artificial soilmarker horizons and soil elevation change from sedimentation-erosion table(SET) plots were used to evaluate the processes related to soil building infringe, basin, and overwash mangrove forests located in a low-energy lagoonwhich receives minor inputs of terrigenous sediments. Vertical accretionmeasures reflect the contribution of surficial sedimentation (sedimentdeposition and surface root growth). Measures of elevation change reflectnot only the contributions of vertical accretion but also those ofsubsurface processes such as compaction, decomposition and shrink-swell. Thetwo measures were used to calculate amounts of shallow subsidence (accretionminus elevation change) in each mangrove forest. The three forest typesrepresent different accretionary environments. The basin forest was locatedbehind a natural berm. Hydroperiod here was controlled primarily by rainfallrather than tidal exchange, although the basin flooded during extreme tidalevents. Soil accretion here occurred primarily by autochthonous organicmatter inputs, and elevation was controlled by accretion and shrink-swell ofthe substrate apparently related to cycles of flooding-drying and/or rootgrowth-decomposition. This hydrologically-restricted forest did notexperience an accretion or elevation deficit relative to sea-level rise. Thetidally dominated fringe and overwash island forests accreted throughmineral sediment inputs bound in place by plant roots. Filamentous turfalgae played an important role in stabilizing loose muds in the fringeforest where erosion was prevalent. Elevation in these high-energyenvironments was controlled not only by accretion but also by erosion and/orshallow subsidence. The rate of shallow subsidence was consistently3–4 mm y^–1 in the fringe and overwash island forests butwas negligible in the basin forest. Hence, the vertical development ofmangrove soils was influenced by both surface and subsurface processes andthe processes controlling soil elevation differed among forest types.The mangrove ecosystem at Rookery Bay has remained stable as sea levelhas risen during the past 70 years. Yet, lead-210 accretion data suggest asubstantial accretion deficit has occurred in the past century (accretionwas 10–20 cm < sea-level rise from 1930 to 1990) in the fringe andisland forests at Rookery Bay. In contrast, our measures of elevation changemostly equalled the estimates of sea-level rise and our short term estimatesof vertial accretion exceeded the estimates by the amount of shallowsubsidence. These data suggest that (1) vertical accretion in this system isdriven by local sea-level rise and shallow subsidence, and (2) the mangroveforests are mostly keeping pace with sea-level rise. Thus, the vulnerabilityof this mangrove ecosystem to sea-level rise is best described in terms ofan elevation deficit (elevation change minus sea-level rise) based on annualmeasures rather than an accretion deficit (accretion minus sea-level rise)based on decadal measures.     

Sedimentation in Mangrove Forests

The tidal currents in mangrove forests are impeded by the friction caused by the high vegetation density. The tidal currents are also complex comprising eddies, jets and stagnation zones. The sediment particles carried in suspension into the forest during tidal inundation are cohesive, mainly clay and fine silt, and form large flocs. These flocs remain in suspension as a result of the turbulence created by the flow around the vegetation. The intensity of sedimentation is largest for trees forming a complex matrix of roots such as Rhizophora sp. and smallest for single trees such as Ceriops sp. The flocs settle in the forest around slack high tide. At ebb tides the water currents are too small to re-entrain this sediment. Hence the inundation of coastal mangrove forests at tidal frequency works as a pump preferentially transporting fine, cohesive sediment from coastal waters to the mangroves. Mangroves are thus not just opportunistic trees colonising mud banks but actively contribute to the creation of mud banks.     

Fine root respiration in the mangrove Rhizophora mangle over variation in forest stature and nutrient availability

Root respiration uses a significant proportion of photosynthetically fixed carbon (C) and is a globally important source of C liberated from soils. Mangroves, which are an important and productive forest resource in many tropical and subtropical countries, sustain a high ratio of root to shoot biomass which may indicate that root respiration is a particularly important component in mangrove forest carbon budgets. Mangroves are often exposed to nutrient pollution from coastal waters. Here we assessed the magnitude of fine root respiration in mangrove forests in Belize and investigated how root respiration is influenced by nutrient additions. Respiration rates of excised fine roots of the mangrove, Rhizophora mangle L., were low (4.01 +/- 0.16 nmol CO(2) g(-1) s(-1)) compared to those measured in temperate tree species at similar temperatures. In an experiment where trees where fertilized with nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P) in low productivity dwarf forests (1-2 m height) and more productive, taller (4- 7 m height) seaward fringing forests, respiration of fine roots did not vary consistently with fertilization treatments or with forest stature. Fine roots of taller fringe trees had higher concentrations of both N and P compared to dwarf trees. Fertilization with P enhanced fine root P concentrations in both dwarf and fringe trees, but reduced root N concentrations compared to controls. Fertilization with N had no effect on root N or P concentrations. Unlike photosynthetic C gain and growth, which is strongly limited by P availability in dwarf forests at this site, fine root respiration (expressed on a mass basis) was variable, but showed no significant enhancements with nutrient additions. Variation in fine root production and standing biomass are, therefore, likely to be more important factors determining C efflux from mangrove sediments than variations in fine root respiration per unit mass.     

Carbon storage dynamics of subtropical forests estimated with multi-period forest inventories at a regional scale:the case of Jiangxi forests

Temperate and high-latitude forests are carbon sinks and play pivotal roles in offsetting greenhouse gas emissions of CO_2.However,uncertainty still exists for subtropical forests,especially in monsoon-prevalent eastern Asia.Earlier studies have depended on remote sensing,ecosystem modeling,carbon fluxes,or single period forest surveys to estimate carbon sequestration capacities,and the results vary significantly.This study was designed to utilize multi-period forest survey data to explore spatial-dynamics of biomass storage in subtropical forests of China.Jiangxi province,a region with over 60% subtropical forest cover,was selected as the case study site and is located in central east China.Based on forest inventory data 1984-2013,and the stock-difference and biomass expansion factor methods,the carbon storage and density,of arboreal forests,economic forests,bamboo forests,woodlands and shrubberies were estimated.The results show that carbon storage increased from 159.1 Tg C in 1988 to 276.1 TgC in 2013,making up 3.1-3.8% of carbon stored throughout China.Among the four types of forests,the amount of carbon stored was as follows:arboreal forest economic forest bamboo forest woodland and shrubbery.Arboreal forests accounted for 64.0-79.4% of the total.Forest carbon density increased from 21.2 Mg C ha~(-1) in 1984 to26.2 Mg C ha~(-1) in 2013,equal to 61.2-70.2% of the average carbon density of China's forests in the same period.Forest carbon storage in Jiangxi will reach 355.5 Tg C and 535.8 Tg C in 2020 and 2030,respectively,and forest carbon density is predicted to be 31.9 Mg C ha~(~-1)and 46.4 Mg C ha~(-1),respectively.As one of the few studies using multi-period data tracking biomass dynamics in Jiangxi province,the findings of this study may be used as a reference for other research.Using Jiangxi as a case study underlies the fact that subtropical forests in China have great carbon sequestration potential and have fundamental significance to offset global environmental change effects.     

试论红树林在福建沿海防护林中的发展前景

本文从红树林的生态作用与经济效益、种类分布、生物学特性、营造技术等方面,结合我省沿海防护林现状及海岸线地理环境因子,阐述红树林在我省海岸线发展中的意义与前景,并就有关问题提出建议。     

Through droughts and hurricanes: Tree mortality,forest structure,and biomass production in a coastal swamp targeted for restoration in the Mississippi River Deltaic Plain

Coastal swamps are among the rapidly vanishing wetland habitats in Louisiana due to accelerated sea-level rise and hydrological alterations that alter the natural flooding regime. In particular, the swamp forests of Lake Maurepas, Louisiana, have degraded considerably, and research regarding their condition might suggest approaches for their restoration. We measured forest structure, species composition, tree mortality, annual aboveground net primary production (ANPP) of woody species, and aboveground biomass allocation to leaf litter and wood, and soil strength at forty study plots within the Lake Maurepas basin over 5 years to evaluate the current condition of this coastal forested wetland. Local measures of salinity and regional measures of flooding were used to predict ANPP and aboveground biomass allocation. The 5-year study period included an intense drought as well as years characterized by hurricane-induced flooding. The forty study plots could be divided into four distinct habitat clusters based on standing biomass, structural variables, and salinity. The majority of the plots were co-dominated by Taxodium distichum and Nyssa aquatica. Acer rubrum var. drummondii and Fraxinus pennsylvanica were common mid-story species throughout the western and southern parts of the study area, while Salix nigra, Morella cerifera, and Triadica sebiferum were more important at the more degraded plots in the eastern part of the basin. Annual mean soil salinity reached unprecedented level (2–5 psu) during the drought and cumulative tree mortality reached up to 85% in areas characterized by frequent saltwater intrusions. The ANPP was higher during the drought period in 2000–2001 than during subsequent years, and was dominated by T. distichum. At most sampling plots, litter production exceeded wood production annually. A negative correlation between aboveground biomass allocation to litter and flooding indicated that biomass allocation shifted from litter toward wood during wet years. Overall, the majority of the plots sampled produced less than 400 g m⁻² yr⁻¹ of aboveground biomass annually due to the interacting negative effects of saltwater intrusion and prolonged flooding with nutrient-poor water. Reintroduction of Mississippi River water to the Maurepas system has the potential to benefit these swamps greatly by restoring a greater flow of nutrients, sediments, and fresh water through the wetlands. The historically slow (i.e., multi-decadal) process of swamp deterioration was greatly sped by low salinity (i.e., 2–5 psu) saltwater intrusions during a drought in 1999–2000. The majority of the coastal swamps in the Pontchartrain Basin are deteriorating, and most of this swamp area will be lost to open water in the foreseeable future if no restoration action is taken.     

珠海市城市森林的总体布局与植物组成

本文介绍珠海市城市森林的总体布局和不同绿地类型的植物组成和配置模式。珠海城市森林分为 3大块 :城市中心区森林、西部城市发展区森林、东部海岛区森林 ;着重分析了以下 5种绿地类型的植物组成特点和配置模式 :(1)行道树的组成具有花色艳丽、花期长、树冠大而美、突出滨海特色等 ;(2 )海岸绿地植物包括红树林、海滩植物、沿海道路和临海低丘植物 3种类型 ;(3)岛屿观赏植物有 6 4种 ,分为 5种类型 ;(4)黄土石坡裸露地生态绿化分为 3个阶段 ,采用 4种不同的模式 ;(5 )残次林改造采用 3种模式     

粤东海桑、无瓣海桑、拉关木冻害调查报告

海桑(Sonneratia caseolaris (L.)Engl.)、无瓣海桑(S.apetala Buch-Ham)、拉关木(Laguncularia racemosa Gaertn.f.)是粤东近几年成功引种的3个优良红树林树种。文章报告了粤东海桑、无瓣海桑和拉关木的苗木和林木的冻害情况,并就海桑、无瓣海桑和拉关木的抗寒性及其在粤东育苗和防寒的技术措施进行了讨论。     

陕西省长江流域生态地貌功能分区与评价

采用１０个主要生物气候指标，结合地形地貌及相的地带性植被和地带性土壤，对陕西省长江流域３１个县（市）进行动态聚类综合分析，本区可归并为２个森林植物气候带，５个生态地貌功能区。即：低山丘陵区北亚热带常绿落叶阔叶林生物气候区，包括安康盆地，汉中盆地，热暖温带针阔混交林、针叶林生物气候区；包括秦岭南坡东部中山，低山区，秦岭南坡中、西部中、高山区和巴山北坡中山、低山。各生态地貌功能区的生物气候特征明显，符     

我国森林生态系统枯落物现存量研究进展

在参考大量相关文献的基础上,对我国森林生态系统枯落物现存量研究进展进行了归纳总结。我国枯落物现存量的研究主要集中在亚热带和温带,热带相对较少;枯落物现存量的研究主要采用收获法,但取样样方的布设、面积、数量及取样时间等尚没有统一的规定;在大区域尺度上,气候是影响森林枯落物现存量变化的主导因子,不同气候带森林枯落物现存量的大小顺序为温带>亚热带>热带;森林枯落物现存量还受林分起源、群落组成和结构、群落发育阶段、土壤、地形条件及干扰的影响。文中还针对全球变化背景下我国森林枯落物现存量研究中存在的问题及今后的研究方向进行了探讨。     

不同潮带红树林空间结构比较研究

通过对广东廉江市高桥红树林保护区不同潮带红树林林分混交度、大小比数及角尺度等空间结构参数进行分析比较,结果表明:红树林几种优势树种在不同潮带其空间分布格局多呈均匀分布和中弱度混交,低潮带的红树林呈随机分布的概率较高,而高潮带中红树林均匀分布的比例相对较高,空间大小分化和大小组合的差异不大。重构林分空间结构应以恢复到天然红树林结构为目标。     

红树林对潮汐浸淹适应性研究进展

海平面上升引起潮汐水位降低和淹水时间增加,探明红树林对潮汐淹浸适应的生理生态特性有助于科学保护和修复红树林,而且科学选取红树林营林宜林地也需要了解红树林与潮汐浸淹之间的相互关联。文中从红树林潮汐浸淹的研究方法出发,重点论述水淹胁迫对红树植物形态表征、光合作用、呼吸作用、抗氧化系统、渗透调节物质和化学计量特征的影响,以及潮汐浸淹下红树植物分子生物学机制,以期为揭示红树植物对潮汐浸淹的适应机制以及全球气候变化背景下我国红树林造林实践和宜林地选择提供参考。     

中国热带次生林分布、类型与面积研究

热带林的保护问题已受到世界各国的高度重视,由于占世界热带林面积约三分之一的热带次生林,其经济和生态效益通常较差,处于相对被忽视的状态,因此也往往被进一步破坏。将次生林经营纳入可持续经营的轨道,是实现热带林可持续经营目标的重要战略。通过对中国热带森林研究、经营和统计资料的分析,结合本项目实施过程的实地调研取得的结果,文章对中国热带地区次生林分布、面积和类型作了阐述。热带森林主要分布在海南、广东、广西、云南、台湾,以及福建和西藏的部分地区,包括124个县市的全部和50个县市的部分地区。据可认可的资料统计,中国热带林地面积（不含台湾省）约1125．66万hm^2。其中有林地面积1074．49万hm^2,次生林面积544万hm^2。次生林占热带地区林地面积的48．33％,占有林地总面积的50．63％。中国热带林地和次生林的实际数字估计要比这一数值大6％以上,因为中国这几年高度重视林业建设,森林植被特别是热带森林植被恢复得很快,林地和次生林一直在不断增加。热带森林类型主要有：热带雨林（包括湿润雨林、山地雨林）;热带季雨林（包括半常绿季雨林、落叶季雨林、石灰岩季雨林）;南海珊瑚岛植被;海岸红树林等。从森林经理的角度,中国热带次生林的类型可分为：（1）次生阔叶林,包括次生常绿阔叶雨林、次生季雨林和次生季风常绿阔叶林;（2）次生灌木林;（3）次生针叶林;（4）次生红树林及次生珊瑚岛林等四大类型。     

Plant communities, species diversity, richness, and regeneration of a traditionally managed coastal forest, Kenya

The Kenyan coastal forests make up one of the World 25 Biodiversity Hotspots. They consist of over 140 fragments (the majority with areas less than 0.5 km²) of the once extensive Zanzibar-Inhambane lowland moist forest. The over 60 known Mijikenda sacred Kaya forests and groves scattered along the coastal hinterland form the greater part of this ecosystem. The forests are of biological and cultural significance, and this has been recognized nationally and internationally, with some now listed as World Heritage Sites. The forests are protected by councils of Kaya elders who regulate use of their resources. Increasing human population and subsequent rise in demand for forest products and land for settlement has put a strain on these relic forests. Farm encroachment and extraction of forest products in different Kaya forests have affected the vegetation ecology at varying levels. This study investigated the spatial species distribution, association and regeneration potential of commonly utilized plants in one of these traditionally managed ecosystems. A modified nested plot method was used to collect data in the field.Using TWINSPAN multivariate, and indicator species analysis, two plant communities (Asteranthe and Bridelia) and an undifferentiated vegetation type were identified. Species association in Asteranthe consisted largely of forest dependant species, with a significant presence of woody climbers. It was comprised of two sub-communities namely Manilkara and Scorodophloeos. In contrast the second plant community, Bridelia, was dominated by light demanding species. It comprised one sub-community (Catunaregam) and a seral stage (Keetia). The species diversity and richness was higher in the Asteranthe community compared to Bridelia. Some of the forest species commonly utilized by the local people were observed to regenerate both in open and closed forest habitats while others had seedling recruitment confined to closed forest.Despite some coastal forests showing physiognomic similarity, detailed study shows intra-variation linked to topography, exposition, type and intensity of human perturbation both currently and in the distant past. Clearly, vegetation patterns of coastal forests of eastern Africa change at fairly short intervals.Recruitment of forest specialists is likely to decline if closed forests are opened up by farm encroachment, however their less specialized counterparts can pioneer in re-colonization of disturbed sites if conservation is strengthened. There is need to invigorate traditional management systems of forests with cultural significance by recognizing and giving increased legal mandates to the local custodians.     

An indicator of tree migration in forests of the eastern United States

Changes in tree species distributions are a potential impact of climate change on forest ecosystems. The examination of tree species shifts in forests of the eastern United States largely has been limited to simulation activities due to a lack of consistent, long-term forest inventory datasets. The goal of this study was to compare current geographic distributions of tree seedlings (trees with a diameter at breast height ≤2.5 cm) with biomass (trees with a diameter at breast height > 2.5 cm) for sets of northern, southern, and general tree species in the eastern United States using a spatially balanced, region-wide forest inventory. Compared to mean latitude of tree biomass, mean latitude of seedlings was significantly farther north (>20 km) for the northern study species, while southern species had no shift, and general species demonstrated southern expansion. Density of seedlings relative to tree biomass of northern tree species was nearly 10 times higher in northern latitudes compared to southern latitudes. For forest inventory plots between 44° and 47° north latitude where southern tree species were identified, their biomass averaged 0.46 tonnes/ha while their seedling counts averaged 2600 ha⁻¹. It is hypothesized that as northern and southern tree species together move northward due to greater regeneration success at higher latitudes, general species may fill their vacated niches in southern locations. The results of this study suggest that the process of northward tree migration in the eastern United States is currently underway with rates approaching 100 km/century for many species.     

基于美丽海湾建设背景下考洲洋海岸带整治与生态修复实践

惠州市考洲洋海岸带作为自然滩涂及围网养殖水域,生态 环境破坏较为严重,面临红树林退化严重、水体富营养化、航道 堵塞、海岸景观缺乏等问题,其海岸整治、生态修复面临一定的 技术难点如红树林成活率提升、滩涂整治、红树林栽植等。基于 “美丽海湾建设”背景,针对生态环境问题及工程技术难点,提 出整治及修复策略,包括加强陆源污染控制、堆填整治滩涂、科 学合理栽植及养护、营造多功能红树林生境、建设海洋环境观测 设施以及构建海岸带生态湿地公园。并对项目实施之后产生的生 态效益、社会效益和经济效益进行总结与评价。     

Decay of Rhizophora apiculata(Blume)and Xylocarpus granatum(Koenig)detrital sources in the Sarawak Mangrove,Malaysia

Decaying mangrove detritus plays a significant role in nutrient cycling and fueling in both the forests and aquatic habitats where the detritus stems from estuarine and coastal food webs.Detrital decay rates partly depend on the type of detritus,but most studies have thus far focused on leaf litter decay and decomposition,whereas other detrital sources(except for roots)have largely been ignored.We compare the decay rates of Rhizophora apiculata and Xylocarpus granatum non-leafy detritus(flowers,propagules,stipules,and twigs)with mangrove leaf litter in field studies,using litter bags during the dry and the wet seasons in the tropical mangrove forest of Sibuti,Sarawak,Malaysia.We observed higher microbial decay rates of stipules,flowers,propagules,and twigs for both the R.apiculata and X.granatumduring the wet months.By contrast,leaf decay rates were higher during the dry months.Decay rates depended on the lignin content of the detrital sources of both species,both during dry and wet months.Accordingly,the half-life(T0.5)and 95%lifespan(T0.95)of non-leaf materials(flowers,propagules,stipules and twigs)for both species were remarkably longer than those of leaf litter.Slowly decaying non-leafy detritus may play a significant role in nutrient and carbon cycling over longer time,when leaf litter is either being decomposing rapidly and/or being washed away by tidal flush and river runoff.Hence,non-leafy(flowers,propagules,stipules and twigs)detritus should be taken into account when budgeting organic matter turnover in mangroves.     

广东沿海红树林的保护与发展

文章阐述了广东省沿海城市红树林资源的重要性、保护和管理历程及发展现状,提出红树林保护和可持续发展的建议。       

基于适应性景观策略下的珠海大门口水道湿地公园设计

在珠海大面积围海、围湖造地的背景下,通过适应性研究和对场地原有基塘景观要素的提炼和运用,营造满足大门口水道雨洪安全、基塘生境修复、红树林保护、生态科普、市民休闲体验的多目标治理需求的湿地公园.基于需求和低干预下的土方平衡,现状基塘及塘埂的充分利用,基塘生境营造及观景设施构造等策略,完成了沿河道恢复咸淡水潮汐湿地,植物种...