Influence of soil properties on the growth of sycamore (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Acer pseudoplatanus </Emphasis>L.) in Denmark

Despite high demand on the timber, sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) covers only about 2% of the forested area in Denmark, mainly because several examples of failed stands have made foresters reluctant to grow sycamore. In order to optimize the use of sycamore, scientifically based knowledge is needed on the specific demands of sycamore to soil properties. Therefore, 34 stands of sycamore covering a broad range of soil types, tree heights and ages were investigated. Tree height and age were determined on 20 trees in each stand and combined into a site index. In each stand, soil water status, slope and ground cover were determined and soil samples were taken and analyzed for pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, calcium carbonate, bulk density and texture in the laboratory. The data were analyzed by simple regression supplemented by PCA and MLR. Accordingly, sycamore can grow well on a broad range of soils regarding texture and water content. However, soils with stagnant water within 40 cm of the soil surface are unsuited for sycamore. On well-drained soils, increasing clay content caused better sycamore growth, which was also improved on insufficiently drained soils with calcium carbonate. Increased nitrogen content stimulated sycamore growth while, less productive stands occurred on carbon rich soils indicating that carbon and nitrogen contents can serve as sycamore growth indicators. Bulk density, C/N ratio and pH showed no significant influence on growth. The investigation showed that sycamore could grow well on a broader range of soils than hitherto believed.     

Effects of climate and management history on the distribution and growth of sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) in a southern British woodland in comparison to native competitors

Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) is an invasive, non-nativespecies in Great Britain and its management in conservationareas is controversial. Climate change adds further uncertaintyto decision making. We investigated the role of management historyin determining present-day abundance and the effects of climaticvariability on growth, photosynthesis and phenology at WythamWoods, a UK Environmental Change Network (ECN) monitoring site.Relatively few sycamore trees were found in undisturbed ancient,semi-natural woodland and recent plantations, despite beingcommon in other areas of the site. Sycamore grew more slowlythan ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.), its principal competitor,but at a similar rate to pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.)in the period 1993–2005. There were fewer sycamore thanash seedlings, regardless of which species dominated the canopy.Growth of sycamore was slower in dry periods than wet ones andlower photosynthetic rates were measured in canopy leaves underdry compared with wet soil conditions. This study thereforesuggests that sycamore does not present a serious threat toundisturbed ancient woodland on the site and that it may eventuallydecline in areas of the site where it competes with ash, inthe absence of disturbance. It may also decline under climatechange if summer droughts become more frequent.     

The effects of propagation environment on the rooting of leafy cuttings of ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.), sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus L.), and sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.)

The effect of propagation environment on the rooting of field collected leafy cuttings of ash (Fraxinus excelsior, sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) and sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) was investigated in two experiments. In the first experiment, rooting of all three species in mist enclosed inside a polythene tent was greater than 50%, while rooting of ash cuttings was reduced from 63% in enclosed mist to only 16% in open mist. Rooting in open mist, enclosed mist, and contact polythene was studied in a second experiment. Sycamore cuttings rooted equally well in the two mist systems with an average rooting of 78%. In contrast cuttings of both ash and sweet chestnut rooted most under the enclosed mist system, at 64 and 46% respectively. Rooting of ash cuttings was again depressed in the open mist system where less than 30% of cuttings rooted. This reduction was related to an increase in the percentage of cuttings which remained alive without rooting, while showing proliferation of callus at the cutting base. The percentage of sweet chestnut cuttings which callused without rooting was also much greater in the open mist system than in enclosed mist or contact polythene.     

金沙江干热河谷不同土壤水分对台湾青枣根系生长的影响

通过田间试验研究了不同水分处理下台湾青枣根系的分布状况,调查分析了不同径级根系数量、根系含水率、根系密度等项目。结果表明:台湾青枣根系主要分布在0-60 cm的土壤中,根系数量随土壤含水量的降低而增加,但根系含水率则是随着土壤含水量的增加而增加,而根系数量则随着土壤含水量的减少而增多的特征。因此,A处理(土壤含水量为田间持水量的40%-55%)是台湾青枣生长的最适水量,通过人为控制土壤含水量,以此调节根系生长与空间分布,最终达到调控作物生长和产量。     

土壤水分状况对核桃生长和发育的影响

以1年生西洛3号核桃品种的实生苗和18年生高接大树为材料,进行盆栽和野外定量控水试验.结果表明:1)随土壤含水量增加,叶片的气孔开度、栅栏组织/叶肉组织比值、叶片厚度、主脉厚度增大,下表皮气孔密度、表皮细胞密度减小.2)核桃生长的关键需水时期是4、5、6月份.随着生长进程的推移,树体的需水程度逐渐降低,抗旱性能不断增强.3)核桃叶水势的日进程是8:00-14:00逐渐升高,到14:00达到最大; 此后,14:00-18:00又逐渐下降.季节性变化特点是从5月份开始就逐渐下降,而且为不可逆的变化.4)在核桃生长期内,叶绿素含量随生长进程的更替而逐渐增加,尤以4月份增幅最大.在同一时期内,叶绿素含量随土壤含水量增大而增加,最大增量为0.05 mg·dm-2.5)水分调控对增加核桃幼树树干基径、树高生长量,成年树春梢与秋梢生长量和果实质量,提高核桃单株产量,降低核桃落果率均有明显的作用.随土壤含水量增加,树干基径、树高生长量均增加.春梢基径和春梢长度均随土壤含水量增大而增大.6)在黄土高原干旱地区,4月1日-6月20日保持130～160 g·kg-1的土壤含水量即可满足核桃叶片解剖结构正常发育和树体正常生长的需要;6月20日-10月31日少灌水或不灌水,有利于核桃春梢生长和促进营养生长向生殖生长转化,实现早实、丰产和优质.     

The effect of tractor logging on forest soil compaction and growth ofShorea selanica seedlings in Indonesia

The hardness in soil was investigated in four forest areas in Indonesia after a crawler tractor passed over it several times. The hardness in soil, expressed by bulk density, was measured at various depth and various distances from the main track. Recovery of soil hardness was also examined. The bulk density increased markedly by the first and second pass of the tractor, but did not change after the fifth pass. The bulk density was highest just under the main and the log track, and decreased with an increase in distance from the track (0.5 to 1.5 m). The greatest increase in bulk density was observed at the depth of 0–5 cm. The soil hardness tended to show recovery within 9 years after logging, though not completely. Growth and root penetration of seedlingsShorea selanica decreased with the increase of soil hardness. We considered that the 2 tractor passes that caused bulk density of 1.3 g/cm³ is critical for the growth ofS. selanica’s seedling.     

The effect of cattle grazing on soil physical and chemical properties in a silvopastoral system in the Peruvian Amazon

In a six-year-old peach palm (Bactris gasipaes) plantation, centrosema (Centrosema macrocarpum), a leguminous forage plant, was established as a cover crop which was eventually grazed. This experiment was designed to monitor probable changes in soil physical and chemical properties and measure peach palm fruit production and live-weight gain of cattle grazing this silvopastoral system. The experiment was installed on land that was previously cleared by a D7 bulldozer having a straight blade that mixed the thin layer of topsoil with the acid subsoil (20–40 cm) and severely compacted the soil. The results demonstrated that the centrosema cover crop reduced soil bulk density, increased water infiltration rates and reduced mechanical resistance. In general soil physical properties were improved with the use of Centrosema as forage and cover crop. Soil acidity and aluminum saturation decreased considerably, while potassium concentrations increased. Calcium and magnesium concentrations decreased over time as these minerals were stored in the pasture biomass, translocated to fresh peach palm fruits and/or exported to animals. A strong competition for nutrients was observed between the peach palm plants and Centrosema. The low production of peach palm fruits was in response to mechanized land clearing during initial establishment of the plantation, and also probably due to deficits of N, P, K, Ca and Mg in the soil instead of being a consequence to the presence of cattle. The average increase in live-weight gains of the cattle was at a rate of 445 g/animal/day during the four-years of the study. Such an increase is substantially greater than those registered in the area under traditional grazing systems used in the region. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

不同坡向坡位对毛竹林生长及土壤因子的影响

为了探明桃江地区不同坡向坡位对毛竹林生长及土壤因子的影响,对不同坡向坡位毛竹林生长情况调查,土壤因子分析以及毛竹林林分生长指标与土壤因子指标相关性进行分析,结果表明:阳坡地毛竹林林分生长较好,相比较阴坡地,立竹度高,平均胸径低,株高稍高,而枝下高相差不大,毛竹林的生长指标由上坡至下坡逐渐转好,坡向是影响立竹度和平均尖削度主效因子,而且坡位也是影响平均尖削度的显著因子,但是交互作用不明显;阳坡地毛竹林分生物量较大,毛竹凋谢物较多,土壤因子指标明显较高于阴坡地,该时期水解氮和全氮平均值分别达到了100 mg/kg左右和2 g/kg左右,土壤速效磷含量保持在8 mg/kg左右,土壤速效钾含量处于中等偏上的状态(高于60 g/kg),平均值在70 g/kg以上,下坡土壤因子指标含量明显高于上坡和中坡,坡向是影响速效磷和有机质的显著因子,坡位是影响速效钾的显著因子,是影响有机质的主效因子,两个影响因子在同一水平上交互作用不明显;水解氮与平均株高呈显著相关;速效磷与平均尖削度显著相关;速效钾与立竹度极显著相关,与平均株高显著相关,与平均胸径呈负显著相关;有机质与平均株高显著相关,与平均胸径负显著相关,与立竹度极显著相关。     

Effects of understorey vegetation on tree establishment and growth in a silvopastoral system in northern Greece

The interaction between understorey plants and trees in a young silvopastoral system was studied in a sub-humid Mediterranean environment with cold winters in northern Greece. The experimental design was a split-split plot with three replications and included: three understorey treatments (grass, legume and control), two tree species (Acer pseudoplatanus and Pinus sylvestris) and two spacings (2.5×2.5 m and 3.5×3.5 m). The competition between herbaceous plants and trees resulted in significant differentiation in tree growth while their spacing did not produce any significant differences. The influence of trees on herbage yield either by plant species or spacing was not significant. During the early stages of establishment, a significant positive correlation was observed between sycamore growth and soil moisture, leaf weight, leaf area and leaf number as well as nitrogen and potassium concentration in leaves. Six years after planting the height increase of the sycamore trees was largest in the control treatment (415%), lowest in the grass treatment (134%) and intermediate (192%) in the legume treatment. Much higher was the increase obtained for the diameter, 161%, 207% and 536% respectively for the grass, legume and control treatments. The Scots pine trees grew faster than sycamore over the course of the experiment. Height increased by 397%, 351% and 400% and diameter by 518%, 443% and 683% respectively for the grass, legume and control treatments. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

施用污泥堆肥对旱荷花生长和土壤环境的影响

以金华市某污水处理厂污泥为研究对象,研究污泥堆肥对旱荷花生长及土壤环境影响。结果表明,污泥土地利用提高了土壤中N、P及有机质含量,土壤理化性质有明显改善,但同时也增加了土壤中Cd元素的含量,不同处理土壤Cd含量比对照增加了12．95％．154．48％,土壤Pb、Cu、Zn含量变化甚微;长期施用该污泥堆肥,不会造成Pb、Cu、Zn对园林植物的毒害。且污泥堆肥不同处理的效果不同,污泥堆肥70%＋园土20％＋炉渣10％的处理4,旱荷花的开花时间提前,花期延长,开花量增加,施用效果最好。     

Interspecific competition impacts on the morphology and distribution of fine roots in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.)

Morphology and vertical distribution patterns of spruce and beech live fine roots (diameter ≤2 mm) were studied using a soil core method in three comparable mature stands in the Solling: (1) pure beech, (2) pure spruce and (3) mixed spruce–beech. This study was aimed at determining the effects of interspecific competition on fine root structure and spatial fine root distribution of both species. A vertical stratification of beech and spruce fine root systems was found in the mixed stand due to a shift in beech fine roots from upper to lower soil layers. Moreover, compared to pure beech, a significantly higher specific root length (SRL, P<0.05) and specific surface area (SSA, P<0.05) were found for beech admixed with spruce (pure beech/mixed beech SRL 16.1–23.4 m g⁻¹, SSA 286–367 cm² g⁻¹). Both indicate a flexible ‘foraging’ strategy of beech tending to increase soil exploitation and space sequestration efficiency in soil layers less occupied by competitors. Spruce, in contrast, followed a more conservative strategy keeping the shallow vertical rooting and the root morphology quite constant in both pure and mixed stands (pure spruce/mixed spruce SRL 9.6/7.7 m g⁻¹, P>0.10; SSA 225/212 cm² g⁻¹, P>0.10). Symmetric competition belowground between mixed beech and spruce was observed since live fine roots of both species were under-represented compared to pure stand. However, the higher space sequestration efficiency suggests a higher competitive ability of beech belowground.     

Factors influencing the formation of heartwood discolouration in sycamore (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Acer pseudoplatanus</Emphasis> L.)

Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) is a tree species with highly valuable wood. Similar to European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), the stemwood of sycamore can be devalued due to the discolouration i.e. brown heart (hearwood discolouration, hereafter). This paper aims to establish the influence of tree traits and site characteristics on the formation of heartwood discolouration and the possibility of predicting the occurrence of heartwood discolouration. For this purpose, 351 sycamore trees from 38 sites in Slovenia, most of them on carbonate bedrock and in the mountain vegetation belt, were analysed. Stem analysis was carried out on all the trees and the age, diameter at breast height (dbh), height of crown base, forking and crown size, were established. On the stump and upper fronts of the first and second logs, the maximum heartwood discolouration diameter was measured. Using logistic regression, the positive influence of age, relative crown length and average diameter increment on the formation of heartwood discolouration was ascertained. Conversely, the probability of heartwood discolouration was diminished by diameter increment in the last 20 years. In the less productive sites, the probability of formation of heartwood discolouration was relatively high in small diameter trees, but it increased slowly with diameter. Tree forking also contributed to a large extent of the heartwood discolouration. After the diameter at breast height achieves 45 cm, the formation of heartwood discolouration on the first log is highly probable. As in beech, the heartwood discolouration increases along the stem axis up to a height of 6–8 m, and decreases in the higher parts of the tree.     

Establishment of a transgenic system in fast-growing black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.)

The AhDREB1 gene, cloned from Atriplex hortensis L., was transferred into black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) by an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The results suggest that stems of black locust sub-cultured in vitro for 20 d are suitable for genetic transformation. The optimum concentrations of kanamycin and cefotaxime were 30 and 150 mg.L-1, respectively. Impor-tant factors affecting the transformation efficiency were studied by means of a L9(34) orthogonal design. An effective system for ge-netic transformation in black locust was developed as follows: the stems were pre-cultured for 2 d, immersed in the Agrobacterium solution (OD6oo = 0.7) with 10 mg'L-1 acetosyringone for 21 min and then co-cultured for 2 d. The selection pressures, changing from low to high, could improve transformation efficiency. The transgenic plants were identified by a PCR method. The PCR results indicated that the AhDREB1 gene had been integrated into the genome of black locust and two lines of the transgenic plants were obtained.     

Effects of nitrogen content on growth and hydraulic characteristics of peach （Prunus persica L.） seedlings under different soil moisture condi- tions

A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of nitrogen content [N1(no fertilizer), N2(0.15 g?kg–1), and N3(0.3 g?kg–1)] on the growth and the hydraulic characteristics of peach seedlings under different soil moisture conditions(W1, W2 and W3, in which the soil water content was 45% to 55%, 60% to 70%, and 75% to 80% of the field water capacity, respectively) by using a specialized high pressure flow meter with a root chamber and a coupling, which was connected to plant organs. Leaf area and leaf hydraulic conductivity(KL) increased significantly in the seedlings because of increased soil moisture and N content. KL increased with leaf area. A linear correlation was documented between KL and leaf area. KL was higher in the morning and began to decline sharply after 16:00, at which KL declined after an initial increase. Soil moisture and N content enhanced shoot(Ks) and root(Kr) hydraulic conductivities, thereby improving the low soil moisture condition to a large extent. Ks and Kr of the seedlings were reduced by 32% and 27% respectively in N1, and by 14.7% and 9.4%, respectively in N2, and both in W1, compared with the control treatment. N3 had no significant effect on Ks and Kr under similar conditions. Linear negative correlations were observed between Kr and the excised root diameter as well as between Ks and the shoot stem diameter. The shoot-to-root ratio increased with increase in N content. The shoot-to-root ratio in N3 was increased by 14.37%, compared with N1 in W1 as well as by 12% and 4.39% in W2 and W3, respectively. Knowledge of the effects of soil moisture and N fertilizer on hydraulic characteristics and growth is important. Our results provide basic guidelines for the implementation of water-saving irrigation and fertilization management of nursery stock.     

皆伐方式对小兴安岭低质林土壤呼吸的影响

针对小兴安岭低质林分,采用不同的皆伐方式,利用LI-8100碳通量自动监测系统在春、夏、秋、冬4个季节对低质林分土壤呼吸进行观测,运用统计分析的方法,分析皆伐方式对土壤呼吸的影响和不同皆伐方式的土壤呼吸产生差异的原因.结果显示:试验区土壤呼吸夏季最大,冬季最低.春季和秋季因土壤温度和湿度差异不大使土壤呼吸相差较小;对于水平带同一条皆伐带,土壤呼吸并无显著性差异,并且不同的带宽对土壤呼吸的影响也不显著;垂直带随海拔升高土壤呼吸呈现波动性,总体趋势随海拔升高土壤呼吸逐渐降低,但是差距较小;水平带、垂直带和林窗的年土壤呼吸量分别为1.184,1.426,1.179 kgCO2·m-a-1,垂直带最高,水平带次之,林窗最低.影响垂直带土壤呼吸的关键因素是土壤温度,林窗则是土壤湿度,而水平带土壤温度和湿度的条件则介于垂直带和林窗之间.这说明在不同的皆伐方式条件下,影响土壤呼吸的关键因素并不完全相同.     

高温少雨期环境因子对油茶果径生长的影响

为了探讨油茶高产稳产的水分生理生态基础,为油茶水分管理提供科学依据,在高温少雨期,以10年生油茶优良无性系为试验材料,设置无干旱胁迫、轻度干旱胁迫、中度干旱胁迫、重度干旱胁迫、浇后控水和自然状态6种土壤水分处理,观测土壤温度、气象因子和油茶果径生长量,研究环境因子对油茶果径生长的影响。结果表明:试验期(35d),各处理根据果径生长量由大到小排列,依次为轻度干旱胁迫(9.35mm)、无干旱胁迫(7.78mm)、中度干旱胁迫(3.95mm)、浇后控水(3.82mm)、自然状态(2.96mm)、重度干旱胁迫(0.90mm)。多重比较结果显示,除中度干旱胁迫与浇后控水处理间果径生长量差异不显著外,其它各处理间果径生长量差异显著。试验进行10d后重度干旱胁迫处理的果径出现负增长,20d后浇后控水处理的果径生长减缓,30d后重度干旱胁迫、浇后控水和自然状态处理的叶片出现暂时萎蔫发黄。相关性分析结果表明,果径生长量与土壤含水量、空气相对湿度呈正相关,与空气温度呈负相关。油茶果径生长对土壤水分、空气温度、空气相对湿度反应敏感,轻度干旱胁迫处理即土壤含水量为田间持水量的80%~90%为油茶果实生长最佳土壤含水量。     

Traditional mule logging method in Hyrcanian Forest: a study of the impact on forest stand and soil

We inventoried plant regeneration and soil compaction along mule trails to evaluate damage to forest stands and regeneration follow-ing mule hauling before and after operations in Kheyrud Forest in the...     

Morphological indicators of stock quality and field performance of red oak (Quercus rubra L.) seedlings underplanted in a central Ontario shelterwood

The value of initial stem diameter near the root collar, shoot length and number of first-order lateral roots (FOLR) as morphological indicators of stock quality and field performance was examined for bareroot (1+0, undercut) red oak (Quercus rubra L.) underplanted in a shelterwood in central Ontario. These three attributes were measured on more than 400 seedlings prior to planting, and their relationship with height and basal diameter growth two years after planting was determined using correlation and regression analysis. Initial diameter, shoot length and number of FOLR were positively and significantly correlated with second-year height and diameter. These relationships were strongest for diameter, but this variable explained less than 25% of the total variation in growth. Of the three indicators, diameter was also the best predictor of several physical characteristics of root systems two years after planting. Initial diameter was significantly correlated with root volume, root area and lateral root, taproot and total root dry mass. Weaker relationships existed between initial shoot length and number of FOLR and second-year root system features. Stem diameter two years after planting was more strongly related to root volume, area and dry mass than was initial diameter, the probable result of adjustment in root-shoot balance of planting stock to the shelterwood environment.     

Influence of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) intercropping and polyethylene mulching on early growth of walnut (Juglans spp.) in central Italy

Combined production of timber and forage species is considered to be a desirable land-use system to offset some of the current land management problems of Italy. This paper reports the early results of a study on intercropping young plants of walnut with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), with or without polyethylene mulching, in an experimental plantation in central Italy. Two genotypes of walnut were used:Juglans regia L. and the French hybrid NG23×RA. The seasonal changes of absolute and relative growth rates of walnut stem diameter and apical shoot length were investigated.During both growing seasons, alfalfa intercropping strongly decreased walnut growth, whereas polyethylene mulching promoted stem height and diameter growth. Stem growth of intercropped-and-mulched walnut was the same as that of sole walnut under clean cultivation management. The use of polyethylene mulching reduced or avoided the competitive effect of associated alfalfa on walnut growth. During both growing seasons, the intercropped-and-mulched walnut had higher relative growth rates than intercropped-unmulched walnut. The results show the effectiveness of polyethylene mulching in promoting early growth of walnut, even when intercropped with alfalfa during early stages of plantation establishment.     

樟树人工林土壤水文-物理性质特征分析

对樟树人工林林地不同坡向阳坡和阴坡的土壤水文-物理性质进行为期两年的观测和对比分析.结果表明:随土层深度的增加,土壤容重、最大持水量、最小持水量、总孔隙度逐渐减小,通气度减弱.土壤含水量呈现下降趋势、土壤水分年动态变化主要决定于降雨量和降雨的分布状况,与降水的年动态变化一致,6月份达到最高.依此确定出土壤水分消耗期、相对稳定期、积累期3个时期.阴坡0～20 cm、20～40 cm层的渗透性能均好于阳坡同层土壤,0～20 cm层达到稳渗所需时间阴坡比阳坡短,分别为56 mim和64 min;20～40 cm层达到稳渗所需时间阴坡比阳坡长,分别为48 mim和32 min,阴坡、阳坡0～20 cm层的初渗速度和稳渗速度均大于20～40 cm层.