Pasture production under densely planted young willow and poplar in a silvopastoral system

New Zealand is subject to summer and autumn droughts that limit pasture growth. The planting of willow and poplar trees is one option used to provide green fodder during drought. However, there is a wide concern that such an option can reduce the overall understorey pasture growth. This study evaluated the comparative establishment and growth of densely planted young willow and poplar and their effects on understorey pasture growth. Two experiments were established for 2 years in Palmerston North and Masterton, North Island, New Zealand. In the first experiment, densely planted willow and poplar significantly reduced understorey pasture growth by 24 and 9%, respectively, mainly due to shade, but coupled with soil moisture deficit in summer. In the second experiment, pasture growth in a willow browse block was 52% of that in open pasture as a result of shade and differences in pasture species composition and management. Willow and poplar survival rates were similar (P > 0.05) after 2 years of establishment (100 vs. 90.5%, respectively). However, willow grew faster than poplar in height (1.90 vs. 1.35 m), stem diameter (43.5 vs. 32.6 mm), canopy diameter (69 vs. 34 cm) and number of shoots (8.7 vs. 2.3) at the age of 2 years.     

Structural root growth of young Veronese poplars on erodible slopes in the southern North Island,New Zealand

In New Zealand poplars are commonly planted on moist, unstable pastoral hill country to prevent or reduce soil erosion, thereby maintaining hillslope integrity and pasture production. Mechanical reinforcement by poplar root systems aids slope stabilisation. Root mass and distribution were determined for three Populus deltoides × nigra ‘Veronese’ trees aged 5, 7 and 9.5 year planted as 3 m poles at 8 m × 8 m spacing on a hillslope near Palmerston North in the southern North Island. Most of the structural roots (≥2 mm diameter) were distributed in the top 40 cm of soil. Vertical roots penetrated to about 1.0 m, being the depth of the soil above a fragipan. Total structural root dry masses (excluding root crown) were 0.57, 7.8 and 17.90 kg for the trees aged 5, 7 and 9.5 year, respectively. Total structural root length was 79.4 m for the 5 year tree and 663.5 m for the 9.5 year tree. Surrounding trees were estimated to increase root mass density to 3 times and root length density to 4–5 times the contribution of the single tree at 9.5 year. The study indicated that root development of wide-spaced poplar trees on hillslopes was minimal in the first 5 years but then increased rapidly. These results suggest that poplar trees established from poles may take at least 5 years to develop a structural root network that will effectively bind soil.     

Coarse root growth of Veronese poplar trees varies with position on an erodible slope in New Zealand

Poplars are commonly planted on moist, unstable pastoral hill country to prevent or reduce soil erosion, thereby maintaining hillslope integrity and pasture production. Mechanical reinforcement by poplar root systems aids slope stabilisation, particularly when the roots are anchored into the fragipan or underlying rock. Total root length, mass and distribution of coarse roots (≥2 mm diameter) were determined for three Populus deltoides × nigra ‘Veronese’ trees in their 12th growing season after being planted as 3 m poles at upper slope (TU), mid-slope (TM) and lower slope (TL) positions on an erodible hillslope near Palmerston North in the southern North Island. Most of the roots were distributed in the top 40 cm of soil. Depth of penetration of vertical roots was dependent on slope position and limited by the available depth of the soil above a fragipan (0.35 m at the upper slope to 1.4 m at the lower slope). Roots penetrated the fragipan at the upper slope position where the soil depth was shallowest, and at the mid-slope, but not the lower slope position. Total coarse root length was 287.9 m for TU, 1,131.3 m for TM and 1,611.3 m for TL, and total coarse root dry mass (excluding root crown) was 8.15 kg for TU, 38.77 kg for TM and 81.35 kg for TL.     

Interactions between Widely Spaced Young Poplars (Populus spp.) and the Understorey Environment

Silvopastoral systems involving poplars are common to rural landscapes in many parts of New Zealand. The effect of widely spaced trees of Populus nigra × P. maximowiczii, aged 8–11 years, on the surrounding micro-environment in a tree-pasture system was determined over 3 years at a southern North Island hill country site. Relative to open (unshaded, no trees) pasture, understorey pasture received 33% less radiation while radiation on the north side of trees (North) was similar to that on the south side of trees (South). Around one tree, soil temperature averaged 14.9°C annually on the North and 13.8°C on the South. Soil water content was highest in spring and winter (0.35–11;0.39 m³ m⁻³) and lowest in summer and autumn (0.21–11;0.26 m³ m⁻³), and differences occurred between plots in open pasture and those beneath trees in all seasons except spring. Soil water content of tree aspects differed slightly (<10%) in summer (South > North) and autumn (North > South), but not in spring and winter, when contents were similar. Soil pH was 0.2 units higher beneath trees than in open pasture in one of 2 years. Concentrations of Ca, K, Mg, P, and S were similar in tree and open environments. The study results complement those collected for mature trees, and will be useful in developing tree-pasture models.     

Performance of biological erosion control in New Zealand soft rock hill terrain

An investigation of the performance of biological erosion control measures applied to support pastoral land use in soft rock hill country has yielded information which can be applied in the design of more sustainable, silvopastoral land uses. Vegetation-based treatments, centred particularly on use of fast-growing poplars and willows, have successfully controlled a range of gully erosion and earthflow mass movement problems. Treatments were found to be successful at 63% of earthflow sites, and 42% of gully erosion sites examined, using an evaluation technique known to be conservative. A total of 278 sites were included in the study. Relationships between performance and site and treatment attributes allowed minimum tree configurations to be specified in terms of tree spacing and coverage of erosion landforms. Although further data collection would allow refinement of these minimum specifications, the need for such data depends on the value of tree crop versus pastoral production.     

李子口径流小区不同植被条件下降雨对土壤侵蚀的影响研究

采用径流小区实验的方法,在李子口小流域设立了6个不同植被类型的径流小区,研究径流小区不同植被条件下降雨对土壤侵蚀的影响,结果如下:(1)不同植被条件下,降雨对土壤侵蚀的影响可表现为撂荒地小区>农耕地小区>林地小区,降雨对林地的土壤侵蚀弱,林地对当地水土的保持能力强,最适合作为当地水土保持的植物措施。(2)总体上,6个径流小区的降雨量、降雨侵蚀力与地表径流量、径流深、土壤流失量之间的相关性均表现为显著正相关的关系,表明降雨对当地土壤侵蚀作用强,需重点防护。研究揭示了研究区降雨与土壤侵蚀的相关性,比较了不同植被条件下降雨对土壤侵蚀的影响,为水土保持的相关研究提供参考与借鉴。     

Spatial variation and understorey competition effect of Pinus radiata fine roots in a silvopastoral system in New Zealand

In designing agroforestry systems, the combination of tree genotype (orspecies) and pasture species and the spatial arrangement of trees are importantconsiderations. The spatial variation of fine root length density (FRLD) ofthree radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) genotypes,referred to here as clone 3, clone 4 and seedlings, was studied in athree-year-old temperate silvopastoral experiment. The genotypes were plantedwith three understorey types: ryegrass (Lolium perenne)mixed with clovers (Trifolium spp), lucerne(Medicago sativa), and control (bare ground). Also fineroot distribution of both tree and pasture species with soil depth and inrelation to tree row (0.9 m north or south of and within the rippedtree row) was studied. Greater FRLD was found in clonal than in seedling treesin the bare ground treatment but not in the two pasture treatments, and in the0–0.1 m but not in the 0.1–0.2 or 0.2–0.3m soil layers. Clonal trees had a greater ability to develop a moreextensive root system, especially in the 0–0.1 m soil layer,but that advantage disappeared when they were planted with pasture species sincecompetition from the pasture species was most severe in the 0–10cm layer. The FRLD of lucerne was greater than that ofryegrass/clovers, consistent with the greater aboveground biomass production oflucerne. Pasture species FRLD was greater on the south (wetter) than on thenorth side of the ripline or in the ripline. The interception of prevailingsoutherly rain-bearing wind by tree crowns resulted in the south side beingwetter than the north side. Results indicated that production and distributionof fine roots of both tree and pasture species responded to changes in themicroclimate. We suggest that to optimize pasture/tree biomass productionplanting trees in the north-south direction is better than in the east-westdirection at the studied site. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The role of agroforestry in industrialized nations: the southern hemisphere perspective with special emphasis on Australia and New Zealand

Agroforestry in Australia and New Zealand is dominated by silvopastoralism. Farmers may employ combinations of shelterbelts, shade trees, widely spaced trees over pasture, or more densely planted woodlots. In addition to wood production and shelter, erosion control, amenity and landscape planting, and conservation of natural forest are often important. Many farm forestry people show considerable innovation.In temperate wetter areas of Australia, eucalyptus and, to a lesser extent,Pinus radiata (radiata pine) dominate agroforestry tree plantings for wood, shade, shelter, and salinisation and erosion prevention. The One Billion Tree Program, initiated by the Australian Federal Government, provides limited funding for tree planting. Joint farmer ventures with the State or local industry are also common. Most State governments also provide advice, and planting is tax deductible. Local landcare groups, formed to encourage sustainable agriculture, often promote tree planting, particularly where soil degradation is a problem. Melbourne University and other Techncial Institutes offer training in agroforestry.In New Zealand, a third of the farms require trees for soil conservation. This, together with the growing recognition of the financial benefits of planting trees, has resulted in small landowners doing most of the current planting of 80,000 to 100,000 ha yr^–1. Most farmers plant radiata pine, but eucalyptus and other hardwoods, including willows and poplars, are also widely used. There are almost no government incentives for tree planting in New Zealand. The Farm Forestry Association is the major extension organization. Lincoln University has an important teaching and research commitment, and the New Zealand Forest Research Institute Limited has developed very useful management models.     

富源县不同群落水土保持能力比较

文章采用建径流小区定位观测方法,对富源县云南松次生林、华山松人工林、针阔混交林、次生灌丛和荒草地等主要植物群落进行水土保持能力的观测。分析表明:富源县的降雨量主要集中于5～10月,雨季降雨量占全年的86.48%,且降雨量主要是10mm以上的降雨产生;不同群落地表径流量、土壤流失量和侵蚀降雨次数依次均为荒草地>次生灌丛>云南松次生林>华山松人工林>针阔混交林,说明森林植被类型中针阔混交林保土保水能力最强,其次是纯林,在低效林改造和生态建设工程中应大面积推广混交林的营建。     

新造油茶林地水土保持技术措施

国家号召发展油茶产业以来,全社会参与油茶开发的积极性空前高涨,油茶的栽培面积迅速扩大.但在油茶栽培生产过程中忽视了对新造油荼林地水土保持,许多新造油茶林地由于施工等原因而裸露,未采取水保措施,极易造成新的水土流失,必须引起高度重视.     

GIS技术在水土保持中的应用

地理信息系统（GIS）是以计算机技术为基础的新兴边沿科学，是管理和研究空间数据的技术系统。本文介绍了GIS技术在我国水土保持领域应用的现状，指出了GIS技术在水土保持中应用的发展趋势。     

21世纪社会可持续发展与水土保持科技信息

本文通过收集大量水土保持科技信息,综合分析了新世纪水土保持科技信息所反映的规律和水土保持在生态建设中的地位与作用及其对社会可持续发展的影响,指出水土保持仍是生态环境建设的主体,社会可持续发展的内涵就是生态环境建设的可持续性;并提出了水土保持工作未来的发展趋势和动态,为水土保持研究工作提供重要参考。     

Temperature sensitivity of soil CO2 production in a tropical hill evergreen forest in northern Thailand

Tropical forests, like boreal forests, are considered key ecosystems with regard to climate change. The temperature sensitivity of soil CO₂ production in tropical forests is unclear, especially in eastern Asia, because of a lack of data. The year-round variation in temperature is very small in tropical forests such that it is difficult to evaluate the temperature sensitivity of soil CO₂ production using field observations, unlike the conditions that occur in temperate and boreal forests. This study examined the temperature sensitivity of soil CO₂ production in the tropical hill evergreen forest that covers northern Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar; this forest has small temperature seasonality. Using an undisturbed soil sample (0.2 m diameter, 0.4 m long), CO₂ production rates were measured at three different temperatures. The CO₂ production (SR, mg CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹) increased exponentially with temperature (T, °C); the fitted curve was SR = 0.023 e^0.077T, with Q₁₀ = 2.2. Although still limited, our result supports the possibility that even a small increase in the temperature of this region might accelerate carbon release because of the exponential sensitivity and high average temperature.     

关于青海水土保持及荒漠化治理的几点思考

通过对青海省水土流失及荒漠化现状的分析,提出了青海水土保持及荒漠化治理中存在的问题,并针对这些问题,提出了几点建议。     

辽西低山缓丘地区农林复合经营水土保持效益的初探

在辽宁省朝阳低山缓丘地区实施农林复合经营技术措施 ,研究该项技术在水土保持减水减沙方面的效益。2a的试验结果表明 ,与荒坡对照区相比较 ,有植被覆盖的区域水土保持能力强。单纯种植农作物 1997年平均减水 40 0 7%、减沙 38 8% ,1998年为 2 5 52 %和 39 1% ;农林复合经营 1997年平均减水 36 4 2 %、减沙 53 9% ,1998年为 44 2 9%和 59 3 %。初步证明农林复合经营在水土保持减水、减沙方面效益更为突出。     

Pasture production under different tree species and densities in an Atlantic silvopastoral system

We studied the effect of six tree species planted at six different densities on pasture production seven years after establishment. Annual and seasonal pasture production was studied every six months, over three years. Pasture production was lower under conifer trees (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco, Pinus pinaster Aiton, Pinus radiata D. Don) than under broadleaved trees (Betula alba L., Quercus rubra L. and Castanea sativa Mill.). Annual pasture production under Pseudotsuga menziesii and Pinus pinaster decreased progressively starting from 952 trees ha⁻¹, while decline in herbage production under Pinus radiata began to occur at 427 trees ha⁻¹. Tree density effect on pasture production was detected at 2,000 trees ha⁻¹ for all of the deciduous species studied. This effect on pasture production was more important in the first six months of the year (June sampling), while from June to December herbage production was less affected by tree density. The tree effect became more noticeable over time, with the last sampling showing the inverse relationship between tree density and herbage production most clearly. Seven years after tree establishment, pasture production was quite consistent under tree densities between 190 trees ha⁻¹ and 556 trees ha⁻¹ and declined remarkably from 556 trees ha⁻¹ to 2,500 trees ha⁻¹. The study also indicated that by the sixth growing season, annual pasture production under different tree species is inversely correlated with tree leaf area index.     

Canopy composition as a measure to identify patterns of nutrient input in a mixed European beech and Norway spruce forest in central Europe

The influence of canopy composition on litterfall and throughfall was investigated in a mixed spruce beech forest in central Germany. We hypothesised that different parts of the mixed canopy created distinct patterns of element inputs via litterfall and throughfall. The investigation was carried out in two plots, representing the most contrasting cases of mixed forests: a stand greatly dominated by spruce (SDP) and a stand greatly dominated by beech (BDP). The canopies of the two plots were classified in four categories: pure beech, pure spruce, mixed canopy and gap. Amounts of throughfall water were lower and major element fluxes were higher under spruce than under beech in both plots, indicating that the nutrient inputs under the canopies of individual trees are driven by species-specific properties of the canopies and are quite independent of the degree of admixture. With the exception of K⁺, mixed canopies showed intermediate element inputs via throughfall, compared with pure canopy classes. The K⁺ input was significantly greater under mixed canopies, and these differences were more pronounced in the SDP than in the BDP. Results suggest that individual spruce trees in the BDP induce greater spatial heterogeneity of throughfall input than individual beech trees in the SDP. Nutrient inputs via foliar litterfall were similar among the different canopy classes, but the Mg input was lower under spruce canopy. This effect was balanced by higher Mg input via spruce throughfall. In our study, throughfall was the main source of heterogeneity in nutrient inputs, while foliar litterfall had a homogenising effect.     

江西红壤低丘水土流失发生规律和防治对策

综述江西红壤低丘的主要特征、水土流失原因和水土流失规律,提出防治对策和该研究领域中亟待解决的一些问题.     

Identification of key soil indicators influencing plantation productivity and sustainability across a national trial series in New Zealand

New Zealand is committed to developing sustainable forest management practices as evidenced through Government involvement in international forestry agreements such as the Montreal Process, and the forestry sector's adoption of forest certification mechanisms. Despite this, there is little quantitative evidence of how plantation forestry affects site quality and long-term site productivity. To address this issue, a nationwide study of site quality was established at 31 key sites covering the range of edaphic and environmental conditions for New Zealand plantation forests. At each location, eight short-term site quality plots were planted at a very high stand density (40,000 stems ha⁻¹) to rapidly identify key soil indicators of growth which may be useful for determining site sustainability. The plots at each site were arranged in a factorial design with the following three factors: species (Pinus radiata D. Don and Cupressus lusitanica Mill.), fertiliser (no fertiliser and nutrients supplied in excess of crop demands) and disturbance (low and high disturbance). These plots were harvested after 4 years and data was used to (i) examine treatment and site effects on volume mean annual increment (MAI) and (ii) identify key soil properties that influence volume MAI for the two species.Volume MAI significantly ranged 7-fold across sites. For the treatments, species accounted for most of the variance in volume MAI, with values for P. radiata significantly exceeding those of C. lusitanica by 95%. Volume MAI was significantly affected by fertilisation which induced gains of 33%. Disturbance did not significantly affect volume MAI. After correction had been made for climatic variables, soil properties that were most strongly related to volume MAI for both species included C:N ratio, total phosphorus (P), and organic P. When soil properties were included in combination, the best predictive models of volume MAI formulated for P. radiata included total P and C:N ratio while the best predictive model for C. lusitanica included C:N ratio and Olsen P. Variation in species sensitivity to total P and C:N ratio is likely to be attributable to their different mycorrhizal associations. For both species, the most important soil physical property influenced by management operations was total porosity. This research suggests that total P, C:N ratio, Olsen P and total porosity should be used as indicator properties for determining sustainability of plantation grown P. radiata and C. lusitanica.     

Relationship between tree canopy height and the production of pasture species in a silvopastoral system based on alder trees

Silvopastoral systems in New Zealand that incorporate trees planted to control soil erosion on hills largely rely on the productivity of the pastoral system for financial returns. The effect on pasture productivity of increasing the tree canopy height by pruning Italian gray alder (Alnus cordata) was investigated by measuring the response of light, soil moisture, soil temperature, pasture production of major pasture species, and grazing behaviour of sheep. A split-plot design with four replicates was used. The main plot treatments were three levels of shade (81, 23, and 12% of available photosynthetic photon flux (PPF)), created by pruning 11 year old alder grown at the same density. The sub-plot treatments were four pasture mixes: perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus), and cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata), each sown with white clover (Trifolium repens), and cocksfoot sown with lotus (Lotus pedunculatus). Soil temperature was highest under light shade. Total herbage yield at 50 mm stubble height from October to May under heavy and medium shade was 60 and 80%, respectively, of the total herbage harvested under light shade. Cocksfoot had the greatest herbage yield, either with lotus or white clover. The tillering of perennial ryegrass was suppressed by shade more than for the other grass species making ryegrass unsuitable for use in this silvopastoral system. More sheep grazed in the light shade than in the heavy shade, but there was no difference in sheep preference for cocksfoot or Yorkshire fog. Lotus was grazed more frequently than white clover. Pruning of alder to increase canopy height has the potential to improve the productivity of the understorey pasture and its acceptability to sheep.