Rooting patterns and fine root biomass of Pinus pinaster assessed by trench wall and core methods

Variability of fine root (diameter < 2 mm) distribution was investigated in four 55 to 56-year-old Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) stands using a combination of trench wall observations and destructive sampling. Our objectives were to assess patterns of fine root distribution, to estimate tree fine root biomass and to explore interactions with understorey vegetation in a gradient of relevant site conditions. Results showed that root density decreased with soil depth in all stands, and variability appeared to be highest in litter and subsoil layers especially where compacted soil layers occurred. Roots were clustered in patches in the top 0–50 cm of the soil or were present as root channels at greater depths. Cluster number, cluster size and number of root channels were comparable in all four stands. Overall fine root biomass at depths of 0–120 cm ranged from 2.7 to 7.2 Mg ha⁻¹ and was highest for the two driest stands. The use of trench wall records made it possible to reduce the variability of these estimates. Understorey species represented as much as 90% of the total number of fine roots in the upper layers, and the understorey formed a considerable proportion of the total ecosystem biomass, suggesting that understorey species are likely competitors for nutrients in this ecosystem. Further studies should focus on the interaction of the understorey and pine roots and the ecological significance of clustered roots and nutrient distributions.     

Direct impacts of recent climate warming on insect populations

Effects of recent climate change have already been detected in many species, and, in particular, in insects. The present paper reviews the key impacts of global warming on insect development and dispersal. The effects of climate change appear to be much more complex than a simple linear response to an average increase in temperature. They can differ between seasons and bioclimatic regions. Earlier flight periods, enhanced winter survival and acceleration of development rates are the major insect responses. Differential response of insects and hosts to warming up might also lead to disruption of their phenological synchrony, but adaptive genetic processes are likely to quickly restore this synchrony. In a number of cases, warming results in removing or relocating the barriers that limit present species' ranges. It is also likely to facilitate the establishment and spread of invasive alien species. Finally, knowledge gaps are identified and future research interests are suggested.     

基于EMD方法的土壤入渗空间异质性及其影响因素研究

利用经典统计学方法和经验模态分解方法(EMD),分析了杨凌区、武功县和乾县临平镇一带0~40cm土层土壤物理性质(初始含水率、体积质量、有机质、颗粒组成)和入渗性能(90min累积入渗量、初始入渗率、稳定入渗率)的空间变异性,研究了EMD分量对变异的贡献率,并进一步对多尺度下土壤入渗性能与土壤物理性质进行了相关性分析。结果表明:1土壤物理特性空间序列中,除土壤体积质量变异系数为0.08、表现为弱变异外,含水率、颗粒组成及有机质均表现为中等变异,变异系数为0.11~0.35;2对于土壤入渗特性,稳定入渗率、90min累积入渗量和初始入渗率均表现为中等变异,且三者变异程度依次减弱;3EMD分解研究发现:小尺度分量对土壤入渗性能总变异的贡献率比大尺度分量高;不同的土壤物理性质对土壤入渗性能的影响随尺度变化。