Plant Diversity Research Articles

Fertile island variation depends on species differences in the deserts of Northwest China

Desert ecosystems are extremely arid and nutrient poor. “Fertile islands” formed by mobile sand dunes and perennial desert plants are crucial for maintaining the structure and function of these ecosystems. However, the impacts of fertile islands created by different plant species at various spatial locations on soil physicochemical properties such as soil nutrients remain unclear. This study focused on the legumes (Astragalus flexus Fisch.), and non-legume (Eremurus inderiensis (M. Bieb.) Regel) plants widely distributed in the Gurbantunggut Desert in northwestern China. We analyzed the soil physicochemical properties of fertile islands formed by these two desert plants at different horizontal distances (0–140 cm) and vertical depths (0–15 cm). In addition, we investigated the relationship between plant functional shape and soil physicochemical properties. This study yielded the following results. (1) The fertile island was observed within the 0–140 cm soil layer of Astragalus flexus and Eremurus inderiensis and gradually weakened with increasing horizontal distance and soil depth. (2) The two plants had different nutrient enrichment rates. Eremurus inderiensis had higher TP and AK enrichment rates than Astragalus flexus. In contrast, Astragalus flexus demonstrated significantly higher enrichment rates for TN, NH4+-N, and NO3−-N, especially NH4+-N, highlighting the ability of legumes to fix and uptake N. (3) The correlation between plant height, crown width, and soil nutrient enrichment rate was more significant for Eremurus inderiensis than for Astragalus flexus. In general, both plants formed the fertile islands that gradually decreased with the increasing distance (both horizontal and vertical). Different plants exhibited varying abilities to enrich soil nutrients and form fertile islands, which presented a clear species effect. Therefore, protecting the diversity of desert plants to form stable fertile islands could be crucial for maintaining the soil fertility in desert ecosystems.

Larger shrubs can maintain high infiltration and evapotranspiration rates in experimental biofiltration systems impacted by high sediment loads

Biofiltration systems can fail over time due to clogging by fine sediments in stormwater. Infiltration can be maintained by plant roots, but species selection for biofiltration to date has largely been driven by pollutant removal efficiency and tolerance of conditions. As a result, plant species diversity in biofilters is typically low and dominated by sedges and rushes. Increased use of woody species could in theory improve plant diversity, aesthetic appeal, infiltration under high sediment loads and volumetric runoff reduction via higher evapotranspiration, without jeopardising nutrient pollutant removal. We tested whether shrubs could maintain infiltration and evapotranspiration in biofiltration profiles treated with a high sediment load, by comparing them with biofilters subjected to tap water without sediment. Following sediment application, biofilter columns planted with shrubs with high total biomass and total root length showed higher infiltration and evapotranspiration than those receiving tap water. These results indicate that shrub species are likely to alleviate clogging and increase stormwater retention in biofiltration systems. However, shrubs with a high root diameter also had low total biomass and total root length and showed 33–51 % lower infiltration rates after sediment application compared with those receiving tap water. As all shrubs had higher root diameters than typical sedges and rushes, we suggest that shrubs need a combination of higher total biomass, total root length and average root diameter to effectively maintain infiltration. While shrubs which maintained infiltration had traits associated with high nutrient removal, nutrient removal efficiency of shrubs needs to be quantified. Although root traits were related to maintenance of infiltration, above-ground stems likely created flow pathways through sediment which requires further investigation. Overall, selecting shrub species with high total biomass has the potential to maintain infiltration and increase evapotranspiration in biofiltration systems impacted by high sediment loads.

The Biodiversity and Climate Variability Experiment (BioCliVE): Quantifying the role of biodiversity in buffering ecosystems against climatic variability

Extreme climate events such as floods and droughts are becoming increasingly frequent and intense across the world. Future climate scenarios predict both an increase in individual extreme events, as well as chronic changes in climatic seasonality. Yet, the combined and relative effects of these pressures on ecosystems remain unknown. Concurrently, human-induced ecological disruption is accelerating species extinction rates, which are estimated to be 100 to 1000 times greater than pre-human levels. This is alarming as greater biological diversity is thought to buffer ecosystem functioning against extreme climate events, thereby safeguarding the provisioning of essential ecological services that contribute to human well-being. However, how and to what extent biodiversity buffers ecosystems against climate variability remains unclear. We recently constructed experimental grassland communities in a mesocosm-based field design representing a realistic gradient of plant diversity. Both extreme events (drought and flood) and a change in seasonality of precipitation are manipulated in a full factorial design to quantify the effects of future seasonal shifts and extremes in precipitation. We will: 1) determine to what extent higher biological diversity ensures that grasslands can continue to provide multiple ecosystem services even in the context of climate change and 2) unravel the fundamental mechanisms by which this is achieved including species asynchrony and positive species interactions. Results of our experimental approach will advance our understanding of the buffering potential of plant diversity and contribute to the development of strategies for sustainable service provisioning of our ecosystems in the face of climate change.

RECORDING, PRESERVATION, IMPROVEMENT AND USE OF AUTOCHTHONOUS GENETIC RESOURCES OF PLANTS IN THE REGION OF KORÇA

Korça, although a small area on the surface, stands out for its climatic, land and orthographic diversity. This has made that the genetic diversity, both in spontaneous and cultivated plants per area unit, to be quite wide. After the industrial revolution, there has been an exploitation on a large scale which has led to the narrowing of this biodiversity and in some cases, to their disappearance Collection is the first step in conservation of genetic resources. This includes a series of activities from germplasm exploration, collection of field materials, processing, documentation, to submission for storage Plant exploration was carried out at the time of flowering. At this stage was also determined, the most suitable deadline for the second visit during which the materials will be collected. Most germplasm collections were based on seed collection. Through the study, we identified resources with important genetic values of cultivars and autochthonous populations of the Korça region, such as corn, beans, tomatoes, peppers, onions, cabbage, leeks, watermelons, melons, fodder peas, apples, pears, walnuts, chestnut etc. The next important step is the introduction into the schemes of genetic improvement of seed production of plant forms, especially those that are of interest to farmers. From an economic point of view, this project made a contribution to the reduction of genetic erosion.

Exploring Plant Diversity Through Enzyme‐Mediated Analysis Using Electro‐Carbon Sensors

ABSTRACTThis review explores the application of enzyme‐mediated analysis using electro‐carbon sensors to investigate plant diversity. Precision plant genotype fingerprinting (PPGF) represents a paradigm shift in agricultural science, merging the fields of phyto‐enzyme identification and quantification with cutting‐edge electro‐sensor technology. PPGF acts as a powerful tool for dissecting the genetic makeup of plant species by meticulously examining their unique phyto‐enzyme signatures. Electro‐sensor technology emerges as a pioneering force, utilizing electro‐analytical methods to precisely measure and differentiate these markers. Enzyme‐based sensors are capable of detecting plant metabolites even at low concentrations, enabling highly precise and accurate measurements. Furthermore, they are generally more eco‐friendly because they use fewer hazardous chemicals and produce less waste. These sensors can function under gentle conditions and can be miniaturized, making them highly suitable for field applications. This synergistic approach between PPGF and electro‐sensor technology ushers in a transformative era, offering unprecedented insights into plant genomics and paving the way for novel avenues for PPGF. Overall, enzyme‐based electrochemical sensors contribute to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of plant fingerprinting, thereby facilitating more comprehensive and precise plant phenotyping and research endeavours.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Dibatie district, Metekel zone, Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, western Ethiopia

BackgroundHerbal medicine has been used for the treatment of human and livestock ailments since ancient times. Numerous rural and urban communities in Ethiopia practice traditional medicine and transfer the knowledge verbally from generation to generation. Thus, this study was conducted to document the traditional medicinal plants and associated indigenous knowledge in Dibatie district, Metekel zone, Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, western Ethiopia.MethodsThree hundred seventy-four (374) informants from 11 kebeles (the smallest administrative units) were selected and participated in the data delivery. The ethnobotanical data collection was carried out using semi-structured interviews, preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, field observation, market surveys, and focus group discussions, including voucher specimen collections. The ethnobotanical data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage), ranking, comparison, and quantitative ethnobotanical techniques such as informant consensus factor, fidelity level index, Jaccard’s coefficient of similarity, and use value index.ResultsA total of 170 plant species were recorded to treat 79 human and 29 livestock ailments. Fabaceae (with 20 species) and Asteraceae (with 18 species) were the most dominant medicinal plant families in the area. Most remedial plants were herbs (61 species, 35.88%), followed by shrubs (39 species, 22.94%). The majority (135 species, 79.41%) of medicinal plants were harvested from wild sources and mainly possessed multiple remedy parts (41.17%) that are usually prescribed in fresh form (60.13%). The most commonly reported human ailment was snake venom, while blackleg was mostly reported among livestock diseases. The herbal medicines were mostly administered orally (52.20%), followed by dermal (17.62%) application. Embelia schimperi Vatke, Glinus lotoides L., Haplosciadium abyssinicum Hochst., Mucuna melanocarpa Hochst. ex A. Rich., and Phragmanthera macrosolen (Steud. ex A. Rich.) M.G.Gilbert had the highest fidelity level values (100%) against the corresponding ailments.ConclusionThe study area is rich in a diversity of potential medicinal plants and associated indigenous knowledge. Thus, appropriate conservation actions and careful utilization are essential to counteract the rise of anthropogenic threats and to ensure the continuity of plants with the related indigenous knowledge. Additionally, the medicinal plants should be validated through experimentation to integrate local knowledge with modern medications.

Camelid herding may homogenize Andean grassland plant communities

The current global decline in biodiversity is a matter of pressing concern, necessitating the conservation of diverse ecosystems across various spatial scales. Regions such as the tropical Andes face the imminent threat of biotic homogenization due to intensive livestock grazing, posing a significant risk to biodiversity. This study is focused on the sub-humid grasslands of northwestern Bolivia, within the the National Park Apolobamba. We surveyed a total of 105 plots distributed across seven sites, representing a natural gradient of grazing intensity. Within each site, the plots were organized into five clusters to explore the impact of environmental factors on plant diversity within and among communities. Our research reveals that local plant diversity, quantified by species richness and the inverse Simpson index, is predominantly shaped by soil pH. Notably, more acidic soil is associated with diminished diversity. Furthermore, our findings highlight that the dissimilarity in species composition among local communities may be linked to grazing intensity. This suggests that intensified grazing may have the potential to homogenize plant communities across the landscape. A concerning implication is the likelihood of communities becoming dominated by acquisitive species, leaving them more susceptible to the impacts of climate variability. The study underlines the necessity to analyze multiple facets of diversity for a comprehensive understanding of the environmental factors regulating and therefore to address potential drivers of diversity loss. To mitigate these threats, managers may consider adjusting livestock quantities and the spatial range used by grazers, aiming to sustain multiple aspects of plant diversity and prevent homogenization and degradation of grasslands in a changing world.

Plant diversity drives positive microbial associations in the rhizosphere enhancing carbon use efficiency in agricultural soils

Expanding and intensifying agriculture has led to a loss of soil carbon. As agroecosystems cover over 40% of Earth’s land surface, they must be part of the solution put in action to mitigate climate change. Development of efficient management practices to maximize soil carbon retention is currently limited, in part, by a poor understanding of how plants, which input carbon to soil, and microbes, which determine its fate there, interact. Here we implement a diversity gradient by intercropping undersown species with barley in a large field trial, ranging from one to eight undersown species. We find that increasing plant diversity strengthens positive associations within the rhizosphere soil microbial community in relation to negative associations. These associations, in turn, enhance community carbon use efficiency. Jointly, our results highlight how increasing plant diversity in agriculture can be used as a management strategy to enhance carbon retention potential in agricultural soils.

A comparative analysis of eDNA metabarcoding and field surveys: Exploring freshwater plant communities in rivers

While environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding holds promise as a holistic approach to assess vegetation changes and community composition across diverse spatial and temporal scales, systematic investigations of its efficacy compared to conventional field surveys remain scarce in the literature. The present study explores the differences in plant diversity recovered from field surveys and captured with a multi-marker eDNA metabarcoding approach (two nrDNA ITS1 and ITS2, and two cpDNA rbcL and trnL) from river water samples. The eDNA metabarcoding approach retrieved 46 aquatic plants (hydrophytes and helophytes) and 245 terrestrial plants, compared to 24 and 127 species identified from field surveys. On average, eDNA samples collected immediately downstream of the survey sites recovered 43 % and 39 % of the aquatic and terrestrial species observed, respectively. Discrepancies were explained by differences in taxonomic resolution, the stochasticity of the retrieval of rare and elusive species, and the presence of reference sequences. We found a significant positive correlation between spatial and community distances at scales ranging from 2 to 9 km and identified turnover as the driving force of these differences. Metabarcoding demonstrated sensitivity to community changes and both approaches converge on a similar community structure. Interestingly, eDNA samples collected immediately upstream of the survey sites exhibited significant species overlap with the downstream samples (c. 100 m apart). Overall, our results demonstrate that within-site species mismatches between the methods are nonnegligible, and they question the use of eDNA for generating complete species lists at scales comparable to our field surveys (< 100-m transects). However, with adequate sampling and a multi-marker metabarcoding approach, eDNA has the potential to approximate catchment gamma diversity with less sampling effort than conventional surveys.

Effects of burning and nitrogen addition on foliar stoichiometry and nutrient resorption in a subtropical–temperate ecotonal forest

Fire disturbances and atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition can significantly soil nutrient dynamics and plant nutrient uptake, thereby influencing on biogeochemical cycles within forest ecosystems. Despite these known effects, the combined impact of burning and N addition on leaf nutrient characteristics and the underlying mechanisms remains largely unexplored, particularly within forest ecosystems. This study presents a three-year field experiment designed to assess the responses of leaf N and phosphorus (P) concentrations, N:P ratios, and nutrient resorption in six dominant species (comprising two tree species and four understory species) to burning and N addition in a coniferous-broadleaved mixed forest located within a subtropical-warm temperate transition zone in Central China. The findings revealed that burning did not affect N concentrations in either green or senesced leaves, nor did it influence N or P resorption across any of the tree or shrub species. However, it did increase P concentrations in green leaves and reduce N:P ratios in shrub species. N addition elevated the N concentrations and N:P ratio in green and/or senesced leaves (with the exception of Quercus acutissima Carruth.), without affecting N or P resorption. These results suggest that shrubs enhanced P uptake due to increased soil P availability but maintain consistent internal P cycling (i.e., nutrient resorption) following low-severity fires. Additionally, most shrub species exhibited lower N:P ratios compared to tree species post-burning, indicating distinct nutrient requirements and fire responses based on life form. This study provides essential insights, demonstrating that burning mitigates P limitation on plant growth in subtropical–warm temperate ecotonal forests. Furthermore, the differential responses of leaf nutrient traits and associated stoichiometry across diverse life forms to environmental disturbances may influence plant diversity and community composition within these forests.

Tree diversity drives understory carbon storage rather than overstory carbon storage across forest types

Although numerous studies have proposed explanations for the specific and relative effects of stand structure, plant diversity, and environmental conditions on carbon (C) storage in forest ecosystems, understanding how these factors collectively affect C storage in different community layers (trees, shrubs, and herbs) and forest types (mixed, broad-leaved (E), broad-leaved (M), and coniferous forest) continues to pose challenges. To address this, we used structural equation models to quantify the influence of biotic factors (mean DBH, mean height, maximum height, stem density, and basal area) and abiotic factors (elevation and canopy openness), as well as metrics of species diversity (Shannon–Wiener index, Simpson index, and Pielou’s evenness) in various forest types. Our analysis revealed the critical roles of forest types and elevation in explaining a substantial portion of variability in C storage in the overstory layer, with a moderate influence of stand factors (mean DBH and basal area) and a slightly negative impact of tree species diversity (Shannon–Wiener index). Notably, forest height emerged as the primary predictor of C storage in the herb layer. Regression relationships further highlighted the significant contribution of tree species diversity to mean height, understory C storage, and branch biomass within the forest ecosystem. Our insights into tree species diversity, derived from structural equation modeling of C storage in the overstory, suggest that the effects of tree species diversity may be influenced by stem biomass in statistical reasoning within temperate forests. Further research should also integrate tree species diversity with tree components biomass, forest mean height, understory C, and canopy openness to understand complex relationships and maintain healthy and sustainable ecosystems in the face of global climate challenges.

Ethnobotanical survey and scientific validation of liver-healing plants in northeastern Morocco.

Liver diseases represent a significant global health challenge, with primary causes including excessive alcohol consumption, infections, chemotherapy, and autoimmune disorders. Medicinal plants, due to their natural bioactive compounds, hold promise for developing effective treatments and preventive measures against liver ailments. This study aimed to document the use of herbal remedies in northeastern Morocco for liver diseases and correlate these uses with scientific evidence through a bibliometric analysis. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in remote communities of northeastern Morocco from October 2020 to January 2022. A total of 189 informants were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires to gather information on local medicinal plants used for liver ailments. The data were analyzed using four ethnobotanical quantitative indices: use value (UV), familial use value (FUV), informant consensus factor (ICF), and fidelity level (FL). Additionally, a bibliometric analysis was performed to evaluate the scientific support for the ethnopharmacological uses documented. The survey identified 45 plant species from 26 different families used in the treatment of liver diseases. The most frequently utilized species were Cuminum cyminum L. (UV = 0.1065), Allium sativum L. (UV = 0.1015), Salvia officinalis L. (UV = 0.0761), Asparagus officinalis L. (UV = 0.0558), and Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam. (UV = 0.0457). The Apiaceae family showed the highest familial use value (FUV = 0.1066), followed by Alliaceae (FUV = 0.1015). Liver congestion had the highest informant consensus factor (ICF = 0.83), followed by hepatic colic (ICF = 0.80). Bibliometric analysis revealed that 61% of the plants identified had documented pharmacological effects related to liver health. The study demonstrates that traditional knowledge in northeastern Morocco encompasses a rich diversity of medicinal plants used to treat liver diseases. The high ICF values indicate a strong consensus among informants on the efficacy of these remedies. The correlation between ethnopharmacological use and scientific validation for a significant portion of these plants suggests their potential as reliable therapeutic agents for liver conditions. However, further scientific investigations are necessary to confirm their efficacy and safety in clinical settings. This research contributes valuable information for future studies on the therapeutic potential of these plants. This ethnobotanical survey provides a comprehensive database of medicinal plants used in northeastern Morocco for liver diseases. The findings highlight the potential of these plants in developing novel treatments for hepatic conditions, although further research is essential to substantiate their therapeutic claims.

Contribution of homegardens in the conservation of local plant diversity in a Brazilian quilombo

Contribution of homegardens in the conservation of local plant diversity in a Brazilian quilombo

Soil seedbanks are shaped by the timing of fires in a Mediterranean‐type ecosystem

Abstract Many plants rely on soil seedbanks to persist in fire‐prone ecosystems. However, knowledge of plant responses to fire is largely based on above‐ground dynamics. Quantifying how fire influences the seedbank of a diverse range of species will improve fire management. Here, we aim to understand how the timing of fires influences species occurrence in the soil seedbank, and how this relates to species traits, in a Mediterranean‐type ecosystem. We sampled the soil seedbank across 57 sites that represent a range of fire frequencies (1–9 fires in 81 years) and time since fire (1–81 years). Through a 15‐month germination experiment, we identified 39,701 germinates from 245 plant species. Using nonlinear models, we quantified the responses of 75 species' soil seedbanks to fire history and compared these to above‐ground responses. Fire influenced species' soil seedbanks according to seed longevity and species' life‐history traits. We observed a response of 15 species' seedbanks to time since fire: All were species with long‐lived seed, including eight annuals, five resprouters and an obligate seeder. Similarly, we observed a response of 17 species' seedbanks to fire frequency, 16 of which had long‐lived seed. Extensive periods without fire (&gt;40 years) increase seedbank availability for annuals that form a long‐lived seedbank, and frequent fire (every ≤15 years) depletes it. We did not detect a consistent influence of fire on species from several other functional types. Many (53%) species found in the soil seedbank were not found in the above‐ground vegetation, and seven of the 22 modelled displayed an above‐ground influence of fire. Synthesis and applications: Fire frequency influences the probability of species occurrence in the soil seedbank. Frequent fire depletes seed availability of species that depend on long‐lived soil seedbanks for persistence. Yet, other species, including perennials with short‐lived seed storage, appear to be resilient to the frequency of fires experienced to date. We suggest fire management should aim to generate variation in fire frequencies within the landscape, including areas of low fire frequency, tailored to maintain rich plant diversity within the soil seedbank.

Effects of Grazing on Plant Diversity and Their Carbon Stocks in Different Types of Grasslands

With the drying and warming of the climate and irrational grazing, various types of grasslands in Inner Mongolia have been degraded to different degrees, and different management modes will inevitably affect the plant diversity and vegetation carbon stock of soil grasslands. To clarify the changes and influencing factors of plant diversity and carbon stock in different types of grasslands under different management modes, plant species composition, aboveground biomass, and vegetation carbon were analyzed based on 18 sentinel monitoring stations across three different types of grasslands in Inner Mongolia. The results showed that grazing increased the dominance of typical grassland and desert grassland, whereas meadow grassland decreased, and the evenness index and Shannon Wiener diversity index increased less in meadow grassland and desert grassland. Grazing decreased graminaceous biomass in meadow grassland and typical grassland, whereas it increased in desert grassland. Above-ground vegetation and below-ground root carbon stocks were much higher than those in grazing areas, 1.5 and 1.2 higher, respectively, but vegetation carbon stocks in long-term grazing sites were significantly lower than those in short-term grazing. Further, the structural equations showed that the effects of geographic location, climatic factors, and soil factors on the biomass and vegetation carbon stocks of the three grassland types differed significantly. The results can provide a reference for the ecologically sustainable development of grassland and the optimization of management mode.

Reassessing the Early Devonian flora from Consthum Quarry (Luxembourg)

The Early Devonian plant fossil record provides evidence of large vegetation turnover events in addition to rapid morphological and anatomical changes among vascular plants. The Ardenno-Rhenish Massif has historically yielded a vast number of these plant fossils allowing us to obtain a nearly unparalleled snapshot of Early Devonian vegetation. Nonetheless, the interest for describing or redescribing fossil floras from this region has waned in recent years despite their inherent value to understand Early Devonian plant diversity dynamics. Here, we describe a newly collected macrofossil flora from the middle Emsian Schuttbourg Formation at Consthum Quarry (Luxembourg). Six different plant macrofossil taxa were identified, including Drepanophycus spinaeformis and Psilophyton cf. princeps, in addition to putative macroalgal and fungal remains. The flora also includes other equivocal specimens resembling Sawdonia, Huvenia and Zosterophyllum. The composition of the assemblage is extremely similar, at generic level, to older Pragian–early Emsian and coeval floras from nearby localities, which indicates that there was no major floral turnover until the latter part of the Emsian in this region. Taxonomic descriptions also highlight many of the underlying issues in identifying Early Devonian sterile specimens. Inconsistencies in plant fossil identifications from this region call for a thorough revision of Belgian and German floras that together could provide a high-resolution picture of plant diversity changes in the Early Devonian.

Perennial species diversity, ecosystem carbon stocks and carbon income in coffee-based agroforestry systems along an elevation gradient in South-eastern Ethiopia

In the current context of deforestation, coffee-based agroforestry system (CAFS) is credited for climate change (CC) mitigation and biodiversity conservation while supporting local livelihoods. Despite integrating shade tree species in CAFS, empirical studies to support this assertion are inadequate in Eastern Africa, and hence, its ecosystem services provisions are less understood. We evaluated perennial species diversity, carbon (C) stocks in the biomass and soil organic C (SOC) along an elevation gradient of 72 plots of shade coffee, while 36 plots were selected for without-shade coffee systems within three elevations, namely, low (1600–1750 masl), mid (1750–1850 masl) and high (1850–2000 masl) elevations in Southeastern Ethiopia. The perennial species diversity and biomass, SOC, fine root and litter C stocks were evaluated. Perennial species Shannon diversity significantly differed among the studied elevations (p < 0.001). Shaded coffee had significantly higher ecosystem C stocks than without shaded coffee systems (p < 0.05). The highest C stocks were found in the soil in both coffee systems. However, we found a weak relationship between the Shannon diversity and biomass C. The C income in shaded coffee was 70 % higher than without shaded coffee systems. The present study showed that shaded coffee accumulates more C and provides additional benefits from C credits. Hence, CAFS deliver ecosystem services that enhance biodiversity conservation and CC mitigation while generating an additional C income for farmers. However, we learned that the impact of perennial plant diversity on C stock and C income is context and site-specific.

Rapid Assessment of Riparian Vegetation at Calyawan River, Barangay Andap, Municipality of New Bataan, Davao de Oro Province, Philippines

Aims: The aim of this study was to examine the vegetation found along the riverbanks of the Calyawan River in Barangay Andap, Municipality of New Bataan, Province of Davao de Oro, Philippines using the transect walk method. The goals were to determine the variety and abundance of the flora along the riverbank, evaluate the conservation status of the discovered plant species, and suggest measures for safeguarding and preserving the riparian environment. Study Design: The study employed a transect walk method to carry out an initial survey of the riparian vegetation. A 1-kilometer transect was conducted along the riverbanks of the Calyawan River to gather qualitative and quantiatative measurements of plant diversity. The evaluation took place on December 20, 2022. This approach facilitated a quick and systematic examination of the vegetation along the riverbanks. Place and Duration: The study was carried out on the riverbanks of the Calyawan River in Barangay Andap, Municipality of New Bataan, Province of Davao de Oro. The fieldwork was conducted on December 20, 2022. The region can be reached by using the Compostela-Montevista-Mati Boundary Road. Methodology: The transect walk approach was employed to record the riparian flora during the survey. Plant species were identified and photographed, but no tangible plant specimens were collected. The obtained data encompassed the identification of fern and angiosperm taxa and families encountered along the transect. The conservation status assessments were conducted using the pre-existing classifications of the species. Results: A rapid assessment revealed the presence of 49 distinct genera of ferns and angiosperm plants belonging to 30 different families along the transect. Out of these, 74% of the riparian plant genera that were identified were found to be endemic to the region. The assessment of the riparian plants' conservation status indicated that 37% were classed as vulnerable, 30% as least concern, 22% as other threatened species, 10% as endangered, and 1% were not categorized. Although the sample time was short, these findings emphasize the abundance and importance of the riparian flora in terms of conservation. Conclusion: The initial study conducted along the riverbanks of Calyawan River indicated a notable variety of plants that grow along the river, with a large number of species that are unique to that area. Many identified plants have a conservation status that emphasizes the necessity for heightened sampling efforts and monitoring in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of and safeguard this rich ecosystem. Considering the clear human-induced stresses on the forest fragments in the region, it is advisable to enhance and broaden conservation efforts in order to protect the riparian vegetation and guarantee its ongoing existence.

From Stand to Forest: Woody Plant Recruitment in an Andean Restoration Project.

The growing deforestation of tropical forests requires the implementation of restoration actions capable of assisting the recovery of biodiversity and the functioning of these ecosystems. This research aimed to identify the environmental factors that influence the abundance and diversity of woody plant recruitment in an Andean forest restoration project in Medellin (Colombia). Data from woody plant individuals taller than 80 cm were collected in 22 plots of 200·m-2. The environmental factors selected were edaphic variables, plantation structure, slope, elevation, prior land use, and landscape forest cover. Generalized linear models (GLM) were used to analyze recruitment densit and Linear Mixed Models (LMM) to assess recruited species richness, diversity, and dominance. Woody plant recruitment attributes in our study area were similar to those of secondary succession in an Andean forest, but planted trees contributed little to recruitment density and diversity. While recruitment density was affected by slope, canopy closure, and landscape forest cover, recruitment diversity was influenced by physical (bulk density) and chemical (pH, aluminum, Cation Exchange Capacity) edaphic factors, planted tree diversity (species richness and composition), canopy closure, and the mortality rate of planted trees. We conclude that sites with lower mortality rates of planted trees and denser canopies enhance both recruitment density and diversity, indicating a synergy between active restoration and passive regeneration processes.

Livestock grazing modes induced the rapid differentiation of community recruitment in alpine meadow

Herbivores moderate grazing is a fundamental driver of plant diversity maintenance in grassland ecosystems. However, the effects of grazing with different herbivores on plant community composition and recruitment are still little known. Here, we conducted a field moderate grazing experiment to examine the effects of different grazing modes under moderate intensity in the cold season, including sheep grazing (SG), yak grazing (YG), and mixed grazing by sheep and yak (MG), on plant community composition and recruitment. Results showed that all grazing modes significantly decreased plant cover and average height of standing plant litter. Additionally, herbivores grazing significantly increased species richness but decreased community evenness (P < 0.05), with highest richness and evenness found in YG and SG plots, respectively. The trends of increasing aboveground biomass of common and rare species groups were most pronounced in the SG plots relative to the YG and MG plots. MG promoted the increasing of the common species group. From community recruitment, moderate grazing increased the sexual recruitment and decreased the asexual recruitment, and MG significantly inhibited the recruitment of asexual seedlings. Meanwhile, all grazing modes increased the species of poor palatability. These findings imply that the cold-season grazing with moderate intensity facilitated a rapid divergence succession of alpine meadow community by regulating the relative abundance of common and rare species, as well as the asexual seedlings recruitment induced by the removal of standing plant litter. Consequently, the cold-season grazing with different herbivores under moderate intensity can be used as a management tool to modulate grassland community structure and maintain species diversity in alpine grassland ecosystem.