Effects Of Tree Species Research Articles

Differential Effects of Tree Species on Soil Microbiota 45 Years after Afforestation of Former Pastures

Several decades ago, many former pastures in Central Europe were afforested or colonized by trees after being abandoned. Knowledge of the effects of tree species on soil properties is important for planning of the composition of future forests. In this regard, a research location in Vrchdobroč (Central Slovakia), which is former agricultural land used as pasture, enables the exploration of ecosystem processes and properties in stands of different tree species after afforestation. The goal of our study was to find out whether changes in soil properties, including soil microbial activity and diversity among different stands, were already observable 45 years after the afforestation, and how the effects differed among stands of different tree species. The study was conducted in the pure stands of Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesi (Mirb.) Franco), European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.). Multivariate analyses of physico-chemical soil properties indicated an overlap between the soils under the Douglas fir and the spruce, but a clear separation of beech from sycamore. In general, both microbial activity and diversity were, surprisingly, highest under the Douglas fir, followed by the sycamore, with the beech and the spruce showing mostly lower values.

Effects of Soil Properties and Tree Species on Root–Soil Anchorage Characteristics

Root anchoring provides nonnegligible assistance to prevent soil erosion and stabilize slopes. The anchoring ability of plants suffers a tremendous impact from the soil conditions and the root characteristics. To reveal the root reinforcement effect, a group of pullout tests was conducted on five different tree root systems (Pinus tabulaeformis, Betula platyphylla, Larix gmelinii, Quercus mongolica, and Ulmus pumila) with different soil moisture contents and soil dry weights. The results indicate that the root property (species, diameter, and tensile strength) and soil condition (water content 9.72%, 12.72%, 15.72%, 18.72%, and dry weight 1.32 g/cm3, 1.42 g/cm3, 1.52 g/cm3) had a significant effect on the anchoring effect of the soil. The anchoring effect is more obvious for the roots with a larger diameter and higher tensile strength. With the increase in the soil water content and the dry weight, the root system is more prone to failure but the root anchoring effect of soil with an optimum soil water content performs the best. Among the five different tree species, Pinus tabulaeformis roots were the least effective in anchoring the soil and Betula platyphylla roots performed the best.

The effect of shade tree species on bird communities in central Kenyan coffee farms

SummaryShade coffee is a well-studied cultivation strategy that creates habitat for tropical birds while also maintaining agricultural yield. Although there is a general consensus that shade coffee is more “bird-friendly” than a sun coffee monoculture, little work has investigated the effects of specific shade tree species on insectivorous bird diversity. This study involved avian foraging observations, mist-netting data, temperature loggers, and arthropod sampling to investigate bottom-up effects of two shade tree taxa - native Cordia sp. and introduced Grevillea robusta - on insectivorous bird communities in central Kenya. Results indicate that foliage-dwelling arthropod abundance, and the richness and overall abundance of foraging birds were all higher on Cordia than on Grevillea. Furthermore, multivariate analyses of the bird community indicate a significant difference in community composition between the canopies of the two tree species, though the communities of birds using the coffee understorey under these shade trees were similar. In addition, both shade trees buffered temperatures in coffee, and temperatures under Cordia were marginally cooler than under Grevillea. These results suggest that native Cordia trees on East African shade coffee farms may be better at mitigating habitat loss and attracting insectivorous birds that could promote ecosystem services. Identifying differences in prey abundance and preferences in bird foraging behaviour not only fills basic gaps in our understanding of the ecology of East African coffee farms, it also aids in developing region-specific information to optimize functional diversity, ecosystem services, and the conservation of birds in agricultural landscapes.

Effects of common European tree species on soil microbial resource limitation, microbial communities and soil carbon

Studies of tree species effects on soils have revealed a significant impact on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and the carbon (C) distribution between forest floor and mineral soil, but the underlying mechanisms including the roles of litter traits, soil properties, and microbiome remain unclear. To address this challenge, we tested the effect of six common European tree species on the quality and nutrient availability of soil organic matter (SOM) as perceived by the naturally assembled microbial communities and explored the possible links between soil enzyme activities (EAs), microbial resource limitation, and microbial community with SOC stocks. The six studied tree species (Acer pseudoplatanus L., Fraxinus excelsior L, Fagus sylvatica L., Quercus robur L., Tilia cordata L., and Picea abies L.) were planted in common garden monocultures more than 40 years ago at six sites across Denmark. In forest floor, microbial biomass C, fungal and total microbial biomass and fungi to bacteria (F/B) ratios decreased with decreasing litter quality. Ecoenzymatic stoichiometry and relative EAs indicated that microbes in spruce forest floor were more limited by phosphorus (P) than in maple, lime, and beech, while microbes in mineral soils were less P limited in spruce than in other monocultures. Mineral soil under the tree species associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi had higher microbial C and P limitation, bacterial biomass and total microbial biomass than under tree species associated with ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungi. Our results indicated that tree species with high-quality litter (i.e. AM-associated trees) had (i) higher microbial biomass and less nutrient limitation that were conducive to higher decomposition rates and lower C stocks in the forest floor, and (ii) such tree species could lead to both greater stabilization of mineral soil C by mineral-associated OM formation and greater microbial mineralization of SOM with higher microbial resource demand. The results suggest that tree species-mediated EA, microbial resource limitation and microbial community composition are important drivers of stocks and vertical distribution of SOC among tree species and between the two types of associated mycorrhiza.

Roots and rhizospheric soil microbial community responses to tree species mixtures

Below-ground processes are crucial in determining the effects of plants on ecosystem function. The root-soil interface is a highly active zone due to root exudation and nutrient uptake. However, its role in determining effects of tree species and their interactions on the soil microbial community, ecosystem function and above-ground growth is less well known.We compared the effects of tree species monocultures and their mixture on rhizospheric microbial communities, specific functional genetic markers associated with processes in the nitrogen (N) cycle, and above-ground and below-ground growth and nutrient allocation. Two pairs of tree species were grown: Pseudotsuga menziesii and Alnus rubra; Acer pseudoplatanus and Quercus robur. Tree establishment altered soil microbial composition, but after 26 months differences amongst tree species and effects of species mixture were minor, suggesting functional redundancy in microbial communities. A greater abundance of fungi, bacteria, and specifically ammonia oxidising and denitrifying bacteria in the rhizospheric soil of the N-fixing A. rubra was the most notable trend. Mixing A. rubra with P. menziesii did produce overyielding: trees grown in mixture attained a two-fold greater (Relative Yield Total 2.03 ± 0.52) above-ground biomass than in a mixture predicted from trees grown in monoculture. We did not observe strong trends in overyielding for A. psuedoplatanus and Q. robur. Inclusion of the N-fixing species A. rubra in admixture with P. menziesii promoted N cycling, and decreased the C:N ratios of leaf, branch, and root tissues but not soil C:N ratio for P. menziesii. Given the observed overyielding in the A. rubra with P. menziesii mixtures, we explored potential mechanistic links between functional genetic markers for nitrification and ammonification, however we found no statistically significant effects attributable to these genetic markers. We found root area index was significantly lower in A. rubra monocultures than in admixture with P. menziesii. For both P. menziesii and A. rubra, the number of root tips was lower in mixture than monoculture, indicating physical partitioning of soil space as a result of growing in mixture. We documented additive and synergistic effects of tree species identity on above and belowground productivity, and rhizospheric microbial community development in these four tree species.

Effect of dominant shade tree species on selected soil physicochemical properties and coffee production in Sayyo district, western Ethiopia

The current study aimed to assess the preference of farmers and their perception of shade tree species on coffee production and to evaluate selected soil physicochemical properties under the canopies of Acacia abyssinica and Albizia gummifera shade tree species and the influence of these trees on coffee production in comparison with unshaded fields. Two-stage sampling technique was used to select respondents for this study. Four circular plots having 3, 5, and 7 m radius and 17 m were laid out to sample soil and coffee parameters. The top six ranked tree species preferred by farmers were, Acacia abyssinica Albizia gummifera, Croton macrostachyus, Cordia Africana, Millettia ferruginea, and Erythrina abyssinica. The soil organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorous, exchangeable potassium, and soil pH were higher underneath shade trees than in open areas. Soils tested under shade trees and in open areas were texturally similar, (sandy clay loam). This pattern of textural similarity indicated that they have been derived from the same parent material. There was greater coffee yield, coffee weight, and coffee shrub density under the tree canopy than in open fields. Generally, Coffee production parameters and coffee yield under the canopies of both shade tree species and selected soil physicochemical properties showed relatively higher than those of unshaded zones. Therefore, integrating Acacia abyssinica and Albizia gummifera shade trees in coffee production systems is very important in maintaining soil fertility and thereby increasing the yield of organic coffee.

Effects of soil treatments and tree species on reforestation of well pads

Anthropogenically induced arrested succession is a global problem in forest ecosystems. In northern Michigan (U.S.A.), oil development has arrested succession in forest landscapes since the 1970s and oil well pads have not reforested up to 30 years after being vacated. To explore pathways for reforestation, we evaluated survivorship and growth of northern red oak (Quercus rubra), white oak (Q. alba), jack pine (Pinus banksiana), and red pine (P. resinosa) at monthly intervals during growing seasons from 2015 to 2019 on pads, which had been vacated 9–34 years prior to the initiation of our study. We planted trees in four soil surface treatments—experimental control (planting only, no treatment), disking, fertilization, and disking with fertilization. While monitoring survivorship and growth of planted trees, we concurrently examined natural reforestation in untreated control areas on each pad and differences between soil characteristics of pads and surrounding forests. Pinus resinosa displayed highest overall survivorship regardless of treatment, but maximum survivorship in disked soils and experimental control areas. Other species had highest survivorship in disked soils. There was no significant reforestation in untreated control areas during the 5‐year study period. Pads had higher levels of Bray P, Ca, and Mg, but lower levels of Fe, organic matter, and moisture than forest soils. Concentrations of toxic chemicals associated with drilling activities were not different between pad and forest soils or, if different, within acceptable levels for plant growth. In reforesting well pads, restorationists should plant P. resinosa in disked soil to achieve highest tree survivorship and density.

Specific effects of tree species on soil carbon sequestration in a rice-tree association mesocosm experiment: Evidence from natural 13C abundance

Within agroforestry systems, trees greatly contribute to soil carbon (C) sequestration. We still know little about how this contribution varies according to tree species. Here, we quantified the soil C content derived from three main tree species, Eucalyptus robusta, Coffea arabica and Citrus clementina, used in rainfed rice-based agroforestry in the Highlands of Madagascar. A fully factorial controlled mesocosm experiment was performed, with seedlings of the tree species planted with or without rice in a Ferralsol. The natural 13C abundance in the soil was measured to assess tree- and rice-derived C. One year after planting, Eucalyptus robusta was the species exhibiting the highest tree-derived C values, with 148 g C m−2 on average. In contrast, Citrus clementina transferred only 12 g C m−2 to the soil. No significant contribution of Coffea arabica to the soil C stock was found. The presence of rice affected neither the growth of tree seedlings nor their abilities to provide C to the soil. The difference in soil C sequestration among tree species was significantly correlated with differential root biomass. Tree root biomass was significantly correlated with soil δ13C. This experimental assay highlighted the contrasting contributions of tree species to ecological processes such as soil C sequestration at the early stage of agroforestry establishment. Further studies considering tree density and spatial arrangement should be conducted under field conditions to gain further insights into tree contributions to soil C sequestration in agroforestry systems.

Tree Species and Stand Density: The Effects on Soil Organic Matter Contents, Decomposability and Susceptibility to Microbial Priming

Forest stand density has been shown to have different, albeit small, effects on soil carbon. We hypothesized that the absence of a density effect on soil carbon (C) storage could be explained by a loss of old soil C. This replacement of old by fresh C could result in zero net C sequestration by soils but could also alter the quality of the soil organic matter. We used one afforestation experiment in Siberia, in which three tree species (spruce, larch and Scots pine) have been grown for the last 30 years at 18 levels of stand density, ranging originally from 500 to 125,000 stems per ha. We selected five density levels and studied the C and nitrogen (N) contents in mineral soils at 0–5 cm depth. The age of the soil C was measured under larch and spruce for three levels of density by radiocarbon (14C) dating. In all soil samples, we determined the stability of the soil organic matter (SOM) by assessing two indices: C decomposability (mineralization of C per unit of soil C) and primability (susceptibility of the SOM to microbial priming). The stand density affected the soil C and N contents differently depending on the tree species. Only under spruce did both the C and N contents increase with density; under larch and pine, the covariation was insignificant and N even tended to decline with a density increase. With the 14C data, we were able to show the strong dilution of old SOM by fresh C derived from the trees; the effect was stronger with a higher density. This provides the first evidence that a density increase increases the fractions of new C versus old C and this can happen without altering the total C contents such as under larch. Although the stand density altered the soil C and N contents only under spruce, it altered C decomposability under all tree species; with a density increase, the C decomposability declined under spruce but increased under larch and pine. This is relevant to predicting C losses from forest soils with different tree species and densities. Higher C losses would occur under larch and pine with higher densities but under spruce, a density increase would reduce the losses of C from the soil. Furthermore, although no significant covariation of stand density with C primability was detected, we first observed strong tree species effects on C primability. Twice as much C was lost from the soil under larch than under spruce or pine by an equal addition of C-glucose. This indicated that elevated C deposition from roots and exudates to the soil as predicted due to an elevated CO2 concentration would most strongly accelerate the soil C turnover and C losses under larch than under spruce and Scots pine. Overall, the tree species altered the susceptibility of the soil C to an elevated C input and the stand density had a strong effect on the decomposability of the SOM, which is an important parameter of C stability. The effect of stand density is, therefore, important to consider even if the stand density does not affect the total soil C.

Complementary effects of tree species on canopy rainfall partitioning: New insights for ecological restoration in Andean ecosystems

Vegetation affects local water balance partitioning via effects on incoming precipitation, local radiation balance and soil hydrological properties. The extent of these effects is related to plant functional traits, such that forest composition plays an important role in its hydrological function. Therefore, the selection of species in forest restoration processes is key to recovering ecological (including hydrological) function. However, most restoration projects often do not include functional criteria for species selection, and even less frequently they include ecohydrological functions, although many projects are intended to recover hydrological regulation. We explored the association between plant functional traits and ecohydrological function, indicated by precipitation partitioning in the canopy into stemflow and throughfall, in an 8-year watershed restoration project in the Central Andes of Colombia. We monitored stemflow and throughfall (both mean and variability) on planted individuals from ten native tree species for almost two years and measured functional traits that describe tree crowns and are associated with rainfall partitioning. We found that stemflow and throughfall behavior is generally inverse and differ among species, with the highest variability in mean stemflow and coefficient of variation of throughfall. Furthermore, our results show that stemflow and throughfall are significantly associated with tree crown functional traits (R2 = 0.74 for crown area and R2 = 0.62 for crown density × volume). Besides, the studied species are organized in a variation space of ecohydrological processes and crown functional traits (first two principal components from PCA explain 71.7% of data variability). They are organized from wider/less dense crowns in Alnus acuminata to smaller/denser crowns in Quercus humboldtii, which significantly influenced the temporal variability of stemflow and throughfall, respectively. Other species are located intermittently along this variation space. From a multivariate perspective, our species were differentiated into four discrete groups based on similar functional traits and, therefore, with similar effects on ecohydrological processes. This suggests a complementary effect of different species on the ecosystem hydrological functions, thus highlighting the importance of considering diversity on ecosystem management and ecological restoration for the recovery of ecosystem integrity.

Effects of tree species on soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen: a case study of common garden experiment

Effects of tree species on soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen: a case study of common garden experiment

Coniferous Tree Species Effects on Soil Chemical Characteristics in Goro-Gutu District, Eastern Ethiopia

The fast growing natures of conifer tree species and favorable economic returns from these trees have encouraged the conversion of natural grasslands in open forests into tree plantations in Ethiopia. The dominant tree species used for this purpose in open forest areas of Eastern Oromia were Podocarpus falcatus, Juniperus procera and Cupressus lusitanica. These tree species plantations are spreading rapidly in mountain areas, specially, in protected open forest areas. However, how different tree species affect soil chemical nutrients of the open areas after plantation is remain largely unknown. Thus, the study was conducted at Keramile open forest of Goro-gutu district, Eastern Ethiopia, to evaluate the effect of coniferous tree species on grassland or open areas found in the open forest. The coniferous tree species used for our study were Podocarpus falcatus, Juniperus procera and Cupressus lusitanica. The current study investigated the soil chemical contents under the three tree species canopies, outside canopies as well as the interactions between tree species and canopy covers. Our results showed that the evaluated coniferous tree species had significant effect on soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (TN), organic carbon (OC), available phosphorous (av. P) and sodium (Na); in which soil pH, TN, OM and OC contents were significantly higher under P. falcatus than J. procera and C. lusitanica tree species. But no significant difference was detected in soil pH, TN, OM and OC contents between J. procera and C. lusitanica tree species. The present results also revealed that the canopy cover and their interaction had significant effect on soil OM, pH, OC, av. K, TN, EC, Na and CEC; were significantly higher OM, pH, OC, av. K, TN and CEC were obtained in the outside canopy than under the tree canopy cover, whereas soil EC and Na contents were higher under canopy than outside canopy cover. However, no significant difference was observed between under canopy and the outside canopy in soil av. P, Ca and Mg contents. Generally, our study showed that the coniferous tree species evaluated had negative impact on soil chemical properties (OM, pH, OC, av. K, TN and CEC) of the open or grassland of the study area. Therefore, management and monitoring of soil chemical characteristics of grassland found in open forest is crucial in Keramile open forest, Goro-gutu district, Eastern Ethiopia and other open woodlands receiving similar practice.

喀斯特森林常见树种倒木分解对土壤真菌群落组成及分布规律的影响

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 喀斯特森林常见树种倒木分解对土壤真菌群落组成及分布规律的影响 DOI: 10.5846/stxb202101280295 作者: 作者单位: 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 国家自然科学基金项目（32060266，31700385）；贵州省科技计划项目（黔科合基础[2020]1Y124）；贵州省一流学科建设项目（GNYL[2017]007） Effects of fallen woods decomposition of common tree species on soil fungal community composition and distribution in karst forest Author: Affiliation: Fund Project: 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:倒木是森林生态系统的重要组分，其分解调控着土壤的养分循环，同时也影响着土壤微生物群落结构。但目前鲜见关于倒木分解对土壤微生物群落影响方面的报道。选取贵州茂兰喀斯特常绿落叶阔叶混交林中处于轻、中和重度腐烂等级的狭叶润楠（Machilus rehderi）、枫香（Liquidambar formosana）、青冈栎（Cyclobalanopsis glauca）和圆果化香（Platycarya longipes）4种常见树种倒木为研究对象，以距倒木外围的3个不同水平距离（10cm、30cm和50cm）的土壤样品为实验材料，分析倒木树种、腐烂等级和距离对土壤真菌种类及多样性的影响。结果表明：1）喀斯特森林4种树种倒木所影响土壤真菌群落在门级分类上主要为子囊菌门、担子菌门和毛霉门，优势属有Mortierella spp.、Phlebia spp.、Pluteus spp.和Chaetomium spp.等；2）倒木的树种对土壤真菌群落相对丰度的影响有差异，圆果化香倒木下的土壤真菌丰富度Chao1指数显著高于青冈栎；3）随腐烂程度加深，4种树种倒木下的土壤真菌群落多样性呈显著增加趋势；4）土壤真菌群落丰度随着距倒木距离的增大（10-50cm）变化明显，如狭叶润楠影响的Pluteus spp.、Mortierella spp.和Ganoderma spp.，枫香的Chaetomium spp.，圆果化香的Mortierella spp.和青冈栎的Phlebia spp.和Oliveonia spp.等。本研究量化了喀斯特森林倒木所影响的土壤真菌群落组成及分布规律，在一定程度上为倒木分解与土壤微生物群落之间的作用机制的深入探索提供了科学依据。 Abstract:Fallen wood is an important component of the forest ecosystem, which plays an important role in ecological conservation, biodiversity maintenance, and forest renewal. Its decomposition regulates the nutrient cycle of the soil and often changed to changes in microbial community structure of the soil. Therefore, quantify the influence of the fallen wood on soil fungus community and distribution is very significance. However, there are few reports about the effects of decomposition of fallen wood on soil microbial community, especially in Maolan kast evergreen broad-leaved deciduous mixed forest, a rare remaining subtropical karst forest with strong original in China and even the world. In this paper, the fallen woods of four common tree species (Machilus rehderi, Liquidambar formosana, Cyclobalanopsis glauca, and Platycarya longipes) that are in mildly, moderately and severely deciduous decay levels in Maolan's evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved mixed forest in Guizhou are selected as the research object. Three different horizontal distances (10 cm, 30 cm, and 50 cm) from the outer edge of the fallen wood were used to analyze the effects of tree species, decay grade and distance on the types and abundance of soil fungi community. The results show that:1) the soil fungi affected by the fallen woods of the four tree species in the karst forest are mainly Ascomycota, Basidiomycota and Mucor in the phylum classification, and the dominant genera are Mortierella spp., Phlebia spp., Pluteus spp. and Chaetomium spp., etc; 2) Different tree species of fallen woods have different effects on the relative abundance of soil fungi communities. The soil fungi richness Chao1 index under the fallen wood of the Platycarya longipes is significantly higher than that of Cyclobalanopsis glauca; 3) With the deepening of decay, the soil fungal community diversity under the fallen wood of the four tree species showed a significant increasing trend; 4) The abundance of soil fungal communities changes significantly with the increase of the distance from the fallen wood (10- 50 cm), such as Pluteus spp., Mortierella spp. and Ganoderma spp. are affected by Machilus rehderi, Chaetomium spp. of Liquidambar formosana, Mortierella spp. of Platycarya longipes, Phlebia spp. and Oliveonia spp. of Cyclobalanopsis glauca, etc. This study quantified the soil fungal communities composition and distribution patterns affected by fallen woods in karst forests, and provided a scientific basis for further exploration of the mechanism of interaction between soil microbial communities and fallen wood decomposition to some extent. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

Bioenergy from forests: Impact of logging residues on the carbon and nitrogen cycles

Sustainable forest management practices are crucial for minimizing environmental impacts, and to keep forests and the underlying soils healthy to maintain productivity, and to improve adaptability to climate change and mitigate it in the long-term. There, carbon and nitrogen cycling play crucial roles in proper functioning of forest ecosystems. The overall aim of this thesis was to explore the effects of logging residues on the early-stage dynamics of the main nitrogen and carbon cycling processes in upland forest soils after final felling. A specific aim was to compare the effects of logging residue piles consisting of different tree species, i.e., Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), and silver birch (Betula pendula Roth). A special attention was given to the response of soil to different amounts of residues. The effect of logging residues on soil chemical properties and processes was stronger in the organic layer than in the mineral soil layer. Logging residue piles stimulated carbon and nitrogen cycling, especially net nitrification within the first year after the residue treatment. Subsequently, nitrogen was lost via leaching as nitrate and gaseous emission as nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide fluxes were generally low, although higher in the plots containing logging residues. Spruce residues tended to stimulate nitrous oxide emissions for longer than the residues of the other tree species. Depending on the tree species, nitrous oxide production originated from both autotrophic nitrification and denitrification. Nitrogen concentrations in the soil percolate water already accelerated one year after the establishment of the residue piles. Logging residues increased nitrate and ammonium concentrations, which were highest under birch residues. The effect of logging residue piles on soil was stronger when compared to milder tree species effects. Biological nitrogen fixation activity tended to be higher in branches than in needles or leaves, and higher in coniferous residues. The results of this study raise the importance of more even distribution of logging residues on the forest floor instead of piling them to avoid harmful environmental effects and to maintain soil nutrient balance. The ability of soils to retain nitrogen needs additional attention in forest management practices, especially in boreal areas where nitrogen limits the growth of forests.

Soil chemical fertility change over four decades in the Morvan Mountains and influence of tree species (Burgundy, France)

Intensive silvicultural practices and the planting of monospecific forests of coniferous, that are more productive compared to hardwoods may threaten over the mid to long-term the sustainability of soil chemical fertility of forest ecosystems, and are a major concern for forest managers and policy. We investigated the tree species effect (Quercus sessiliflora Smith, Fagus sylvatica L., Picea abies Karst., Pseudotsuga menziesii Mirb. Franco., Abies nordmanniana Spach. and Pinus nigra Arn. ssp. laricio Poiret var. corsicana) on the change over time of soil chemical properties and nutrient pool sizes in the mineral and organic layers of the soil during the 45 years after the plantation of the Breuil-Chenue common garden experiment (Burgundy, France). The organic and mineral soil layers down to 70-cm depth were sampled in the different monospecific plots in 1974, 2001 and 2019. Exchangeable Ca and Mg pools and soil pH increased on average over time in the 0–70 ​cm soil profile in most stands. However, in the topsoil layers (0–15 ​cm), the decrease of pH, the increase of exchangeable acidity over time under the coniferous stands and the decrease of exchangeable K pools in most stands highlighted that soil acidification is still on-going at Breuil-Chenue site but the intensity of this process depends on the tree species. Indeed, three groups of species could be distinguished: i) Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana Spach.)/Norway spruce (Picea abies Karst.) where acidolysis and chelation occurred, resulting in the most pronounced pH decrease in the topsoil, ii) Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii Mirb. Franco.)/Laricio pine (Pinus nigra Arn. ssp. laricio Poiret var. corsicana) where acidification caused by elevated nitrification rates is probably currently compensated by larger weathering and/or atmospheric depositions fluxes, and iii) oak (Quercus sessiliflora Smith)/beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) where soil acidification was less intense. Counterintuitively, soil acidification at Breuil-Chenue site resulted in an increase in soil CEC which limited the loss of nutrient cations. This change in soil CEC was most likely explained by the precipitation/dissolution dynamics of aluminium (Al) (hydr)oxides in the interfoliar space of phyllosilicates and/or the increase in soil carbon (C) content in the topsoil layers. After 45 years, tree species continue to exert influence on the chemical fertility of the soil and the pedogenetic processes which in turn may impact forest ecosystem functions and services.

Effect of Amazonian tree species on soil and pasture quality in silvopastoral systems

ABSTRACT With the expansion of livestock in the Amazon region, a high percentage of pasture areas are degraded and unproductive. Novel strategies are needed, including the use of native tree species, to simultaneously achieve economic and ecosystem benefits. This study aimed at assessing the effects of five multipurpose native tree species on soil fertility and forage quality of Urochloa brizantha pastures in the southern Amazon. Soil and forage samples were collected under the crown and adjacent to 25 isolated trees belonging to five species during a dry and a rainy season. The presence of native trees positively affected the level of potassium, calcium and manganese in the soil, as well as the mineral matter and crude protein of the forage, especially in the dry season, suggesting a protective effect against the seasonal drought. The tree species had variable effects on soil fertility and forage quality. Soil under Apeiba tibourbou had higher potassium levels, while the forage under Handroanthus serratifolius had higher protein and fiber content. Our results indicate that it is important to diversify silvopastoral systems in the Amazon through the use of native tree species, contributing to the design of novel silvopastoral strategies in the region. Common multipurpose tree species with widespread natural distribution could be used as a complementary aspect of pasture management to provide a protective effect against drought, contribute to enhanced nutrient cycling and even increase forage quality.

Chemical and microbial properties of post-mining and post-fire soils afforested with different tree species

The effect of tree species on properties of soils revegetated after serious disturbance may depend on the properties of the soil substrate and type of disturbance. We compared the microbial properties of reclaimed mine soils differing in texture (RMS Sands and RMS Loams, respectively), post-fire (Postfire) soils, and undisturbed natural soils (NAT) under three different tree species (black alder, silver birch and Scots pine). The uppermost mineral soil (depth 0–5 cm) samples were measured for the contents of organic carbon (Corg), total nitrogen (Nt) and phosphorus (Pt), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nitrogen (DON), pH in H2O and texture. Microbial analyses of the samples included determination of microbial biomass carbon (Cmic), basal respiration rate (RESP), as well as the activities of acid and alkaline phosphatase and urease. Enzyme activities were expressed per soil dry (AcdPho, AlkPho, URE for acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and urease, respectively) and per unit of Cmic as specific enzyme activities (SP AcdPho, SP AlkPho and SP URE for acid and alkaline phosphatase and urease, respectively). The studied tree species differently affected the microbial properties of RMS, Postfire and NAT soils. Silver birch stimulated the development of large microbial biomass with high RESP and URE activity in RMS and Postfire soils. Black alder distinctly stimulated the activity of phosphatases – in particular AcdPho. High activity of phosphatases in the restored soils under black alder resulted from higher N content under this species and the competition for P between the tree species and soil microorganisms. This competition caused lower Cmic in the restored soils under alder despite their high Corg and Nt content. Scots pine had the weakest effect on the microbial properties of the soils restored after disturbance as the values of Cmic, RESP and the enzyme activities were the lowest under this species. Our results suggest that P availability may be limiting factor for the soil restoration under black alder. Therefore, additional P fertilization should be considered when using this tree species in restoration of degraded areas.

Biomass estimation in mangrove forests: a comparison of allometric models incorporating species and structural information

Improved estimates of aboveground biomass (AGB) are required to improve our understanding of the productivity of mangrove forests to support the long-term conservation of these fragile ecosystems which are under threat from many natural and anthropogenic pressures. To understand how individual species affects biomass estimates in mangrove forests, five species-specific and four genus-specific allometric models were developed. Independent tree inventory data were collected from 140 sample plots to compare the AGB among the species-specific models and seven frequently used pan-tropical and Sundarbans-specific generic models. The effect of individual tree species was also evaluated using model parameters for wood densities (from individual trees to the whole Sundarbans) and tree heights (individual, plot average and plot top height). All nine developed models explained a high percentage of the variance in tree AGB (R 2 = 0.97–0.99) with the diameter at breast height and total height (H). At the individual tree level, the generic allometric models overestimated AGB from 22% to 167% compared to the species-specific models. At the plot level, mean AGB varied from 111.36 Mg ha−1 to 299.48 Mg ha−1, where AGB significantly differed in all generic models compared to the species-specific models (p < 0.05). Using measured species wood density (WD) in the allometric model showed 4.5%–9.7% less biomass than WD from published databases and other sources. When using plot top height and plot average height rather than measured individual tree height, the AGB was overestimated by 19.5% and underestimated by 8.3% (p < 0.05). The study demonstrates that species-specific allometric models and individual tree measurements benefit biomass estimation in mangrove forests. Tree level measurement from the inventory plots, if available, should be included in allometric models to improve the accuracy of forest biomass estimates, particularly when upscaling individual trees up to the ecosystem level.

Litter quality, mycorrhizal association, and soil properties regulate effects of tree species on the soil fauna community

Forest management, including selection of appropriate tree species to mitigate climate change and sustain biodiversity, requires a better understanding of factors that affect the composition of soil fauna communities. These communities are an integral part of the soil ecosystem and play an essential role in forest ecosystem functioning related to carbon and nitrogen cycling. Here, by performing a field study across six common gardens in Denmark, we evaluated the effects of tree species identity and mycorrhizal association (i.e., arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) and ectomycorrhiza (ECM)) on soil fauna (meso- and macrofauna) taxonomic and functional community composition by using diversity, abundance, and biomass as proxies. We found that (1) tree species identity and mycorrhizal association both showed significant effects on soil fauna communities, but the separation between community characteristics in AM and ECM tree species was not entirely consistent; (2) total soil fauna abundance, biomass, as well as taxonomic and functional diversity were generally significantly higher under AM tree species, as well as lime, with higher litter quality (high N and base cation and low lignin:N ratio); (3) tree species significantly influenced the properties of litter, forest floor, and soil, among which litter and/or forest floor N, P, Ca, and Mg concentrations, soil pH, and soil moisture predominantly affected soil fauna abundance, biomass, and taxonomic and functional diversity. Our results from this multisite common garden experiment provide strong and consistent evidence of positive effects of tree species with higher litter quality on soil fauna communities in general, which helps to better understand the effects of tree species selection on soil biodiversity and its functions related to forest soil carbon sequestration.

Microhabitat use and seasonality of the sexually dimorphic West African centaurus beetle Augosoma centaurus

AbstractThe sexually dimorphic dynastine centaurus beetle, genus Augosoma (Coleoptera: Scarabeidae), is endemic to tropical Africa where two species are found (A. centaurus and A. hippocrates). These beetles are consumed by rural populations, cause damage in plantations and are targets of insect collectors and traders. We present information on size differences and analyzed intersexual niche divergence and seasonality of A. centaurus in seven study sites in three West African countries (Ivory Coast, Togo and Nigeria). We recorded 711 light‐attracted and/or opportunistically encountered individuals, as well as another 97 beetles in standardized transect surveys. In the latter, we found the adult sex ratio was equal, but was significantly skewed towards females in light‐attracted and/or opportunistically encountered individuals. In a sample of 298 adult beetles, males were significantly larger than females, with almost no size overlap between sexes. Beetle activity was highly seasonal with most animals observed in November, active from 19:00 h to 24:00 h. Differences in habitat use were not significant between sexes, with most individuals observed in secondary forest. Males were found higher on vegetation than females and beetles of both sexes were found on Pandanus and raffia palms. Beetles were larger in sites with more vegetation cover, and there was a significant effect of tree species on body size of both sexes. Study area or country had no effect on any of the studied parameters. Our study confirms that transect surveys without light trapping can be an effective tool for understanding large‐sized tropical beetles of similar ecological characteristics.