Ground Phytomass Research Articles

Research on carbon balance in Japan

The article presents an overview of scientific publications on the subject of the study «carbon balance in terrestrial ecosystems», made for the territory of Japan and indexed in the Scopus database for the period 2017-2021. Within this theme, the areas with the highest number of articles are highlighted: carbon fluxes in soils, carbon stocks in above ground phytomass (mainly studies of the ecosystems of Hokkaido), features of carbon dioxide sequestration by various plant species typical for Japan, as well as the carbon balance dynamics associated with deforestation, reforestation and natural phenomena such as typhoons. The most active in publishing activity scientific and academic institutions were identified (Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute; National Agriculture and Food Research Organization; Hokkaido University).

Активність фотосинтетичного комплексу бріофітів на трансформованих територіях видобутку вугілля

It was investigated the seasonal dynamic of photosynthetic pigments content in shoots of the Ceratodon purpureus from different positions and local growing on dumps of the Chervonograd mining district. It was established that the quantitative composition of the a & b chlorophyll (chl a and chl b), ratio of the a/b and chlorophylls/carotenoids (Chl/K) in the moss cells changed depending on the position of their local growing on dumps and microclimatic conditions: temperature regime, solar radiation and humidity of the substrate. It was found that in April on open areas where Ceratodon purpureus grew, the content of chlorophyll a in its shoots increased, in July the amount of green pigment (chl a) significantly decreased, and the a/b ratio was lower than in spring. In the summer, content of the carotenoids in the moss cells on the illuminated areas increased, compared to the spring indicators, which prevented possibility of the photooxidation and formation of the free radi­cals under conditions of high insolation and temperature. In autumn, the content of both green pigments and auxiliary pigments in the Ceratodon purpureus shoots, selected from different positions of dumps, mostly decreased, compared to the summer indicators. Chan­ges in quantity and ratio of pigments in different periods of the year on the dumps testified about adaptive character of the mosses photosynthetic system, which contributed to more efficient using of the different intensities solar radiation. Depending on the position on the rock dumps and the degree of their reclamation, the indicators of the chlorophyll index for mosses synusiae were determined. It was found that the indicators of the chlorophyll index depended on the ecological conditions of moss growing in the technogenic environment, the composition of the bryoflora, the amount of green pigments in the photosynthetic organs, and the area of the assimilating surface. For the studied briosynusiae the largest stock of phytomass and the indicators of the chlorophyll index was determined on the dump of the “Nadiya” mine, and the smallest on the dump of the Central Enrichment Factory in the monospecies group Ceratodon purpureus – syn. Were established higher productivity indicators in synusiae, which includes Campylopus introflexus with biomorphic structure of the dense turf, which forms the largest over ground phytomass in growing conditions, compared to other species. The chlorophyll index can serve as an important criterion for assessing the participation of mosses in the production process of plant cover on transformed territories.

English

Wetland restoration success is dependent on the likeness of both structure and function of the restored wetland systems comparable to reference sites. Assessing the success of restoration is reliant on the monitoring and evaluation of the restored system overtime as was done with Nakyesanja, a restored wetland, and Kiryagonja, a referenced natural wetland in Wakiso District, Uganda. The objectives of this study were to determine plant characteristics (species abundance, diversity, height and phytomass) in the wetlands and evaluate the effect of water level on plants establishment and phytomass accumulation. Two transects were established in each wetland with five plots measuring 1×1 m2 on each transect. Plant species were identified in the plots while papyrus was measured and harvested. The water level was also measured in each plot. No significant difference was detected in the above ground phytomass of Cyperus papyrus L. in the restored and the natural wetlands (p = 0.202). The restoration process has caused papyrus plants to accumulate productivity similar to the natural level. No significant difference was also observed in the heights of papyrus (p = 0.232). This indicated that the restoration methodology was effective on plants growth; making plants acquiring heights as their counterparts in the natural wetland. Uneven water distribution affected the growth and distribution of plants in the restored wetland. Areas of high water level got colonized with typical wetland species while areas with low water level got colonized by opportunistic plants. However, the water level was positively correlated (R2 = 0.485, p = 0.042) with species diversity in the natural wetland making waterlogging the key determinant of macrophytic plants establishment in a natural environment. Periodic study is therefore recommended to monitor the success of the wetland restoration overtime.   Key words: Abundance, Cyperus papyrus L., diversity, plant species, restoration, water level, wetlands.

ACOMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE CONDITION OF THE LEGUMES ON THE NATURAL AND SEEDED FODDER AREAS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ALTAI

The flora of the Altai Mountains is characterized by a rich variety of representatives of the Fabaceae family, which are found in a wide range of habitats and under various anthropogenic loads. The genera Astragalus L. and Oxytropis DC. are the most numerous in terms of species diversity. Many representatives of the genera Vicia L., Trifolium L., Hedysarum L., Latirus L., Melilotus Mill., Medicago L., Pisum L. are good forage plants. The vegetation in the steppe grasslands of the Altai Mountains indicates the presence of predominantly intensive grazing farm animals, in which there is the formation of transient communities by reducing the participation of the prey species and the role of not eaten, eaten bad, harmful and poisonous plants. At the same time, the share of the legume component in the living ground phytomass in meadow steppes is quite high (25–50 %), in real steppes it is about 5–28%, and in desolate steppes – 11–17 %, which is largely due to the species diversity of legumes and their adaptability to natural, climatic and anthropogenic factors. Species Onobrychis arenaria, Medicago falcata are found in the meadow steppe, and Astragalus austrosibiricus, A. tibetanus, A. brevifoliu, and Oxytropis argentata are found in the steppe pastures, which develop a good green mass and have relatively high morphometric indicators. Astragalus testiculatus, A. laguroides, A. dilutes, Oxytropis pumila, Hedysarum gmelinii, Gueldenstaedtia monophylla, and harmful pasture plants – Thermopsis mongolica, Caragana pygmaea – are adapted to drier stony habitats. Of the wild relatives of cultivated plants from familia Fabaceae in the flora of the Altai Mountains there are more than 10 species. According to the results of environmental testing of 13 varieties of annual legumes (Vicia L., Pisum L., Glycine L.), it was found that they are characterized by higher rates of green mass yield (by 12–16%) than traditional varieties of these crops in the mid-mountain zone of the Altai Republic.

Формування відпаду дерев у насадженнях парку-пам’ятки садово-паркового мистецтва загальнодержавного значення «Феофанія»

Tree stand mortality in urban ecosystems indicates the influence level of biotic and abiotic factors primarily on their life state. The significance of these processes lies in the knowledge of the forest stands patterns development and their use for forecasting and assessing ecosystem services. The territories of the nature reserve fund have been taken as research sites, as significant indicators of anthropogenically altered territories. The structure of biomass and forest stands species composition was found to be associated with the growth and development of living trees and the formation of dead trees. Biotic and abiotic factors, intraspecific competition and peculiarities of local formation condition and stands growth are determined to affect the life state of the main forest-forming species directly and indirectly. It was revealed that in the medieval oak plantation, the loss of trees during the research period (2016-2020) prevailed over the increase in the stand ground phytomass. It was found that the carbon deposited amount in the forest stands aboveground phytomass reflects the unusual dynamics for the overwhelming number of territory indicators. The litter formation caused the changes in the deposited carbon structure of the research stands phytomass by tree species. It also led to an increase in the deadwood carbon pool and the onset of carbon emissions from the detritus decomposition.

Рекультивированные земли как резерв кормовой базы животноводства

Abstract. The purpose is to establish the possibility of using mined brick clay pits for grazing livestock and preparing animal feed. The paper deals with the investigation of the above ground phytomass field layer (Fh) being formed dusing the natural growth of mined brick clay pits. Methodology. Species composition of the projective cover and aboveground phytomass were established on the counting areas of 0.5 × 0.5 sizes evenly spaced on the bottom and slopes of pit. At each of the quarry elements at least 30 registration sites were laid. In addition a similar number of registration sites were laid next to the quarry where clay was not mined. Researches were carried out in the district of pine-birch pre-forest steppe forests of the Trans Urals plain province, the west Siberian plain forest region. Results. It was found that the soil of mined out pits does not contain heavy metal and other chemical elements hazardous to animals. The total aboveground phetomass of Fh at the bottom and slopes of the quarry is 1101.1 and 812.6 kg/ha in absolutely dry, state, respectively. The total projective cover at the bottom of the quarry 3 years after the technical stage of reclamation is 64.7 % and on the slopes 42.5 %. The presence of meadow species in the composition, in particular of legumes family (Vicia cracca L.; V. hybridum L.; V. sativa L.; V. vernus L.; V. sylvatica L.; Trifolium pretense L.; T. lupinaster L.; T. repens L.; T. hybridum L.; T. medium L.; Lathyrus pratensis L.; Melilotu salbus Medikus; M. officinalis L. Pall.; Medicago lupulina L.) indicates a high feed value of FR. Scientific novelty. The transfer of mined out brick clay pits for temporary agricultural use will contribute at the formation of soil on the bottom and slopes of the quarry and ultimately, increase the productivity of future plantations.

The balance of elements in the system “Luvic Chernozems – agricultural plants” on the Plavsk upland (Tula region of Russia)

To assess the transfer of macro (K, P, S, Mg, Ca, as well as Si, Na, Fe, Al, Mn and Ti) and microelements (Zn, Ba, Cu, Sr, Mo, as well as As, Zr, Pb, Co, Ni, V and Cr) from Luvic Chernozems (Aric, Loamic, Pachic) into agricultural plants, we studied the inventories of chemical elements in three agrocenoses (wheat, soybean, Galega orientalis Lam. and Bromopsis inermis Leyss grass mixtures) from the Plavsk upland (Tula Region). This territory is subjected to intensive industrial and agricultural impacts: it is 40 km away from the town of Shchekino with a nitrogen fertilizer plant and a thermal power plant, 60 km away from Tula with large metallurgical enterprises, 70 km away from the town of Novomoskovsk with several chemical enterprises and state district power plant. In soils, the total content of elements was determined by the X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The elemental composition of plants after autoclave decomposition with a mixture of concentrated nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide and the content of the bioavailable fraction (extracted by an ammonium acetate buffer with pH 4.8) of elements in soil were estimated by the atomic emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma. In topsoil (a 10-cm layer), maximal inventories are typical for total Si (40 ± 4 kg/m 2 ), Al (7.0 ± 0.8 kg/m 2 ) and Fe (3.4 ± 0.3 kg/m 2 ) and for bioavailable Ca (570 ± 48 g/m 2 ), Mg (43 ± 4 g/m 2 ), K (22 ± 6 g/m 2 ). In plants, the main inventories (g/m 2 ) of K, P, S, Mg, Si, Mn, Zn, Ba, Cu, Mo occur in the above ground phytomass. The most effectively plants assimilate bioavailable fractions of K, P, Ti, Mo, As, Zr, V. Based on the resource method for soil quality assessment, the studied Chernozems are characterized by a low level of Ni contamination, a moderate supply of bioavailable K with a lack of bioavailable P .

The influence of different aged Black Saxaul plants on distribution, growth and accumulation of aboveground phytomass of Poa Bulboza L.

The purpose of this study was to determine the nature and degree of influence of different-aged plants of Black Saxaul on Bulbous Bluegrass - one of the dominant species of sagebrush-ephemeral pastures. The study was conducted using phytometer method in the conditions of the desert zone of Uzbekistan on the ephemeroid-wormwood-black saxaul phytocenosis, formed as a result of self-seeding on inter-band spaces of pasture-protective Black Saxaul plantations. It is established that the character of the phytogenic influence of Saxaul on Bluegrass can be characterized as ambiguous conjugacy: in the minimal phytogenic field, the character of this influence is negative and therefore is gradually replaced, as a result of which the number of this species-phytometer significantly decreases, there are zones where bluegrass is absent. Growing specimens are stunted and poorly developed, so they accumulate insignificant aboveground phytomass. The character of the influence of Saxaul in the outer part of the phytogenic field on bluegrass was positive. Therefore, it is numerous here, grows better and accumulates 1,5-3 times more aboveground phytomass than outside the phytogenic field (control). Within the phytogenic field of Black Saxaul for Bluegrass Bulbous most “environmentally comfortable place” is the border of the internal and external parts of this field. In this part of the phytogenic field, due to its ecological and biological properties, the number of phytometer species reaches the highest value; they grow rapidly and accumulate the largest aboveground phytomass. The degree of influence depends on the age status of the Black Saxaul.The highest degree of influence on the abundance, growth and formation of over ground phytomass of Bluegrass Bulbous is observed in the phytogenic field of middle-aged species-edificators: the minimum field increases and reaches its maximum in the area where Bluegrass Bulbous is completely displaced, and on the border of internal and external parts and in the outer part opposed to a phytogenic one field due to the positive influence of species-edificators of the number of phytometra increases sharply, the values of the linear growth of shoots and accumulation of aboveground biomass reach the highest values. The smallest phytogenic effect of the edifier species on the phytometer species is observed in the phytogenic field of virginal plants of the black saxaul. The phytogenic effect on bluegrass is distributed in virginal individuals of the active species outside the crown at a distance of 90 cm, in young generative - by 120 cm and in middle-aged generative - by 150 cm and even 180 cm. When further removed, the distribution, growth and formation of aboveground phytomass of the phytometer species does not depend on the edifier species.

The testing of model plant Raphanus sativus germination and phytomass production on oil-composts

In industrialized society, large amounts of oily sediments from contaminated sites as well asoily sludge from industrial processes need to be treated in sustainable way. Nowadaysbiological treatment is becoming more important. The purpose of biotreatment is to decreasethe concentration of organic pollutants (e.g. oil) in soil or compost by mineralizing hazardouschemicals into harmless compounds such as carbon dioxide or some other gas or inorganicsubstance, water, and cell material. Whereas hydrocarbons are generally well degradable,some organic compounds (e.g. PAH) are less degradable; and some (heavy metals) can not bedegraded. However, resistant compounds can be transformed through sorption, methylation,and complexation, and change in valence state, which affect mobility and bioavailability. Theuse of oil-compost depends on legislative limits, and response of vegetation. Oil-content mayhave a negative effect on plant root system even in low concentrations. Heavy metals mayinhibit the growth, but in the other hand, the plants are also known in uptaking heavy metalsand other contaminants, known as phytoremediation. This may create a situation, wherevegetation cover acts as additional treatment system for matured oil-composts. The objectiveof this study was to examine the effect of hydrocarbon residues in different substances(compost and soil mixtures) on soil model plants (Raphanus sativus) germination andphytomass production. The germination study demonstrated that the plants germination andbiomass production was highly dependent on compost decomposition degree, nutrient contentand biological properties of soil. On less matured compost, the germination and growth wassuppressed. The phytomass production experiment showed that plants in oil compost haddecreased height, taproot mass and above ground phytomass. The application of complexmineral fertilizers increased the volume of abovementioned parameters.

Закономірності росту надземної фітомаси ехінацеї блідої (Echinacea pallida (Nutt.) Nutt.) прегенеративного періоду онтогенезу

Закономірності росту надземної фітомаси ехінацеї блідої (Echinacea pallida (Nutt.) Nutt.) прегенеративного періоду онтогенезу

Multi-source and multi-date mapping of deforestation in Central India (1935-2010) and its implication on standing phytomass carbon pool

Information on the historical distribution of Indian forest cover change and carbon stocks is scarce and far from comprehensive. Geospatial methods were used to study changes in forest cover and above ground carbon stocks over seven decades in Central India, which covers over a tenth of India (13.5%) and accounts for almost a fifth of its forest cover (19.27%). Changes in the above ground phytomass carbon pool were computed. There is a significant contribution of deforestation to the reduction in the C pool. The overall loss of forest cover was 2.5Mha (16%), while the reduction in carbon stock was 343.5TgC (42%) since 1935. The overall rate of deforestation in Central India (0.23 from 1935 to 2010), has been on decline in recent years. In order to increase the amount of carbon accumulation, open forests which are occupying about 45.8% of forest area must be considered for improvement of carbon stocks. The above results indicate that the forests of central India could act as important carbon sinks in India.

Root system size of alfalfa varieties under different plant densities

The field experiment was established from pre-grown alfalfa sprouts in 2008. In 2009 and 2010, the harvest was carried out. The yield and the root size system (RSS) were evaluated in the total of five cuts. Two localities of diverse soil and weather conditions were selected. Žabčice is a dry location with a highly permeable sandy soil layer, but at the same time, with a considerable fluctuation of the underground water level; Troubsko, on the other hand, represented a location with a higher content of clay in soil suitable for growing alfalfa. The trial was established in two types of plant spacing – 25 × 25 cm (16 plants per m2) and 50 × 50 cm (4 plants per m2). Two alfalfa varieties were used – Hodonínka (an old variety) and Oslava (a new variety). The following factors were evaluated by statistical means: location, variety, plant spacing, and cut number. The effect of location on the above ground phytomass and the RSS value proved highly statistically decisive. The higher average values of above ground phytomass as well as RSS were achieved on the Troubsko location where the above ground phytomass was 19.57 t.ha−1 and RSS was 2.71 nanofarad (nF). The impact of the variety was highly statistically significant only in respect to RSS. The effect of variety on the alfalfa above ground phytomass was not proven. The higher average RSS values were reached by the Hodonínka variety (2.59 nF). The effect of the plant spacing on both the above ground phytomass and the RSS values was highly statistically significant. The higher average above ground phytomass was achieved when the 25 × 25 cm plant spacing was employed (18.64 t.ha−1). As for the RSS value, the case was exactly opposite – the higher average value was reached when the plant spacing was 50 × 50 cm (2.99 nF). The impact of the cut number on both the above ground phytomass and the RSS was highly statistically significant. The highest average above ground phytomass and root system size were measured in the third cut. The above ground phytomass was 30.36 t.ha‑1 and RSS was 3.86 nF.

Зональность в растительном покрове острова Врангеля: синтаксономический подход

Hierarchical subdivision of the Wrangel Island was realized using syntaxonomic method. Following criteria were used: syntaxonomic spectrum and percentage share of syntaxa on zonal and intrazonal sites, the status of syntaxa in the system of altitudinal belts, the indexes of zonation and intrazonation, the index of dissimilarity between syntaxa (І-diversity) and mean number of species per relevй. The system of zonocontinuums and the criterion of typomorphic groups were applied to represent the character of syntaxa distribution. Furthermore, the indexes of “species-area relationships”, zonal-geographical groups of species, cover of the different groups of species and its variation, horizontal structure of communities and above ground phytomass were reviewed. All numerical characteristics allowed to make a differentiation of the island vegetation between 4 variants. Among these 2 ones are southern and nothern variants of arctic tundra subzones, 1 — is northern variant of typical tundra subzone and 1 — is southern (coastal) variant of polar deserts. The last are delimited fr om other zonal categories in highest rank —as geobotanical zone. They are characterized by minimum number of syntaxa in zonal sites (4) and in flood-plains (2), absence of any syntaxa at the slopes of southern exposure. All other indexes of diversity are of a least value: dissimilarity between syntaxa (43.7), and average number of species in relevй (5.9). Differentiate syntaxa for all sites (except plakkat) and typomorphic groups are absent. It is a least value of і-diversity: the parameter b1 in regression equation is1.17. Moreover, the cover of vascular plants decreases to 10–20 %, but cover of lichens increases to 30 %. The cover of bryophytes and all vegetation are characterized by essential changes of variation coefficient (0.6–0.7 and 0.4–0.5 respectively), above ground phytomass of vascular plants is decreases to 49.9 g/m2. The part of arctic zonal-geographical groups is increases greatly to 61.4 %, but total part of hypoarctic and boreal is decreases to 3.8 %. Sporadic-spotted type of horizontal structure is exclusively peculiar to this zone. Northern variant of typical tundra is characterized by a relatively large number of syntaxa at slopes of southern exposure (19) and high value of index of abruptness (0.56). Number of syntaxa with diagnostic meaning of altitudinal changes is greater — 13. The index of І-diversity by means average number of species in relevй is 9.5 and by means dissimilarity between syntaxa is 55.1 %. High diversity of syntaxa (9) differentiating at slopes of southern exposure is inherent to this zonal variant. Besides, large role of hypoarctic species (10.8 %), irregular-mosaic type of horizontal structure and relatively large overground phytomass of vascular plants (89.9 g/m2) are characterized for this zonal category. Here it is the highest value of і-diversity (b1 = 3.07). Southern and northern variants of arctic tundra are characterized by parameters distinguished from the plant cover of polar deserts zone and typical tundra subzone. These parameters are: number of syntaxa at slopes of southern exposure (11 and 8), their index of abruptness (0.36 and 0.29), number of syntaxa with diagnostic meaning of altitudinal changes (8 and 5), indexes of І-diversity (60.0 and 58.5 — dissimilarity between syntaxa, 7.9 and 8.2 — average number of species in relevй). Moreover, similar values of і-diversity (b1 = 2.30 and 2.50), zonal-geographical spectrum (wh ere total part of hypoarctic and boreal groups is smaller essentially then in typical tundra, but part of arctic group is equal to one of polar deserts) and above ground phytomass of vascular plants (83.5 g/m2and 80.1 g/m2) are peculiar to these two variants. Several vegetation indexes contribute to reveal southern and northern zonal variants. The last region is referred to the High Arctic. Also diagnostic amount of syntaxa and analytical characteristics for zonal categories of definite rank were determined. Typical syntaxa have a special significance for zonal categories of higher rank (tundra zone as whole and the subzone of arctic tundra).

Cultivation of Chinese Silvergrass (Miscanthus Sinensis Anderss.) On the East Slovak Lowland as a Potential Source of Raw Material for Energy Purposes

Abstract A field trial with Miscanthus sinensis Anderss. was performed in Vysoká nad Uhom (average yearly temperature: 9.0°C, yearly precipitation: 584 mm) on Haplic fluvisol (WRB 2006) during 2006-2009. The average dry matter (DM) yield of the above- ground phytomass was 25.63 t/ha/year (excluding establish- ment year when yield was 4.81 t/ha) and had an increasing trend according to production years (14.13, 26.14 and 36.63 t/ha). We achieved in developing a trial stand in the third year of production when the field coverage of 10 thousand rhizomes being planted per hectare was over 80%; however, it can be used as a denser spacing for the earlier performance of stand with full production capability, which means plantation of 12-13 thousand plants per hectare. The average lower heating value of the organic sample of phytomass, as received (LHV) was 15.56 MJ/kg, and according to the trial years were 15.09; 15.80; 15.70; and 15.80 MJ/kg. The amount of total energy value of the produced phytomass per unit area (energy yield) was 1,284.989 GJ/ha, and 72.583, 223.254, 410.398, 578.754 GJ/ha, respectively, in the trial years. The energy yield was exclusively affected (r = 0.999), and the caloric value (LHV) was affected by phytomass yield (r = 0.739). Obtained emission characteristics and the concentration of selected volatiles, and remaining ash, ash content 3.46%, total water 10.65%, carbon 42.49%, hydrogen 5.20%, total sulphur 0.12%, nitrogen 0.55%, silicone 1.17% and chlorine 0.16% have supported the environmentally friendly introduction of Chinese silvergrass, as the energy crop is desirable for the targeted agroecological conditions of Slovakia.

Phytomass carbon pool of trees and forests in India

The study reports estimates of above ground phytomass carbon pools in Indian forests for 1992 and 2002 using two different methodologies. The first estimate was derived from remote sensing based forest area and crown density estimates, and growing stock data for 1992 and 2002 and the estimated pool size was in the range 2,626–3,071 Tg C (41 to 48 Mg C ha − 1) and 2,660–3,180 Tg C (39 to 47 Mg C ha − 1) for 1992 and 2002, respectively. The second methodology followed IPCC 2006 guidelines and using an initial 1992 pool of carbon, the carbon pool for 2002 was estimated to be in the range of 2,668–3,112 Tg C (39 to 46 Mg C ha − 1), accounting for biomass increment and removals for the period concerned. The estimated total biomass increment was about 458 Tg over the period 1992–2002. Removals from forests include mainly timber and fuel wood, whereby the latter includes large uncertainty as reported extraction is lower than actual consumption. For the purpose of this study, the annual extraction values of 23 million m3 for timber and 126 million m3 for fuel wood were used. Out of the total area, 10 million ha are plantation forests with an average productivity (3.2 Mg ha − 1 year − 1) that is higher than natural forests, a correction of 408 Tg C for the 10 year period was incorporated in total estimated phytomass carbon pool of Indian forests. This results in an estimate for the net sink of 4 Tg C year − 1. Both approaches indicate Indian forests to be sequestering carbon and both the estimates are in agreement with recent studies. A major uncertainty in Indian phytomass carbon pool dynamics is associated with trees outside forests and with soil organic carbon dynamics. Using recent remote-sensing based estimates of tree cover and growing stock outside forests, the estimated phytomass carbon pool for trees outside forests for the year 2002, is 934 Tg C with a national average tree carbon density of 4 Mg C ha − 1 in non-forest area, in contrast to an average density of 43 Mg C ha − 1 in forests. Future studies will have to consider dynamics in both trees outside forests and soil for total terrestrial carbon dynamics.

Early post-fire changes in Pinus brutia forests (Amanos Mountains, Turkey)

Early post-fire changes inPinus brutiaforests (Amanos Mountains, Turkey)We studied the species composition and soil nutrients in aPinus brutiaforest after a fire that occurred in 1989. Four permanent plots were created in the burnt and not burnt areas in the Amanos Mountains of Turkey. The floristic richness, biological spectra, above ground phytomass and soil features in the study areas were assessed during the first three years after the fire. After the fire, we found a reduced amount of organic matter (14.3%), total nitrogen (22%) and soil water saturation (13.1%), but an increased amount of available phosphorus (71%), acidity (3.6%), cation exchange capacity (9.9%), exchangeable sodium (20.8%) and exchangeable potassium (37.1%). The aboveground phytomass in the burned area reached 5284 kg ha-1, the third year after the fire. Forty-six pre-fire species were renewed in the first three years after the fire.Juniperus oxycedruscould not renew within three years after the fire. Pine phytomass has increased five times within three years after the fire.

Influence of different timing of fires on the regrowth of aboveground phytomass in steppes of the Bashkir Transural region

60 Fires are a major ecological factor influencing the formation and maintenance of steppe plant communi ties (Lavrenko, 1941; Rodin, 1946; Tishkov, 2003). The frequency of unregulated fires in the steppe zone of the Bashkir Transural region has increased in recent years. Significant reduction of grazing load (Yunus baev, 2000) leads to the accumulation of dead above ground phytomass (necromass), which easily catches fire during droughts. Local residents often intention ally start fires as an agronomic measure to improve the quality of grass stand in steppe pastures.

Growth, production and carbon sequestration of silvopastoral systems with native timber species in the dry lowlands of Costa Rica

The multiple environmental issues of loss of forest cover due to cattle farming combined with pasture degradation leading to low levels of production, consequent extensification and therefore to more deforestation, are serious concerns in Costa Rica. To test the feasibility of countering these by combining a more productive pasture system with indigenous tree species, a silvopastoral experiment was established on a farm in the seasonally dry lowlands of Canas, Guanacaste Province. A rapidly growing pasture species (Brachiaria brizantha) was tested against a traditional pasture dominated by Hyparrhenia rufa. Three indigenous tree species were established: Pithecellobium saman, Diphysa robinioides and Dalbergia retusa. Plots were grazed by cattle for 4 or 5 days with one to 2 month intervals between grazing episodes. After 51 months, D. robinioides was the fastest growing species, and P. saman the slowest, while B. brizantha produced three times the above ground and twice the below ground biomass as H. rufa, and trees had no effect upon grass yield. Contrary to competition theory, there was no effect of pasture species upon the two faster growing tree species. The carbon in above and below ground phytomass varied between 3.5 and 12.5 Mg C ha−1 in treeless pasture controls and silvopastoral systems, respectively, and total soil organic carbon (TSOC) in the upper 0.6 m averaged 110 Mg ha−1. B. brizantha appeared to stimulate tree root production, which in turn was highly correlated with TSOC, resulting in annual increments in TSOC of up to 9.9 Mg ha−1 year−1. These early results indicate the promising potential of this silvopastoral system for combining cattle production, and increasing tree cover and carbon sequestration.

Wetland vegetation and nutrient retention in Nakivubo and Kirinya wetlands in the Lake Victoria basin of Uganda

Wetlands form an important part of the catchment area of the African Great Lakes and protect water resources therein. One of the most important functions is the retention of nutrients from the inflowing water from the catchment, by wetland plants which store them in their phytomass. An assessment of the capacity in storing nutrients by dominant plants ( Cyeprus papyrus, Miscanthus violaceus, Phragmites mauritianus and Colocasia C. esculenta), of Nakivubo and Kirinya wetlands at the shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda, was studied through the determination of phytomass production and nutrient concentration in the plant parts at different stages of growth. The above ground phytomass production increased rapidly during the exponential growth for C. papyrus and P. mauritianus. In all the dominant plants, nitrogen concentration was highest in juvenile plants and decreased with increasing age. The most pronounced nitrogen level occurred in the young umbels of C. papyrus during the first month of growth with total nitrogen content of 1.95% DW which dropped to 0.62% DW after the fifth month in Nakivubo wetland. Corms (tubers) of yams had the highest nitrogen content in Kirinya and Nakivubo wetlands exhibiting respective values of 4.8% DW and 3.7% DW. There is a close relationship between nutrient content and increase in phytomass. In Nakivubo and Kirinya wetlands, the rapid increase in phytomass during the third and fourth month corresponded with high nutrient levels. Since plants store significant amounts of nitrogen during their growth, periodic harvesting of above ground plant parts can remove significant amounts of nutrients (during the first five months of growth) from the wastewater flowing into the two wetlands. Wetland plant species with high phytomass productivity and well developed root systems and ability to withstand flooding are the best in nutrient removal.

Reclamation of colliery mine spoil founded on natural succession

Reclamation of derelict land is of great concern for industrial countries. Technically produced and biologically inactive soils are called to be hostile to plants. Therefore, great effort is applied, in order to reintegrate them into the landscape. Ordinarily plant settlement starts with pioneer plants, especially herbs. Reafforestation, in this case, is an ecological misunderstanding. A method of mimicking natural succession including its ecological and economic advantages is described. The results of an applied experiment on virgin mine spoil with respect to species number, plant cover degree, and above ground phytomass production in the course of six years are reported in this paper.