Indicator Plant Species Research Articles

The indicator plant species of wild animals in the Gidengelmez mountains district

The indicator plant species of wild animals in the Gidengelmez mountains district

Indicator plant species of alpha diversity in Kuyucak Mountain district

Tur cesitliligi yuksek olan bir orman ekosistemi yangin, bocek, kirletici kaynaklar gibi her turlu tehlikeye karsi daha dayanikli ve saglikli olmaktadir. Dolayisiyla orman ekosistemlerinin surekliliginde tur cesitligi anahtar gorevi gormektedir. Tur cesitliligi alfa, beta ve gama duzeyinde belirlenmektedir. Bu calisma, ornek alan ici cesitlilik anlamina gelen alfa tur cesitliliginin pozitif gosterge turlerini tespit etmek amaciyla gerceklestirilmistir. Calismada Akdeniz Bolgesi’nin gecis zonunda bulunan ve kuzey-guney dogrultusunda uzanan Kuyucak Dagi’ndan elde edilen veriler (bitki taksonlarina ait var-yok verileri) kullanilmistir. Ornek alanlar icin alfa cesitliliginin hesaplanmasinda Simpson 1-λ, Shannon-Wiener, Brillouin, Menhinick, Margalef, Fisher α, Berger-Parker (1/d) ve Chao1 indisleri kullanilmistir. Her ornek alan icin hesaplanan alfa cesitlilik indis degerleri ile alanda tespit edilen bitki taksonlari arasindaki iliskiyi belirlemek icin Wilcoxon Sira Istatistigi testi kullanilmistir. Wilcoxon Sira Istatistigi testi sonucunda iliskinin gercekliligini test edebilmek icin onemli iliski tespit edilen bitki turleri sirayla cikarilarak tekrar alfa cesitlilik indisleri hesaplanmistir. Elde edilen sonuclara gore Fontanesia philliraeoides Labill., Phillyrea latifolia L. ve Pistacia terebinthus L. turlerinin odunsu ve yari odunsu bitki turleri acisindan daha zengin alanlari temsil edebilecegi belirlenmistir.

Diagnostics of the Presence of Viruses in the Potato and Soil

Abstract The paper presents a combined biological assay on indicator plants, a serological assay using ELISA and a molecular assay for detection of viruses that infect the potato. It also elaborates on the bioassay for PVY strain differentiation and for detection of TRV in tubers and soil samples. At IHAR-PIB Młochów Research Center, ELISA tests can be conducted for detection of PVY, PVA, PVM, PVS, PLRV, PVX, TRV and PMTV. Multiplex RT-PCR, real-time quantitative RT-PCR and sequencing methods for detection of PVY, TRV and PMTV are optimized based on a published protocol or developed in our laboratory. The primers for detection of PVY, TRV, PVM, PVS, PLRV, PVX, PMTV, PVA, AMV, CMV, PAMV, TBRV, and BMYV according to the published methods are listed. The maintenance and usage of 19 species of indicator plants are discussed.

Double-edged effect? Impact of dual edge proximity on the distribution of ancient woodland indicator plant species in a fragmented habitat

The influence of edge proximity on woodland plants is a well-established research area, yet the influence of dual edge exposure has rarely been investigated. This novel research aims to establish whether proximity to two edges has any additive influence on Ancient Woodland Indicator (AWI) species presence relative to proximity to a single edge. Several AWI species are threatened and thus specific conservation priorities, while Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland (ASNW) itself is often highly fragmented: almost half of remnant patches are less than 5 ha, which increases the potential for dual edge effects. Here, systematic mapping of herbaceous AWI species was conducted in 310 vegetation plots in two formerly-connected ASNW fragments in South-West England. Linear regression modelling revealed that distance to nearest edge and distance to second nearest edge were both univariately positively correlated with AWI species richness. After distance from nearest edge was entered into a multivariate model first, distance from second edge was entered in a second optional step after meeting stepwise criteria. The resultant multivariate model was more significant, and explained more variance, than either variable in isolation, indicating an additive effect of dual edge exposure. Likewise, binary logistic regression modelling showed presence of individual AWI species (Anemone nemorosa, Hyacinthoides non-scripta, Lamiastrum galaeobdolon and Paris quadrifolia) was significantly related not only to distance from the nearest and second nearest edges in isolation, but significantly more strongly by the additive effect of distance from both edges in a single model. We discuss the implications of these findings from community ecology and conservation perspectives.

FIRST REPORT OF IRIS MILD MOSAIC VIRUS FROM IRIS XIPHIUM IN IRAN

Iris mild mosaic virus (IMMV, genus Potyvirus, family Potyviridae) has been previously reported in Iris species worldwide (Brunt, 1986). Since November 2015, a total of 85 symptomatic leaf samples of bulbous Iris xiphium plants showing mild mosaic and chlorosis were collected from greenhouses of four different provinces of Iran. 94% of collected samples reacted positively with genus-specific monoclonal antibodies for potyviruses (AS- 0573/1 DSMZ, Germany) in antigen coated-plate ELISA (Jordan and Hammond, 1991). Crude leaf extracts of 15 symptomatic potyvirus infected Iris plants were individually mechanically inoculated on nine seedlings (three replications of three plants each) of 16 different indicator plant species belonging to Chenopodiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae and Solanaceae families. No symptoms developed on inoculated test plants except for Chenopodium quinoa in which numerous chlorotic local lesions were induced by all inoculated isolates. Total RNA was extracted from several local lesions of five C. quinoa leaves and used in RT-PCR assay with a new specific primer pair, IMMV-F/IMMV-R (5'- CGAGATACGGAAGTTCTACGCA-3'/5'-GGGTTGTGCGTAATCAAGTAGTGG-3'), which was designed based on nucleotide sequence of IMMV-WA-1 isolate (GenBank accession No. JF320812) to amplify a ca. 700 bp region encompassing the partial nuclear inclusion protein b and coat protein (3'-NIb, 211 bp /5'-CP, 492 bp) genes of IMMV genome. Following cloning and sequencing, BLAST analysis of an isolate (IMMV-Ar, KX870019) sequence showed the highest range of identity (82-99%) with existing IMMV sequences, including isolates DC4b (99%, DQ436919; New Zealand) and Bate2 (98%, JN127338; Australia). Phylogenetic analysis based on partial NIb-CP sequences of all five available IMMV isolates showed that IMMV-Ar clustered with isolates Bate2 and DC4b. To our knowledge, this is the first report of IMMV occurrence on Iris xiphium from Iran.

Rebuilding soil hydrological functioning after swidden agriculture in eastern Madagascar

Land-use change due to the widespread practice of swidden agriculture affects the supply of ecosystem services. However, there is comparatively little understanding of how the hydrological functioning of soils, which affects rainfall infiltration and therefore flood risk, dry-season flows and surface erosion, is affected by repeated vegetation clearing and burning, the extent to which this can recover following land abandonment and vegetation regrowth, and whether active restoration speeds up recovery. We used interviews with local land users and indicator plant species to reconstruct the land-use history of 19 different sites in upland eastern Madagascar that represent four different land-use categories: semi-mature forests that were never burnt but were influenced by manual logging until 15–20 years ago; fallows that were actively reforested 6–9 years ago; 2–10year old naturally regenerating fallows; and highly degraded fire-climax grassland sites. Surface- and near-surface (down to 30cm depth) saturated soil hydraulic conductivities (Ksat), as well as the dominant flow pathways for infiltration and percolation were determined for each land-cover type. Surface Ksat in the forest sites was very high (median: 724mmh−1) and infiltration was dominated by flow along roots and other preferential flow pathways (macropores), whereas Ksat in the degraded land was low (median: 45mmh−1) with infiltration being dominated by near-surface matrix flow. The total area of blue-dye stains was inversely correlated to the Ksat. Both surface- and near-surface Ksat had increased significantly after 6–9 years of forest regeneration (median values of 203 and 161mmh−1 for reforestation and natural regeneration, respectively). Additional observations are needed to more fully understand the rates at which soil hydrological functioning can be rebuilt and whether active replanting decreases the time required to restore soil hydrological functioning or not.

The Vegetation of North-Western Mongolia: Floristic Checklist and Conservation Status of Mongolian Grassland Flora

Mongolia´s grassland (steppe) is reported to be vulnerable to climate change, degradation, and densifi cation. The traditional Mongolian pastoral herding system is currently transforming due to changes in market relations and economic developments, and this transformation has an impact on species composition and biodiversity. For this study, we observed the current situation of the fl ora in the north-western Mongolian territories to provide data on plant species occurrence in this remote area. A vegetation assessment was conducted for 15 locations in June and July 2016. Indicator plant species were determined to assess the level of grazing and degradation, as well as the respective steppe sub-type. The conservation status of all recorded plant species was assessed in accordance with the IUCN Red List. In total, 106 vascular plant species belonging to 73 genera and 26 families were recorded. Four endemic plant species were observed. All locations were classifi ed into three steppe sub-types: Desert-steppe, dry-steppe and mountain-steppe. A large number of degradation indicator plant species were observed in almost all locations. No endangered species in the Mongolian IUCN Red List were observed. The observation indicates that the vegetation in the north-western area of Mongolia is partly showing tendencies towards overgrazing and degradation. The conservation status of the most recorded species is currently unknown, and more studies on Mongolian vegetation will need to be conducted to assess these species’ status. We emphasize the urgent need for further studies on the vegetation and plant species composition, and indicators in north-western Mongolia, especially in context of the ongoing rapid economic, social, and ecological changes in the region.

Detection of habitats colonized by Omphiscola glabra (Gastropoda: Lymnaeidae) on acid soils using indicator plants

The lymnaeid Omphiscola glabra is known to be an intermediate host in the life cycle of Fasciola hepatica and knowing its distribution in the field is important to determine that of the parasite. Looking at indicator plants has been proposed by several authors as one of the most practical ways of carrying out a malacological survey in pastures of a farm. Field investigations on 361 French farms breeding cattle or sheep on acid soils were thus carried out for 36 years in March or April to list indicator plant species in seven types of habitats colonized by O. glabra , and determine the characteristics of their habitats (area, snail density) for each indicator plant. Six plant species: Agrostis stolonifera , Dactylis glomerata , Glyceria fluitans , Juncus acutiflorus , Juncus effusus and Lotus uliginosus , were examined in 3137 snail habitats. J. effusus was the best indicator species to detect snail populations in five habitat types, while J. acutiflorus was the best indicator for snail populations living in spring heads. The other four plant species characterized only a few populations. Snail habitats detected with J. acutiflorus , J. effusus or L. uliginosus were significantly larger in area, while the density of overwintering snails was significantly lower in habitats with G. fluitans . These initial results suggest that J. effusus is a good indicator for the detection of O. glabra in the acid soils of central France. However, additional studies are required to test its limitations in the field.

Study of Spatial Pattern of Indicator Plant Species in Ecological Species Groups (Case Study: Manesht Protected Area, Ilam Province)

Study of Spatial Pattern of Indicator Plant Species in Ecological Species Groups (Case Study: Manesht Protected Area, Ilam Province)

Flowering Plants Preferred by Bumblebees (Bombus Latr.) in the Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants in Wrocław

Abstract Due to fewer bumblebees in rural areas these days, it is necessary to look for alternative habitats for the active protection of these very important pollinators. The research was carried out in The Botanical Garden of Medicinal Plants, in Wrocław, Poland. In the garden, approximately 2000 plant species were cultivated, of which 185 were visited by bumblebees. Amongst them, 57 plant species were deemed very attractive and were determined to be indicators for 7 bumblebee species. Indicator species for bumblebees ranged between 6 for Bombus pratorum to up to 20 for B. pascuorum. Monarda didyma was an indicator plant to 6 recorded bumblebee species. Other indicator plant species for at least 4 bumblebees species were: Origanum vulgare, Lavandula angustifolia, Rhododendron catawbiense, Phacelia tanacetifolia, and Agastache rugosa. Three bumblebee species were found to forage the most on 11 of the flowering plant species. The biggest group of plants were those which were mostly visited by 1-2 bumblebee species. Amongst all recorded indicator plants, 32% were native species.

Giving meaning to Ellenberg nutrient values: National Forest Soil Inventory yields frequency‐based scaling

AbstractQuestionsEllenberg nutrient values based on indicator plant species composition of vegetation plots (mN) are widely used to measure temporal and spatial patterns of nutrient deficiency and eutrophication. The widespread use is in contrast to the lack of direct calibration against soil chemical proxies of nutrient availability. Lack of calibration and range contraction due to averaging of a bounded ordinal scale hinder the interpretation of mN across studies. Based on a large set of concomitant vegetation–soil data we asked: (1) which is the best single soil predictor of mN, (2) which combination of soil variables best explains mN; and (3) can a meaningful relative scale of mN be provided for comparative purposes?LocationForests in Germany, sampled in a systematic 8 km × 8 km grid.MethodsThe German National Forest Soil Inventory (NFSI) provides a large, representative sample of joint soil and vegetation plots, which were additionally intersected with modelled background N deposition. Values of mN of vegetation plots were related to measured 36 soil and three deposition variables by correlation and multiple regression. The distribution of mN was partitioned based on quantiles.ResultsIn NFSI mN was most closely related to the C/N ratio of the topsoil (r² = 0.31). Multiple analysis regression showed that soil acidity, soil P and K, humus quality and deposition were complementary predictors (multiple r² = 0.47) of mN.ConclusionsValues of mN are moderately, but consistently, related to measurable chemical properties of forest soils. The 10, 30, 70 and 90% quantiles of the frequency distribution of mN in the NFSI data are proposed to define a relative scale of macronutrient availability in forest soils, distinguishing very oligotrophic (mN < 3.38), oligotrophic (3.38–4.8), mesotrophic (4.80–5.75), eutrophic (5.75–6.21) and highly eutrophic (>6.21) sites, which broadly correspond to conventional classes of C/N ratio used in forest site mapping. This proposed five‐class trophic scale can be used to compare mN and its trends across studies in forest vegetation of Central Europe.

Climate change is advancing spring onset across the U.S. national park system

AbstractMany U.S. national parks are already at the extreme warm end of their historical temperature distributions. With rapidly warming conditions, park resource management will be enhanced by information on seasonality of climate that supports adjustments in the timing of activities such as treating invasive species, operating visitor facilities, and scheduling climate‐related events (e.g., flower festivals and fall leaf‐viewing). Seasonal changes in vegetation, such as pollen, seed, and fruit production, are important drivers of ecological processes in parks, and phenology has thus been identified as a key indicator for park monitoring. Phenology is also one of the most proximate biological responses to climate change. Here, we use estimates of start of spring based on climatically modeled dates of first leaf and first bloom derived from indicator plant species to evaluate the recent timing of spring onset (past 10–30 yr) in each U.S. natural resource park relative to its historical range of variability across the past 112 yr (1901–2012). Of the 276 high latitude to subtropical parks examined, spring is advancing in approximately three‐quarters of parks (76%), and 53% of parks are experiencing “extreme” early springs that exceed 95% of historical conditions. Our results demonstrate how changes in climate seasonality are important for understanding ecological responses to climate change, and further how spatial variability in effects of climate change necessitates different approaches to management. We discuss how our results inform climate change adaptation challenges and opportunities facing parks, with implications for other protected areas, by exploring consequences for resource management and planning.

Farmers perception on soil fertility status of small- scale farming system in southwestern Ethiopia

Soil is one of the most essential natural resources. That is why soil fertility management is a major global concern. The current study in Delta sub-watershed was conducted to assess farmer’s perception on soil fertility status of small holder farming system under different land uses, Enset (Ensete ventricosum) farm, grazing and agricultural land. Both secondary and primary data were collected through direct field observation, focus group discussion, key informants and household interviewing. The results revealed that farmers of the study area employed different traditional indicators to assess soil fertility status. Among the indicators used, about 44.4% of the interviewed farmers perceive reduction of crop yield, 25.4% perceives change in soil color and 28.57% of the farmers perceive weed dominance and indicator plant species as a main indicator of soil fertility decline. Using the indicators, they ranked soil fertility status of grazing and Enset farm lands as more fertile than agricultural land. In order to tackle the problem of decline in soil fertility, the interventions should focus on supporting farmers to implement diversified nutrient management strategies that can maintain and conserve soil in order to ensure sustainably high crop yield as well as long term productivity of the soil. Key words: Crop yield, land use, farming system, soil fertility indicator.

Shifts in Plant Assemblages Reduce the Richness of Galling Insects Across Edge-Affected Habitats in the Atlantic Forest.

Impacts of habitat loss and fragmentation on specialist herbivores have been rarely addressed. Here we examine the structure of plant and galling insect assemblages in a fragmented landscape of the Atlantic forest to verify a potential impoverishment of these assemblages mediated by edge effects. Saplings and galling insects were recorded once within a 0.1-ha area at habitat level, covering forest interior stands, forest edges, and small fragments. A total of 1,769 saplings from 219 tree species were recorded across all three habitats, with differences in terms of sapling abundance and species richness. Additionally, edge-affected habitats exhibited reduced richness of both host-plant and galling insects at plot and habitat spatial scale. Attack levels also differed among forest types at habitat spatial scale (21.1% of attacked stems in forest interior, 12.4% in small fragments but only 8.5% in forest edges). Plot ordination resulted in three clearly segregated clusters: one formed by forest interior, one by small fragments, and another formed by edge plots. Finally, the indicator species analysis identified seven and one indicator plant species in forest interior and edge-affected habitats, respectively. Consequently, edge effects lead to formation of distinct taxonomic groups and also an impoverished assemblage of plants and galling insects at multiple spatial scales. The results of the present study indicate that fragmentation-related changes in plant assemblages can have a cascade effects on specialist herbivores. Accordingly, hyperfragmented landscapes may not be able to retain an expressive portion of tropical biodiversity.

Modern pollen–vegetation relationships in saltmarsh habitats along a salinity gradient of a fluvial estuary

The classification of vegetated habitats and the palynological study of surface sediments are used to evaluate the plant-pollen relationship in the saltmarshes of the Chuí River (southern Brazil). The visual plant cover was recorded in five transects perpendicular to the river's margins and positioned along 4.5km of the estuarine gradient. Two-way Indicator Species Analysis (TWINSPAN) of the plant cover in 65 sampled quadrats was used to characterize five vegetated habitats. These habitats were distinguished by their elevation in the intertidal zone and their location in the estuarine gradient. The salinity of surface water that flooded low marshes decreased from 20 to 4 between transect 1 and transect 5. A total of 10 surface soil samples from marsh habitats were taken in the same transects as for the study of vegetation, and pollen and spores were identified. The pollen frequencies of dominant families (Cyperaceae, Poaceae, Chenopodicaeae, Juncaceae and Asteraceae) on the surface of marsh habitats show high correlations with the parent plant cover (0.66 to 0.81), but pollen taxa show a higher richness in the plant taxa. The most frequent spores (massulae) encountered in all samples belong to the aquatic fern Azolla filiculoides, followed by spores of the moss Phaeoceros. The palynological data obtained are consistent with the regional vegetation cover characteristics of saltmarshes, but it is difficult to distinguish different habitat types (Discriminant Analysis results). This low discrimination of pollen-spore assemblages is related to the widespread distribution of the indicator plant species, mostly taxa known to produce large quantities of (primarily) wind-dispersed pollen, which are also redeposited or transferred by tides or freshwater influxes. The low taxonomic resolution of pollen grains of dominant taxa, such as Cyperaceae and Poaceae, also creates difficulties to distinguish the vegetated marsh habitats based on pollen assemblages. The widespread presence of pollen from introduced plants such as Pinus species near the saltmarshes emphasizes the anthropogenic impact on this region.

Characteristics of Honey from Serpentine Area in the Eastern Rhodopes Mt., Bulgaria.

Honey samples collected during 2007-2010 from serpentine and non-serpentine localities in the Eastern Rhodopes Mt. (Bulgaria) were characterized on the basis of their pollen content by qualitative melissopalynological analysis and physicochemical composition. Water content, pH, electrical conductivity, macroelements-K, Ca, Mg, P, and microelements-As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, and Zn were determined after the Harmonised Methods of the International Honey Commission and ICP-AES method. The results from serpentine honey samples were compared with data from bee pollen collected from the same serpentine area. Different elements have different concentrations in honey from the same botanical type even collected from the same geographical region, same locality, and same beehive but in different vegetation season. The elements Mg, Mn, Ni, and P contribute mostly for separation of the serpentine honey samples based on measured elemental concentrations and performed principal component analysis. The element concentrations were higher in bee pollen and above the permissible limits for the toxic metals Cd and Pb. No specific indicator plant species was found for identification of the geographical origin of serpentine honey in relation to the forage of bees.

Combining near infrared spectra of feces and geostatistics to generate forage nutritional quality maps across landscapes.

An important asset for the management of wild ungulates is recognizing the spatial distribution of forage quality across heterogeneous landscapes. To do so typically requires knowledge of which plant species are eaten, in what abundance they are eaten, and what their nutritional quality might be. Acquiring such data, however, may be difficult and time consuming. Here, we are proposing a rapid and cost-effective forage quality monitoring tool that combines near infrared (NIR) spectra of fecal samples and easily obtained data on plant community composition. Our approach rests on the premise that NIR spectra of fecal samples collected within low population density exclosures reflect the optimal forage quality of a given landscape. Forage quality can thus be based on the Mahalanobis distance of fecal spectral scans across the landscape relative to fecal spectral scans inside exclosures (referred to as DISTEX). The Gi* spatial autocorrelation statistic can then be applied among neighboring DISTEX values to detect and map "hot spots" and "cold spots" of nutritional quality over the landscape. We tested our approach in a heterogeneous boreal landscape on Anticosti Island (Québec, Canada), where white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations over the landscape have ranged from 20 to 50 individuals/km2 for at least 80 years, resulting in a loss of most palatable and nutritious plant species. Our results suggest that hot spots of forage quality occur when old-growth balsam fir stands comprise >39.8% of 300 ha neighborhoods, whereas cold spots occur in laggs (i.e., transition zones from forest to peatland). In terms of ground-level indicator plant species, the presence of Canada bunchberry (Cornus canadensis) was highly correlated with hot spots, whereas tamarack (Larix laricina) was highly correlated with cold spots. Mean DISTEX values were positively and significantly correlated with the neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent lignin contents of feces. While our approach would need more independent field trials before it is fully validated, its low cost and ease of execution should make it a valuable tool for advancing both the basic and applied ecology of large herbivores.

Climate, environment and stratigraphy of the last Pleistocene glacial stage in Poland

The aim of the paper is to present general characteristics of the climate in Poland during the Vistulian (Weichselian), expressed by changes of its continentality during warm and cold intervals. This last glacial stage in Poland is commonly subdivided into Early Vistulian (MIS 5d-a), Lower Plenivistulian (MIS 4), Interplenivistulian (MIS 3), and Upper Plenivistulian and Late Vistulian (MIS 2). Main climatic features of this glacial stage could be reconstructed, based on compilation from published data concerning characteristics of glacial, fluvial and aeolian sedimentary environments, geomorphology, analysis of indicator plant species, Coleoptera, and geographical distribution of periglacial structures. These data were indicative especially for evaluation of mean temperature of the warmest and the coldest months but could be also helpful in determination of drier intervals and some aspects of general atmospheric circulation. Paleoclimatic characteristics of the last glacial stage from the territory of Poland were put into the European context. During the Early Vistulian in eastern Poland, higher continentality was characteristic for interstadials (Amersfoort, Brörup and Odderade), and was considerably lower during the intervening colder stadials (Herning, a cooling between Amersfoort and Brörup, Rederstall). Among the interstadials, the most continental climate occurred during Brörup (similar continentality as at present), considerably less during Amersfoort and the least during Odderade. A decreasing trend of continentality for the cold stadials of the Early Weichselian eastwards in Europe could result from a remarkably less dynamic Gulf Stream in the North Atlantic when the ocean was covered with vast sea ice during winters, whereas the adjoining continent was occupied by permafrost, and the atmospheric circulation was presumably driven also by the Scandinavian ice sheet.

Biophysical criteria used by farmers for fallow selection in West and Central Africa

In many parts of the humid Tropics, slash and burn shifting cultivation, incorporating a fallow phase, is the most common farming method, encompassing a broad diversity of techniques. The ecological productivity and sustainability of such systems depend upon the crop:fallow time ratio. Farmers often have biophysical criteria by which to match parcels to cropping systems and decide, for example, when to recultivate a fallow. In this paper, we collate reports of indicators used by farmers to aid in fallow choice from across the agronomic, forestry, ecological, and anthropological literature.We found 27 examples of farmers using such biophysical indicators. Examples found were from eight countries across West and Central Africa. The literature review showed that farmers rank fallow age usually first, followed by vegetation composition, the presence of indicator plants, and earthworm casts. 53 indicator plant species were identified across the region of which 37 were said to indicate soil fertility, 13 soil infertility and 3 either fertility or infertility, depending on their growth characteristics. The most exhaustive lists of indicator plants were reported from southern Cameroon, the Ashante region of Ghana and south west Nigeria. Chromolaena odorata was the most frequently mentioned plant indicator species. The trees Triplochiton scleroxylon and Terminalia superba and the grass were each mentioned, generally as soil fertility indicators, in three areas. Other species mentioned multiple times were Aframomum sp., Andropogon gayanus, Ceiba pentandra, Milicia excelsa, Triumfetta cordifolia and Trema guineensis.Farmers in West and Central Africa have identified indicators for selecting which fallow plots to recultivate. Fallow age, vegetation composition, the presence of indicator plants, particularly C. odorata, and earthworm casts all have some logical scientific basis and farmers observations are supported by the results of scientific studies. There is a lack of documentation of farmers’ knowledge and more studies should be conducted. Such knowledge should form the foundation of any suggested interventions in farming systems in the region and provide information to farmers in communities where such knowledge is not currently applied.

ВОЗДЕЙСТВИЕ ПРИРОДНЫХ И АНТРОПОГЕННЫХ ФАКТОРОВ НА ЭЛЕМЕНТНЫЙ СОСТАВ РАСТЕНИЙ БАШКИРСКОГО ЗАУРАЛЬЯ

Рассмотрены особенности аккумуляции химических элементов в растениях фоновых и антропогенно нарушенных природно-территориальных комплексов (ПТК) Башкирского Зауралья по результатам исследований 1998–2014 гг. на модельных площадях, расположенных в фоновых ПТК, в естественных геохимических аномалиях Красноуральско-Сибай-Гайской рудоносной зоны и в антропогенно загрязненных ПТК на различном удалении от объектов горнорудного производства. Дана детальная характеристика накопления S и тяжелых металлов (ТМ) – Cu, Zn, Fe, Pb, Cd, Ni, Co, Cr и Mn – в почвах и анализ изменчивости концентрации подвижных форм за пятнадцать лет. Особое внимание уделено концентрации ТМ в укосах надземной биомассы и индикаторных видах растений Artemisia austriaca Jack., Salvia stepposa Sсhost., Thymus marschallianus Willd., Veronica incana L., Caragana frutex L., Phlomis tuberosa L., Achilea setacea Waldst. et Kit., Gallium verum L. Показаны различия в аккумуляции ТМ растениями различных агроботанических групп – злаков, разнотравья, бобовых, осок, ветоши. На основе сопряженного анализа содержания подвижных форм ТМ в почвах и в индикаторных видах растений продемонстрирована определяющая роль ландшафтногеохимических факторов в накоплении ТМ в биомассе. Рассмотрена изменчивость химического состава растений под воздействием погодных условий. Отмечено отсутствие прямой корреляции между содержанием подвижных форм ТМ в почвах и уровнем их концентрации в растениях и наличие временного сдвига в одиндва года в ходе их изменений. На основе расчета коэффициентов биологического поглощения составлены ряды видов-концентраторов ТМ, рекомендованных для оценки с помощью биоиндикации техногенной трансформации ландшафтов.