Maintenance Of Vegetation Research Articles

The potential of soil seed banks of a eucalypt wetland forest to aid restoration

Soil seed banks can play an important role in the regeneration of wetland vegetation. However, their potential role in the restoration of degraded wetland forests is less certain. I surveyed the soil seed bank and extant floras of four sites across a eucalypt wetland forest of variable vegetation condition. At each site, the extant vegetation was surveyed within two 5 × 5 m2 quadrats, each from which five composite soil seed bank samples were collected. Across the four sites, 57 (including 18 exotic) species were identified in the extant vegetation, while from the seed bank samples 6379 seedlings emerged from 80 taxa, 33 of which were exotic species. The soil seed bank was dominated by native and exotic monocots, and contained very few seeds of wetland tree or shrub species. Overall, the similarity between the extant and seed bank floras was very low (~24 %). Soil seed banks are likely to be of limited use in the restoration of degraded wetland forests, because the dominant species in such systems—woody and clonal plants—are typically absent from the soil seed bank. Wetland soil seed banks may contribute to the maintenance and diversity of understorey vegetation, however, they may also act as a source of exotic plant invasions, particularly when a wetland is degraded.

Environmental drivers of the bryophyte propagule bank and its comparison with forest-floor assemblage in Central European temperate mixed forests

Species richness, composition and abundance of the bryophyte diaspore bank of Central European temperate mixed forests were compared with the forest-floor bryophyte assemblage. The impact of environmental variables and anthropogenic disturbances, including tree species composition, stand structure, microclimate, light conditions, soil and litter properties, management history, and landscape properties, potentially influencing bryophyte diaspore bank assemblages were explored. Thirty-four, 70–100 years old mixed stands with differing tree species composition were examined in the Őrség National Park, Western Hungary. The diaspore bank was studied by soil collection and cultivation, and data were analysed by multivariate methods. Contrary to the forest-floor bryophyte assemblage, where substrate availability, tree species composition and stand structure were the most influential environmental variables, the composition and abundance of the diaspore bank was mainly affected by site conditions (microclimate, litter and soil properties). Species richness of the bryophyte diaspore bank was lower than that of the forest-floor bryophyte assemblage. Short-lived mosses (colonists, short-lived shuttles) were dominant in the diaspore bank, as opposed to the forest-floor bryophyte community, where perennial mosses dominated. In the studied forests, the importance of the bryophyte diaspore bank was relatively low in the regeneration and maintenance of the forest-floor bryophyte vegetation.

Mensuração da contribuição do setor privado para a cobertura arbórea no município de Piracicaba.

A manutenção da vegetação urbana é extremamente importante como mantenedora da qualidade de vida da população. Com relação aos principais estudos sobre vegetação urbana normalmente são abordados parques urbanos, os locais normalmente negligenciados nestes estudos, são áreas verdes dentro de terrenos particulares, como os quintais urbanos. Estes apresentam uma grande importância ecológica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar a área de cobertura arbórea que se encontra dentro de áreas privadas no perímetro urbano do município de Piracicaba, utilizando imagem do Satélite WorldView-2 e softwares para obtenção dos resultados. Neste trabalho foram utilizadas imagens WorldView-2 de 2011 da área urbana expandida do município de Piracicaba. Nesta imagem foi feita a classificação supervisionada através do software MultiSpec 3.4 em 12 classes, mensurando a cobertura arbórea do município. Após a classificação e análise visual da imagem foi criado um buffer no software Quantum Gis 2.8.1.de 10 metros para ruas e 12 metros para avenidas, para excluir árvores em ruas e avenidas.Após este procedimento no programa ArcGis 10.2.2 foram retiradas todas as das vias públicas, pela ferramente clip, entre a classe copa de árvore e o buffer de ruas. Ainda neste software foram cortadas todas as área com cobertura arbórea em áreas publicas, APPs, e zonas de transição, com a ferramenta erase, contabilizando somente as árvores em terrenos privados. Foi encontrada uma área de 5338,15 ha de cobertura arbórea total na área urbana expandida do município de Piracicaba em 2011, destes 1083,4 ha de cobertura arbórea estava em áreas privadas representando 20,3%.

Análise da hidrografia da Coxilha Rica, sul do município de Lages - SC.

http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/2177-5230.2013v30n59p47A Coxilha Rica integra à porção sul do município de Lages, localizado entre as bacias hidrográficas dos rios Lava Tudo, Pelotas e Pelotinhas. Este trabalho procura explorar o conceito de uma região como a Coxilha Rica, influenciada pelo uso e ocupação do solo, ser fornecedora de água para a bacia hidrográfica a qual pertence. A Coxilha Rica, com seus 1.136,5 Km², conta com 4.663 km de corpos de água e grande quantidade de nascentes, detendo uma hidrografia relevante e deve ser considerada fornecedora de água de qualidade para a bacia hidrográfica a qual pertence. Essa qualidade encontrada na água presente no território da Coxilha Rica pode ser explicada pelo uso e ocupação do solo, em grande parte explorado pela atividade de pecuária extensiva, com baixa lotação de animais, permitindo dessa forma a manutenção da cobertura vegetal nativa e um baixo impacto aos corpos de água.

Vegetated canals mitigate nitrogen surplus in agricultural watersheds

Within irrigated agricultural watersheds, canal networks may play a crucial role as nitrogen (N) sink. This is due to the intertwined action of macrophytes and microbial communities occurring in the dense net of small watercourses. We hypothesize that vegetated canals may buffer relevant fractions of excess N from agriculture via microbial denitrification, and that vegetation provides multiple interfaces that greatly support the activity of bacteria. To test these hypotheses, we measured net dinitrogen (N2) fluxes in bare sediments and at the reach-scale in vegetated ditches. As study areas we selected canals subjected to diffuse N pollution, laying in a lowland sub-basin of the Po River (northern Italy). Denitrification was evaluated on the basis of changes in dissolved N2:Ar, measured by Membrane Inlet Mass Spectrometry. Complementary data were obtained via upstream–downstream inorganic N balances and intact core incubations targeting sedimentary N fluxes. Denitrification was the major pathway for N removal, with rates at the reach-scale (5–25mmolNm−2d−1) up to one order of magnitude higher than in sediment alone (3–7mmolNm−2 d−1). Results highlighted that N uptake by macrophyte stands was quantitatively small; however, aquatic vegetation provided multiple interfaces for microbial growth and N-related processes. Our data suggest that 1ha of vegetated canal may remove between 150 and 560kgNyr−1. In the study area, an average canal density of ∼0.05 linear kmha−1 of agricultural land has the potential to buffer 5–17% of the excess N from agriculture (∼60kgNha−1yr−1).The results of this study suggest the central role of emergent vegetation in promoting microbial N-transformation and canal self-depuration. Innovative management of the canal networks should couple hydraulic needs with the maintenance of emergent vegetation.

Flow–Vegetation–Sediment Interaction in a Cohesive Compound Channel

The purpose of this study was to quantify how vegetation influences the flow and sediment processes relevant to the design and management of environmental compound channels. Therefore, a two-year field investigation was conducted in a cohesive two-stage channel, focusing on the flow resistance and net deposition in five subreaches with different floodplain vegetation conditions. In the grassy subreaches, the cross-sectional blockage factor was the key vegetation property governing the flow resistance, with a process-based model providing reliable estimates under widely variable hydraulic and vegetative conditions. The net deposition of cohesive sediment was best explained by vegetation height while high stand length and density created supply-limited conditions on the inner floodplain. These results showed that the two-stage approach offers potential for controlling the sediment processes through appropriate vegetation maintenance. The novelty of this research is that straightforward analyses accompanied by a physically-based parameterization of the floodplain plant stands were successfully used to characterize the flow–vegetation–sediment interaction in a practical engineering application. The results are expected to be helpful in designing and managing comparable channels.

High parasitoid diversity in remnant natural vegetation, but limited spillover into the agricultural matrix in South African vineyard agroecosystems

The maintenance of remnant natural vegetation in agricultural landscapes is an important component of conservation programmes that promote farmland sustainability. Demonstrating the biodiversity value of remnant vegetation can support conservation initiatives in production landscapes. We assessed the diversity and assemblage structure of hymenopteran parasitoids in fragments of native scrubland (fynbos) within vineyard landscapes in the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa. We also aimed to detect positive effects of adjacent fynbos on vineyard parasitoids, such as elevated diversity at vineyard edges adjoining fynbos or evidence of parasitoid spillover into vineyards. Fynbos remnants had significantly higher parasitoid abundance and richness than neighboring vineyards, and supported assemblages distinct from those within vineyards. Parasitoid diversity in vineyards was not influenced by distance to remnant vegetation. Additionally, evidence for spillover was limited, as there were abrupt changes in assemblage structure at fynbos/vineyard boundaries. Surrounding vineyards therefore seem to have an isolating effect on parasitoids in remnants. This emphasises the need to increase the permeability of the vineyard matrix. Yet, our results show that remnants are important for retaining parasitoid diversity and provide refugia for certain species within the disturbed agricultural environment. Approaches that combine natural remnant conservation with arthropod-friendly activities in vineyards would be an effective way to support diverse and functional parasitoid assemblages at the landscape scale. Conservation of this diversity will be crucial for maintaining long-term ecological resilience in agricultural landscapes.

Do habitat variables correlate anuran abundance in arid terrain of Rawalpindi–Islamabad Areas, Pakistan?

The quantification of anuran abundance and habitat provides valuable baseline data for future monitoring in areas of planned or anticipated human activities. We carried out the present study to see if anuran abundance is associated with habitat variables (water quality, gravel size and vegetation) in Rawalpindi–Islamabad Area, Pakistan. We used area-constrained searches and quadrat method to gather data on anuran abundance and vegetation diversity, respectively, from September, 2012 to July, 2013. We recorded 28±4.83 (mean number±SE) individuals of six anuran species from the study area. We recorded Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (10±2.39) as the most abundant anuran species while Microhyla ornata (<1±0.09) as the least abundant species. The Kernel regression revealed strong and statistically significant association between habitat variables and abundance of Hoplobatrachus tigerinus (R2=0.678) and Bufo stomaticus (R2=0.624) but weak and statistically significant association between habitat variables and abundance of E. cyanophlyctis (R2=0.482); Duttaphrynus melanostictus (R2=0. 451); M. ornata (R2=0.223) and Limnonectes limnocharis (R2=0. 006). We concluded that the common frogs and toads in our area belong to families Dicroglossidae and Bufonidae while uncommon frogs are of family Microhylidae. We suggest inclusion of monitoring of water quality (dissolved oxygen and pH) and maintenance of native wild vegetation particularly herbs, shrubs and hydrophytes of the area in the on-going and proposed development schemes of Rawalpindi–Islamabad Areas.

Fire in the Northeast: Learning from the Past, Planning for the Future

Fire is an important disturbance process that regulates forest stand structure and species diversity in many ecosystems across the northeastern United States. Fires have promoted the growth and regeneration of shade intolerant genera throughout the Holocene, during which time humans have had a dominant influence on northeastern fire regimes. Humans have used fire for many applications including wildlife management, land clearing, and vegetation maintenance. Fire frequency increased during the periods of Native American occupation and early European colonization, but it has decreased since Native American displacement, colonist farm abandonment, and direct fire suppression, causing shifts in plant community composition toward shade-tolerant, pyrophobic species. Managers need appropriate benchmarks for using prescribed fire for restoration, especially in the face of climatic change. Salient lessons from history are: (a) fire is natural, (b) fire is cultural, (c) fire is economic, and (d) human decisions regarding fire will strongly impact the future of existing ecosystems. Fire, and how we as a society will manage it, must remain at the forefront of political discussions, policy development, and public education, while investment into research must provide the knowledge base for continued adaptive management in the face of an uncertain future.

An agricultural drainage channel classification system for phosphorus management

In agricultural landscapes, surface ditches and streams can significantly influence the attenuation and transfer of phosphorus (P) from upstream sources to receiving water-bodies. The magnitude of P attenuation and/or transfer within channels can vary considerably according to fine sediment retention and/or transfer processes. Fine sediment retention and/or transfer processes can, in turn, vary considerably according to channel physical characteristics. An understanding of channel physical characteristics, their effect on fine sediment retention/transfer and their spatial distribution, could be used to develop channel-specific management strategies for the reduction of downstream P transfers. Using a detailed field survey of surface channel networks in a well-drained arable and a poorly-drained grassland catchment, this study (i) characterised the surface channels in both catchments, (ii) classified the channels into four classes of fine sediment retention and/or transfer likelihood based on a comparison of physical characteristics (slope and drainage area) with observations of fine sediment accumulation and (iii) considered P management strategies that are suited to each class. Results of the survey demonstrated that ditch dimensions were not closely related to their indicative flow volumes and were over-engineered, which likely reduces downstream P transfer. Net attenuation of fine sediment and associated P was predicted for 40% of the total channel length in the grassland catchment, compared to 13% of the total channel length in the arable catchment. Net transfer of fine sediment and associated P was predicted for 24% of the total channel length in the grassland catchment compared to 58% of the total channel length in the arable catchment. For eutrophication management in headwaters, periodic removal of fine sediment and maintenance of channel bank vegetation in net attenuating and transferring channels respectively would help to minimise P transfers from these catchments.

Catastrophic collapse of the larval trematode component community in Charlie's Pond (North Carolina).

In 1984, work on the parasite population and community ecology in the pulmonate snail, Helisoma anceps , was initiated in Charlie's Pond (North Carolina). Similar research on Physa gyrina was started in 1986. When study in the pond began in 1984, 8 species of larval trematodes were being shed from Hel. anceps. By far, the dominant species was Halipegus occidualis , with prevalences generally ∼60%, except during midsummer, when older snails were dying. For the other 7 trematode species being shed, prevalences were consistently less than 4%. By 2006, 18 species had been identified in Hel. anceps at one time or another. In 1986, Hal. eccentricus was discovered in P. gyrina , with a prevalence of ∼49%. Through 2006, 7 trematodes were found to be shedding cercariae from P. gyrina . Halipegus eccentricus disappeared from the pond in 1998. From March through November of 2012 and 2013, 1,292 Hel. anceps and 716 P. gyrina were collected, using collection protocols that were identical to those used from 1984 through 2006. In 2012, 5 trematode species, including Hal. occidualis, were present in Hel. anceps at one time or another. During the last part of the 2012 collecting season cercariae of just 2 species were being shed from Hel. anceps (and 1 from P. gyrina ). In 2013, only cercariae of Haematoloechus longiplexus and Uvulifer ambloplitis were observed from Hel. anceps. The latter species was lost by 2014, and an echinostome was present (2.1%); a single snail was infected with Haem. longiplexus. Four species were being shed from P. gyrina , i.e., Echinoparyphium sp. (7.9%), Glypthelmins sp. (1.5%), Plagiorchis sp. (4.9%), and Posthodiplostomum sp. (7.4%). Rarefaction curves were generated for Hel. anceps shedding in 1984, 1988, 1989, 2002, 2006, and August of 2014. The data clearly indicate that species diversity was constantly declining over the 31-yr period. We did not include P. gyrina in the analysis since data for this snail species were not acquired until 1991-1992. At present, we have no definitive explanation for the decrease in diversity, although circumstantial evidence suggests that it might be related to periodic declines in water level that negatively affected the colonization and maintenance of emergent vegetation within the pond.

Local representations of change and conservation of the riparian forests along the São Francisco River (Northeast Brazil)

Investigations of local representations about the environment allow for the elucidation of historical landscape transformation and the elaboration of strategies for environmental conservation. Thus, this study aimed to answer the following questions. How does the local population represent the possible changes in riparian vegetation over time? What historical events were responsible for these possible changes? How does the local population represent concerns related to the use and maintenance of riparian vegetation? This study was carried out with 87 informants from three communities: two rural ex-settlement communities and one quilombo in Northeastern Brazil. According to the informants, there were changes in the riparian vegetation. The main causes of these changes include the type of agriculture practiced in the region and the building of a large dam to provide water to the city of Sobradinho in the state of Bahia. However, there was no significant difference between the number of informants who said that the changes were for the worse and those who said that they were for the better. In addition, the respondents reported an increase in the abundance of exotic species and a decrease in the abundance of native species. Thus, the importance of including this group of people in the process of the forest restoration that will occur in the region is emphasized because they possess information about the past vegetation changes and their causes. They can also indicate which species should be prioritized for replanting according to their usage needs and they understand the importance of conserving riparian vegetation.

DIVERSIDADE E ÍNDICES ARBÓREOS EM AMBIENTES ESCOLARES

Studies have shown the importance of tree diversity in terms of environmental education and for ethical behavior of the students in environmental school. However, there are few studies with a standard proposed method for determining the arboreal vegetation existing inside the schools environmental. There is also a lack of index trees that can be used to design areas for vegetation inside these environments. This study aimed to conduct an environmental assessment in three schools located the Cuiabá city. It was carried out an arboreal inventory and vegetation indexes, in order to evaluate indexes that can be used as references for designing landscape projects for educational environments, as well as to be used in planning, conservation and maintenance of arboreal vegetation existing in these spaces. It was noted in school environment investigated that there was equilibrium between the native and exotic species and it was observed high relative frequency of two species. The largest values of leaf area index was determined in exotic trees such as Manguifera Indica L. and Ficus benjamina, as well as in the native one, like Licania tomentosa (Oiti). The results suggest shading arborization index equal or greater than 40% and school arboreal vegetation index at least equal to 12m2 per student for educational environments.

Bases metodológicas para el cálculo de muros entramados de madera con vegetación o muros Krainer

The aim of this article is to establish guidelines for the calculation of log-crib walls stability, popularly known like Krainer walls. These structures combine both engineered and biological features and that is the reason why they require stability calculation. The existing information about walls is large but not specific about this technique. It is proposed a method which determines admissible forces between soil and constructive materials. These stability calculations consider security against sliding, overturning stability, resistance to bending and anchorage and union checks. The bioengineering restoration has to be improved against less environmentally sensitive techniques (rock wall or concrete) as it achieves bank stabilization as well as the conservation and maintenance of local vegetation. Thereby, it is necessary to establish calculation criteria to ensure its proper functioning.

Groundwater depth and topography correlate with vegetation structure of an upland peat swamp, Budderoo Plateau, NSW, Australia

ABSTRACTSwamps, bogs and fens are diverse wetland ecosystems found worldwide. Within each region, different ecological processes and species dominate them, yet water levels and saturation of sediments appear key to the maintenance of vegetation and the ecosystem as a whole. Consequently, understanding how vegetation responds to water levels in these ecosystems is critical to their future management. This paper describes the floristic patterns observed in an upland swamp on the Budderoo Plateau, Southern Highlands, NSW, and relates the distribution of the vegetation communities to groundwater depth, soil type and site attributes. Three distinct vegetation assemblages were identified associated with (1) the main swamp axis, (2) the swamp margin and (3) the adjacent hillslopes. Elevation above the central swamp axis was the variable most strongly related to vegetation structure. Relative changes in elevation create a drainage gradient that allows higher elevation areas (hillslope and swamp marginal zones) to drain more readily than areas in the main swamp axis. Variation in vegetation was also related to median groundwater depth. Finally, soil organic matter content was a contributing factor with the swamp axis and marginal zones mostly having fibric, highly organic soils in contrast to the sandy, loamy soils on the hillslopes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Programación óptima del mantenimiento de la vegetación bajo redes aéreas de distribución usando una técnica de optimización multiobjetivo

One of the major causes for the interruption of power service supply is the contact between vegetation and the power distribution lines. In this paper, two multiobjective mathematical models are proposed to minimize the vegetation negative impact on the electricity network quality, minimizing in turn, the cost of the vegetation pruning. In the first mathematical model, the level of energy not served due the failures from vegetation is minimized and in the second one the average percentage of violation into the safe zone between the vegetation and the overhead power distribution systems is minimized. In both models, the second objective function is to minimize the cost of maintenance of vegetation, considering restrictions associated with equipment availability, reliability in the electrical service and maximum number of prunings on a network segment for the period of vegetation maintenance planning. The scheduling result is pruning activities for a planning period of one year. The elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) is the multi-objective optimization technique used to solve this problem on a test system.

Watershed services payments to smallholders in the Brazilian Amazon: challenges and perspectives

Several hydrobiogeochemical research activities have been conducted in the Eastern Amazon, contributing to the understanding of how changes in forests and agro-ecosystems affect the provision of services to ecosystems. The findings have demonstrated that good agricultural practices and the presence of natural secondary vegetation favored by the management of small family farms are important factors for hydrobiogeochemical cycling, aquatic ecosystem conservation, soil conservation, and mitigation of trace gases emissions from biomass burning in Amazonian small catchments. Two challenges for watershed service management arise in this context. First, low population densities and the relatively flat landscape mean that a critical mass of downstream beneficiaries of such services - a prerequisite for public intervention is more difficult to identify than in more densely populated mountainous areas. Second, although watershed service providers (farmers) are also to a considerable extent service beneficiaries, conflicts over land and cultural heterogeneities among settlers inhibit local collective action to safeguard the quality of stream water. Including small landholders in carbon payment schemes that compensate for the maintenance of riverbank vegetation would appear to be a cost-effective means to secure watershed services as additional benefits of forest-based mitigation of climate change.

Water Quality Criteria for Water Bodies in Urban Areas and Accompanying Changes in Surrounding and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;In-Situ&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Vegetation: Considerations from the Landscape Aspect of Planning Water Recreational Areas

Water bodies in urban areas are important as recreational areas. Thus, management plans that maintain high water quality are quite important. At the Hatadate Water Park adjacent to Miyagi University, water quality parameters such as visibility, COD, TOC, and TN were monitored at a small pond and the inflowing stream from August to December in 2011, and photographs were taken of these sites. Variations in COD and TOC were highly related to changes in the physical appearance, especially changes in vegetation. These findings suggest: 1) the importance of management of vegetation for water quality control; and 2) the importance of collecting photographic records of sites for research purposes of interpreting data and even as a data point of water quality. Together with the water quality goals for water bodies in urban areas proposed by Sudo et al. [1], these water quality criteria were assessed, and it was notable that COD often exceeded the set goal. These results suggest that the maintenance of vegetation is more important than controlling incoming TN for primary production in the pond. Seasonal variations in COD and TOC were plotted for surface water of Kamafusa and Okura dams, both are important lakes in Miyagi area and the catchments of both lakes are mainly hilly area, using published water quality reports. Similar annual-cycle changing patterns were shown both for the dams, implying that some kinds of ecological factors in the catchments are affecting the water qualities of the dam, even at those larger scale water bodies. Finally, by shifting the focus from only water to upstream features such as small park, or pocket park, with a parking lot for the water body, the importance of landscape including vegetation and tree cover was highlighted.

POE를 통한 친환경건축물 인증 공동주택 인공환경 녹화 관리 실태 및 개선방안 연구

본 연구는 친환경건축물 인증 공동주택의 지속가능성 증진을 위한 연구로서, 2007년 6월부터 2008년 6월 사이에 한국토지주택공사 토지주택연구원에서 친환경건축물 본인증을 획득한 서울 경기지역 공동주택 8곳을 선정하여 "생태환경을 고려한 인공환경 녹화기법 적용여부(이하, 인공환경 녹화)" 평가항목의 거주후 평가(POE)를 수행하였다. 연구 목적은 친환경건축물 인증 공동주택의 인공환경 녹화 부문 관리 실태와 문제점을 파악하여 향후 재인증 규정 및 사후관리에 시사점을 제공하는 것이다. 이를 위하여 현장관찰조사와 관리자 면담 및 거주후 평가를 실시하였고, 분석 결과 도출한 문제점은 다음과 같다. 첫째, 친환경 인증 공동주택 단지에 도입된 생태환경을 고려한 인공환경 녹화 계획요소의 사후관리가 제대로 이루어지지 않고 있다. 둘째, 인공환경 녹화에 대한 만족도는 전반적으로 낮았으며, 옹벽대체녹화가 담장녹화, 옥상녹화, 벽면녹화에 비해 만족도가 높았다. 평가항목별 만족도는 질적 수준, 설계목적 부합 여부, 식생 관리상태, 식생 생육상태가 평균보다 낮은 만족도를 보였다. 셋째, 인공환경 녹화 만족도는 질적 수준에 대한 만족도에 가장 큰 영향을 받으며, 나머지 요인들도 만족도와 통계적으로 유의미한 관계에 있음을 알 수 있었다. 현 인증 제도는 유지관리 평가기준이 미비하여 관리상태가 소홀하고, 이는 전체적인 인공환경 녹화 만족도 저하에 영향을 미친다. 따라서 인증심사와 별도로 운영되는 사후관리 제도의 도입이 요구되며, 인증 취소나 벌점부과와 같은 적극적인 관리 규제 확충방안이 모색되어야 할 것이다. This study aims to suggest ways to improve sustainability on housing complexes. This study sampled eight housing projects in Seoul and GyeongGi-Do in Korea, which were completed in June 2007 and June 2008. Then, are retention and maintenance on "constructed greens for ecological environment" including "green structures substitutes retaining walls", "green roofs", and "green walls." Study methods are field investigations of the sampled sites, and Post Occupancy Analysis. Major findings were; 1) "constructed greens" are not well retained in more sites and and this implies the GBCS(Green Building Certification System) does not meet its objectives well, 2) User showed lower user satisfaction to "constructed greens". User satisfaction concerning "green structures substitute retaining walls" was higher than the satisfaction on the other constructed green type. Satisfaction Assessment Criteria lower 1han average were "level of quality", "meet the design objectives", "vegetation management status", "vegetation maintenance". 3) User satisfaction was strongly correlated on the level of quality factor of "constructed green". In addition, tue other factors are the significant correlations between the satisfactions. The present GBCS has inadequate assessment standards for maintenance, which lead to lower the entire satisfaction. Therefore, periodic recertification system, education and information providing for the managing personals, and incentives for good maintenance or disincentive for poor maintenance of the "constructed greens" are suggested to improve the GBCS.

Seasonal timing of inundation affects riparian plant growth and flowering: implications for riparian vegetation composition

Changes to the timing of peak river flows caused by flow regulation affect riparian vegetation composition, but the mechanisms driving such vegetation changes are not well understood. We investigated experimentally the effects of timing of inundation on riparian plant growth and flowering. We collected 168 sods from 14 sites across five lowland rivers in south-eastern Australia. Plant cover and flowering within the sods were surveyed each season for a year. During this period, sods were inundated for 6 weeks in either early spring or in summer. Terrestrial plant taxa (which included most exotic species) senesced in response to inundation, regardless of its timing. In contrast, native amphibious species (particularly amphibious forbs) responded favourably to inundation in spring, but were unaffected by inundation in summer. Native and exotic emergent macrophytes responded favourably to inundation regardless of timing, and flowered frequently in both the spring- and the summer-inundation treatments. In contrast, many native annuals flowered only in the spring-inundation treatment, while more exotic grasses flowered in the summer-inundation treatment. In temperate climates, inundation in early spring followed by non-flooded conditions is likely to be important for promoting the growth of amphibious forbs and the recruitment and flowering of riparian annuals. Without inundation in spring, many terrestrial exotic weeds may flourish and set seed prior to any subsequent inundation (e.g. in summer). We contend that natural seasonal timing (i.e. winter-early spring) of flow peaks is important for the maintenance of native riverbank vegetation and reducing the extent of terrestrial exotic species within the riparian zone.