Roadside Strips Research Articles

Landscape and site effects on Collembola diversity and abundance in winter oilseed rape fields in eastern Austria

Soil animals are rarely considered in landscape ecology although recent findings show that landscape composition and habitat fragmentation may exert a strong influence on their communities. We assessed the relationships between landscape parameters and the species richness of Collembola (springtails) in agricultural eastern Austria, hypothesizing that the richness of surface active (epigeic) species are more significantly correlated with landscape-scale parameters than soil living (endogeic) species. We used pitfall traps and soil samples to measure species richness and abundance of the two life forms in 29 oilseed rape fields in differently structured landscapes.Epigeic species richness was positively correlated to landscape parameters like landscape diversity, habitat richness, isolation of open habitats and area of oilseed rape fields at small to medium (250–1000m) and at larger (1000–1750m) landscape scales around the investigated sites. Endogeic species richness was also significantly correlated with landscape parameters like landscape diversity and road-side strip length. Total species richness was significantly correlated with landscape diversity at a larger scale, isolation of open habitats and proportion of woody area at a smaller spatial scale. Landscape diversity measures explained a higher percentage of the diversity of epigeic (42%) than of endogeic diversity (32%). Epigeic abundance was not significantly correlated to any of the site parameters, but with landscape parameters like oilseed rape area, woody area and minimum distance to dry grassland. Endogeic abundance was only correlated to oilseed rape cover.Our results suggest that parameters associated with landscape diversity can be good predictors of Collembola diversity at two spatial scales: At small scales probably due to active migration from bordering hedges, forests or grasslands; and at larger scales possibly due to passive wind dispersal. Soil ecologists rarely take landscape-scale variables into account, and our findings may contribute to broader recognition of the importance of landscape parameters in investigations of soil biota.

Landscape structure affects activity density, body size and fecundity of Pardosa wolf spiders (Araneae: Lycosidae) in winter oilseed rape

In large parts of Europe Pardosa spp. (Lycosidae) are among the most abundant wolf spiders in arable fields and potentially important natural control agents of pests. We studied the influence of landscape factors on activity density, adult body size and fecundity of P. agrestis in 29 winter oilseed rape fields (Brassica napus L.) in Eastern Austria using pitfall traps. Landscape data were obtained for eight circular landscape sections around each field (radii 250-2000 m). Multivariate regression models were used to analyze the data. Activity density was highest when the length of strips of grassy road-sides in the surroundings was highest and distance to the next grassy fallow lowest. Body size was negatively related to activity density and to the length of road-side strips and positively to woody areas in the vicinity of the fields. Clutch size was unrelated to any of the landscape factors tested but was positively correlated with female body size. Woody areas and grassy fallow in the close vicinity of the fields had a positive influence on number of offspring per female and total number of offspring. These results indicate that various non-crop components in the landscape surrounding oilseed rape fields can specifically influence the activity density and fitness-related traits of P. agrestis in crops. The possible role of Pardosa spp. in natural pest control is discussed.

Modeling Pollution on a Roadside Strip during Winter Period

This research presents a method for reducing environmental pollution within a roadside strip by decreasing air pollution from traffic and anti-icing materials (chlorides) applied to control winter slipperiness. The process formation of ecological pollution on a roadside strip is highly diverse. It is dependent on main meteorological conditions, road factors, and road surface states (dry, wet, icy, hard snow, and friable snow). The state of a road surface and the presence of different ice formations influence traffic speed and, therefore, affect the level of air pollution. The degree to which these parameters depend on each other cannot be explained and solved by conventional research methods. To solve this problem, it is necessary to use mathematical modeling and experimental computations. When modeling a pavement state considering weather and climate factors, it is advised to calculate the level of air pollution, calculate the amount of chloride, and estimate the efficiency of winter road maintenance treatments by different organizations.

Parasitism of stem weevils and pollen beetles in winter oilseed rape is differentially affected by crop management and landscape characteristics

We examined the influence of crop management (crop density, nitrogen fertilization level) and landscape parameters [areal proportion of oilseed rape (OSR), Brassica napus L. var. oleifera Metzg. (Brassicaceae), and proportions, lengths and distances of various non-crop habitats] on the parasitism of stem weevils (Ceutorhynchus spp.; Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and pollen beetles (Meligethes spp.; Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) by parasitic wasps (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). Larvae of host insects were sampled in 29 winter OSR fields located in landscapes ranging from structurally simple to complex. Spatial scales of landscape effects were considered at eight radii (250–2,000 m) centered in the studied OSR fields. Stem weevil parasitism was unaffected by crop management variables but negatively related to roadside strip length at radius 250 m and grassy fallow area at a radius of 500 m. Pollen beetle parasitism was positively related to the crop density and to lengths of roadside strips and hedges within a radius of 250 m. Thousand kernel mass of OSR was positively related to pollen beetle parasitism but unrelated to stem weevil parasitism.

A Lane Departure Warning System Based on Virtual Lane Boundary

A lane departure warning system (LDWS) should give as much warning time as possible, while triggering few, if any, false alarms. In this paper, a virtual lane boundary based LDWS (VLWM) is proposed to approach this goal. VLWM allows the driver to drift beyond the physical lane boundary by adding a virtual lane boundary. Accounting for the driving habit of the driver, lane geometry, and the local driver behavior changes, the virtual lane width is determined using a fuzzy-logic inference method. When the vehicle is predicted to exceed the virtual lane boundary, an alarm is triggered. Real world driving data are used to test the LDWSs. Compared with time-to-lane-crossing (TLC) based method, the VLWM has a much lower false alarm rate, while their warning time is almost similar. Meanwhile, VLWM has a much longer warning time than the roadside rumble strip (RRS), while the false alarm rate is almost as low as that of the RRS.

Linear roadside remnants: Their influence on den-use, home range and mating system in bobucks (Trichosurus cunninghami)

Forest clearance results in a marked change in the dispersion of resources such as food and shelter: from a relatively continuous distribution, to patches and strips of remnant habitat set in a more or less inhospitable matrix. Such changes in the patterns of resource dispersion have the potential to strongly influence the dynamics of social and mating systems of resident animal populations. We studied the den-use patterns, home range characteristics and mating system of a population of bobucks, Trichosurus cunninghami (Marsupialia: Phalangeridae), permanently resident in linear roadside strips of vegetation in north-eastern Victoria, Australia in order to gain a greater understanding of the impacts of occupying linear roadside habitats on the behavioural ecology of arboreal marsupials. We radio-tracked 11 adult females and six adult males and collected 2126 diurnal fixes (mean 125/individual) and 1044 nocturnal fixes (mean 61/individual). Males used significantly more den-trees (mean 16.5 ± 1.5 den-trees/individual) than females (mean 7.4 ± 0.6 den-trees/individual) and had home ranges more than twice the size of those of females (male mean 5.1 ± 0.8 ha, female mean 2.1 ± 0.3 ha). On average, each male's home range overlapped with those of three females; there was little intrasexual home range overlap in either sex. Genetic parentage analysis of all young sampled during the study (n = 22) established that only males that overlapped in home range with females had sired those females' young. All but one male in the study sired multiple young in each of the years they were recorded breeding. These behavioural and genetic data indicate that the roadside population was polygynous, in contrast to the socially monogamous bobuck population we studied in a neighbouring forest patch. These differences in behaviour may reflect patterns of resource distribution in the two habitats.

The effect of habitat configuration on arboreal insects in fragmented woodlands of south-eastern Australia

The reduction in area of habitat patches and the concurrent increase in edge habitat associated with fragmentation of native vegetation have been shown to have a marked effect on the persistence of vertebrates in landscapes dominated by agriculture. However, because of the relatively large grain size they can distinguish, the spatial scale at which vertebrates become affected is likely to be different from that for invertebrates. Thus, although the high degree of fragmentation currently present in the sheep/wheat growing areas of Australia has been debilitating for vertebrates, this result cannot be extrapolated to the general state of species diversity. This study investigates the distribution of an arboreal insect fauna across a variety of habitat configurations common in the wheat/sheep belt of New South Wales. The aim was to determine the response of insects to habitat fragmentation at the scale associated with current agricultural practices, and to determine whether an “interior” fauna exists. Insects living on Callitris glaucophylla were sampled in the edge and interior of large state forests, in broad and narrow roadside strips and in small isolated remnants. Forest interiors had a significantly different fauna from the other four habitat configurations, and where differences between configurations occurred, interior sites tended to have fewer species and fewer individuals than the edge habitats. This result implies that the arboreal insects we studied are not adversely affected by this level of habitat fragmentation and the optimum arrangement of habitat for the conservation of insects may be quite different from that for proposed for vertebrates. However, this conclusion must be considered in the light of the dubious prognosis for long-term persistence of small habitat patches, and the possibility that fragmentation-sensitive species have already been lost from this environment.

Effects of Site Characteristics and Release History on Establishment of Agapeta zoegana (Lepidoptera: Cochylidae) and Cyphocleonus achates (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Root-Feeding Herbivores of Spotted Knapweed, Centaurea maculosa

Abstract We evaluated several factors to identify features or practices that might increase the probability of establishment following the release of two root-feeding insects (the cochylid moth Agapeta zoegana L. and the weevil Cyphocleonus achates Fahraeus) that attack the invasive plant, spotted knapweed (Centaurea maculosa Lamarck). At each of 99 sites where releases had been made in previous years, we assessed (1) the number of insects of each species released, (2) the number of years in which releases were made, (3) the number of years since the first release, (4) the size of the knapweed infestation, (5) its shape (linear, large single patch, many small patches), (6) the knapweed plant density, and (7–18) 12 physical site characteristics: habitat type, elevation, percentage slope, aspect, topographic type, forest structure at or by the site, disturbance factors, land use category, percentage forest canopy at or near site, percentage bare soil, annual precipitation, and soil type. We found that continuous, nonlinear patches of spotted knapweed on loamy soil that were surrounded by even-age forest stands had the highest rates of establishment for A. zoegana, but likelihood of establishment was not greater for larger releases (>200 adults). This suggests that roadside strips of knapweed should not be selected as release sites and that many, smaller releases (100–200 adults) are better than fewer, larger releases (300–500 adults or greater). For the weevil C. achates, we found that the probability of establishment was also greatest in continuous knapweed patches, rather than in strips, and that larger infestations (>2 ha) were better than smaller infestations. Establishment was also highest at mid-elevations (750–1500 m), compared to higher or lower locations.

Association of Black Stain Root Disease with Roads, Skid Trails, and Precommercial Thinning in Southwest Oregon

Abstract The incidence and severity of black stain root disease (BSRD) were evaluated in a two-stage sample of 500 precommercial-aged Douglas-fir plantations on 5 Resource Areas of the Medford District, Bureau of Land Management. Black stain was widely distributed throughout the western half of the District. Nearly 19% of the susceptible-aged (10- to 30-yr-old) plantations were infected with black stain, but mortality losses were low. In both the extensive and intensive surveys, BSRD was more often distributed in precommercially thinned than unthinned plantations. Black stain occurred with significantly greater frequency adjacent to roads and major skid trails than in the main body of plantations. Roadside strips displayed significantly more injured trees and recent soil disturbance than the main body of plantations. BSRD incidence was high in comparison with other root diseases, but there was minimal impact to precommercial stand management. Low disease severity is somewhat unique among managed forests within this area of known high BSRD hazard. The lack of widespread damage from BSRD was associated with a lack of extensive tractor yarding and an apparent lack of precommercial thinning. Forest managers within high BSRD hazard areas can maintain low mortality levels by minimizing site disturbance and tree injury associated with timber harvesting, road building, and road maintenance activities and by timing precommercial thinning to avoid vector insect emergence and flight periods. Increased disturbance and injury to precommercial-aged stands will likely result in increased disease. West. J. Appl. For. 16(3):127–135.

Are roadside strips important reservoirs of invertebrate diversity? A comparison of the ant and beetle faunas of roadside strips and large remnant woodlands

Pitfall traps were used to sample the terrestrial ant and beetle fauna of four large State Forests and five roadside strips of white cypress pine woodland in the wheat belt of central western New South Wales. In total, 93 morphospecies of ant and 82 morphospecies of beetle were identified. The species richness and total abundance of both ants and beetles did not differ significantly between roadside strips and large State Forests. Multivariate analyses detected significant differences in community composition of the ant and beetle faunas of large State Forests and roadside strips of vegetation. Differences in ant community composition were similar regardless of whether the analysis was conducted at the species or genus level. Differences in beetle community composition were significant at the family level, but not at the species level, possibly because sampling intensity at the species level was sub-optimal. There was no significant correlation between ant species richness and beetle species richness, nor between total abundance of ants and total abundance of beetles. However, there was a significant correlation between site similarity assessed according to ant community composition and beetle community composition. Of the species found in the large State Forests (presumed woodland species), 69% of ant species and 64% of beetle species were found in roadside strips of vegetation. This suggests that even though the two habitat configurations may support different communities, narrow strips of vegetation still represent useful habitat for many species of woodland invertebrates. They therefore have considerable potential both as conduits of gene flow and as reservoirs of biodiversity in highly fragmented landscapes

Demography of the Tortoise Gopherus polyphemus in Northern Florida

-The demography of gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) in northern Florida was investigated from 1981 to 1987 through burrow surveys and mark-recapture efforts. The number of burrows showing active sign increased in April, peaked in July, and remained high through October. The burrow surveys also revealed a continuous cycle of burrow creation and abandonment. The ratio of captured gopher tortoises to burrows (active and inactive) varied among years and study sites; the range was 0.450.69. A total of 372 tortoises was captured, marked, and measured on three sites. Recapture rates for juveniles were consistently low. Percentages of adult tortoises in the three populations ranged from 40-62%. Female to male sex ratios of captured tortoises varied annually from 1:1 to 1:2. etology, Vol. 26, No. 3, p . 281-289, 19 2 Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles t e Tortoise Gopherus polyphemus in Several studies have addressed the population biology of the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) (Auffenberg and Iverson, 1979; Alford, 1980; Landers et al., 1980, 1982; Wright, 1982; Kushlan and Mazzotti, 1984; Wester, 1986; McCoy and Mushinsky, 1988). Population structure data have also been gathered in conjunction with gopher tortoise relocations (Burke, 1989a; Fucigna and Nickerson, 1989; Godley, 1989; Layne, 1989; Stout et al., 1989). Nonetheless, little information is available on demographic changes over time. The purpose of my study was to investigate gopher tortoise demography through burrow surveys and a mark-recapture effort. Specific objectives included determination of burrow use, population size structure, and sex ratios. MATERIALS AND METHODS Study Sites. -Gopher tortoise demographic data were gathered on three sites in northern Florida. I marked and recaptured tortoises during 1982-1986 on Roberts Ranch in Putnam County, 1981-1987 on Lochloosa Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Alachua County, and 1985-1986 on Wolfe's Pasture, 0.6 km southeast of the Lochloosa WMA study site. The Roberts Ranch study site was 10.8 ha of eral studies have address d the populabiology of the gopher tor ise (Gopherus l phemus) (Auffenberg and Iverson, 1979; Ald, 1980; Landers et al., 1980, 1982; Wright, 2; Kushlan and Mazzotti, 1984; Wester, 1986; a l rger (ca. 160 ha) tract of sandhill habitat located approximately 15 km west of Palatka. The excessively-drained sand supported an overstory of scattered longleaf pines (Pinus palustris) and mature turkey oaks (Quercus laevis), a midstory of smaller turkey oaks, sand-live oaks (Q. geminata) and sand-post oaks (Q. margaretta), and a relatively diverse ground cover predominated by wiregrass (Aristida stricta), various composites (Asteraceae), and legumes (Fabaceae). The site remained unburned for more than seven years before a hot fire in 1983. The study area was bisected by a graded sand road constructed by the landowner in 1983. On Roberts Ranch, I removed 10 tortoises from their burrows within a fenced treatment plot in May 1982 to investigate tortoise population response to a simulated harvest. Of the 10 harvested tortoises (two females, six males, and two subadults), I subsequently released eight in sandhill habitat approximately 1.3 km southwest of the study area. However, one male returned. Following destruction of the treatment plot fence during road construction, I abandoned this portion of the study and expanded the study area from 7.6 ha to 10.8 ha. The Lochloosa WMA study site was a 1.1 km grassy roadside strip (20-40 m wide) and sura . a) tract of sandhi l habitat i atel 15 k west of Palatka. i l rai ed sand supported an s attered longleaf pines (Pinus paat re turkey oaks (Quercus laevis), s aller turkey oaks, sand-live oaks ) a sa d-post oaks (Q. margare ta), i l i erse ground cover predomi ass ( ristida stricta), various ( s e aceae), and legumes (Faba281 This content downloaded from 157.55.39.120 on Mon, 05 Sep 2016 04:09:48 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms

The Origins of McDonald's Golden Arches

The original prototype for McDonald's drive-in hamburger stands featuring the full-scale golden arches and red-and-white tile walls was a major influence on roadside strips throughout the United States from its introduction in 1953 to its phased elimination in the 1970s and 1980s. Based on interviews with the original clients, architects, contractors, and franchisees, this paper documents for the first time how this popular-culture icon was created. Its development can be understood in the context of the car-strip's commercial and cultural requirements as it evolved and prospered after World War II. The perspective from the car and the linear expanse of the strip dictated the architecture's scale and simple form. The commercial function demanded an image appealing to customers in that era. Clients Richard and Maurice McDonald worked closely with architect Stanley Clark Meston to design a building that carried on the traditions of drive-ins of the 1920s and 1930s in Southern California and updated it in an appropriate and memorable aesthetic. This paper also documents the location, dates, and condition of the earliest stands franchised, in California and Arizona, based on interviews, building permits, and tours of the original sites.

Population Ecology of the Sugar Glider, Petaurus breviceps, in a System of Fragmented Habitats

The population ecology of the sugar glider, Petaurus breviceps, was examined during a 31-month capture-mark-recapture study in a 20-ha system of remnant native vegetation in farmland. Overall population densities ranged from 6.1 ha- 1 in autumn to 2.9 ha- 1 in summer. However, the various areas composing the system had different management histories and were found to contain varying densities of P. breviceps. Differences in density were most readily explained by differences in abundance of black wattles, Acacia mearnsii, which provided an important autumn and winter food source. At least 75% of animals lived in groups containing up to seven adults from up to four age-classes (usually three males and four females). There was a single breeding season beginning in late winter or early spring each year; at least 80% of female P. breviceps surviving to the breeding season following their birth produced young, and almost all adult females in other age classes bred in any year. Of all litters born in the study site, 81% were twins, and the remainder were of single young. The overall mean litter size was 1.8. Up to 50% of all offspring left their group of origin by the beginning of the breeding season following their birth, though some older gliders. apparently unattached to any group, also dispersed. A roadside strip of forest, between one and four trees wide, was found to facilitate dispersal into a vacant habitat within the system studied.

Visual landscapes and psychological well‐being

Summary and Discussion The findings suggest that stressed individuals feel significantly better after exposure to nature scenes rather than to American urban scenes lacking nature elements. Compared to the influences of the urban scenes, the salient effect of the nature exposures was to increase Positive Affect — including feelings of affection friendliness, playfulness, and elation. The increase in positive affect produced by the nature scenes is consistent with the finding that the nature exposures also significantly reduced Fear Arousal. According to psychological theories, a reduction in arousal or activation produces pleasurable feelings if an individual is experiencing stress or excessive arousal (Berlyne, 1971, pp. 81–82). In contrast to the nature scenes, the urban views tended to work against emotional well‐being. The major effect of the urban scenes was to significantly increase Sadness. There was also a consistent but non‐significant tendency for the urban scenes to‐aggravate feelings of Anger/...