Shrub Diversity Research Articles

Species diversity and community structure of trees and shrubs of Japfü mountain, Kohima: Nagaland

Species diversity and community structure of trees and shrubs of Japfü mountain, Kohima: Nagaland

Shifts in swidden agriculture alter the diversity of young fallows: Is the regeneration of cloud forest at stake in southern Mexico?

Abstract For centuries, the milpa shifting cultivation, a maize-bean-squash polyculture in itinerant fields has been an essential component of the landscape (MS), in tropical montane cloud forest (TMCF) areas managed by Mesoamerican indigenous communities. At present, milpas are being replaced by a maize based semi-permanent system (SP) characterized by tillage, fire suppression, application of synthetic fertilizers, and short fallow periods. The effects of this substitution on post-cultivation fallows are unknown, but may have critical consequences for biodiversity and forest regeneration. In the TMCF area of Sierra Norte, Oaxaca, Mexico, the fallowed areas resulting from both cultivation systems are intermixed across the landscape. We compared the composition, richness, and diversity of vascular plant species in 2–3-year-old MS and SP fallows in this area, and explored the possible role of the adjoining forested areas on fallow plant species richness and density. Tree and herb species composition in the fallows separated into two clusters, one belonging to MS and the other to SP. Pioneer and late-successional TMCF tree species were distinctive of MS fallows, whereas native perennial grass and forb species were distinctive of SP fallows. The composition of other life forms could not be distinguished based on cultivation system. The species richness and diversity of trees, tree seedlings, shrubs, and vines were higher in MS fallows, whereas herb species richness and diversity was similar in both fallow types. In MS and SP fallows, the tree seedling species richness increased with the proportion of adjoining forested areas that were >20 years old, but not with forests younger than that age. Tree seedling density increased with the proportion of adjoining forested areas >20 years old in SP fallows but not in MS fallows. The density of trees and shrubs were significantly higher in MS fallows than in SP fallows, whereas herb density was significantly higher in SP fallows than in MS. We concluded that the replacement of MS by SP on the one hand, reduces plant diversity in early fallows and the fallow potential for TMCF regeneration; on the other hand, increases the dependence on adjoining >20-year-old forests as propagule sources.

Are changes in remotely sensed canopy cover associated to changes in vegetation structure, diversity, and composition in recovered tropical shrublands?

The recovery of vegetation cover is a process that has important implications for the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Generally, the recovery of vegetation cover is documented over large areas using remote sensing, and it is often assumed that ecosystem properties and processes recover along with remotely sensed canopy cover. Here we analyze and compare the structure, composition, and diversity of trees and shrubs among plots established in a stratified random sampling design over four remotely sensed canopy cover change (CCC) categories defined according to a gradient in the percent of canopy cover. Plots were located in the Lake Cuitzeo basin (Mexico), where canopy recovery associated with agricultural abandonment has occurred in recent decades (1975–2000). We found that diversity measures, basal area, tree and shrub density, ground-truthed canopy cover, and mean plant height increased with increasing CCC category. However, Shannon index (H′) was lower in the CCC category with the most closed canopy cover category than in plots apparently not affected by agriculture. Furthermore, ordination analyses showed that composition of dominant species were not associated with CCC categories. Our results suggest that canopy closure in our study area is not associated with the recovery of species diversity, and does not result in similar species dominance as in sites not affected by agriculture.

Old-growth characteristics 20 years after thinning and repeated fertilization of lodgepole pine forest: Tree growth, structural attributes, and red-backed voles

Restoration of old forests by developing late seral structural attributes in young forests may utilize pre-commercial thinning (PCT) and fertilization to accelerate stand growth and development. These silvicultural interventions are very likely required to develop complex stand structure in young forests, both vertically and horizontally, and late-seral structural features over decades, rather than centuries. We evaluated hypotheses (H) that large-scale PCT of young lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) stands to a wide range of densities, and repeated fertilization, at 20-years after initiation of treatments would enhance (H1) size (diameter and height growth), structural features, and merchantable volume of crop trees; (H2) development of old-growth structural attributes; and (H3) abundance, reproduction, and survival of the southern red-backed vole (Myodes gapperi). Study areas were located near Summerland and Kelowna in south-central British Columbia, Canada. Each study area had ten treatments: four pairs of stands thinned to densities of ∼250 (very low), ∼500 (low), ∼1000 (medium), and ∼2000 (high) stems/ha with one stand of each pair fertilized five times at 2-year intervals, an unthinned stand, and an old-growth stand.Mean 20-year diameter of lodgepole pine crop trees was similar (19–20cm) in the heavily thinned (≤1000 stems/ha) fertilized stands with that (19–22cm) in the old-growth stands. Mean height of all managed stands (9–12m) was lower than that (18–20m) of the old-growth stands. Mean crown volume of crop trees was highest in the very low-, low, and fertilized medium-density stands (3.5–5.9 times higher, on average) than those in the unthinned and old-growth stands. Large tree diameters and crowns occurred in the heavily thinned and fertilized stands, but mean stand merchantable volume was much reduced, primarily because of the lower densities of trees, and hence provided partial support for H1. Mean species diversity of conifers was highest in the very low-density stands and old-growth stands. Mean structural diversity of conifers was generally similar among stands. Old-growth structural attributes: large dominant trees with substantial crowns, multi-layered canopies of conifers, some canopy openings, and understory abundance and diversity of herbs and shrubs appeared in the heavily thinned and fertilized stands, and hence partially supported H2. M. gapperi populations in 5 of 8 managed stands at Summerland were at the same or higher abundance (particularly the very low-density) than in the old-growth stand, with resident breeding animals and recruitment of both adult and juvenile voles, and hence H3 seemed to be supported. Heavy thinning to ≤1000 stems/ha combined with fertilization seemed necessary to achieve these structural developments in our 33-year-old second-growth stands.

Effects of oil and gas development on vertebrate community composition in the southern San Joaquin Valley, California

Oil and gas development in the southern San Joaquin Valley of California is extensive and has impacted natural habitats for sensitive species. The effects of this habitat loss and degradation on these species are not well understood. Our objective was to determine habitat characteristics, wildlife community composition, and species abundance relative to the level of oilfield development in saltbush scrub habitat. Sixteen study sites were identified with 4 each in areas with high (>100 well pads), medium (11–50 well pads), low (1–10 well pads), and no (0 well pads) oil field development, as measured by numbers of well pads with active oil production and the proportion of habitat disturbed. Surveys were conducted from March 2008 to May 2010 to assess the abundance and diversity of herbaceous plants, shrubs, birds, reptiles, and small and medium-sized mammals. As oilfield development and associated habitat disturbance increased, herbaceous plant cover and shrub abundance decreased while herbaceous plant diversity increased, largely due to colonization by non-native species. Among animals, generalist lizard, bird, and mammal species increased, as did non-endemic species particularly birds. Conversely, some endemic species, including several special status species, declined or were not detected as the level of oilfield development increased. Ecological community composition remains largely intact at low levels of oilfield development, but is profoundly altered at higher levels with some effects apparent at moderate levels. Best management practices such as spatially consolidating facilities, limiting road construction, and controlling non-native plants could reduce ecological impacts from oilfield activities in saltbush scrub habitat.

Changes in soil microbial substrate utilization in response to altered litter diversity and precipitation in a Mediterranean shrubland

This study aimed at quantifying the consequences of reduced precipitation and plant diversity on soil microbial community functioning in a Mediterranean shrubland of southern France. Across a natural gradient of shrub species diversity, we established a total of 92 plots (4 x 4 m) with and without a moderate rain exclusion treatment of about 12 % of total precipitation. Shrub diversity included all possible combinations of the four dominant species (Cistus albidus, Quercus coccifera, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Ulex parviflorus). Respective leaf litter mixtures of these species combinations were exposed in all plots over 2 years. We quantified how litter species richness and the reduction in precipitation affected the soil microbial substrate utilization (measured by CO2 evolution using the MicroResp method) on soil samples collected underneath each individual litter mixture after 1 and 2 years of decomposition. Moderate precipitation reduction had a minor impact, but litter species richness and the dissimilarity in phenolic concentrations (estimated using Rao's quadratic entropy) showed a positive effect on the diversity of substrates metabolized by the microbial communities. Moreover, litter species richness increased soil microbial activity by increasing the catabolic diversity of the soil microbial community. These effects were mostly driven by the presence of Quercus and Ulex leaf litter, which at the same time reduced microbial metabolic dominance, while the presence of Rosmarinus had opposite effects. Our data suggest that plant species loss can have stronger effects on the functioning of soil microbial communities than moderate drought, with potentially important feedbacks on biogeochemical cycling in Mediterranean shrubland ecosystems.

Diversity and Vegetation Structure of Shrubs and Trees in Magada Forest, Bule-Hora District, Borena Zone, Oromia Region, Southern Ethiopia

This study was conducted in Magada Forest, Bule-Hora District, Borena Zone, Oromia Region, Southern Ethiopia. The main objective of the study was to investigate diversity and vegetation structure of trees and shrubs in the forest. Systematic sampling method was used to collect vegetation data. Accordingly, 35 quadrats, each with 20 m x 20 m (400 m2) were laid along line transects at the distance of 100m from each other. The plant species were collected, brought, identified and deposited at the National Herbarium (ETH), Addis Ababa University. Data were analyzed using different software such as Microsoft Excel, Shannon-Wiener diversity index, TWINSPAN and PAST. A total of 38 plant species belonging to 23 families and 27 genera were recorded and identified. Family Asteraceae had the highest number of individuals 227 followed by Celastraceae 221 and Apocynaceae 217. The forest was dominated by small sized trees and shrubs indicating that it is in the stage of secondary regeneration. The vegetation is disturbed because of many factors including grazing and browsing by livestock and other humans’ activities. These further retards diversity and vegetation structure of the forest. Therefore, based on the results, to protect and conserve this forest appropriate management strategy and awareness creation for the local people on the wisely use is very important. The maintenance of biodiversity that promote sustainable use of the forest and its products are also recommended.

Análisis sobre el efecto del uso del suelo en la diversidad estructural del matorral espinoso tamaulipeco

El presente estudio analiza el efecto del uso del suelo en la diversidad estructural del matorral espinoso tamaulipeco en el noreste de México. El objetivo fue determinar la modificación de la diversidad, indicadores ecológicos, estructura dimensional y la distribución vertical de las especies arbóreas y arbustivas debido al cambio de uso del suelo. El análisis se realizó mediante la comparación de tres áreas con distinto historial de uso: ganadería extensiva, agricultura tradicional y matarrasa, con un abandono de 21 años. La metodología propuesta fue la combinación de sitios rectangulares y el análisis muestral denominado “grupo estructural de los cuatro árboles”. El análisis estructural comparativo mostró evidencias significativas que indican que el cambio de uso del suelo trae como consecuencia que las áreas presenten diferente diversidad, indicadores ecológicos, distribución vertical y estructura dimensional.

Electrical capacitance as a predictor of root dry weight in shrub willow (Salix; Salicaceae) parents and progeny.

Premise of the study:Root biomass is an important trait often disregarded in woody perennial selection due to the challenge and expense of accurately and efficiently measuring large populations. In this study, we aim to develop a simple method that can predict root dry weight within a diverse shrub willow (Salix) breeding population representing species hybrids and their parents using root electrical capacitance (REC).Methods:The REC method was tested on plants started from cuttings and grown in pots with potting mix in the greenhouse for 11 wk to assess the relationship of REC with 24 biomass traits and its usefulness in allometric models for root and stem dry biomass.Results:Strong linear and positive correlations were found between REC and root dry biomass (r = 0.88). The total proportion of variance of root and stem dry biomass explained by predictors in multiple regression was 85% and 69%, respectively. The relative importance of predictor variables in allometric models was dominated by the contribution of REC.Discussion:This work provides an efficient and nondestructive technique to indirectly quantify root biomass of genetically diverse shrub willow progeny, which has great promise for selection of genotypes with varying root biomass and for the accurate estimation of belowground carbon sequestration.

Influence of canopy cover on vegetation in P. roxburghii sarg (chir-pine) dominated forests in Uttarakhand Himalaya, India.

Increasing anthropogenic pressure and dependence on plant products have led to widespread exploitation of natural forests in the Uttaranchal Himalaya. The present study was carried out to study the influence of canopy cover on tree, shrub and herb vegetation. For this three different canopy types, open canopy (<30%, cover), moderate canopy (30-60%, cover) and close canopy (>60%, cover) were identified in Pinus roxburghii (chir-pine) dominated forests. The study area is located between 290 20’and 290 30’ N latitude and 790 23’ and 790 42’ E longitude between 1350-2000m elevations in Uttarakhand a newly created hill state. Total tree density was high in close canopy sites basal area was greater in open canopy sites. Total shrub density varied from 26107 to 28560 shrub/ha. It was maximum for open canopy sites and minimum for moderate canopy sites. Total shrubs cover varied from 45.8 to 50.6%. Shrubs cover was maximum for moderate canopy sites and minimum for open canopy sites. Herbs density was greater in open canopy and total herbs cover was greater in close canopy. Tree and shrub diversity was high in close canopy sites and herbs diversity in open canopy sites.

Spatial niche partitioning of coexisting small mammals in sand dunes

Resource partitioning may allow species coexistence. Sand dunes in the typical steppe of Inner Mongolia, China, consist of desert, shrub and grass habitats, providing an appropriate system for studies of spatial niche partitioning among small mammals. We collected data to verify the niche separation hypothesis that coexisting small mammals would separate into spatial niches, and the productivity hypothesis that the highest species richness and overlap were to be expected in the most productive and diverse shrub habitat of the north-facing slopes, in contrast with the less productive grass and desert habitats of sand dunes. We trapped small mammals on 44 sand dunes in the summer of 1984 using snap traps. We captured 12 species of small mammals among three types of habitats. Cricetulus barabensis was a habitat generalist, present in all three types of habitats. Spermophilus dauricus was present only in the grass habitat, Allactaga sibirica and Dipus sagitta only in the desert habitat, and Apodemus peninsulae primarily in the shrub habitat. The shrub habitat hosted the largest number of small mammal species among the three types of habitats, supporting the productivity hypothesis. Habitat separation is an important mechanism for structuring small mammal communities in Inner Mongolia grasslands.

Conservation zones promote oak regeneration and shrub diversity in certified Mediterranean oak woodlands

Mediterranean oak woodlands are ecosystems of high conservation and socio-economic value that occur in Southwestern Europe, North Africa and California. Oak regeneration failure is occurring in these ecosystems and may be endangering their long-term conservation. Most studies suggest that inadequate management practices may be contributing to oak regeneration failure. Forest certification is a voluntary type of certification, based on third-party auditing of compliance with performance-based sustainable management standards that has been expanding in forest ecosystems worldwide, including in Mediterranean oak woodlands. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification is the dominant certification scheme in Mediterranean oak woodlands and requires landowners to establish conservation zones in their estates. Conservation zones usually correspond to a tenth of the estate and are primarily managed for biodiversity conservation. In spite of recent studies reporting positive effects of FSC certification and conservation zones on biodiversity and forest structure in tropical regions, its effects on tree regeneration in Mediterranean oak woodlands are unknown. In this study, conducted in Southwestern Europe, we compared the abundance of cork oak (Quercus suber) regeneration and the cover, richness and diversity of Mediterranean shrublands between conservation and non-conservation zones in FSC certified cork oak woodlands. We found that in conservation zones oak regeneration was more abundant and that species richness and diversity of shrubs were significantly higher. Our results suggest that the creation of set-aside areas in cork oak woodlands, such as conservation zones, may help avert the tree regeneration crisis this ecosystem is facing.

Resprouting and seeding hypotheses: a test of the gap-dependent model using resprouting and obligate seeding subspecies of Arctostaphylos

Ecological factors favoring either postfire resprouting or postfire obligate seeding in plants have received considerable attention recently. Three ecological models have been proposed to explain patterns of these two life history types. In this study, we test these three models using data from California chaparral. We take an innovative approach to testing these models by not testing community or landscape patterns, but instead, investigating vegetation structure characteristic of four pairs of resprouting and (non-resprouting) obligate seeding subspecies of Arctostaphylos (Ericaceae), a dominant and diverse shrub genus in California chaparral. Data were analyzed for percentage bare ground, elevation, annual precipitation, number of fires, and time between fires and were compared independently for each subspecies pair. Results were consistently supportive of the gap-dependent model suggesting that obligate seeders are favored when post-disturbance gaps are large. Results were inconclusive or contrary to expectations for both of the other two models.

The use of shrub cover to preserve Mediterranean oak dehesas: a comparison between sheep, cattle and wild ungulate management

AbstractQuestionsOak savanna‐like systems (dehesas) are highly valuable and protected systems that are strongly compromised by a continuous failure of oak recruitment. Our question is whether different long‐term management types involving cattle, sheep and wild ungulates affect the abundance and diversity of safe microsites (shrubs) for oak recruitment. We also assess microsite location and species‐specific differences among the nurse shrubs in order to provide management guidance.LocationDehesas of holm oak (Quercus ilex) in central Spain.MethodsWe examined oak regeneration in four different microsites (tree canopy, shrub cover, open and tree–shrub) and across three distinctive and representative management types for a period of, at least, 30 yr: (1) traditional management (i.e. extensive sheep rearing); (2) high commercially competitive management (extensive cattle); and (3) wildlife management (wild ungulate grazing, mostly deer).ResultsWildlife management showed higher abundance and diversity of shrubs. Predicted seedling density under wildlife management was three‐fold higher than sheep, and almost nine‐fold higher than under cattle management. Highest oak density was found under shrubs that grew beneath trees, twice as high than under trees, ten‐fold higher than under shrubs outside the tree canopy, and almost 40‐fold higher than in open microsites. However, the proportional facilitative effect of shrubs was higher in open areas than under trees. Three shrub species (Erica australis, Genista hirsuta and Rosmarinus officinalis) showed significantly higher probability of facilitating oak seedlings in comparison to other shrub species, indicating species‐specific differences in plant facilitation. Most young oak trees (saplings and juveniles) exceeded the average shrub height, suggesting that facilitation occurs mostly at the seedling stage.ConclusionsOnly dehesas under reasonable wildlife management showed a clear three‐layered structure with a significant representation of the shrub layer, which increased seedling density. Current cattle management was the least sustainable in terms of oak regeneration. Even though shrub cover, in general, facilitated oak seedlings, not all species were equivalent facilitators. Only three low‐palatable and large‐sized shrub species were keystone facilitators that should be especially considered in restoration and management practices. Further agriculture policies should promote reduction of cattle densities, rotational grazing and mixed species management to enhance the regeneration of these systems.

The Puna vegetation of Moquegua, South Peru: Chasmophytes, grasslands and Puya raimondii stands

The phytosociology and ecology of puna vegetation in twelve localities at an altitude of 3750-4500 m in northern Moquegua (south Peru) have been studied. The study area has a pluviseasonal climate with summer rainfall. Using TWINSPAN, Detrended Correspondence Analysis and Farthest Neighbor Clustering, 157 phytosociological releves were analyzed. For each community, the syntaxonomy, floristic diversity and relation with environmental variables are discussed. 210 vascular plant species belonging to 131 genera and 52 families were recorded. Three main vegetation types were distinguished: 1. chasmophyte vegetation composed of a great diversity of shrubs, dwarf shrubs, ferns and annuals, 2. Puya raimondii stands characterized by considerable species richness in shrubs, grasses and herbs, and 3. extensive puna grasslands influenced by grazing. The zonal vegetation of the supratropical and orotropical bioclimatic belts was represented by two phytosociological classes: Argyrochosmetea niveae (chasmophytes) and Calamagrostietea vicunarum (Puya raimondii and puna grasslands). Within the Argyrochosmetea niveae and Salpichroetalia glandulosae, the new alliances Argyrochosmo niveae-Neowerdermannion peruvianae and Hypochaerido mucidae-Loricarion graveolentis were distinguished, including six associations consisting of steep rock and crevice shrublands on lithosols. Within the Azorello compactae-Festucion orthophyllae (Calamagrostietea vicunarum) two associations with four subassociations and two communities were distinguished comprising grasslands and Puya raimondii stands. One association was described in the Calamagrostion minimae. The puna vegetation of Moquegua hosts rare, endangered and/or protected plant species in Peru. The vulnerability of the flora and vegetation in the mountains of Moquegua is briefly discussed.

Diversidad de mamíferos pequeños en dos sitios con diferente grado de alteración en la Sierra Sur, Oaxaca, México

Oaxaca ranks second in mammal diversity; however, human activities have led to its reduction. Mammalian studies conducted at the Sierra Sur of Oaxaca are scarce; therefore, the objective was to compare small mammal diversity in 2 sites with different degree of disturbance, caused by human settlements, coffee plantations and other crops. The study was conducted monthly from June 2009 to May 2010. At each site, 1hectare was selected, where vegetation and small mammals were recorded using mist nets, Sherman traps, and visual observations. At site 1, less-disturbed, 431 individuals belonging to 21 species were captured; meanwhile at site 2, more-disturbed, 190 individuals belonging to 16 species were recorded. Tree and shrub diversity was significantly greater in site 1. Even differences in alpha diversity for small mammals (marsupials-rodents and bats) were not significant between sites, abundance was reduced for the most species.

Assessing site occupancy of Mohave ground squirrels: Implications for conservation

ABSTRACTTo better understand the distribution and habitat relationships of the Mohave ground squirrel (Xerospermophilus mohavensis), a California state threatened species, I investigated site occupancy of squirrels using remote‐sensing wildlife cameras (i.e., camera traps). In 2012, I conducted camera trap surveys at 96 randomly selected sites within and adjacent to the Desert Tortoise Research Natural Area, in the western Mojave Desert, California. In 1,105 camera trap days, there were 91 detections of squirrels at 30 out of 96 sites. I used single‐season, single‐species occupancy models to explore several survey and site variables hypothesized to influence detection probability (p) and site occupancy (ψ) of the species. Detection probability of squirrels varied with survey date and between 2 study areas, peaking in early April (p = 0.23, SE = 0.05 and p = 0.13, SE = 0.05, respectively) but decreasing approximately 4‐fold by the end of the study season in mid‐May. Site occupancy was positively related to the length of ephemeral stream channel(s) within a site, increasing from 0.24 (SE = 0.07) to 0.89 (SE = 0.10) with the range of stream channel lengths observed. Vegetation transects conducted at the study sites in 2014 indicated higher percent canopy cover, species richness, and diversity of perennial shrubs along ephemeral stream channels than in the surrounding upland habitat. This study provides the first estimates of site occupancy and detection probability of Mohave ground squirrels using the non‐invasive method of camera trapping. The findings have implications for design and timing of future studies, and highlight the importance of protecting ephemeral stream channels for Mohave ground squirrel conservation. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.

Integrating precipitation, grazing, past effects and interactions in long-term vegetation change

Determining the causes of vegetation change in arid and semi-arid environments can be difficult and may involve multiple factors, including disturbance, inter-annual climatic variation, soils, effects from years past and interactions between these factors. Theoretical models describing vegetation change in these systems have generally focused on a single aspect as the primary driver. The integration of these factors into a single model may be what is required to fully understand the drivers of vegetation change in desert systems. To test the contributions of these various factors, we analyzed a long-term (1979–2011) vegetation dataset using multiple linear regression.While precipitation and livestock density were important variables for explaining vegetation change, the consistency with which past effects and interactions significantly improved the models underscores their importance. Past effects were included in every model except for shrub diversity, and included both precipitation and livestock density effects. A novel approach to addressing the interaction between grazing and precipitation was included by dividing precipitation by stocking density. Grass density had a high positive correlation with this metric, while shrub cover had a small negative correlation. These results support the integration of multiple factors to explain vegetation change.

Indigenous knowledge on the diversity, phenology, abundance and distribution of fodder trees and shrubs in the northeastern agro-pastoral areas of Ethiopia

The research was undertaken in northeastern Ethiopia with the objective of identifying potential indigenous fodder trees and shrubs (IFTSs) species, their feed value, abundance and distribution and characterizing their current utilization scenarios from the local people's perspective. Participatory Rapid Appraisal tools were employed and it was possible to identify 51 IFTSs from 23 different families. The foliage availability, abundance, distribution and niches of the IFTSs were found to vary across the different locations indicating the relative importance of each species in different places. Moreover foliage availability of the IFTSs varies in the different months of a year. Besides, 15 most important species were identified based on the number of respondents and from these, using pair wise ranking method, farmers could identify the top ten species which are more preferred by goats. In view of the diversified families of the IFTSs species and their wide distribution, they could enhance the productivity of the livestock sector, if indeed supported by further scientific investigations.

Using hedgerow biodiversity to enhance the carbon storage of farmland in the Fraser River delta of British Columbia

Hedgerows (also known as field margins, shelterbelts, or windbreaks) have the potential to help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural activities through carbon (C) sequestration in the woody biomass of trees and shrubs as well as in the soil. A first step to understanding the sequestration potential is to quantify the biomass C and soil C storage. In the Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada, a hedgerow stewardship program incentivizes farmers to plant hedgerows to create habitat for biodiversity conservation and to improve ecosystem services such as climate change mitigation. This study evaluated the efficacy of hedgerows to store C in woody biomass and soil relative to remnant hedgerows (RH) and neighboring production fields with annual crops. We measured soil C (equivalent soil mass) and soil aggregate stability in both hedgerows and production fields, while biomass C and species diversity were calculated for the trees and shrubs in the two hedgerow types. There was no significant difference in the biomass C in the two hedgerow types, despite age differences with planted hedgerows (PH) having a mean total above- and belowground biomass of 76 ± 32 t C ha⁻¹ (33.8 ± 14.2 tn C ac⁻¹) and RH 124 ± 21 t C ha⁻¹ (55.3 ± 9.3 tn C ac⁻¹). Aggregate stability was similar in both hedgerow types, and was significantly greater than neighboring production fields. Woody vegetation biodiversity was significantly greater in PH than RH for richness, Shannon, and Simpson measures. Planted hedgerows stored significantly greater soil C than RH to 1.2 t m⁻² (1.1 tn yd⁻²) standard soil mass with values being 175.9 ± 13.2 t C ha⁻¹ (78.4 ± 5.8 tn C ac⁻¹) and 132.7 ± 7.3 t C ha⁻¹ (59.1 ± 3.2 tn C ac⁻¹), respectively. Soil C in PH was 40% greater than that of their neighboring production fields. Soil C was significantly correlated with the Shannon and Simpson diversity of the hedgerow shrubs and trees indicating that planting hedgerows, with improved woody vegetation biodiversity, may have a positive effect on their greenhouse gas mitigation potential on farmland.