Vegetation Types Research Articles

Impact of greenery and waterbody on the cooling of city’s environment: a case of Rajshahi City

ABSTRACT Both plants and bodies of water are crucial to the health of the urban landscape. The degree to which these factors contribute to cooling appears, however, to change depending on factors such as location, time of year, and the mix of land use and land cover. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential role of trees and water in Rajshahi City Corporation in reducing urban heat island effect. As a first step, satellite images are processed to generate the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the modified normalized difference water index (MNDWI). The second step is to produce maps of vegetation and water features by using a decision tree (DT) algorithm fed with threshold values from the indices. After that, thermal bands from the Landsat 8 OLI and MODIS Terra Earth observation data are used to create a map of the land surface temperature (LST). Finally, this study assessed the effect of vegetation and water coverage on global surface temperatures by analyzing their spatial distributions. Different kinds of land cover can be found in and around urban centers. Therefore, this study chose two types of water bodies (big and small) and two types of vegetation (sparse and attached/compact) for experiment. Water bodies produce cooler temperatures than other land cover types, as shown by the data. It has been found, however, that cooling rates differ across large and small bodies of water. The surface temperatures of large bodies of water are typically lower than those of smaller bodies of water. Accordingly, it appears that expansive areas significantly impact the cooling of metropolitan environments. The findings also demonstrate a difference in surface temperature between areas of dense and sparse vegetation. The cooling impact of the sparse vegetation is much less than that of the dense and widespread vegetation. There was a significant relationship between surface warming and vegetation cover in this study (R2 = 0.81). Contrarily, the presence of water and vegetation is strongly correlated (R2 = 0.88) with surface warming. The findings also show that surface warming differs depending on land use. According to a study of four typical RCC locations, business districts and industrial zones have a far greater impact on local surface temperatures than do residential developments. The experiment demonstrates that the residential area with a high proportion of vegetation had a lower average temperature by nearly 2°C. The study’s findings highlight the value of maintaining urban parks and water features.

Nonlinear effects of agricultural drought on vegetation productivity in the Yellow River Basin, China

Agricultural drought (AD) is the main environmental factor affecting vegetation productivity (VP) in the Yellow River Basin (YRB). In recent years, the nonlinear effects of AD on VP in the YRB have attracted much attention. However, it is still unclear whether fluctuating AD will have complex nonlinear effects on VP in the YRB, and there are scant previous studies at large scale on whether there is a threshold for nonlinear effects of AD on VP in the YRB. Therefore, this study used a newly developed agricultural drought index to explore nonlinear effects on VP revealing the nonlinear effects of AD on VP in the YRB. First, we developed a kernel temperature vegetation drought index (kTVDI) based on kernel normalized difference vegetation index (kNDVI) and land surface temperature data to study the spatiotemporal variation of AD in the YRB. Second, we used GPP data from solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence inversion as an indicator to explore the spatiotemporal variation of VP in the YRB. Finally, we used several statistical indicators and a distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) to analyze the nonlinear effect of AD on VP in the YRB. The results showed that AD decreased significantly during 2000–2020, mainly in the southeast of the Loess Plateau, while GPP increased significantly in 80.93 % of the YRB. Meanwhile, moderate and severe AD stress limited VP growth, with the negative effects gradually decreasing, while mild AD had an increasingly positive promoting effect on VP. AD stress resulted in a VP decrease of 69.78 %, and severe AD stress resulted in a VP decrease of 65.52 %, mainly distributed in the northern Loess and Ordos Plateau. AD had significant nonlinear effects on VP. The effects of moderate and severe AD on the sustained nonlinear lag of vegetation were more obvious, and those of moderate and severe AD on the nonlinear lag of VP were the largest when the lag was approximately 1 month and 7 months. The effect of AD on the nonlinear hysteresis of VP in YRB was significantly different under different vegetation types, and forests were more able to withstand longer and more severe droughts than grasslands and croplands. The results of the study provide a theoretical basis for evaluating AD and analyzing the nonlinear impact of AD on VP. This will provide scientific basis for studying the mechanism of drought effect on vegetation in other regions.

A Combination of Remote Sensing Datasets for Coastal Marine Habitat Mapping Using Random Forest Algorithm in Pistolet Bay, Canada

Marine ecosystems serve as vital indicators of biodiversity, providing habitats for diverse flora and fauna. Canada’s extensive coastal regions encompass a rich range of marine habitats, necessitating accurate mapping techniques utilizing advanced technologies, such as remote sensing (RS). This study focused on a study area in Pistolet Bay in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), Canada, with an area of approximately 170 km2 and depths varying between 0 and −28 m. Considering the relatively large coverage and shallow depths of water of the study area, it was decided to use airborne bathymetric Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data, which used green laser pulses, to map the marine habitats in this region. Along with this LiDAR data, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) footage, high-resolution multispectral drone imagery, true color Google Earth (GE) imagery, and shoreline survey data were also collected. These datasets were preprocessed and categorized into five classes of Eelgrass, Rockweed, Kelp, Other vegetation, and Non-Vegetation. A marine habitat map of the study area was generated using the features extracted from LiDAR data, such as intensity, depth, slope, and canopy height, using an object-based Random Forest (RF) algorithm. Despite multiple challenges, the resulting habitat map exhibited a commendable classification accuracy of 89%. This underscores the efficacy of the developed Artificial Intelligence (AI) model for future marine habitat mapping endeavors across the country.

A 10 m resolution land cover map of the Tibetan Plateau with detailed vegetation types

A 10 m resolution land cover map of the Tibetan Plateau with detailed vegetation types

Species composition of dung beetles (Scarabaeiade: Scarabaeinae) from different habitat types in a protected area in eastern Africa

AbstractUnderstanding the composition and distribution of dung beetle species across various habitat types is crucial for elucidating their ecosystem functions. Dung beetles play pivotal roles in ecological processes such as nutrient cycling, seed dispersal and parasite suppression. Despite numerous studies on the influence of habitat types on dung beetle communities, knowledge gaps persist, particularly on how these beetles respond to different vegetation types in protected areas. In this study, we surveyed dung beetle species in Nyerere National Park, Tanzania, using baited pitfall traps across four habitat types: closed miombo woodland, open miombo woodland, marshland and riverine. We identified a total of 5534 individuals representing 63 species, 29 genera and nine tribes. Significant variations in species diversity were observed among the habitats, with the closed miombo woodland exhibiting the highest diversity and the open miombo woodland the lowest. Notably, certain species, such as Euoniticellus intermedius, Euonthophagus carbonarius, Gymnopleurus ignites, Onitis alexis, Onthophagus, Onthophagus vinctus, Onthophagus plebejus and Sisyphus goryi displayed a generalist distribution across all habitat types. Our findings underscore the critical importance of maintaining and conserving the quality of diverse habitat types to ensure the long‐term preservation of dung beetle biodiversity and the ecosystem services they provide. This study contributes valuable insights into dung beetle ecology and offers practical implications for ecosystem management and conservation strategies.

A Spatio-Temporal Analysis of the Frequency of Droughts in Mexico’s Forest Ecosystems

Droughts can affect forest ecosystems and lead to soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and desertification. Not all regions of Mexico are affected in the same way, as some areas are naturally more prone to drought due to their geographical location. Therefore, the objective of this work was to carry out a spatio-temporal analysis of the occurrence of droughts (severe and extreme) in Mexican forest systems, covering the period 2000–2021, and to study the area covered by these events in Mexican forest systems. This analysis was divided into three stages: the classification of land use and vegetation, spatial mapping and the classification of drought intensity, and an analysis of drought frequency and probability in forest systems. The results show that more than 46% of Mexico’s forest area experienced severe and extreme droughts during the 21-year period studied. Broadleaved forests were most affected by severe and extreme droughts, with a frequency of 6 years. The increasing frequency of droughts poses a major challenge to the resilience of forest ecosystems in Mexico, highlighting the need to implement climate change adaptation and forest management measures to protect the country’s biodiversity and natural resources.

Upland vegetation removal as a potential tool for facilitating landward salt marsh migration

To increase the resilience of salt marshes subject to sea‐level rise impacts, managers can focus on interventions within current marsh footprints or in adjacent uplands to facilitate landward marsh migration. The latter approach may be more appropriate when degradation is severe and in situ intervention options are limited. Strategies for facilitating marsh migration include removing artificial barriers, soil grading to reduce steep topography, and manipulating adjacent upland vegetation that can hinder migration, but experiments testing the effectiveness of these activities are limited. We therefore conducted a field experiment to determine if physically removing three upland vegetation types (forest, shrub, and Phragmites australis) adjacent to a Rhode Island salt marsh facilitates short‐term marsh migration. Upland vegetation removal led to increased ambient light in all habitats, significantly enhanced marsh plant cover, extent, and elevation in shrub habitat, and declines in total bird abundance in forest and shrub habitats. Enhanced migration did not occur in forest or Phragmites habitats, and in shrubs, marsh plants only colonized where Baccharis halimifolia, common in upper marsh borders, had been removed. Five years after removal, all upland habitats and associated vegetation were indistinguishable from initial conditions. Our study suggests that upland plant removal might provide a limited window for facilitating salt marsh migration and that more intensive methods may be needed for sustained, longer‐term benefits. It also demonstrates that there may be ecological trade‐offs to consider when altering upland habitats to enhance landward marsh migration.

Analysing Land Cover Change in the Valencian Community through Landsat Imagery: From 1984 to 2022

Land cover change represents one of the most significant global transformations, which has profound impacts on ecosystems, biological diversity, and the ongoing climate crisis. In this study, our objective was to analyse land cover transformation in the Valencian Community over the last four decades. Utilising Landsat 5, 8, and 9 summer images, a Random Forest algorithm renowned for its ability to handle large datasets and complex variables, was employed to produce land cover classifications consisting of five categories: ‘Urban Areas’, ‘Dense Vegetation’, ‘Sparse Vegetation’, ‘Water Bodies’, and Other’. The results were validated through in situ measurements comparing with pre-existing products and utilising a confusion matrix. Over the study period, the urban area practically doubled, increasing from approximately 482 to 940 square kilometres. This expansion was concentrated mainly in the proximity of the already existing urban zone and occurred primarily between 1985 and 1990. The Dense and Sparse Vegetation classes exhibit substantial fluctuations over the years, displaying a subtle trend towards a decrease in their cumulative value. Water bodies and Other classes do not show substantial changes over the years. The Random Forest algorithm showed a high Overall Accuracy (OA) of 95% and Kappa values of 93%, showing good agreement with field measurements (88% OA), ESA World Cover (80% OA), and the Copernicus Global Land Service Land Cover Map (73% OA), confirming the effectiveness of this methodology in generating land cover classifications.

Geographical factor dominates spatial patterns of potential nitrate reduction rates in coastal wetland sediments in Fujian Province, China

Nitrate (NO3−) reduction is a key process governing the nitrogen (N) dynamics of coastal wetland sediments. Although the effects of environmental factors on the NO3− reduction mechanism in coastal wetland sediments have been examined in various studies, the effects of spatial variation in potential NO3− reduction processes in coastal wetland sediments and the factors driving geographical variation in these processes have not been widely examined. Here, we conducted research on surface sediment samples from four different vegetation types at six coastal wetland sites across two regions. We characterized potential rates of NO3− reduction processes (including denitrification (DF), anammox (ANA), and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA)) using a15N tracer method. Additionally, we assessed the abundances of functional genes, and microbial community structure using high-throughput sequencing, and metagenomic sequencing. In six wetland sites, the contribution ranges of DF, ANA, and DNRA to NO3− reduction were 38.43%–55.69%, 31.33%–45.65%, and 5.26%–17.11%, respectively, and potential NO3− reduction was mainly driven by N removal via gaseous N (DF+ANA). Significant spatial differences were observed in the structure of bacterial and fungal microbial communities, suggesting that geographical distance has a major effect on microbial community structure. Environmental factors and Functional gene abundances were significantly related to potential NO3− reduction processes, and physicochemical properties had a stronger effect on potential NO3− reduction processes than gene abundances. Factors showing significant differences across regions were the main drivers of variation in potential NO3− reduction processes. Overall, our study showed that sediment substrates and geographical environmental factors rather than the abundance of functional genes and vegetation types were the main indicators of potential NO3− reduction activities in coastal wetlands.

Quantifying vegetation cover on coastal active dunes using nationwide aerial image analysis

AbstractCoastal active dunes provide vital biodiversity, habitat, and ecosystem services, yet they are one of the most endangered and understudied ecosystems worldwide. Therefore, monitoring the status of these systems is essential, but field vegetation surveys are time‐consuming and expensive. Remotely sensed aerial imagery offers spatially continuous, low‐cost, high‐resolution coverage, allowing for vegetation mapping across larger areas than traditional field surveys. Taking Aotearoa New Zealand as a case study, we used a nationally representative sample of coastal active dunes to classify vegetation from red‐green‐blue (RGB) high‐resolution (0.075–0.75 m) aerial imagery with object‐based image analysis. The mean overall accuracy was 0.76 across 21 beaches for aggregated classes, and key cover classes, such as sand, sandbinders, and woody vegetation, were discerned. However, differentiation among woody vegetation species on semi‐stable and stable dunes posed a challenge. We developed a national cover typology from the classification, comprising seven vegetation types. Classification tree models showed that where human activity was higher, it was more important than geomorphic factors in influencing the relative percent cover of the different active dune cover classes. Our methods provide a quantitative approach to characterizing the cover classes on active dunes at a national scale, which are relevant for conservation management, including habitat mapping, determining species occupancy, indigenous dominance, and the representativeness of remaining active dunes.

Across Madagascar, treeless grasslands characterised by erosion gullies are named after forest and trees

Societal Impact StatementDebates about the impacts of human settlement on Madagascar's habitat have missed the Malagasy perspective. Using indigenous and local knowledge in the form of toponyms, we find many regions across today's treeless grasslands are named after forest/trees, suggesting they may be novel. Where observed habitat does not match toponyms, erosion is significantly more likely at landscape scales. This suggests rapid expansion of erosion following human removal and burning of endemic forest, savanna woodland, heathland and grass assemblages. Findings also provide a timely warning: current practices may be unsustainable and may impact not only biodiversity but also human wellbeing unless urgently addressed.Summary The debate surrounding the extent of Madagascar's treeless grasslands at human settlement is important because introduced disturbance can negatively impact the biodiversity and productivity of systems that evolved under different regimes. Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK), often overlooked, can provide information about past vegetation structure. To test whether clearance of forest and trees, frequent fires and pasture preparation have accelerated today's island‐wide erosion, we use vegetation toponyms and assess whether mismatches between these and current vegetation types are significantly more likely to be associated with erosion. Using Malagasy and Imerina linguistic records spanning 150 years, we mapped forest‐related and grassland‐related extensive toponyms in current grassland and forest, respectively. We then assessed whether remotely‐sensed erosion was more likely when toponyms and current habitat did not match. We found 316 sites in treeless grasslands, named after forest/clusters of trees, but no grassland‐named sites in forest. Globally, natural forest and grasslands both constrain erosion. Forest toponyms in grassland were significantly more likely to reflect erosion than sites in extant forest. These findings concur with palaeoecological, geomorphological, molecular and rangeland palatability studies. Malagasy ILK, hitherto largely ignored as a source of information, strongly suggests vegetation clearance and human disturbance have exacerbated the degradation of terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems through topsoil loss and siltation and selected fire‐adapted, less‐palatable grasslands. Malagasy ILK in the form of toponyms highlights the need to address the negative impacts of burning and land‐clearance practices (e.g., loss of biodiversity and ecological function, decreased agricultural productivity, collapsed fisheries), given island‐wide challenges to food security and conservation.

Impact of seasonal changes in urban green spaces with diverse vegetation structures on college students' physical and mental health

Based on the perceptions of college student participants in winter and summer, the effects of different vegetation structures within landscapes (single-layer woodland, tree-shrub-grass composite woodlands, tree-grass composite woodland, and single-layer grassland) and concrete squares without plants were investigated, and the skin conductivity level (SCL) and environmental perception recovery score (PRS) associated with landscape types were calculated. The results indicated that seasonal differences in landscape perception significantly affected college student participants' PRS but not their SCL scores, both in winter and summer. Viewing single-layer and tree-shrub-grass composite woodlands in summer, as well as single-layer woodland in winter, enhanced the environmental perception of the college student participants. The restorative effects of the four vegetation types in green spaces were ranked as follows: single-layer woodland, tree-shrub-grass composite woodlands, single-layer grassland, and tree-grass composite woodlands and concrete squares without plants. These findings underscore the importance of considering seasonal variations when choosing plant species for landscaping purposes, with evergreen single-layer woodland being a suitable choice for winter urban landscapes. This provides a scientific basis for assessing landscape perception and preferences in the future.

The nature of vegetation cover and small mammal community structure (on the example of Nizhny Novgorod)

The spatial distribution of Apodemus species (yellow-necked, field, and small forest mice) was studied on the example of the protected area «Oak forest of National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod Botanical Garden». Twelve plant associations with non-moral character and representing derivatives of the indigenous type of vegetation were studied. Environmental conditions assessed by the Ellenberg phytoindication method affect the distribution of small mammals in space indirectly. The nature of vegetation cover is more significant. When projective cover increases, the abundance of both small woodland and field mice increases. The strategy of Apodemus agrarius appears to be similar to that of Apodemus uralensis, a species that shows stenobiontic traits in the studied PA. At the same time, insignificant anthropogenic load, a marker of which is the presence of Urtica dioica ruderal species, leads to an increase in the mosaic of vegetation cover, which has a positive effect on the abundance of these small mammal species. A moderate increase in the Berger-Parker dominance index for vegetation cover is positively associated with the confinement of micromammals. In addition, in the conditions of the recreational zone of the upland part of N. Novgorod, Apodemus agrarius prefers areas of old-growth broadleaved forest, not showing the features of anthropophily.

Mountain-Xerophytic Vegetation Type Found in Daridag

Information about the mountain-xerophytic type of vegetation of the Daridag area is presented. Areas at an altitude of 1200-1600 m above sea level are characterized by plant species with mountain xerophytic vegetation. Mountain xerophytic flora is not homogeneous and represents a set of individual phytocenosis. Ephemeral plants play an important role in this vegetation. In addition to ephemerals, the vegetation includes bulbous, tuberous, and various grasses, mainly: Rhamnus pallasii Fisch. & C. A. Mey., Astragalus microcephalus Willd., Astragalus beckerianus Trautv., Astragalus aduncus Willd., Thymus kotschyanus Boiss. & Hohen., T. collinus M. Bieb.,Euphorbia seguieriana Neck., Caragana grandiflora (M. Bieb.) DC., Atraphaxis spinosa L., Acanthophyllum mucronatum C. A. Mey., Zygophyllum atriplicoides Fisch. & C. A. Mey., Z. fabago L., Acantholimon araxanum Bunge etc. In total, the study identified 6 groups of formations and 16 associations. These include thorn shrubs, monodominant tragacanth xerophytic shrubs, cushion xerophytic shrubs, subshrub phrygana and mixed shrubs, which are included in the mountain xerophytic vegetation type. The phytocenosis of mixed herbaceous shrubs is comprised of 35 species, of which 10 species are shrubs (28.56%), 1 species is a semi-shrub (2.86%), 1 species is a shrub (2.86%), 2 species are semi-shrubs (5.72%), and 21 species are perennial and biennial (60%) plants. With regard to their life forms, of the 21 species included in the monodominant tragacanth xerophytic shrub grouping, three species are shrub-like, two species are shrubs, two species are semi-shrubs, and 14 species are perennial grasses.

Characterizing Vegetation Phenology Shifts on the Loess Plateau over Past Two Decades

Phenology is a critical mirror reflecting vegetation growth and has a major impact on terrestrial ecosystems. The Loess Plateau (LP) is a paramount ecological zone in China that has experienced considerable vegetation changes. However, understanding the dynamics of vegetation phenology is limited by ambiguous vegetation interpretation and anthropogenic-induced forces. This study combined the multi-climatic and anthropogenic datasets to characterize the interactions between phenology shifts and environmental variables. The principal findings were as follows: (1) Phenological shifts exhibit spatial heterogeneity and an interannually increasing trend in greenness (R2 > 0.6, p < 0.05). Notably, SOS (the start of the growing season) advances while EOS (the end of the growing season) delays in both the southeastern and northwestern regions. (2) SOS and EOS, primarily in the range of 100–150 and 285–320 days, respectively. Phenological changes vary depending on vegetation types. The forest has an early SOS, within 80–112 days, and a delayed EOS, within 288–320 days. The SOS of shrub is mainly within 80–144 days. (3) EOS shows a strong response to the preseason of each climate variable. Precipitation (R = 0.76), soil moisture (R = −0.64), and temperature (R = 0.89) are the governing determinants in shaping vegetation phenology. In addition, agriculture and urbanization play a significant role in shaping the spatial variations of SOS. These findings provide a basis for a systematic understanding of the processes that affect vegetation growth, which is crucial for maintaining the health and sustainability of arid and semiarid ecosystems.

Biochar Blended with Alkaline Mineral Can Better Inhibit Lead and Cadmium Uptake and Promote the Growth of Vegetables

Three successive vegetable pot experiments were conducted to assess the effects on the long-term immobilization of heavy metals in soil and crop yield improvement after the addition of peanut shell biochar and an alkaline mineral to an acidic soil contaminated with lead and cadmium. Compared with the CK treatment, the change rates of biomass in the edible parts of the three types of vegetables treated with B0.3, B1, B3, B9, R0.2 and B1R0.2 were −15.43%~123.30%, 35.10%~269.09%, 40.77%~929.31%, −26.08%~711.99%, 44.14%~1067.12% and 53.09%~1139.06%, respectively. The cadmium contents in the edible parts of the three vegetables treated with these six additives reduced by 2.08%~13.21%, 9.56%~24.78%, 9.96%~35.61%, 41.96%~78.42%, −4.19%~57.07% and 12.43%~65.92%, respectively, while the lead contents in the edible parts reduced by −15.70%~59.47%, 6.55%~70.75%, 3.40%~80.10%, 55.26%~89.79%, 11.05%~70.15% and 50.35%~79.25%, respectively. Due to the increases in soil pH, soil cation-exchange capacity and soil organic carbon content, the accumulation of Cd and Pb in the vegetables was most notably reduced with a high dosage of 9% peanut shell biochar alone, followed by the addition of a low dosage of 1% peanut shell biochar blended with 0.2% alkaline mineral. Therefore, the addition of a low dosage of 1% peanut shell biochar blended with 0.2% alkaline mineral was the best additive in increasing the vegetable biomass, whereas the addition of 9% peanut shell biochar alone was the worst. Evidently, the addition of 0.2% alkaline mineral can significantly reduce the amount of peanut shell needed for passivating heavy metals in soil, while it also achieves the effect of increasing the vegetable yield.

Soil‐vegetation interplay in a Holocene toposequence at Torres del Paine National Park, southern Andes, Chile

AbstractChile's Torres del Paine National Park (TPNP) is one of the most impressive landscapes in southern Patagonia, with unique natural elements on the edge of the southern ice field, where knowledge of soils and ecological relationships is nonexistent. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the chemical, physical, mineralogical, and micromorphological characteristics of Holocene soils along a local toposequence representing the main vegetation types of the TPNP. The morphological, chemical, physical, and mineralogical properties of 12 soil profiles were studied and classified according to Soil Taxonomy. Coevolution of vegetation and soil taxa is clearly evident since glaciation, with podsolization under austral Nothofagus pumilio forests leading to the development of spodosols, while paludization in local depressions with Nothofagus forests allowed the formation of histosols. Slopes covered with loess and tephra led to the formation of Andisols with shrub vegetation. Predominant parent materials include till from Late Quaternary advances of southern Andean ice, Pleistocene loess, and volcanic ash from surrounding Chilean volcanoes. The parent materials were strongly influenced by Late Quaternary climatic and landscape changes following the retreat of the Last Glacial Maximum in southern Patagonia, resulting in erosional and depositional conditions (windblown loess, fluvial glacial deposits, and moraines). Stable landforms show the influence of allochthonous volcanic ash shaping Andean features, combined with the accumulation of organic matter in hydromorphic soils. Three main groups of soils have been identified: loess‐rich soils, organic‐rich soils, and poorly developed soils. The latter show low fertility related to recent landforms on different substrates ranging from till, rocky slopes, talus, or glacial deposits. In high mountain regions under periglacial conditions, cryoturbation features indicate seasonal frost–thaw cycles without current permafrost. The diversity of soil orders in the mountains of southern Patagonia is comparable to similar environmental conditions and latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. However, the andic properties due to volcanic ejecta inputs, as well as organic‐rich soils at low altitudes of bottom valleys, are typical features of the soils at TNTP.

Bird-Ecosystem Relationship in an Urbanizing Habitat: Implications for Conservation and Ecosystem Stability

This study explores the association between birds and their urbanizing ecosystems. The study area was divided into 4 quadrats of area 2700 m2 each. Bird species as well as number of individuals of each species were counted using the Line Transect Method. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using Windows Microsoft Excel and SPSS v.28. The investigation revealed a significant correlation (P < 0.05) between bird species and the four distinct sites within the study area. These sites exhibit variations in vegetation composition and include notable features like water bodies. The findings underscore the heavy reliance of certain bird species in this region on specific types of vegetation for their survival and well-being. Removing even a single plant species could potentially disrupt the entire ecosystem. The study documented the presence of 42 bird species across 30 families, including one vulnerable species. Both local and seasonal migratory birds were observed during the research. Although the study identified a decline in bird diversity within the study area, it remains species-rich, displaying moderate to high diversity (Simpson’s Dominance Index: 0.0319; Margalef’s Richness Index: 4.0754). This research emphasizes the critical importance of conserving bird species and their associated vegetation to maintain ecosystem integrity. Strategic sustainable development practices along with habitat enrichment for birds is recommended to maintain the valuable avifaunal diversity of the study area. By highlighting the intricate relationship between birds and their habitat, the study highlights the significance of conservation efforts in safeguarding the overall health of the ecosystem.

Through the green mosaic: Different tropical vegetation types have complementary effects on parasitoid diversity and biological control in organic agroecosystems

Land use change threaten global biodiversity, impacting ecosystem services, especially in diverse tropical regions. Yet, biodiversity conservation does not guarantee ecosystem services provision, given species' variable responses to local and landscape factors. Here, we evaluate how the landscape and local resources affect parasitoid diversity and aphid biological control in a tropical organic crop. Locally, we compared parasitoid communities within the crops and on adjacent non-crop plant strips and evaluated the effect of flower resource abundance on parasitoid diversity. At the landscape scale, we analyzed the effect of natural areas and their specific vegetational types on parasitoid diversity and the scale of these effects. Finally, we evaluated the relationship between biodiversity and biological control. Non-crop plant strips had higher parasitoid species richness and abundance than the crops, but similar species composition. Flower resource abundance in the non-crop strips negatively affected parasitoid richness. Natural areas in the landscape benefited parasitoid richness at a close range (0.42 km) and reduced parasitoid abundance at a wider scale (1.75 km). Forests and savannas increased parasitoid richness and reduced abundance, while grasslands drive parasitoid abundance and may disrupt species richness. Savannah areas, where trees and grasses coexist boosted the positive effects of forests on species richness and of grasslands on abundance. Parasitoid species richness benefited biological control exclusively in communities with intermediate and high number of parasitoid species. Our findings show that natural vegetation types with different wood densities have complementary effects in parasitoid diversity in tropical agroecosystems and represent a useful baseline for development of management and zoning plans.

Incorporating Spatial Autocorrelation into GPP Estimation Using Eigenvector Spatial Filtering

Terrestrial gross primary productivity (GPP) is a critical part of land carbon fluxes. Accurately quantifying GPP in terrestrial ecosystems and understanding its spatiotemporal dynamics are essential for assessing the capability of vegetation to absorb carbon from the atmosphere. Nevertheless, traditional remote sensing estimation models often require complex parameters and data inputs, and they do not account for spatial effects resulting from the distribution of monitoring sites. This can lead to biased parameter estimation and unstable results. To address these challenges, we have raised a spatial autocorrelation light gradient boosting machine model (SA-LGBM) to enhance GPP estimation. SA-LGBM combines reflectance information from remote sensing observations with eigenvector spatial filtering (ESF) methods to create a set of variables that capture continuous spatiotemporal variations in plant functional types and GPP. SA-LGBM demonstrates promising results when compared to existing GPP products. With the inclusion of eigenvectors, we observed an 8.5% increase in R2 and a 20.8% decrease in RMSE. Furthermore, the residuals of the model became more random, reducing the inherent spatial effects within them. In summary, SA-LGBM represents the first attempt to quantify the impact of spatial autocorrelation and addresses the limitations of underestimation present in existing GPP products. Moreover, SA-LGBM exhibits favorable applicability across various vegetation types.