Forest Shelterbelts Research Articles

Дистанционный мониторинг государственных защитных лесных полос степной зоны европейской части России

State forest shelterbelts are not only one of the components of the ecological framework of sparsely forested steppe territories, but also represent a unique object of steppe afforestation. Age-related changes and a long-term absence of forestry impact negatively affected the sanitary condition of plantations of the state forest shelterbelts. The research is aimed at assessing the current state of the plantations that form the shelterbelts in different soil and climatic conditions in the steppe zone of the European part of Russia. The plantations of the coastal state forest shelterbelts “Voronezh – Rostov-on-Don”, “Belgorod – Don River” and watershed “Volgograd – Elista – Cherkessk” were the research object. The expediency of using the method of remote sensing of the Earth is due to the significant extent and differences in the state of the research object in different soil and climatic conditions. An analysis of the natural conditions of the research region made it possible to determine the boundaries of 5 forestry regions on the main subtypes of zonal soils: ordinary chernozems, southern chernozems and dark chestnut soils; chestnut soils; light chestnut soils with the presence of solonetz and sometimes solonchak soils; and also on azonal sandy soils. Based on the data of our own field surveys of artificial plantations, the interpretation of space images of state forest shelterbelts was carried out using the learning algorithm and spectral indices in the ENVI 5.2 software package. As a result of interpretation, it was found that the safety of state forest shelterbelts decreases as forest conditions become more severe from ordinary chernozems to light chestnut soils from 92.3 to 36.5 %. Oak forests, ash forests, and elm forests predominate in the species composition on zonal soils, and pine forests predominate on azonal soils. With the deterioration of forest site conditions, the share of oak in plantations decreases, it is replaced by elm, the density of plantations decreases. Forest strips on chernozems, dark chestnut and sandy soils are also the most prosperous in sanitary terms. Plantations growing on chestnut and light chestnut soils are characterized by digression increasing with age or complete decay of the forest environment. The conducted research allows to identify the location of plantations in the stage of degression or decay within the state forest shelterbelts, and to recommend for them the nature and volume of forestry impact for the conservation and restoration of the forest.

Protective Efficiency of Railway Arbor-Shrub Windbreak Forest Belts in Gobi Regions: Numerical Simulation and Wind Tunnel Tests

The railways in the Gobi area have serious sand hazards. To prevent these hazards and ensure operational safety, plant-based sand prevention is a fundamental measure for the prevention and control of railway wind-sand hazards. This study considers the protective windbreak forest belts along the Lan-Xin Railway, Northwest China as the study area and evaluates its protective benefits from the perspectives of windproof efficiency and sand control efficiency using numerical simulations and wind tunnel testing. Our results show that the disrupting effect of the three shelterbelt rows on the airflow was significantly enhanced, and the wind velocity profile began to change at 2H. As the airflow continued to move forward, the wind velocity profile gradually deviated from the logarithmic law, and an obvious turning point appeared at 13H behind the forest belt. Under different incoming wind velocities, the maximum wind protection efficiency of the three shelterbelt rows appeared at 5H on the leeward side. The maximum wind protection efficiencies in the numerical simulation were 95.1, 90.4, and 88.6%, respectively. The minimum value appeared at 15H on the leeward side, and the minimum wind protection efficiencies were 58.3, 53.1, and 47.1%, respectively. The maximum wind protection efficiencies in the tunnel test were 94.3, 90.1, and 86.5%, and the minimum value appeared at 15H on the leeward side. As the wind velocity increased, the efficiency of wind protection tended to decrease. The sand control efficiencies of the shelterbelt were 93.8, 91.6, and 88.1%, and as the wind velocity increased, the sand control efficiency continued to decrease. In general, the forest belt had a significant effect on reducing the sand flux density, especially below the forest belt height, which can effectively control the wind and sand disasters in some Gobi areas along the Lan-Xin Railway.

Quantifying past, current, and future forest carbon stocks within agroforestry systems in central Alberta, Canada

AbstractInformation about regional‐level carbon (C) stocks in agroforestry systems (AFS), as well as the annual loss of agroforests and associated C stocks, is scarce, limiting our capacity for increasing C sequestration through establishing, retaining, and enhancing these systems. This study quantified regional‐level C stocks and the associated incremental economic value in the forest land‐use component of three common AFS (hedgerows, shelterbelts, and silvopastures), estimated the annual loss of hedgerow and silvopasture forests and the associated C, and assessed the potential to enhance C storage through the expansion of shelterbelts in central Alberta, Canada, using publicly available satellite imagery, previously collected field data and the Google Earth Engine platform. Results showed that forests in the three AFS stored 699.9 million tons (Mt) C across 9.5 million hectares (Mha) of land in central Alberta and were valued at $102.7 billion based on the 2021 Canadian C tax rate of $40 t−1 CO2‐equivalent. Silvopasture forests in the studied region had the highest C stocks, which were 14.2 and 67.2 times that found in hedgerow and shelterbelt forests, respectively. Between 2001 and 2020, forests in hedgerows and silvopastures declined at rates of 468.1 and 1957.1 ha year−1, respectively, leading to an 8.4 Mt decline in total C storage over the 20 years. However, there is potential to establish new shelterbelts at many road/field margins, which could increase C stocks by 2.3 times the current C stocks in shelterbelt forests. These results highlight the importance of retaining existing and establishing new AFS for increasing C sequestration, emphasizing the impact of agroforest loss on reducing C storage within agroecosystems. The development of policies that assist or reward landowners for providing the ecosystem service of C storage by retaining, establishing, and enhancing agroforests as part of existing agroecosystem management should be encouraged for mitigating climate change.

The Stem Sap Flow and Water Sources for Tamarix ramosissima in an Artificial Shelterbelt With a Deep Groundwater Table in Northwest China.

The shelterbelt forest between oases and the desert plays a vital role in preventing aeolian disasters and desertification in arid regions of northwest China. Tamarix ramosissima (T. ramosissima), a typical perennial and native xerophyte shrub in Northwest China, grows naturally and is widely used in building artificial shelterbelt forests. The balance between water consumption and the availability of water determines the survival and growth of T. ramosissima. How T. ramosissima copes with extremely low rainfall and a deep groundwater table remains unknown. To answer this, the transpiration and the water sources of T. ramosissima were investigated by the heat balance and oxygen isotopic analysis method, respectively. Our results show that the daily T. ramosissima stem sap flow (SSF) was positively correlated with air temperature (Ta), photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), and the vapor pressure deficit (VPD). We found no significant relationship between the daily SSF and soil moisture in shallow (0–40 cm) and middle (40–160 cm) soil layers. Oxygen isotope results showed that T. ramosissima mainly sources (>90%) water from deep soil moisture (160–400 cm) and groundwater (910 cm). Diurnally, T. ramosissima SSF showed a hysteresis response to variations in PAR, Ta, and VPD, which suggests that transpiration suffers increasingly from water stress with increasing PAR, Ta, and VPD. Our results indicate that PAR, Ta, and VPD are the dominant factors that control T. ramosissima SSF, not precipitation and shallow soil moisture. Deep soil water and groundwater are the primary sources for T. ramosissima in this extremely water-limited environment. These results provide information that is essential for proper water resource management during vegetation restoration and ecological reafforestation in water-limited regions.

Windbreak stonewalls in a mountainous village of Japan: a case study of Tsuchigoya in Hongu-cho, Tanabe city

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine how people protect against strong seasonal winds from the mountains and to examine the relationship between windbreaks and local settlements.Design/methodology/approachThe study site was the Tsuchigoya area of Hongu-cho in Japan. Measurement surveys were conducted to record the distribution, heights, widths, types and current conditions of the stone walls. At the same time, interview surveys were conducted to gather information about the history and local practices of coping with strong winds.FindingsThis study contributes knowledge of different methods of coping with strong winds, such as windbreak forests, stone walls, local stones and metal wire and bars. The sloping terrain and strong winds contributed to the construction of stone walls, which influenced the residential property layout and settlement layout. Abundant stones were available at nearby rivers and it is evident that masonry craftsmanship shaped the stone walls and landscape, which should be considered as holding cultural value for the village.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has some limitations. First, because of it being the case study of one study area, the findings cannot represent all the possible situations or contexts in different regions or countries. Further studies are necessary to understand the climate-responsive knowledge of other locations to address and establish a comprehensive understanding and future suggestions.Practical implicationsBy re-examining the stone walls assembled by the people, this study was able to gain insight into such matters as the wind conditions, local topography and geography, acquisition of materials, masonry craftsmanship and social conditions such as flood influences in the area. The study showed the climate-responsive local knowledge and influence on local settings.Social implicationsIt is now necessary to record traditional disaster prevention methods, even in such small villages, to consider how the diverse methods of disaster management and resilience against climatic conditions have been preserved through the ages. The stone walls and landscape should be considered to have cultural value for the village.Originality/valueThe study showed that climate-responsive local knowledge and settlement layout have been developed through the local topography, weather conditions, resource availability and social conditions.

Ensuring an ecologically sustainable state of agroforestry landscapes of LLC “Agroalliance” of Krasnodar Territory

The state of agricultural landscapes is greatly influenced by the ratio of agricultural land and forest plantations. The state of field-protective forest plantations in Krasnodar Territory is mostly unsatisfactory. Despite an in-depth analysis of the problem, the optimal ratio of lands has not been normalized and varies quite strongly depending on the regional and local characteristics of the territory. The research was carried out on the territory of the LLC “Agroalliance” farm in Dinskaya District. It is characterized by a high degree of plowing with a protective forest cover of more than 5%. The study of agroforestry landscapes was carried out using remote sensing methods and field studies. When studying agroforestry landscapes of Krasnodar Territory on the example of LLC “Agroalliance” in Dinskaya District, we observe deterioration in the characteristics of forest shelter belts, non-observance of land management norms. The work is an attempt to improve the ratio of agricultural land and coordinate them with the recommended standards for a given region on the example of an agricultural enterprise. The design of forest belts in all areas is dense, while for this area of Krasnodar Territory, a blown-through design is recommended. To restore, preserve protective forest plantations, we recommend carrying out a system of measures aimed at restoring the structures of forest belts.

Condition and growth of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) in irrigated forest belts of Saratov Trans-Volga steppe

The research aim was to establish the regularities of condition and growth of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) in the irrigated forest belts in the steppe of Saratov Trans-Volga Region. The study object is a system of forest shelter belts under conditions of irrigation of dark chestnut soils of Saratov Trans-Volga steppe with tree species of the main and accompanying purpose - pedunculate oak, lanceolate ash (Fracsinus lanceolata L.) and squat elm (Ulmus pumila L.). The research in the field and materials processing were carried out in accordance with the methodology of specialized research institutes and leading scientists in the field of agroforestry. Forest belts located on agricultural land protect crops from the negative effects of drought and dry winds, optimize snow distribution in winter and irrigation regimes for crops during the growing season, and increase the crops productivity. Irrigation has the most important positive effect on growth and condition of tree species in forest belts and, as a result, on durability and reforestation efficiency of forest belts. The studies have shown that the average height and diameter of oak in the. irrigated forest belts mixed with different species are higher than those without irrigation by 15-26% and 34-39%, respectively. The oak growth in height in irrigated areas of forest belts exceeds its growth in height in areas of forest belts without irrigation by 1.5 times. The vital condition of oak in the irrigated forest belts is characterized by the prevalence of “slightly oppressed” (48%) and “healthy” oak trees (40%).

The spatiotemporal response of China's vegetation greenness to human socio-economic activities

Climate change and human socioeconomic activities both strongly impact long-term vegetation greenness. It is more a challenge to evaluate the impacts of socioeconomic activities on vegetative greenness than climate change, partially due to the lack of appropriate quantitative indicators of the former. Here we examined the relationship between the remote sensing nighttime light (NTL) data and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), which in this study are used as the proxies of socioeconomic activities and vegetation greenness, respectively. We first eliminated the vegetation greenness changes in response to climate change and calculated the human-activities-induced NDVI (HNDVI). After explored the spatiotemporal patterns of the HNDVI and NTL data across China from 1998 to 2018, we studied the relationship between the HNDVI and NTL at the grid and county levels, respectively. Our results show that the mean adjusted DN values of the NTL data (NTLI) continuously increase (+0.2938) across our study area from 1998 to 2018, whereas the HNDVI values fluctuate with a general upward trend (+0.0018). Most grids (91.2%) with increased HNDVI were found in rural areas, particularly in the Northeast forest shelterbelt and the Loess Plateau. By contrast, the HNDVI values in rapidly urbanized areas in Chinese major urban agglomerations mainly show a downward trend, especially in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) urban agglomeration. The relationships between the NTLI and HNDVI are inconsistent over time and across space, which could be attributed to land use conditions, afforestation projects in rural areas, and greening activities in urban areas over different periods and regions.

Влияние полезащитных лесных полос ажурной конструкции на характер снегораспределения

Snow in agricultural landscapes is a reserve of moisture, as well as protection of soils from deep freezing and protection of wintering plants from destructive effects of low temperatures. In the zone of insufficient moisture to which the study area belongs, the snow cover is one of the main sources of water resources, as the moisture reserves in the soil, necessary for growth and development of agricultural crops, are formed to a greater extent by meltwater infiltration. Forest belts have a direct impact on snow accumulation and character of snow deposition. The purpose of this work is to study the effect of openwork forest shelter belts on snow accumulation and snow distribution in agricultural landscapes in Ilovlinsky District of Volgograd Oblast. The snow cover was studied in the top-down direction along the slope (perpendicular to the forest belt (FB)) by laying snow measuring profiles, along which the height of the snow cover was measured with a snow measuring rod M-46 in triplicate (in the field part every 4 m, in the forest belt and plume zones every meter). According to the results of the studies, the main zones of snow accumulation were identified: the first zone (I) – the forest belt, the second (II) – the zone of snow plume formation, the third (III) – the zone of FB influence (up to 30H, where H is the plantation height), the fourth (IV) – the entire field part of the agricultural landscape. It was found that the maximum values of snow cover were recorded in the forest belt, as well as in the plume zone (1-2H). The average snow height in the field part at the level is 7 cm, which is 14 cm lower than the snow height in the FB influence zone (1-30H). In some parts of the field, the snow cover height is reduced to 5 cm. The results obtained can be used to solve various agronomic as well as anti-erosion problems.

Shelterbelt farmland-afforestation induced SOC accrual with higher temperature stability: Cross-sites 1 m soil profiles analysis in NE China

Shelterbelt farmland afforestation has been well-reported in its wind-break and climate regulation function, but less is on underground-soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration and environmental stability. In this paper, we collected 180 soil samples from soil depths of 1 m (0–20, 20–40, 40–60, 60–80, 80–100 cm) in the farmland and neighbor shelterbelts in Songnen Plain, northeastern China. The sample plots covered six regions in the study area. SOC concentration and respiration decomposition rate, Q10 (temperature sensitivity), Hs (humidity sensitivity) were determined in the laboratory cultivation. Soil properties (N, P, K, electrical conductivity-EC, pH) and geographic-climate factors (multiple-year mean annual temperature and precipitation, MAT&MAP; temperature and precipitation during sampling month, MT &MP) were used to reveal the underlying reason for the changes in soil carbon sequestration. The results showed no significant difference in SOC respirational decomposition rate between farmland and shelterbelt forests but a 15.8% higher SOC concentration in shelterbelt forests (p < 0.05). The poplar shelterbelts reduced the Q10 value by 15.4% (p < 0.05), with deeper soils a more significant reduction in Q10. With soil moisture increases, both shelterbelt forests and farmland showed an obvious respiration pattern of first-increasing-then-decreasing. No significant Hs (linear gradients) differences were found in farmland and shelterbelt forests. Partitioning of the RDA ordination-based variation showed that SOC stability (Hs and Q10) of farmland was more affected by geo-climate. In contrast, the SOC stability of shelterbelt forests was greatly influenced by soil properties. Our findings manifest that the above-mentioned SOC changes can improve shelterbelt forest carbon sequestration function by prolonging the SOC lifespan in soil by at least 7% and SOC concentration by >15%. This should be included in the future to assess the underground soil carbon impact of Three-North shelterbelts in China and provide data supports for the estimation of similar forest stands in other parts of the world.

Retraction Note: Research on soil structure analysis and VR game experience of Ocean city based on image resolution

After 1950, Casuarina equisetifolia was introduced into coastal areas as a windbreak forest and sand-fixing forest, adjusted the balance of the ecosystem, and played an irreplaceable role in resisting disasters and protecting coastal land. Casuarina equisetifolia is the main tree species in coastal protected forests in Fujian Province. However, due to long-term pure forest management and human intervention, the acidification of forest land is serious, soil nutrients are unbalanced, soil fertility is reduced, reforestation becomes difficult, and the stability and sustainable management of coastal windbreak forests are insufficient. Therefore, forestry in a certain region chose the contrast of bare sand and used it as the research object to study the physical and chemical properties of soil, and to study soil enzyme activity in pure casuarina forest, mixed forest of Casuarina equisetifolia and Ginger ginger, and natural secondary the vegetation restoration model in the three cases of forest. Investigate the soil microbial characteristics under different restoration modes, and the degraded sandy soil properties under different vegetation restoration modes. This research is based on the theoretical basis of restoring vegetation on the deteriorating sandy land along the southeast coast, and provides a theoretical basis for the construction of coastal protection belts for natural forests. In recent years, virtual reality (VR) technology has been applied in various fields, achieving large-scale commercialization. So far, the research of VR game user experience has mainly focused on usability, VR technology research, effect analysis, immersion and so on. Maintaining user mobility will help optimize user experience and improve VR game design.

Integrating Ecosystem Services Valuation into Land Use Planning: Case of the Ukrainian Agricultural Landscapes

Modern agricultural landscapes produce multiple ecosystem services. Ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes have social, economic, and environmental value—providing a wide array of benefits to society. Absence of scientifically based and practically tested methodologies of identification, mapping, and evaluation of ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes hamper integration of its values in the current system of land use planning. The value of ecosystem services is calculated for the case study territory located within the administrative borders of Kolomak Territorial Community in Bohodukhiv district, Kharkiv region (Ukraine). The highest estimated value among non-market ecosystem services is carbon storage service, and among market services—food production. The baseline scenario of land use (business as usual) is compared with two alternative scenarios (Scenario 1. Land reclamation scenario; Scenario 2. Land protection and bioenergy production scenario). Designing of an integrated production system in the forest agro-landscape, which combines multiple ecosystem services, allows us to attain maximum results in terms of value. Amelioration of agricultural landscape through establishing a system of protective forest shelterbelts allows society to increase the total value of ecosystem services, and this is why it should be better integrated into land use planning and land management.

Экологоагрохимическая оценка почв каменной степи под лесным ценозом

A set of parameters of soils under forest belts was studied. The objects of research were old-growth (65–68 yrs) ravine and shelterbelt forest plantations of the Kamennaya Steppe. The results allow assessing the trends of changes in soil characteristics over a long period of time. Key plots of 100×100 m were laid out using a regular sampling grid. The sampling interval is 15–25 m. A positive effect of forest shelterbelts on the properties of chernozems was found. There is an increase in thickness of the humus horizon from 42.3 cm (arable land on the slope) to 72.6±5.1 cm (under forest). The maximum values are typical for chernozems of watershed areas: 59.6±2.4 cm (arable land) and 85.6±3.9 cm (forest belt). Chernozems leached due to the activation of migration processes of carbonates into the underlying soil horizons have the maximum depth of soil effervescence. Chernozems zooturbated due to mechanical transport and mixing of accumulative-carbonate horizon have the lowest depth of soil effervescence. A general trend to decrease the depth of soil effervescence under the forest cenosis was found. The highest humus content is observed in watershed areas: 7.14±0.24 % (arable land) and 8.56±0.18 % (forest belt). A ravine forest belt reduces the risk of erosion processes. A fairly strong humus profile with a high content of organic matter: 7.03±0.27% (under forest) and 6.10±0.10% (on arable land), was possible to preserve on arable lands in the zone of the belt’s influence. The planting of forest belts causes a change in the nature of vegetation. The influence of acidic products of litter decomposition formed soil horizons with a moderately acidic reaction of the environment in the humus layer. Despite the leading position of calcium, an increased content of magnesium was found in the composition of exchange-absorbed cations. Forest belts have become especially important in recent decades due to changing climatic conditions. In the steppe regions of Russia, such plantations are a powerful soil conservation factor that helps stabilize and increase soil fertility. It is necessary to intensify the planting of artificial forest stands in the steppe regions of Russia. For citation: Cheverdin Yu.I., Bespalov V.A., Sautkina M.Yu., Titova T.V. Ecological and Agrochemical Assessment of the Kamennaya Steppe Soils under Forest Cenosis. Lesnoy Zhurnal [Russian Forestry Journal], 2021, no. 5, pp. 76–91. DOI: 10.37482/0536-1036-2021-5-76-91

The current state of the pine shelter belt in the steppe zone of the Krasnoyarsk Territory

xModern forest shelter belts do not fully protect arable land and most often have a different life state. In theseconditions, the preservation of forest belts, their performance of protective functions in the system of agroforestry andother complex measures remains an urgent task. The studies were carried out in a field-protective forest belt located in thevicinity of the Oktyabrsky village of the Krasnoturansky district of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, where a temporary test plotwas laid using generally accepted methods. The aim of the research was to study the current state of this forest belt by identifying the sanitary state and preservation of the stand and growth rates of Scots pine. Analysis of the current state of thestand showed that the average category of the state of trees is 1.3 points. The stand safety is 44.9%. Pine trees at the age of 28after planting have reached an average height of 11.6 m with an average diameter of 19.1 cm. The forest belt has an optimalopenwork-blown design and is capable of self-renewal naturally. To prevent further degradation of arable leached chernozems in treeless areas of the steppe zone of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, it is advisable to create pine forest shelter belts.

Diversity of entomofauna in organic versus conventionally managed soybean fields protected by forest shelter belts in Ukraine

Diversity of entomofauna in organic versus conventionally managed soybean fields protected by forest shelter belts in Ukraine

Effect of organic farming on the ladybird beetle diversity (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Coccinellidae perform the function of biological control of pests in nature, they eat aphids and other insects, which is important in organic agriculture. The aim of the work was to establish the distribution and species composition of the family Coccinellidae in the organic agro-landscape. The research was conducted at the Skvyra research station of organic production (Kyiv region, Ukraine). Insects were collected by entomological mowing with a net in four stages of plant development. The organic agro-landscape included crops of buckwheat, oats, soybeans and winter wheat. Data from neighbor conventional soybean and winter wheat ecosystems were used for comparison. The agroecosystems of these crops, which included felds, ecotones ”feld – feld protective forest shelter belt”, feld protective forest shelter belts, were studied. The study identifed 10 species of the family Coccinellidae, the number of species ranged from 1 to 89/100 waves, the largest in the ecosystem of organic winter wheat. H. axiridis belonged to the recedents and was found in fve agroecosystems in the amount of 1-7 individuals / 100 waves. The most common species were C. septempunctata, T. sedecimpunctata and larvae of Coccinellidae, which were eudominant in the organic agro-landscape. Species Vibidia sp. was found only in organic agroecosystems of buckwheat and oats. The variety of ladybugs in organic winter wheat was higher than in conventional. Organic soybeans, in contrast, had less variety of Coccinellidae than conventional soybeans, as confrmed by cluster analysis. Species richness in crop ecosystems ranged from 3 to 8 in different study periods. High correlations of insect numbers were found between felds, ecotones and forest shelter belts, as well as between neighbor ecotones and neighbor forest belts, which indicates the migration of insects between these areas. Thus, the diversity and prevalence of Coccinellidae in the organic agro-landscape, compared to the traditional one, has been established. Key words: ladybugs, organic farming, agrolandscape, agroecosystem, crops, species.

Morphological trait as a determining factor for Populus simonii Carr. to survive from drought in semi-arid region

Widespread tree mortality induced by drought events causes significant damage to the local ecosystem and society. Populus simonii Carr. in Zhangbei, Bashang region, China, which was the dominant species of local shelter forest, experienced a wide and heterogeneous dieback, calling for an urgent need for research revealing the mechanism of this mortality event. We conducted a field survey across the county examining 443 poplar individuals with different degrees of degradation. Basic morphological tree data and tree-ring samples were obtained and analysed. The stable water isotope technique was also applied to predict the water use pattern and rooting depth. Long-term climate data were analysed and the self-calibrating Palmer drought severity index (scPDSI) was calculated. The main results were as follows: 1) The growth rate of diameter at breast height (DBH) and tree height began to decrease after the year 2000; however, this drawback effect tended to be stronger for poplars with a higher degradation degree. The results also showed that the poplars that survived were inherently larger in size. 2) Following the increase in the degree of degradation, poplars gradually lost their ability to absorb deep soil water, putting them into a more stressful water condition. We concluded that ageing and stand density were not the major effects but drought accounted for the mortality event. Larger poplars with deeper root systems tended to be more resistant to drought. Local water resource management is also vital for shelterbelt forests to survive and grow.

Ephemeral gullies caused by snowmelt: A ten-year study in northeastern China

Ephemeral gully erosion of cultivated land may be serious in early spring because of snowmelt runoff and lack of vegetation cover during this period. The snow in winter is redistributed by winds and accumulates in low-lying gullies, furrows, forest shelterbelts and forest lands, which become the main source of snowmelt runoff in spring. This study selected three different hillslopes according to snow redistribution in the black soil region of northeastern China and investigated the ephemeral gully erosion caused by snowmelt runoff from 2009 through 2018. The results showed that drainage area was the main controlling factor of ephemeral gully development. Due to the influence of snow redistribution, volumetric soil loss of ephemeral gully erosion in cultivated hillslopes affected by forestland and forest shelterbelt were more than 2 times greater than that of cultivated hillslopes without other sources of snowmelt runoff. A snow redistribution factor, SR, calculated through surveyed snow depth, accounted for the influence of snow redistribution on ephemeral gully erosion. Ridge tillage increased the threshold value of runoff needed for initial formation of ephemeral gullies, and decreased the number of gullies formed, but it also accelerated the development of single ephemeral gullies once they formed because furrows accumulated more runoff feeding to the drainage areas. A tillage practice factor, T, was used to reflect the influence of ridge tillage on ephemeral gully erosion. A statistical model for estimating ephemeral gully volume was developed that included as independent variables snowfall (SN), snow redistribution factor (SR), drainage area (A) and tillage practice factor (T). Using these parameters, along with bulk density of soil (BD), soil loss (Mg) by ephemeral gullies was estimated to be 0.102*SN1.104*SR*A0.90 *T3.0 *BD (R2 = 0.76).

Development of a male specific genetic marker for Garcinia subelliptica Merr. tree

ABSTRACT Garcinia subelliptica Merr. (called “fukugi” in Japanese) is a dioecious tree species, which has traditionally been planted as windbreak forests in the coast of Ryukyu islands. Although effective afforestation and maintenance of G. subelliptica would greatly be assisted by early sex diagnosis and selection at the seedling stage, the genome and the sex-determination system of G. subelliptica are still poorly understood. In this study, we estimated the genome size of G. subelliptica to be approximately ~ 12 Gb for female and male, based on k-mer analysis. Furthermore, we developed a male-specific DNA marker for G. subelliptica, using the restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) method. The 660 bp marker fragment, named FSDM (“fukugi” sex determination marker), was amplified in all males but not in the female G. subelliptica genome analyzed so far. In addition, the segregation ratio of the marker was 1:1 among the tested population. The DNA sequence of FSDM showed a significant similarity to the antifungal protein ginkbilobin-2 gene. The development of the sex-specific genetic marker of G. subelliptica may allow more effective conservation of traditional landscape and future design of villages around the northern part of the main island of Okinawa, a promising candidate site for World Natural Heritage.

An analysis of illegal mining on the Offin shelterbelt forest reserve, Ghana: Implications on community livelihood

An analysis of illegal mining on the Offin shelterbelt forest reserve, Ghana: Implications on community livelihood