Comparison of riparian plant communities under four land management systems in southwestern Wisconsin

Riparian plant community composition is influenced by moisture, erosion, original native plant communities, and current and past land use. This study compared riparian plant communities under four types of management: woody buffer strip, grassy buffer strip, rotational grazing, and continuous grazing. Study sites were located along spring-fed streams in the unglaciated region of southwestern Wisconsin, USA. At each site, plant community surveys were conducted using a point transect method. Among the treatments, woody buffer strips, rotationally grazed and continuously grazed riparian areas had greater plant species richness than grassy buffer strips, and woody buffer strips had the greatest native plant species richness. Reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) was prevalent in grassy buffer strips (44% of all observations), common in woody buffer strips (15%), and rare in sites that were rotationally or continuously grazed (3 and 5%, respectively). Pasture sites had greater proportions of native grasses and grass relatives and moderate levels of overall native species richness. Considered a water quality best management practice, well-managed rotational grazing may be a reasonable alternative to buffer strips which can contribute to protection and enhancement of native vegetation biodiversity.     

Botanical composition, soil and forage quality under different management regimes in Russian grasslands

Little is known on how management of Russian native grasslands affects botanical composition, soil and forage properties. Three fields were sampled in the V.V. Alekhin Central-Chernozem Biosphere State Reserve in the Kursk region of Russia: a native grassland (not cultivated for at least 300 years), a grazed/hay field with 4 years of annual harvest followed by 1 year of rest (periodically-cut grazed/hay field), and a yearly-cut grazed/hay field. Soil samples were collected from the top 10 cm and analyzed. Plant species were identified at the sampling sites and this plant material was used to determine total elemental analysis of forage, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) and lignin concentrations. Above-ground live and dead plant material and roots were analyzed for C, N and lignin. Soil sample analysis showed that fields were comparable in terms of soil chemical and physical properties. SOC and N contents were not statistically different in the native and yearly grazed/hay fields. Soil bulk density significantly increased as a result of utilization, from 0.80±0.09 Mg m⁻³ for the native grassland to 0.97±0.06 Mg m⁻³ for the yearly grazed/hay field. A total of 107 different plant species were recorded at the three fields. There were changes in plant composition among the fields. The native grassland field had the least number of plant species (41) followed by the yearly-cut grazed/hay field (68), and the periodically-cut grazed/hay field (87). There was a greater proportion of grass species (20%) in the native grassland field. Dead plant biomass and roots from the grazed/hay fields were higher in N and lignin concentrations. Forage mineral concentration was highest in the periodically-cut hay field. No significant differences were observed in terms of forage properties.     

The role of plant leaf attributes in linking land use to ecosystem function in temperate grassy vegetation

We tested predictions of the relative changes in plant leaf traits in response to land uses in Australian eucalypt grassy ecosystems. Predictions were determined from responses observed in European landscapes in relation to disturbances associated with agricultural land uses. We measured specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf dry matter content (LDMC) across five land uses: reference sites (closest to pre-European state), native pastures (unfertilized), fertilized pastures, sown pastures (cultivated and fertilized) and enriched grassland (previously fertilized, no longer grazed). Leaves were expected to have higher SLA and lower LMDC at sites with increasing fertility and/or disturbance.The predictions were confirmed, with SLA increasing progressively in land uses associated with (1) grazing; (2) grazing and fertilization; (3) grazing, fertilization and cultivation. Values for LDMC were closely (but inversely) correlated with those of SLA. For both traits, there were relationships with available soil phosphorus but not with soil total nitrogen. The positive correlation of SLA with phosphorus was not evident above 30 mg kg⁻¹, the recommended level of phosphorus for improved pastures.Results confirm patterns of leaf-trait response to disturbance that reflect fundamental constraints to plant survival in habitats with different levels of resources and disturbances. A conservative strategy for low productivity undisturbed habitats is associated with low SLA and high dry matter content in contrast to fertile disturbed habitats which select for high SLA and low dry matter content. The changes in leaf traits across land uses resulted from species substitution rather than variation within species across sites, and most notably the replacement of native by annual exotic species as land use intensifies.Recommended fertilization rates for pasture production convert the ground layer to plants with soft, digestible leaves, that are responsive to fertilizer and desirable for livestock production. However, fertilization also drastically reduces the diversity of native plants and annual plants tend to dominate. The trade-off associated with high production includes increased vulnerability to soil erosion, due to reduced plant cover and low persistence of cover. If alternative ecosystem values such as erosion control, water quality, salinity control and biodiversity persistence are required, incentives may be needed to offset the loss of production that can be gained from fertilizer application.     

Pasture management under goat grazing on Canary Islands

Tenerife pastures in the Teno plateau are under a goat grazing management system, and the number of goats has increased by 70% in the past 10 years. This plant community was sampled during 4 years (1992, 1993, 1994 and 1999) over a 10-year period, using ten 0.25 m² plots to reveal changes in species composition, soil nutrient content, and biomass nutrient content over time and relate these variables to changes in management and understand aspects of the dynamics of these pastures.The results revealed no changes in biomass nutrient composition over the sampling period; however, biomass protein content was related to changes in species composition. Soil phosphorus content increased in the last sampling year and was related to an average species richness decrease in the plots. Results suggest that the increase in soil phosphorus and the decrease in species richness are related to the increase in goat grazing intensity. At the end of the studied period, species with a higher protein content increased in importance in the species composition. The restoration of pastures degraded by agriculture or overgrazing is required to provide a larger area for grazing and to ensure sustainable management of these protected areas.     

Vegetation changes in Conservation Reserve Program lands in interior Alaska

Over 14 million hectares of erosion prone cropland in the United States has been converted into grasslands through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) administered by the United States Department of Agriculture, however, studies of the effects of CRP enrollment on plant communities and subsequent plant succession are largely lacking. In Delta Junction, Alaska plant communities in CRP fields are transitioning from grasslands to shrub dominated plant communities, which are resulting in compliance problems with program regulations that state “fields must be maintained in a condition that permits easy conversion to cropland”. To determine plant succession and how previous land management and soils might influence the transition, we measured plant populations in 20 CRP fields throughout Delta Junction using modified-Whittaker plots. These data were combined with data on current management practices, previous farming history, soils, soil properties, diversity indices, and time since land was cleared and analyzed with nonmetric multidimensional scaling ordination to determine factors that influence plant succession. Time in the CRP was the only factor consistently influencing plant succession. As time in the CRP increased, the planted introduced grasses brome grass (Bromus inermis) and red fescue (Festuca rubra) and the native pteridophyte (Equisetum arvense) decreased, whereas a native grass (Calamigrostis canadensis), five native forb, two native shrub, and three native tree species increased. Plant diversity increased at a rate of more than 2 species per 1000 m² per year. Regression analyses of plant species and plant groups using time in the CRP as the dependent variable resulted in the identification of outlier CRP fields with significantly more or less than expected covers of vegetation. All fields with these outliers had reasonable explanations for the differences in cover that were unrelated to the overall rate of plant succession. Current management practices will result in incompliant fields and different management practices that result in woody vegetation control is key to maintaining CRP fields in compliance.     

Temporal nutrient variation in soil and vegetation of post-forest pastures as a function of soil order,pasture age,and management,Rondônia,Brazil

Understanding pasture degradation processes is key for sustainable development in the Amazon region. Pasture degradation can be indexed by pasture nutritional status, which is impacted by environmental and human related factors. Most studies of the biogeochemistry of Amazonian pastures have been restricted to highly acidic soils with little focus on how management affects pasture biogeochemistry. We investigated soil physical and chemical properties and grass nutrients under different edaphic conditions and management practices in Rondônia state, in the southwestern Amazon region. Our objectives were to analyze the impacts of soil order, pasture age, and pasture management on soil fertility, bulk density and plant nutrients, in order to understand sustainability needs for the future of this region. We sampled 17 study sites on Oxisols, Ultisols, and Alfisols. The pasture age classes we used consisted of 6–10, 11–15, and >16 years including forest as the control. We also evaluated the impact of beef and dairy management strategies on pastures installed on Ultisols. Pastures on Alfisols showed the highest soil P, Ca, and base saturation, properties that decreased gradually after 5 years of pasture installation. In contrast, pastures on Oxisols showed low and stable levels of nutrients regardless of age. Foliar nutrient concentrations appear to be influenced by edaphic conditions. Soil P and foliar P concentration were highly correlated. In general, pasture age was a poor indicator of soil fertility and foliar chemistry because of high variability among pastures belonging to the same soil order. In terms of the impacts of pasture management, we did not observe significant differences in soil or foliar properties in pasture used for beef and dairy on Ultisols.     

微生物群落驱动AM真菌、生物炭及联合改良沙化土壤作用潜力

沙化土壤作为土地荒漠化的重要过渡形式,实现其有效恢复对减缓土地荒漠化进程意义重大.本研究显示,丛枝菌根（arbuscular mycorrhizal,AM）真菌和生物炭已应用于沙化土壤改良过程,但二者联合对沙化土壤改良影响研究较少;此外,细菌和真菌群落在沙化土壤改良过程中的作用尚不清楚.采用温室盆栽试验的方法,分别设置对照处理（CK）、单独接种AM真菌处理（RI）、单独施加生物炭处理（BC）和二者联合改良处理（BC_RI）,研究不同改良方式对小果白刺（Nitrariasi birica Pall.）菌根侵染率、生物量、矿质营养元素（N、P、K、Ca和Mg）含量及土壤有机碳、营养元素（全N、全P和全K）、水稳性团聚体组成影响.采用高通量测序技术,考察细菌和真菌群落在沙化土壤改良过程中的作用,结合多元分析手段,探究不同改良方式改良作用机制,旨在为合理有效改良沙化土壤提供基础数据和理论依据.结果表明,接种处理（RI和BC_RI）小果白刺根系均观察到明显的菌根侵染现象,但RI和BC_RI处理间菌根侵染率无显著性差异.与CK相比,RI处理显著增加了小果白刺地上部生物量和地上部N、K、Ca和Mg含量,BC和BC_RI处理显著增加了小果白刺地上部、根部生物量及N、P、K、Ca和Mg含量;BC_RI处理与RI和BC相比,根部生物量及P、K、Ca和Mg含量显著增加.与CK相比,BC和BC_RI处理显著增加了土壤有机碳含量,RI处理使得土壤全N含量显著增加了152.54%,BC处理使得土壤全P和全K含量分别显著降低了12.5%和18.18%.各处理0.25~0.05 mm粒径土壤团聚体比例最高,BC_RI处理能够显著促进大粒径（>0.25 mm）土壤团聚体形成.与CK相比,RI和BC_RI处理显著降低细菌、真菌群落Sobs指数和Shannon指数;各处理细菌及真菌菌门组成及丰度存在显著差异性.RDA及网络分析结果显示,AM真菌、生物炭及二者联合改良方式对土壤基质环境及土壤微生物群落结构影响显著,不同改良方式下微生物分子生态网络关系发生显著变化,不同改良处理中核心物种组成具有差异性;BC和BC_RI较RI处理,网络连接密集程度更高且核心物种组成更丰富;生物炭与AM真菌联合,弱化了Rhizophagus intraradices的核心作用,并增强其他微生物（特别是细菌菌种）的核心地位.SEM结果显示,AM真菌和生物炭施用通过直接影响土壤细菌和真菌群落结构,进而实现对植物生长及土壤性质变化的影响,微生物群落结构差异（特别是微生物间的互作关系变化）是导致土壤改良效果差异的主要驱动力.综上所述,不同改良方式对沙化土壤改良效果影响具有差异性,微生物群落在土壤改良过程中具有关键影响作用,AM真菌和生物炭联合对加速沙化土壤生态恢复具有潜在优势和应用价值.     

降雨变化对荒漠草原植物群落多样性与土壤C:N:P生态化学计量特征的影响

研究降雨格局变化对植物群落多样性、土壤C：N：P生态化学计量特征的影响,以及关键土壤因子与植物群落多样性间的关系,对于荒漠草原植物群落多样性的保护具有重要意义.本文以黄土高原西部荒漠草原为研究对象,通过3 a野外降雨控制试验（减少40%降雨、减少20%降雨、自然降雨、增加20%降雨和增加40%降雨）,探讨干湿年份下降雨变化对植物群落多样性及其土壤C：N：P生态化学计量特征的影响,以及降雨变化下土壤C：N：P生态化学计量特征及关键土壤因子与植物群落多样性的关系.结果表明,在正常年份与偏干年份（2013年与2015年）,Patrick丰富度和Shannon-Wiener多样性指数分别以减雨20%处理显著低于对照和增雨40%处理,在偏湿年份（2014年）,Patrick丰富度和Shannon-Wiener多样性指数对降雨处理无显著差异.在正常年份与偏干年份,随降雨量的增加土壤有机碳（SOC）、全氮（TN）、全磷（TP）、碳氮比（C：N）、碳磷比（C：P）和氮磷比（N：P）呈降低趋势,其中,C：N显著降低;在偏湿年份,随降雨量增加土壤SOC、TN、C：P和N：P呈上升趋势.在正常年份,降雨处理对土壤含水量影响不显著,导致土壤含水量对植物群落影响有限,SOC、TN、N：P、C：N和微生物量氮（MBN）对植物群落多样性的影响更为突出;在偏湿年份,年降雨量丰富,降雨量增加导致土壤养分上升,水分不是限制植物生长的最重要因素,土壤含水量、土壤养分与生态化学计量特征共同调节和控制着植物群落多样性;在偏干年份,降雨处理对土壤含水影响显著,且降雨量增加导致土壤养分流失较多,因此,土壤含水量成为影响植物群落多样性的最主要因素.由此可知,在不同干湿年份,植物群落多样性与土壤C：N：P生态化学计量特征对降雨变化的响应不同;土壤C：N：P对植物群落多样性的影响也不同,本文的研究结果旨在为未来降雨变化下荒漠草原的保护与管理提供一定的理论依据.     

Eradication of the non-native Poa pratensis colony at Cierva Point,Antarctica: A case study of international cooperation and practical management in an area under multi-party governance

The on-going introduction of non-native species to Antarctica due to expanding human activity presents an increasing threat to biodiversity. Under the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, all introduced non-native species should be removed from the Antarctic Treaty area. The non-native grass Poa pratensis was first introduced to Cierva Point (Danco Coast, Antarctic Peninsula), along with substantial quantities of non-Antarctic soil, in the mid-1950s. Consistent with the Protocol, in January 2015 an internationally coordinated team undertook the eradication of the grass. Immediately prior to removal of P. pratensis, factors affecting its establishment, persistence and impacts upon local indigenous species was examined within the international management framework of the Antarctic Treaty System. The underlying soil had a high organic content of 15.5%, which may have contributed to the successful establishment of P. pratensis and restricted, at least initially, its vegetative growth to the enriched area. Examination of P. pratensis expansion from the original introduction sites showed that the plant colony intricate root system facilitated little or no coexistence of other native plants within its extent. The non-native plant colony also constituted a novel habitat for soil fauna within Antarctic terrestrial environments. The P. pratensis plant colony provided an unfavorable habitat for two of the locally endemic soil invertebrates, Cryptopygus antarcticus and Belgica antarctica. These observations led to the selection of an appropriate eradication approach, where the plants were targeted for physical extraction along with all underlying soil. During the eradication, c. 500 kg of soil and plant material from the P. pratensis colony was removed from the site. Monitoring one year later showed no evidence of re-establishment. Consistent with the Committee for Environmental Protection ‘Non-native Species Manual’, we recommend development and implementation of rapid response protocols following the discovery of a non-native plant colony to limit future impacts on indigenous species and local habitats.     

芒荻类植物资源的开发和利用

研究发现,特产于我国东部的南荻TriarrhenalutarioriparaL.Liusp.nov.新种,植株高大,每年秆生长高度达5～7m,年产22.5～30t/hm²干荻秆;秆的纤维细胞含量50%左右(43%～65%),纤维细胞长度平均为3mm,最长可达6.8mm,是制造上等纸张的优质草类原料。芒荻类属于高光效碳四(C⁴)植物,是有价值的环保植物,在生长过程中,它比一般植物能更多地吸收CO²和放出O²,对平衡大气中的CO²/O²十分有利,并能降低温室效应。研究证明,南荻对环境适应演化的独特机制,能将大面积河湖荒滩湿地改变成为创造经济生态环保效益的生产基地。     

Plant growth and soil microbial community structure of legumes and grasses grown in monoculture or mixture

A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to investigate the in?uence of soil moisture content on plant growth and the rhizosphere microbial community structure of four plant species (white clover, alfalfa, sudan grass, tall fescue), grown individually or in a mixture. The soil moisture content was adjusted to 55% or 80% water holding capacity (WHC). The results indicated that the total plant biomass of one pot was lower at 55% WHC. At a given soil moisture, the total plant biomass of white clover and tall ...     

蚂蚁扰动对青海湖北岸高寒草甸草原群落结构影响

蚂蚁的筑丘活动是草地生态系统中不可忽视的生物干扰因子。本文针对青海湖北岸高 寒草甸草原,调查了不同大小的蚁丘及其周围对照草地的土壤理化性质和植被状况。结果表明： 蚂蚁筑丘活动显著地降低了土壤容重和土壤湿度,增加土壤温度,但对土壤pH 值的影响较小。 蚂蚁扰动改变了群落组成,增加了大部分禾本科和豆科物种的重要值而降低了杂类草的重要值。 以莎草科的矮嵩草（Kobresia humilis）和禾本科的异针茅（Stipa aliena Keng）、赖草（Leymus secalinus）、溚草（Koeleria cristata）等为主的群落逐步演替为以禾本科的异针茅和赖草为主的 群落。植物群落的盖度降低但其地上、地下生物量增加;植物群落丰富度指数降低但均匀度指 数增加。     

几种牧草对铜尾矿重金属的抗性及其微生物效应

铜尾矿是一类重金属含量极高 ,对植物生长产生毒害的生境 .盆栽试验结果表明 ,4种牧草在纯尾矿以及由尾矿和对照土壤组成的混合尾矿上都能生长 ,但植物的长势随尾矿中重金属含量的增加而减弱 ,4种牧草对重金属的抗性依次表现为百喜草 >苇状羊茅 >黑麦草 >狗芽根 .此外 ,Biolog结果显示 ,土壤微生物群落代谢剖面 (AWCD)及群落丰富度、多样性指数与牧草的长势密切相关 ,种植牧草后能明显地提高土壤微生物群落功能多样性 ,提高幅度表现为百喜草 >苇状羊茅 >黑麦草>狗芽根 ,百喜草可望成为金属尾矿植被恢复的先锋牧草 .     

Phosphorus and nitrogen in soil, plants, and overland flow from sheep-grazed pastures fertilized with different rates of superphosphate

Eutrophication of waterways through delivery of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) from farmland is a problem in many countries. Loss of nutrients from grazed grassland via overland flow is well demonstrated, but the sources of these nutrients and the processes controlling their mobilization into water are not well understood. Much of the nutrient loss in overland flow from grazed pastures may be due to generally increased fertility of the soil–plant system (i.e. background or ‘systematic’ nutrient loss) rather than to immediate loss after fertilizer application [Nash, D., Clemow, L., Hannah, M., Barlow, K., Gangaiya, P., 2005. Modelling phosphorus exports from rain-fed and irrigated pastures in southern Australia. Aust. J. Soil Res. 43, 745–755]. The main aim of this study was to measure the effects of long-term (25 years) superphosphate (Ca(H₂PO₄)₂ + 2CaSO₄) fertilizer application (0–23 kg/(ha year)) on P and N in soil, plants, and potential background P and N movement in overland flow (generated using a rainfall simulator) from sheep-grazed pastures in southern Australia. Measurements were taken in autumn, under dry soil conditions, and in winter, under wet soil conditions, 12 and 15 months after the last fertilizer applications, respectively. Superphosphate application caused a strong increase in plant P, soil total P, Olsen P, and Colwell P; and a weaker increase in plant N, soil total N, and inorganic N (ammonium and nitrate). Soil P and N were concentrated in the surface 25 mm of soil. Soil water-extractable P, calcium chloride-extractable P, and calcium chloride organic P were in general only poorly associated with fertilizer application. The concentration of P and, to a lesser extent, the concentration of N in overland flow increased with increasing fertilizer application and showed strong seasonal differences (0.06–0.77 mg P/L and 0.6–5.5 mg N/L in autumn; 0.04–0.20 mg P/L and 0.4–1.7 mg N/L in winter). The P in overland flow was predominantly dissolved reactive P in autumn and particulate P in winter. The N in overland flow contained significant proportions of dissolved organic N, dissolved inorganic N (ammonium and nitrate), and particulate N. The concentrations of P and N in overland flow usually exceeded State water quality targets (<0.04 mg P/L and <0.90 mg N/L), suggesting that background losses of nutrients from these pasture systems could contribute to the eutrophication of waterways.     

Overstorey tree density and understorey regrowth effects on plant composition,stand structure and floristic richness in grazed temperate woodlands in eastern Australia

As natural woodlands decline in both extent and quality worldwide, there is an increasing recognition of the biodiversity conservation value of production landscapes. In low-input, low-productivity grazing systems in Australia, the modification of natural woodlands through overstorey tree and woody regrowth removal are vegetation management options used by landholders to increase native grass production for livestock grazing; however, there is little empirical evidence to indicate at what tree densities biodiversity attributes are compromised. We examined the effects of overstorey tree density and understorey regowth on the floristic composition, stand structure and species richness of eucalypt woodlands in a grazing landscape in the Traprock region of southern Queensland, Australia. We sampled 47 sites stratified according to vegetation type (Eucalyptus crebra/Eucalyptus dealbata woodland; Eucalyptus melliodora/Eucalyptus microcarpa grassy woodland), density of mature trees (<6 trees/ha; 6–20 trees/ha; >20 trees/ha), and presence/absence of regrowth. Distinct patterns in composition were detected using indicator species analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling, with low density areas compositionally indistinguishable, although distinct from other land management units. Within vegetation type, medium tree density woodlands were compositionally similar to high density and reference woodlands. Species richness ranged from 18 to 67 species per 500 m² across all sites. No differences in total or native species richness were detected across management units; however, some differences in exotic species richness were detected. Differences in grass cover existed between low and high density management units, yet no difference in grass cover was evident between low and medium density management units. Our results suggest that medium tree densities may provide biodiversity benefits concordant with more natural areas, yet not adversely impact on pasture production. Retaining trees in grazing landscapes provides significant landscape heterogeneity and important refuges for species that may be largely excluded from open grassland habitats. Maintaining a medium density of overstorey trees in grazed paddocks can provide both production and biodiversity benefits.     

Soil biodiversity for agricultural sustainability

We critically highlight some evidence for the importance of soil biodiversity to sustaining (agro-)ecosystem functioning and explore directions for future research. We first deal with resistance and resilience against abiotic disturbance and stress. There is evidence that soil biodiversity does confer stability to stress and disturbance, but the mechanism is not yet fully understood. It appears to depend on the kind of stress and disturbance and on the combination of stress and disturbance effects. Alternatively, community structure may play a role. Both possible explanations will guide further research. We then discuss biotic stress. There is evidence that soil microbial diversity confers protection against soil-borne disease, but crop and soil type and management also play a role. Their relative importance as well as the role of biodiversity in multitrophic interactions warrant further study. Henceforth, we focus on the effects of plant and soil biodiversity on nutrient and water use efficiencies as important ecological functions in agroecosystems. The available evidence suggests that mycorrhizal diversity positively contributes to nutrient and, possibly, water use efficiency. Soil fauna effects on nutrient and water use efficiencies are also apparent, but diversity effects may be indirect, through effects on soil structure. We present a conceptual diagram relating plant and soil biodiversity with soil structure and water and nutrient use efficiencies as a framework for future studies. We then consider how cropping systems design and management are interrelated and how management options might be interfaced with farmers’ knowledge in taking management decisions. Finally, we attempt to express some economic benefits of soil biodiversity to society as part of a wider strategy of conserving and using agrobiodiversity.     

旅游干扰对白云山土壤和植被的影响

将调查区内的道路分成５级,根据道路状况确定游泳干扰强度,探讨译白云山的土壤和植被的影响。结果表明;随旅游干挹强度的增加,土壤容重、ＰＨ值呈递增趋势,土壤有机质、水分、ＴＮ、ＴＳ、ＴＰ和有效态磷的含量呈递减趋势;增物群落种类组成趋向简单,覆工逐渐减少,旅游干扰对草本层和灌木层的影响表现明显,对乔木层的影响较小中等强度的旅游干扰有利于群落植物种类多样性的提高。     

A win-win technique of stabilizing sand dune and purifying paper mill black-liquor

The principle and technique were reported here to produce lignin-based sand stabilizing material (LSSM) using extracted lignin from black liquor of straw paper mills. Field tests using LSSM to stabilize and green sand dunes were started in 2002. The field experiment was carried out in August 2005 when the newly formed plant community was 3 years old. The results from the comprehensive field experiment demonstrated that unlike polyvinyl acetate or foamed asphalt commonly used for dune stabilization, LSSM was plantfriendly material and could be used in combination with seeding and planting of desert species. With the help of LSSM, the desert species (i.e., Agriophyllum squarrosum (L.) Moq. and Artemisia desertorum Spreng. etc.) could be used to form community in 2–3 yeas and to stabilize sand dune e ectively. The newly formed community was sustainable under an extremely dry climate condition. The organic matter and total nitrogen in the soil increased significantly as the community were formed, while the change in P and K contents in the soil was negligible.     

高寒草甸植物群落谱系结构与多样性格局

为了解青藏高原高寒草甸植物群落谱系结构及物种多样性在海拔梯度上的变化,以甘南藏族自治州的高寒草甸植物群落为对象,选取五个不同海拔的研究样地,进行野外群落学调查及环境因子的测量,计算净亲缘指数（net relatedness index,NRI）和最近亲缘指数（nearest taxon index,NTI）等,探讨了群落谱系结构与谱系多样性的海拔格局变化.结果表明：随海拔升高,土壤温度、含水量、土壤全氮及有机碳均呈现降低趋势.植物群落物种丰富度、Shannon-Weiner多样性指数及谱系α多样性随海拔升高均呈现单峰变化规律,即在海拔3500m处植物群落α多样性达到最大;谱系β多样性指数betaMPD随海拔增加呈升高趋势,反映物种聚集受到生境过滤的显著影响.低海拔（3000m）群落谱系发散（NRI<0,NTI<0）,竞争排斥起到主要作用;中低海拔（3250m）和中海拔（3500m）处同时存在聚集（NRI>0,NTI>0）和发散（NRI<0,NTI<0）两种谱系结构,生境过滤和竞争排斥共同维持群落物种多样性;高海拔（3750m、4000m）群落谱系结构聚集（NRI>0,NTI>0）,其驱动因素与物种趋同进化和生境过滤有关.多元回归分析显示,在不同海拔,土温和土壤含水量成为物种共存的主要影响因素.本研究揭示青藏高原高寒草甸海拔梯度植物群落谱系结构及多样性格局的变化,说明生态位过程是维持其群落多样性的重要机制.     

黄河源区高寒沼泽湿地土壤微生物群落结构对不同退化的响应

为研究高寒沼泽湿地退化过程中土壤微生物群落多样性的变化,应用MiSeq高通量测序技术,分析高寒沼泽湿地退化过程中土壤微生物群落多样性以及相关的环境因子.结果表明,高寒沼泽湿地退化改变了土壤微生物在OTUs水平上的物种组成,OTUs种类变化丘间较冻融丘明显,且土壤真菌OTUs种类变化显著;冻融丘和丘间细菌微生物多样性指数大于真菌微生物;不同退化高寒沼泽湿地土壤优势微生物种类相同,细菌为变形菌门（Proteobacteria）和RB41,真菌为子囊菌门（Ascomycota）和被孢霉属（Mortierella）,除RB41外未退化与重度退化间优势微生物丰度有较大差异（P<0.05）,丘间的优势微生物对不同退化较冻融丘敏感;土壤含水量、有机碳、微生物碳、微生物氮和莎草科的盖度是影响土壤微生物群落结构的主要因素.综上所述：高寒沼泽湿地退化导致微生物多样性降低,在湿地恢复中应加强湿地冻融丘和莎草科植物的保护以及土壤水分、有机碳和微生物碳氮的补充.