Habitat may limit herb migration at the northern edge of the Appalachian deciduous forest *This paper is dedicated to our botanical mentor, the late Dr. Sam P. Vander Kloet.

Botany ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 89 (9) ◽  
pp. 635-645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas M. Hill ◽  
David J. Garbary
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Deciduous Forest ◽  
Soil Calcium ◽  
Forest Herbs ◽  
Migration Corridors ◽  
Habitat Factors ◽  
History Of ◽  
Calcium Magnesium ◽  
Northern Edge

Forest herbs account for greater species richness than any other plant type in deciduous forests and are the most vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances. We examined whether the limited distribution of rare Appalachian forest herbs in Nova Scotia is related to edaphic specialization or a history of anthropogenic disturbance. Remnant populations are restricted to floodplain forest, where both habitat factors and disturbance history differ significantly from those of adjacent upland sugar maple forest. Contrasting soil and litter layers between floodplain stands and adjacent upland sites revealed the latter to be deficient in key cations (calcium, magnesium, boron); however, regression models for uplands and for floodplains showed that native herb richness was related to soil fertility in each case. Soil calcium accounted for most of the species richness variation among floodplains for native herbs and for a large seeded guild that contains most of the rare species on floodplains. Given the widespread anthropogenic decalcification of forest soils throughout eastern North America, conservation efforts must (i) increase and connect deciduous forest floodplain ecosystems and (ii) understand how to manage and create suitable cation-rich migration corridors in the forest landscape.

Reconstruction of the long-term fire history of an old-growth deciduous forest in Southern Québec, Canada, from charred wood in mineral soils

2005 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brigitte Talon ◽  
Serge Payette ◽  
Louise Filion ◽  
Ann Delwaide
Keyword(s):  
Forest Fires ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Fire History ◽  
Deciduous Forest ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
History Of ◽  
Mineral Soils ◽  
Tree Uprooting ◽  
Conifer Trees

AbstractCharcoal particles are widespread in terrestrial and lake environments of the northern temperate and boreal biomes where they are used to reconstruct past fire events and regimes. In this study, we used botanically identified and radiocarbon-dated charcoal macrofossils in mineral soils as a paleoecological tool to reconstruct past fire activity at the stand scale. Charcoal macrofossils buried in podzolic soils by tree uprooting were analyzed to reconstruct the long-term fire history of an old-growth deciduous forest in southern Québec. Charcoal fragments were sampled from the uppermost mineral soil horizons and identified based on anatomical characters. Spruce (Picea spp.) fragments dominated the charcoal assemblage, along with relatively abundant wood fragments of sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and birch (Betula spp.), and rare fragments of pine (Pinus cf. strobus) and white cedar (Thuja canadensis). AMS radiocarbon dates from 16 charcoal fragments indicated that forest fires were widespread during the early Holocene, whereas no fires were recorded from the mid-Holocene to present. The paucity of charcoal data during this period, however, does not preclude that a fire event of lower severity may have occurred. At least eight forest fires occurred at the study site between 10,400 and 6300 cal yr B.P., with a dominance of burned conifer trees between 10,400 and 9000 cal yr B.P. and burned conifer and deciduous trees between 9000 and 6300 cal yr B.P. Based on the charcoal record, the climate at the study site was relatively dry during the early Holocene, and more humid from 6300 cal yr B.P. to present. However, it is also possible that the predominance of conifer trees in the charcoal record between 10,400 and 6300 cal yr B.P. created propitious conditions for fire spreading. The charcoal record supports inferences based on pollen influx data (Labelle, C., Richard, P.J.H. 1981. Végétation tardiglaciaire et postglaciaire au sud-est du Parc des Laurentides, Québec. Géographie Physique et Quaternaire 35, 345-359) of the early arrival of spruce and sugar maple in the study area shortly after deglaciation. We conclude that macroscopic charcoal analysis of mineral soils subjected to disturbance by tree uprooting may be a useful paleoecological tool to reconstruct long-term forest fire history at the stand scale.

scholarly journals Effect of tree species identity and related habitat parameters on understorey bryophytes – interrelationships between bryophyte, soil and tree factors in a 50-year-old experimental forest

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaja Rola ◽  
Vítězslav Plášek ◽  
Katarzyna Rożek ◽  
Szymon Zubek
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Forest Floor ◽  
Vascular Plant ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Species Identity ◽  
Habitat Factors ◽  
Positive Correlations ◽  
Old Trees ◽  
Habitat Parameters

Abstract Aim Overstorey tree species influence both soil properties and microclimate conditions in the forest floor, which in turn can induce changes in ground bryophyte communities. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of tree species identity and the most important habitat factors influencing understorey bryophytes. Methods We assessed the effect of 14 tree species and related habitat parameters, including soil parameters, vascular plant presence and light intensity on bryophytes in monospecific plots covered by nearly fifty-year-old trees in the Siemianice Experimental Forest (Poland). Results The canopy tree species determined bryophyte species richness and cover. The strongest differences were observed between plots with deciduous and coniferous trees. Soils with a more acidic pH and lower content of macronutrients supported larger bryophyte coverage. We also found a positive correlations between vascular plants and availability of light as well as bryophyte species richness. Conclusion Tree species identity and differences in habitat conditions in the forest floor lead to changes of ground bryophyte richness, cover and species composition. Consequently, the changes in the dominant tree species in the stand may result in significant repercussions on ground bryophyte communities. We indicated that the introduction of alien tree species, i.e. Quercus rubra, has an adverse effect on bryophyte communities and suggested that the selection of tree species that contribute to the community consistent with the potential natural vegetation is highly beneficial for maintaining ground bryophyte biodiversity.

scholarly journals Frequency-Dependent Seed Dispersal by Ants of Two Deciduous Forest Herbs

Ecology ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 70 (6) ◽  
pp. 1645-1648 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brent H. Smith ◽  
Catherine E. deRivera ◽  
Cara Lin Bridgman ◽  
John J. Woida
Keyword(s):  
Seed Dispersal ◽  
Deciduous Forest ◽  
Frequency Dependent ◽  
Forest Herbs

Vegetation Effects on Soil Properties in the Monteagle Sandy Loam Series: Implications for Land‐use Change

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison Neil
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Organic Matter ◽  
Land Use Change ◽  
Soil Properties ◽  
Soil Carbon ◽  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Deciduous Forest ◽  
Coniferous Forest ◽  
The Impact

Soil properties are strongly influenced by the composition of the surrounding vegetation. We investigated soil properties of three ecosystems; a coniferous forest, a deciduous forest and an agricultural grassland, to determine the impact of land use change on soil properties. Disturbances such as deforestation followed by cultivation can severely alter soil properties, including losses of soil carbon. We collected nine 40 cm cores from three ecosystem types on the Roebuck Farm, north of Perth Village, Ontario, Canada. Dominant species in each ecosystem included hemlock and white pine in the coniferous forest; sugar maple, birch and beech in the deciduous forest; grasses, legumes and herbs in the grassland. Soil pH varied little between the three ecosystems and over depth. Soils under grassland vegetation had the highest bulk density, especially near the surface. The forest sites showed higher cation exchange capacity and soil moisture than the grassland; these differences largely resulted from higher organic matter levels in the surface forest soils. Vertical distribution of organic matter varied greatly amongst the three ecosystems. In the forest, more of the organic matter was located near the surface, while in the grassland organic matter concentrations varied little with depth. The results suggest that changes in land cover and land use alters litter inputs and nutrient cycling rates, modifying soil physical and chemical properties. Our results further suggest that conversion of forest into agricultural land in this area can lead to a decline in soil carbon storage.

scholarly journals Impacts of non-native Norway spruce plantation on abundance and species richness of ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

Web Ecology ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Elek ◽  
T. Magura ◽  
T. Tóthmérész
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Detrimental Effect ◽  
Deciduous Forest ◽  
Management Practice ◽  
Beech Forest ◽  
Nature Management ◽  
Native Forest ◽  
Active Nature

Abstract. The impacts of non-native Norway spruce plantation on the abundance and species richness of carabids were studied in the Bükk National Park in Hungary, central Europe. Pitfall catches from recently established (5 yr old), young (15 yr after planting), middle-aged (30 yr after planting), old Norway spruce Picea abies plantation (50 yr after planting), and a native submontane beech forest (Fagetum sylvaticae) as a control stand were compared. Our results showed that deciduous forest species decreased significantly in abundance in the plantations, and appeared in high abundance only in the native beech forest. Furthermore, open habitat species increased remarkably in abundance in the recently established plantation. Carabids were significantly more abundant and species rich in the native forest than in the plantations, while differences were not significant among the plantations. Multiple regression between the abundance and species richness of carabids and twelve environmental measurements showed that pH of the soil, herb cover and density of the carabids’ prey had a significant effect in determining abundance and species richness. Our results showed that plantation of non-native Norway spruce species had a detrimental effect on the composition of carabid communities and no regeneration could be observed during the growth of plantations even 50 yr after the establishment. This emphasises the importance of an active nature management practice to facilitate the recolonization of the native species.

scholarly journals Saproxylic Diptera assemblages in a temperate deciduous forest: implications for community assembly

PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e6027
Author(s):  
Julia J. Mlynarek ◽  
Amélie Grégoire Taillefer ◽  
Terry A. Wheeler
Keyword(s):  
Sugar Maple ◽  
Deciduous Forest ◽  
Temperate Deciduous Forest ◽  
Decay Stage ◽  
Old Growth Forest ◽  
Temperate Deciduous ◽  
Species Type ◽  
Temperate Deciduous Forests ◽  
Decaying Wood ◽  
Two Stages

Saproxylic insects, those associated directly or indirectly with decaying wood for all or part of their life cycle, compose a large proportion of forest organisms. Flies (Diptera) are often the most abundant and species-rich group of insects in forest microhabitats, yet most work to date on saproxylic insect diversity and ecology has focused on beetles (Coleoptera). We compared saproxylic Diptera assemblages reared from two tree species (sugar maple and American beech) at two stages of decay (early/young and advanced/old) for a total of 20 logs in an eastern Canadian Nearctic old-growth forest. We found that communities are distinct within both species type and decay stage of wood. Early decay stage wood is more variable in community composition than later decay stage; however, as the age of the decaying wood increases, the abundance of Diptera increases significantly. Most indicator species are discernible in later decay stage and wood type. We venture to suggest that stochastic and deterministic processes may play a role in driving Diptera communities in temperate deciduous forests. To retain the highest saproxylic Diptera diversity in a forest, a variety of decaying wood types at different stages of decomposition is necessary.

scholarly journals Variation in butterfly diversity and unique species richness along different habitats in Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, Tripura, northeast India

Check List ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joydeb Majumder ◽  
Rahul Lodh ◽  
B. K. Agarwala
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Deciduous Forest ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Northeast India ◽  
Line Transect ◽  
Secondary Forests ◽  
Wildlife Sanctuary ◽  
Butterfly Diversity ◽  
Butterfly Communities ◽  
Unique Species

Quantification of butterfly diversity and species richness is of prime importance for evaluating the status of protected areas. Permanent line transect counts were used to record species richness and abundance of butterfly communities of different habitat types in Trishna wildlife sanctuary. A total of 1005 individuals representing 59 species in 48 genera belonging to five families were recorded in the present study. Of these, 23 species belonged to the family Nymphalidae and accounted for 38.98% of the total species and 45.20% of the total number of individuals. Mature secondary mixed moist deciduous forest showed the maximum diversity and species richness, while exotic grassland showed minimum diversity and species richness. Out of 59 species, 31 are new records for Tripura state, while 21 are unique species and nine are listed in the threatened category. This study revealed that mature secondary forests are more important for butterfly communities, while exotic grasslands have a negative impact on species composition.

scholarly journals DEGRADAÇÃO DO SOLO E PECUÁRIA EXTENSIVA NO NORTE DE MATO GROSSO

Nativa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 642
Author(s):  
Anderson Lange ◽  
Jeferson Dantas ◽  
Onã Da Silva Freddi ◽  
Willian Buratto ◽  
Cassiano Spaziani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exchange Capacity ◽  
Pasture Management ◽  
Cattle Breeding ◽  
Mato Grosso ◽  
Forest Condition ◽  
History Of ◽  
Soil Carbon Stocks ◽  
Calcium Magnesium ◽  
Red Latosol ◽  
Changes In Soil Properties

A pecuária no Brasil tem uma longa história referente ao manejo de pastagens, contudo, informações sobre as alterações nas propriedades do solo devido a conversão de áreas de floresta para pastagens no bioma Amazônico ainda são incipientes. Objetivou-se mensurar os impactos nas propriedades químicas e físicas em um Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo cultivado com pastagem por 10 e 20 anos sem correções em comparação a condição de floresta. A conversão do uso do solo de floresta para pastagens, num período de 20 anos, resultou em redução do pH, dos teores de fósforo, potássio, cálcio, magnésio, saturação por bases e capacidade de troca catiônica. Não se verificou mudanças significativas nos estoques de carbono do solo. O uso do solo por 10 ou 20 anos com pastagem resultou em aumento da densidade de solo, causando compactação superficial.Palavras-chave: fertilidade do solo; sustentabilidade agrícola; estoque de carbono. SOIL DEGRADATION BY THE EXTENSIVE LIVESTOCK IN THE SOUTHERN AMAZON OF THE STATE OF MATO GROSSO ABSTRACT: Cattle breeding in Brazil has a long history of pasture management, however, information on changes in soil properties due to the conversion of forest areas to pasture in the Amazon biome is still incipient. The objective of this study was to measure the impacts on the chemical and physical properties of a Yellow-Red Latosol cultivated with pasture for 10 and 20 years without corrections in comparison to the forest condition. The conversion of forest land use to pasture over a 20-year period resulted in reduced pH, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, base saturation, and cation exchange capacity. There were no significant changes in soil carbon stocks. Soil use for 10 or 20 years with pasture resulted in increased soil density, causing surface compaction.Keywords: soil fertility; agricultural sustainability; carbon stock.

scholarly journals The largest known cowrie and the iterative evolution of giant cypraeid gastropods

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Dominici ◽  
Mariagabriella Fornasiero ◽  
Luca Giusberti
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Evolutionary History ◽  
Western Europe ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Species Selection ◽  
Biogeographic Patterns ◽  
Large Size ◽  
Northeastern Italy ◽  
History Of ◽  
Iterative Evolution

AbstractBased on the fossil record, we explore the macroevolutionary relationship between species richness and gigantism in cowries (Cypraeidae), the best-studied family of gastropods, with a global diversity distribution that parallels that of tropical corals, mangroves and seagrasses. We introduce Vicetia bizzottoi sp. nov. based on a Priabonian fossil found in northeastern Italy, the largest documented cowrie found so far and the youngest of a lineage of Eocene Gisortiinae species. The Gisortiinae stratigraphic record in western Europe indicates that species selection favoured large size and armouring of the shell. Palaeoecology and per-stage species richness suggest that gigantism occurred in peripheral habitats with respect to diversity hotspots, where smaller species were favoured. The Eocene–Oligocene boundary was marked by a turnover and the Chattian global warming favoured small-sized species of derived clades. Species selection leading to gigantism is further documented in Miocene lineages of Zoila and Umbilia, in the southern hemisphere, two extant genera distributed at the periphery of modern diversity hotspots, suggesting that the negative relationship between size and diversity is a recurring pattern in the evolutionary history of cowries. This palaeontological evidence is projected onto the existing hypotheses that explain analogous biogeographic patterns in various other taxa. Likewise, body size-species richness negative relationship was possibly driven in cowries by physiological, ecological and life history constraints.

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