scholarly journals Ecological, floristic and functional analysis of zonal forest vegetation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

2017 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vladimir Stupar ◽  
Andraž Čarni
Keyword(s):  
Functional Analysis ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Bosnia And Herzegovina ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Species Turnover ◽  
Detrended Correspondence Analysis ◽  
Forest Vegetation ◽  
Soil Reaction ◽  
Climatic Gradient ◽  
Mean Temperature

AbstractZonal vegetation is a large-scale expression of macro-climate and, due to the climatic diversity of the country, there are seven traditionally recognized zonal forest plant communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Using data from Bosnia and Herzegovina, this study aimed to reveal whether macro-climate is indeed the most important factor determining the existence of zonal forest plant communities (ZFPC). Detrended correspondence analysis of 398 relevés of seven ZFPCs revealed that the species turnover along the first axis is strongly related to the macro-climatic gradient (annual mean temperature, mean temperature of the coldest quarter and precipitation of the warmest quarter). No correlation was detected between this gradient and topographic factors (slope and aspect) and soil reaction. Floristic analysis revealed clear separation of ZFPCs in terms of diagnostic species. Functional analysis of all layers showed that competitive ecological strategy has the highest proportion, while analysis of the herb layer alone expressed a shift of CSR signatures towards the middle of the C-S axis. Ruderality was overall poorly expressed. Statistically significant differences among communities were discovered along the C-S axis. In terms of life forms, statistically significant differences in the proportions of Phanerophytes, Geophytes and Hemicryptophytes among communities were discovered. Our study confirms that macro-climatic gradient is the most important determinant of the species turnover along ZFPCs. CSR signatures show that zonal forest vegetation is represented by productive communities in a terminal stage of succession. This does not refer to degraded Quercus ilex stands (maquis), which are in the middle stage of secondary succession.

Diversity of subalpine and alpine vegetation of the eastern part of the Nízke Tatry Mts in Slovakia: major types and environmental gradients

Biologia ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 64 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucia Sekulová ◽  
Michal Hájek
Keyword(s):  
Plant Communities ◽  
Environmental Gradients ◽  
Ecological Factors ◽  
Detrended Correspondence Analysis ◽  
Dwarf Shrub ◽  
Soil Reaction ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Entire Data ◽  
Second Gradient ◽  
One Year

AbstractChanges in composition and structure of alpine and subalpine plant communities in relation to ecological factors were analysed in the Nízke Tatry Mts, Slovakia. Species cover values of vascular and non-vascular plants in each vegetation plot were recorded on the nine-degree scale. A data set of 156 relevés of alpine and subalpine vegetation was sampled recently during one year in the eastern part of the Nízke Tatry National Park. The data set was analysed by cluster analysis and Detrended Correspondence Analysis. analyses were carried out on the entire data set, including the subset of short grassland and dwarf-shrub vegetation. Major gradients and clusters were ecologically interpreted using Ellenberg indicator values. In the entire data set, the major gradient in species composition was associated with nutrient availability and the second most important gradient with light. In the case of short grassland and dwarf-shrub vegetation, the gradients were different. The first one was associated with soil reaction and the second gradient was associated with moisture. Clusters proposed by numerical classification reproduced many traditional phytosociological associations, namely Seslerietum distichae, Sphagno capillifolii-Empetretum nigri, Junco trifidi-Callunetum vulgaris, Juncetum trifidi, Dryopterido dilatatae-Pinetum mugo, Luzuletum obscurae, Agrostio pyrenaiceae-Nardetum strictae, while some other associations were less clearly differentiated (communities of the alliances Calamagrostion villosae, Adenostylion alliariae, Trisetion fusci, Cratoneuro filicini-Calthion laetae or Salicion herbaceae). The next clusters included Vaccinium and Festuca supina dominated communities and artificial roadside grasslands sown 50 years ago. Bryophytes and lichens were highly represented among diagnostic species of particular associations. Distribution pattern of particular plant communities was strongly influenced by site position either on northern or southern slope of the mountains.

scholarly journals Livestock grazing-induced large-scale biotic homogenization in arid Mediterranean steppe rangelands

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Merdas Saifi ◽  
Yacine Kouba ◽  
Tewfik Mostephaoui ◽  
Yassine Farhi ◽  
Haroun Chenchouni
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Spatial Scale ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Beta Diversity ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Species Turnover ◽  
Livestock Grazing ◽  
Biotic Homogenization ◽  
Arid Steppe

Despite many studies explored the effect of livestock grazing on plant communities, the response of species composition and diversity to livestock grazing in arid rangelands remain ambiguous. This study examined the effects of livestock grazing on plant communities in arid steppe rangelands of North Africa. Plant diversity of annual species, perennial species and all species combined was measured and compared between grazed and grazing-excluded areas. We also examined the relative importance of species turnover and community nestedness. Moreover, the effects of livestock grazing on beta diversity at local among transects and landscape among sites scales were examined using the multiplicative diversity partitioning. Results revealed that livestock grazing significantly decreased the alpha diversity of all species combined and the diversity of annual plants. Livestock grazing induced a shift in plant community composition where most of species composition variation (~74%) was due to infrequent species replacement ‘turnover’ between the two management types rather than nestedness (~26%). Results revealed also that among transects, beta diversity was higher in grazed steppes than in grazing-excluded steppes. Whereas, among sites, beta diversity was lower in grazed steppes compared to grazing-excluded steppes. These findings suggest that livestock grazing in arid steppe rangelands increases the variation in plant species composition at a local spatial scale and engenders vegetation homogeneity at landscape spatial scale. Therefore, the implementation of appropriate management practices such as short-term grazing exclusion is mandatory to prevent these ecosystems from large scale biotic homogenization.

Comparative analysis of two approaches to large-scale mapping of forest vegetation in the Southern Nechernozemye of Russia

2020 ◽  
pp. 3-23
Author(s):  
Yu. A. Semenishchenkov ◽  
R. S. Korsikov
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Forest Vegetation ◽  
Indigenous Species ◽  
Forest Communities ◽  
Forest Stands ◽  
Edaphic Conditions ◽  
Floristic Classification ◽  
Forest Conditions

The results of the comparative analysis of traditional forest typology data and the data of floristic classification by the J. Braun-Blanquet approach for large-scale mapping of forest vegetation from the Southern Nechernozemye of Russia are presented. 3 model forest areas located in the forestries in borders of different botanic-geographical districts with specific climatic and edaphic conditions have been chosen to make the comparative analysis of cartographic materials (Bryansk and Smolensk Regions). A comparison of existing afforestation plans and created geobotanical maps demonstrates the difference in the number of recognized typological units. In all cases, a smaller number of units are noted for the geobotanical maps with a scale 1 : 25 000. A decrease in the number of typological units can be explain by the lack of information on the age of tree stands. Another reason is, probably, the assignment of some forest stands with the predominance of different indigenous species to a single association. However, the same typological units, distinguished by the predominance of tree species, may correspond to different units of floristic classification, which may increase the number of typological units on the geobotanical map. Some features of the Braun-Blanquet approach such as the allocation of units, primarily based on a comparison of the floristic composition of plant communities, allows attributing both natural stands and forest cultures to a single syntaxon. This also reduces the number of typological units on the geobotanical map. The plans of afforestation show the present-day species composition and the age of the studied stands, but the dynamic interrelations of forest communities are not reflected there. Therefore, it is more effective to reflect the dynamics of vegetation of forest communities in accordance with the methodology adopted when creating geobotanical maps. In this case, the succession state of communities and their links to classification units of higher ranks has been taken into account by the allocation of temporary facies with the predominance of small-leaved species at the site of indigenous broad-leaved or coniferous forests. The deductive approach with the identification of non-rank «communities» also makes it possible to separate into separate syntaxa and time-unstable, unformed or poorly floristic communities. Typically, such forests are formed by coniferous cultures in the zone of deciduous forests. The unformed «semi-forest» communities in the lowland swamps are also placed into the same category. They are often formed after felling, initiating or intensifying bogging under conditions of fluctuating moisture. The use of a single colorimetric scheme for forest stands in different climatic and edaphic conditions, reflected in the TLU (forest conditions) system, can be considered not quite correct. Stands with the predominance of the same species can correspond to different zonal-conditioned TLUs. At the same time, communities of some syntaxomomical taxa of floristic classification can be formed in different TLUs and their diversity corresponds to the width of the ecological amplitude of the types of plant communities. The more stenotopic communities, the smaller number of TLUs corresponding to their habitats. The afforestation plans and geobotanical maps can be used by different ways in forestry. The traditional afforestation plans are widely used in forestry planning. However, the geobotanical map supplemented with information on the dynamic relationships of stands allows making more efficient prediction of scenarios of forest stand development under known forest conditions. In addition, cartographic materials on the proposed geobotanical basis reflect the general botanical and geographical trends of vegetation, and the syntaxa of the floristic classification always have a certain chorological content, thus, they can be used as zonal-climatic indicators. This feature is reflected in their compliance with TLU, which are specifically distinguished for different natural zones.

Large-scale vegetation mapping of the Pinega river valley (the surroundings of Golubino village, Arkhangelsk oblast)

2018 ◽  
pp. 19-39
Author(s):  
M. A. Makarova
Keyword(s):  
Plant Communities ◽  
Indicator Species ◽  
Dominant Species ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Vegetation Mapping ◽  
River Valley ◽  
Floodplain Forests ◽  
Floodplain Vegetation ◽  
Wet Meadows ◽  
Arkhangelsk Oblast

Geobotanical survey of floodplain natural complexes near gypsum outcrops in the Pinega river valley was done in 2015. Large-scale geobotanical map of the key polygon (scale 1 : 30 000) was composed. Typological units of vegetation were selected on the basis of the composition of dominant species and groups of indicator species. Homogeneous and heterogeneous territorial units of vegetation (serial series, combinations, environmental series) were used. 53 mapped unit types (25 homogeneous types and 28 heterogeneous types) were recognized. The floodplain vegetation consists of 17 homogeneous types of plant communities, 3 series, 14 combinations and 6 ecological series. The sites of old floodplain forests, such as willow forests with Urtica sondenii rare in the Arkhangelsk region and oxbow wet meadows with Scolochloa festucacea were identified.

Classification of woody-shrub vegetation of the forest-steppe complex of Privolzhskaya Upland

2009 ◽  
pp. 27-53
Author(s):  
A. Yu. Kudryavtsev
Keyword(s):  
Plant Community ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Dominant Species ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Vegetation Mapping ◽  
Vegetation Classification ◽  
Forest Steppe ◽  
Mapping Data

Diversity of plant communities in the nature reserve “Privolzhskaya Forest-Steppe”, Ostrovtsovsky area, is analyzed on the basis of the large-scale vegetation mapping data from 2000. The plant community classi­fication based on the Russian ecologic-phytocoenotic approach is carried out. 12 plant formations and 21 associations are distinguished according to dominant species and a combination of ecologic-phytocoenotic groups of species. A list of vegetation classification units as well as the characteristics of theshrub and woody communities are given in this paper.

A functional analysis of resistance of plant communities to disturbance: a case study of Beijing nature reserves

2013 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-162
Author(s):  
Wang Guohong ◽  
Wang Xiaoping ◽  
Zhang Weikang ◽  
Li He ◽  
Du Lianhai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Analysis ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Nature Reserves

Construction and Functional Analysis of the Recombinant Bacteriocins Weissellicin-MBF from Weissella confusa MBF8-1

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-122
Author(s):  
Amarila Malik ◽  
Elita Yuliantie ◽  
Nisa Yulianti Suprahman ◽  
Theresa Linardi ◽  
Angelina Wening Widiyanti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Analysis ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Micrococcus Luteus ◽  
Affinity Column ◽  
Gene Expressions ◽  
His Tag ◽  
Recombinant Peptides ◽  
Weak Activity ◽  
Potential Alternative ◽  
Weissella Confusa

Background: Bacteriocins (Bac1, Bac2, and Bac3) from Weissella confusa MBF8-1, weissellicin- MBF, have been reported as potential alternative substances as well as complements to the existing antibiotics against many antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. Previously, the genes encoded in the large plasmid, pWcMBF8-1, and the spermicidal activity of their synthetic peptides, originally discovered Indonesia, have been studied. Three synthetic bacteriocins peptides of this weissellicin-MBF have been reported for their potential activities, i.e. antibacterial and spermicidal. Objective: The aim of this study was to construct the recombinant Bacteriocin (r-Bac) genes, as well as to investigate the gene expressions and their functional analysis. Method: Here, the recombinant Bacteriocin (r-Bac) genes were constructed and the recombinant peptides (r-Bac1, r-Bac2, and r-Bac3) in B. subtilis DB403 cells were produced on a large scale. After purification, using the His-tag affinity column, their potential bioactivities were measured as well as their antibacterial minimum inhibitory concentrations against Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Micrococcus luteus, were determined. Results: Pure His-tag-recombinant Bac1, Bac2, and Bac3 were obtained and they could inhibit the growth of L. mesenteroides and M. luteus. Conclusion: The recombinant bacteriocin could be obtained although with weak activity in inhibiting gram-positive bacterial growth.

scholarly journals Plant communities of the Soutpansberg Arid Northern Bushveld

Koedoe ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Theo H.C. Mostert ◽  
George J. Bredenkamp ◽  
Rachel E. Mostert
Keyword(s):  
Plant Communities ◽  
Computer Software ◽  
Detrended Correspondence Analysis ◽  
Adansonia Digitata ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Themeda Triandra ◽  
Sociological Approach ◽  
Event Driven ◽  
Vegetation Maps ◽  
Single Data

The Soutpansberg Arid Northern Bushveld is one of eight major vegetation types (MVT) described for the Soutpansberg-Blouberg region. The plant communities of this MVT are described in detail. Main ecological drivers of the vegetation structure and species composition of these communities are discussed and some conservation recommendations are made. Phytosociological data from a subset of 72 Braun-Blanquet sample plots collected in the Soutpansberg Arid Northern Bushveld were classified using Two-way Indicator Species Analysis (TWINSPAN) and ordinated using a Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DECORANA). The resulting classification was further refined with table-sorting procedures based on the Braun-Blanquet floristic-sociological approach to vegetation classification using the computer software MEGATAB and JUICE. Eight plant communities were identified and described as Commiphora tenuipetiolata-Adansonia digitata short open woodland, Ledebouria ovatifolia-Commiphora mollis short bushland, Phyllanthus reticulatus-Acacia nigrescens short bushland, Tinnea rhodesiana-Combretum apiculatum short bushland, Dichrostachys cinerea subsp. africana-Spirostachys africana low thickets, Themeda triandra-Pterocarpus rotundifolius short closed grassland on steep basaltic slopes, Cyperus albostriatus-Syzygium cordatum sandveld wetlands, and Sesamothamnus lugardii-Catophractes alexandri tall sparse shrubland. These plant communities are event-driven ecosystems, predominantly infl uenced by frequent droughts, exposure to desiccation and unpredictable rainfall events. The complex topography of the Soutpansberg further contributes to the aridity of these ecosystems. The classifi cation and ordination analyses show similar groupings in the vegetation of the Soutpansberg Arid Mountain Bushveld. This confi rms the usefulness of complimentary analysis, using both classifi cation and ordination methods on a single data set in order to examine patterns and to search for group structure.Conservation implications: The results from this study will alter existing regional vegetation maps profoundly. The described plant communities of these arid event-driven ecosystems should be used as benchmark examples of the region’s primary vegetation. Conservation and management planning should be based on these vegetation units.

scholarly journals Hurricane Effects on a Shallow Lake Ecosystem and Its Response to a Controlled Manipulation of Water Level

2001 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 44-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl E. Havens ◽  
Kang-Ren Jin ◽  
Andrew J. Rodusky ◽  
Bruce Sharfstein ◽  
Mark A. Brady ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
Surface Elevation ◽  
Submerged Plant ◽  
Lake Surface ◽  
The South ◽  
Water Depths

In order to reverse the damage to aquatic plant communities caused by multiple years of high water levels in Lake Okeechobee, Florida (U.S.), the Governing Board of the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) authorized a "managed recession" to substantially lower the surface elevation of the lake in spring 2000. The operation was intended to achieve lower water levels for at least 8 weeks during the summer growing season, and was predicted to result in a large-scale recovery of submerged vascular plants. We treated this operation as a whole ecosystem experiment, and assessed ecological responses using data from an existing network of water quality and submerged plant monitoring sites. As a result of large-scale discharges of water from the lake, coupled with losses to evaporation and to water supply deliveries to agriculture and other regional users, the lake surface elevation receded by approximately 1 m between April and June. Water depths in shoreline areas that historically supported submerged plant communities declined from near 1.5 m to below 0.5 m. Low water levels persisted for the entire summer. Despite shallow depths, the initial response (in June 2000) of submerged plants was very limited and water remained highly turbid (due at first to abiotic seston and later to phytoplankton blooms). Turbidity decreased in July and the biomass of plants increased. However, submerged plant biomass did not exceed levels observed during summer 1999 (when water depths were greater) until August. Furthermore, a vascular plant-dominated assemblage (Vallisnera, Potamogeton, and Hydrilla) that occurred in 1999 was replaced with a community of nearly 98% Chara spp. (a macro-alga) in 2000. Hence, the lake’s submerged plant community appeared to revert to an earlier successional stage despite what appeared to be better conditions for growth. To explain this unexpected response, we evaluated the impacts that Hurricane Irene may have had on the lake in the previous autumn. In mid-October 1999, this category 1 hurricane passed just to the south of the lake, with wind velocities over the lake surface reaching 90 km h-1 at their peak. Output from a three-dimensional hydrodynamic / sediment transport model indicates that during the storm, current velocities in surface waters of the lake increased from near 5 cm s-1to as high as 100 cm s-1. These strong velocities were associated with large-scale uplifting and horizontal transport of fine-grained sediments from the lake bottom. Water quality data collected after the storm confirmed that the hurricane resulted in lake-wide nutrient and suspended solids concentrations far in excess of those previously documented for a 10-year data set. These conditions persisted through the winter months and may have negatively impacted plants that remained in the lake at the end of the 1999 growing season. The results demonstrate that in shallow lakes, unpredictable external forces, such as hurricanes, can play a major role in ecosystem dynamics. In regions where these events are common (e.g., the tropics and subtropics), consideration should be given to how they might affect long-term lake management programs.

scholarly journals Global distribution of soapberries (Sapindus L.) habitats under current and future climate scenarios

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiming Liu ◽  
Lianchun Wang ◽  
Caowen Sun ◽  
Benye Xi ◽  
Doudou Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Future Climate ◽  
Environmental Data ◽  
Climate Projections ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Maxent Model ◽  
Mean Temperature ◽  
Suitable Habitats ◽  
Large Scale Cultivation

AbstractSapindus (Sapindus L.) is a widely distributed economically important tree genus that provides biodiesel, biomedical and biochemical products. However, with climate change, deforestation, and economic development, the diversity of Sapindus germplasms may face the risk of destruction. Therefore, utilising historical environmental data and future climate projections from the BCC-CSM2-MR global climate database, we simulated the current and future global distributions of suitable habitats for Sapindus using a Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model. The estimated ecological thresholds for critical environmental factors were: a minimum temperature of 0–20 °C in the coldest month, soil moisture levels of 40–140 mm, a mean temperature of 2–25 °C in the driest quarter, a mean temperature of 19–28 °C in the wettest quarter, and a soil pH of 5.6–7.6. The total suitable habitat area was 6059.97 × 104 km2, which was unevenly distributed across six continents. As greenhouse gas emissions increased over time, the area of suitable habitats contracted in lower latitudes and expanded in higher latitudes. Consequently, surveys and conservation should be prioritised in southern hemisphere areas which are in danger of becoming unsuitable. In contrast, other areas in northern and central America, China, and India can be used for conservation and large-scale cultivation in the future.

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