scholarly journals Shade-tree rehabilitation in vanilla agroforests is yield neutral and may translate into landscape-scale canopy cover gains

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominic A. Martin ◽  
Annemarie Wurz ◽  
Kristina Osen ◽  
Ingo Grass ◽  
Dirk Hölscher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Forest Canopy ◽  
Agricultural Landscape ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Landscape Scale ◽  
Tree Cover ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Forest Fragments ◽  
Forest Protection ◽  
Shade Tree ◽  
Open Land

Agroforestry can contribute to an increase in tree cover in historically forested tropical landscapes with associated gains in biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, but only if established on open land instead of underneath a forest canopy. However, declines in yields with increasing shade are common across agroforestry crops, driving shade-tree removal in forest-derived agroforests and hindering tree regrowth in open-land-derived agroforests. To understand trajectories of change in tree cover in forest- and open-land-derived agroforests and the impacts of tree cover on vanilla yields, we studied 209 vanilla agroforests along an 88-year chronosequence in Madagascar. Additionally, we used remotely-sensed canopy cover data to investigate tree cover change in the agricultural landscape. We found yields to vary widely but independently of canopy cover and land-use history (forest- vs. open-land-derived), averaging at 154.6 kg ha-1 yr-1 (SD = 186.9). Furthermore, we found that forest- and open-land-derived vanilla agroforests gained canopy cover over time, but that only open-land-derived agroforests gained canopy height. Canopy cover increased also at the landscape scale: areas in the agricultural landscape with medium initial canopy cover gained 6.4% canopy cover over 10 years, but canopy cover decreased in areas with high initial canopy cover. These opposing trends suggest tree cover rehabilitation across areas covered by vanilla agroforests, whereas remnant forest fragments in the agricultural landscape were transformed or degraded. Our results indicate that yield-neutral tree rehabilitation through open-land-derived agroforestry could, if coupled with effective forest protection, provide mutually beneficial outcomes for ecosystem functions and agricultural production in a smallholder-dominated agricultural landscape.

scholarly journals Shade-Tree Rehabilitation in Vanilla Agroforests is Yield Neutral and May Translate into Landscape-Scale Canopy Cover Gains

Ecosystems ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominic Andreas Martin ◽  
Annemarie Wurz ◽  
Kristina Osen ◽  
Ingo Grass ◽  
Dirk Hölscher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Forest Canopy ◽  
Agricultural Landscape ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Landscape Scale ◽  
Tree Cover ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Forest Fragments ◽  
Forest Protection ◽  
Shade Tree ◽  
Open Land

AbstractAgroforestry can contribute to an increase in tree cover in historically forested tropical landscapes with associated gains in biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, but only if established on open land instead of underneath a forest canopy. However, declines in yields with increasing shade are common across agroforestry crops, driving shade-tree removal in forest-derived agroforests and hindering tree regrowth in open-land-derived agroforests. To understand trajectories of change in tree cover in forest- and open-land-derived agroforests, and the impacts of tree cover on vanilla yields, we studied 209 vanilla agroforests along an 88-year chronosequence in Madagascar. Additionally, we used remotely sensed canopy cover data to investigate tree cover change in the agricultural landscape. We found yields to vary widely but independently of canopy cover and land-use history (forest- vs. open-land-derived), averaging at 154.6 kg ha−1 year−1 (SD = 186.9). Furthermore, we found that forest- and open-land-derived vanilla agroforests gained canopy cover over time, but that only open-land-derived agroforests gained canopy height. Canopy cover increased also at the landscape scale: areas in the agricultural landscape with medium initial canopy cover gained 6.4% canopy cover over 10 years, but canopy cover decreased in areas with high initial canopy cover. These opposing trends suggest tree cover rehabilitation across areas covered by vanilla agroforests, whereas remnant forest fragments in the agricultural landscape were transformed or degraded. Our results indicate that yield-neutral tree rehabilitation through open-land-derived agroforestry could, if coupled with effective forest protection, provide benefits for both ecosystem functions and agricultural production in a smallholder-dominated agricultural landscape.

scholarly journals Forest canopy, a proxi of light intensity, arrests Pinus radiata invasion: basic science to conserve the Coastal Maulino forest, Central Chile

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Persy Gómez ◽  
Maureen Murúa ◽  
José San Martín ◽  
Estefany Goncalves ◽  
Ramiro Bustamante
Keyword(s):  
Pinus Radiata ◽  
Forest Canopy ◽  
Forest Type ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Important Variable ◽  
Tree Cover ◽  
Forest Fragments ◽  
Central Chile ◽  
Maulino Forest

ABSTRACTCoastal Maulino forest is an endemic forest of central Chile, which has suffered a large history of disturbance, being replaced by large extensions of Pinus radiata plantations. This land transformation conveys high rates of pines invasion into native remnants. In this study we examined to what extent structural features of forest patches explains invisibility of this forest-type. Within eight forest fragments, we sampled 162 plots (10 x 10 m2 each). We quantified seedling pine density and related this estimates with tree cover, litter depth, PAR radiation, and diversity of the resident community. Our results indicate that canopy cover was the most important variable to determine seedling pine density within forest fragments. To preserve the Coastal Maulino forest and the biodiversity containing on it, it seems to be necessary to maintain the native canopy cover. These actions can be highly effective even if we cannot avoid a massive seed arrival from pine plantations which will be unable to regenerate under well conserved native forests.

scholarly journals Grain and Extent Considerations Are Integral for Monitoring Landscape-Scale Desired Conditions in Fire-Adapted Forests

Forests ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 465
Author(s):  
Tzeidle N. Wasserman ◽  
Andrew J. Sánchez Meador ◽  
Amy E. M. Waltz
Keyword(s):  
Landscape Metrics ◽  
Spatial Data ◽  
Forest Canopy ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Remotely Sensed ◽  
Landscape Scale ◽  
Landsat 8 ◽  
Landscape Characteristics ◽  
Data Product ◽  
Data Products

Remotely-sensed data are commonly used to evaluate forest metrics, such as canopy cover, to assess change detection, and to inform land management planning. Often, canopy cover is measured only at the scale of the spatial data product used in the analysis, and there is a mismatch between the management question and the scale of the data. We compared four readily available remotely sensed landscape data products— Light detection and ranging (LiDAR), Landsat-8, Sentinel-2, and National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) imagery —at different spatial grains and multiple extents to assess their consistency and efficacy for quantifying key landscape characteristics of forest canopy patches and sensitivity to change. We examined landscape-scale patterns of forest canopy cover across three landscapes in northern Arizona and assessed their performance using six landscape metrics. Changes in grain and extent affect canopy cover patch metrics and the inferences that can be made from each data product. Overall data products performed differently across landscape metrics. When performing analyses and choosing data layers, it is essential to match the scale of the data product to the management question and understand the limitations inherent in using canopy cover as a stand-alone metric.

Habitat models for the four-fingered skink (Carlia tetradactyla) at the microhabitat and landscape scale

2003 ◽  
Vol 30 (5) ◽  
pp. 495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joern Fischer ◽  
David Lindenmayer ◽  
Ann Cowling
Keyword(s):  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Landscape Scale ◽  
Tree Cover ◽  
Moderate Amount ◽  
Weed Invasion ◽  
Habitat Models ◽  
Conservation Implications ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Reptile Species ◽  
Landscape Units

A spatially nested experimental design was used to survey reptiles in a sheep- and cattle-grazing landscape in southern New South Wales, Australia. Sixteen landscape units were chosen on the basis of their aspect, topography and amount of tree cover. Across these landscape units, 288 pitfall traps were established at 144 plots arranged in 48 sites. Each plot was searched for reptiles and pitfall-trapped in two separate survey periods. The four-fingered skink (Carlia tetradactyla) was the most commonly encountered reptile species, and detailed statistical habitat models were constructed for this species. The four-fingered skink responded to both landscape scale and microhabitat variables. The species was more likely to be detected in landscape units characterised by a high amount of tree cover. Adults were most likely to inhabit microhabitats dominated by box- or gum-type eucalypts, with a moderate amount of canopy cover and with a large number of spiders. Juveniles were most likely to inhabit microhabitats with a moderate amount of weed invasion where shrubs were present. Finally, the four-fingered skink was more likely to be found at sites with at least two other co-occurring small reptile species. Body condition and tail loss of adult skinks were not related to the habitat or microhabitat where a given individual was found. The results are discussed in relation to current herpetological research, and some long-term conservation implications are highlighted.

Distribution of herbs and shrubs in relation to landform and canopy cover in riparian forests of coastal Oregon

1998 ◽  
Vol 76 (2) ◽  
pp. 298-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J Pabst ◽  
Thomas A Spies
Keyword(s):  
Forest Canopy ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Soil Disturbance ◽  
Environmental Data ◽  
Valley Floor ◽  
Conservation Strategy ◽  
Tree Cover ◽  
Species Groups ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

In this study we characterized the distribution of herb and shrub species relative to landform and forest canopy attributes of streamside forests in the moist, conifer-dominated mountains of coastal Oregon. Species cover and environmental data were collected along transects at 94 sites. Species with relatively similar distributions were classified into 10 species groups to identify major patterns in the vegetation. Although these patterns were highly variable, ordination and gradient analyses indicated that vegetation composition is ordered along a complex environmental gradient running from streamside to hillslope. Similarly, species diversity followed a decreasing trend from active fluvial surfaces to lower hillslopes. Vegetation patterns were related to specific landforms, topographic positions, microsites, and coniferous tree cover within the trans-riparian gradient. We hypothesize that the environmental features correlated with these patterns are surrogates for the underlying mechanisms responsible for them. These are (i) hillslope processes and associated moisture gradients; (ii) hydrological disturbance; (iii) tolerance of saturated, valley-floor soils; (iv) shade tolerance; and (v) mineral soil disturbance. This study indicates that valley-floor and lower-slope plant communities are distinct elements in these forest landscapes, supporting the assumption that riparian zones require a different management and conservation strategy than upland forest communities.Key words: riparian vegetation, ordination, gradient analysis, species groups, landform. Nomenclature is based on that of Hitchcock and Cronquist (1973).

scholarly journals Gainesville's Urban Forest Canopy Cover

EDIS ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 2009 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Escobedo ◽  
Jennifer A. Seitz ◽  
Wayne Zipperer
Keyword(s):  
Forest Canopy ◽  
Urban Forest ◽  
Ground Surface ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Tree Cover ◽  
Urban Tree ◽  
Changes Over Time ◽  
Urban Tree Cover ◽  
Tree Composition ◽  
Over Time

FOR-215, a 3-page illustrated fact sheet by Francisco Escobedo, Jennifer A. Seitz, and Wayne Zipperer, examines how tree cover changes over time, how tree composition and location influence urban forest canopy and leaf area, and how tree and ground surface covers vary across Gainesville. Includes references. Published by the UF School of Forest Resources and Conservation, March 2009.   FOR 215/FR277: Gainesville Florida's Urban Tree Cover (ufl.edu)  

scholarly journals Potential improvement for forest cover and forest degradation mapping with the forthcoming Sentinel-2 program

2015 ◽  
Vol XL-7/W3 ◽  
pp. 417-423 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. Hojas-Gascon ◽  
A. Belward ◽  
H. Eva ◽  
G. Ceccherini ◽  
O. Hagolle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Resolution ◽  
Forest Canopy ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Spectral Characteristics ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Tree Cover ◽  
Optical Data ◽  
Validation Data ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Sentinel 2

The forthcoming European Space Agency’s Sentinel-2 mission promises to provide high (10 m) resolution optical data at higher temporal frequencies (5 day revisit with two operational satellites) than previously available. CNES, the French national space agency, launched a program in 2013, ‘SPOT4 take 5’, to simulate such a dataflow using the SPOT HRV sensor, which has similar spectral characteristics to the Sentinel sensor, but lower (20m) spatial resolution. Such data flow enables the analysis of the satellite images using temporal analysis, an approach previously restricted to lower spatial resolution sensors. We acquired 23 such images over Tanzania for the period from February to June 2013. The data were analysed with aim of discriminating between different forest cover percentages for landscape units of 0.5 ha over a site characterised by deciduous intact and degraded forests. The SPOT data were processed by one extracting temporal vegetation indices. We assessed the impact of the high acquisition rate with respect to the current rate of one image every 16 days. Validation data, giving the percentage of forest canopy cover in each land unit were provided by very high resolution satellite data. Results show that using the full temporal series it is possible to discriminate between forest units with differences of more than 40% tree cover or more. Classification errors fell exclusively into the adjacent forest canopy cover class of 20% or less. The analyses show that forestation mapping and degradation monitoring will be substantially improved with the Sentinel-2 program.

Canopy Cover Shapes Bat Diversity across an Urban and Agricultural Landscape Mosaic

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (03) ◽  
pp. 193-200
Author(s):  
Amanda M Bailey ◽  
Holly K Ober ◽  
Brian E Reichert ◽  
Robert A McCleery
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Land Cover ◽  
Agricultural Landscape ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Remotely Sensed ◽  
Tree Cover ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Land Cover Types ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Bat Diversity

SummaryHuman alteration of the planet’s terrestrial landscapes for agriculture, habitation and commerce is reshaping wildlife communities. The threat of land cover change to wildlife is pronounced in regions with rapidly growing human populations. We investigated how species richness and species-specific occurrence of bats changed as a function of land cover and canopy (tree) cover across a rapidly changing region of Florida, USA. Contrary to our predictions, we found negligible effects of agriculture and urban development on the occurrence of all species. In contrast, we found that a remotely sensed metric of canopy cover on a broad scale (25 km2) was a good predictor of the occurrence of eight out of ten species. The occurrence of all smaller bats (vespertilionids) in our study increased with 0–50% increases in canopy cover, while larger bats showed different patterns. Occurrence of Brazilian free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) decreased with increasing canopy cover, and Florida bonneted bats (Eumops floridanus) were not influenced by canopy cover. We conclude that remotely sensed measures of canopy cover can provide a more reliable predictor of bat species richness than land-cover types, and efforts to prevent the loss of bat diversity should consider maintaining canopy cover across mosaic landscapes with diverse land-cover types.

Landscape forest loss changes sunfleck dynamics in forest fragments of southern Bahia, Brazil

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Igor Pires Reis ◽  
Larissa Rocha-Santos ◽  
Adrielle Leal ◽  
Deborah Faria ◽  
Marcelo Schramm Mielke
Keyword(s):  
Forest Canopy ◽  
Tree Mortality ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Floristic Composition ◽  
Landscape Scale ◽  
Canopy Gaps ◽  
Forest Fragments ◽  
Forest Fragment ◽  
Southern Bahia ◽  
Forest Understorey

Abstract Landscape-scale habitat loss can change the floristic composition of forest fragments, affecting the survival of specific groups of plants, as shade-tolerant and emergent trees. This increasing in tree mortality creates forest canopy gaps of different sizes that ultimately determine the solar radiation available in the forest understorey. We conducted a study aiming to assess how the loss of forest cover at landscape level (i.e. deforestation) affects the sunfleck dynamics, a proxy of light regime in forest understorey. We expected that fragments located in landscapes with less forest cover have a high number of larger canopy gaps and, consequently, long-lasting sunflecks. In each forest fragment, a 100 per 50 m plot was established, and in each plot, we took 10 hemispherical photographs. The images were analysed using the Gap Light Analyzer software. The sunflecks were divided into six temporal classes. We evidenced that landscape-scale deforestation increased the frequency of all sunfleck intervals >8 min, particularly the long-lasting (> 32 min) sunflecks. We propose that the increasing frequency of long-lasting sunflecks reduces suitability of microhabitat to some shade-tolerant species in local fragments, a potential proximal mechanism contributing to compositional shifts of tree assemblages observed in forest fragments within deforested landscapes.

scholarly journals Diversity of Medicinal Plants among Different Tree Canopies

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 2640
Author(s):  
Muhammad Zubair ◽  
Akash Jamil ◽  
Syed Bilal Hussain ◽  
Ahsan Ul Haq ◽  
Ahmad Hussain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Coniferous Forest ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Tree Canopy ◽  
Tree Cover ◽  
Open Spaces ◽  
Floral Diversity ◽  
Tree Canopy Cover ◽  
Closed Canopy

The moist temperate forests in Northern Pakistan are home to a variety of flora and fauna that are pivotal in sustaining the livelihoods of the local communities. In these forests, distribution and richness of vegetation, especially that of medicinal plants, is rarely reported. In this study, we carried out a vegetation survey in District Balakot, located in Northeastern Pakistan, to characterize the diversity of medicinal plants under different canopies of coniferous forest. The experimental site was divided into three major categories (viz., closed canopy, open spaces, and partial tree cover). A sampling plot of 100 m2 was established on each site to measure species diversity, dominance, and evenness. To observe richness and abundance, the rarefaction and rank abundance curves were plotted. Results revealed that a total of 45 species representing 34 families were available in the study site. Medicinal plants were the most abundant (45%) followed by edible plants (26%). Tree canopy cover affected the overall growth of medicinal plants on the basis of abundance and richness. The site with partial canopy exhibited the highest diversity, dominance, and abundance compared to open spaces and closed canopy. These findings are instrumental in identifying the wealth of the medicinal floral diversity in the northeastern temperate forest of Balakot and the opportunity to sustain the livelihoods of local communities with the help of public/private partnership.

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