scholarly journals Natural Forests of Oak in NW Spain: Soil Fertility and Main Edaphic Properties

Author(s):  
I.J. Daz-Maroto ◽  
P. Vila-Lameiro ◽  
O. Vizoso-Arribe ◽  
E. Alan ◽  
M.C. Daz-Maroto
2008 ◽  
Vol 31 (10) ◽  
pp. 1711-1722
Author(s):  
I. J. Díaz-Maroto ◽  
P. Vila-Lameiro

2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 3993-4057 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. Quesada ◽  
J. Lloyd ◽  
M. Schwarz ◽  
T. R. Baker ◽  
O. L. Phillips ◽  
...  

Abstract. Forest structure and dynamics have been noted to vary across the Amazon Basin in an east-west gradient in a pattern which coincides with variations in soil fertility and geology. This has resulted in the hypothesis that soil fertility may play an important role in explaining Basin-wide variations in forest biomass, growth and stem turnover rates. To test this hypothesis and assess the importance of edaphic properties in affect forest structure and dynamics, soil and plant samples were collected in a total of 59 different forest plots across the Amazon Basin. Samples were analysed for exchangeable cations, C, N, pH with various P fractions also determined. Physical properties were also examined and an index of soil physical quality developed. Overall, forest structure and dynamics were found to be strongly and quantitatively related to edaphic conditions. Tree turnover rates emerged to be mostly influenced by soil physical properties whereas forest growth rates were mainly related to a measure of available soil phosphorus, although also dependent on rainfall amount and distribution. On the other hand, large scale variations in forest biomass could not be explained by any of the edaphic properties measured, nor by variation in climate. A new hypothesis of self-maintaining forest dynamic feedback mechanisms initiated by edaphic conditions is proposed. It is further suggested that this is a major factor determining forest disturbance levels, species composition and forest productivity on a Basin wide scale.


2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 270-290
Author(s):  
J. Franco ◽  
G. Main ◽  
O. Navia ◽  
N. Ortuño ◽  
J. Herbas

The use of chemical pesticides in agriculture demands high investments; its in discriminated and inadequate application to obtain immediate crop response has caused considerable damage to the environment and human health, either due to a direct effect or indirect contamination of farmer fields and water sources by highly toxic products. On the other hand, as a result of soil fertility losses, farmers move to new areas for farming, causing a complex migration phenomena and devastation of natural forests. In an effort to find new alternatives for the management of crop pests compatible with the environment and agro-ecologically friendly, some technologies recently developed have been offered to small Andean potato farmers. Among these, the recycling of organic residues and the management of natural soil microorganisms which are important alternatives to reduce the importation and use of toxic agro-chemicals as well as to preserve and recuperate soil fertility and thus reach a sustainable potato production by Andean farmers. This will not only guarantee food security, but will also have favorable impact on the yield and quality of potato and other crops.Accepted for publication: December 28, 2011


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
YuXing Zhang ◽  
XueJun Wang

AbstractThe Eucalyptus spp. is fast-growing and is usually harvested at a young age, which enables efficient and sufficient timber supply. However, its negative impact on soil fertility incurs wide debates. Therefore it is necessary to study on the growing traits of eucalytpus to provide scientific guidance on its plantation management and associated policy-making. In this study, we collected the sample plot data from 9 National Forest Inventories (NFIs) during 1973–2018, China Forest-Land Database Map in 2003 and 2016, as well as climate and elevation data and analyzed how the spatial distribution of eucalyptus plantations in China changes with time. We quantitatively characterized and evaluated the productivity, carbon accumulation capacity, and abandonment rate of eucalyptus plantations. Statistical models on how eucalyptus productivity and abandonment rate change with time are established to evaluate the soil fertility and feasibility for growing eucalyptus plantations and predict the temporal productivity variation. The results show that regions with annual mean temperature of 19–21 °C, annual precipitation of 1400–1600 mm, and elevation of 0–300 m above sea level is most suitable for the growth of eucalyptus. The annual mean productivity of eucalyptus plantations ranges from 4.14–8.57 m3 hm−2 a−1. Higher productivity (9.32–10.88 m3 hm−2 a−1) could be reached in newly cultivated lands. Based on data from the 9th inventory (2014–2018), the mean carbon fixation of eucalyptus is 5.29 t hm−2 a−1, which is 2.95 and 2.18 times greater than Pinus massoniana Lamb. and Cunninghamia lanceolata Lamb. Its plantations area accounts for 6.85% of total plantations in China, but it contributes to more than 17.96% of total annual cut from plantations. In Guangdong and Guangxi provinces, areas of eucalyptus plantations are 30.32% and 34.91% of the total plantation area in each province respectively, but eucalyptus plantations contribute to 66.29% and 49.97% of harvested timber stock volume Eucalyptus pla consumes soil fertility significantly. The cumulative abandonment rate (based on area) is about 25%, 50%, and 75% after 5, 10, and 20 years of growing eucalyptus, respectively. The soil fertility decreases significantly after 50 years of growing eucalyptus continuously. In such case, it is difficult to restore the soil fertility. It is suggested that with improved management measures such as proper crop rotation rotating crops properly, it is possible for the abandoned plantations to be reused for growing eucalyptus. Currently the rates of replanting eucalyptus are still below 20% and 30% after 20 and 50 years of without growing eucalyptus, respectively. Although the proportion of eucalyptus area replanted to its abandoned area is now less than 20% in 20 years and less than 30% in 50 years, there is potential to keep increasing the replanting rate. We argue that developing eucalyptus plantations could contribute to global timber supply, help to protect natural forests, increase global carbon storage and fixation, and help to slow down global warming. In conclusion, we should not stop growing eucalyptus despite its high consumption of soil fertility.


2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 84-89
Author(s):  
I. Kovalenko ◽  
A. Klimenko ◽  
R. Yaroshchuk

<p>In the North-Eastern part of Ukraine the forest communities occupy considerable area and have great ecological and economic value. In natural forests herbs and subshrubs maintain the canopy cover through the recovery mechanism when the undergrowth of woody plants by height constitutes a part of the herbaceous and subshrub layer. Cenoflora within the lower layers of mixed coniferous-broad leaved forests of the southern part of the Eurasian forest zone is a fairly complete structural unit, especially in the central parts of the moisture and soil fertility gradients. Syntaxonomic adaptability of the lower layer plants of the forest communities in the North-East of Ukraine is established, and their ecological and biological diversity is determined as a result of the researches conducted. A group of species of forest herbs and subshrubs by the ecological status takes an intermediate position because of their habitat versatility. The species of this group are characterized by the vegetative propagation along with the effective seed reproduction. The habitat versatility and combination of the two types of reproduction are the main reasons for a wide representation of the species of this group in different syntaxons. A high floristic biodiversity of the forest communities of the North-Eastern part of Ukraine and their flora heterogeneity are determined based on the comparative floristic analysis. The floristic difference between the two major classes of vegetation in this region is shown, and it is found that Querco-Fagetea class is characterized by a high nutrient status and good warming-up under slightly reduced soil moisture, whereas the main feature of Vaccinio-Piceetea class is low soil fertility.</p>


2007 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 89 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Pandit ◽  
M. K. Balla

Changes in traditional ways of cropping and fertility maintenance have posed a serious threat of the sustainability of soil fertility in the mid hills of Nepal. This paper tries to bring to the front different issues directly or indirectly related to the sustainability of soil fertility based on a study carried out in Pokhare Khola Watershed, Dhading in 2003. Data were collected through questionnaire survey and focus group discussions and interpretation made using simple statistical tools and logical discussions. Cultivation of short growing season varieties of crops supplemented with high rates of chemical fertilizers has substantially increased the cropping intensity in irrigated low land. Farm yard manure (FYM) is used in higher proportion than chemical fertilizers both in Khet (irrigated lowland) and Bari (non-irrigated upland). Nonetheless, Khet land gets lower amount of FYM and higher amount of chemical fertilizers compared to Bari. Farmers are practicing the traditional methods of preparing FYM. Erosion in Bari and sedimentation in Khet lands are the major threats to soil fertility but no adequate prevention and restoration measures are carried out to cope with these threats. Farmers have not only conserved natural forests but also, planted fodder trees in their farmlands. Nearly half of demand for forest products is met from private farmland, which has considerably reduced the pressure on nearby forests. Farmers have markedly positive perceptions regarding the fertilizer application, cropping pattern and importance of forests in farming system. <i>Nepal Journal of Science and Technology</i> Vol. 7, 2006


1997 ◽  
Vol 352 (1356) ◽  
pp. 949-961 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro A. Sanchez ◽  
Roland J. Buresh ◽  
Roger R. B. Leakey

Trees have a different impact on soil properties than annual crops, because of their longer residence time, larger biomass accumulation, and longer–lasting, more extensive root systems. In natural forests nutrients are efficiently cycled with very small inputs and outputs from the system. In most agricultural systems the opposite happens. Agroforestry encompasses the continuum between these extremes, and emerging hard data is showing that successful agroforestry systems increase nutrient inputs, enhance internal flows, decrease nutrient losses and provide environmental benefits— when the competition for growth resources between the tree and the crop component is well managed. The three main determinants for overcoming rural poverty in Africa are (i) reversing soil fertility depletion, (ii) intensifying and diversifying land use with high–value products, and (iii) providing an enabling policy environment for the smallholder farming sector. Agroforestry practices can improve food production in a sustainable way through their contribution to soil fertility replenishment. The use of organic inputs as a source of biologically–fixed nitrogen, together with deep nitrate that is captured by trees, plays a major role in nitrogen replenishment. The combination of commercial phosphorus fertilizers with available organic resources may be the key to increasing and sustaining phosphorus capital. High–value trees— ‘Cinderella’ species, can fit in specific niches on farms, thereby making the system ecologically stable and more rewarding economically, in addition to diversifying and increasing rural incomes and improving food security. In the most heavily populated areas of East Africa, where farm size is extremely small, the number of trees on farms is increasing as farmers seek to reduce labour demands, compatible with the drift of some members of the family into the towns to earn off–farm income. Contrary to the concept that population pressure promotes deforestation, there is evidence that demonstrates that there are conditions under which increasing tree planting is occurring on farms in the tropics through successful agroforestry as human population density increases.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Ahmad Yamani

Lambung Mangkurat University Specially Designed Forest Area has very important role as a water regulator on one hand and on the other there has been forest destruction as a result of illegal activities and fire disaster that almost every year occurs in the dry season within the forest area. In order to conserve forests, soil and water in this area it is need to be supported by data of information, among others concerning status of soil fertility level which become the focus of this research purpose. The study was conducted on 5 observation points within the special purposes area determined by purposive sampling. Disturbed compounded soil samples were collected at approximately 1 kg at each observation point, then taken to the laboratory for analysis. Parameters observed cation exchange capacity (CEC); basic saturation; P2O5; K2O and organic C on the soil. The results of result showed that soil fertility level in the special purposes area for research is low. For that purpose forest conservation of forest, land and water in this area is urgent to do.Keywords: Soil fertility; natural forest; special purposes area . Kawasan Hutan Dengan Tujuan Khusus (KHDTK) Universitas Lambung Mangkurat mempunyai peran yang sangat penting sebagai pengatur tata air disatu pihak dan  dipihak lain telah terjadi kerusakan hutan sebagai akibat aktivitas ilegal dan bencana kebakaran yang hampir setiap tahun terjadi pada musim kemarau di dalam kawasan hutan tersebut. Dalam rangka upaya konservasi hutan, tanah dan air di dalam kawasan ini perlu didukung oleh data informasi, diantaranya mengenai status tingkat kesuburan tanahnya yang menjadi fokus tujuan penelitian ini. Penelitian dilakukan pada 5  titik pengamatan  di dalam areal KHDTK yang ditentukan secara purposive sampling. Sampel tanah terganggu yang sudah dikompositkan diambil sebanyak kurang lebih 1 kg di masing-masing titik pengamatan, kemudian dibawa ke laboratorium untuk dianalisis. Parameter yang diamati kapasitas tukar kation (KTK); kejenuhan basa (KB); P2O5; K2O dan C organik pada tanah. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan tingkat kesuburan tanah pada area hutan di Kawasan Hutan Dengan Tujuan Khusus untuk penelitian tergolong rendah. Untuk itu kegiatan konservasi   hutan, tanah dan air  pada kawasan ini mendesak untuk dilakukan.Kata kunci : Kesuburan tanah; hutan alam; KHDTK


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