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Fernández-Guisuraga JM, Ansola G, Pinto R, Marcos E, Calvo L, Sáenz de Miera LE. Resistance of soil bacterial communities from montane heathland ecosystems in the Cantabrian mountains (NW Spain) to a gradient of experimental nitrogen deposition. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 920:171079. [PMID: 38373460 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Elevated atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition on terrestrial ecosystems has become one of the most important drivers of microbial diversity loss on a global scale, and has been reported to alter the soil function of nutrient-poor, montane Calluna vulgaris heathlands in the context of global change. In this work we analyze for the first time the shifts of bacterial communities in response to experimental addition of N in Calluna heathlands as a simulation of atmospheric deposition. Specifically, we evaluated the effects of five N addition treatments (0, 10, 20, and 50 kg N ha-1 yr-1 for 3-years; and 56 kg N ha-1 yr-1 for 10-years) on the resistance of soil bacterial communities as determined by changes in their composition and alpha and beta diversities. The study was conducted in montane Calluna heathlands at different development stages (young and mature phases) in the southern side of the Cantabrian Mountains (NW Spain). Our results evidenced a substantial increase of long-term (10-years) N inputs on soil extractable N-NH4+, particularly in young Calluna stands. The alpha diversity of soil bacterial communities in mature Calluna stands did not show a significant response to experimental N addition, whereas it was significantly higher under long-term chronic N addition (56 kg N ha-1 yr-1 for 10-years) in young Calluna stands. These bacterial community shifts are mainly attributable to a decrease in the dominance of Acidobacteria phylum, the most representative in montane Calluna ecosystems, in favor of copiotrophic taxa such as Actinobacteria or Proteobacteria phyla, favored under increased N availability. Future research should investigate what specific ecosystem functions performed by soil bacterial communities may be sensitive to increased nitrogen depositions, which may have substantial implications for the understanding of montane Calluna ecosystems' stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Manuel Fernández-Guisuraga
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Gestión Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain; Centro de Investigação e de Tecnologias Agroambientais e Biológicas, Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal.
| | - Gemma Ansola
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Gestión Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Rayo Pinto
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Gestión Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Elena Marcos
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Gestión Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Leonor Calvo
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Gestión Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Luis E Sáenz de Miera
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Ambientales, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
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Buscardo E, Geml J, Schmidt SK, Silva ALC, Ramos RTJ, Barbosa SMR, Andrade SS, Dalla Costa R, Souza AP, Freitas H, Cunha HB, Nagy L. Of mammals and bacteria in a rainforest: Temporal dynamics of soil bacteria in response to simulated N pulse from mammalian urine. Funct Ecol 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.12998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Erika Buscardo
- Centre for Functional EcologyUniversity of Coimbra Coimbra Portugal
- Department of Plant BiologyUniversity of Campinas Campinas Brazil
- Large‐scale Biosphere‐Atmosphere ProgrammeNational Amazonian Research Institute (INPA) Manaus Brazil
| | - József Geml
- Biodiversity Dynamics Research GroupNaturalis Biodiversity Center Leiden The Netherlands
- Faculty of SciencesLeiden University Leiden The Netherlands
| | - Steven K. Schmidt
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of Colorado Boulder CO USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Anete P. Souza
- Department of Plant BiologyUniversity of Campinas Campinas Brazil
| | - Helena Freitas
- Centre for Functional EcologyUniversity of Coimbra Coimbra Portugal
| | - Hillândia B. Cunha
- Large‐scale Biosphere‐Atmosphere ProgrammeNational Amazonian Research Institute (INPA) Manaus Brazil
| | - Laszlo Nagy
- Department of Plant BiologyUniversity of Campinas Campinas Brazil
- Large‐scale Biosphere‐Atmosphere ProgrammeNational Amazonian Research Institute (INPA) Manaus Brazil
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Vourlitis GL. Chronic N enrichment and drought alter plant cover and community composition in a Mediterranean-type semi-arid shrubland. Oecologia 2017; 184:267-277. [PMID: 28393274 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-017-3860-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Anthropogenic nitrogen (N) deposition has caused a decline in native plant species and an increase in exotic plant species in many terrestrial ecosystems; however, vegetation change depends on the rate and/or duration of N input, individual species responses, interactions with other resources, and ecosystem properties such as species richness and canopy cover, soil texture, pH, and/or disturbance regime. Native shrub and exotic forb responses to N enrichment were evaluated over a 13-year field experiment in a mature coastal sage scrub (CSS) shrubland of southern California to test the hypothesis that dry-season N input will cause a decline in native shrubs and an increase in exotic annuals. Nitrogen enrichment caused the dominant native shrubs, Artemisia californica and Salvia mellifera, to respond differently, with A. californica initially increasing with N input but declining thereafter and S. mellifera declining consistently over the 13-year-period. Both species exhibited higher canopy dieback during drought conditions, especially in N plots. Brassica nigra, an exotic annual, invaded N plots significantly more than control plots, but only after 10 years of N addition and a prolonged drought, which increased native shrub canopy dieback. These results indicate a possible synergism between N enrichment and drought on native shrub and exotic forb abundance, which would have important implications for plant diversity in semi-arid shrublands of southwest US that are anticipated to experience an increase in anthropogenic N enrichment and the frequency and duration of drought.
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Carter TS, Clark CM, Fenn ME, Jovan S, Perakis SS, Riddell J, Schaberg PG, Greaver TL, Hastings MG. Mechanisms of nitrogen deposition effects on temperate forest lichens and trees. Ecosphere 2017; 8:10.1002/ecs2.1717. [PMID: 34327038 PMCID: PMC8318115 DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.1717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We review the mechanisms of deleterious nitrogen (N) deposition impacts on temperate forests, with a particular focus on trees and lichens. Elevated anthropogenic N deposition to forests has varied effects on individual organisms depending on characteristics both of the N inputs (form, timing, amount) and of the organisms (ecology, physiology) involved. Improved mechanistic knowledge of these effects can aid in developing robust predictions of how organisms respond to either increases or decreases in N deposition. Rising N levels affect forests in micro- and macroscopic ways from physiological responses at the cellular, tissue, and organism levels to influencing individual species and entire communities and ecosystems. A synthesis of these processes forms the basis for the overarching themes of this paper, which focuses on N effects at different levels of biological organization in temperate forests. For lichens, the mechanisms of direct effects of N are relatively well known at cellular, organismal, and community levels, though interactions of N with other stressors merit further research. For trees, effects of N deposition are better understood for N as an acidifying agent than as a nutrient; in both cases, the impacts can reflect direct effects on short time scales and indirect effects mediated through long-term soil and belowground changes. There are many gaps on fundamental N use and cycling in ecosystems, and we highlight the most critical gaps for understanding potential deleterious effects of N deposition. For lichens, these gaps include both how N affects specific metabolic pathways and how N is metabolized. For trees, these gaps include understanding the direct effects of N deposition onto forest canopies, the sensitivity of different tree species and mycorrhizal symbionts to N, the influence of soil properties, and the reversibility of N and acidification effects on plants and soils. Continued study of how these N response mechanisms interact with one another, and with other dimensions of global change, remains essential for predicting ongoing changes in lichen and tree populations across North American temperate forests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Therese S. Carter
- US Global Change Research Program, ICF Contractor, 1800 G Street NW, Suite 9100, Washington, D.C. 20006 USA
- Department of Chemistry, Brown University, 324 Brook Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02912 USA
| | - Christopher M. Clark
- US EPA, Office of Research and Development, Global Change Research Group, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N. W., Washington, D.C. 20460 USA
| | - Mark E. Fenn
- USDA Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, 4955 Canyon Crest Drive, Riverside, California 92507 USA
| | - Sarah Jovan
- USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station, 620 SW Main Street, Portland, Oregon 97205 USA
| | - Steven S. Perakis
- US Geological Survey, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Corvallis, Oregon 97331 USA
| | - Jennifer Riddell
- Sustainable Technology Program, Mendocino College, 1000 Hensley Creek Road, Ukiah, California 95482 USA
| | - Paul G. Schaberg
- USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, 705 Spear Street S, Burlington, Vermont 05405 USA
| | - Tara L. Greaver
- National Center for Environmental Assessment, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711 USA
| | - Meredith G. Hastings
- Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences, Institute at Brown for Environment and Society, Brown University, 324 Brook Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02912 USA
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Chen X, Liu WY, Song L, Li S, Wu Y, Shi XM, Huang JB, Wu CS. Physiological Responses of Two Epiphytic Bryophytes to Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Sulfur Addition in a Subtropical Montane Cloud Forest. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0161492. [PMID: 27560190 PMCID: PMC4999294 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Atmospheric depositions pose significant threats to biodiversity and ecosystem function. However, the underlying physiological mechanisms are not well understood, and few studies have considered the combined effects and interactions of multiple pollutants. This in situ study explored the physiological responses of two epiphytic bryophytes to combined addition of nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur. We investigated the electrical conductivity (EC), total chlorophyll concentration (Chl), nutrient stoichiometry and chlorophyll fluorescence signals in a subtropical montane cloud forest in south-west China. The results showed that enhanced fertilizer additions imposed detrimental effects on bryophytes, and the combined enrichment of simulated fertilization exerted limited synergistic effects in their natural environments. On the whole, EC, Chl, the effective quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII) and photochemical quenching (qP) were the more reliable indicators of increased artificial fertilization. However, conclusions on nutrient stoichiometry should be drawn cautiously concerning the saturation uptake and nutrient interactions in bryophytes. Finally, we discuss the limitations of prevailing fertilization experiments and emphasize the importance of long-term data available for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-yao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Liang Song
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Su Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xian-meng Shi
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jun-biao Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chuan-sheng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Forest Ecology, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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6
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Vegetation Composition in Bogs is Sensitive to Both Load and Concentration of Deposited Nitrogen: A Modeling Analysis. Ecosystems 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10021-014-9820-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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7
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Sheppard LJ, Leith ID, Mizunuma T, Leeson S, Kivimaki S, Neil Cape J, van Dijk N, Leaver D, Sutton MA, Fowler D, Van den Berg LJL, Crossley A, Field C, Smart S. Inertia in an ombrotrophic bog ecosystem in response to 9 years' realistic perturbation by wet deposition of nitrogen, separated by form. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2014; 20:566-580. [PMID: 24038771 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.12357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Wet deposition of nitrogen (N) occurs in oxidized (nitrate) and reduced (ammonium) forms. Whether one form drives vegetation change more than the other is widely debated, as field evidence has been lacking. We are manipulating N form in wet deposition to an ombrotrophic bog, Whim (Scottish Borders), and here report nine years of results. Ammonium and nitrate were provided in rainwater spray as NH4 Cl or NaNO3 at 8, 24 or 56 kg N ha(-1) yr(-1) , plus a rainwater only control, via an automated system coupled to site meteorology. Detrimental N effects were observed in sensitive nonvascular plant species, with higher cumulative N loads leading to more damage at lower annual doses. Cover responses to N addition, both in relation to form and dose, were species specific and mostly dependent on N dose. Some species were generally indifferent to N form and dose, while others were dose sensitive. Calluna vulgaris showed a preference for higher N doses as ammonium N and Hypnum jutlandicum for nitrate N. However, after 9 years, the magnitude of change from wet deposited N on overall species cover is small, indicating only a slow decline in key species. Nitrogen treatment effects on soil N availability were likewise small and rarely correlated with species cover. Ammonium caused most N accumulation and damage to sensitive species at lower N loads, but toxic effects also occurred with nitrate. However, because different species respond differently to N form, setting of ecosystem level critical loads by N form is challenging. We recommend implementing the lowest value of the critical load range where communities include sensitive nonvascular plants and where ammonium dominates wet deposition chemistry. In the context of parallel assessment at the same site, N treatments for wet deposition showed overall much smaller effects than corresponding inputs of dry deposition as ammonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy J Sheppard
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology Edinburgh, Bush Estate, Penicuik, EH26 0QB, UK
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8
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Munzi S, Paoli L, Fiorini E, Loppi S. Physiological response of the epiphytic lichen Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach. to ecologically relevant nitrogen concentrations. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2012; 171:25-29. [PMID: 22868343 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2012.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2012] [Revised: 06/12/2012] [Accepted: 07/01/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the physiological response of the epiphytic lichen Evernia prunastri to ecologically relevant concentrations of nitrogen compounds. Lichen samples were sprayed for 4 weeks either with water or 50, 150 and 500 μM NH(4)Cl. The integrity of cell membranes and chlorophyll a fluorescence emission (F(V)/F(M) and PI(ABS)) were analyzed. No membrane damage occurred after the exposure period. F(V)/F(M), a classical fluorescence indicator, decreased during the second week of treatment with 500 μM NH(4)Cl and the third week with 50 and 150 μM NH(4)Cl. PI(ABS), an overall index of the photosynthetic performance, was more sensitive and decreased already during the first week with 500 μM NH(4)Cl and the second week with 150 μM NH(4)Cl. Since E. prunastri has been exposed to ammonium loads corresponding to real environmental conditions, these findings open the way to an effective use of this species as early indicators of environmental nitrogen excess.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Munzi
- Center for Environmental Biology, University of Lisbon, Campo Grande, Bloco C2, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal.
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9
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Limpens J, Granath G, Aerts R, Heijmans MMPD, Sheppard LJ, Bragazza L, Williams BL, Rydin H, Bubier J, Moore T, Rochefort L, Mitchell EAD, Buttler A, van den Berg LJL, Gunnarsson U, Francez AJ, Gerdol R, Thormann M, Grosvernier P, Wiedermann MM, Nilsson MB, Hoosbeek MR, Bayley S, Nordbakken JF, Paulissen MPCP, Hotes S, Breeuwer A, Ilomets M, Tomassen HBM, Leith I, Xu B. Glasshouse vs field experiments: do they yield ecologically similar results for assessing N impacts on peat mosses? THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2012; 195:408-418. [PMID: 22537052 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2012.04157.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
• Peat bogs have accumulated more atmospheric carbon (C) than any other terrestrial ecosystem today. Most of this C is associated with peat moss (Sphagnum) litter. Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition can decrease Sphagnum production, compromising the C sequestration capacity of peat bogs. The mechanisms underlying the reduced production are uncertain, necessitating multifactorial experiments. • We investigated whether glasshouse experiments are reliable proxies for field experiments for assessing interactions between N deposition and environment as controls on Sphagnum N concentration and production. We performed a meta-analysis over 115 glasshouse experiments and 107 field experiments. • We found that glasshouse and field experiments gave similar qualitative and quantitative estimates of changes in Sphagnum N concentration in response to N application. However, glasshouse-based estimates of changes in production--even qualitative assessments-- diverged from field experiments owing to a stronger N effect on production response in absence of vascular plants in the glasshouse, and a weaker N effect on production response in presence of vascular plants compared to field experiments. • Thus, although we need glasshouse experiments to study how interacting environmental factors affect the response of Sphagnum to increased N deposition, we need field experiments to properly quantify these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Limpens
- Nature Conservation and Plant Ecology Group, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 3a, 6708 PB Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - G Granath
- Department of Plant Ecology and Evolution, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - R Aerts
- Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, Systems Ecology, Free University of Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - M M P D Heijmans
- Nature Conservation and Plant Ecology Group, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 3a, 6708 PB Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - L J Sheppard
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), Edinburgh Bush Estate Penicuik, EH26 0QB, Scotland
| | - L Bragazza
- Department of Biology and Evolution, University of Ferrara, Corso Ercole I d'Este 32, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
- WSL Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, Wetlands Research Group, Site Lausanne, Station 2, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC), Laboratory of Ecological Systems (ECOS), Batiment GR, Station 2, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - B L Williams
- Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Aberdeen, UK
| | - H Rydin
- Department of Plant Ecology and Evolution, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - J Bubier
- Mount Holyoke College, Environmental Studies Department, Clapp Laboratory, 50 College Street, South Hadley, Massachusetts 01075, USA
| | - T Moore
- Department of Geography, McGill University, 805 Sherbrooke St. W. Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 2K6
| | - L Rochefort
- Department of Plant Sciences, Université Laval, 2425 rue de l'Agriculture, Quebec, QC, Canada G1V 0A6
| | - E A D Mitchell
- Laboratory of Soil Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Rue Emile-Argand 11, CH-2009 Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - A Buttler
- WSL Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, Wetlands Research Group, Site Lausanne, Station 2, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC), Laboratory of Ecological Systems (ECOS), Batiment GR, Station 2, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Chrono-Environnement, UMR 6249 CNRS - INRA, Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - L J L van den Berg
- Aquatic Ecology and Environmental Biology, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - U Gunnarsson
- Department of Plant Ecology and Evolution, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18D, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - A-J Francez
- UMR 6553 ECOBIO & FR90 CAREN, Rennes University, CNRS, Campus de Beaulieu, 263 avenue du Général Leclerc, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France
| | - R Gerdol
- Department of Biology and Evolution, University of Ferrara, Corso Ercole I d'Este 32, I-44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - M Thormann
- Aquilon Environmental Consulting Ltd., 3111 Spence Wynd SW, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6X 0H7
| | - P Grosvernier
- LIN'eco, Case postale 80, 2732 Reconvilier, Switzerland
| | - M M Wiedermann
- Soil Science, Biogeochemistry, Department of Forest Ecology & Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, S-901 83 Umeå, Sweden
| | - M B Nilsson
- Soil Science, Biogeochemistry, Department of Forest Ecology & Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, S-901 83 Umeå, Sweden
| | - M R Hoosbeek
- Earth System Science - Climate Change, Department of Environmental Sciences, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700AA Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - S Bayley
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2E9
| | - J-F Nordbakken
- The Norwegian Forest and Landscape Institute, Postbox 115, 1431 Ås, Norway
| | - M P C P Paulissen
- Alterra, Team Ecological Modelling and Monitoring, Wageningen University and Research Centre, PO Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - S Hotes
- Department of Animal Ecology, Justus-Liebig-University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32 (IFZ), D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - A Breeuwer
- Nature Conservation and Plant Ecology Group, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 3a, 6708 PB Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - M Ilomets
- Department of Landscape Ecology, Institute of Ecology, Tallinn University, Uus-Sadama 5, EE-10120 Tallinn, Estonia
| | | | - I Leith
- Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), Edinburgh Bush Estate Penicuik, EH26 0QB, Scotland
| | - B Xu
- Southern Illinois University Carbondale 1125 Lincoln Drive, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
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10
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Dise NB, Phoenix GK. Peatlands in a changing world. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2011; 191:309-311. [PMID: 21714789 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2011.03801.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nancy B Dise
- School of Science and the Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15GD, UK
- (Author for correspondence: tel +44 (0)161 247 1593; email )
| | - Gareth K Phoenix
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
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11
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Pearce ISK, Britton AJ, Armitage HF, Jones B. Additive impacts of nitrogen deposition and grazing on a mountain moss-sedge heath. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/s00035-010-0075-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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12
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Geiser LH, Jovan SE, Glavich DA, Porter MK. Lichen-based critical loads for atmospheric nitrogen deposition in Western Oregon and Washington Forests, USA. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2010; 158:2412-2421. [PMID: 20447744 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2010.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2009] [Revised: 03/23/2010] [Accepted: 04/06/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Critical loads (CLs) define maximum atmospheric deposition levels apparently preventative of ecosystem harm. We present first nitrogen CLs for northwestern North America's maritime forests. Using multiple linear regression, we related epiphytic-macrolichen community composition to: 1) wet deposition from the National Atmospheric Deposition Program, 2) wet, dry, and total N deposition from the Communities Multi-Scale Air Quality model, and 3) ambient particulate N from Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE). Sensitive species declines of 20-40% were associated with CLs of 1-4 and 3-9 kg N ha(-1)y(-1) in wet and total deposition. CLs increased with precipitation across the landscape, presumably from dilution or leaching of depositional N. Tight linear correlation between lichen and IMPROVE data suggests a simple screening tool for CL exceedance in US Class I areas. The total N model replicated several US and European lichen CLs and may therefore be helpful in estimating other temperate-forest lichen CLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda H Geiser
- US Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region Air Resource Management Program, Siuslaw National Forest, PO Box 1148, Corvallis, OR 97339, USA.
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13
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Britton AJ, Fisher JM. Terricolous alpine lichens are sensitive to both load and concentration of applied nitrogen and have potential as bioindicators of nitrogen deposition. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2010; 158:1296-1302. [PMID: 20149506 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2010.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2009] [Revised: 01/18/2010] [Accepted: 01/20/2010] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The influence of applied nitrogen (N) concentration and load on thallus chemistry and growth of five terricolous alpine lichen species was investigated in a three-month N addition study. Thallus N content was influenced by both concentration and load; but the relative importance of these parameters varied between species. Growth was most affected by concentration. Thresholds for effects observed in this study support a low critical load for terricolous lichen communities (<7.5 kg N ha(-1) y(-1)) and suggest that concentrations of N currently encountered in UK cloudwater may have detrimental effects on the growth of sensitive species. The significance of N concentration effects on sensitive species also highlights the need to avoid artificially high concentrations when designing N addition experiments. Given the sensitivity of some species to extremely low loads and concentrations of N we suggest that terricolous lichens have potential as indicators of deposition and impact in northern and alpine ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea J Britton
- Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, UK.
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Bobbink R, Hicks K, Galloway J, Spranger T, Alkemade R, Ashmore M, Bustamante M, Cinderby S, Davidson E, Dentener F, Emmett B, Erisman JW, Fenn M, Gilliam F, Nordin A, Pardo L, De Vries W. Global assessment of nitrogen deposition effects on terrestrial plant diversity: a synthesis. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2010; 20:30-59. [PMID: 20349829 DOI: 10.1890/08-1140.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 911] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition is a recognized threat to plant diversity in temperate and northern parts of Europe and North America. This paper assesses evidence from field experiments for N deposition effects and thresholds for terrestrial plant diversity protection across a latitudinal range of main categories of ecosystems, from arctic and boreal systems to tropical forests. Current thinking on the mechanisms of N deposition effects on plant diversity, the global distribution of G200 ecoregions, and current and future (2030) estimates of atmospheric N-deposition rates are then used to identify the risks to plant diversity in all major ecosystem types now and in the future. This synthesis paper clearly shows that N accumulation is the main driver of changes to species composition across the whole range of different ecosystem types by driving the competitive interactions that lead to composition change and/or making conditions unfavorable for some species. Other effects such as direct toxicity of nitrogen gases and aerosols, long-term negative effects of increased ammonium and ammonia availability, soil-mediated effects of acidification, and secondary stress and disturbance are more ecosystem- and site-specific and often play a supporting role. N deposition effects in mediterranean ecosystems have now been identified, leading to a first estimate of an effect threshold. Importantly, ecosystems thought of as not N limited, such as tropical and subtropical systems, may be more vulnerable in the regeneration phase, in situations where heterogeneity in N availability is reduced by atmospheric N deposition, on sandy soils, or in montane areas. Critical loads are effect thresholds for N deposition, and the critical load concept has helped European governments make progress toward reducing N loads on sensitive ecosystems. More needs to be done in Europe and North America, especially for the more sensitive ecosystem types, including several ecosystems of high conservation importance. The results of this assessment show that the vulnerable regions outside Europe and North America which have not received enough attention are ecoregions in eastern and southern Asia (China, India), an important part of the mediterranean ecoregion (California, southern Europe), and in the coming decades several subtropical and tropical parts of Latin America and Africa. Reductions in plant diversity by increased atmospheric N deposition may be more widespread than first thought, and more targeted studies are required in low background areas, especially in the G200 ecoregions.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Bobbink
- B-WARE Research Centre, Radboud University Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Munzi S, Pisani T, Loppi S. The integrity of lichen cell membrane as a suitable parameter for monitoring biological effects of acute nitrogen pollution. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2009; 72:2009-2012. [PMID: 19473705 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2009.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2008] [Revised: 03/18/2009] [Accepted: 05/01/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed at testing the suitability of cell membrane integrity in the lichen Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach. as sensitive indicator of nitrogen (N) stress, to set up a rapid and effective method for monitoring biological effects of acute N pollution. Lichen samples were incubated in solutions of potassium nitrate, ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulphate at different concentrations, and cell membrane damage, expressed in terms of increased electrolyte leakage, was measured after 0, 24, 48 and 96 h. Cell membrane damage was observed in E. prunastri in the presence of high or very high N concentrations, irrespective of the compound supplied. Since the mycobiont represents the large majority of a lichen biomass, it is reasonable to assume that ion leakage mainly occurred from fungal cells. Although in biomonitoring studies the photobiont is usually regarded as the most sensitive partner of the lichen symbiosis, our findings suggest that the mycobiont is most affected in the case of N-excess, and that this feature can be used as suitable indicator of acute N stress episodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Munzi
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Siena, via P.A. Mattioli 4, I-53100 Siena, Italy.
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