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Mensah S, Lokossou CJ, Assogbadjo AE, Kakaï RG. Seasonal variation of environment and conspecific density-dependence effects on early seedling growth of a tropical tree in semi-arid savannahs. Glob Ecol Conserv 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2023.e02455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
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2
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Meta-Analysis of Effects of Forest Litter on Seedling Establishment. FORESTS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/f13050644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Litter plays an important role in seedling establishment (emergence, survival, and early growth). Here, we performed a meta-analysis on 404 datasets from 33 independent studies to analyze the effects of litter cover on seedling emergence, survival, height, and biomass (root, stem, leaf, and total). Each dataset was stratified according to experimental conditions, litter type (broadleaf versus needle litter), litter amount (thickness), and seed size. The results showed that litter cover had an overall negative effect on seedling emergence and survival, a neutral effect on root, leaf, total biomass, and a positive effect on stem biomass and seedling height than the no-litter cover control. Compared to thin (<250 g m−2) and medium (250–500 g m−2) litter layers, thick litter (>500 g m−2) was more detrimental for seedling emergence, survival, and total biomass, which could be an adaptation mechanism to prevent the growth of young seedling among high densities of other plants (trees). Broadleaf litter cover had a stronger negative effect on seedling emergence and total biomass than needle litter. Litter cover had a stronger negative effect on emergence of small seeds than on emergence of larger seeds. Similarly, litter cover had a stronger overall negative effect on seedling emergence than on seedling survival. In field and common garden experiments, litter effects were negative for emergence and positive for total biomass. In glasshouse and germination chamber experiments, litter effects were negative for emergence, survival and total biomass. These findings would contribute to advancements in forest management, improving conservation and restoration efforts.
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3
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Santos RS, Sousa-Souto L. Nest refuse of Acromyrmex balzani (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) increases the plant vigor in Turnera subulata (Turneraceae). BRAZ J BIOL 2021; 83:e244732. [PMID: 34161460 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.244732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Some studies report the positive effect of organic residues from ant nests on soil properties and on the structure of the adjacent plant community in field experiments, but there is a gap about the effect on individual species. The purpose of the present study was to compare the soil nutrient content and the development of Turnera subulata Smith, an ornamental species, in the presence of the nest refuse (basically composed of fragments of grass leaves and the symbiotic fungus) produced by the leaf-cutting ant Acromyrmex balzani (Emery, 1890) or in control soil through a greenhouse pot experiment. The experiment was carried out with two treatments: control soil and soil with 25% of nest refuse. The plants were kept in 1L pots for 90 days. We evaluated the parameters: plant height, stem diameter, root length, number of leaves, dry weight of the root, dry and fresh aboveground biomass. Additionally, the relative chlorophyll content and leaf nutrients were used as nutritional parameters. As a result, plants that grew in the soil with nest refuse showed significant higher values of all parameters evaluated when compared to the control treatment (p < 0.001). We conclude that this biofertilizer contributed to the production of more vigorous plants, being able to act on the local dynamics of nutrients in the ecosystems where A. balzani occurs. As it is relatively abundant and easy to collect, the refuse of A. balzani has the potential to be used as an alternative substrate in the production of shortlife cycle plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- R S Santos
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe - UFS, Departamento de Ecologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia e Conservação, Laboratório de Ecologia de Insetos, São Cristóvão, SE, Brasil
| | - L Sousa-Souto
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe - UFS, Departamento de Ecologia, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia e Conservação, Laboratório de Ecologia de Insetos, São Cristóvão, SE, Brasil
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4
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Mensah S, Noulèkoun F, Dimobe K, Atanasso J, Salako VK, Assogbadjo A, Glèlè Kakaï R. Revisiting biotic and abiotic drivers of seedling establishment, natural enemies and survival in a tropical tree species in a West Africa semi-arid biosphere reserve. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 276:111268. [PMID: 32889500 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Biotic and abiotic drivers of seedling establishment and survival are fundamental not only for elucidating processes occurring at plant early life stages, but also for assisting species natural regeneration. Keystone, multipurpose and economically important tree species such as Afzelia africana Sm. are reportedly facing recruitment constraints, yet little is known about how abiotic and biotic factors shape the species seedling dynamics. Here, we monitored the species seedlings over one year across three seasons in West Africa savannahs to determine how conspecific and heterospecific biotic neighborhood and habitat heterogeneity correlate with initial seedling density, leaves' fungal infection and herbivory and how all these factors combined, influence the species seedling survival. Seedling densities increased with increasing conspecific adult densities, and were highest in tree savannahs and on sandy-silt soils. Leaves' fungal infection and herbivory were also positively associated with conspecific adult density, but were more abundantly observed in tree savannahs than in shrub savannahs. Seedling survival was constrained on higher slope, and negatively affected by conspecific adult density, especially in shrub savannahs. There was a strong evidence for negative density-dependence effects of conspecific adults on seedling survival, which operated through negative effects of herbivory and fungal infection. Habitat heterogeneity was also an important driver, which modulated biotic factors' effects on seedling survival: tree savannahs promote positive conspecific density-dependence of seedling fungal infection and herbivory more than shrub savannahs. Nonetheless, seedlings were more sensitive to natural enemies in shrub savannahs, suggesting increased negative conspecific density-dependence effects on seedling survival in less dense vegetation, possibly as a result of enhanced specialization of predators and pathogens on a limited set of species. The study brings important insights into the mechanisms that drive the establishment and survival of the species seedling, which should be considered in the design of management activities aiming at the conservation of this endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvanus Mensah
- Laboratoire de Biomathématiques et d'Estimations Forestières, Université d'Abomey Calavi, 04 BP 1525, Cotonou, Benin.
| | - Florent Noulèkoun
- Department of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anamro, Seongbukgu, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
| | - Kangbéni Dimobe
- Laboratory of Plant Biology and Ecology, University Joseph Ki-Zerbo, 03 B.P. 7021, Ouagadougou 03, Burkina Faso; Institut des Sciences de l'Environnement et du Développement Rural, Université de Dédougou, BP 176, Dédougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Justin Atanasso
- Laboratoire de Biomathématiques et d'Estimations Forestières, Université d'Abomey Calavi, 04 BP 1525, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Valère K Salako
- Laboratoire de Biomathématiques et d'Estimations Forestières, Université d'Abomey Calavi, 04 BP 1525, Cotonou, Benin; Evolution Biologique et Ecologie, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Faculté des Sciences, CP160/12, Av. F. D. Roosevelt 50, BE-1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Achille Assogbadjo
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie Appliquée, Université d'Abomey Calavi, 03 BP 526, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Romain Glèlè Kakaï
- Laboratoire de Biomathématiques et d'Estimations Forestières, Université d'Abomey Calavi, 04 BP 1525, Cotonou, Benin
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5
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Swart RC, Samways MJ, Roets F. Tree canopy arthropods have idiosyncratic responses to plant ecophysiological traits in a warm temperate forest complex. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19905. [PMID: 33199797 PMCID: PMC7670454 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76868-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Biodiversity studies on forest canopies often have narrow arthropod taxonomic focus, or refer to a single species of tree. In response, and to better understand the wide range of drivers of arthropod diversity in tree canopies, we conducted a large-scale, multi-taxon study which (a) included effect of immediate surroundings of an individual tree on plant physiological features, and (b), how these features affect compositional and functional arthropod diversity, in a warm, southern Afro-temperate forest. We found that tree species differed significantly in plant physiological features and arthropod diversity patterns. Surprisingly, we found negative correlation between surrounding canopy cover, and both foliar carbon and arthropod diversity in host trees, regardless of tree species. Subtle, tree intraspecific variation in physiological features correlated significantly with arthropod diversity measures, but direction and strength of correlations differed among tree species. These findings illustrate great complexity in how canopy arthropods respond to specific tree species, to immediate surroundings of host trees, and to tree physiological features. We conclude that in natural forests, loss of even one tree species, as well as homogenization of the crown layer and/or human-induced environmental change, could lead to profound and unpredictable canopy arthropod biodiversity responses, threatening forest integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudi C Swart
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa.
| | - Michael J Samways
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa
| | - Francois Roets
- Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa
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6
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Weemstra M, Peay KG, Davies SJ, Mohamad M, Itoh A, Tan S, Russo SE. Lithological constraints on resource economies shape the mycorrhizal composition of a Bornean rain forest. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2020; 228:253-268. [PMID: 32436227 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) produce contrasting plant-soil feedbacks, but how these feedbacks are constrained by lithology is poorly understood. We investigated the hypothesis that lithological drivers of soil fertility filter plant resource economic strategies in ways that influence the relative fitness of trees with AMF or EMF symbioses in a Bornean rain forest containing species with both mycorrhizal strategies. Using forest inventory data on 1245 tree species, we found that although AMF-hosting trees had greater relative dominance on all soil types, with declining lithological soil fertility EMF-hosting trees became more dominant. Data on 13 leaf traits and wood density for a total of 150 species showed that variation was almost always associated with soil type, whereas for six leaf traits (structural properties; carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus ratios, nitrogen isotopes), variation was also associated with mycorrhizal strategy. EMF-hosting species had slower leaf economics than AMF-hosts, demonstrating the central role of mycorrhizal symbiosis in plant resource economies. At the global scale, climate has been shown to shape forest mycorrhizal composition, but here we show that in communities it depends on soil lithology, suggesting scale-dependent abiotic factors influence feedbacks underlying the relative fitness of different mycorrhizal strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monique Weemstra
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, UMR 5175 (CNRS - Université de Montpellier - Université Paul-Valéry, Montpellier), 1919 route de Mende, Montpellier, 34293, France
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588-0118, USA
| | - Kabir G Peay
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Stuart J Davies
- Forest Global Earth Observatory, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, PO Box 37012, Washington, DC, 20013, USA
| | - Mohizah Mohamad
- Forest Department Sarawak, Wisma Sumber Alam, Petra Jaya, Kuching, Sarawak, 93660, Malaysia
| | - Akira Itoh
- Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan
| | - Sylvester Tan
- Smithsonian ForestGEO, Lambir Hills National Park, Km32 Miri-Bintulu Road, Miri, Sarawak, 9800, Malaysia
| | - Sabrina E Russo
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588-0118, USA
- Center for Plant Science Innovation, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588-0660, USA
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7
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Sarker TC, Maisto G, De Marco A, Memoli V, Panico SC, Motti R, Idbella M, Incerti G, Mazzoleni S, Bonanomi G. Species‐specific root proliferation of tree seedlings in tropical litter: do nutrients matter? OIKOS 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/oik.06786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tushar C. Sarker
- Dept of Agricultural Science, Univ. of Naples Federico II via Università 100 IT‐80055 Portici (NA) Italy
- School of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang A&F Univ. Lin'an PR China
| | - Giulia Maisto
- Dept of Biology, Univ. of Naples Federico II Napoli Italy
| | - Anna De Marco
- Dept of Biology, Univ. of Naples Federico II Napoli Italy
| | - Valeria Memoli
- Dept of Biology, Univ. of Naples Federico II Napoli Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Motti
- Dept of Agricultural Science, Univ. of Naples Federico II via Università 100 IT‐80055 Portici (NA) Italy
| | - Mohamed Idbella
- Dept of Agricultural Science, Univ. of Naples Federico II via Università 100 IT‐80055 Portici (NA) Italy
| | - Guido Incerti
- Di4A, Dept of Agri‐Food, Animal and Environmental Sciences, Univ. of Udine Udine Italy
| | - Stefano Mazzoleni
- Dept of Agricultural Science, Univ. of Naples Federico II via Università 100 IT‐80055 Portici (NA) Italy
| | - Giuliano Bonanomi
- Dept of Agricultural Science, Univ. of Naples Federico II via Università 100 IT‐80055 Portici (NA) Italy
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8
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Hou D, He W, Liu C, Qiao X, Guo K. Litter accumulation alters the abiotic environment and drives community successional changes in two fenced grasslands in Inner Mongolia. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:9214-9224. [PMID: 31463017 PMCID: PMC6706195 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fencing is an effective and practical method for restoring degraded grasslands in northern China. However, little is known about the role of excess litter accumulation due to long-term fencing in regulating abiotic environment and driving changes in community structure and function. We conducted a three-year field experiment in two fenced grasslands in Inner Mongolia, and monitored light quantity, soil temperature, and soil moisture continuously, and determined community height, community aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP), and the relative dominance of different plant functional groups. Litter accumulation reduced light quantity and soil temperature but increased soil moisture. The regulating effects of litter accumulation on soil temperature and soil moisture fluctuated temporally and gradually weakened over the growing season. Litter accumulation also altered community vertical structure and function by increasing community height and ANPP. The increase in soil moisture increased the relative dominance of rhizome grasses but suppressed bunch grasses, thereby shifting bunch grass grasslands to rhizome grass grasslands. Our findings provide a potential mechanism for community succession in the context of litter accumulation in fenced grasslands and indicate that the vegetation and ecosystem services of degraded grasslands are improved after appropriate fencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjie Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of BotanyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Weiming He
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of BotanyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Changcheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of BotanyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xianguo Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of BotanyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Ke Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of BotanyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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9
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Corrales A, Henkel TW, Smith ME. Ectomycorrhizal associations in the tropics - biogeography, diversity patterns and ecosystem roles. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2018; 220:1076-1091. [PMID: 29689121 DOI: 10.1111/nph.15151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Contents Summary 1076 I. Introduction 1076 II. Historical overview 1077 III. Identities and distributions of tropical ectomycorrhizal plants 1077 IV. Dominance of tropical forests by ECM trees 1078 V. Biogeography of tropical ECM fungi 1081 VI. Beta diversity patterns in tropical ECM fungal communities 1082 VII. Conclusions and future research 1086 Acknowledgements 1087 References 1087 SUMMARY: Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) associations were historically considered rare or absent from tropical ecosystems. Although most tropical forests are dominated by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) trees, ECM associations are widespread and found in all tropical regions. Here, we highlight emerging patterns of ECM biogeography, diversity and ecosystem functions, identify knowledge gaps, and offer direction for future research. At the continental and regional scales, tropical ECM systems are highly diverse and vary widely in ECM plant and fungal abundance, diversity, composition and phylogenetic affinities. We found strong regional differences among the dominant host plant families, suggesting that biogeographical factors strongly influence tropical ECM symbioses. Both ECM plants and fungi also exhibit strong turnover along altitudinal and soil fertility gradients, suggesting niche differentiation among taxa. Ectomycorrhizal fungi are often more abundant and diverse in sites with nutrient-poor soils, suggesting that ECM associations can optimize plant nutrition and may contribute to the maintenance of tropical monodominant forests. More research is needed to elucidate the diversity patterns of ECM fungi and plants in the tropics and to clarify the role of this symbiosis in nutrient and carbon cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Corrales
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Terry W Henkel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA, 95521, USA
| | - Matthew E Smith
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
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Nutrient-uptake and -use efficiency in seedlings of rain-forest trees in New Caledonia: monodominants vs. subordinates and episodic vs. continuous regenerators. JOURNAL OF TROPICAL ECOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1017/s0266467418000251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:The upper canopy of some rain forests in New Caledonia is dominated by single species. These monodominants are commonly secondary species, their dominance not persisting without disturbance. We tested whether dominance is associated with efficient uptake and use of nutrients (N, P and K), comparing between seedlings of monodominants (Nothofagus spp., Arillastrum gummiferum and Cerberiopsis candelabra) and 14 subordinates, grown in a nursery house. We also tested whether this trend applies more broadly to shade-intolerant trees that regenerate episodically (ER species) versus shade-tolerant trees that regenerate continuously (CR species). In the sun treatment, monodominants had higher photosynthetic nutrient-use efficiency and productivity for N and K, and uptake efficiency for N, P and K, than subordinates; ER species had higher photosynthetic nutrient-use efficiency for N, P and K, and uptake efficiency for N and P, than CR species. Uptake efficiency and productivity per nutrient mass were uncorrelated across species, yet Nothofagus spp., A. gummiferum and C. candelabra combined high levels of both traits for N, and Nothofagus spp. and A. gummiferum combined moderate to high levels for P, in sun-grown seedlings. This trait combination may contribute substantially to competitiveness and post-disturbance dominance on these nutrient-poor soils.
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11
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Effects of Mineral Soil and Forest Floor on the Regeneration of Pedunculate Oak, Beech and Red Oak. FORESTS 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/f9020066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Camenzind T, Hättenschwiler S, Treseder KK, Lehmann A, Rillig MC. Nutrient limitation of soil microbial processes in tropical forests. ECOL MONOGR 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ecm.1279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Camenzind
- Institute of Biology; Freie Universität Berlin; Altensteinstr. 6 14195 Berlin Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB); 14195 Berlin Germany
| | - Stephan Hättenschwiler
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive (CEFE); UMR 5175; CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier, EPHE; 1919 route de Mende 34293 Montpellier Cedex 5 France
| | - Kathleen K. Treseder
- School of Biological Sciences; University of California; Irvine California 92697 USA
| | - Anika Lehmann
- Institute of Biology; Freie Universität Berlin; Altensteinstr. 6 14195 Berlin Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB); 14195 Berlin Germany
| | - Matthias C. Rillig
- Institute of Biology; Freie Universität Berlin; Altensteinstr. 6 14195 Berlin Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB); 14195 Berlin Germany
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Shade-tolerance of seedlings of rain-forest trees: monodominants vs. subordinates and episodic vs. continuous regenerators. JOURNAL OF TROPICAL ECOLOGY 2015. [DOI: 10.1017/s0266467415000486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:Several monodominant rain-forest trees in New Caledonia have population size structures suggesting establishment following large-scale disturbance, with eventual replacement by shade-tolerant species predicted in the absence of future disturbance. Links of dominance and population dynamics to leaf-level photosynthesis were investigated in seedlings of 20 tree species from these forests, grown in experimental sun and shade conditions. In particular, we tested whether episodically regenerating (ER) species, including monodominants, have higher assimilation rates at high irradiances and lower tolerance of shade than continuously regenerating species (CR). ER species had higher maximum net assimilation rates (Amax-area) in sun plants (9.6 ± 0.4 μmol m−2 s−1) than CR species (6.2 ± 0.3 μmol m−2 s−1) and high plasticity, typical of shade-intolerant species, but monodominant species did not differ from other ER species. CR species had leaf-level traits consistent with shade tolerance, including lower dark respiration rates (Rd-area = 0.47 ± 0.03μmol m−2 s−1; Rd-mass = 7 ± 1 nmol g−1 s−1) than ER species (Rd-area = 0.63 ± 0.06 μmol m−2 s−1; Rd-mass = 11 ± 2 nmol g−1 s−1) in shade plants. Hence leaf-level assimilation traits were largely consistent with regeneration patterns, but do not explain why some shade-intolerant species can achieve monodominance.
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14
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Heckman RW, Carr DE. The effects of leaf litter nutrient pulses on Alliaria petiolata performance. PeerJ 2015; 3:e1166. [PMID: 26312176 PMCID: PMC4548537 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutrient pulses can facilitate species establishment and spread in new habitats, particularly when one species more effectively uses that nutrient pulse. Biological differences in nutrient acquisition between native and exotic species may facilitate invasions into a variety of habitats including deciduous forest understories. Alliaria petiolata (Bieb.) Cavara & Grande is an important invader of deciduous forest understories throughout much of North America. These understory communities contain many species which perform the majority of their growth and reproduction before canopy closure in spring. Because A. petiolata is a wintergreen biennial that can be active during autumn and winter, it may utilize nutrients released from decaying leaf litter before its competitors. To investigate this we manipulated the timing of leaf litter addition (fall or spring) and experimentally simulated the nutrient pulse from decaying leaves using artificial fertilizer. To determine whether A. petiolata affected the abundance of understory competitors, we also removed A. petiolata from one treatment. A. petiolata that received early nutrients exhibited greater growth. Treatments receiving fall leaf litter or artificial nutrients had greater A. petiolata adult biomass than plots receiving spring nutrient additions (leaf litter or artificial nutrients). However, fall leaf litter addition had no effect on the richness of competitor species. Thus, wintergreen phenology may contribute to the spread of A. petiolata through deciduous forest understories, but may not explain community-level impacts of A. petiolata in deciduous forests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W. Heckman
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Current affiliation: Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - David E. Carr
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Blandy Experimental Farm, University of Virginia, Boyce, USA
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15
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Born J, Bagchi R, Burslem D, Nilus R, Tellenbach C, Pluess AR, Ghazoul J. Differential Responses of Dipterocarp Seedlings to Soil Moisture and Microtopography. Biotropica 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.12180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Born
- Ecosystem Management; Department of Environmental Systems Science; ETH Zurich; Universitätstrasse 16 8092 Zurich Switzerland
- Swiss Federal Institute for Forest; Snow and Landscape Research; Zürcherstrasse 111 CH-8903 Birmensdorf Switzerland
| | - Robert Bagchi
- Ecosystem Management; Department of Environmental Systems Science; ETH Zurich; Universitätstrasse 16 8092 Zurich Switzerland
| | - David Burslem
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences; University of Aberdeen; Cruickshank Building St Machar Drive Aberdeen AB24 3UU U.K
| | - Reuben Nilus
- Sabah Forestry Department; Forest Research Centre; PO Box 1407 90715 Sandakan Sabah Malaysia
| | | | - Andrea R. Pluess
- Ecosystem Management; Department of Environmental Systems Science; ETH Zurich; Universitätstrasse 16 8092 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Jaboury Ghazoul
- Ecosystem Management; Department of Environmental Systems Science; ETH Zurich; Universitätstrasse 16 8092 Zurich Switzerland
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16
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Mayor J, Bahram M, Henkel T, Buegger F, Pritsch K, Tedersoo L. Ectomycorrhizal impacts on plant nitrogen nutrition: emerging isotopic patterns, latitudinal variation and hidden mechanisms. Ecol Lett 2014; 18:96-107. [DOI: 10.1111/ele.12377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Revised: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Mayor
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute; P.O. Box 0843-03092 Balboa Ancon Republic of Panama
| | - Mohammad Bahram
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences; University of Tartu; 14a Ravila 50411 Tartu Estonia
| | - Terry Henkel
- Department of Biological Sciences; Humboldt State University; 1 Harpst St. Arcata CA 95521 USA
| | - Franz Buegger
- Institute of Soil Ecology; Helmholtz Zentrum München; German Research Center for Environmental Health; Ingolstaedter Landstrasße 1 D - 85764 Neuherberg Germany
| | - Karin Pritsch
- Institute of Soil Ecology; Helmholtz Zentrum München; German Research Center for Environmental Health; Ingolstaedter Landstrasße 1 D - 85764 Neuherberg Germany
| | - Leho Tedersoo
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences; University of Tartu; 14a Ravila 50411 Tartu Estonia
- Natural History Museum of Tartu University; 46 Vanemuise 51005 Tartu Estonia
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Li Q, Yu P, Chen X, Li G, Zhou D, Zheng W. Facilitative and inhibitory effect of litter on seedling emergence and early growth of six herbaceous species in an early successional old field ecosystem. ScientificWorldJournal 2014; 2014:101860. [PMID: 25110722 PMCID: PMC4106050 DOI: 10.1155/2014/101860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the current study, a field experiment was conducted to examine effects of litter on seedling emergence and early growth of four dominant weed species from the early successional stages of old field ecosystem and two perennial grassland species in late successional stages. Our results showed that increased litter cover decreased soil temperature and temperature variability over time and improved soil moisture status. Surface soil electrical conductivity increased as litter increased. The increased litter delayed seedling emergence time and rate. The emergence percentage of seedlings and establishment success rate firstly increased then decreased as litter cover increased. When litter biomass was below 600 g m(-2), litter increased seedlings emergence and establishment success in all species. With litter increasing, the basal diameter of seedling decreased, but seedling height increased. Increasing amounts of litter tended to increase seedling dry weight and stem leaf ratio. Different species responded differently to the increase of litter. Puccinellia tenuiflora and Chloris virgata will acquire more emergence benefits under high litter amount. It is predicted that Chloris virgata will dominate further in this natural succession old field ecosystem with litter accumulation. Artificial P. tenuiflora seeds addition may be required to accelerate old field succession toward matured grassland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Li
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130102, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Pujia Yu
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130102, China
| | - Xiaoying Chen
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130102, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Guangdi Li
- Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, and New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650, Australia
| | - Daowei Zhou
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130102, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 4888 Shengbei Street, Changchun 130102, China
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Jurinitz CF, de Oliveira AA, Bruna EM. Abiotic and Biotic Influences on Early-Stage Survival in Two Shade-Tolerant Tree Species in Brazil's Atlantic Forest. Biotropica 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.12058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cristiane F. Jurinitz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia; Universidade de São Paulo; Rua do Matão, travessa 14, nº 321 São Paulo SP CEP 05508-900 Brazil
| | - Alexandre A. de Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia; Universidade de São Paulo; Rua do Matão, travessa 14, nº 321 São Paulo SP CEP 05508-900 Brazil
| | - Emilio M. Bruna
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation; University of Florida; P.O. 110430 Gainesville FL 32611-0430 U.S.A
- Center for Latin American Studies; University of Florida; P.O. 115530 Gainesville FL 32611-5530 U.S.A
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Major litterfall manipulation affects seedling growth and nutrient status in one of two species in a lowland forest in Panama. JOURNAL OF TROPICAL ECOLOGY 2013. [DOI: 10.1017/s0266467413000424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:Leaf litter is an important source of nutrients to tropical forest trees, but its importance for understorey seedling growth is not well understood. Seedlings of Licania platypus (n = 190) and Coussarea curvigemmia (n = 304) were transplanted into deeply shaded forest plots in Panama having received 2 y of litter addition or removal and 7 y of fertilization with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium combined, and their growth and foliar nutrients measured after 13 and 6 mo respectively. Licania platypus growing in litter addition and removal plots had faster height growth and slower leaf growth respectively than in control plots; C. curvigemmia showed no significant effects apart from lower survival in litter addition plots. These effects may be driven by soil nutrients, as suggested by differences in foliar nitrogen and potassium (but not phosphorus) concentrations, and by a pot experiment in a shadehouse using Ochroma pyramidale seedlings, which showed higher leaf area in soils from litter-addition plots, although seedling dry weight was higher only in fertilized soils. Overall, these results show that for one of two species, understorey seedling growth was increased by 2 y of doubled litterfall, and thus that they were probably nutrient limited even in the relatively fertile soils of this semi-deciduous tropical forest.
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Tedersoo L, Naadel T, Bahram M, Pritsch K, Buegger F, Leal M, Kõljalg U, Põldmaa K. Enzymatic activities and stable isotope patterns of ectomycorrhizal fungi in relation to phylogeny and exploration types in an afrotropical rain forest. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2012; 195:832-843. [PMID: 22758212 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2012.04217.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi obtain both mineral and simple organic nutrients from soil and transport these to plant roots. Natural abundance of stable isotopes (¹⁵N and ¹³C) in fruit bodies and potential enzymatic activities of ECM root tips provide insights into mineral nutrition of these mutualistic partners. By combining rDNA sequence analysis with enzymatic and stable isotope assays of root tips, we hypothesized that phylogenetic affinities of ECM fungi are more important than ECM exploration type, soil horizon and host plant in explaining the differences in mineral nutrition of trees in an African lowland rainforest. Ectomycorrhizal fungal species belonging to extraradical mycelium-rich morphotypes generally displayed the strongest potential activities of degradation enzymes, except for laccase. The signature of ¹⁵N was determined by the ECM fungal lineage, but not by the exploration type. Potential enzymatic activities of root tips were unrelated to ¹⁵N signature of ECM root tip. The lack of correlation suggests that these methods address different aspects in plant nutrient uptake. Stable isotope analysis of root tips could provide an additional indirect assessment of fungal and plant nutrition that enables enhancement of taxonomic coverage and control for soil depth and internal nitrogen cycling in fungal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leho Tedersoo
- Natural History Museum of Tartu University, 46 Vanemuise, 51005 Tartu, Estonia
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, 14a Ravila, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Triin Naadel
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, 14a Ravila, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mohammad Bahram
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, 14a Ravila, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Karin Pritsch
- Institute of Soil Ecology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Franz Buegger
- Institute of Soil Ecology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Miguel Leal
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Plot 802, Kiwafu Road (Kansanga), PO Box 7487, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Urmas Kõljalg
- Natural History Museum of Tartu University, 46 Vanemuise, 51005 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kadri Põldmaa
- Natural History Museum of Tartu University, 46 Vanemuise, 51005 Tartu, Estonia
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Kuyper TW. Ectomycorrhiza and the open nitrogen cycle in an afrotropical rainforest. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2012; 195:728-729. [PMID: 22861184 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2012.04246.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Kuyper
- Department of Soil Quality, Wageningen University, PO Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, the Netherlands (tel +31 317 48 23 52; email )
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Litter as a filter of emergence for herbaceous seedlings and sporophytes in central Amazonia. JOURNAL OF TROPICAL ECOLOGY 2012. [DOI: 10.1017/s0266467412000491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Abstract:We conducted a study in 30 plots distributed uniformly in an area of 25 km2 at Ducke Reserve, Manaus, to test the hypothesis that understorey herb richness and abundance are mediated by litter, manipulating experimentally the amount of litter in the field. Over 10 mo, we followed the emergence of herbaceous seedlings and sporophytes in control, litter-addition and litter-exclusion treatments, covering an area of 1.2 m2 per plot in each treatment. We also assessed the relationship between topography and litter depth and frequency of bare-soil patches; and the influence of density of reproductive individuals on the emergence of herbs. Litter depth decreased, and the frequency of bare-soil patches increased with terrain slope in the wet season, but were not related with the soil clay content. Neither was related to the topography in the dry season. Emergence of pteridophytes was four times higher in the litter-exclusion treatment (3.7 ± 1.1 individuals m−2) than in the litter-addition treatment (0.9 ± 0.28 indiv. m−2) and increased with soil clay content. Seedlings from monocot herbs emerged twice more frequently in the litter exclusion (0.71 ± 0.25 indiv. m−2) than in the litter-addition treatment (0.33 ± 0.11 indiv. m−2), and also more in sites with high density of fruiting plants. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that regeneration of herbs with very small propagules is strongly affected by the physical barrier imposed by litter. Given that litter is shallower on slopes during the wet season, this creates a pattern of higher density and richness of pteridophytes in these areas. Monocot herbs, although also limited by litter, were more highly limited by availability of propagules, and their distribution patterns are at least in part explained by dispersal limitation. We conclude that litter is an important causal factor behind the herb distribution patterns along topographical gradients.
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Coq S, Weigel J, Bonal D, Hättenschwiler S. Litter mixture effects on tropical tree seedling growth--a greenhouse experiment. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2012; 14:630-640. [PMID: 22289089 DOI: 10.1111/j.1438-8677.2011.00534.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Decomposing litter provides critical nutrients for plants, particularly in nutrient-poor ecosystems such as tropical forests. We hypothesised that decomposing litter improves the performance of a variety of tropical tree seedlings, and that this litter effect varies depending on the species of litter present in litter mixtures. We addressed these hypotheses with a large pot experiment manipulating a range of different litter mixtures of contrasting quality and using seedlings of four tree species from the Amazonian forest of French Guiana. In contrast to our initial hypothesis, decomposing litter had either neutral or negative impacts on seedling growth, despite strongly different growth rates, biomass allocation patterns and leaf and root traits among tree species. Tree species varied in their responses to litter additions, which were further modified by species identity of the added litter. Our data show litter species-specific effects on growth, biomass allocation and leaf and root traits of tropical tree seedlings. These results suggest that a net nutrient release from decomposing litter does not necessarily improve tree seedling growth, even under nutrient-limiting conditions. In conclusion, litter layer composition may affect seedling establishment and recruitment success beyond litter-derived plant nutrient availability, which may contribute to tree species composition and dynamics in the studied tropical forest.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Coq
- Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive, CNRS, Montpellier, France.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Q. Brearley
- School of Science and the Environment; Manchester Metropolitan University; Chester Street; Manchester; M1 5GD; U.K
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Bonanomi G, Incerti G, Barile E, Capodilupo M, Antignani V, Mingo A, Lanzotti V, Scala F, Mazzoleni S. Phytotoxicity, not nitrogen immobilization, explains plant litter inhibitory effects: evidence from solid-state 13C NMR spectroscopy. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2011; 191:1018-1030. [PMID: 21574999 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2011.03765.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Litter decomposition provides nutrients that sustain ecosystem productivity, but litter may also hamper root proliferation. The objectives of this work were to assess the inhibitory effect of litter decomposition on seedling growth and root proliferation; to study the role of nutrient immobilization and phytotoxicity; and to characterize decomposing litter by (13)C NMR spectroscopy. A litter-bag experiment was carried out for 180 d with 16 litter types. Litter inhibitory effects were assessed by two bioassays: seed germination and root proliferation bioassays. Activated carbon (C) and nutrient solutions were used to evaluate the effects of phytotoxic factors and nutrient immobilization. An inhibitory effect was found for all species in the early phase of decomposition, followed by a decrease over time. The addition of activated C to litter removed this inhibition. No evidence of nutrient immobilization was found in the analysis of nitrogen dynamics. NMR revealed consistent chemical changes during decomposition, with a decrease in O-alkyl and an increase in alkyl and methoxyl C. Significant correlations were found among inhibitory effects, the litter decay rate and indices derived from NMR. The results show that it is possible to predict litter inhibitory effects across a range of litter types on the basis of their chemical composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliano Bonanomi
- Dipartimento di Arboricoltura, Botanica e Patologia Vegetale, University of Naples Federico II, via Università 100, 80055 Portici (NA), Italy
| | - Guido Incerti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, University of Trieste, via Giorgieri 10, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Elisa Barile
- Burnham Institute for Medical Research, North Torrey Pines, 92037 San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Manuela Capodilupo
- Dipartimento di Arboricoltura, Botanica e Patologia Vegetale, University of Naples Federico II, via Università 100, 80055 Portici (NA), Italy
| | - Vincenzo Antignani
- Dipartimento di Arboricoltura, Botanica e Patologia Vegetale, University of Naples Federico II, via Università 100, 80055 Portici (NA), Italy
| | - Antonio Mingo
- Dipartimento di Arboricoltura, Botanica e Patologia Vegetale, University of Naples Federico II, via Università 100, 80055 Portici (NA), Italy
| | - Virginia Lanzotti
- Dipartimento di Scienza degli Alimenti, University of Naples Federico II, via Università 100, 80055 Portici (NA), Italy
| | - Felice Scala
- Dipartimento di Arboricoltura, Botanica e Patologia Vegetale, University of Naples Federico II, via Università 100, 80055 Portici (NA), Italy
| | - Stefano Mazzoleni
- Dipartimento di Arboricoltura, Botanica e Patologia Vegetale, University of Naples Federico II, via Università 100, 80055 Portici (NA), Italy
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Aucina A, Rudawska M, Leski T, Skridaila A, Riepsas E, Iwanski M. Growth and mycorrhizal community structure of Pinus sylvestris seedlings following the addition of forest litter. Appl Environ Microbiol 2007; 73:4867-73. [PMID: 17575001 PMCID: PMC1951017 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00584-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2007] [Accepted: 06/04/2007] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the effects of pine and oak litter on species composition and diversity of mycorrhizal fungi colonizing 2-year-old Pinus sylvestris L. seedlings grown in a bare-root nursery in Lithuania. A layer of pine or oak litter was placed on the surface of the nursery bed soil to mimic natural litter cover. Oak litter amendment appeared to be most favorable for seedling survival, with a 73% survival rate, in contrast to the untreated mineral bed soil (44%). The concentrations of total N, P, K, Ca, and Mg were higher in oak growth medium than in pine growth medium. Relative to the control (pH 6.1), the pH was lower in pine growth medium (5.8) and higher in oak growth medium (6.3). There were also twofold and threefold increases in the C content of growth medium with the addition of pine and oak litter, respectively. Among seven mycorrhizal morphotypes, eight different mycorrhizal taxa were identified: Suillus luteus, Suillus variegatus, Wilcoxina mikolae, a Tuber sp., a Tomentella sp., Cenococcum geophilum, Amphinema byssoides, and one unidentified ectomycorrhizal symbiont. Forest litter addition affected the relative abundance of mycorrhizal symbionts more than their overall representation. This was more pronounced for pine litter than for oak litter, with 40% and 25% increases in the abundance of suilloid mycorrhizae, respectively. Our findings provide preliminary evidence that changes in the supply of organic matter through litter manipulation may have far-reaching effects on the chemistry of soil, thus influencing the growth and survival of Scots pine seedlings and their mycorrhizal communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Algis Aucina
- Botanical Garden of Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
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QUESTED H, ERIKSSON O. Litter species composition influences the performance of seedlings of grassland herbs. Funct Ecol 2006. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2435.2006.01131.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Moyersoen B. Pakaraimaea dipterocarpacea is ectomycorrhizal, indicating an ancient Gondwanaland origin for the ectomycorrhizal habit in Dipterocarpaceae. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2006; 172:753-62. [PMID: 17096800 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2006.01860.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The consistent association of Paleotropical Dipterocarpaceae with ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi suggests that ECM status is an ancestral character in the family. Despite its distinctive morphology, Pakaraimaea dipterocarpacea, a Neotropical Dipterocarpaceae endemic to the Guayana Region, is phylogenetically related to the Paleotropical Dipterocarpaceae. The confirmation of P. dipterocarpacea ECM status would indicate that Paleotropical Dipterocarpaceae and P. dipterocarpacea probably had a common ECM ancestor. Mycorrhizal colonization of P. dipterocarpacea was assessed, and ECMs were recorded using histological and molecular methods. P. dipterocarpacea was highly colonized by typical ECMs, and several ECM fungal taxa belonging to Clavulinaceae, Sebacinaceae, Cortinariaceae and Amanitaceae were identified. This paper provides the first documented evidence of ECM in a neotropical genus of Dipterocarpaceae and indicates that ECMs possibly evolved in Gondwana in ancestors of Dipterocarpaceae before the separation of South America from Africa by the Atlantic, c. 135 million years ago. The observation of Sebacinaceae and Clavulinaceae suggests that broad host range fungi are important components of P. dipterocarpacea ECM communities.
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Stoll P, Newbery DM. EVIDENCE OF SPECIES-SPECIFIC NEIGHBORHOOD EFFECTS IN THE DIPTEROCARPACEAE OF A BORNEAN RAIN FOREST. Ecology 2005. [DOI: 10.1890/04-1540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Sayer EJ. Using experimental manipulation to assess the roles of leaf litter in the functioning of forest ecosystems. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2005; 81:1-31. [PMID: 16460580 DOI: 10.1017/s1464793105006846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2004] [Revised: 05/26/2005] [Accepted: 06/08/2005] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The widespread use of forest litter as animal bedding in central Europe for many centuries gave rise to the first litter manipulation studies, and their results demonstrated that litter and its decomposition are a vital part of ecosystem function. Litter plays two major roles in forest ecosystems: firstly, litterfall is an inherent part of nutrient and carbon cycling, and secondly, litter forms a protective layer on the soil surface that also regulates microclimatic conditions. By reviewing 152 years of litter manipulation experiments, I show that the effects of manipulating litter stem from changes in one, or both, of these two functions, and interactions between the variables influenced by the accumulation of litter can result in feedback mechanisms that may intensify treatment effects or mask responses, making the interpretation of results difficult.Long-term litter removal increased soil bulk density, overland flow, erosion, and temperature fluctuations and upset the soil water balance, causing lower soil water content during dry periods. Soil pH increased or decreased in response to manipulation treatments depending on forest type and initial soil pH, but it is unclear why there was no uniform response. Long-term litter harvesting severely depleted the forests of nutrients. Decreases in the concentrations of available P, Ca, Mg, and K in the soil occurred after only three to five years. The decline in soil N occurred over longer periods of time, and the relative loss was greater in soils with high initial nitrogen concentration. Tree growth declined with long-term litter removal, probably due to lower nutrient availability. Litter manipulation also added or removed large amounts of carbon thereby affecting microbial communities and altering soil respiration rates. Litter manipulation experiments have shown that litter cover acts as a physical barrier to the shoot emergence of small-seeded species; further, the microclimate maintained by the litter layer may be favourable to herbivores and pathogens and is important in determining later seedling survival and performance. Litter manipulation altered the competitive outcomes between tree seedlings and forbs, thereby influencing species composition and diversity; changes in the species composition of understorey vegetation following treatments occurred fairly rapidly. By decreasing substrate availability and altering the microclimate, litter removal changed fungal species composition and diversity and led to a decline in populations of soil fauna. However, litter addition did not provoke a corresponding increase in the abundance or diversity of fungi or soil fauna.Large-scale long-term studies are still needed in order to investigate the interactions between the many variables affected by litter, especially in tropical and boreal forests, which have received little attention. Litter manipulation treatments present an opportunity to assess the effects of increasing primary production in forest ecosystems; specific research aims include assessing the effects of changes in litter inputs on the carbon and nutrient cycles, decomposition processes, and the turnover of organic matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma J Sayer
- Department of Plant Sciences, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EA, UK
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