Energy dynamics in the C4 species dominated montane subtropical grassland at Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the Western Ghats, India

The energy dynamics in Thiashola grassland, a montane subtropical vegetation in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the Western Ghats, India is studied for a period of one year. The study revealed that the energy content in unit biomass of C₃ and C₄ species has not varied significantly. However, the C₄ species in total due to higher net primary production, entrapped 8.5 times greater solar energy (28.82 kcal/m²/day) than that of their C₃ counterparts. Of the total energy fixed, the C₃ and C₄ species, respectively channeled 4.07 kcal/m²/day and 13.3 kcal/m²/day to the aboveground standing live compartment. The transfer rate of energy to standing dead compartment from standing live part were 3.22 kcal/m²/day and 10.36 kcal/m²/day for C₃ and C₄ species, respectively and both the C₃ and C₄ together transferred 4.81 kcal/m²/day of energy from standing dead to litter compartment. The total dissipation of energy from the system is determined to be 4401.11 kcal/m²/yr and the surplus quantity of 38.37% of energy is accumulated in the aboveground parts of both C₃ and C₄ species which indicates the availability of substantial amount of energetic fodder to the wild herbivores in the Thiashola grassland.     

Dynamics of dry matter production in a mixed-grass prairie in western North Dakota

Summary Above- and belowground biomass of primary producers were estimated by the harvest method on 10 dates in 1969 in a mixed-prairie grassland. A range of estimates of above- and belowground net primary production is established using several methods of calculation. The range for aboveground production is 240 to 302 g·m^-2 and 931 to 1221 g·m^-2 for belowground production. Correlation analysis indicated that above- and belowground biomass dynamics are significantly (0.05) related to air and soil temperature, soil water, precipitation, and vapor pressure deficit. Analysis of energy flow through primary producers indicates a net storage of energy in the standing dead, litter, and belowground compartments. Accumulation in the standing dead was 63% of inputs, in the litter 8%, and belowground 37%. Belowground decomposition was 57% of belowground production and the same value aboveground was 50%.     

Quantity and Kinetic Properties of Ribulose 1,5-Bisphosphate Carboxylase in C3, C4, and C3-C4 Intermediate Species of Flaveria (Asteraceae)

The kinetic properties of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase(RuBPC) appear to have been modified during evolution of photosynthesisto adjust to changes in substrate availability. C₄ plants areconsidered to have a higher concentration of CO₂ available toRuBPC than C₃plants. In this study, the K_m(CO₂ and catalyticcapacity (k_cat) of RuBPC and the ratio of RuBPC protein to totalsoluble protein from several Flaveria species, including C₃,C₃-C₄ intermediate, and C₄ species, were determined. The C₃and intermediate species had similar K_m(CO₂) values while theC₄ species on average had higher K_m(CO₂) values. The mean ratioof K_cat/K_m for species of each group was similar, supportingthe hypothesis that changes in K_m and K_cat, are linked. Theallocation of total soluble protein to RuBPC was lowest in theC₄ Flaveria species, intermediate in the C₃-C₄ species, andhighest in the C₃ species. The results suggest that during evolutionof C₄ photosynthesis adjustments may occur in the quantity ofRuBPC prior to changes in its kinetic properties. (Received January 4, 1989; Accepted April 11, 1989)     

Estimating net primary productivity of grasslands from field biomass measurements in temperate northern China

Data on field biomass measurements in temperate grasslands of northern China (141 samples from 74 sites) were obtained from 23 Chinese journals, reports and books. Net primary productivity (NPP) of grasslands was estimated using three algorithms (peak live biomass, peak standing crop and maximum minus minimum live biomass), respectively, based on availability of biomass data in sites. 135 samples which have aboveground biomass (AGB) measurements, have peak AGB ranges from 20 to 2021 g m^–2 (mean = 325.3) and the aboveground NPP (ANPP) ranges from 15 to 1647.1 g m^–2 per year (mean = 295.7). 72 samples which have belowground biomass (BGB) measurements, have peak BGB ranges from 226.5 to 12827.5 g m^–2 (mean = 3116) and the belowground NPP (BNPP) ranges from 15.8 to 12827.5 g m^–2 per year (mean = 2425.6). In total 66 samples have the total NPP (TNPP), ranging from 55.3 to 13347.8 g m^–2 per year (mean = 2980.3). Mean peak biomass and NPP varied from different geographical sampling locations, but they had a general rough regularity in ten grasslands. Meadow, mountain and alpine grasslands had high biomass and NPP (sometimes including saline grassland). Forested steppe, saline grassland and desert had median values. Meadowed and typical steppes had low biomass and NPP (sometimes including desert). The lowest biomass and NPP occurred in deserted steppe and stepped desert. Grassland ANPP has significant positive relationships with annual and summer precipitation as well as summer temperature (all p<0.01). However, grassland BNPP and TNPP have more significant negative relationships with summer temperature (p<0.01) than with annual temperature (p<0.05). The analysis of climate – productivity correlations implied that aboveground productivity is more controlled by rainfall, whereas belowground and total productivity is more influenced by temperature in the temperate grasslands of northern China. The present study might underestimate grassland NPP in northern China due to limitation of biomass measurements. Data on relative long-term aboveground and belowground biomass dynamics, as well as data of standing dead matter, litterfall, decomposition and turnover, are required if grassland NPP is to be more accurately estimated and the role of temperate grasslands in the regional to global carbon cycles is to be fully appreciated. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Photosynthetic Capacity and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Maize, Wheat, and Rice: A Comparison Between C3 and C4 Photosynthesis

The C₃ species wheat and rice and the C₄ species maize weregrown for 2–3 weeks in controlled environment growth chambersat 20 or 30 °C day and 15 °C night temperatures. CO₂assimilation rates (at 20 and 30 °C) and several leaf parametersincluding total nitrogen, soluble protein, and RuBP carboxylaseprotein were determined. When the assimilation rates under atmosphericCO₂ and O₂ levels were expressed on a total nitrogen basis (=nitrogen use efficiency), the C₄ species maize had a greaternitrogen use efficiency than either of the two C₃ species examined,regardless of the combination of temperatures used for growthor measurement of CO₂ assimilation. Maize is also shown to makemore efficient use of its soluble protein and RuBP carboxylaseprotein than either wheat or rice when measurements are madeat 320 parts 10^–6 CO₂ and 21% O₂. Atmospheric CO₂ enrichmentduring CO₂ assimilation measurements increased the nitrogenuse efficiency in the C₃ species. In one treatment (wheat grownand measured at 20 °C), CO₂ assimilation under saturatingCO₂ showed nitrogen, soluble protein, and RuBP carboxylase proteinuse efficiencies equal to or greater than that of the C₄ species. These data indicate that C4 species may make more efficientuse of their nitrogen, soluble protein, and RuBP carboxylaseprotein than C₃ species under atmospheric CO₂ conditions. Thismay be due in part to the C₄ cycle and CO₂-concentrating mechanismin C₄ photosynthesis.     

Photosynthetic Characteristics of C3-C4 Intermediate Flaveria Species II. Kinetic Properties of Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase from C3, C4 and C3-C4 Intermediate Species

The kinetic properties of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) carboxylasehave been studied among several Flaveria species: the C₃ speciesF. cronquistii, the C₃–C₄ species F. pubescens and F.linearis, and the C₄ species F. trinervia. At either pH 7 or8, the maximum activities (in µmol.mg Chl^–1.h^–1)for F. pubescens and linearis (187–513) were intermediateto those of the C₃ species (12–19) and the C₄ species(2,182–2,627). The response curves of velocity versusPEP concentration were hyperbolic for the C₃ and C₃–C₄species at either pH 7 or 8 while they were sigmoidal for theC₄ species at pH 7 and hyperbolic at pH 8. The K_m values forPEP determined from reciprocal plots were lowest in the C₃ species,and of intermediate value in the C₃–C₄ species comparedto the K' values of the C₄ species determined from Hill plotsat either pH 7 or 8. Glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) decreased theK_m values for PEP at both pH 7 and 8 in the C₃ and C₃–C₄species. In the C₄ species, G6P decreased the K' values at pH8 but increased the K' values at pH 7. In all cases, G6P hadits effect by influencing the activity at limiting PEP concentrationswith little or no effect on the maximum activity. At pH 8 andlimiting concentrations of PEP the degree of stimulation ofthe activity by G6P was greatest in the C₄ species, intermediatein F. linearis, a C₃–C₄ species, and lowest in the C₃species. In several respects, the PEP carboxylases of the C₃–C₄Flaveria species have properties intermediate to those of theC₃ and C₄ species. (Received April 30, 1983; Accepted August 22, 1983)     

A Comparison of the Growth, Photosynthesis, Stomatal Conductance and Water Use Efficiency of Moricandia and Brassica Species

When grown in pots and well-watered, the relative growth ratesof the above ground parts of two species of Moricandia (M. arvensis,an intermediate C₃–C₄ species, and M. moricandioides,a C₃ species) were inferior to those of two cultivated Brassicaspecies (B. campestris and B. napus). The Moricandia specieshad thicker leaves (greater d.wt per unit leaf area) with morechlorophyll than the Brassica species and had slightly greaterrates of photosynthesis per unit leaf area at an irradiance(400–700 nm) of 2000 µmol quanta m^–2 s ^–1.Leaves of M. arvensis, known to have a CO₂ compensation pointbetween that of C₃ and C₄ species, had a lower ratio of theintercellular to atmospheric partial pressure of CO₂ (C₁/C_a)and a greater instantaneous water use efficiency (WUE) thanthose of M. moricandioides and the Brassica species. Carbon isotope discrimination (     

江河源区高山嵩草(Kobresia pygmaea)草甸植物和土壤碳、氮储量对覆被变化的响应

以青海省果洛州藏族自治州甘德县青珍乡高山嵩草Kobresia pygmaea草甸轻度退化草地和重度退化草地为研究对象,通过植物地上部分主要功能群(禾草类、杂类草、莎草类)、植物根系和土壤碳、氮浓度及储量动态研究,结果表明:高寒小嵩草草甸轻度退化草地地上部分主要功能群碳、氮浓度和C ∶ N比值明显高于重度退化草地的浓度.同一草地类型主要功能群比较,碳、氮浓度依次为杂类草>禾草类>莎草类;植物地上部分的碳、氮浓度明显高于地下根系的碳、氮浓度.重度退化草地植物根系碳、氮浓度高于轻度退化草地植物根系碳、氮浓度.重度退化草地土壤总有机碳浓度显著低于轻度退化草地土壤总有机碳浓度,随着土层的加深碳、氮浓度有减少的趋势.江河源区高山嵩草草甸的土壤有机碳、氮储量最大,植物根系碳、氮储量居中,植物地上部分碳、氮储量最小.重度退化草地总有机碳储量(13554.3 g/m2)较轻度退化草地储量(14669.2 g/m2)下降7.60%.其中,0～40cm土壤层碳储量下降4.10%,植物根系碳储量下降59.97%,植物地上部分碳储量下降15.39%;重度退化草地总氮储量(3780.6 g/m2)较轻度退化草地储量(3352.7 g/m2)高12.76%,其中,0～40cm土壤中总氮储量高13.07%,植物根系全氮储量下降55.09%,植物地上部分全氮下降16.00%.由于草地退化损失有机碳11149 kg/hm2,而全氮增加4278 kg/hm2.     

Aboveground dry-matter allocation in ungrazed and grazed stands of Indigofera spinosa in the arid zone of Turkana, Kenya

The dwarf shrub Indigofera spinosa , indigenous to arid and semi-arid rangelands of northeastern Africa, is an important food source for livestock. Proper management of the shrub requires improved understanding of the effects of grazing and climatic variability on aboveground dry-matter allocation. Between 1986 and 1990, we compared the temporal variability of aboveground dry-matter allocation to different plant biomass compartments. We also compared dry-matter transfers between components; total live biomass to litter, standing dead to litter and live biomass to standing dead between continuously grazed and an ungrazed treatments. Partitioning of combined total dry-matter production among different structural organs (called allocation ratio) is influenced by phenological changes, episodic rainfall and her-bivory. Dry-matter production in the grazed treatment responded more markedly to episodic rainfall events more than in the ungrazed treatment. Exclusion of grazers failed to improve the relative growth rate (RGR) of shrub biomass, while grazing improved it. RGR declined in the ungrazed treatment following the accumulation of standing dead dry-matter, while m the grazed treatment it declined following the shedding of leaves. The shrub allocated more to total live biomass than to standing dead. Greater reduction of total live allocation ratio in the grazed than in the ungrazed treatment occurred during a dry year. The ungrazed treatment had higher standing dead allocation ratio than did the grazed treatment. Plants transferred more dry-matter from total live biomass compartment to litter, than from standing dead to or from total live biomass to standing dead independent of treatment. The rates of transfer were higher in the ungrazed than in the grazed treatment. The results suggest that I spinosa has evolved to respond to climatic variability and grazmgbyallocating dry allocating dry-matter differently between various compartments.     

Response of carbon and nitrogen content in plants and soils to vegetation cover change in alpine Kobresia meadow of the source region of Lantsang, Yellow and Yangtze Rivers

We conducted this study in lightly and severely degraded Kobresia pygmaea meadow in Gande County, Qinghai Province of China. The purpose of this research was to compare carbon and nitrogen concentrations, content and dynamics of aboveground tissue, belowground roots and soil (0-40 cm) between lightly and severely degraded Kobresia meadow. The results showed that C and N concentrations and C:N ratio of the aboveground tissue were significantly higher in lightly degraded grassland than in severely degraded grassland. In addition, total carbon and nitrogen concentrations of the aboveground tissue were ranked in order of forbs > grasses > sedges in the same grassland type. Total carbon and nitrogen concentrations of belowground roots were significantly higher in severely degraded grassland than in lightly degraded grassland. Total carbon and nitrogen concentrations were higher in the aboveground tissue than in the belowground roots. Total soil organic carbon concentration in severely degraded grassland was significantly lower than that in lightly degraded grassland, and decreased with depth. C and N content per unit area was ranked in order of 0-40 cm soil depth > belowground roots > aboveground issue in the same grassland type. The total carbon content per unit area of aboveground tissue, roots and 0-40 cm soil depth declined by 7.60% after degradation from lightly (14669.2 g m⁻²) to severely degraded grassland (13554.3 g m⁻²), i.e., 0-40 cm soil depth declined by 4.10%, belowground roots declined by 59.97% and aboveground tissue declined by 15.39%. The nitrogen content per unit area of aboveground tissue, roots and 0-40 cm soil depth increased after degradation by 12.76% from lightly (3352.7 g m⁻²) to severely degraded grassland (3780.6 g m⁻²), i.e., 0-40 cm soil depth increased by 13.07%, belowground roots declined by 55.09% and aboveground tissue declined by 16.00%. As a result of grassland degradation, the total carbon lost by 11149 kg hm⁻², and the total nitrogen increased by 4278 kg hm⁻².     

Composition and species diversity of pine-wiregrass savannas of the Green Swamp,North Carolina

Fire-maintained, species-rich pine-wiregrass savannas in the Green Swamp, North Carolina were sampled over their natural range of environmental conditions and fire frequencies. Species composition, species richness, diversity (Exp H′, 1/C), and aboveground production were documented and fertilization experiments conducted to assess possible mechanisms for the maintenance of high species diversity in these communities. Although savanna composition varies continuously, DECORANA ordination and TWINSPAN classification of 21 sites facilitated recognition of 3 community types: dry, mesic, and wet savannas. These savannas are remarkably species-rich with up to 42 species/0.25 m² and 84 species/625 m². Maximum richness occurred on mesic, annually burned sites. Aboveground production, reported as peak standing crop, was only 293 g · m^?2 on a frequently burned mesic savanna but was significantly higher (375 g · m^?2) on an infrequently burned mesic site. Production values from fertilized high and low fire frequency sites were equivalent. Monthly harvest samples showed that savanna biomass composition by species groups did not vary seasonally, but within groups the relative importance of species showed clear phenological progressions. The variation in species richness with fire frequency is consistent with non-equilibrium theories of species diversity, while phenological variation in production among similar species and the changing species composition across the moisture gradient suggest the importance of equilibrium processes for maintenance of savanna diversity.     

The Seasonal Pattern of Growth and Production of a Temperate C4 Species, Cyperus longus

Growth and production of the temperate C₄ species Cyperus longusL. was measured throughout a growing season in an establishedplot in Eastern Ireland. The maximum standing live biomass reachedwas 2·5 kg m^–2. Estimates of unit leaf rate (ULR)and leaf area index (LAI) were made. The product of these quantitiesgave the crop growth rate (CGR) each week. C. longus was foundto maintain high values of LAI throughout the summer, with amaximum value of about 13 in early August. CGR reached a peakin early July. The optimum LAI was 11·6. Temperaturesat five levels in the plant canopy, and the amount of solarradiation intercepted by the canopy were measured continuouslyduring the summer. The mean daily rate of leaf extension waspositively correlated with the mean daily air temperature abovethe canopy but the temperature coefficient of the process waslow compared with other temperate species. The percentage ofsolar radiation intercepted by the canopy increased rapidlyin early summer, and canopy closure had occurred by mid-June.Rates of net photosynthesis were measured on young and old leafmaterial in situ at the time of peak LAI. In young leaves themaximum rates of net photosynthesis were higher than those publishedfor a range of temperate C₃ species, but similar to those foundin another temperate C₄ species, Spartina townsendii. Key words: C₄ photosynthesis, leaf growth, productivity     

The impact of co‐occurring tree and grassland species on carbon sequestration and potential biofuel production

We evaluated how three co‐occurring tree and four grassland species influence potentially harvestable biofuel stocks and above‐ and belowground carbon pools. After 5 years, the tree Pinus strobus had 6.5 times the amount of aboveground harvestable biomass as another tree Quercus ellipsoidalis and 10 times that of the grassland species. P. strobus accrued the largest total plant carbon pool (1375 g C m^?2 or 394 g C m^?2 yr), while Schizachyrium scoparium accrued the largest total plant carbon pool among the grassland species (421 g C m^?2 or 137 g C m^?2 yr). Quercus ellipsoidalis accrued 850 g C m^?2, Q. macrocarpa 370 g C m^?2, Poa pratensis 390 g C m^?2, Solidago canadensis 132 g C m^?2, and Lespedeza capitata 283 g C m^?2. Only P. strobus and Q. ellipsoidalis significantly sequestered carbon during the experiment. Species differed in total ecosystem carbon accumulation from ?21.3 to +169.8 g C m^?2 yr compared with the original soil carbon pool. Plant carbon gains with P. strobus were paralleled by a decrease of 16% in soil carbon and a nonsignificant decline of 9% for Q. ellipsoidalis. However, carbon allocation differed among species, with P. strobus allocating most aboveground in a disturbance prone aboveground pool, whereas Q. ellipsoidalis, allocated most carbon in less disturbance sensitive belowground biomass. These differences have strong implications for terrestrial carbon sequestration and potential biofuel production. For P. strobus, aboveground plant carbon harvest for biofuel would result in no net carbon sequestration as declines in soil carbon offset plant carbon gains. Conversely the harvest of Q. ellipsoidalis aboveground biomass would result in net sequestration of carbon belowground due to its high allocation belowground, but would yield lower amounts of aboveground biomass. Our results demonstrate that plant species can differentially impact ecosystem carbon pools and the distribution of carbon above and belowground.     

Fine root dynamics in a Norway spruce forest (Picea abies (L.) Karst) in eastern Sweden

The annual dynamics of live and dead fine roots for trees and the field layer species and live/dead ratios were investigated at a coniferous fern forest (Picea abies L. Karts) in Sweden. Our methods of estimating the average amount of fine roots involved the periodic sampling of fine roots in sequential cores on four sampling occasions. The highest live/dead ratio was found in the upper part of the humus layer for both tree and field-layer species and decreased with depth. Most tree fine roots on the four sampling occasions were found in the mineral soil horizon, where 86, 81, 85 and 89% of <1 mm and 89, 88, 89 and 92% of <2 mm diameter of the total amounts of live fine roots in the soil profile were found. The mean amounts of live fine roots of tree species for the total soil profile on the four sampling occasions was 317, 150, 139 and 248 g m^?2 for <1 mm and 410, 225, 224 and 351 g m^?2 for <2 mm diameter fine roots. The related amount of dead fine roots was 226, 321, 176 and 299 g m^?2 and 294, 424, 282 and 381 g m^?2, respectively. Average amounts of live and dead fine-roots and live/dead ratios from other Picea abies forest ecosystems were within the range of our estimates. The production of fine roots, <1 and <2 mm in diameter, estimated from the annual increments in live fine roots, was 207 and 303 g m^?2. The related accumulation of dead fine roots was 257 and 345 g m^?2, The turnover rate of tree fine roots <1 mm in diameter in the total soil profile amounted to 0.7 yr^?1 for live and 0.8 yr^?1 for dead fine roots. The related turnover rates for tree fine roots <2 mm were 0.4 yr^?1 and 0.7 yr^?1. Our data, although based on minimum estimates of the annual fluxes of live and dead fine roots, suggests a carbon flow to the forest soil from dead fine-roots even more substantial than from the needle litter fall. Fine-root data from several Picea abies forest ecosystems, suggest high turnover rates of both live and dead tree fine-roots.     

Biomass dynamics of grassland vegetation in Kenya

Seasonal changes in plant biomass in the herb layer were measured at Nairobi National Park and Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya from January 1980 to February 1981. Plant biomass fluctuated in response to seasonal rainfall, and live biomass was correlated with rainfall and soil moisture at both locations. Peak values for live biomass at Nairobi National Park occurred at the end of the long rains during the June 1980 sample and ranged from 138 to 197gm^-2. Minimum values for live biomass at Nairobi occurred during a dry season in February 1981 and ranged from 8 to 39 g m^-2. The standing dead and litter compartments were larger than the live compartment during every sample period at Nairobi National Park, and together often comprised more than 80% of the total above-ground biomass. Probably as a result of higher rainfall, peak values for live biomass at Masai Mara Game Reserve were higher than those at Nairobi. Again, peak biomass occurred during June following the long rains, and ranged from 218 to 294 gm^-2. Minimum values for live biomass occurred during February 1981, and ranged from 10 to 48 g m^-2. Standing dead and litter compartments were much smaller than at Nairobi National Park, reflecting more intense herbivore pressure and a greater frequency of fires at Masai Mara compared with that at Nairobi National Park.     

BIOMASS,PRODUCTION, AND LITTERFALL IN THE COASTAL SAGE SCRUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

A 22-year-old stand of coastal sage scrub in the coastal mountains of southern California had a peak standing aboveground biomass of 1,417 g/m², determined by dimension analysis. Annual aboveground net primary production was 255 g/m²/yr, determined by monthly twig harvests of dominant species and the clipping production of subordinate species. The stand was codominated by two drought-deciduous species, Salvia leucophylla and Artemisia californica, which together comprised 81% of the biomass. Annual litterfall was measured at 194 g/m²/yr. These biomass, production, and litterfall values are less than those measured in most evergreen chaparral communities in California. Seasonally, the two dominant shrubs began aboveground production in the winter soon after the first rains and continued growth for six months until early summer. A massive leaf fall occurred in May–June as the summer drought began, but twig and inflorescence production for both species continued at a high rate into the summer months. Salvia leucophylla had two shoot types: 1) an early spring canopy shoot that elongated rapidly, produced the inflorescence, and died in mid-summer; and 2) a short side shoot produced in late spring with small dense leaves that were retained during the summer drought and early winter. Artemisia californica produced a single cohort of twigs in the early spring, most of which carried inflorescences by late summer.     

Effects of nitrogen addition on vegetation and ecosystem carbon in a semi-arid grassland

To clarify responses of plant and soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) pools in grassland ecosystem to N addition, a field experiment was performed in a grassland in Keerqin Sandy Lands, Northeast China. We investigated vegetation composition and C and N pools of plant and soil (0–30 cm) after five consecutive years of N addition at a rate of 20 g N m^?2 y^?1. Vegetation composition and species diversity responded dramatically to N addition, as dominance by C₄ perennials was replaced with C₃ annuals. Carbon in aboveground pool increased significantly (over two-fold), mainly due to the increase of the C in aboveground living plants and surface litter, which increased by 98 and 134%, respectively. Although soil C did not change significantly, the root C pool decreased in response to 5 years of N addition. The total ecosystem C pool was not significantly impacted by N addition because the large soil pool did not respond to N addition, and the increase in aboveground C was offset by the decrease in root C pool. Moreover, N addition significantly increased the aboveground N pool, but had no significant effects on belowground and total ecosystem N pools. Our results suggest that in the mid-term N addition alters the C and N partitioning in above- and belowground pools, but has no significant effects on total ecosystem C and N pools in these N-limited grasslands.     

黄土区不同恢复年限草地群落生物量及根冠比对氮添加的响应

大气氮沉降增加作为全球变化的主要环境问题之一,已引发人们的广泛关注,持续的氮沉降对草地生态系统的组成、结构和功能产生重要影响。为深入了解草地恢复进程中群落生物量和根冠比对氮沉降的响应,以黄土区3个不同恢复年限（初期12a、中期28a和后期37a）的天然草地为研究对象,通过设置6个氮添加水平,CK （0）、N1（2.34g m^-2a^-1）、N2（4.67g m^-2a^-1）、N3（9.34g m^-2a^-1）、N4（18.68g m^-2a^-1）、N5（37.35g m^-2a^-1）来测定草地群落地上生物量、地下生物量和总生物量,并计算根冠比和氮响应效率（NRE）。结果表明：（1）地上生物量在恢复中期最大,随氮添加梯度增加,地上生物量在恢复初期和恢复后期呈不显著上升趋势,对氮添加表现为非线性的正响应（ΔNRE>0）,在恢复中期呈不显著下降趋势,对氮添加表现为非线性的负响应（ΔNRE<0）。（2）群落地下生物量对氮添加无显著响应,总生物量只有在恢复后期的N4添加水平下,与对照存在显著差异。（3）根冠比在恢复初期时,N3添加水平下显著高于对照和其他氮添加水平,其余恢复年限对氮添加无显著响应。综上所述,通过分析比较黄土区不同恢复年限草地群落的地上、地下及总生物量和根冠比对氮添加的响应。建议对该区域开展试点实验,实行适应性草地管理,如进行两年一次刈割或轻度放牧（2只羊/hm²）,来探寻更科学有效的管理措施,使草地实现系统性恢复,进而满足生态系统容量和社会需求的变化。     

Dynamics of aboveground big woody organs in a foothill dipterocarp forest,West Sumatra,Indonesia

The dynamics of aboveground big woody organs over 10 cm diameter was studied at a mature foothill dipterocarp forest in West Sumatra. The biomass of big woody organs was estimated to be 519 m³ ha⁻¹ or 408 metric ton ha⁻¹ by means of a pipe model theory. The diameter distribution showed a convex curve and the mode was found at a diameter of about 20 cm. The standing mass of big dead woody litter on the forest floor was 116 m³ ha⁻¹, which accounted for 22% by voume or 9.5% by weight of the biomass of living organs respectively. Thedbh observation with two 1-ha plots for 4 yr and 5 yr respectively revealed that the average net production rate was 9.5 ton ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹. The death rate (7.9 ton ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) accounted for 83% of the net production rate and was nearly equivalent to the decay rate (7.5 ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹) of dead wood on the forest floor. The balance between the death and decay rates was confirmed for each diameter class. Average turnover periods for big woody organs and dead woody litter were estimated to be 43 and 8.1 yr, respectively. Standing masses of live anddead woody materials accumulated in the study forest were approximately equal to those obtained in a mature tropical lowland rainforest, whereas the flow rates were lower, being only 70% of the corresponding values.     

Bioenergetics and diet in a simple community of shrubsteppe birds

Summary Simulation model estimates of bioenergetics are coupled with observations of diet selection and arthropod prey abundances to assess (1) the role of bird populations in trophic energy fluxes in a temporally heterogeneous shrubsteppe ecosystem, and (2) the degree to which those populations may be limited by food.The model estimates a total annual energy demand of 2.91 kcal m^-2 yr^-1 by the entire passerine avifauna during 1974, with daily demands varying from 0.0025 to 0.0260 kcal m^-2. Coupling energy requirements with estimates of arthropod availability implies that bird demands on the insect standing crop never exceeded 0.7% per day of that standing crop during the breeding season or summer.Overall, the bioenergetic estimates imply that these birds are unlikely to be important in ecosystem processes and, reciprocally, are unlikely to be limited by food resources even during peak energy demands. As a consequence, I suggest that biological interactions such as competition play a relatively minor role in structuring the bird community in this variable environment.