Effects of moisture,nitrogen, grass competition and simulated browsing on the survival and growth of Acacia karroo seedlings

The effects of irrigation, nitrogen fertilization, grass competition and clipping were investigated for one growing season at the research farm of the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The aim of the experiment was to assess the short‐term performance of Acacia karroo seedlings under different environmental conditions and the implications of such factors on the long‐term recruitment of plant species in savanna rangelands. There were no significant treatment effects on the survival of A. karroo seedlings. Using stem length and basal diameter as growth parameters, it was observed that irrigation enhanced both variables, while nitrogen fertilization did not have any significant effects. Clipping, grass competition and their interaction greatly suppressed the growth of the seedlings. Clipping increased the mean stem length when they were irrigated and fertilized. Control and fertilized plants had the highest stem length in the absence of grass competition, while grass competition combined with clipping resulted in the lowest stem length in both irrigated and nonirrigated plants. It was concluded that in the presence of grass competition, controlled browsing could be a viable solution to the problem of bush encroachment in savanna rangelands.     

不同水分处理对甘蒙柽柳幼苗根系生长特性的影响

以1年生甘蒙柽柳幼苗为对象,采用人工壕沟挖掘法,对柽柳幼苗在不同水分处理条件下(干旱处理、适度灌溉、充分灌溉)根系生态学特征的季节变化进行了研究.结果表明,不同水分处理对柽柳幼苗根系生长影响显著,垂直根扎根深度和生长速率随着灌溉量的减小而增加.地面灌溉量的增加会导致根系分布的浅表化和根系消弱系数的减小,根系生物量与土壤深度呈显著负对数关系.不同水分处理条件下,7-10月的根/冠比平均值分别为0.43、0.60、0.90、1.12,其根、冠间存在典型的异速生长关系.根/冠比随土壤水分的减小而增加,且生长季后期大于初期.     

不同温度条件下土壤水分对羊草幼苗生长特性的影响

采用生长箱控制方法,研究了羊草幼苗生长对5个温度和5个水分梯度的响应。结果表明,不同温度改变了羊草生物量对土壤水分变化的响应类型。在20～26℃下羊草植株生物量对土壤水分的响应曲线呈三次多项式或抛物线变化规律,而在29～32℃下为指数方程。在温度较低或适度时,轻度乃至中度干旱有促进生长的作用,但在温度较高时轻度干旱及比其程度更高的干旱显著地影响羊草的生长,表明羊草在较高温度下对水分更加敏感。在适当的温度下(26℃),羊草根的贡献率或根冠比与土壤水分呈直线关系。高温加强了干旱对羊草幼苗生长的抑制作用,表明高温降低了羊草对干旱的适应能力。     

水分和磷素对木荷不同种源苗木生长和磷效率的影响

以用木荷中心产区的浙江龙泉、福建建瓯、尤溪和江西吉安4个代表性优良种源为试验材料,以广西产红荷为对照,设置不同水分处理和磷素水平的盆栽试验,研究水分和磷素对木荷种源苗木生长和生理指标的影响.结果表明：在不同的水分和磷素处理下,4个参试种源的苗木生长、根系形态参数和磷素吸收效率等均存在显著的遗传差异,福建建瓯和浙江龙泉种源苗木生长量大、根系发达、磷素吸收效率高,生长表现明显优于福建尤溪和江西吉安种源,而广西产红荷则保持其原产地速生、抗旱、耐瘠的特性.土壤水分和磷素对木荷种源苗木生长影响显著.适宜水分条件下,种源苗木径生长、干物质量、根系参数和磷素吸收效率较干旱胁迫条件下高18.5%～105.6%,高磷水平下种源苗木上述性状较低磷处理高37.5%～286.2%.但在干旱和低磷胁迫下,木荷将光合产物更多地分配至地下根系,磷素利用效率也较高,这可能是木荷适应干旱和低磷胁迫的重要生理机制.相对于显著的种源、水分和磷素主效应,其间的交互作用则可以忽略.     

Effects of antitranspirants on seed germination,growth, and survival of tree seedlings

Summary Adol had negligible effects on germination of Pinus resinosa Ait. and Robinia pseudoacacia L. seeds whereas TAG, Foli-gard, and Geon Vinyl Latex reduced the rate and final percent germination in proportion to dosage. When applied to the soil surface, some concentrations of Foli-gard increased dry weight accumulation and Geon Vinyl Latex improved leaf water balance of surviving seedlings of Robinia pseudoacacia. Adol had no effect when applied to the soil surface. re]19730508     

Effects of topography,soil moisture,wind and grazing on Festuca seedlings in a Patagonian grassland

Abstract. The effects of topography, soil moisture, wind and grazing on the emergence and survival of seedlings of Festuca spp. were examined in the steppe zone of Patagonia, Argentina. Ungrazed and grazed field treatment plots were established on a plain and a north-facing slope at the Media Luna Ranch (43° 36′S, 71° 25′W). On the leeward and windward sides of each of 15 Festuca plants, 0.1 m × 0.4 m quadrats were censused bimonthly for seedling emergence and survival over three growing seasons. Three categories were distinguished: recently germinated and up to the first leaf, two to four leaves, and from five leaves up to one tiller. Soil moisture content, litter cover and frost heaving effects were also determined for each treatment at each sampling date. Festuca spp. showed two emergence peaks, one in late fall and the other in early to mid-spring. Seedling emergence was significantly correlated with soil moisture content in the 0–5 cm of the soil during the three growing seasons. Seedlings that emerged in the fall had higher survivorship than those that emerged in spring. Seedling emergence and survival was significantly (p < 0.01) lower on slopes, in the grazing treatment, and on windward sides of adult plants. In this grassland, an increase in the availability of safe sites for seedling emergence and survival might be achieved by protecting vegetation from grazing, particularly on north-facing slopes.     

Effects of fire season and soil fertility on clonal growth in a pyrophilic forb,Pityopsis graminifolia (Asteraceae)

We experimentally manipulated fire season in a longleaf pine sandhill community in north Florida in 1990 and 1992. We determined the size and demography of shoots, rhizomes, and clones of Pityopsis graminifolia from late 1990 to early 1993. In addition, we examined shoot responses to seasonal variation in canopy/litter removal and soil fertility in 1992. May fires caused a higher short-term rate of increase in shoot density than did either January fires or August fires. The combination of canopy/litter removal and mineral nutrient addition as part of the clipping experiment revealed a similar effect on shoot density in May. Fire season influenced clone structure. May fires resulted in greater numbers of shoots/clone than did January or August fires. January-burned plots had clones and rhizomes that contained larger (but fewer) shoots than did May-burned or August-burned plots. We suggest that such variation in clone structure may indicate a greater capacity of clones to grow laterally following May fires than following either January or August fires. This capacity is positively associated with the likelihood that longleaf pine savannas will be burned by lightning fires at different times during the year.     

苜蓿与沙打旺苗期生长和水分利用对土壤水分变化的反应

通过室内生长箱内盆栽实验,比较了苜蓿和沙打旺苗期的根冠生长和水分利用对种土壤水分环境变化的响应和差异.结果表明,充分供水下苜蓿和沙打旺苗期生物量和蒸腾效率均最高,苜蓿均显著高于沙打旺.土壤水分减少后苜蓿苗期生物量和蒸腾效率下降幅度均大于沙打旺.从低水到阶段低水处理后土壤水分逐渐降低和降低后再复水到低水处理,苜蓿和沙打旺的生物量分别较持续低水处理显著减少47.8%和27.9%.旱后复水后苜蓿根冠比和单位根量耗水量较显著增加,蒸腾效率显著下降; 沙打旺根冠比显著下降,单位根量耗水量和蒸腾效率变化不显著.     

Savanna soil fertility limits growth but not survival of tropical forest tree seedlings

Background and Aims

Cerradão (Brazilian woodland savannas) and seasonally dry forests (SDF) from southeastern Brazil occur under the same climate but are remarkably distinct in species composition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of soil origin in the initial growth and distribution of SDF and Cerradão species.

Methods

We conducted a greenhouse experiment growing Cerradão and SDF tree seedlings over their soil and the soil of the contrasting vegetation type. We evaluated soil nutrient availability and seedling survivorship, growth and leaf functional traits.

Results

Despite the higher nutrient availability in SDF soils, soil origin did not affect seedling survivorship. The three SDF species demonstrated home-soil advantage, enhanced growth with increasing soil nutrient availability and had higher growth rates than Cerradão species, even on Cerradão soils. Growth of Cerradão seedlings was not higher on Cerradão soil and, overall, was not positively correlated with soil nutrient availability.

Conclusions

SDF species are fast-growing species while Cerradão trees tend to be slow-growing species. Although savanna soil reduces growth of forest species, our findings suggest that soil chemical attributes, alone, does not exclude the occurrence of SDF seedlings in Cerradão and vice-versa.     

Effects of substrate type, moisture and its interactions on soil seed survival of three Rumex species

Background and Aims

Seed bank persistence plays a highly relevant role for population dynamics. The impact of interacting environmental factors on seed longevity has only scarcely been investigated. We aimed to analyse the effects of varied soil substrate type and moisture on soil seed survival.

Methods

Seeds of three Rumex species native to different habitats were buried in pots placed in open-air basins. The factors substrate (sand, loam, mud), water table depth (WTD; high, intermediate, low), time, and their interactions were investigated. Viability was tested after 6, 12, and 18 months.

Results

Seeds of R. acetosella (dry habitat) were short-term persistent with highest survival in low WTD on sand. Survival in R. acetosa (moist habitat) was very strongly reduced after 6 months with highest survival under wet conditions. R. maritimus (wet habitat) had overall long-term seed survival, where ‘substrate type’ had the strongest impact. Significant interactions of ‘substrate type’ and WTD were detected.

Conclusions

Seed bank longevity is not a fixed species trait, but varies with environmental factors. Soil moisture, substrate type and their interactions have different effects on the studied species. Persistence-classifications ought to consider the impact of environmental factors.     

Germination, survival and growth of three vascular plants on biological soil crusts from a Mexican tropical desert

Information about the effects of biological soil crusts (BSC) on germination, seedling survival and growth of vascular plants is controversial because they can have positive, neutral or negative effects. This controversy may be because most studies conducted until now have just analysed one or two recruitment stages independently. To understand the BSC effects on vascular plants, it is necessary to consider each stage of the recruitment process and synthesise all this information. The goal of this study was twofold. First, we analyse germination, seedling survival and growth of three vascular plants (Agave marmorata, Prosopis laevigata and Neobuxbaumia tetetzo) on BSC (cyanobacteria and mixed crust) from a tropical desert region of south-central México. Second, we synthesise the information to determine the total effect of BSC on plant species performance. We conducted experiments under controlled conditions to evaluate the proportion of germinated seeds, proportion of surviving seedlings and seedling dry weight in BSC and bare soil. Results showed that BSC have different effects on germination, seedling survival and growth of plant species. Plant species performance was qualitatively higher on BSC than bare soil. The highest performance of A. marmorata and P. laevigata was observed on cyanobacteria and mixed crusts, respectively. The highest performance of N. tetetzo was on both crust types.     

岷江干旱河谷土壤水、氮和磷对小马鞍羊蹄甲幼苗生长的影响

资源阈值对植物的影响是恢复生态学的重要议题.通过近似模拟岷江干旱河谷自然干旱条件下水、氮和磷的阈值,设计析因实验,研究了一个生长季节内小马鞍羊蹄甲幼苗生长、生物生产量、资源利用效率和存活率的变化.结果表明：高水（40%田间持水量）、高磷（24 mg P·kg^-1）和低氮（100 mg N·kg^-1）处理分别促进了幼苗生长,增加了生物生产量,提高了存活率和水分利用效率,氮磷交互作用显著,水分和养分交互作用不明显.高氮（240 mg N·kg^-1）有强烈的负效应,高磷可以增大根面积、根长和根生物量,提高对氮和磷的吸收,缓解高氮的抑制作用.养分利用效率和幼苗根茎比呈显著正相关,并保持相对稳定.高水、高磷和低氮耦合有效地促进了幼苗的生长,而低水、低磷和高氮耦合则明显抑制了幼苗生长.     

棉隆熏蒸处理对平邑甜茶幼苗生长和生物学特性及土壤环境的影响

本试验以苹果砧木平邑甜茶幼苗为试材,通过温室与露地盆栽两种方式,研究不同浓度(0、0.1、0.2、0.4 g·kg^-1)棉隆熏蒸对连作土壤微生物环境和平邑甜茶幼苗生长的影响。结果表明:不同浓度的棉隆熏蒸均能促进连作土壤中平邑甜茶幼苗的生长,其中以0.2 g·kg^-1处理的效果最显著。0.2 g·kg^-1棉隆熏蒸下,平邑甜茶幼苗在温室和露地条件下的株高、地径、地上部干质量、地下部干质量分别比连作对照提高了192.9%和91.8%、72.8%和60.1%、196.8%和195.0%、138.5%和130.7%;幼苗根系相关指标(根长、根面积、根体积、根系呼吸速率)也明显优于其他处理;幼苗根系的超氧化物歧化酶、过氧化物酶、过氧化氢酶活性分别比连作对照提高了114.6%和118.5%、123.5%和107.6%、164.6%和175.6%;幼苗根系的丙二醛含量也显著低于其他处理。随着棉隆施用浓度的增加,土壤细菌含量、真菌含量、尖孢镰孢菌基因拷贝数、土壤酶活性均显著降低,连作土壤真菌群落结构也发生了不同程度的改变。综上,0.2 g·kg^-1棉隆熏蒸可以提高连作平邑甜茶幼苗生物量,改善土壤环境,有效缓解平邑甜茶的连作障碍。在苹果老果园重茬建园时,可以优先考虑0.2 g·kg^-1的棉隆熏蒸处理。     

Germination and seedling growth of carrots under salinity and moisture stress

Poor crop stand is a common problem in saline areas. Germination and seedling emergence may be depressed as a result of impeded aeration, saline or dry conditions. In this study, we examined the effects of salinity and moisture stress and their interactions on seed germination and seedling growth of carrots. Variable soil matric and osmotic potentials were either obtained by equilibrating soil salinized to different degrees on a 0.5 MPa ceramic plate soil moisture extractor or by adding different amounts of salt solutions to the same mass of air-dried soil, based on a previously determined soil moisture release curve, and allowing to equilibrate for 1 week. Germination decreased significantly in the investigated silty soil (Aquic Ustifluvent) at soil moisture potentials higher than −0.01 MPa, whereas osmotic potentials as low as −0.5 MPa did not influence germination. Matric potentials of −0.3 and −0.4 MPa, respectively, resulted in a strong decrease (35–95%) of germination and delayed germination by 2 to 5 days in the silty soil to which different amounts (18 and 36%, respectively) and sizes (0.8–1.2 mm and 1.5–2.2 mm, respectively) of sand particles had been added. No effect of sand and grain diameter was detected. Germination was not affected by comparable osmotic potentials. Seedling growth showed a much higher sensitivity than germination to decreasing matric potentials, but was not affected by osmotic potentials ranging from −0.05 to −0.5 MPa. Optimum shoot growth occurred at matric potentials between −0.025 and −0.1 MPa. Shoot and root growth decreased markedly at matric potentials higher than −0.01 MPa. Fresh weight of shoots decreased gradually at matric potentials lower than −0.2 MPa. Root growth was significantly increased at matric potentials of −0.1 to −0.3 MPa, whereas comparable osmotic potentials did not have equivalent effects. It is concluded that germination and seedling growth are differently affected by comparable matric and osmotic stresses and that water stress exerts a more negative effect than salt stress.     

Extreme drought alters growth and interactions with exotic grasses,but not survival,for a California annual forb

Climate change will not only alter mean conditions, but increase the frequency and intensity of extreme events such as severe droughts. Yet the consequences of extreme drought for plant demography are poorly understood. We compared phenology, demographic rates and effects of competition with exotic grasses for the California annual forb Phacelia distans between a year with slightly below average precipitation (2011–2012) and one in extreme drought (2012–2013). We also contrasted these demographic responses with changes in seedling emergence rates and cover in the annual plant community. Early Phacelia mortality actually fell in the extreme drought year, as low October rainfall shifted germination to cooler conditions in November. Survival from mid December to flowering did not change between years. In contrast to expectations, competition with early-emerging exotic annual grasses did not reduce Phacelia spring survival in 2012–2013. A shorter window for fall germination that reduced priority effects may explain this result. Yet the 2012–2013 growing season ended a month earlier than in 2011–2012, significantly reducing Phacelia size at flowering and inflorescence production. Community seedling emergence and cover changed only weakly between the 2 years. Our results demonstrate the importance of within season precipitation patterns in determining whether a climatically extreme year will lead to extreme ecological outcomes. This work also illustrates how annual plant drought responses depend critically on germination behavior and phenology. An important future question is whether seed banks can sustain native forb population persistence through an extended drought with multiple years of low or failed reproduction.