沙埋和种子大小对柠条锦鸡儿种子萌发、出苗和幼苗生长的影响

研究了沙埋深度和种子大小对内蒙古毛乌素沙地植被群落中占优势的柠条锦鸡儿(Caragana korshinskii Kom.)种子萌发、出苗、幼苗存活和生长的影响.结果表明,沙埋深度显著影响柠条锦鸡儿的种子萌发率、休眠率、出苗率、幼苗存活率及生物量.在0.5-2cm的浅层沙埋下,种子萌发率、出苗率、幼苗存活率及生物量最高,休眠率最低;沙埋深度≥4 cm时,柠条锦鸡儿的种子萌发率、出苗率、幼苗存活率及生物量随着沙埋深度增加显著降低,而休眠率却显著升高;沙埋深度≥12 cm时,柠条锦鸡儿种子不能够出苗,幼苗也不能够存活.种子大小对柠条锦鸡儿种子萌发率没有显著影响,但对出苗率、幼苗存活率及生物量影响显著.在各个沙埋深度下,不同大小的柠条锦鸡儿种子间的萌发率没有显著差异.当沙埋深度≤6 cm时,不同大小的柠条锦鸡儿种子在同一沙埋深度下的出苗率间没有显著差异;但当沙埋深度≥8 cm时,在同一沙埋深度下,大种子的出苗率显著高于中种子和小种子的出苗率,而中种子和小种子出苗率间没有显著差异.0.5-10 cm的沙埋深度中,除6 cm和8 cm深度下中种子和小种子萌发幼苗的生物量间没有显著差异外,其余深度下,大种子萌发的幼苗的存活率及生物量显著高于同一沙埋深度下中种子萌发的幼苗的存活率及生物量,后者又显著高于小种子萌发的幼苗的存活率及生物量.可能正是种子萌发对沙埋环境的忍耐或响应能力以及种子的多态性提高了柠条锦鸡儿在毛乌素沙地的适合度,为其在流动或半流动沙丘环境中成功定居并形成优势群落奠定了基础.     

沙埋与供水对毛乌素沙地两种重要沙生植物幼苗生长的影响

沙埋与水分是影响毛乌素沙地植物存活、生长的关键因子。通过沙埋与供水的野外控制实验,研究了毛乌素沙地重要物种柠条(Caragana korshinskii)与羊柴(Hedysarum laeve)幼苗存活及生长对沙埋和供水的反应。结果表明:适量的沙埋(0.25H-0.50H沙埋,H为苗高)与供水(柠条50mm/月,羊柴75mm/月)可以促进幼苗生长,过量的沙埋与供水则会抑制生长甚至导致幼苗死亡。柠条幼苗在50mm/月供水,0.25H、0.50H沙埋,羊柴幼苗在75mm/月供水,0.25H、0.50H沙埋下具有较高的相对生长速率和净同化速率;幼苗在1.0H和1.25H沙埋下全部死亡。供水量较小、沙埋较浅时,两种植物根冠比均较高;当供水量最大时,柠条幼苗根冠比在沙埋最深和没有沙埋时较大,而羊柴幼苗根冠比仍在没有沙埋时最高。     

施水量变化对毛乌素沙地优势植物形态与生长的影响

 以毛乌素沙地优势植物沙柳(Salix psammophila)、杨柴(Hedysarum mongolicum)、油蒿(Artemisia ordosica)和柠条(Caragana intermedia)为对象,人工控制4种施水量来研究这4种植物形态和生长对模拟降水量变化的响应。结果表明不同施水量显著影响着沙柳、杨柴、油蒿和柠条的分枝格局、叶片、生物量及其分配,并且这4种植物的以上特征对不同施水量的响应也有明显差异。在157.5 mm和630.0 mm的施水量之间,施水量的增加对沙柳、油蒿和杨柴枝叶形态     

毛乌素沙地南缘沙柳灌丛土壤水分及水量平衡

以毛乌素沙地南缘沙柳人工固沙灌丛为研究对象,对不同栽植密度(0.2、0.6和0.8株·m-2)沙柳灌丛生长季土壤水分动态和蒸散量变化进行研究.结果表明:不同栽植密度沙柳灌丛区土壤水分动态和蒸散量存在明显差异,土壤含水量随着栽植密度增加呈单峰型曲线;生长季内沙柳灌丛土壤含水量变化呈“S”形曲线,并与降雨存在密切的关系.蒸散量以栽植密度0.8株·m-2的沙柳灌丛最高(114.5 mm),占同期降雨量的90.8％;以0.6株·m-2的沙柳灌丛最低(109.7 mm).根据生长季土壤水分动态和水分平衡特征,毛乌素沙地南缘沙柳灌丛适种密度为0.6株·m-2.     

晋西北丘陵风沙区坡面尺度下不同固沙植物群落稳定性分析北大核心CSCD

人工固沙植被群落的稳定是评价干旱半干旱风沙区植被恢复成功的重要标准。该研究运用模糊综合评判理论,对晋西北丘陵风沙区坡面尺度下(坡上、坡中、坡下)7种人工固沙优势植物的稳定性进行分析,选取优势植物生长状况、土壤质量、林下植物生物量和多样性以及Godron指数4项指标,通过计算其隶属度平均值来评价植物的稳定性。结果表明:(1)乔木油松枝叶生物量最大(1457.1 g),灌木柠条枝叶生物量最大(1429.1 g),各优势植物坡下枝叶生物量最大。(2)灌木表层(0~20 cm)土壤水分优于各乔木表层土壤水分,同时不同植物林均表现出坡下土壤水分最大;各植物表层土壤有机质、解碱氮、速效钾、速效磷基本都远高于撂荒地,其中乔木油松和灌木柠条各土壤养分指标显著高于其他植物,且不同植物林下养分也表现为坡下最优。(3)林下植物生物量乔木青杨最大(87.2 g),灌木柠条最大(50.4 g),坡下生物量最大;林下植物丰富度指数乔木青杨最高,林下植物多样性指数和均匀度指数乔木樟子松和油松最高,灌木中林下植物各多样性指数基本相近。(4)Godron指数:乔木中刺槐的交点坐标离群落稳定点最近,灌木中柠条交点坐标离群落稳定点最近。综合各指标的隶属度平均值得到乔木稳定性指数排序为:油松(0.69)>刺槐(0.67)>青杨(0.66)>樟子松(0.39)>旱柳(0.28),灌木稳定性排序为:柠条(0.82)>紫穗槐(0.64),乔灌木植物稳定性均远高于撂荒地(0.20)。研究认为乔木油松和灌木柠条稳定性最高,是西北丘陵风沙区适宜的造林树种,而坡下则是更优的种植坡位选择。该研究结果可为晋西北丘陵风沙区域以至于黄土高原人工固沙植被恢复和科学管理提供依据。     

荒漠生境下柠条幼苗存活与生长对水分添加和沙埋的响应

为了解柠条幼苗生长与存活对荒漠生境下沙埋和水分添加的响应,在宁夏灵武白芨滩国家级自然保护区南部荒漠灌丛群落,通过水分添加和持续沙埋处理,研究了柠条幼苗的存活与生长对水分添加和沙埋的响应。结果表明:水分添加有利于柠条幼苗的存活与生长,幼苗最终留存率显著提高(P0.05),且幼苗株高、单株叶面积和总干质量显著增大(P0.05),侧根数、小叶数、相对生长率和净同化率也均有不同程度增大。沙埋抑制柠条幼苗的存活与生长,试验结束时,沙埋幼苗在水分添加条件下的最终留存率显著低于无沙埋幼苗(P0.05);除株高外,沙埋幼苗的基径、小叶数、单株叶面积、总干质量、相对生长率等均显著减小(P0.05),主根长、侧根数和净同化率也不同程度减小。沙埋幼苗的比叶面积、比根长和比枝长均显著大于无沙埋幼苗(P0.05),但前者的根冠比显著小于后者(P0.05);沙埋幼苗的比根长在水分添加条件下显著减小(P0.05),但不论是否沙埋,幼苗根冠比、比叶面积和比枝长在有无水分添加间均差异不显著。     

黄土高原灌丛对人工油松幼树生长的影响

为探讨灌丛对人工油松幼树生长的影响,以黄土高原灌丛边缘、灌丛中和砍伐释放区3种生境中的9年生同龄油松(Pinus tabuliformis)幼树种群为研究对象,分析了人工油松幼树的冠形特征以及当年主干、枝条和针叶的生长状况。结果表明:(1)人工油松幼树的株高在灌丛边缘、灌丛中和砍伐释放区间差异不显著,冠幅、树冠率、着生绿叶年限、基径表现为灌丛边缘砍伐释放区灌丛中,而枝下高与其相反。幼树的冠形特征在砍伐释放区与灌丛中差异不显著。(2)高出灌丛的油松幼树当年生长量与灌丛边缘个体差异不显著;当人工油松幼树低于灌丛时,灌丛不利于油松幼树当年主干及枝叶的生长;砍伐释放(人工抚育措施)减小了灌丛对油松幼树生长的不利影响。(3)灌丛中的油松幼树通过对树冠下层枝叶的自然整枝来减少不必要的营养消耗,进而改变植株的冠形特征。(4)当灌丛对人工油松幼树产生遮阴效应时,幼树将大部分干物质用于主干和枝条长度的生长,在枝条水平上增大叶的生物量比例,增大比叶面积,以适应弱光环境。     

Fine-scale spatial distribution of soil organic carbon and its fractions after afforestation with Pinus sylvestris and Salix psammophila in a semiarid desert of China

半干旱沙漠中樟子松和沙柳造林后土壤有机碳及其组分的小尺度空间分布 半干旱沙漠造林有助于改善土壤功能以及增加土壤有机碳(SOC)固定,但人们对造林后SOC及其不稳定(LOC)组分的小尺度空间分布了解甚少。本研究以毛乌素沙地东南缘樟子松(Pinus sylvestris)和沙柳 (Salix psammophila)为研究对象,量化了距离树体20、80、150和240 cm处SOC、LOC组分及其相关变量的小尺度空间分布。研究结果表明,沙柳和樟子松造林显著提高了SOC、总氮(TN)、可溶性有机碳 (DOC)、微生物碳(MBC)和易氧化有机碳(ROOC)含量;在距离树体20 cm处,0–100 cm土层樟子松SOC 储量比沙柳高27.21%;在距离树体80和150 cm处,沙柳SOC储量分别比樟子松高5.50%和5.66%;与流 沙地相比,在距离树体20、80、150 和240 cm处,沙柳和樟子松SOC储量显著增加了94.90%、39.50%、 27.10%和18.50%;沙柳和樟子松ROOC分别占SOC的14.09%和18.93%。总之,造林促进了半干旱流沙地SOC的积累,樟子松比沙柳分配更多的有机质到距离树体<80 cm范围内的土体中。     

华南地区野牡丹、桃金娘和金合欢对檀香幼苗的护理效应研究

在檀香幼苗的野外栽植过程中, 光照和寄主选择是限制其幼苗存活的重要因素。植物护理效应是指护理植物能够在其冠幅下改善微气候, 辅助或保育其他物种生长发育的现象。作为一种新的造林方法, 护理植物技术不仅会产生护理效应, 而且还可减少水土流失, 保持生态系统的物种多样性。因此近年来这种技术被应用于植被恢复与造林中。野牡丹、桃金娘和豆科植物金合欢是亚热带地区的常见先锋植物, 但这些物种是否具有作为檀香护理植物的特征, 尚未有这方面研究。以这三种植物为研究对象, 通过野外定位实验测定了三种植物冠幅下的微环境特以及檀香幼苗的生长特性。结果表明: 桃金娘和野牡丹能通过冠幅有效改善檀香幼苗周围的环境因子, 缓解檀香幼苗叶片光系统II的午间光抑制, 提高檀香幼苗叶片的叶绿素含量、株高、地径和存活率, 因此这两种植物适宜作为檀香的护理植物。金合欢虽然在初期能提高檀香的存活率, 但由于其生长迅速, 冠幅过大, 容易造成过度荫蔽的环境而不利于檀香的生长和存活, 因而光照可能成为其冠幅下檀香幼苗生长的限制因子。     

沙埋对两种沙生植物幼苗生长的影响及其生理响应差异

为了解沙埋对沙生植物生长的影响及其生理响应特征, 比较不同沙生植物耐沙埋能力及其机制, 2010年在内蒙古科尔沁沙地研究了不同深度沙埋下沙蓬(Agriophyllum squarrosum)和盐蒿(Artemisia halodendron)幼苗的存活率、株高等生长特性及其渗透调节物质含量, 保护酶活性和膜透性的变化, 得到以下结果: 沙蓬和盐蒿幼苗均具有较强的耐沙埋能力, 其中沙蓬幼苗最大耐沙埋深度超过幼苗10 cm, 盐蒿幼苗最大耐沙埋深度超过其株高8 cm; 随着沙埋深度增加, 沙蓬和盐蒿幼苗的存活率和株高均显著下降, 沙蓬的下降幅度显著小于盐蒿; 沙埋处理下两种植物均未表现出受水分胁迫, 沙埋导致其光合面积下降, 幼苗顶土困难, 是影响其存活和高生长的主要生态机制; 随着沙埋深度增加, 沙蓬幼苗丙二醛(MDA)含量显著增加, 盐蒿幼苗MDA含量下降, 虽然二者膜透性均呈增加趋势, 但沙蓬膜透性增加幅度显著低于盐蒿, 说明细胞膜受损是导致二者幼苗存活率下降和生长受到抑制的主要生理机制, 沙蓬膜透性受损程度较低是其耐沙埋能力较强的主要生理机制; 沙埋胁迫下, 虽然两种植物都通过提高过氧化物酶活性和脯氨酸含量减轻细胞膜受损程度, 但沙蓬体内超氧化物歧化酶也表现出重要协调作用, 使之酶促系统在保护细胞膜免受胁迫损伤过程中的作用更有效。     

Canopy Size Dependent Facilitations from the Native Shrub Rhodomyrtus tomentosa to the Early Establishment of Native Trees Castanopsis fissa and Syzygium hancei in Tropical China

The quantitative role of the canopy size of nurse shrubs on microenvironment and native tree establishment in degraded tropical lands has been seldom studied. In a 21‐month field experiment, we aimed to test the effect of a native shrub with different canopy sizes on the early establishment of native trees as part of the effort of forest restoration in tropical China. We examined the microenvironment, and the seedling establishment and growth of two native trees: Castanopsis fissa and Syzygium hancei in both open space (OS) microsite and microsite under the canopy of the native pioneer shrub Rhodomyrtus tomentosa. Shrub microsite was further divided into large canopy (LC), and medium canopy (MC) microsite, based on the shrub leaf area indices. Results showed that relative to OS, LC had higher soil nutrient concentration and water content, and lower photosynthetic active radiation (PAR), while MC had lower PAR and higher soil exchangeable Mg, K, and Ca. Survival and growth were mostly enhanced, while water stress and photoinhibition reduced for C. fissa seedlings in MC and S. hancei seedlings in LC. It is found that the beneficial effects of the native shrub on seedling establishment and growth result mostly from the improvement in nutrient and water availabilities, the reduction in plant stress caused by harsh summer light, and the specific ecological requirements of different tree species. We suggest that different canopy sizes of native shrub R. tomentosa may be explored to target different native trees and hence promote forest restoration in degraded tropical ecosystems.     

The shrub Rhodomyrtus tomentosa acts as a nurse plant for seedlings differing in shade tolerance in degraded land of South China

Questions: What are the nurse effects of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa in degraded land of South China? Are canopy or soil factors responsible for the main nurse effect? Do facilitative effects increase with the shade tolerance of the target species? Location: Degraded shrubland in South China. Methods: Seedlings of three native climax woody species (Schima superba, Michelia macclurei, Castanopsis fissa) that differ in shade tolerance were subjected to four treatments by transplantation: (1) under the canopy of R. tomentosa shrubs; (2) in open interspaces without vegetation cover (control); (3) under the canopy of R. tomentosa from which canopies had been removed; and (4) in open interspaces without vegetation but covered by branches and leaves of R. tomentosa. Results: At low soil nutrient levels, increased canopy shade, soil porosity and soil moisture under the canopy of R. tomentosa increased seedling survival of the climax tree species S. superba, C. fissa and M. macclurei, and shoot height of S. superba. The nurse effect (a form of facilitation) of R. tomentosa depended more on canopy shade than on soil amelioration. The magnitude of facilitation or nurse effect was positively correlated with shade tolerance of the target species. Conclusions: Use of nurse plants in restoration differs from traditional reforestation (clearing and/or burning to reduce interspecific competition between target tree species and non‐target species) because it focuses on positive interactions between nurse plants and target plants that increase establishment of target species and reduce time required for restoration. Because nurse effects of R. tomentosa shrubs tended to be larger on target species with greater shade tolerance, shade‐tolerant plants are suggested as target species to accelerate restoration.     

Effect of shrubs and seasonal variability of rainfall on the establishment of Aspidosperma quebracho‐blanco in two edaphically contrasting environments

Abstract Three experiments were conducted to verify if an increase in environmental stress level would affect the interactions between two species of nurse shrubs and seedlings of Aspidosperma quebracho‐blanco. This is a mesic species with a generalist distribution over an extensive environments gradient. The relationship between Larrea divaricata and seedlings of A. quebracho‐blanco was studied in two contrasting soils, a silty loam soil with higher surface clay content and a sandy loam soil. The effect of seasonal variability of rainfall on the initial establishment of seedlings under the shade of L. divaricata was evaluated in three consecutive years. The effect of nurse plant shade was tested comparing two shrub species with different types of leaf life span (sclerophyllous‐evergreen and leguminous‐deciduous). The natural establishment of A. quebracho‐blanco depended on shaded microsites, but not on the type of shade provided by different nurse shrubs. Emergence and initial establishment depended on interactions of soil type and seasonal rainfall variation with nurse plants. The importance of facilitation increased with clay soil (CS). Sandy soil was ‘less humid’ than CS under shrub shade. However, establishment success depends on opportune even rainfall distribution in interaction with nurse plant presence.     

Canopy vs. soil effects of shrubs facilitating tree seedlings in Mediterranean montane ecosystems

Abstract. Question: Is the facilitative effect of nurse shrubs on early recruitment of trees mediated by a ‘canopy effect’(microclimate amelioration and protection from herbivores), a ‘soil effect’(modification of soil properties), or both? Location: Two successional montane shrublands at the Sierra Nevada Protected Area, SE Spain. Method: Seedlings of Quercus and Pinus species were planted in four experimental treatments: (1) under shrubs; (2) in open interspaces without vegetation; (3) under shrubs where the canopies were removed; (4) in open interspaces but covering seedlings with branches, mimicking a shrub canopy. Results: Both effects benefited seedling performance. However, microclimatic amelioration due to canopy shading had the strongest effect, which was particularly pronounced in the drier site. Below‐ground, shrubs did not modify soil physical characteristics, organic matter, total N and P, or water content, but significantly increased available K, which has been shown to improve seedling water‐use efficiency under drought conditions. Conclusions: We propose that in Mediterranean montane ecosystems, characterised by a severe summer drought, pioneer shrubs represent a major safe site for tree early recruitment during secondary succession, improving seedling survival during summer by the modification of both the above‐and below‐ground environment.     

Benefits of Using Shrubs as Nurse Plants for Reforestation in Mediterranean Mountains: A 4-Year Study

Shrubs are commonly considered competitors of planted seedlings in reforestation programs. However, shrubs can facilitate the establishment of understory seedlings in environments that, like Mediterranean‐type ecosystems, are characterized by harsh environmental conditions. In 1997, an experiment was set up in the Sierra Nevada mountains (southeast Spain) to test the use of shrubs as nurse plants for an alternative reforestation technique. Two‐year‐old seedlings of Pinus sylvestris and Pinus nigra were planted in four microhabitats: (1) open interspaces without vegetation (which is the usual method employed in reforestation programs), (2) under individuals of the shrub Salvia lavandulifolia, (3) under the north side of spiny shrubs, and (4) under the south side of spiny shrubs. Seedlings were also distributed in plots with and without ungulates to test the effect of herbivore damage. We report here the results of survival and growth after four growing seasons, a time span long enough to draw robust conclusions concerning the suitability of this technique. Pine survival was remarkably higher when planted under individuals of S. lavandulifolia as compared with open areas (2.6 times for P. sylvestris and 1.8 for P. nigra). The survival of both pine species was also higher when planted on the north side of spiny shrubs, while mortality on the south side was similar to that found in open areas. The reduction of solar radiation by the canopy of shrubs was likely the main factor determining shrub facilitation. The growth of the pines differed among years. However, growth was not inhibited when planted with shrubs as compared with open areas in any of the years. Herbivore damage was low but was mostly concentrated in the leader shoot, exacerbating the deleterious effect of ungulate herbivores on pine growth. We conclude that the use of shrubs as nurse plants for reforestation is a viable technique to increase establishment success of reforestation in Mediterranean‐type ecosystems and that it might be similarly useful in other water‐stressed environments. In addition, this technique offers the advantage of following natural succession, thus minimizing the impact in the community.     

Role of nurse plants in Araucaria Forest expansion over grassland in south Brazil

Abstract Araucaria Forest expansion over grassland takes place under wet climate conditions and low disturbance and it is hypothesized that isolated trees established on grassland facilitate the establishment of forest woody species beneath their canopies. Forest with Araucaria angustifolia is a particular type of Brazilian Atlantic Forest and the main forest type on the highland plateau in south Brazil, often forming mosaics with natural Campos grassland. The objectives of this paper were to evaluate the role of isolated shrubs and trees as colonization sites for seedlings of Araucaria Forest woody species on grassland, to determine which species function as preferential nurse plants in the process and the importance of vertebrate diaspore dispersal on the structure of seedling communities beneath nurse plants. The study was conducted in São Francisco de Paula, Rio Grande do Sul State, where we sampled isolated shrubs and trees in natural grassland near Araucaria Forest edges. Seedlings were counted and identified, and seedling diaspore dispersal syndromes, size and colour were registered. We detected 11 woody species with a potential role in nucleating grassland colonization by forest species. Beneath the canopies of nurse plants more forest species seedlings were found compared with open field grassland and the seedlings had diaspores mostly dispersed by vertebrates. Also, more seedlings were found under the canopy of A. angustifolia than beneath other nurse plant species. We conclude that A. angustifolia trees established on grassland act as nurse plants, by attracting disperser birds that promote colonization of the site by other forest species seedlings, and that under low level of grassland disturbance, conservation of frugivorous vertebrate assemblages may increase forest expansion over natural grassland and also facilitate the regeneration of degraded forest areas.     

Establishment and survival of Pinus brutia Ten. seedlings over the first growing season in abandoned fields in central Cyprus

Abstract

The present study was carried out in abandoned fields in central Cyprus. The main objective was to examine the impact of the regeneration environment on the establishment and survival of Pinus brutia seedlings. Sixty-four permanent plots of 16 m² were randomly established in two distinct sites. Four regeneration environments were recorded: (a) bare soil under the crown of a P. brutia tree, (b) soil under the canopy of a P. brutia tree and low shrubs, (c) bare soil in open areas, and (d) soil under the canopy of low shrubs in open areas. All P. brutia seedlings were classified in categories according to their regeneration environment. In all plots, the density of the P. brutia seedlings was measured in three different seasons (spring, summer, autumn). Soil temperatures were recorded, samples of surface soil were taken and the percentage of soil organic matter was measured. The main conclusions drawn from this research were the following: (1) the mature P. brutia trees and low shrubs facilitate the establishment and especially the survival of P. brutia seedlings, as all seedlings in bare vegetation ground had died by the end of the growing season, and (2) the importance of facilitation increases as abiotic stress rises.     

Restoration of Dry Afromontane Forest Using Pioneer Shrubs as Nurse-Plants for Olea europaea ssp. cuspidata

Shrubs are often considered competitive barriers for seedlings planted in reforestation programs, although they can facilitate tree recruitment, especially in ecosystems under high abiotic stress. An alternative reforestation technique using pioneer shrubs as nurse‐plants for Olea europaea ssp. cuspidata was tested in exclosures in northern Ethiopia. Seedlings were planted in three different microhabitats, and their survival was monitored. The microhabitats were bare soil patches between shrubs, patches under the dominant shrub Acacia etbaica, and patches under Euclea racemosa, an evergreen shrub, which supports the majority of naturally established Olea recruits. The ability of shrubs to offer protection against browsing goats was tested experimentally. Controlled shading was used to determine whether solar irradiation causes seedling mortality in environments without water stress. Data were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, Kruskal–Wallis analysis of variance (ANOVA), and one‐way ANOVA. Olea survival was significantly higher and shoot damage by goats was lower when planted under shrub cover compared to bare soil patches, particularly under Euclea canopies, although high shade levels reduced seedling performance. Reduction of solar radiation by shrub canopies and thus control of soil–water evaporation and seedling transpiration most likely controlled the observed facilitation. Planting under shrubs may increase seedling survival and assist regeneration of dry Afromontane vegetation. Preserving pioneers also reduces soil erosion and conserves biodiversity. Excluding livestock is essential for Olea woodland restoration and allows persistent but morphologically modified Olea shrubs to develop vigorous regrowth. Facilitative processes are guiding principles for assisted forest restoration, but above‐average rains may be critical to restore higher biomass levels in semiarid areas.     

毛乌素沙地杨柴灌木林恢复演替过程中土壤活性有机碳组分变化特征

土壤活性有机碳是土壤有机碳(SOC)的活性部分,是衡量土壤质量和健康状况的重要指标,能够反映植被恢复演替过程中土壤环境的早期变化。但在SOC贫瘠的沙地,长期恢复演替如何影响土壤活性有机碳组分尚不清楚。本研究以毛乌素沙地杨柴人工灌木林为研究对象,分别选取未造林(CK)与造林年限9 a、18 a和30 a的杨柴人工灌木林,探究毛乌素沙地杨柴人工灌木林恢复演替过程中土壤可溶性有机碳(DOC)、微生物量碳(MBC)、易氧化有机碳(ROC)和SOC变化规律。结果表明：(1)毛乌素沙地杨柴灌木林随恢复演替年限增加土壤固碳能力增强,但在恢复演替18 a时出现转折点,恢复演替18—30 a时土壤固碳速率相对减缓;(2)表层0—10 cm土壤DOC、MBC和ROC对恢复演替响应较为敏感,恢复演替过程中表层土壤活性有机碳各组分含量逐渐升高;(3)恢复演替年限并未对土壤活性有机碳占SOC比例产生显著影响,同时也未显著改变碳库活度。综上所述,毛乌素沙地杨柴灌木林恢复演替有助于土壤活性有机碳和SOC积累,但长期恢复演替是否持续对土壤活性有机碳固持产生积极作用仍需进一步研究。     

库布齐沙地两种植被恢复类型根际土壤微生物和土壤化学性质比较研究

油蒿(Artemisia ordosica)与中间锦鸡儿(Caragana intermedia)是库布齐沙地分布广泛的优良固沙植被类型,在植被恢复过程中受到关注。以库布齐沙地自然恢复的油蒿群落与人工种植的中间锦鸡儿群落为研究对象,以流动沙地为对照,采用野外调查、室内生化实验与统计分析相结合的方法,分析两种植被恢复类型根际与非根际土壤微生物、土壤化学性质的差异,研究土壤微生物与土壤化学性质间的相关关系,并运用综合指数法评价两种植被恢复类型对土壤生态系统的恢复效果,为库布齐沙地植被恢复与重建提供科学依据。主要结论如下:(1)与流沙对照相比,两种植被恢复类型根际、非根际土壤微生物数量、微生物生物量碳、氮含量均有不同程度的提高,其中,自然恢复的油蒿群落根际土壤微生物总数、细菌数量、微生物量碳和氮含量均显著高于中间锦鸡儿根际,真菌和放线菌数量分布表现为中间锦鸡儿油蒿;(2)两种植被恢复类型根际、非根际土壤有机质、全氮、全磷、速效氮、速效钾含量均比流动沙地有不同程度地提高,其中,油蒿根际、非根际土壤有机质、全氮、速效氮含量显著高于中间锦鸡儿;(3)影响油蒿和中间锦鸡儿群落土壤微生物数量、生物量碳和氮的土壤因子是有机质、p H值、全氮、速效氮、速效钾、速效磷,其中,对两种植被恢复类型土壤微生物数量和生物量有正向促进作用的主要因子是土壤有机质、速效钾和全氮含量;(4)运用综合指数法计算出基于14个土壤指标的土壤质量综合指数(SQI),SQI值排序为:油蒿根际中间锦鸡儿根际油蒿非根际中间锦鸡儿非根际流沙对照。自然恢复的油蒿群落对土壤质量的改良效果显著优于人工种植的中间锦鸡儿群落,是库布齐沙地生态恢复的适合途径之一。