Temporal changes in the relationship between tree-ring growth and net primary production in northern Japan: a novel approach to the estimation of seasonal photosynthate allocation to the stem

Tree-ring (TR) observations provide important data on long-term forest dynamics and their underlying ecophysiological mechanisms. To elucidate the seasonal link between photosynthetic carbon acquisition and TR growth, we analyzed the correlation between observed TR data (carbon sink) and model-estimated net primary production (NPP; carbon source). Temporal trends of the TR–NPP correlation over the last century were also analyzed to identify influences of past climate changes. We used TR data from Picea glehnii at seven sites on Hokkaido Island, Japan, which were obtained from the International Tree-Ring Data Bank. At each site, NPP was estimated using the Vegetation Integrative Simulator for Trace gases model, which was driven by long-term (1900–2010) meteorological data. Site-mean tree-ring width index (TRWI) chronologies were analyzed to reveal any relationship with the current or previous year’s annual or monthly NPP. We found moderate to strong correlations between TRWIs and model-estimated monthly NPP from April to June, especially in June of the current year, but no clear spatial trend was observed. During the twentieth century, the TRWI–NPP correlation increased for February, March, April, and July NPP of the current year and for October NPP of the previous year. Ecophysiologically, the period from April to June corresponds to the season when tree cambial cells are formed in the study area. Our findings suggest that photosynthate produced during this cambial growth season is allocated to stem growth and that this source allocation season has become longer due to past environmental changes.     

Long-Term Climate Regime Modulates the Impact of Short-Term Climate Variability on Decomposition in Alpine Grassland Soils

Decomposition of plant litter is an important process in the terrestrial carbon cycle and makes up approximately 70% of the global carbon flux from soils to the atmosphere. Climate change is expected to have significant direct and indirect effects on the litter decomposition processes at various timescales. Using the TeaBag Index, we investigated the impact on decomposition of short-term direct effects of temperature and precipitation by comparing temporal variability over years, versus long-term climate impacts that incorporate indirect effects mediated through environmental changes by comparing sites along climatic gradients. We measured the initial decomposition rate (k) and the stabilization factor (S; amount of labile litter stabilizing) across a climate grid combining three levels of summer temperature (6.5–10.5°C) with four levels of annual precipitation (600–2700 mm) in three summers with varying temperature and precipitation. Several (a)biotic factors were measured to characterize environmental differences between sites. Increased temperatures enhanced k, whereas increased precipitation decreased k across years and climatic regimes. In contrast, S showed diverse responses to annual changes in temperature and precipitation between climate regimes. Stabilization of labile litter fractions increased with temperature only in boreal and sub-alpine sites, while it decreased with increasing precipitation only in sub-alpine and alpine sites. Environmental factors such as soil pH, soil C/N, litter C/N, and plant diversity that are associated with long-term climate variation modulate the response of k and S. This highlights the importance of long-term climate in shaping the environmental conditions that influences the response of decomposition processes to climate change.     

2000-2015年宁夏草地净初级生产力时空特征及其气候响应

草地是宁夏陆地生态系统的重要组成部分,估算其净初级生产力（NPP）对宁夏草地可持续利用与管理至关重要。采用MODIS数据和CASA模型对2000-2015年间宁夏草地生态系统NPP进行了估算,通过一元线性回归趋势分析、Hurst指数等方法研究草地NPP的时空变化规律及未来演变趋势,并分析草地NPP与气象因子的相关性。结果表明：（1）基于CASA模型的宁夏草地NPP模拟精度高,其估算值与实测多年草地NPP均值具有良好的线性关系（R=0.93,P < 0.01）,与MOD17产品的草地NPP空间分布基本一致。（2）近16 a宁夏草地年均NPP为148.28 g C m^-2 a^-1,且存在波动上升的趋势,其线性增长率为3.84 g C m^-2 a^-1（P < 0.01）。（3）宁夏草地NPP整体处于上升趋势,草地NPP增长的草地面积达98%,且其增率自南向北递减;宁夏草地NPP的Hurst指数在0.27-0.81之间,均值为0.53,大部分草地的NPP变化趋势具有较强同向持续性。（4）在年时间尺度上,宁夏草地NPP主要受降水量的影响,与气温的相关性较弱;在月时间尺度上,生长季草地NPP与月总降水量的相关性高,且不存在时间滞后响应现象,而与月均温的响应则存在1个月的时间滞后性,宁夏大面积分布的干草原与荒漠草原NPP对气温响应滞后是导致这一现象发生的主要原因。     

Modeled Effects of Climate Change and Plant Invasion on Watershed Function Across a Steep Tropical Rainfall Gradient

Climate change is anticipated to affect freshwater resources, but baseline data on the functioning of tropical watersheds is lacking, limiting efforts that seek to predict how watershed processes, water supply, and streamflow respond to anticipated changes in climate and vegetation change, and to management. To address this data gap, we applied the distributed hydrology soil vegetation model (DHSVM) across 88 watersheds spanning a highly constrained, 4500 mm mean annual rainfall (MAR) gradient on Hawai‘i Island to quantify stream flow at 3-h time-steps for eight years in response to the independent and interactive effects of (1) large observed decrease in MAR; (2) projected warming and altered precipitation; and (3) four scenarios of forest invasion by the high water-demanding non-native tree species Psidium cattleianum. The model captured 62% of variability in measured flow at daily time scales, 95% at monthly time scales, and 98% at annual time scales. We found that low DHSVM modeled flow (Q ₉₀) and storm flow (Q ₁₀) responses to observed declines in rainfall dwarfed those of projected temperature increase or invasion, with flow decline positively correlated with MAR. As a percentage of streamflow, temperature and invasion reductions were negatively correlated with MAR. By comparison, warming alone had little effect on Q ₉₀ or Q ₁₀, but both decreased with increasing P. cattleianum cover, and projected effects of declining MAR were accentuated when combined with P. cattleianum and warming. Restoration mitigated some effects of climate warming by increasing stream base flows, with the relative effects of restoration being larger in drier versus wetter watersheds. We conclude that potential changes in climate in tropical environments are likely to exert significant effects on streamflow, but managing vegetation can provide mitigating benefits.     

Different Response Patterns of Soil Respiration to a Nitrogen Addition Gradient in Four Types of Land-Use on an Alluvial Island in China

It has been well documented that nitrogen (N) additions significantly affect soil respiration (R _s) and its components [that is, autotrophic (R _a) and heterotrophic respiration (R _h)] in terrestrial ecosystems. These N-induced effects largely result from changes in plant growth, soil properties (for example, pH), and/ or microbial community. However, how R _s and its components respond to N addition gradients from low to high fertilizer application rates and what the differences are in diverse land-use types remain unclear. In our study, a field experiment was conducted to examine response patterns of R _s to a N addition gradient at four levels (0, 15, 30, and 45 g N m^?2 y^?1) in four types of land-use (paddy rice–wheat and maize–wheat croplands, an abandoned field grassland, and a Metasequoia plantation) from December 2012 to September 2014 in eastern China. Our results showed that N addition significantly stimulated R _s in all four land-use types and R _h in croplands (paddy rice–wheat and maize–wheat). R _s increased linearly with N addition rates in croplands and the plantation, whereas in grassland, it exhibited a parabolic response to N addition rates with the highest values at the moderate N level in spite of the homogeneous matrix for all four land-use types. This suggested higher response thresholds of R _s to the N addition gradient in croplands and the plantation. During the wheat-growing season in the two croplands, R _h also displayed linear increases with rising N addition rates. Interestingly, N addition significantly decreased the apparent temperature sensitivity of R _s and increased basal R _s. The different response patterns of R _s to the N addition gradient in diverse land-use types with a similar soil matrix indicate that vegetation type is very important in regulating terrestrial C cycle feedback to climate change under N deposition.     

中国陆地生态系统净初级生产力时空变化特征及影响因素

为揭示气候变化背景下我国各陆地生态系统净初级生产力(NPP)的时空分布特征与驱动机制,引入重心模型分析2000—2017年我国NPP的空间分布格局变化,并利用相关分析方法结合Thornthwaite Memorial模型定量区分气候变化与人类活动影响NPP的相对作用。结果表明：(1)2000—2017年全国NPP均值为325.86 g C/m²,整体呈现出南方高北方低,东南向西北逐渐递减的特点。(2)近18年全国与各陆地生态系统NPP均呈现增长趋势,全国NPP增长速率为4.4597 g C m^-2 a^-1,总净增加约0.391 Pg C。空间上全国与森林、草地、荒漠生态系统的NPP重心向东北方向移动,农田与城市生态系统的NPP重心向西北方向移动,表明NPP在该方向上的增速和增量最大。(3)全国NPP在华北、西北地区与四川盆地主要受降水的影响,在青藏高原与云贵高原的东部主要受气温的影响,各陆地生态系统之间城市生态系统NPP对降水响应的敏感度相对最高,荒漠生态系统NPP对温度响应的敏感度相对最高。(4)气候变化和人类活动对全...     

Modelling the vegetation of China using the process-based equilibrium terrestrial biosphere model BIOME3

1 We model the potential vegetation and annual net primary production (NPP) of China on a 10′ grid under the present climate using the processed‐based equilibrium terrestrial biosphere model BIOME3. The simulated distribution of the vegetation was in general in good agreement with the potential natural vegetation based on a numerical comparison between the two maps using the ΔV statistic (ΔV = 0.23). Predicted and measured NPP were also similar, especially in terms of biome‐averages. 2 A coupled ocean–atmosphere general circulation model including sulphate aerosols was used to drive a double greenhouse gas scenario for 2070–2099. Simulated vegetation maps from two different CO₂ scenarios (340 and 500 p.p.m.v.) were compared to the baseline biome map using ΔV. Climate change alone produced a large reduction in desert, alpine tundra and ice/polar desert, and a general pole‐ward shift of the boreal, temperate deciduous, warm–temperate evergreen and tropical forest belts, a decline in boreal deciduous forest and the appearance of tropical deciduous forest. The inclusion of CO₂ physiological effects led to a marked decrease in moist savannas and desert, a general decrease for grasslands and steppe, and disappearance of xeric woodland/scrub. Temperate deciduous broadleaved forest, however, shifted north to occupy nearly half the area of previously temperate mixed forest. 3 The impact of climate change and increasing CO₂ is not only on biogeography, but also on potential NPP. The NPP values for most of the biomes in the scenarios with CO₂ set at 340 p.p.m.v. and 500 p.p.m.v. are greater than those under the current climate, except for the temperate deciduous forest, temperate evergreen broadleaved forest, tropical rain forest, tropical seasonal forest, and xeric woodland/scrub biomes. Total vegetation and total carbon is simulated to increase significantly in the future climate scenario, both with and without the CO₂ direct physiological effect. 4 Our results show that the global process‐based equilibrium terrestrial biosphere model BIOME3 can be used successfully at a regional scale.     

Net primary and ecosystem production and carbon stocks of terrestrial ecosystems and their responses to climate change

Evaluating the role of terrestrial ecosystems in the global carbon cycle requires a detailed understanding of carbon exchange between vegetation, soil, and the atmosphere. Global climatic change may modify the net carbon balance of terrestrial ecosystems, causing feedbacks on atmospheric CO₂ and climate. We describe a model for investigating terrestrial carbon exchange and its response to climatic variation based on the processes of plant photosynthesis, carbon allocation, litter production, and soil organic carbon decomposition. The model is used to produce geographical patterns of net primary production (NPP), carbon stocks in vegetation and soils, and the seasonal variations in net ecosystem production (NEP) under both contemporary and future climates. For contemporary climate, the estimated global NPP is 57.0 Gt C y^–1, carbon stocks in vegetation and soils are 640 Gt C and 1358 Gt C, respectively, and NEP varies from –0.5 Gt C in October to 1.6 Gt C in July. For a doubled atmospheric CO₂ concentration and the corresponding climate, we predict that global NPP will rise to 69.6 Gt C y^–1, carbon stocks in vegetation and soils will increase by, respectively, 133 Gt C and 160 Gt C, and the seasonal amplitude of NEP will increase by 76%. A doubling of atmospheric CO₂ without climate change may enhance NPP by 25% and result in a substantial increase in carbon stocks in vegetation and soils. Climate change without CO₂ elevation will reduce the global NPP and soil carbon stocks, but leads to an increase in vegetation carbon because of a forest extension and NPP enhancement in the north. By combining the effects of CO₂ doubling, climate change, and the consequent redistribution of vegetation, we predict a strong enhancement in NPP and carbon stocks of terrestrial ecosystems. This study simulates the possible variation in the carbon exchange at equilibrium state. We anticipate to investigate the dynamic responses in the carbon exchange to atmospheric CO₂ elevation and climate change in the past and future.     

Contrasting responses of net primary productivity to inter-annual variability and changes of climate among three forest types in northern China

Aims A lack of explicit information on differential controls on net primary productivity (NPP) across regions and ecosystem types is largely responsible for uncertainties in global trajectories of terrestrial carbon balance with changing environment. The objectives of this study were to determine how NPP of different forest types would respond to inter-annual variability of climate and to examine the responses of NPP to future climate change scenarios across contrasting forest types in northern China.Methods We investigated inter-annual variations of NPP in relation to climate variability across three forest types in northern China, including a boreal forest dominated by Larix gmelinii Rupr., and two temperate forests dominated by Pinus tabulaeformis Carr. and Quercus wutaishanica Mayr., respectively, and studied the responses of NPP in these forests to predicted changes in climate for the periods 2011–40, 2041–70 and 2070–100 under carbon emission scenarios A2 and B2 of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. We simulated the responses of NPP to predicted changes in future climate as well as inter-annual variability of the present climate with the Biome-BGC version 4.2 based on site- and species-specific parameters. The modeled forest NPP data were validated against values in literature for similar types of forests and compared with inter-annual growth variations reflected by tree-ring width index (RWI) at the study sites.Important findings Inter-annual variations in modeled NPP during the period 1960–06 were mostly consistent with the temporal patterns in RWI. There were contrasting responses of modeled NPP among the three forest types to inter-annual variability of the present climate as well as to predicted changes in future climate. The modeled NPP was positively related to annual mean air temperature in the L. gmelinii forest (P < 0.001), but negatively in the P. tabulaeformis forest (P = 0.05) and the Q. wutaishanica forest (P = 0.03), while the relationships of modeled NPP with annual precipitation for the three forest types were all positive. Multiple stepwise regression analyses showed that temperature was a more important constraint of NPP than precipitation in the L. gmelinii forest, whereas precipitation appeared to be a prominent factor limiting the growth in P. tabulaeformis and Q. wutaishanica. Model simulations suggest marked, but differential increases in NPP across the three forest types with predicted changes in future climate.     

Topography influences the distribution of autumn frost damage on trees in a Mediterranean-type <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalyptus</Emphasis> forest

Key message

Extreme temperatures are causing forest dieback in a Mediterranean-type forest. Topography and cold-air pooling explain the geographic distribution of frost dieback in susceptible tree species.

Abstract

Alterations to the frequency and intensity of extreme temperatures, predicted with climate change, pose a threat to the health of many forests. Some Mediterranean climate regions are experiencing higher temperature variability, including more extreme low and high temperature events. Following one such low-temperature event in autumn 2012, we conducted landscape- and site-level studies to examine the impact of frost on trees and the interaction between topography, temperature, and dieback in a forest ecosystem in the Mediterranean climate region of southwest Australia. Canopy damage was widespread across the survey area and occurred in distinct patches, with sizes ranging between 4.1 and 2,518.0 ha. In affected forest, Eucalyptus marginata and Corymbia calophylla experienced nearly complete crown dieback, while E. patens and E. wandoo were undamaged. Canopy damage was found more frequently in valleys and lower to mid-slope positions, and site-level studies confirmed that crown dieback generally increased with decreasing elevation. Low temperatures were strongly correlated with elevation along damaged forest transects and cold-air pooling explained the pattern of forest damage. By regressing temperatures from damaged sites against those collected from the nearest meteorological station, projected minimum air temperatures ranged from ?0.1 to ?2.7 °C at valley bottom when the dieback occurred. Insufficient tissue hardening is suspected to have predisposed trees to this autumn frost. The interaction between shifting temperature regimes with climate change and frost damage is discussed. With continued increases in temperature variability, we can expect to see more temperature-driven disturbance events and associated reductions in forest health.

     

Suspended-sediment responses after strip thinning in headwater catchments

We examined changes in suspended-sediment yields (SSY) after a 50 % strip thinning in headwater streams draining a Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) and cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) plantation forest. We applied a paired-catchment analysis to treated (K _T : 17.1 ha) and control (K _C : 8.9 ha) catchments. Annual suspended-sediment yield (SSY_an) in the prethinning period in the K _T and K _C catchments was 110.0 and 142.1 kg/ha per year. For the postthinning period, SSY_an in the K _T catchment became 5055.6 kg/ha per year, whereas that in the K _C catchment increased 893.2 kg/ha per year. The paired-catchment analysis revealed that SSY in the K _T catchment increased 17.0-fold compared with the prethinning period. However, the dominant hysteresis pattern remained clockwise in both pre- and postthinning periods. Sequences of large storm events in the postthinning period elevated SSY in both catchments. Increase in suspended sediment in the K _T catchment was associated with the combined impacts of thinning and sequences of storm events during the period of thinning operation.     

Photosynthetic activity of the phytoplankton in the reservoirs of the Volga River

The parameters of the photosynthetic activity per unit of the phytoplankton biomass have been studied for the reservoirs of the Volga River. The wide range of variability is accompanied by most of the values of A/B ratio laying within 0.5–3 mg O₂/(mg · day); the P/B ratio in the photic layer varies as 0.5–3 day^–1 and in the whole water column varies as 1 day^-1. The maximal values have been observed for the reservoirs located in the Upper Volga River. The turnover period of the phytoplankton biomass in the photic zone of the studied reservoirs was 0.2–1.6 day, or in2.1–3.8 times higher than for the whole water column from the surface down to the bottom. The seasonal variability of the A/B and P/B ratios in each reservoir had more pronounced individual variability than the variability observed for the whole cascade during the summer season. The A/B and P/B ratios decrease significantly in the oligotrophic waters to the eutrophic; these ratios have an indicator value.     

Assessing the Spatiotemporal Variation in Distribution,Extent and NPP of Terrestrial Ecosystems in Response to Climate Change from 1911 to 2000

To assess the variation in distribution, extent, and NPP of global natural vegetation in response to climate change in the period 1911–2000 and to provide a feasible method for climate change research in regions where historical data is difficult to obtain. In this research, variations in spatiotemporal distributions of global potential natural vegetation (PNV) from 1911 to 2000 were analyzed with the comprehensive sequential classification system (CSCS) and net primary production (NPP) of different ecosystems was evaluated with the synthetic model to determine the effect of climate change on the terrestrial ecosystems. The results showed that consistently rising global temperature and altered precipitation patterns had exerted strong influence on spatiotemporal distribution and productivities of terrestrial ecosystems, especially in the mid/high latitudes. Ecosystems in temperate zones expanded and desert area decreased as a consequence of climate variations. The vegetation that decreased the most was cold desert (18.79%), while the maximum increase (10.31%) was recorded in savanna. Additionally, the area of tundra and alpine steppe reduced significantly (5.43%) and were forced northward due to significant ascending temperature in the northern hemisphere. The global terrestrial ecosystems productivities increased by 2.09%, most of which was attributed to savanna (6.04%), tropical forest (0.99%), and temperate forest (5.49%). Most NPP losses were found in cold desert (27.33%). NPP increases displayed a latitudinal distribution. The NPP of tropical zones amounted to more than a half of total NPP, with an estimated increase of 1.32%. The increase in northern temperate zone was the second highest with 3.55%. Global NPP showed a significant positive correlation with mean annual precipitation in comparison with mean annual temperature and biological temperature. In general, effects of climate change on terrestrial ecosystems were deep and profound in 1911–2000, especially in the latter half of the period.     

Intraspecific functional trait variability across different spatial scales: a case study of two dominant trees in Korean pine broadleaved forest

Intraspecific functional trait variability plays an important role in the response of plants to environmental changes. However, it is still unclear how the variability differs across three nested spatial scales (individual, plot, and site) and which determinants (climatic, soil, and ontogenetic variables) shape the trait variability. Along a latitudinal gradient in Korean pine broadleaved forest of northeast China, we quantified the extent of intraspecific variability of four functional traits in two dominant trees Pinus koraiensis and Fraxinus mandshurica at eight sites, including specific leaf area, leaf dry matter content (morphological traits) and leaf nitrogen content, leaf phosphorus content (physiological traits). Results showed a large trait variation within and between species (coefficient variation: 6.07–23.3%). The leaf physiological traits of F. mandshurica and morphological traits of P. koraiensis were more responsive at site scale, while the morphological traits of F. mandshurica and physiological traits of P. koraiensis were more responsive at individual scale. In addition, abiotic and biotic factors explaining functional trait variation differ markedly between the two tree species, with physiological trait of F. mandshurica being more associated with climate and soil, while traits variability in P. koraiensis was not affected by climate, soil, and ontogeny, except for leaf phosphorus content. Overall, we can predict that the physiological traits of broadleaved species tend to be more sensitive to environmental changes, while pines are more sensitive to competition. It is critical to determine which spatial scale and trait type should be taken into account in predictive models of vegetation dynamics.     

Zonal distribution of coarse woody debris and its contribution to net primary production in a secondary mangrove forest

Coarse woody debris (CWD) plays an important role in long-term carbon storage in forest ecosystems. However, few studies have examined CWD in mangrove forests. A secondary mangrove forest on an estuary of the Trat River showed different structures along vegetation zones ranging from the river’s edge to inland parts of the forest (the Sonneratia–Avicennia, Avicennia, Rhizophora, and Xylocarpus zones, respectively). The mass distribution of CWD stock in downed wood and standing dead trees along these vegetation zones was evaluated. Most of the CWD stock in the Sonneratia–Avicennia and Avicennia zones was found in downed wood, while it mainly accumulated in standing dead trees in the Rhizophora and Xylocarpus zones. The total mass of CWD stock that accumulated in each zone ranged from 1.56–8.39 t ha^?1, depending on the forest structure and inundation regimes. The annual woody debris flux in each zone was calculated by summing the necromass (excluding foliage) of dead trees and coarse litter from 2010 to 2013. The average woody debris flux was 5.4 t ha^?1 year^?1, and its zonal variation principally depended on the necromass production that resulted from forest succession, high tree-density, and lightning. Over all the zones, the above- and below-ground net primary production (ANPP and BNPP, respectively) was estimated at 18.0 and 3.6 t ha^?1 year^?1, respectively. The magnitude of BNPP and its contribution to the NPP was markedly increased when fine root production was taken into consideration. The contribution of the woody debris flux without root necromass to the ANPP ranged from 12 to 28%.     

我国不同季节陆地植被NPP对气候变化的响应

阐明不同季节陆地植被净第一性生产力（NPP）对全球变化的响应将有助于理解陆地生态系统和气候系统之间的相互作用以及NPP变化机制。本文使用1982－1999年间的AVHRR／NDVI、气温、降水以及太阳辐射等资料,结合植被分布图和土壤质地图,利用生态过程模型,研究不同季节我国陆地植被NPP的年际变化及其地理分异。结果表明,在1982－1999年的18年间,4个季节的NPP都呈显著增加趋势。其中,春季是NPP增加速率最快的季节,夏季是NPP增加量最大的季节,不同植被类型对全球变化的响应有很大差异。常绿阔叶林,常绿针叶林和落叶针叶林NPP的增加主要由生长季节的提前所致。而落叶阔叶林、针阔混交林、矮林灌丛,温带草原及草甸,稀树草原、高寒植被,荒漠以及人工植被NPP的增加主要来自生长季生长加速的贡献。从区域分布看,在四季中春季NPP增加量最大的地区主要集中在东部季风区域;夏季NPP增量最大的地区包括西北干旱区域和青藏高原的大部分地区,小兴安岭－长白山区,三江平原,松辽平原,四川盆地,雷州半岛,长江中下游部分地区以及江南山地东部;而秋季植被NPP增加量最大的地区主要有云南高原－西藏东部和呼伦湖的周围等地区。不同植被和地理区域NPP的这些响应方式与区域气候特征及其变化趋势有关。     

The effects of vegetation types and microhabitats on carabid beetle community composition in cool temperate Japan

The effects of vegetation types and environmental factors on carabid beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) communities were studied. Carabid beetles were collected using pitfall traps (total 2844 trapping days) and seven microenvironmental factors were measured in four vegetation types: grassland, natural evergreen coniferous forest (Pinus densiflora), deciduous broad-leaved natural forest (Quercus crispula, Betula platyphylla, Alnus japonica, or Fagus crenata), and deciduous coniferous plantation (Larix kaempferi) in cool temperate Japan. These four vegetation types provided a novel comparison between natural forests and plantations because the vast majority of related studies have investigated only deciduous broad-leaved natural forests and evergreen coniferous plantations. PERMANOVA indicated that vegetation types affected carabid community composition. Ordination plots showed that community composition differed greatly between grassland and forest vegetation types, but that community composition in the plantation forest overlapped with that of natural forest types. Characteristics differentiating the grassland included a high proportion of winged species and a low mean carabid body weight. Among the examined environmental factors, litter depth, soil water content, and depth of the soil A-horizon had large effects on carabid communities. These results suggest that the effect of afforestation on carabid communities in cool temperate Japan might be insignificant compared with the effects of cover types (deciduous vs. evergreen) and microenvironmental factors.     

On the relationships among diversity,productivity and climate from an Indian tropical ecosystem: a preliminary investigation

The relationships among diversity, productivity and climate are complex, especially in tropical ecosystems; and are less studied. We studied here the bi- and tri-partite relationships between and among the plant diversity, productivity and climate variables (i.e., temperature, precipitation and moisture) in a tropical ecosystem in India by analyzing three forest types for the year 2010. Comparison of productivity (Carnegie–Ames–Stanford Approach model derived-net primary productivity, NPP) and climate condition with respect to 2001 showed significant increase in NPP and temperature and overall decrease in precipitation and moisture condition in last decade. The NPP for sal forest ranged from 579.4 to 1,142 for the year 2001 and 557.2 to 1231.6 g Cm⁻² year⁻¹ for the year 2010. The mean monthly temperature varied from 18 to 21.8°C and 26 to 27°C; and the annual precipitation varied from 15 to 45 and 32 to 76 cm/year for the year 2001 and 2010 respectively. Strong correlation was observed between monthly mean temperature and productivity during 2001, while a decrease was observed during the year 2010. The ecosystem has shown a trend of rapid drying in last decade, triggering more detail studies for understanding of the eco-climatology. In general, sal forest, a natural forest sowed higher diversity and productivity followed by mixed deciduous (MD) forest and teak plantation. Though, areas with higher NPP are well correlated with higher temperature, precipitation and moisture; they seem to be related to species density rather than diversity. However, there is a need to have year-on-year assessments in order to ascertain if this difference represents a real phenomenon rather than an artefact of sampling. The pilot study helps in understanding the complex relationships and is very useful in the fast changing climate.     

Differential influence of elevated CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> on gas exchange and water use efficiency of four indigenous shrub species distributed in different sandy environments in central Inner Mongolia

In view of the increase in global warming and carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations, it is essential to investigate the influences of climate change on plant growth and water use in arid and semi-arid grassland species. Experiments were conducted to understand the ecophysiological response of four indigenous species to elevated CO₂ in the semi-arid sandy grassland of central Inner Mongolia. Seedlings of the four species were grown for 8 weeks at four different consistently elevated CO₂ concentrations in the environment-controlled growth chambers. All four elevated CO₂ concentrations (400, 800, 1200, 1600 ppm) were found to result in decreased stomatal conductance (26–86%), decreased transpiration rate (21–80%), increased shoot water potential (1–42%) and increased water use efficiency (WUE) (10–412%) for two Artemisia species and Caragana korshinskii. Under our experimental conditions, the two Artemisia species and C. korshinskii would benefit more than Hedysarum laeve from exposure to elevated CO₂ in terms of higher shoot water potential and WUE combined with lower stomatal conductance and transpiration rate. The results indicate that in a warmer, CO₂-enriched future atmospheric environment, WUE in semi-arid grasslands may be higher than previously expected. Our findings will provide information for screening appropriate species for restoration of the degraded sandy grasslands in semi-arid areas under future climate change scenarios.