Decomposition of litter from three major plant species of jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata Donn ex Sm.) forest in relation to site fire history and soil type

Rates of weight loss and release of N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg, Na, and Cl from litter of several species in jarrah (E. marginata Donn ex Sm.) forest were measured in relation to site fire history and soil type. Weight loss from leaf litter decreased in the order jarrah > marri (E. calophylla R. Br. ex Lindl.) > Banksia grandis Willd. After 18 months on the forest floor senesced leaves of jarrah, marri and Banksia had lost 45%, 42% and 19%, respectively, of their original weight. Although greatest rates of decomposition occurred on a site burnt 3 y previously by an intense autumn fire and slowest rates on a site which had not been burnt for 8 y, the differences between burn sites were small in comparison with the total weight loss from decomposing litter. The order of release of nutrients from decomposing eucalypt litter was P<N<Ca<S<Mg<Cl<K<Na. There appears to be only slow release of N and P from the litter layer of these forests in the period between successive control burns. Fresh jarrah leaves, which are similar in chemical composition to leaf litter falling after crowns have been scorched by intense fire, decompose rapidly in comparison with senescent leaf tissue. Release of nutrients, particularly N and P, is also more rapid from fresh leaves than from leaf litter. Rates of decomposition of green leaves differed between soil types in the order reddish gravels > dark sandy duplex soil > yellow gravels. These differences may be related to the higher nutrient status of the reddish gravel soils.     

Nutrient losses in runoff from grasslandand shrubland habitats in southern New Mexico: II. Field plots

Losses of dissolved nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na,Cl, and SO₄) in runoff were measured on grasslandand shrubland plots in the Chihuahuan desert ofsouthern New Mexico. Runoff began at a lowerthreshold of rainfall in shrublands than ingrasslands, and the runoff coefficient averaged 18.6%in shrubland plots over a 7-year period. In contrast,grassland plots lost 5.0 to 6.3% of incidentprecipitation in runoff during a 5.5-year period. Nutrient losses from shrubland plots were greater thanfrom grassland plots, with nitrogen losses averaging0.33 kg ha^–1 yr^–1 vs0.15 kg ha^–1 yr^–1, respectively, during a 3-year period. Thegreater nutrient losses in shrublands were due tohigher runoff, rather than higher nutrientconcentrations in runoff. In spite of these nutrientlosses in runoff, all plots showed net accumulationsof most elements due to inputs from atmosphericdeposition. Therefore, loss of soil nutrients byhillslope runoff cannot, by itself, account for thedepletion of soil fertility associated withdesertification in the Chihuahuan desert.     

Factors affecting tissue nutrient concentrations in aCarex meadow

Summary The influence of community and edaphic variables on tissue nutrient concentration was assessed for seven species on aCarex wetland in southern Quebec, Canada.Potassium and sodium tissue levels were considerably higher and Ca and Mg 35% lower than in a deciduous forest. Macronutrient concentrations decreased in the order K>N>Ca>Mg>Na>P. Micronutrient concentrations (Fe>Mn>Zn>Cu) ranged from 0.038–0.005 mg/g. This was 2–3 times less abundant than in an adjacentScirpus wetland. Inter-species coefficient of variation in N, P and K was low (14%) compared to variation in Ca, Mg, and the micronutrients (35%).Principal components analysis of interrelations between tissue elements indicated a clear distinction between N, P, K, Cu, Mn, and Zn levels and ash, Ca, Mg, Na, and Fe levels on the first component. This difference related closely to water depth and fire incidence. The coincidence of burning with water depth and the period of maximum snowmelt and runoff in the Spring suggested the loss of N, P, K, Cu, Mn and Zn by volotilization, runoff, or leaching.Stem density was the most important parameter influencing tissue N, P, and K concentrations whereas soil nitrogen levels were important in ash, Ca, and Mg concentrations. Water depth was the most important variable in the case of Cu, Fe, Mn, Na and Zn levels. Typha angustifolia had the highest level of total nutrients in green tissue,Carex lanuginosa the lowest. Principal components analysis indicated soil nitrogen, water depth, and soil potassium levels, in that order, were the three most important variables influencing the patterns of tissue element variation among species.Potassium and sodium levels in 1-year old litter were 11% and 0.4% compared to concentrations in green tissue. Iron and manganese, both subject to oxidation and adsorption to litter at the soil surface, were distinctly higher (2247% and 199%) in litter than green tissue. Concentrations of these and other elements in litter were consistent with results reported in literature and indicated litter was especially active as a site of cation exchange in the system.     

Serum mineral levels at pregnancy and postpartum in single and twin pregnant sheep

This study was performed to investigate calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and chlorine (Cl) levels in blood serum at d 60, 100, and 150 of gestation and at d 45 after parturition and to find out the significance of differences for macromineral levels during these stages of single or twin gestation in Akkaraman sheep. Blood samples of 30 apparently healthy pregnant Akkaraman sheep (15 single pregnancies, 15 twin pregnancies) were used. The samples were analyzed using a biochemical analyzer for Ca, P, Na, K, and Mg concentrations and using the Schales method for Cl levels. A statistically significant decrease (p<0.001 and p<0.05) was found on d 100 of pregnancy for Ca levels and for serum inorganic P levels in both groups. Twin pregnant sheep were found to have lower (p<0.05) serum Ca and inorganic P levels than sheep pregnant with one fetus on d 100 and 150. Significant decreases (p>0.05, p <0.01) for serum Mg levels in both groups were recorded on d 100 and 150 of pregnancy. There were significant increases (p<0.01) in serum Cl levels on d 100 in single and twin pregnant sheep.     

Winter Anomalies of Seston,Phytoplankton and Cations in a Colorado (U.S.A.) Alpine Flowage Lake

Year-round changes of phytoplankton, organic and inorganic seston, and dissolved and suspended concentrations of Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu were studied and correlated in Long Lake, an ultra-oligotrophic alpine flowage lake of northcentral Colorado, U.S.A. Dissolved cation levels for Ca, Mg, Na, K, Mn, and Fe, both sestonic fractions and phytoplankton densities reached and sustained a maximum during April and May under heavy cover of ice and snow, and a minimum during open-season from mid-June to mid-October. Rates of monthly water renewal varied greatly with a low of 0.28 turnovers in April and a high of 15.37 turnovers in June. Massive flushing in June and July reduced dissolved Fe levels to <0.060 mg/l from a typical maxima >8.0 mg/l in April and May. Tests for linear correlation between the various cations, sestonic fractions and phytoplankton showed in most cases positive and significant (p <.05) relationships. For most dissolved Fe and Mn pairings with phytoplankton and seston exceptionally significant (p < 0.001) relationships were observed.     

Angiotensin-converting enzyme and metals in untreated essential hypertension

Hpertension is an important health problem throughout the world and a risk factor for many diseases. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), a component of the renin-angiotensin system, has an important role in the regulation of blood pressure. Zinc (Zn), a trace element with important biological functions, is located in the catalytic site of ACE. Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), and potassium (K) also appear to be involved in hypertension pathogenesis. In this study, plasma ACE activities and Ca_t, Ca_i, Mg, Na, K, and plasma/erythrocyte Zn levels of 20 untreated patients with essential hypertension and 28 helthy individuals were evaluated. Plasma ACE activities (p<0.05) and erythrocyte Zn concentrations (p<0.001) were significantly higher in patients with essential hypertension than values of the control group. No significant difference was found between plasma Zn concentrations of the groups (p>0.05). Plasma Ca_t (p<0.001) and Mg levels (p<0.05) in essential hypertension were significantly lower than those of controls. Plasma Na, K, and Ca_i levels remained normal in essential hypertension. There are complex associations between metals and arterial pressure. Ca and Mg deficiencies seem to be associated with increased prevalence of hypertension. Increases in erythrocyte Zn may have a future potential use for diagnosis of hypertension.     

Decomposition of litter from common woody species of kauri (Agathis australis Salisb.) forest in northern New Zealand

Rates of weight loss and release of Na, K, Ca, Mg and P were investigated for common components of kauri forest litterfall in experiments using mesh bags. Weight loss over both 3 and 12 months was maximal for broadleaf mesophyllous species such as Melicytus ramiflorus and minimal for gymnosperms (e.g. Phyllocladus trichomanoides) and sclerophyllous broadleaf species (e.g. Knightia excelsa). Tree fern and palm frond material, common in these forests, was also slow to decompose, being grouped with the gymnosperm and sclerophyllous species. The order of release of nutrients from decomposing litter was P < Mg ～ Ca < Na ～ K. This order varied somewhat with species and litter type. Sodium and K are lost rapidly regardless of the rate of weight loss while Mg and Ca tend to follow the weight loss trend more closely. Loss of weight and nutrients was faster for freshly picked green leaves than for senesced leaves. Agathis australis litter, which may represent up to 50% of total litterfall, loses both weight and nutrients more slowly than broadleaf mesophyll species.     

Water and element input into native, agri- and silvicultural ecosystems of the Brazilian savanna

The interaction of rain water with the vegetation canopy results in changes of the water quantity and quality. We examined these canopy effects in different ecosystems of the Brazilian savanna, the Cerrado. The ecosystems were 20 yr-old Pinus caribaea Morelet plantations (PI), productive (PP) and degraded Brachiaria decumbens Stapf pastures (DP), continuous corn-soybean rotation (CC), and native typical cerrado (CE). We collected rainfall, throughfall, and, in PI and CE, stemflow from three plots of each ecosystem. Dry deposition and canopy leaching were estimated with a Na-tracer method. Between May 1997 and April 1999, the mean annual rainfall was 1656 mm of which 145 mm fell during the dry season (May–September). The throughfall percentage of the rainfall increased in the order, PI (75–85%) < CC (76–89%) < CE (89–100%) < PP (90–100%) < DP (99–100%); stemflow was < 1% of the rainfall. The volume-weighted mean (VWM) pH in rainfall was higher in the dry (6.5) than in the rainy season (5.4). The VWM pH in throughfall decreased in the order, CC (rainy season: 5.9/dry season: 6.2) > PP (5.5/6.0) > CE (5.2/6.0) > DP (5.2/5.6) > PI (4.8/5.7). The rainfall deposition of the dry season contributed one third of the annual element input with rainfall because of higher element concentrations than in the rainy season. The mean Na deposition ratios, i.e. the ratio of throughfall (+ stemflow) to rainfall deposition as a measure for dry deposition, increased in the order, CE (1.5) = CC (1.5) < PP (1.7) < PI (1.9) < (DP 2.1). Total deposition (rainfall + dry deposition) accounted for 104–164% of the K and Ca fertilizer application in PP and for 6.1–12% of the K, Ca, and Mg fertilizer application in CC. The P concentrations were below the detection limit of 0.2 mg L^–1 in all samples. Net canopy uptake, i.e. a smaller throughfall(+ stemflow) than rainfall + dry deposition, of Ca, K, Mg, S, Cu, and Zn in at least one of CE, PI, DP, and PP indicate that plant growth may be limited in part by these nutrients. During the vegetation period, between 28 and 50% of the applied K and Ca were leached from the canopy in PP and between 8.7 and 17% of the applied K, Ca, Mg, and S in CC. Our results demonstrate that PI causes larger water losses and enhanced acid inputs to the soil compared with all other ecosystems. However, the PI and pasture canopies scavenge more nutrients from the atmosphere than CE and CC.     

Storage and Flux of Nutrients in a Dry Tropical Forest in India

Storage and flux of N, P, Ca, K and Na were studied in a drytropical forest The nutrient concentrations in different growthforms were in the order herb > shrub > tree, whereas thestanding state of nutrients followed the order tree > shrub> herb The total storage (kg ha^–1) in vegetation amountedto 567 N, 37 P, 278 Ca, 256 K and 46 Na The share of above-groundparts in vegetation storage was 82 % for N, 83 % for P, 76 %for Ca, 85 % for K and 79 % for Na From 56 to 71 % of foliarN, P and K was withdrawn during senescence Nutrient input (kgha^–1 year^–1) from the vegetation (above-ground +below-ground) to forest floor amounted to 115 N, 8 P, 62 Ca,38 K and 10 Na compared to total net annual uptake (kg ha^–1)of 143 N, 10 P, 78 Ca, 52 K and 12 Na, indicating marginal accumulationin the system Fine roots were as important a pathway of nutrientreturn as leaf litter Turnover rate and turnover time for differentnutrients on the forest floor ranged, respectively, between72 and 83 % and 12 and 1 39 years Dry tropical forest, nutnent concentration, standing state, uptake, internal cycling, turnover     

Litter decomposition,soil respiration and soil chemical and biochemical properties at three contrasting sites in karri (Eucalyptus diversicolor F. Muell.) forests of south-western Australia

Litter decomposition, soil respiration and soil chemical and biochemical properties were examined at three contrasting sites in karri (Eucalyptus diversicolor F. Muell.) forest of south-western Australia. The study sites were: a recently clearfelled area (site CF2) which had been subjected to a slash regeneration burn following clearing; a pole-stand regrowth forest about 40 years old which had been regularly burnt by cool, prescribed fires (site RB40); and a pole-stand regrowth forest about 40 years old which had remained unburnt for many years (site UB40). Leaf litter of uniform composition lost 40–54% of its original dry weight after decomposing for 82 weeks on the forest floor. A composite exponential model, with separate decay functions for labile and more resistant litter components, described rate of weight loss better than a simple exponential decay model. Labile components of litter were released at similar rates at the three sites. Decomposition of resistant litter components was slower (half-life = 271 weeks) at the recently clearfelled site than at the two pole-stand sites (half-lives = 119 and 149 weeks). The order in which nutrients were released from decomposing litter, Na > Cl > K > Mg > S > Ca > N > P, was similar at each site. The rate of release of the more mobile elements Na, Cl, K, Mg and S, was also similar at each site. Changes in the amounts of Ca, N and P in decomposing litter differed between the three sites and the differences were related to the amounts of these nutrients in surface soil at each site. Annual soil respiration decreased in the order site CF2 = site UB40 > site RB40. Seasonal variation in respired CO ₂ was partly explained by variation in soil moisture and temperature. Soil carbohydrase activity at the recently clearfelled site was significantly lower than at the two well vegetated pole-stand sites. The differences between sites in enzyme activities were related to differences in the amounts of organic C in surface soils of the three sites. The amount of organic C in surface soil (0–15 cm) was 25–36% lower at the recently clearfelled site than at the two well vegetated pole-Stand sites. Site disturbance during clearing, and combustion of soil organic matter by the subsequent slash regeneration burn, probably account for part of this difference. However, reduced inputs of organic matter in litterfall, slower rates of surface litter breakdown and increased rates of microbial mineralization of soil organic matter on recently clearfelled areas may also contribute substantially to depletion of soil organic C.     

Mineral Elements in Root of Wild Saposhnikovia divaricata and Its Rhizosphere Soil

Mineral elements are important components of medicinal herbs, and their concentrations are affected by many factors. In this study, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn concentrations in wild Saposhnikovia divaricata and its rhizosphere soil collected from seven locations at two different times in China were measured, and influences of rhizosphere soil on those minerals in plant were evaluated. The results showed that mean concentrations of eight minerals in plant samples decreased in the order: Ca > Mg > Na > K > Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu, and those in the soil samples followed the following order: Na > Fe > Ca > K > Mg > Mn > Zn > Cu. Mean concentrations of Ca, Na, Mg, and K in plants were higher than those in soils, while higher mean concentrations of the other four minerals were found in soils. It was found that there was a positive correlation of Mg, Na, and Cu concentrations in the plant with those in the soil respectively, but a negative correlation of Mn concentration in plant with that in the soil. Except Ca, K, and Mn, the other five minerals in plant were all directly affected by one or more chemical compositions of soil. The results also indicate that pH value and concentrations of total nitrogen, Mg, Mn, and Cu in soil had significant correlations with multimineral elements in plant. In a word, mineral elements uptake of S. divaricata can be changed by adjusting the soil fertility levels to meet the need of appropriate quality control of S. divaricata.     

基于遥感RMMF模型的喀斯特地区水土保持功能评价

为支撑我国重点生态功能区生态效益补偿工作,以半物理水土模型RMMF (The Revised Morgan, Morgan and Finney Model)为基础,通过对模型部分输入物理量进行遥感化改进建立了遥感RMMF模型(RS-RMMF)。为在评价中进一步排除气象要素波动带来的水土流失量变化,通过RS-RMMF模型构建了单位降水截留率、单位径流冲蚀量以及单位径流运输量3项评价指标来综合评价区域生态系统本身的水土保持能力。研究选取了《全国主体功能区规划》中的桂黔滇喀斯特功能区为典型区,分别基于上述评价指标和经典RUSLE (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation)模型开展了2011年至2019年水土保持功能计算与对比。结果表明：相比2011年,2019年喀斯特功能区的降水截留率PI₀升高1.94%,径流冲蚀量H₀下降5.96×10^-4 Mg/hm~2,径流运输量TC₀下降6.0×10^-7Mg/hm~2,水土保持功能综合得分增加0.83,水土...     

Selected trace elements and esterase activity of carbonic anhydrase levels in lambs with pneumonia

The levels of, zinc, copper, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Mg, K, Na, and Cl and the activity of carbonic anhydrase were determined in lambs with pneumonia. A significant decrease of p<0.01 level in Zn concentration, in Cu level (p<0.001) and significant increases in K and Na levels (p<0.05) and of the Cu/Zn ratio (p<0.001) were observed in the study group. The carbonic anhydrase activity was decreased in the study group, but the decrease was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Also, nonsignificant decreases of Fe, Mg, and Cl and increase of the Mn concentration were also observed in the lambs with pneumonia (p>0.05). Our results suggest that the significant element changes reported here and the Cu/Zn ratio, but not the activity of carbonic anhydrase, can be used as indicators of pneumococcal infection.     

Effects of exotic guava (Psidium guajava L.) invasion on soil properties in Limpopo,South Africa

Many studies in South Africa have examined the impacts of alien plants on ecosystems, but none have assessed the impact of guava (Psidium guajava L.) invasion on soil properties. In this study, soils underneath guava-invaded sites were assessed to determine if they had different soil physico-chemical properties (pH, P, C, N, Na, K, Ca, Mg, moisture, penetration resistance, infiltration and water repellency) as compared to soils underneath uninvaded sites. Comparisons were made from three different sites over three autumn months. Results show that soil pH was significantly (p < 0.005) higher underneath uninvaded than guava-invaded sites. Soil P was three times higher underneath guava-invaded as compared to invaded sites. The soils collected underneath guava-invaded sites had a significantly (p < 0.001) higher moisture content and were less compact but more repellent than soils from the uninvaded sites. Infiltration rate was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in the uninvaded than the guava-invaded sites. The study concludes that guava invasion alters some soil properties, thus creating favourable conditions for its growth and making it potentially more invasive. From a management standpoint, guava removal is encouraged; however, given guava's socio-economic importance more research on cost and benefits is required.     

Plant species response to variation in soil nutrient saturation gradients in Zaraninge Forest,Tanzania

Zaraninge is a former forest reserve which is now included as part of the Saadani National Park in Bagamoyo District Coast Region. The influence of soil mineral nutrients (N, P, K, Mg and Na) on the pattern of plant species distributions was determined, and transect method was used for data collection. Plant species composition and abundance followed variation in soil nutrient gradients within Zaraninge Forest. Canonical correspondence analysis of soil and plant data showed that calcium, magnesium and phosphorus were the mineral nutrients that significantly influenced the distribution plant species (P < 0.05) while other nutrients had no significant effects. Data from this study provide evidence of the existing variation in soil nutrient saturation gradients to which plant species distribution responds within the forest. A successful conservation of Zaraninge Forest biodiversity requires protecting the soil which is the necessary habitat for the plant species.     

Removal of alkali metals and their sequestration in plants in constructed wetlands treating municipal sewage

This study is aimed at retention of K, Na, Mg, and Ca in two constructed wetlands (CWs) in the Czech Republic, and on the evaluation of particular standing stocks in both above- and belowground plant biomass. The study revealed that CWs with horizontal subsurface flow are not effective in retention of studied elements. Removal of K, Na, Mg, and Ca averaged only 10.6, 7.4, 6.1, and 1.4%, respectively. In general, concentrations of studied elements in various parts of Phragmites australis and Phalaris arundinacea were found within the range of concentrations reported from both natural and CWs. Aboveground standing stocks for K, Na and Mg were comparable with those reported from natural stands for both Phalaris and Phragmites, but Ca aboveground standing stocks found in our study were lower compared to those found in several natural Phragmites wetlands. Aboveground to belowground standing stock ratio was generally >1.0. However, this amount formed usually <1% of the annual inflow load of particular elements. The results of this study provide comprehensive information on retention and sequestration of K, Na, Mg, and Ca in vegetation during municipal wastewater treatment in CWs with subsurface horizontal flow.     

Organic fertilizer applications influence on the shoot and root biomass production and plant nutrient of Calopogonium mucunoides from crude oil-contaminated soils

The impact of crude oil-contaminated soil on the shoot and root biomass yield and nutrients uptake of Calopogonium mucunoides Desv. using two types of composted manure (COM) as soil amendments were investigated. This was with a view to assessing the growth response of the test plant under different levels of crude oil soil contamination. Five levels [0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20% (v/v)] of crude oil, each was replicated thrice to contaminate 3 kg of soil when 12 g pot^?1 COM; 12 g pot^?1 neem-fortified composted manure (NCM) and control, soil without manure application (C) were imposed as manure treatments. The mean fresh shoot biomass yield at zero crude oil soil contamination and with COM application was 2.67 g pot^?1. This value was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than 2.05 g pot^?1 for NCM and 1.67 g pot^?1 for the control. Also, the mean fresh root yield at zero crude oil soil contamination with COM application was 4.02 g pot^?1. This value was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than 2.41 g pot^?1 for NCM and 1.71 g pot^?1 for the control. The dry shoot and root biomass yield followed similar pattern. The shoot and root yield of C. mucunoides significantly (p < 0.05) reduced with increase in crude oil soil contamination. The nutrients uptake of C. mucunoides, particularly N, P, Ca, Mg, and Fe, were enhanced with COM fertilization having higher available P, K, and Na values; and by implication, suggesting the importance of adequately formulated composted manure usage in the rehabilitation studies of crude oil-contaminated soil.     

Nutrient Movement in Litter Fall and Precipitation Components for Central Himalayan Forests

The annual total litter fall in six Central Himalayan forestsranged from 2.1 to 3.8 t C ha^–1, of which 54 to 82 percent was leaf litter, 9–20 per cent wood litter and 6–14per cent other litter. In all forests the order of relativeabundance of nutrients (kg ha^-1 year^-1) in litter fall was Ca(50.8–91.6) > N (47.7–72.2) > K (22.8–37.1)> P (4.1–6.4). Leaf litter accounted for 63–95per cent of the total nutrients returned through litter fall. In these forests throughfall ranged from 71.3 to 81.4 per cent,stemflow from 0.50 to 2.16 per cent and canopy interceptionfrom 17.7 to 28.2 per cent of the gross rainfall. In the incidentrainfall the concentration and annual input of Ca was the greatestand of P the least. Canopy precipitation was richer in all nutrientscompared to incident rainfall. Net gain of nutrients from thecanopy ranged from 0.16 kg ha^-1 year^-1, for P, to 17.77 kg ha^-1year^-1 for K. Leaching was greatest for K and least for N. Ofthe total quantity of nutrients returned to the soil, 11 to46 per cent was accounted for by precipitation components. Thusprecipitation inputs play a significant role in nutrient cyclingof these forests. Himalaya, forest, litter fall, precipitation components, nutrients     

Soil and vegetation recovery following alien tree clearing in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

The impact of alien tree clearing on soil and vegetation recovery remains largely understudied. This study focused on changes in soil and vegetation properties following Acacia removal. The aim was to quantify the long‐term consequences of alien clearing. Paired cleared (old – 15 years; medium – 11 years; recent – 6 years) and uncleared sites were selected along the Palmiet catchment in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Various soil physico‐chemical properties (soil moisture, pH, P, N, C, K, Na, Ca, Mg and soil repellency) and vegetation diversity measures were studied on 10 m × 10 m plots. Results indicate that measured soil nutrients are significantly (P < 0.05) lower in cleared than in uncleared sites. However, comparisons among cleared sites alone indicate that soil properties are recovering with older cleared sites having higher (P < 0.05) nutrients than recent cleared sites. Soils in uncleared sites are more repellent than soil in cleared sites. Vegetation recovery in cleared sites was taking place with older cleared sites having higher native species diversity than recently cleared site. We conclude that the removal of alien plants could have caused a reduction in soil nutrients. However, as native vegetation recovers on cleared sites, soil nutrients are gradually improving.     

Soil and water erosion under different plant species in a semiarid river valley, SW China: the effects of plant morphology

The small-scale effects of plant morphology in improving soil quality and reducing runoff and soil loss have remained unclear, especially in some arid environments with sparse vegetation. We selected three representative species with contrasting morphologies (Artemisia gmelinii; Ajania potaninii; Pulicaria chrysantha) to examine the effects of plant morphology on soil quality, runoff, and soil loss in the dry-warm river valley of the upper reach of Minjiang River, SW China. Runoff events were monitored from July through October 2006 using runoff plots on a micro scale (<40 × 40 cm²) on a south-facing slope. The observation duration for rainfall and runoff events can be divided into two stages. Higher runoff depth, but lower soil loss per event occurred at the second stage as compared with the first stage due to the differences in rainfall, plant, and soil surface characteristics. The two herbs, A. gmelinii and P. chrysantha, had greater improvements on soil quality yielding high soil nutrient content and low soil compactness, while the effectiveness of the small shrub, A. potaninii, was minimal. Relative to bare surface (control treatment), the effectiveness of reducing runoff depth per event was 64.9, 66.6 and 38.0%, and reducing soil loss 65.5, 59.3 and 69.9% for A. gmelinii, A. potaninii, and P. chrysantha, respectively. All three plant species can improve soil quality and reduce runoff and soil loss, but their effects vary, which implies that plant morphology has to be considered while selecting species for ecosystem restoration.