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Gregor K, Krause A, Reyer CPO, Knoke T, Meyer BF, Suvanto S, Rammig A. Quantifying the impact of key factors on the carbon mitigation potential of managed temperate forests. CARBON BALANCE AND MANAGEMENT 2024; 19:10. [PMID: 38430356 DOI: 10.1186/s13021-023-00247-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Forests mitigate climate change by reducing atmospheric CO 2 -concentrations through the carbon sink in the forest and in wood products, and substitution effects when wood products replace carbon-intensive materials and fuels. Quantifying the carbon mitigation potential of forests is highly challenging due to the influence of multiple important factors such as forest age and type, climate change and associated natural disturbances, harvest intensities, wood usage patterns, salvage logging practices, and the carbon-intensity of substituted products. Here, we developed a framework to quantify the impact of these factors through factorial simulation experiments with an ecosystem model at the example of central European (Bavarian) forests. RESULTS Our simulations showed higher mitigation potentials of young forests compared to mature forests, and similar ones in broad-leaved and needle-leaved forests. Long-lived wood products significantly contributed to mitigation, particularly in needle-leaved forests due to their wood product portfolio, and increased material usage of wood showed considerable climate benefits. Consequently, the ongoing conversion of needle-leaved to more broad-leaved forests should be accompanied by the promotion of long-lived products from broad-leaved species to maintain the product sink. Climate change (especially increasing disturbances) and decarbonization were among the most critical factors influencing mitigation potentials and introduced substantial uncertainty. Nevertheless, until 2050 this uncertainty was narrow enough to derive robust findings. For instance, reducing harvest intensities enhanced the carbon sink in our simulations, but diminished substitution effects, leading to a decreased total mitigation potential until 2050. However, when considering longer time horizons (i.e. until 2100), substitution effects became low enough in our simulations due to expected decarbonization such that decreasing harvests often seemed the more favorable solution. CONCLUSION Our results underscore the need to tailor mitigation strategies to the specific conditions of different forest sites. Furthermore, considering substitution effects, and thoroughly assessing the amount of avoided emissions by using wood products, is critical to determine mitigation potentials. While short-term recommendations are possible, we suggest risk diversification and methodologies like robust optimization to address increasing uncertainties from climate change and decarbonization paces past 2050. Finally, curbing emissions reduces the threat of climate change on forests, safeguarding their carbon sink and ecosystem services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Gregor
- TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany.
| | - Andreas Krause
- TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Christopher P O Reyer
- Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Member of the Leibniz Association, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Thomas Knoke
- TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Benjamin F Meyer
- TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Susanne Suvanto
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Helsinki, Finland
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Birmingham Institute of Forest Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Anja Rammig
- TUM School of Life Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
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Kristensen JA, Michelsen A, Metcalfe DB. Background insect herbivory increases with local elevation but makes minor contribution to element cycling along natural gradients in the Subarctic. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:11684-11698. [PMID: 33144993 PMCID: PMC7593201 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Herbivores can exert major controls over biogeochemical cycling. As invertebrates are highly sensitive to temperature shifts (ectothermal), the abundances of insects in high-latitude systems, where climate warming is rapid, is expected to increase. In subarctic mountain birch forests, research has focussed on geometrid moth outbreaks, while the contribution of background insect herbivory (BIH) to elemental cycling is poorly constrained. In northern Sweden, we estimated BIH along 9 elevational gradients distributed across a gradient in regional elevation, temperature, and precipitation to allow evaluation of consistency in local versus regional variation. We converted foliar loss via BIH to fluxes of C, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) from the birch canopy to the soil to compare with other relevant soil inputs of the same elements and assessed different abiotic and biotic drivers of the observed variability. We found that leaf area loss due to BIH was ~1.6% on average. This is comparable to estimates from tundra, but considerably lower than ecosystems at lower latitudes. The C, N, and P fluxes from canopy to soil associated with BIH were 1-2 orders of magnitude lower than the soil input from senesced litter and external nutrient sources such as biological N fixation, atmospheric deposition of N, and P weathering estimated from the literature. Despite the minor contribution to overall elemental cycling in subarctic birch forests, the higher quality and earlier timing of the input of herbivore deposits to soils compared to senesced litter may make this contribution disproportionally important for various ecosystem functions. BIH increased significantly with leaf N content as well as local elevation along each transect, yet showed no significant relationship with temperature or humidity, nor the commonly used temperature proxy, absolute elevation. The lack of consistency between the local and regional elevational trends calls for caution when using elevation gradients as climate proxies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeppe A. Kristensen
- Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystem ScienceLund UniversityLundSweden
- Geological Survey of Denmark and GreenlandCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Anders Michelsen
- Department of BiologyTerrestrial Ecology SectionUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Center for PermafrostUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Daniel B. Metcalfe
- Department of Physical Geography and Ecosystem ScienceLund UniversityLundSweden
- Department of Ecology and Environmental SciencesUmeå Umeå UniversitetUmeåSweden
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Palacio S, Paterson E, Hester AJ, Nogués S, Lino G, Anadon-Rosell A, Maestro M, Millard P. No preferential carbon-allocation to storage over growth in clipped birch and oak saplings. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 40:621-636. [PMID: 32050021 PMCID: PMC7201831 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpaa011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Herbivory is one of the most globally distributed disturbances affecting carbon (C)-cycling in trees, yet our understanding of how it alters tree C-allocation to different functions such as storage, growth or rhizodeposition is still limited. Prioritized C-allocation to storage replenishment vs growth could explain the fast recovery of C-storage pools frequently observed in growth-reduced defoliated trees. We performed continuous 13C-labeling coupled to clipping to quantify the effects of simulated browsing on the growth, leaf morphology and relative allocation of stored vs recently assimilated C to the growth (bulk biomass) and non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) stores (soluble sugars and starch) of the different organs of two tree species: diffuse-porous (Betula pubescens Ehrh.) and ring-porous (Quercus petraea [Matt.] Liebl.). Carbon-transfers from plants to bulk and rhizosphere soil were also evaluated. Clipped birch and oak trees shifted their C-allocation patterns above-ground as a means to recover from defoliation. However, such increased allocation to current-year stems and leaves did not entail reductions in the allocation to the rhizosphere, which remained unchanged between clipped and control trees of both species. Betula pubescens and Q. petraea showed differences in their vulnerability and recovery strategies to clipping, the ring-porous species being less affected in terms of growth and architecture by clipping than the diffuse-porous. These contrasting patterns could be partly explained by differences in their C cycling after clipping. Defoliated oaks showed a faster recovery of their canopy biomass, which was supported by increased allocation of new C, but associated with large decreases in their fine root biomass. Following clipping, both species recovered NSC pools to a larger extent than growth, but the allocation of 13C-labeled photo-assimilates into storage compounds was not increased as compared with controls. Despite their different response to clipping, our results indicate no preventative allocation into storage occurred during the first year after clipping in either of the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Palacio
- Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología (IPE-CSIC), Av. Nuestra Señora de la Victoria, 16, Jaca, Huesca 22700, Spain
- James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, UK
| | - Eric Paterson
- James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, UK
| | - Alison J Hester
- James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, UK
| | - Salvador Nogués
- Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Gladys Lino
- Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona 08028, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad Científica del Sur, Panamericana Sur km 19, Villa El Salvador 15067, Lima, Peru
| | - Alba Anadon-Rosell
- Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 643, Barcelona 08028, Spain
- Institute of Botany and Landscape Ecology, University of Greifswald, Soldmanstraße 15, Greifswald 17487, Germany
| | - Melchor Maestro
- Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología (IPE-CSIC), Av. Montañana, 1005, Zaragoza 50059, Spain
| | - Peter Millard
- Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, PO Box 69040, Lincoln 7640, New Zealand
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Andriuzzi WS, Wall DH. Responses of belowground communities to large aboveground herbivores: Meta-analysis reveals biome-dependent patterns and critical research gaps. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2017; 23:3857-3868. [PMID: 28245090 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The importance of herbivore-plant and soil biota-plant interactions in terrestrial ecosystems is amply recognized, but the effects of aboveground herbivores on soil biota remain challenging to predict. To find global patterns in belowground responses to vertebrate herbivores, we performed a meta-analysis of studies that had measured abundance or activity of soil organisms inside and outside field exclosures (areas that excluded herbivores). Responses were often controlled by climate, ecosystem type, and dominant herbivore identity. Soil microfauna and especially root-feeding nematodes were negatively affected by herbivores in subarctic sites. In arid ecosystems, herbivore presence tended to reduce microbial biomass and nitrogen mineralization. Herbivores decreased soil respiration in subarctic ecosystems and increased it in temperate ecosystems, but had no net effect on microbial biomass or nitrogen mineralization in those ecosystems. Responses of soil fauna, microbial biomass, and nitrogen mineralization shifted from neutral to negative with increasing herbivore body size. Responses of animal decomposers tended to switch from negative to positive with increasing precipitation, but also differed among taxa, for instance Oribatida responded negatively to herbivores, whereas Collembola did not. Our findings imply that losses and gains of aboveground herbivores will interact with climate and land use changes, inducing functional shifts in soil communities. To conceptualize the mechanisms behind our findings and link them with previous theoretical frameworks, we propose two complementary approaches to predict soil biological responses to vertebrate herbivores, one focused on an herbivore body size gradient, and the other on a climate severity gradient. Major research gaps were revealed, with tropical biomes, protists, and soil macrofauna being especially overlooked.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diana H Wall
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
- School of Global Environmental Sustainability, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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Carbon Allocation into Different Fine-Root Classes of Young Abies alba Trees Is Affected More by Phenology than by Simulated Browsing. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154687. [PMID: 27123860 PMCID: PMC4849635 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Abies alba (European silver fir) was used to investigate possible effects of simulated browsing on C allocation belowground by 13CO2 pulse-labelling at spring, summer or autumn, and by harvesting the trees at the same time point of the labelling or at a later season for biomass and for 13C-allocation into the fine-root system. Before budburst in spring, the leader shoots and 50% of all lateral shoots of half of the investigated 5-year old Abies alba saplings were clipped to simulate browsing. At harvest, different fine-root classes were separated, and starch as an important storage compartment was analysed for concentrations. The phenology had a strong effect on the allocation of the 13C-label from shoots to roots. In spring, shoots did not supply the fine-roots with high amounts of the 13C-label, because the fine-roots contained less than 1% of the applied 13C. In summer and autumn, however, shoots allocated relatively high amounts of the 13C-label to the fine roots. The incorporation of the 13C-label as structural C or as starch into the roots is strongly dependent on the root type and the root diameter. In newly formed fine roots, 3–5% of the applied 13C was incorporated, whereas 1–3% in the ≤0.5 mm root class and 1–1.5% in the >0.5–1.0 mm root class were recorded. Highest 13C-enrichment in the starch was recorded in the newly formed fine roots in autumn. The clipping treatment had a significant positive effect on the amount of allocated 13C-label to the fine roots after the spring labelling, with high relative 13C-contents observed in the ≤0.5 mm and the >0.5–1.0 mm fine-root classes of clipped trees. No effects of the clipping were observed after summer and autumn labelling in the 13C-allocation patterns. Overall, our data imply that the season of C assimilation and, thus, the phenology of trees is the main determinant of the C allocation from shoots to roots and is clearly more important than browsing.
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Peltzer DA, Kurokawa H, Wardle DA. Soil fertility and disturbance interact to drive contrasting responses of co-occurring native and nonnative species. Ecology 2016; 97:515-29. [DOI: 10.1890/15-0298.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hiroko Kurokawa
- Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute; 1 Matsunosato Tsukuba Ibaraki 305-8687 Japan
| | - David A. Wardle
- Department of Forest Ecology and Management; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; SE901-83 Umeå Sweden
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7
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Moyo H, Scholes MC, Twine W. Resprouting after coppicing is negatively influenced by browsing in Terminalia sericea. Ecol Res 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s11284-015-1291-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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8
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Pittermann J, Lance J, Poster L, Baer A, Fox LR. Heavy browsing affects the hydraulic capacity of Ceanothus rigidus (Rhamnaceae). Oecologia 2014; 175:801-10. [PMID: 24817157 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-014-2947-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2013] [Accepted: 04/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Defoliation by herbivores can reduce carbon assimilation, change plant water relations, and even shift the biotic structure of plant communities. In this study, we took advantage of a long-term deer exclosure experiment to examine the consequences of persistent deer herbivory on plant water relations and the xylem structure-function relationships in Ceanothus rigidus, a maritime chaparral shrub in coastal California. Browsed plants had thicker stems with many intertwined short distal twigs, and significantly higher sapwood-to-leaf area ratios than their non-browsed counterparts. Leaf area-specific hydraulic conductivity was similar in both browsed and non-browsed plants, but xylem area-specific conductivity was significantly lower in the browsed plants. Vessel diameters were equivalent in both plant groups, but the number of vessels on a transverse area basis was nearly 40% lower in the browsed plants, accounting for their lower transport efficiency. Mid-day in situ water potentials and losses of hydraulic conductivity due to embolism were similar in both groups of plants but stomatal conductance was higher in the browsed shrubs in the early part of the growing season. We discuss our findings in the context of whole-plant ecophysiology, and explore the consequences of herbivory on hormonal signals, wood anatomy, and xylem function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarmila Pittermann
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA,
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9
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Season and light affect constitutive defenses of understory shrub species against folivorous insects. ACTA OECOLOGICA 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actao.2013.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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10
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Terzaghi M, Montagnoli A, Di Iorio A, Scippa GS, Chiatante D. Fine-root carbon and nitrogen concentration of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in Italy Prealps: possible implications of coppice conversion to high forest. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2013; 4:192. [PMID: 23785374 PMCID: PMC3680728 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2013.00192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 05/24/2013] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Fine-root systems represent a very sensitive plant compartment to environmental changes. Gaining further knowledge about their dynamics would improve soil carbon input understanding. This paper investigates C and N concentrations in fine roots in relation to different stand characteristics resulting from conversion of coppiced forests to high forests. In order to evaluate possible interferences due to different vegetative stages of vegetation, fine-root sampling was repeated six times in each stand during the same 2008 growing season. Fine-root sampling was conducted within three different soil depths (0-10; 10-20; and 20-30 cm). Fine-root traits were measured by means of WinRHIZO software which enable us to separate them into three different diameter classes (0-0.5, 0.5-1.0 and 1.0-2.0 mm). The data collected indicate that N concentration was higher in converted stands than in the coppiced stand whereas C concentration was higher in the coppiced stand than in converted stands. Consequently the fine-root C:N ratio was significantly higher in coppiced than in converted stands and showed an inverse relationship with fine-root turnover rate, confirming a significant change of fine-root status after the conversion of a coppice to high forest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Terzaghi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of InsubriaVarese, Italy
| | - Antonio Montagnoli
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of InsubriaVarese, Italy
| | - Antonino Di Iorio
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of InsubriaVarese, Italy
| | - Gabriella S. Scippa
- Department of Science and Technology for Environment and Territory, University of MolisePesche, Italy
| | - Donato Chiatante
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of InsubriaVarese, Italy
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Palacio S, Hester AJ, Maestro M, Millard P. Simulated browsing affects leaf shedding phenology and litter quality of oak and birch saplings. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2013; 33:438-445. [PMID: 23574752 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpt023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Herbivore effects on leaf litter can have a strong impact on ecosystem nutrient cycling. Although such effects are well described for insect herbivory, research on the impacts of browsing by mammalian herbivores on leaf litter dynamics and nutrient cycling has been more limited, particularly at the level of the individual plant. Clipping treatments (66% shoot removal twice, plus unclipped) were applied to analyse the effect of browsing on the phenology (start date and pattern of leaf shedding) and leaf litter quality (nitrogen (N), soluble sugars, starch and total non-structural carbohydrate concentrations, plus C : N ratios) of Betula pubescens Ehrh. and Quercus petraea [Matt.] Liebl. saplings. Clipping decreased leaf litter biomass and delayed leaf senescence and shedding, but did not change the phenological timing of litterfall between senescence and shedding. The quality of leaf litter of both species was increased by simulated browsing, through an increase in N and carbohydrate concentrations (mainly soluble sugars) and a decreased C : N ratio. This is the first evidence we are aware of that browsing may cause changes in leaf shedding phenology, delaying the process without altering its pattern. Our results also indicate that simulated browsing increases the quality of leaf litter. However, the potential positive effect of browsing on N cycling through litter quality may be offset by its negative impact on the amount of N shed per tree.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Palacio
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler AB15 8QH Aberdeen, UK.
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12
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Terzaghi M, Montagnoli A, Di Iorio A, Scippa GS, Chiatante D. Fine-root carbon and nitrogen concentration of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in Italy Prealps: possible implications of coppice conversion to high forest. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2013. [PMID: 23785374 DOI: 10.1080/11263504.2012.741626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Fine-root systems represent a very sensitive plant compartment to environmental changes. Gaining further knowledge about their dynamics would improve soil carbon input understanding. This paper investigates C and N concentrations in fine roots in relation to different stand characteristics resulting from conversion of coppiced forests to high forests. In order to evaluate possible interferences due to different vegetative stages of vegetation, fine-root sampling was repeated six times in each stand during the same 2008 growing season. Fine-root sampling was conducted within three different soil depths (0-10; 10-20; and 20-30 cm). Fine-root traits were measured by means of WinRHIZO software which enable us to separate them into three different diameter classes (0-0.5, 0.5-1.0 and 1.0-2.0 mm). The data collected indicate that N concentration was higher in converted stands than in the coppiced stand whereas C concentration was higher in the coppiced stand than in converted stands. Consequently the fine-root C:N ratio was significantly higher in coppiced than in converted stands and showed an inverse relationship with fine-root turnover rate, confirming a significant change of fine-root status after the conversion of a coppice to high forest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Terzaghi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria Varese, Italy
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Benham SE, Vanguelova EI, Pitman RM. Short and long term changes in carbon, nitrogen and acidity in the forest soils under oak at the Alice Holt Environmental Change Network site. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2012; 421-422:82-93. [PMID: 22386233 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2011] [Revised: 02/01/2012] [Accepted: 02/01/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The dynamics of soil properties within a 70 year old oak plot were assessed every five years (1994-2009), by depth and by horizon to identify short term changes in soil carbon and nitrogen stocks, and acidity. The findings were set within a study of long term changes in soil properties in a 180 year chronosequence of oak plots from the same forest. Carbon stock increased significantly in the top mineral horizon - overall increase was 5 t C ha(-1), at a mean accumulation rate of 0.34 t C ha(-1)y(-1), which was mainly due to increase in horizon thickness. No increase was seen when soils were sampled by depth. Differences obtained by depth or horizon sampling due to changes in horizon thickness over time highlight the importance of horizon in the correct evaluation of soil property change in small scale sampling programs. This is particularly important in forest soils with high litter accumulation and low turnover rates when compared to other land uses. Nitrogen stock increases below 10cm soil depth were attributed to insect activity, litterfall variation and a change in water table. Findings were confirmed in the chronosequence study of oak across the forests; increases in soil C stocks of 0.1-0.2 t C ha(-1)y(-1) were calculated across young (~25 years), mid-rotation (~60 years) and old (120+ years) stands. Soil nitrogen increased significantly with canopy age whilst pH increased significantly between young-mid rotation stands but decreased between mid rotation and old stands. Significant increases in pH were also recorded before 2004 in the ECN 70 year old oak plots reflecting overall pollution recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E Benham
- Centre for Forestry and Climate Change, Forest Research, Alice Holt Lodge, Farnham, Surrey GU10 4LH, UK.
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Tanentzap AJ, Coomes DA. Carbon storage in terrestrial ecosystems: do browsing and grazing herbivores matter? Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2011; 87:72-94. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-185x.2011.00185.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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15
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Lagerström A, Bellingham PJ, Bonner KI, Wardle DA. The effect of simulated herbivory on growth and nutrient status of focal and neighbouring early successional woody plant species. OIKOS 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0706.2011.19468.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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16
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Pestaña M, Santolamazza-Carbone S. Defoliation negatively affects plant growth and the ectomycorrhizal community of Pinus pinaster in Spain. Oecologia 2010; 165:723-33. [DOI: 10.1007/s00442-010-1760-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2009] [Accepted: 08/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Abstract
Root-secreted chemicals mediate multi-partite interactions in the rhizosphere, where plant roots continually respond to and alter their immediate environment. Increasing evidence suggests that root exudates initiate and modulate dialogue between roots and soil microbes. For example, root exudates serve as signals that initiate symbiosis with rhizobia and mycorrhizal fungi. In addition, root exudates maintain and support a highly specific diversity of microbes in the rhizosphere of a given particular plant species, thus suggesting a close evolutionary link. In this review, we focus mainly on compiling the information available on the regulation and mechanisms of root exudation processes, and provide some ideas related to the evolutionary role of root exudates in shaping soil microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayakar V Badri
- Centre for Rhizosphere Biology and Department of Horticulture and LA, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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18
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Eyles A, Pinkard EA, Mohammed C. Shifts in biomass and resource allocation patterns following defoliation in Eucalyptus globulus growing with varying water and nutrient supplies. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2009; 29:753-64. [PMID: 19324694 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpp014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
In woody species, potential mechanisms to compensate for tissue loss to herbivory and diseases have been related to post-event shifts in growth, biomass and internal resource allocation patterns, as modulated by external resource limitations. We examined the interactive effects of belowground resource limitations by varying nutrient and water availability, and aboveground carbon limitation imposed by a single defoliation event (40% leaf removal) on stem growth, whole-tree and within-tree resource allocation patterns (total non-structural carbohydrate and nitrogen) and below- and aboveground biomass allocation patterns in 8-month-old, field-grown Eucalyptus globulus Labill. saplings. Two months after treatments were imposed, the direction of the stem growth response to defoliation depended on the abiotic treatment. Five months after defoliation, however, we found little evidence that resource availability constrained the expression of tolerance to defoliation. With the exception of the combined low-nutrient and low-water supply treatment, saplings grown with (1) adequate water and nutrient supplies and even with (2) low-water supply or (3) low-nutrient supply were able to compensate for the 40% foliage loss. The observed compensatory responses were attributed to the activation of several short- and longer-term physiological mechanisms including reduced biomass allocation to coarse roots, mobilization of carbohydrate reserves, robust internal N dynamics and increased ratio of foliage to wood dry mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alieta Eyles
- Cooperative Research Centre for Forestry, Hobart 7001, Australia
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Sapling herbivory, invertebrate herbivores and predators across a natural tree diversity gradient in Germany's largest connected deciduous forest. Oecologia 2009; 160:279-88. [PMID: 19238448 PMCID: PMC3085765 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-009-1304-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2008] [Accepted: 01/27/2009] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Tree species-rich forests are hypothesised to be less susceptible to insect herbivores, but so far herbivory-diversity relationships have rarely been tested for tree saplings, and no such study has been published for deciduous forests in Central Europe. We expected that diverse tree communities reduce the probability of detection of host plants and increase abundance of predators, thereby reducing herbivory. We examined levels of herbivory suffered by beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and maple saplings (Acer pseudoplatanus L. and Acer platanoides L.) across a tree species diversity gradient within Germany's largest remaining deciduous forest area, and investigated whether simple beech or mixed stands were less prone to damage caused by herbivorous insects. Leaf area loss and the frequency of galls and mines were recorded for 1,040 saplings (>13,000 leaves) in June and August 2006. In addition, relative abundance of predators was assessed to test for potential top-down control. Leaf area loss was generally higher in the two species of maple compared to beech saplings, while only beech showed a decline in damage caused by leaf-chewing herbivores across the tree diversity gradient. No significant patterns were found for galls and mines. Relative abundance of predators on beech showed a seasonal response and increased on species-rich plots in June, suggesting higher biological control. We conclude that, in temperate deciduous forests, herbivory-tree diversity relationships are significant, but are tree species-dependent with bottom-up and top-down control as possible mechanisms. In contrast to maple, beech profits from growing in a neighbourhood of higher tree richness, which implies that species identity effects may be of greater importance than tree diversity effects per se. Hence, herbivory on beech appeared to be mediated bottom-up by resource concentration in the sampled forest stands, as well as regulated top-down through biocontrol by natural enemies.
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Cunningham SA, Pullen KR, Colloff MJ. Whole-tree sap flow is substantially diminished by leaf herbivory. Oecologia 2008; 158:633-40. [DOI: 10.1007/s00442-008-1170-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2007] [Accepted: 09/22/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Saravesi K, Markkola A, Rautio P, Roitto M, Tuomi J. Defoliation causes parallel temporal responses in a host tree and its fungal symbionts. Oecologia 2008; 156:117-23. [DOI: 10.1007/s00442-008-0967-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2007] [Accepted: 01/09/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Frost CJ, Hunter MD. Herbivore-induced shifts in carbon and nitrogen allocation in red oak seedlings. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2008; 178:835-845. [PMID: 18346100 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2008.02420.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
* A dual-isotope, microcosm experiment was conducted with Quercus rubra (red oak) seedlings to test the hypothesis that foliar herbivory would increase belowground carbon allocation (BCA), carbon (C) rhizodeposition and nitrogen (N) uptake. Plant BCA links soil ecosystems to aboveground processes and can be affected by insect herbivores, though the extent of herbivore influences on BCA is not well understood in woody plants. * Microcosms containing 2-yr-old Q. rubra seedlings and soil collected from the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory (NC, USA) were subjected to herbivory or left as undamaged controls. All microcosms were then injected with 15N-glycine and pulsed with 13CO2. * Contrary to our hypothesis, herbivore damage reduced BCA to fine roots by 63% and correspondingly increased allocation of new C to foliage. However, 13C recoveries in soil pools were similar between treatments, suggesting that exudation of C from roots is an actively regulated component of BCA. Herbivore damage also reduced N allocation to fine roots by 39%, apparently in favor of storage in taproot and stem tissues. * Oak seedlings respond to moderate insect herbivore damage with a complex suite of allocation shifts that may simultaneously increase foliar C, maintain C rhizodeposition and N assimilation, and shift N resources to storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Frost
- Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-2202, USA
- Center for Chemical Ecology and Schatz Center for Tree Molecular Genetics, Department of Entomology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Mark D Hunter
- Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602-2202, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology & School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Vandenberghe C, Freléchoux F, Buttler A. The influence of competition from herbaceous vegetation and shade on simulated browsing tolerance of coniferous and deciduous saplings. OIKOS 2007. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2007.0030-1299.16264.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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AYRES E, DROMPH KM, COOK R, OSTLE N, BARDGETT RD. The influence of below-ground herbivory and defoliation of a legume on nitrogen transfer to neighbouring plants. Funct Ecol 2007. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2435.2006.01227.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Frost CJ, Hunter MD. Recycling of nitrogen in herbivore feces: plant recovery, herbivore assimilation, soil retention, and leaching losses. Oecologia 2006; 151:42-53. [PMID: 17089141 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-006-0579-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2005] [Accepted: 09/28/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Herbivores directly and indirectly affect ecosystem functioning in forests. Feces deposition is a direct effect that supplies ephemeral N pulses to soils. Herbivore-mediated changes in plant N allocation and uptake are indirect effects that can also influence soil N availability. These effects may interact if defoliation influences the ability of plants to recover fecal N, and this may affect subsequent generations of herbivores. We added (15)N-enriched insect feces (frass) to a series of replicated red oak, Quercus rubra, mesocosms that had been damaged experimentally and then followed the frass N over the course of 2 years. In the first season, some frass N was mineralized in the soil and leached in organic form from the mesocosms within 1 week of deposition. Within 1 month, frass N had been acquired by the oaks and enriched the foliage; late-season herbivores assimilated the frass N within the same growing season. In the second season, herbivore damage from the previous year lowered total leaf N contents and (15)N recovered in the foliage. A subsequent cohort of early-season herbivores fed on this foliage consequently derived less of their N from the previous year's frass, and feral leaf rollers colonized fewer of these saplings. The 0- to 5-cm soil fraction was the largest N sink measured, and 42% of the frass N was recovered in the soil. The results demonstrate that: (1) some frass N can be recycled rapidly into foliage and assimilated by successive cohorts of herbivore within the same season; (2) damage can affect N allocation in the following year's foliage, influencing N availability to and host selection by herbivores; and (3) leaching losses occur soon after deposition but are buffered by soil pools, which are the largest sinks for frass N.
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Bodelier PLE, Stomp M, Santamaria L, Klaassen M, Laanbroek HJ. Animal–plant–microbe interactions: direct and indirect effects of swan foraging behaviour modulate methane cycling in temperate shallow wetlands. Oecologia 2006; 149:233-44. [PMID: 16736186 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-006-0445-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2005] [Accepted: 04/26/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Wetlands are among the most important ecosystems on Earth both in terms of productivity and biodiversity, but also as a source of the greenhouse gas CH(4). Microbial processes catalyzing nutrient recycling and CH(4) production are controlled by sediment physico-chemistry, which is in turn affected by plant activity and the foraging behaviour of herbivores. We performed field and laboratory experiments to evaluate the direct effect of herbivores on soil microbial activity and their indirect effects as the consequence of reduced macrophyte density, using migratory Bewick's swans (Cygnus columbianus bewickii Yarrell) feeding on fennel pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus L.) tubers as a model system. A controlled foraging experiment using field enclosures indicated that swan bioturbation decreases CH(4) production, through a decrease in the activity of methanogenic Archaea and an increased rate of CH(4) oxidation in the bioturbated sediment. We also found a positive correlation between tuber density (a surrogate of plant density during the previous growth season) and CH(4) production activity. A laboratory experiment showed that sediment sterilization enhances pondweed growth, probably due to elimination of the negative effects of microbial activity on plant growth. In summary, the bioturbation caused by swan grazing modulates CH(4) cycling by means of both direct and indirect (i.e. plant-mediated) effects with potential consequences for CH(4) emission from wetland systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul L E Bodelier
- Department of Microbial Wetland Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Centre for Limnology, Rijksstraatweg 6, 3631AC, Nieuwersluis, The Netherlands.
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Heath J, Ayres E, Possell M, Bardgett RD, Black HIJ, Grant H, Ineson P, Kerstiens G. Rising atmospheric CO2 reduces sequestration of root-derived soil carbon. Science 2005; 309:1711-3. [PMID: 16151007 DOI: 10.1126/science.1110700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Forests have a key role as carbon sinks, which could potentially mitigate the continuing increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration and associated climate change. We show that carbon dioxide enrichment, although causing short-term growth stimulation in a range of European tree species, also leads to an increase in soil microbial respiration and a marked decline in sequestration of root-derived carbon in the soil. These findings indicate that, should similar processes operate in forest ecosystems, the size of the annual terrestrial carbon sink may be substantially reduced, resulting in a positive feedback on the rate of increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Heath
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK.
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