1
|
Løvschal M, Damgaard CF. Mapping the ecological resilience of Atlantic postglacial heathlands. J Appl Ecol 2022; 59:2825-2838. [PMID: 36632520 PMCID: PMC9826066 DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.14278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic heathlands are semi-natural ecosystems with a unique cultural and biodiversity value, considered worthy of preservation across most of the world. Their rate of loss, however, is alarming. Currently, we know little about the heathlands' actual span of resilience affordances and their association with abiotic and anthropogenic factors, including how much additional intervention they need to persist. Consequently, we are missing out on vital knowledge for conservation, management and the historical persistence of heathlands.This paper develops a method to assess the ecological resilience affordances of Atlantic postglacial heaths in the absence of human management. We use 12 existing cases of heathland succession to establish a four-step resilience grade for each site, which we regress onto a series of explaining factors and use it in predicting heath resilience across postglacial Atlantic Northern Europe.We find that temperature, humidity, elevation and sandiness have a positive correlation with high heathland resilience. Our predictive mapping shows an uneven distribution of ecological heath resilience across Atlantic Northern Europe within an area of 1,000 × 1,200 km of 5 × 5 km resolution.Historic heathland distributions far exceed areas that afford high heath resilience, suggesting that heath distribution and persistence depend on both abiotic and anthropogenic factors. Policy implications: The map predicting the ecological resilience of Atlantic postglacial heaths can be used by managers working towards heath preservation and restoration to prioritize conservation efforts and to plan management practices across Atlantic Northern Europe. Together with the predictive model, it provides an important initial screening tool to assess heathland resilience in the absence of management as well as the impact of atmospheric nitrogen. The results are equally relevant for scholars who are interested in humans' role in increasing and decreasing ecosystem resilience. Our predictive method can be applied in other regions across the world by adding regionally specific variables.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mette Løvschal
- Department of Archaeology and Heritage StudiesAarhus UniversityHøjbjergDenmark,Moesgaard MuseumHøjbjergDenmark
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Malo AF, Taylor A, Díaz M. Native seed dispersal by rodents is negatively influenced by an invasive shrub. ANIMAL BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION 2021. [DOI: 10.32800/abc.2022.45.0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Refuge–mediated apparent competition is the mechanism by which invasive plants increase pressure on native plants by providing refuge for generalist consumers. In the UK, the invasive Rhododendron ponticum does not provide food for generalist seed consumers like rodents, but evergreen canopy provides refuge from rodent predators, and predation and pilferage risk are key factors affecting rodent foraging and caching behaviour. Here we used a seed removal/ seed fate experiment to understand how invasion by an evergreen shrub can alter seed dispersal, seed fate and early recruitment of native trees. We used seeds of four species, small and wind–dispersed (sycamore maple Acer pseudoplatanus and European ash Fraxinus excelsior) and large and animal–dispersed (pedunculate oak Quercus robur and common hazel Corylus avellana), and monitored seed predation and caching in open woodland, edge habitats, and under Rhododendron. In the open woodland, wind–dispersed seeds had a higher probability of being eaten in situ than cached seeds, while the opposite occurred with animal–dispersed seeds. The latter were removed from the open woodland and edge habitats and cached under Rhododendron. This pattern was expected if predation risk was the main factor influencing the decision to eat or to cach a seed. Enhanced dispersal towards Rhododendron cover did not increase the prospects for seed survival, as density of hazel and oak saplings under its cover was close to zero as compared to open woodland, possibly due to increased cache pilferage or low seedling survival under dense shade, or both. Enhanced seed predation of ash and sycamore seeds close to Rhododendron cover also decreased recruitment of these trees. Rhododendron patches biased rodent foraging behaviour towards the negative (net predation) side of the conditional rodent / tree interaction. This effect will potentially impact native woodland regeneration and further facilitate Rhododendron spread due to refuge–mediated apparent competition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - M. Díaz
- Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (BGC–MNCN–CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu D, Chang PHS, Power SA, Bell JNB, Manning P. Changes in plant species abundance alter the multifunctionality and functional space of heathland ecosystems. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 232:1238-1249. [PMID: 34346089 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Though it is well established that species composition affects ecosystem function, the way in which species combine to control overall ecosystem functioning is still debated. In experimental mesocosms, we planted three functionally distinct dry-heath species in varying proportions and measured multiple ecosystem properties related to nutrient cycling and carbon storage (hereafter functions). Overall ecosystem functioning was described as the main axes of variation in ecosystem functioning (functional space) and the proportion of ecosystem functions at high levels; for example, fast carbon and nutrient cycling (cluster-based multifunctionality). The first functional space axis, related to nitrogen availability, was driven by plant species abundance, particularly that of legumes, which strongly affected many individual functions. The second, related to total plant biomass and woodiness, was mostly driven by the abundance of dwarf shrubs. Similarly, cluster-based multifunctionality was related to the initial abundance of all species, but particularly the legume. Interactions between species also affected ecosystem multifunctionality, but these effects were smaller in magnitude. These results indicate that species interactions could play a secondary role to species abundance and identity in driving the overall ecosystem functioning of heathlands, but also that axes of variation in functional space are clearly linked to plant functional composition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daijun Liu
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, University of Vienna, Rennweg 14, Vienna, 1030, Austria
- Global Ecology Unit CREAF-CSIC-UAB, CSIC, Bellaterra, Catalonia, E-08193, Spain
| | - Pi-Hui S Chang
- Division of Biology, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7PY, UK
- Research Division III, Taiwan Research Institute on Water Resources and Agriculture (TRIWRA), 19F, No. 27-8, Section 2, Zhongzheng East Road, Tamsui District, New Taipei, 251, Taiwan
| | - Sally A Power
- Division of Biology, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7PY, UK
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia
| | - John N B Bell
- Division of Biology, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7PY, UK
| | - Peter Manning
- Division of Biology, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7PY, UK
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre (SBiK-F), Frankfurt, D-60325, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Impact of Prunus serotina Ehrh. invasion on heathland vegetation: a case of study in North-Western Italy. Biologia (Bratisl) 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/s11756-019-00408-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
5
|
Castro‐Díez P, Vaz AS, Silva JS, van Loo M, Alonso Á, Aponte C, Bayón Á, Bellingham PJ, Chiuffo MC, DiManno N, Julian K, Kandert S, La Porta N, Marchante H, Maule HG, Mayfield MM, Metcalfe D, Monteverdi MC, Núñez MA, Ostertag R, Parker IM, Peltzer DA, Potgieter LJ, Raymundo M, Rayome D, Reisman‐Berman O, Richardson DM, Roos RE, Saldaña A, Shackleton RT, Torres A, Trudgen M, Urban J, Vicente JR, Vilà M, Ylioja T, Zenni RD, Godoy O. Global effects of non-native tree species on multiple ecosystem services. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2019; 94:1477-1501. [PMID: 30974048 PMCID: PMC6850375 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Non-native tree (NNT) species have been transported worldwide to create or enhance services that are fundamental for human well-being, such as timber provision, erosion control or ornamental value; yet NNTs can also produce undesired effects, such as fire proneness or pollen allergenicity. Despite the variety of effects that NNTs have on multiple ecosystem services, a global quantitative assessment of their costs and benefits is still lacking. Such information is critical for decision-making, management and sustainable exploitation of NNTs. We present here a global assessment of NNT effects on the three main categories of ecosystem services, including regulating (RES), provisioning (PES) and cultural services (CES), and on an ecosystem disservice (EDS), i.e. pollen allergenicity. By searching the scientific literature, country forestry reports, and social media, we compiled a global data set of 1683 case studies from over 125 NNT species, covering 44 countries, all continents but Antarctica, and seven biomes. Using different meta-analysis techniques, we found that, while NNTs increase most RES (e.g. climate regulation, soil erosion control, fertility and formation), they decrease PES (e.g. NNTs contribute less than native trees to global timber provision). Also, they have different effects on CES (e.g. increase aesthetic values but decrease scientific interest), and no effect on the EDS considered. NNT effects on each ecosystem (dis)service showed a strong context dependency, varying across NNT types, biomes and socio-economic conditions. For instance, some RES are increased more by NNTs able to fix atmospheric nitrogen, and when the ecosystem is located in low-latitude biomes; some CES are increased more by NNTs in less-wealthy countries or in countries with higher gross domestic products. The effects of NNTs on several ecosystem (dis)services exhibited some synergies (e.g. among soil fertility, soil formation and climate regulation or between aesthetic values and pollen allergenicity), but also trade-offs (e.g. between fire regulation and soil erosion control). Our analyses provide a quantitative understanding of the complex synergies, trade-offs and context dependencies involved for the effects of NNTs that is essential for attaining a sustained provision of ecosystem services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Castro‐Díez
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad de AlcaláE‐28805Alcalá de HenaresSpain
| | - Ana Sofia Vaz
- Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources (InBIO‐CIBIO)Universidade do PortoPT4485‐661VairãoPortugal
- Faculdade de CiênciasUniversidade do PortoPT4169‐007PortoPortugal
| | - Joaquim S. Silva
- College of Agriculture, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra3045‐601CoimbraPortugal
- Centre for Applied Ecology “Prof. Baeta Neves” (InBIO‐CEABN), School of AgricultureUniversity of LisbonPT1349‐017LisbonPortugal
| | - Marcela van Loo
- Department of Botany and Biodiversity ResearchUniversity of Vienna1030ViennaAustria
| | - Álvaro Alonso
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad de AlcaláE‐28805Alcalá de HenaresSpain
| | - Cristina Aponte
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, Faculty of ScienceThe University of MelbourneRichmondVictoria3121Australia
| | - Álvaro Bayón
- Department of Integrative EcologyEstación Biológica de Doñana (EBD‐CSIC)E‐41092SevillaSpain
| | | | - Mariana C. Chiuffo
- Grupo de Ecología de Invasiones, INIBIOMAUniversidad Nacional del Comahue, CONICETAvenida de los Pioneros 2350San Carlos de BarilocheRío NegroArgentina
| | - Nicole DiManno
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Hawai'i at HiloHiloHI96720U.S.A.
| | - Kahua Julian
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Hawai'i at HiloHiloHI96720U.S.A.
| | | | - Nicola La Porta
- IASMA Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach38010TrentoItaly
- MOUNTFOR Project Centre, European Forest Institute38010TrentoItaly
| | - Hélia Marchante
- College of Agriculture, Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra3045‐601CoimbraPortugal
- Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life SciencesUniversity of Coimbra3000‐456CoimbraPortugal
| | | | - Margaret M. Mayfield
- The University of Queensland, School of Biological SciencesBrisbaneQueensland4072Australia
| | - Daniel Metcalfe
- CSIRO Land and Water, Ecosciences PrecinctDutton ParkQueensland4102Australia
| | | | - Martín A. Núñez
- Grupo de Ecología de Invasiones, INIBIOMAUniversidad Nacional del Comahue, CONICETAvenida de los Pioneros 2350San Carlos de BarilocheRío NegroArgentina
| | - Rebecca Ostertag
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Hawai'i at HiloHiloHI96720U.S.A.
| | - Ingrid M. Parker
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of CaliforniaSanta CruzCA95060U.S.A.
| | | | - Luke J. Potgieter
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and ZoologyStellenbosch UniversityMatieland7602South Africa
| | - Maia Raymundo
- The University of Queensland, School of Biological SciencesBrisbaneQueensland4072Australia
| | - Donald Rayome
- USDA Forest Service, Institute of Pacific Islands ForestryHiloHIU.S.A.
| | - Orna Reisman‐Berman
- French Associates Institute for Agriculture and Biotechnology of Drylands. Blaustein Institutes for Desert ResearchBen Gurion University of the NegevBeersheba84990Israel
| | - David M. Richardson
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and ZoologyStellenbosch UniversityMatieland7602South Africa
| | - Ruben E. Roos
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource ManagementNorwegian University of Life SciencesÅsNorway
| | - Asunción Saldaña
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida, Facultad de CienciasUniversidad de AlcaláE‐28805Alcalá de HenaresSpain
| | - Ross T. Shackleton
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and ZoologyStellenbosch UniversityMatieland7602South Africa
| | - Agostina Torres
- Grupo de Ecología de Invasiones, INIBIOMAUniversidad Nacional del Comahue, CONICETAvenida de los Pioneros 2350San Carlos de BarilocheRío NegroArgentina
| | - Melinda Trudgen
- CSIRO Land & WaterWembleyWestern Australia6913Australia
- School of Biological SciencesUniversity of Western AustraliaCrawleyWestern Australia6009Australia
| | - Josef Urban
- Faculty of Forestry and Wood TechnologyMendel University in Brno613 00Brno‐severCzech Republic
- Siberian Federal University, KrasnoyarskKrasnoyarsk660041Russia
| | - Joana R. Vicente
- Research Network in Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources (InBIO‐CIBIO)Universidade do PortoPT4485‐661VairãoPortugal
- Laboratory of Applied Ecology, CITAB – Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro‐Environment and Biological SciencesUniversity of Trás‐os‐Montes e Alto DouroVila RealPortugal
| | - Montserrat Vilà
- Department of Integrative EcologyEstación Biológica de Doñana (EBD‐CSIC)E‐41092SevillaSpain
| | - Tiina Ylioja
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke)FI‐00791HelsinkiFinland
| | - Rafael D. Zenni
- Setor de Ecologia, Departamento de BiologiaUniversidade Federal de LavrasLavrasMG37200‐000Brazil
| | - Oscar Godoy
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Cc. del Mar y AmbientalesInstituto Universitario de Investigación Marina (INMAR), Campus de Excelencia Internacional del Mar CEIMAR, Universidad de CádizE‐11510Puerto RealSpain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bardon C, Misery B, Piola F, Poly F, Le Roux X. Control of soil N cycle processes byPteridium aquilinumandErica cinereain heathlands along a pH gradient. Ecosphere 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Clément Bardon
- Microbial Ecology Centre; INRA; CNRS; UMR INRA 1418; UMR CNRS 5557; Université Lyon 1; Université de Lyon; Villeurbanne Cedex F-69622 France
- LEHNA; UMR CNRS 5023; ENTPE; Université Lyon 1; Université de Lyon; Villeurbanne Cedex F-69622 France
| | - Boris Misery
- Microbial Ecology Centre; INRA; CNRS; UMR INRA 1418; UMR CNRS 5557; Université Lyon 1; Université de Lyon; Villeurbanne Cedex F-69622 France
| | - Florence Piola
- LEHNA; UMR CNRS 5023; ENTPE; Université Lyon 1; Université de Lyon; Villeurbanne Cedex F-69622 France
| | - Franck Poly
- Microbial Ecology Centre; INRA; CNRS; UMR INRA 1418; UMR CNRS 5557; Université Lyon 1; Université de Lyon; Villeurbanne Cedex F-69622 France
| | - Xavier Le Roux
- Microbial Ecology Centre; INRA; CNRS; UMR INRA 1418; UMR CNRS 5557; Université Lyon 1; Université de Lyon; Villeurbanne Cedex F-69622 France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Milligan G, Booth KE, Cox ES, Pakeman RJ, Le Duc MG, Connor L, Blackbird S, Marrs RH. Change to ecosystem properties through changing the dominant species: Impact of Pteridium aquilinum-control and heathland restoration treatments on selected soil properties. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2018; 207:1-9. [PMID: 29149640 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
It is well known that soils are influenced by the plant species that grow in them. Here we consider the effects of management-induced changes to plant communities and their soils during restoration within a 20-year manipulative experiment where the aim was to change a late-successional community dominated by the weed, Pteridium aquilinum, to an earlier-successional grass-heath one. The ecological restoration treatments altered the above- and below-ground components of the community substantially. Untreated plots maintained a dense Pteridium cover with little understory vegetation, cutting treatments produce significant reductions of Pteridium, whereas herbicide (asulam) produced significant immediate reductions in Pteridium but regressed towards the untreated plots within 10 years. Thereafter, all asulam-treated plots were re-treated in year 11, and then were spot-sprayed annually. Both cutting and asulam treatments reduced frond density to almost zero and resulted in a grass-heath vegetation. There was also a massive change in biomass distribution, untreated plots had a large above-ground biomass/necromass that was much reduced where Pteridium was controlled. Below-ground in treated plots, there was a replacement of the substantive Pteridium rhizome mass with a much greater root mass of other species. The combined effects of Pteridium-control and restoration treatment, reduced soil total C and N as and available P concentrations, but increased soil pH and available N. Soil biological activity was also affected with a reduction in soil N mineralization rate, but an increased soil-root respiration. Multivariate analysis showed a clear trend along a pH/organic matter gradient, with movement along it correlated to management intensity from the untreated plots with low pH/high organic matter and treated plots with to a higher pH/lower organic matter in the sequence asulam treatment, cut once per year to cut twice per year. The role that these changed soil conditions might have in restricting Pteridium recovery are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Milligan
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - K E Booth
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - E S Cox
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - R J Pakeman
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - M G Le Duc
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - L Connor
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - S Blackbird
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - R H Marrs
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
León Cordero R, Torchelsen FP, Overbeck GE, Anand M. Analyzing the landscape characteristics promoting the establishment and spread of gorse (
Ulex europaeus
) along roadsides. Ecosphere 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.1201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- R. León Cordero
- School of Environmental SciencesUniversity of Guelph 50, Stone Road East Guelph ON N1G 2W1 Canada
| | - F. P. Torchelsen
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em BotânicaInstituto de BiociênciasUniversidade Federal de Rio Grande do Sul Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500 91501‐970 Porto Alegre Rio Grande do Sul Brazil
| | - G. E. Overbeck
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em BotânicaInstituto de BiociênciasUniversidade Federal de Rio Grande do Sul Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500 91501‐970 Porto Alegre Rio Grande do Sul Brazil
- Departamento de BotânicaInstituto de BiociênciasUniversidade Federal de Rio Grande do Sul Avenida Bento Gonçalves, 9500 91501‐970 Porto Alegre Rio Grande do Sul Brazil
| | - M. Anand
- School of Environmental SciencesUniversity of Guelph 50, Stone Road East Guelph ON N1G 2W1 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
León Cordero R, Torchelsen FP, Overbeck GE, Anand M. Invasive gorse (Ulex europaeus, Fabaceae) changes plant community structure in subtropical forest–grassland mosaics of southern Brazil. Biol Invasions 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-016-1106-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
10
|
Saure HI, Vandvik V, Hassel K, Vetaas OR. Do vascular plants and bryophytes respond differently to coniferous invasion of coastal heathlands? Biol Invasions 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-013-0536-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
11
|
Fagúndez J. Heathlands confronting global change: drivers of biodiversity loss from past to future scenarios. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2013; 111:151-72. [PMID: 23223202 PMCID: PMC3555525 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcs257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heathlands are dynamic plant communities characterized by a high cover of sclerophyllous, ericoid shrubs that develop over nutrient-poor soils. Interest in the preservation of these habitats in Europe has increased over the last decades, but over this time there has been a general decline in habitat quality, affecting community structure, ecosystem functions and biodiversity. Negative drivers that trigger these changes include land-use changes (i.e. habitat destruction and fragmentation), pollution, climate change, natural succession and human management, as well as the presence of invasive exotic species. SCOPE Based on recent scientific literature, the effect of each of these potential drivers on a wide set of factors, including physiological traits, species richness and diversity, community structure, ecosystem functions and soil conditions, is reviewed. The effects of these drivers are generally understood, but the direction and magnitude of factor interactions, whenever studied, have shown high variability. CONCLUSIONS Habitat loss and fragmentation affect sensitive species and ecosystem functions. The nature of the surrounding area will condition the quality of the heathland remnants by, for example, propagule pressure from invasive species. The dominant ericoid shrubs can be out-competed by vigorous perennial grasses with increased atmospheric nitrogen deposition, although interactions with climate and management practices may either counteract or enhance this process. Grazing or periodic burning promotes heath loss but site-specific combined treatments maintain species diversity and community structure. Climate change alone moderately affects plant diversity, community structure and ecosystem functions. Combined with other factors, climatic changes will condition heath development, mainly with regard to key aspects such as seed set and seedling establishment, rare species occurrence and nutrient cycling in the soil. It is essential to address the effects of not only individual factors, but their interactions, together with land-use history, on heathland development and conservation in order to predict habitat response to future scenarios.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Fagúndez
- Departamento de Bioloxía Animal, Bioloxía Vexetal e Ecoloxía, Facultade de Ciencias, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Malo AF, Godsall B, Prebble C, Grange Z, McCandless S, Taylor A, Coulson T. Positive effects of an invasive shrub on aggregation and abundance of a native small rodent. Behav Ecol 2012. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/ars202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
|
13
|
Chung CY, Chen JJ, Lee CG, Chiu CY, Lai WL, Liao SW. Integrated estuary management for diffused sediment pollution in Dapeng Bay and neighboring rivers (Taiwan). ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2011; 173:499-517. [PMID: 20195746 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-010-1401-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2009] [Accepted: 02/11/2010] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
This work investigated sediment samples collected from Dapeng Bay and three neighboring rivers (Kaoping River, Tungkang River, and Lingbeng River) in southwestern Taiwan, Republic of China. Multivariate statistical analysis techniques, i.e., factor analysis, cluster analysis, and canonical discriminant analysis were used for the evaluation of spatial variations to determine the types of pollution and to identify pollutant sources from neighboring rivers. Factor analysis results showed that the most important latent factors in Dapeng Bay are soil texture, heavy metals, organic matter, and nutrients factors. Contour maps incorporating the factor scores showed heavy metals accumulate along the lakesides, especially on the southeastern banks of the lakes. A cluster analysis was performed using factor scores computed from these latent factors. We then classified these areas into five distinct classes using sampling stations, and we illustrate that in the three river classes, the sediment properties are influenced by industrial and domestic wastewater and agricultural activities (including livestock rearing and farm activities). However, in Dapeng Bay, the rivers were influenced more by complicated biogeochemical processes; these could be identified as a type of pollution. Canonical discriminant analysis illustrated that two constructed discriminant functions made a marked contribution to most of the discriminant variables, and the significant parameters of porosity and Cd, Cr, Al, and Pb content were combined as the "heavy metal factor". The recognition capacities of the two discriminant functions were 82.6% and 17.4%, respectively. It is also likely that the annual mean of the water exchange rate is insufficient (taking about 7 days to eliminate pollutants) and therefore has significantly influenced the carbon and nutrient biogeochemical processes and budgets in the semi-enclosed ecosystem. Thus, the sediment properties are not similar between the lagoon and the neighboring rivers. Our results yield useful information concerning estuary recovery and water resources management and may be applicable to other basins with similar characteristics that are experiencing similar coastal environmental issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Yi Chung
- Department of Environmental Resources Management, Tajen University, Pingtung, Taiwan, 90703, Republic of China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Invasibility or invasiveness? Effects of habitat, genotype, and their interaction on invasive Rhododendron ponticum populations. Biol Invasions 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-009-9472-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
15
|
The invasive species Alliaria petiolata (garlic mustard) increases soil nutrient availability in northern hardwood-conifer forests. Oecologia 2008; 157:459-71. [PMID: 18612654 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-008-1089-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2007] [Accepted: 06/04/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The invasion of non-native plants can alter the diversity and activity of soil microorganisms and nutrient cycling within forests. We used field studies to analyze the impact of a successful invasive groundcover, Alliaria petiolata, on fungal diversity, soil nutrient availability, and pH in five northeastern US forests. We also used laboratory and greenhouse experiments to test three mechanisms by which A. petiolata may alter soil processes: (1) the release of volatile, cyanogenic glucosides from plant tissue; (2) the exudation of plant secondary compounds from roots; and (3) the decomposition of litter. Fungal community composition was significantly different between invaded and uninvaded soils at one site. Compared to uninvaded plots, plots invaded by A. petiolata were consistently and significantly higher in N, P, Ca and Mg availability, and soil pH. In the laboratory, the release of volatile compounds from the leaves of A. petiolata did not significantly alter soil N availability. Similarly, in the greenhouse, the colonization of native soils by A. petiolata roots did not alter soil nutrient cycling, implying that the exudation of secondary compounds has little effect on soil processes. In a leaf litter decomposition experiment, however, green rosette leaves of A. petiolata significantly increased the rate of decomposition of native tree species. The accelerated decomposition of leaf litter from native trees in the presence of A. petiolata rosette leaves shows that the death of these high-nutrient-content leaves stimulates decomposition to a greater extent than any negative effect that secondary compounds may have on the activity of the microbes decomposing the native litter. The results presented here, integrated with recent related studies, suggest that this invasive plant may change soil nutrient availability in such a way as to create a positive feedback between site occupancy and continued proliferation.
Collapse
|
16
|
Piessens K, Stieperaere H, Honnay O, Hermy M. Effects of management and adjacent forest on the heathland bryophyte layer. Basic Appl Ecol 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.baae.2007.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
17
|
Liao SW, Lai WL, Chen JJ, Sheu JY, Lee CG. Water quality during development and apportionment of pollution from rivers in Tapeng Lagoon, Taiwan. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2006; 122:81-100. [PMID: 16906351 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-005-9166-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2005] [Accepted: 12/19/2005] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
This work investigated water samples collected from Tapeng Lagoon, Taiwan. Factor analysis was conducted to explain the characteristics and the variation in the quality of water during the disassembly of oyster frames and fishery boxes. The result shows that the most important latent factors in Tapeng Lagoon are the ocean factor, primary productivity factor, and the fishery pollution factor. Canonical discriminant analysis is applied to identify the source of pollution in neighboring rivers outside Tapeng Lagoon. The two constructed discriminant functions (CDFs) showed markedly contribution to all discriminant variables, and that total nitrogen, algae, dissolved oxygen and total phosphate, combined in the nutrient effect factor. The recognition capacities in these two CDFs were 95.6%, 4.4%, respectively. The water quality in the Kaoping river most strongly determined that in the Tapeng Lagoon the best is. And disassembling the oyster frames and fishery boxes improves the water quality markedly. However, environmental topographic conditions indicate that strengthening stream pollution prevention and to constructing another entrance to the ocean are the best approaches for improving the quality of water in Tapeng Lagoon, especially by reducing eutrophication. These approaches and results yield useful information concerning habitat recovery and water resource management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Wei Liao
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Science, Tajen University, Pingtong, Taiwan, 10907 Republic of China.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Tyler C, Pullin AS, Stewart GB. Effectiveness of management interventions to control invasion by Rhododendron ponticum. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2006; 37:513-22. [PMID: 16456628 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-005-0127-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Rhododendron ponticum is an invasive species in many countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium, and France. It poses a serious threat to native flora and fauna, as it is capable of altering entire seminatural communities through its vigorous spread. Control is essential if the conservation value of some communities, such as oak woodland and lowland heath, are to be successfully maintained. Commonly used interventions are herbicide application, herbicide application postcut, and cutting (manual or mechanical) alone. Various techniques have been developed to apply these interventions, but often retreatment of the area is required, increasing the cost of control. Here, we evaluate the effectiveness of some commonly used interventions for R. ponticum control using a systematic review methodology. Eleven studies provided data for statistical analysis. Meta-analyses of captured data show that postcut application of the herbicide Glyphosate or applying the herbicides Metsulfuron-methyl or Imazapyr (no cut) can effectively reduce a R. ponticum stand. There is insufficient available experimental evidence for effectiveness of any other intervention. The systematic review process has demonstrated the lack of replicated studies with controls or long-term monitoring and increases the call for more rigorous monitoring of all conservation management interventions. The quality of experimental evidence of the effectiveness of some interventions contrasts with the acceptance of their use through dissemination of experience. The collection and objective review of experience will require active collaboration of organizations concerned with R. ponticum control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Tyler
- Centre for Evidence-Based Conservation, School of Biosciences University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Eşen D, Yildiz O, Kulaç Ş, Sarginci M. Controlling Rhododendron spp. in the Turkish Black Sea Region. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1093/forestry/cpl008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
|
20
|
MANNING P, PUTWAIN PD, WEBB NR. Formulating a general statistical model forBetulaspp. invasion of lowland heath ecosystems. J Appl Ecol 2005. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2664.2005.01088.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
21
|
Eppard HR, Horton JL, Nilsen ET, Galusky P, Clinton BD. Investigating the Allelopathic Potential of Kalmia latifolia L. (Ericaceae). SOUTHEAST NAT 2005. [DOI: 10.1656/1528-7092(2005)004[0383:itapok]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
22
|
Liao SW, Chang WL. Interpretation and discrimination of marshy wetlands by soil factors in the Kuan-Tu Natural Park, Taiwan. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2005; 107:181-202. [PMID: 16418912 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-005-5310-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2004] [Accepted: 08/19/2004] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
This work investigated soil samples collected from Kuan-Tu wetlands, Taiwan. Factor analysis was performed to explain the impact of various soil factors on this marshy wetlands located in suburban Taipei. The results indicated that the latent factors were heavy metals, salinity, and soil organic matter. Canonical discriminant analysis was used to improve an existing vegetation classification scheme by identifying the physical-chemical properties of sediment in Kaun-Tu wetlands, Taiwan. Predictive discriminant analysis was used to examine the ability of the models to predict class membership for unknown soil sample. Multivariate analysis of the spatial patterns of soil quality and vegetation types showed that different properties of soil grew different types of vegetation and absorbed contaminants differently. We can feasibly conserve a suitable habitat for wetland biology by processing these unstable predictor variables. The methodology and results provide useful information concerning the Kuan-Tu wetlands and may be applicable to other wetlands with similar properties that are experiencing similar environmental issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Wei Liao
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Science, Tajen Institute of Technology, Ping-Tong, Taiwan, Republic of China.
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Owen KM, Marrs RH. The Use of Mixtures of Sulfur and Bracken Litter to Reduce pH of Former Arable Soils and Control Ruderal Species. Restor Ecol 2001. [DOI: 10.1046/j.1526-100x.2001.94009.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
24
|
Does Rhododendron maximum L. (Ericaceae) Reduce the Availability of Resources Above and Belowground for Canopy Tree Seedlings? AMERICAN MIDLAND NATURALIST 2001. [DOI: 10.1674/0003-0031(2001)145[0325:drmler]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|