Showing papers on "Undergrowth published in 2016"

Notes on little known birds of the upper urubamba valley, southern peru

Abstract: -Distributional, ecological, and behavioral notes are presented for 34 species of poorly known birds from the Upper Urubamba River drainage in southern Peru. Records and data come from work by personnel of the LSU Museum of Zoology between 1974 and 1979. Received 30 July 1979, accepted 4 October 1979. LONG studied as a cradle of the Inca Civilization, the upper Urubamba River valley in the Department of Cuzco, southern Peru, is still poorly known biologically. Its avifauna has been reported upon by Sclater and Salvin (1869), Berlepsch and Stolzmann (1906), and Chapman (1921). The latter paper is a fairly comprehensive report on the bird collections secured by Edmund W. Heller for the Yale UniversityNational Geographic Society's Machu Picchu Expedition (April-November 1915), by Frank M. Chapman and George K. Cherrie (1-24 July 1916), and by Harry L. Watkins (3-25 April 1917). That paper also incorporates the records of the earlier authors who published on the collections of H. Whitely and Jean Kalinowski. Since the appearance of Chapman's 1921 work, no other paper dealing specifically with the avifauna of the region has been written. From July-September 1974 and again in June 1976, 1977, and 1978, October 1978, and August 1979, personnel from the Louisiana State University Museum of Zoology visited the valley in an effort to obtain distributional, ecological, and behavioral information on birds and small mammals. The purpose of this paper is to provide natural history information for some of the many poorly known species (those with restricted geographical and elevational ranges) encountered during our studies. Of these species, 9 were known from fewer than 10 specimens; 3 others represent the first published records for Peru. Three principal camps were made along the narrow Ollantaytambo-Quillabamba road that passes over Abra Mailaga (3,900 m), and a fourth was at Kiteni (450 m), a small village at the end of that road below Quillabamba. Brief descriptions of the localities, with longitudes and latitudes, follow. Camp 1.-Canchaillo (or Canchailloc) (13007'S, 72022'W), 3,260 m; about 14 road km NW Abra Malaga; 23 July-1 August 1974, 14-15 September 1974. Habitats visited include upper Humid Temperate Zone cloud forest, Puna Zone grassland, and Polylepis-Gynoxys woodland in an elevational range of 2,800-3,960 m. The forest near our camp, at treeline, was very dense, with trees ranging in height from 4 to 8 m and with a variety of short bushes present at the edge. Especially prominent near the camp were the trees Gynoxys spp. (Compositae), Polylepis spp. (Rosaceae), Miconia spp. and Brachyotum spp. (Melastomataceae), Clusia spp. (Guttiferae), bushes of the Ericaceae and Compositae (especially Gynoxys spp.), and bamboo (Chusquea). Tree limbs and trunks were thickly covered with mosses and lichens. About 300 m above main treeline, surrounded by grassland, were small (less than 1 ha) groves of Polylepis trees bordered by Gynoxys shrubs. Some of the rarest species of birds that we found inhabited these woodlands. Mist nets were set in openings cut in forest from 3,000 to 3,240 m; guns were also used to secure specimens at these and other elevations. We collected 152 specimens. Camp 2.-San Luis (13?06'S, 72025'W); 2,740 m; ca. 30 road km NW Abra Malaga; 1-8 August 1974, 17-22 August 1974. Most of our efforts here were concentrated in Humid Temperate Zone cloud forest averaging about 10 to 12 m in height, from 2,600 to 2,740 m. Arboreal epiphytic growth, including 167 The Auk 97: 167-176. January 1980 This content downloaded from 157.55.39.165 on Thu, 14 Jul 2016 06:11:30 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms 168 PARKER AND O'NEILL [Auk, Vol. 97 mosses, bromeliads and climbing ferns, was abundant. Tree ferns (Lomaria?) and Chusquea bamboo (Gramineae) were also prevalent. In disturbed areas at the forest edge and near potato gardens were groves of alder trees (Alnus jorullensis). Nets were placed in the forest understory, especially in or near bamboo thickets. We collected 168 specimens. Camp 3.-Aputinye (13?0'S, 72?32 'W); 1,670 m; humid subtropical forest on the mountain slope directly above (south of) the village of Huyro; 23 August-3 September 1974. We worked this area from 1,730 m (the upper limit of the Huyro tea plantation) to 1,830 m. Average tree height in the undisturbed forest was about 25-30 m, with some as tall as 40 m. Epiphytic growth was not as abundant as at previously described camps, but hanging vines and orchids were conspicuous. Large tree ferns were common. Along the forest edge fruiting trees of the Melastomataceae and flowering Cecropia spp. (Moraceae) attracted numbers of tanagers and other frugivores and nectarivores. Chusquea bamboo was common in forest openings such as treefalls. A number of bird species were recorded only in trees shading the tea plantation (mainly flowering Inga spp.). We collected 214 specimens. Camp 4.-Pefias (13?10'S, 72?18'W); 3,240 m; about 25 road km NE Ollantaytambo, west of Abra Malaga; 8-11 August 1974. This camp was in a narrow deep valley in and around the Inca ruins of Pefias, in a shrub zone not far below grassland. The area was a patchwork of clumps of bushes (primarily Ericaceae and Compositae) and grazed, small pastures. Bordering a small stream were thickets of alders, Alnus jorullensis (Betulaceae) and Clusia sp. (Guttiferae). Small, remnant Polylepis woodlands occurred high on the valley slopes. We collected 88 specimens. Camp 5.-Kiteni (or Quiteni) (ca. 12020'S, 72050'W); 450 m; about 66 road km beyond Rosalina; 5-12 September 1974. In the transition between Dry Tropical Zone deciduous forest and Humid Tropical Zone forest, this camp was on the floodplain of the Urubamba River at the village of Kiteni. On a ridge north of camp, the forest was fairly open, with some arborescent cacti and tall Bombacaceous trees. Arboreal bromeliads were common. Ground cover was sparse. The north-facing ridge opposite camp was covered by denser, more humid forest with a closed canopy averaging about 30 m in height and sparse undergrowth. Immediately adjacent to the river were taller trees (up to 40 m). Several manioc gardens bordered by second growth had been planted on the village outskirts. We collected 90 specimens. In addition to the above localities, observations were made in the vicinity of the city of Cuzco and the villages of Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu, Quillabamba and in intervening areas.

Effect of mixing herbaceous litter with tree litters on decomposition and N release in boreal plantations

Abstract: Background and Aims Abandoned lands are increasingly used to establish fast-growing tree plantations, and are often rapidly colonized by a high density of herbaceous undergrowth These weeds are generally removed since they compete with trees for resources, in particular soil nutrients However, mixing herbaceous litter with the litter of planted trees could also stimulate the activity of decomposers and associated nutrient release due to an increase of litter quality (lower C:N ratio), plant diversity (more diverse litter traits) and water holding capacity The objective was to determine the impact of herbaceous litter on the litter decomposition process of white spruce and hybrid poplar litters alone or in mixtures

Factors influencing the distribution and activity of Dermacentor reticulatus (F.) ticks in an anthropopressure-unaffected area in central-eastern Poland.

Abstract: Introduction and objectives Despite the increasing prevalence and significant role of D. reticulatus in pathogen transmission, the factors influencing its distribution and activity are still poorly known. The paper presents for the first time a study of the D. reticulatus ecology in a protected area, in which the dependence of D. reticulatus occurrence and activity on the ecological habitat type is analysed. Materials and methods Tick collection and environmental monitoring were conducted from March - November 2012 and 2014 in five ecologically-diverse habitats in the Polesie National Park of central-eastern Poland. Results The study shows that the most beneficial habitats for D. reticulatus are provided by meadow ecosystems dominated by plants from the class Molinio-Arrhenatheretea: Poa pratensis, P. trivialis, Festuca rubra, F. pratensis, and Alopecurcus pratensis, as well as Carex sp. sedges (64.78% of the tick collections). Less favourable conditions are offered by the fresh habitat covered by deciduous forest with dominance of Betula sp., A. pratensis, and Carex sp. sedges (15.27%), in the wet habitat dominated by Alnus glutinosa and Urtica dioica (9.00%), Betula humilis, Salix sp., and Carex sp. (8.44%), and in the subcontinental hornbeam forest Tilio-Carpinetum with poor undergrowth (2.50%). D. reticulatus avoids wet habitats with bog birch Betuletum pubescientis communities and moist pine forest Molinio-Pineteum, as well as habitats dominated by heather Calluna vulgaris. Conclusions The distribution and dynamics of the activity of adult D. reticulatus depends on the biological and geoclimatic conditions prevailing in tick habitats. The structure of the flora colonising a habitat may be an indicator of the presence of this tick species.

Productivity and work processes of small-tree bundler Fixteri FX15a in energy wood harvesting from early pine dominated thinnings

Abstract: First thinnings are often neglected in Europe due to high harvesting costs. The studied small-tree bundler (Fixteri FX15a) was developed in order to rationalize the integrated harvesting of small-diameter energy wood and pulpwood in thinning operations, and to reduce transportation costs through load compaction. For the time-and-motion study, three stand types were chosen, all dominated by Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). Two were dense, small dimension stands. The third stand was a “normal” first thinning stand. The machine fells and accumulates small-trees, which are fed into the bundling unit, where crosscutting, compaction, winding, scaling, and output of bundles of approximately 0.6 m3 solid is performed in an automated process. The productivity in the dense stand with rich undergrowth was 9.7 m3/PMh (productive machine hour), with an average tree volume of 27 dm3 and 3216 trees felled per hectare. In the dense stand with no undergrowth, a productivity of 11.9 m3/PMh was reached. The average tree volum...

Onboard fuzzy logic approach to active fire detection in Brazilian amazon forest

Abstract: In Brazil, almost all fires are caused by human activities, and for very different reasons: cleaning pastures, preparation for planting, removal of excess undergrowth, hand harvesting of cane sugar, vandalism, etc. Identifying fire occurrence promptly can assist and minimize the negative impact on the affected area. This article presents an onboard fuzzy logic approach for identifying and detecting active fire spots in the Brazilian Amazon forest considering the separability of fire spectral characteristics.

Effect of forest structure on operational efficiency of a bundle-harvester system in early thinnings

Abstract: The objective of the study was to improve knowledge on effects of harvested tree size and density of undergrowth on the operational efficiency of a bundle-harvester that produces 2.6 m long bundles, with ca. 60–70 cm diameter, in early fuel wood thinnings. In total 26 time study plots were marked out in 30 to 35 year old Scots pine dominated stands with initial density of 2800–9300 trees/ha and stem size range of 15–43 dm3. Ten of the units, randomly chosen, were precleared of undergrowth trees (≤2.5 cm at breast height diameter) prior to harvesting. There were no significant differences between treatments (preclearing vs. no preclearing) in properties or operational efficiency of the harvested and remaining stands. The average height of cut trees and volume of cut stems were 7.4 m and 16.2 dm3, respectively, and on average, 3554 trees/ha were removed. The bundles had a mean fresh mass of 439 kg and the mass was correlated to the proportion of birch trees cut. The productivity was, on average, 3.1 OD t/PM0H (6.6 fresh t/PM0H; 15.1 bundles/PM0H, where PM0H is productive machine hours, without delays) and was modeled with the harvested stem volume (dm3) as a single independent variable. The study provides complementary knowledge to earlier studies of the system’s performance, especially for harvesting stems <30 dm3. Its productivity was limited by the cutting efficiency and could probably be significantly increased by using a felling and bunching head that could cut and accumulate trees during continuous boom movements. Thus, it would be informative to evaluate such a system in various early thinning stand conditions, including assessments of its manoeuvrability in more difficult terrain.

Emission of climate relevant volatile organochlorines by plants occurring in temperate forests

Abstract: Chlorine, one of the most abundant elements in nature, undergoes a complex biogeochemical cycle in the environment, involved in the formation of volatile organochlorines (VOCls), which in turn can contribute to environmental problems, contaminate natural ecosystems, and are of public health concern. Several industrial and natural sources of VOCls have already been identified; however, data - particularly on the natural sources - are still scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the diversity of emission of VOCls from soil and several undergrowth plants collected in temperate spruce forest ecosystem and the effect of salting on the VOCl emission of plants. Undergrowth plants were found to emit chloroform (CHCl 3 ) in the range of 2.2-201 pmol/day/g dry weight (DW), tetra-chloromethane (CCl 4 ) 0-23.5 pmol/day/g DW, and tetrachloroethene (C 2 Cl 4 ) 0-13.5 pmol/day/g DW; the average emission rates were about 10 times higher than that of soil (2.9-47.2; 0-5.8; 0-3.6 pmol/day/g DW of CHCl 3 ; CCl 4 ; C 2 Cl 4 emission, respectively). Addition of sodium chloride solution in most cases caused an increase in the emission of CHCl 3 and caused a species specific - effect on the emissions of CCl 4 and C 2 Cl 4 . The results suggest that the emission of VOCls from spruce forest contribute to the atmospheric input of reactive chlorine; however, on a global scale it is only a minor net source.

Response of the dominant rodent species to close-to-nature logging practices in a temperate mixed forest

Abstract: The paper aims to answer the question whether differences exist in microhabitat preferences of the yellow-necked mouse and the bank vole between the natural forest and close-to-nature managed forest in the phase of stand regeneration. The two species were live-trapped during two periods in 2006 and 2007 on a square trapping grid established in a managed forest and a natural one. Ten microhabitat variables of each trapping point were measured to analyse their influence on the spatial distribution of the two species. At trapping points, the number of capture records for each species as a dependent variable was modelled using Generalised Linear Models. The herbal cover and a distance to the nearest woody debris were the most important measured microhabitat variables which affect the spatial distribution of both species. In the natural forest, the number of captures in both species increased significantly (p < 0.05) with a decreasing number of trees, increasing undergrowth coverage and decreasing distance to the nearest woody debris. In the managed forest, an increasing distance to the nearest tree and increasing herbal cover had a negative effect on the yellow-necked mouse occurrence (p < 0.001), while in contrast, the increase in values of the same variables increased frequency of occurrence of the bank vole (p < 0.001). Moreover, the bank vole was more frequent in the presence of woody debris (p < 0.002). The study demonstrated clearly that these species modify their spatial activity depending on the management of the woodland.

Influence of mowing on dynamics of native phytoseiid mites and Tetranychus urticae in apple orchards in northern Japan

Abstract: To support practical integrated pest management in commercial apple orchards, I investigated the influence of mowing on the occurrence of Tetranychus urticae and native phytoseiid mites in apple orchards sprayed with selective insecticides in Akita Prefecture, northern Japan, from 2013 to 2015. The orchards were not mown in 2013, and unmown and mown plots were compared in 2014 and 2015. There were significantly fewer Typhlodromus vulgaris on apple leaves and Amblyseius tsugawai in the undergrowth in mown plots than in unmown plots in both years. Conversely, there were significantly more T. urticae on leaves and undergrowth in mown plots than in unmown plots. The reason for the decreased populations of these phytoseiid mites may be a lack of food (pollen) needed for reproduction on apple trees and in the undergrowth due to mowing. These results indicate that mowing strongly influences generalist phytoseiid mites in apple orchards. Moreover, mowing might increase the density of T. urticae in apple trees because increased nitrogen in the leaves increases fecundity; in addition, drought might promote the increase of mite numbers. Thus, retention of undergrowth suppresses T. urticae in apple orchards.

Are bark beetles responsible for droughts in the Šumava Mts.? A mini-review

Abstract: We attempt here to review recent studies focusing on droughts and hydrology in the Sumava Mts. The main question is can bark beetles affect water regimes in forest and what kind of measures might be taken – if any – to prevent bark beetle attacks. We compared results for natural forest, clear-cuts in managed forest and dead forest killed by a bark beetle attack. As expected, there was more water and a lower air temperature above the soil surface in natural forest. Dead trees shade undergrowth and so moderate temperature fluctuations. The conditions in clear-cuts are the worst for natural forest regeneration. There are no significant changes in the water cycle in catchment areas affected by bark beetle infections. However, it is predicted there is likely to be a slow decline in the amount of water due to a local change in climate, i.e. air temperature increase and precipitation decrease. It is concluded that droughts might occur more often and independently of bark beetle outbreaks in the future.

Factors influencing vole bark damage intensity in managed mountain-forest plantations of Central Europe

Abstract: We studied the impact of vole bark gnawing in forest plantations dominated by European beech in two Czech mountain ranges (the Hrubý Jesenik Mts, the Moravskoslezske Beskydy Mts) with different habitat conditions. Of the four present vole species, only the field vole caused significant damage, the impact of the bank vole being inconclusive. In both ranges, the key factor determining the presence and abundance of voles (Microtus sp.) was the occurrence of grasses. Saplings in the Hrubý Jesenik Mts suffered significantly higher damage than those in the Moravskoslezske Beskydy Mts (13.6 vs. 3.3 % damaged seedlings), with degree of damage closely related to the abundance and spatial distribution of voles. We relate it to lower carrying capacity caused by poor herb layer and higher proportion of spruce monocultures surrounding the plantations in the Hrubý Jesenik Mts. Our results indicate that artificial beech regeneration is more successful in mixed and spruce forests with rich undergrowth (the Moravskoslezske Beskydy Mts) than in large spruce stands with reduced herb undergrowth (the Hrubý Jesenik Mts).

Low Herbivory among Targeted Reforestation Sites in the Andean Highlands of Southern Ecuador

Abstract: Insect herbivory constitutes an important constraint in the viability and management of targeted reforestation sites. Focusing on young experimental stands at about 2000 m elevation in southern Ecuador, we examined foliar damage over one season as a function of tree species and habitat. Native tree species (Successional hardwood: Cedrela montana and Tabebuia chrysantha; fast-growing pioneer: Heliocarpus americanus) have been planted among prevailing local landcover types (abandoned pasture, secondary shrub vegetation, and a Pinus patula plantation) in 2003/4. Plantation trees were compared to conspecifics in the spontaneous undergrowth of adjacent undisturbed rainforest matched for height and foliar volume. Specifically, we tested the hypotheses that H. americanus as a pioneer species suffers more herbivory compared to the two successional tree species, and that damage is inversely related to habitat complexity. Overall leaf damage caused by folivorous insects (excluding leafcutter ants) was low. Average leaf loss was highest among T. chrysantha (7.50% ± 0.19 SE of leaf area), followed by H. americanus (4.67% ± 0.18 SE) and C. montana (3.18% ± 0.15 SE). Contrary to expectations, leaf area loss was highest among trees in closed-canopy natural rainforest, followed by pine plantation, pasture, and secondary shrub sites. Harvesting activity of leafcutter ants (Acromyrmex sp.) was strongly biased towards T. chrysantha growing in open habitat (mean pasture: 2.5%; shrub: 10.5%) where it could result in considerable damage (> 90.0%). Insect folivory is unlikely to pose a barrier for reforestation in the tropical Andean mountain forest zone at present, but leafcutter ants may become problematic if local temperatures increase in the wake of global warming.

Can the Mangombe forest plantation contribute to restore and conserve biodiversity

Abstract: This research, conducted in the tropical rainforest, is focused on restoration of tree diversity through natural regeneration mechanism in the 49 year-old Mangombe forest plantation. 12 plots were surveyed, 6 with large transects and the 6 others under regrowth. In each plot, two subplots with 400 m² each were demarcated for the inventory of all stems with diameter greater than 2.5 cm. A total of 2239 stems comprising 107 species distributed in 93 genera and 42 families were identified over 9600 m². There was a slight difference between species richness of plots with large transect (79 species, 72 genera and 35 families) and regrowth plots (85 species, 76 genera and 38 families) while the basal area in the plots with large transects (10.76 m²/ha) was significantly greater than that of regrowth (8.65 m²/ha). Species with high important value index have an affinity with forest undergrowth such as: Tabernaemontana pachysiphon , T. crassa , Mallotus oppositifolius and Heinsia crinita . The undergrowth is diversified with different life feature and a high number of small size trees indicating a vigorous regeneration. This can be favoured by: microclimate undergrowth, canopy gaps, abundance of litter fall that brings humus to the soil, type and age of plots, planted species and the complexity of spatial and vertical structure of the stand. © 2016 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved. Keywords: Mangombe – Cameroon, Natural regeneration, dense humid forest, tree plantation, biodiversity

Struktur komposisi tumbuhan bawah tegakan jati di kebun benih klon (kbk) padangan bojonegoro

Abstract: Undergrowth vegetation are bottom layer of the tree community. Community of undergrowth vegetation are always identical as the weeds that had been considered as a disturber and harm. When viewed from another perspective undergrowth is a component of diversity. This study aimed to analyze the structure of the composition and reviewing the use of plants from three different plots under cropping Tectona grandis in seeds clones garden (KBK) Padangan. Data were collected at three research stations are in plots 1983, 1988 and 1993 using the plot as much as 36 squared, each size of 1 m x 1 m. Undergrowth plants were obtained from three research stations is 19 species from 12 families. Family Fabaceae or legumes are most often found. The highest undergrowth had Importance Value Index (IVI) from plots 1983 and 1993 was Sentrosema ( Centrosema pubescens ) and on plots 1988 is grass ( Brachiaria decumbens ). Index of species diversity (H') in the three different research stations showed the diversity of species are moderate at the region. Values of similarity index (IS) undergrowth vegetation showed the plant community from three research stations are different. Keywords : Undergrowth vegetation, species diversity, KBK Padangan, vegetation Analysis

Diversity of ground dwelling insect fauna in the sacred groves of Purulia district, West Bengal

Abstract: An attempt has been made to explore the ground dwelling insects from 53 sacred groves of Purulia district. Altogether, 29 species belonging to four orders and seven families were reported from these old-aged sacred groves. Of them, Orthoptera shares maximum number of species (14) followed by Hymenoptera (7), Dermaptera (4) and Coleoptera (4). High percentage of ground dwelling insect species diversity was observed in thick undergrowth (49%) followed by clear (27%) and thin (24%) undergrowth.

The Impact of Industrial Pollution with Toxic Gases on Stem Histological Parameters of Woody Plant Undergrowth under Conditions of the Southern Industrial Zone of the City of Dnipro, Ukraine

Abstract: The paper examines the influence of industrial emissions of sulphur (IV) and nitrogen (IV) oxides (the southern industrial zone of the city of Dnipro) on stem histological parameters of the autochthonous woody plant species undergrowth of Acer platanoides L. and Fraxinus excelsior L., which are natural forest edificators in the steppe zone of Ukraine. It shows that stem anatomical characteristics undergo quantitative changes in the annual undergrowth shoots of the two tree species under anthropogenic burden, with the most significant changes in the area of heavy pollution. Results indicate the decrease of such stem parameters as stem and stele diameters, wood radius and primary cortex thickness under high concentrations of SO2 and NO2 in seedlings of both species. However, this parameter drops in A. platanoides stems by reducing the collenchyme width, whereas it goes down in F. excelsior stems due to cork thickness loss. Another difference in the response of A. platanoides to the influence of phytotoxic pollutants compared to F. excelsior is the depletion of conducting elements of its phloem, which results in thinning the secondary cortex of the stem. The research findings prove high vulnerability of A. platanoides undergrowth to the chronic exposure of SO2 and NO2. Therefore, this woody species is suggested to be used as a test object in monitoring research on plants of virginal group in the technogenic areas contaminated with sulphur (IV) and nitrogen (IV) oxides.

Kirigala forest fragments and the identity as a dipterocarp plantation or Hora Kele of Ingiriya

Abstract: Fragmentation has exposed the Kirigala forest to the influence of various neighbourhood land-use practices. The present study investigated the floristic, soil and micro-climatic conditions of the forest and demonstrated its degradation due to influences by human induced disturbances. Ten 50 m × 5 m gradsects each accommodating 3 pairs of 10 m × 5 m plots, a total of 60 soil samples and 20 seed traps provided floristic details, seedling emergence from seed bank and annual seed rain of the forest, respectively. Diversity of the edge and the forest interior were compared for the different neighbourhood land use types using the Shannon and Weiner (H) and Simpsons reciprocal (D) indices. Change in the forest structure was illustrated using profile diagrams. Differences in soil pH, soil moisture, nitrogen, available phosphorous and potassium, organic matter content, air temperature, humidity and light intensity between the forest edge and the interior were determined. Soil, microclimate and species richness were combined for clustering of similar areas. The site reported the presence of 55 tree, 12 shrub, 15 herb, 07 climber and 02 vine species including a total of 23 endemic species and 06 invasive species. A higher diversity was observed at the edge, and the highest was observed beside roads as indicated by both diversity indices H and D. Soil and microclimate of the forest varied significantly between the edge and the interior and reflected anthropogenic influences and neighbourhood land use practices. Dominance hierarchy of the trees was Dipterocarpus zeylanicus > Gaertnera vaginans > Aporusa lanceolata , while that for undergrowth/shrubs herbaceous species was Ochlandra stridula > Dracaena thwaitesii > Piper sylvestre . Annual seed rain contained propagules of 23 plant species, while invasive Alstonia macrophylla provided the highest density of seeds. Establishment of foot paths, selective removal of juveniles by root-balling technique and encroachment for crop cultivation have also facilitated the degradation process. It is vital to pay attention on maintaining the ecological stability of this forest before it loses its identity as the Hora Kele of Ingiriya.

A study of the undergrowth vegetation of sempu island, east java, indonesia

Abstract: SADILI, A. & KARTAWINATA, K. 2016. A study of the undergrowth vegetation of Sempu Island, East Java, Indonesia. Reinwardtia 15(1): 1 - 9. — A study of forest floor vegetation in coastal forest (site 1) and inland lowland forest (site 2) was carried out at the Sempu Island Nature Reserve, Malang Regency, East Java. The objective of the study is to obtain data on plant species diversity, species composition and structure of the forest floor vegetation. In each site the vegetation was sampled with a plot of 1 m × 50 m, which was divided into 50 subplots of 1 m × 1 m each. Overall from the two plots we recorded 59 species, 57 genera and 39 families. Shannon-Wienner diversity indices (H’) were relatively high. i.e., 4.47 in Plot 1 and 3.2 in Plot 2, with a mean of 3.84. The number of the seedlings of shrubs and trees was greater than that of the herbaceous species. The families having the highest number of species were Euphorbiaceae (6 species) and Fabaceae (5 species). Based on dominant species the vegetation in Plot 1 was designated as Scleria lithosperma-Asystasia nemorum community type, while in Plot 2 Pterospermum javanicum-Knema sp. community type. The similarity index between these community types was only 18%. Only P. javanicum showed a good regeneration and the regeneration of other species in the two community types was poor, indicating unclear floristic changes in the forest of the Sempu Island.

Influence of climatic factors on scots pine forestation and natural undergrowth in the penza region

Abstract: Резюме. В работе представлены результаты анализа реакции линейных приростов сосны обыкновенной (Pinus sylvestris L.) в посадках и под пологом леса на воздействие метеорологических факторов. Для осуществления процедуры сравнения оценивалась степень сходства ходов роста лесокультур и естественного возобновления данной породы деревьев. Исследования проводились на двух экополигонах, расположенных на территории Никольского лесничества (Пензенская область) в лесокультурах и в естественных древостоях. Обнаружены как сходные тенденции, так и случаи несходства откликов на климатические сигналы у лесокультур и у сосны естественного возобновления. Таким образом, древостои даже в рамках одной территории могут демонстрировать неоднородность тенденций хода роста. Такие факторы, как происхождение семенного материала и локальные условия произрастания каждого отдельного дерева, могут иметь значительное влияние на ход роста, перекрывающее общие закономерности развития подроста сосны обыкновенной на определенном экополигоне. Ключевые слова. Линейный прирост, воздействие климатических факторов, Pinus sylvestris, лесокультура, естественное возобновление леса, Пензенская область.

Forage yield and nutritive value of naturally growing Brachiaria decumbens as undergrowth to an aroeira tree stand in a silvopasture system

Abstract: This study evaluated the forage yield and feed chemical composition of a Brachiaria decumbens natural pasture as undergrowth to a Myracrodruon urundeuva (aroeira) tree stand in a silvopasture system at UNESP/Ilha Solteira, Selviria, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Sampling was conducted in a completely randomized block design with a factorial scheme of two plots and two sub-plots, with plots as the light regimen (full sunlight or shade from aroeira trees, spaced 3 × 3 m) and sub-plots as the grazing rotation scheme (pre-grazing and post-grazing). Sampling was performed along the four seasons of a year in four replicates. Canopy height, forage mass, morphological composition, nutritive value, and forage digestibility (whole-plant sample) were evaluated. Forage mass was significantly higher in the full sun area (1,306 kg DM/ha) than in the shaded site (727 kg DM/ha). Forage yield was low during the experimental period (1,529 and 58 kg/ha in the full sun and shaded sites, respectively). The nutritive value of B. decumbens was not significantly different between light regimens. Growing B. decumbens as undergrowth in aroeira stands may be an option in areas where the trees still occur, but other planting densities should be examined. Key words: Forage yield, Myracrodruon urundeuva, rising plate meter, shading, sward height.

Estimation of Carbon Storage of Two Dominant Species in Deciduous Dipterocarp Forest in Chatthin Wildlife Sanctuary, Myanmar

Abstract: The carbon storage of two dominant species, vegetation and litter layer were assessed in Deciduous Dipterocarp forest in Chatthin Wildlife Sanctuary, Myanmar. A total of 37 tree species was found in the study area. Among the tree species, two dominant species were Dipterocarpus tuberculatus Roxb., and Shorea obtusa Wall. Biomass allometric equations for estimating the aboveground biomass were developed based on direct measurements of 40 individuals of those two species while allometric equations for estimating the belowground biomass were also developed through measuring 10 sample trees of those species. The carbon content of D. tuberculatus was 24.15 ton ha-1 while that of S. obtusa were 12.25 ton ha-1, respectively. In addition, the carbon contents of undergrowth vegetation and litter were 8.12 ton ha-1 and 3.7 ton ha-1, respectively. The best fit equation for estimating total biomass of D. tuberculatus was Log Y = 1.6058 + 0.9631 Log X, where R2 = 0.97 and that of S. obtusa was Log Y = 1.8069 + 0.9377 Log X, where R2 = 0.94. The equations derived from this study can be applied to estimate the carbon storage of D. tuberculatus and S. obtusa in Deciduous Dipterocarp forest in Myanmar.

Random Forest for the Real Forests

Abstract: A forest is a vast area of land covered predominantly with trees and undergrowth. In this paper, adhering to cartographic variables, we try to predict the predominant kind of tree cover of a forest using the Random Forests (RF) classification method. The study classifies the data into seven classes of forests found in the Roosevelt National Forest of Northern Colorado. With sufficient data to create a classification model, the RF classifier gives reasonably accurate results. Fine-tuning of the algorithm parameters was done to get promising results. Besides that a dimensionality check on the dataset was conducted to observe the possibilities of dimensionality reduction.

Remote sensing quantification detection method for abundances of undergrowth herbaceous vegetation and litter layers

Abstract: The invention relates to a remote sensing quantification detection method for the abundances of undergrowth herbaceous vegetation and litter layers. The remote sensing quantification detection method for the abundances of the undergrowth herbaceous vegetation and litter layers comprises the following steps of a step S1: carrying out remote sensing measurement on the basic breathing values of soil; a step S2: indicating the coverage current situations of undergrowth vegetation and litter through the basic breathing values of the soil; a step S3: inversing the coverage current situations of the undergrowth vegetation and the litter based on a model for representing the indicative functions, for the undergrowth vegetation, of the basic breathing values of the soil and by utilizing a remote sensing inversed figure about the basic breathing values of the soil, so as to realize the remote sensing quantification detection of the coverage current situations of the undergrowth vegetation and the litter. By using the remote sensing quantification detection method for the abundances of the undergrowth herbaceous vegetation and litter layers, the remote sensing quantification measurement of the abundances of the undergrowth herbaceous vegetation and litter layers is realized by means of a relationship among the basic breathing values of the soil and state indexes embodying the undergrowth vegetation and the like; a uniform and standard technique is provided for the quick measurement, by relevant departments of forestry, of judging the coverage current situations of the undergrowth vegetation and the litter based on a remote sensing technique.

Odnowienie naturalne w drzewostanach bukowych o złożonej postaci na przykładzie Bieszczadzkiego Parku Narodowego

Abstract: The paper presents the results of the analysis of the number of trees, construction and structure of natural regeneration layer in beech stands of lower-mountain zone (about 700–1220 MSL) in the Bieszczady National Park (BNP). The research was performed in 1993–2003 on 100 circular sample plots of the statisticalmathematical system of inventory and control of forest resources of the BNP. The obtained results prove, that the beech stands of the Bieszczady belong to the forests that regenerate very well themselves at each stage of their development, which ensures stability and sustainability in the lower mountain zone. Tree species composition of natural regeneration layer is similar to the species structure of the upper layer of the stand, while its characteristic feature is its uneven occurrence, that may be associated with differentiated lights conditions inside stands. The observations display a high variability of features of beech undergrowth, especially in case of increment of tree main stem.

Effet de la lumière des trouées de la canopée sur le potentiel et la dissémination de Gnetum africanum dans les écosystèmes forestiers congolais

Abstract: Gnetum africanum Welw belonging to the botanical family of Gnetaceae (order Gnetales ) is a wild plant of Central African forests. It provides a non-timber forest product called "koko" harvested for its food and commercial interest. In Congo intensified harvest caused its disappearance around major cities and the remoteness of rural harvesting sites. The objective of this study was to know the influence of light on the potential and spread of different growth stages in relation to the change in canopy gaps that allow the entry of light into the undergrowth. The study was carried out in the departments of plateaux and Kouilou where two and three sites were sampled respectively. The analysis of forest sites by basal area led to distinguish the forest regrowth, the young secondary forest and old secondary forest or mature. Recruits are characterized by large canopy gaps ranged between 50.5 ± 6.1 and 91.9 ± 6.8% and the absence of canopy at somes places. Older forests are relatively obstructed rows in classes 3 and 4 of the canopy. The dissemination of Gnetum is very marked in the first half of the transect of older and mature forests for all stages of growth, and a strong preference to closed canopy for seedlings. The numbers of young lianas being more surveys along transects of recruits and young secondary formations. Gnetumafricanum revealed a shade-loving character of seedlings and semi-sun-loving of young lianas.

Assessing Undergrowth Biomass Carbon Variability Under Different Strata in Temperate Himalayan Region

Abstract: Realizing the importance of carbon monitoring and reporting in climate change, it becomes imperative to assess the contribution of less significant but equally important forest carbon sub-pool of shrubs and herbs in mitigating the atmospheric carbon. The present study was conducted to calculate the strata wise biomass carbon of undergrowth (herbs and shrubs) in the coniferous forests of Western Himalayan region. Quadrates of 0.1 ha were laid in six forest types and within these plots, shrub plots (5m X 5m) were laid at the opposite corners. Herb plots (herbs including freshly fallen litter) (1m X 1m) m were laid inside the shrub plots at the opposite corners for undergrowth measurements. Shrub and herb measurements were taken by total harvest method and sub-samples weighing 200 g packed tight were transferred to the laboratory and oven dried at 65 ± 5 °C to a constant weight. The estimated biomass from these plots was extrapolated to one ha. The total herb biomass hence calculated was converted into carbon equivalent using a factor of 0.50. The entire results were subjected to statistical tools using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results revealed that shrub biomass carbon was found to be highest under Deodar (closed) strata 0.65 t ha -1 ( ±σ 0.48) and minimum under Deodar (open) 0.17 t ha -1 ( ± σ 0.20) with p<0.05. For herb biomass carbon the highest values were observed under Fir-Spruce (closed) 1.32 t ha-1 ( ± σ 0.46) and minimum under Blue Pine (open) 0.59 t ha ( ± σ 0.49) with p<0.05. The open forests were subjected to a high biotic interference as a result of uncontrolled grazing, fuel wood and fodder collection that led to the lower values for undergrowth biomass carbon. However these strata were found to have a promising potential to fix atmospheric carbon into herbs and shrubs once the conservative interventions are brought into practice.

The understory plant diversity and soil properties of three forest types in hilly region of central Hunan Province

Abstract: This paper selected coniferous forests,coniferous and broadleaved mixed forests and broadleaf forests as the research object in the hilly region in central Hunan Province,to study species diversity of undergrowth vegetation,soil physical and chemical properties,and correlation between them in three forest types. The results showed that plant diversity index of shrub layer were all higher than herb layer,coniferous and broadleaved mixed forests and broadleaf forests were higher than coniferous forests. The contents of soil organic matter,total N and total P showed significantly decreased with increasing soil depth. The soil water content was not related with the diversity indexes. Soil bulk density and p H had negative relativity with the diversity index,organic matter and total N had negative relativity with shrub layer evenness index,but organic matter had significant relativity with herb layer evenness index( P 0. 01),total P and total K had significant relativity with shrub layer diversity indexes( P 0. 05).

Transformation of upland meadow’s biogeocenosis during processes of overgrowth by the gray alder ( Alnus inсаnа (L.) Moench)

Abstract: The article presents results of a study of the environmental conditions transformation during the formation of new phytocenoses by the grey alder. Processes of overgrowing meadows by alder entail a change of habitat characteristics, in particular, reduction of brightness and temperature, a significant increase in litter thickness. In addition, abundance and biomass of earthworms per area unit is reduced in upper soil horizons under the alders, compared to the meadow. Conversion of environmental factors significantly affects the development of herbaceous vegetation: species richness and abundance (cover) of herbaceous vegetation plummets under the influence of alder, as well as floristic heterogeneity of the cover. Undergrowth of spruce — indigenous tree species does not develop in the 60-year-old alder. Overgrowing meadows through the gray alder (compared with aspen and birch) inhibits the passage of autogenous succession, aimed at establishing indigenous vegetation type — spruce. Refs 29. Figs 5. Tables 3.

Ix. the flora and fauna associated with undergrowth- forming algae in the rapids area

Abstract: at the north and south ends of the Rapids the currents do not exceed about 01 m/sec (Bassindale et al. 1948). Organisms inhabiting the fronds of the large brown algae (Saccorhiza polyschides and Laminaria digitata) are exposed to the current, but those inhabiting sub-littoral boulders or small algae are partly sheltered by the overlying canopy of fronds, which forms a slippage plane (Kitching et al. 1952). Nevertheless there are striking differences in the fauna of boulders off Mark 7 and from more sheltered regions (Lilly et al. 1953), which are probably to be explained in part by secondary influences of the current, such as the control of sedimentation. For this work seven stations were chosen to provide a comparison between the Lough (Codium Bay and Renouf's Bay), the Rapids (Stations Nos. 1, 3 and 5), and Barloge