Research

18 pages, 4047 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stoichiometric Characteristics of Abies georgei var. smithii Plants in Southeast Tibet

by Yueyao Li, Fangwei Fu, Jiangrong Li, Wensheng Chen, Huihui Ding and Siying Xiao

Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8458; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15118458 - 23 May 2023

Viewed by 853

In order to elucidate the adaptation mechanisms of the stoichiometric characteristics of Abies georgei var. smithii in southeastern Tibet to different habitats, the spatial and temporal dynamics of the nutrient contents and stoichiometric ratios among the leaf, branch, stem, and root organs were [...] Read more.

In order to elucidate the adaptation mechanisms of the stoichiometric characteristics of Abies georgei var. smithii in southeastern Tibet to different habitats, the spatial and temporal dynamics of the nutrient contents and stoichiometric ratios among the leaf, branch, stem, and root organs were analyzed on Sejila Mountain in southeastern Tibet at different elevations (3500 m, 3900 m, and 4300 m). The results show that (1) the C and K contents of the fir organs did not change significantly with increasing elevation in the same season, while the N and P contents showed an overall increasing trend with increasing elevation, with the C and N contents being the highest in the leaves. The distribution order was leaves > branches > roots > stem; the P and K content order in each organ was branches > leaves > roots > stem. (2) At the same elevation and in different seasons, the Abies georgei var. smithii organs showed a similar convergence in terms of nutrient storage and utilization strategies, and more nutrients were optimally allocated between the assimilated and stored organs in the alpine habitats, which represents a “trade-off” strategy. (3) Compared to the findings of the global-scale studies, this study area has low N, P, and K contents, and its growth is limited by both N and P. Due to physiological and nutrient balance constraints, the content of the N-limited elements in the plants is relatively stable, which is in line with the “limiting element stability hypothesis”. (4) Principal component analysis showed that the influence of environmental factors on the stoichiometric characteristics of the different organs of Abies georgei var. smithii had a spatial scale effect, and that Abies georgei var. smithii demonstrated increased accumulation of N and P contents when subjected to environmental stress, which promoted the domestication and adaptation of the plant, enabling it to show good nutrient accumulation capacity and good adaptation strategies even at high elevation; thus, it has become a pioneer tree species at high elevations. This research work shows that the resilient adaptation of Abies georgei var. smithiir to environmental change has led to differences in the nutrient uptake and use efficiency and the adaptation patterns of the organs at different altitudinal gradients, with each organ adapting to habitat changes by adjusting its nutrient storage strategy between habitats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation and Sustainability of Forest Biodiversity)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1138 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impacts of the Asian Elephants Damage on Farmer’s Livelihood Strategies in Pu’er and Xishuangbanna in China

by Yuchen Du, Junfeng Chen and Yi Xie

Sustainability 2023, 15(6), 5033; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15065033 - 12 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1200

Abstract

The human–elephant conflict is a current issue that receives global attention and occurs in all elephant-distribution countries. This paper focuses on Pu′er and Xishuangbanna cities in the distribution area of Asian elephants in Yunnan Province. Based on two case studies, we collect basic [...] Read more.

The human–elephant conflict is a current issue that receives global attention and occurs in all elephant-distribution countries. This paper focuses on Pu′er and Xishuangbanna cities in the distribution area of Asian elephants in Yunnan Province. Based on two case studies, we collect basic information from local farmers regarding the severity of the damage caused by Asian elephants and the impact this has on their psychology. Based on the Logit model and modulation effect, we analyze the impact farmers’ livelihood capital on how they choose livelihood strategies in the distribution area and whether damage caused by Asian elephants and general conflict conditions can regulate this impact. The results show that the damage caused by Asian elephants and general conflict conditions is serious in the distribution area, but the number of farmers who choose to change their livelihood strategies is small. The damage caused by Asian elephants has a different modulation effect on farmers’ livelihood capital. In the future, we should be more considerate of the livelihood capital accumulation of local farmers in the process of protecting Asian elephants, with a view towards maintaining and improving the livelihoods of farmers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation and Sustainability of Forest Biodiversity)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1806 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physiological Characteristics and Cold Resistance of Five Woody Plants in Treeline Ecotone of Sygera Mountains

by Huihui Ding, Wensheng Chen, Jiangrong Li, Fangwei Fu, Yueyao Li and Siying Xiao

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3040; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su15043040 - 07 Feb 2023

Viewed by 1098

Abstract

Investigating the distribution of internal physiological indicators and the cold resistance of woody plants in the alpine treeline ecotone is of great ecological importance to explain the mechanism of alpine treeline formation. Less research has been conducted on the cold resistance mechanisms of [...] Read more.

Investigating the distribution of internal physiological indicators and the cold resistance of woody plants in the alpine treeline ecotone is of great ecological importance to explain the mechanism of alpine treeline formation. Less research has been conducted on the cold resistance mechanisms of alpine treeline woody plants than on commercial crops. In this paper, five different tree species in the alpine treeline ecotone of the Sygera Mountains were used as the research objects and the leaves, branches, and roots of 19 woody plants were collected in the non-growing season (November) of 2019. Their non-structural carbohydrate content (soluble sugar and starch), malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), proline, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase levels were measured. The contents of C, N, P, and K elements were analyzed, along with the distribution characteristics of physiological indices and organs of various woody plants and their relationship to plant nutrients. Results showed that the MDA (5.46 ± 1.95 μg·g⁻¹) and H₂O₂ (4.11 ± 0.76 mmol·g⁻¹) of tree root organs and the MDA (3.03 ± 2.05 μg·g⁻¹) and H₂O₂ (4.25 ± 1.03 mmol·g⁻¹) of shrub leaf organs were higher than those of other organs, indicating that under the stress of low temperatures, the root organ of arbor species and the leaf organ of shrub species experienced the most damage. Osmotic substances, particularly soluble sugars, play a crucial role in the response of the woody plants in Sygera Mountains to low-temperature stress. Plant nutrients could enhance plant stress resistance by further activating the activity of the antioxidant system and increasing the synthesis of osmotic substances. This study hypothesized that the stress on the root organs of the arbor species in the treeline ecotone may not be repaired in time, which may be a key mechanism for the formation of the alpine treeline in the Sygera Mountains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation and Sustainability of Forest Biodiversity)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1747 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Long-Term Chemical and Organic Fertilizer Application on Soil Phosphorus Fractions in Lei Bamboo Plantations

by Qiaoling Li, Aibo Li, Zhiyuan Huang, Zheke Zhong, Fangyuan Bian and Xiaoping Zhang

Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 15658; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su142315658 - 24 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1364

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) is a key nutrient in forest ecosystems in subtropical regions. However, the effects of the long-term application of organic amendments on P availability are poorly understood. Here, we compared the soil P fractions and associated soil properties in southern Chinese Lei [...] Read more.

Phosphorus (P) is a key nutrient in forest ecosystems in subtropical regions. However, the effects of the long-term application of organic amendments on P availability are poorly understood. Here, we compared the soil P fractions and associated soil properties in southern Chinese Lei bamboo plantations using both an intensive management system (IMS) and a traditional management system (TMS). The results show that the IMS significantly (p < 0.05) increased the soil total organic carbon (C), soil ammonium N (NH₄-N), total P, and available potassium content; microbial biomass C and P content; P activation coefficient, and soil C:P ratios, while significantly (p < 0.05) decreasing pH and microbial C:P. The labile-P-to-total-phosphorus-content ratio increased significantly in the IMS (46%) compared with that in the TMS (32%). The selected soil properties (except nitrate [NO₃-N]) were significantly related to soil P fractions (except for concentrated HCl-extracted organic P). The IMS had a higher C:P ratio and labile P content than the TMS, suggesting that the IMS could promote soil P transformation and availability. Overall, the IMS increased soil P availability and supply capacity, and the changes in P forms could be a risk factor for P loss. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation and Sustainability of Forest Biodiversity)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 4178 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Promotion of Soil Microbial Community Restoration in the Mu Us Desert (China) by Aerial Seeding

by Yina Ma, Lei Zu, Fayu Long, Xiaofan Yang, Shixiong Wang, Qing Zhang, Yuejun He, Danmei Chen, Mingzhen Sui, Guangqi Zhang, Lipeng Zang and Qingfu Liu

Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 15241; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su142215241 - 17 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1202

Abstract

Soil microbial communities link soil and plants and play a key role in connecting above-ground and below-ground communities in terrestrial ecosystems. Currently, how artificial revegetation promotes the restoration of soil microbial community diversity in degraded ecosystems attracts extensive attention. In this study, soil [...] Read more.

Soil microbial communities link soil and plants and play a key role in connecting above-ground and below-ground communities in terrestrial ecosystems. Currently, how artificial revegetation promotes the restoration of soil microbial community diversity in degraded ecosystems attracts extensive attention. In this study, soil samples were collected from long-term artificially restored mobile sandy lands (aerial seeding sample plots) from 1983 to 2015 in the Mu Us Desert. The second-generation high-throughput sequencing technology was adopted to identify soil microorganisms and analyze the changes in their community structure and diversity. The relationships between changes in microbial diversity and soil nutrients were explored by Pearson correlation analysis and canonical correspondence analysis. In addition, the restoration of subsurface soil microbial communities in this area was evaluated. The results are as follows: (1) The alpha diversity of the soil microorganisms increased significantly with the restoration period, and the composition and diversity of the soil microbial communities in the sample plots in different restoration years varied significantly. (2) Soil nutrient indexes, such as total carbon, total nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen, significantly increased with the restoration period and were significantly positively correlated with soil fungal and bacterial diversity. (3) Key soil fungal and bacterial phyla contributed to nutrient cycling in degraded ecosystems. It can be concluded that afforestation by aerial seeding facilitates the change in community structure and increases the diversity of soil microorganisms in the Mu Us Desert. This paper provides a basis for future measures and policies for restoring degraded lands and ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation and Sustainability of Forest Biodiversity)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 5839 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tree Species Diversity and Stand Attributes Differently Influence the Ecosystem Functions of Pinus yunnanensis Secondary Forests under the Climate Context

by Lei Wang, Xiaobo Huang and Jianrong Su

Sustainability 2022, 14(14), 8332; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14148332 - 07 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1472

Abstract

It has been widely reported that biodiversity, ecosystems, and functional traits are positively interrelated in natural forest ecosystems. However, it remains unclear whether these relationships should be expected in secondary forests. In this study, we hypothesized that the multifunctionality (EMF) is affected by [...] Read more.

It has been widely reported that biodiversity, ecosystems, and functional traits are positively interrelated in natural forest ecosystems. However, it remains unclear whether these relationships should be expected in secondary forests. In this study, we hypothesized that the multifunctionality (EMF) is affected by the climate dependency of tree-species diversity and stand attribute diversity in a secondary forest dominated by Pinus yunnanensis. By using forest inventory data from a wide range of areas, we quantified the aboveground biomass, soil organic carbon, ratio of soil carbon and nitrogen, total soil nitrogen, total soil phosphorus, total soil potassium, tree-species diversity, and stand attribute diversity (i.e., individual tree-size variations). We also quantified the climate data, including the mean annual temperature (MAT), and mean annual precipitation (MAP). We found that a higher MAT directly constrains all the ecosystem multifunctionalities (EMFs) and three of the five single functions. A higher MAP was negatively correlated with all the EMFs and four of the five single functions, but indirectly through diversity indices. Stand attribute diversity better explained the EMFs rather than tree species diversity. Meanwhile, most of the single functions were highly correlated with stand attribute diversity rather than tree species diversity. These results highlight the importance of diversity in promoting forest multifunctionality and underscore the importance of the climate context in defining EMF and shaping the relationship between diversity and ecosystem functions. We argue that the climate context should be taken into account when maximizing forest complexity, so as to enhance the multifunctionality of Pinus yunnanensis secondary forests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation and Sustainability of Forest Biodiversity)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1757 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Topography and Soil Properties Determine Biomass and Productivity Indirectly via Community Structural and Species Diversity in Karst Forest, Southwest China

by Lijin Zhang, Hu Du, Zhiqi Yang, Tongqing Song, Fuping Zeng, Wanxia Peng and Guoqin Huang

Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7644; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14137644 - 23 Jun 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1826

Abstract

The forest ecosystem is an important part of the terrestrial ecosystem carbon sink, and its rate of biomass accumulation influences its carbon sink potential. Therefore, it is particularly important to understand the biomass and productivity of forest ecosystems, and their driving factors, especially [...] Read more.

The forest ecosystem is an important part of the terrestrial ecosystem carbon sink, and its rate of biomass accumulation influences its carbon sink potential. Therefore, it is particularly important to understand the biomass and productivity of forest ecosystems, and their driving factors, especially in karst areas with a fragile ecological environment. We established a 2 ha plot in karst forest in southwest China, and investigated species composition, community structure, topography and soil nutrients in the years 2007 and 2017. In this analysis, the correlations between tree diversity and each factor were evaluated using a Pearson correlation analysis. In addition, the relationships between soil nutrients and topographies and their effects on productivity and biomass were further evaluated, either directly or indirectly, through species and structural diversity by using a structural equation model (SEM). The results showed that the number of individuals in each species decreased, and productivity was 1.76 Mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹, from 2007 to 2017. Species diversity was negatively correlated with biomass and positively correlated with productivity; structural diversity was negatively correlated with biomass and productivity, while structural diversity was negatively correlated with biomass and positively correlated with productivity. In addition, the effects of soil factors on biomass and productivity were significantly different: TN had a significant positive effect on productivity, while all soil factors except total nitrogen (TN) had significant positive effects on biomass. The structural equation results also showed that topographic and soil factors can directly affect productivity; structural diversity has a strong direct negative impact on biomass, while species diversity, structural diversity and biomass have similar direct positive impacts on productivity. Structural diversity was better than species diversity when explaining biomass accumulation. In conclusion, biotic and abiotic factors both influence forest productivity in karst forests in southwest China, and improving species diversity and community structure complexity is of great significance for forest management and productivity promotion. The research further improve the understanding of biomass and productivity in karst forest ecosystems, and their driving factors, which will provide relevant theoretical support for sustainable forest development in southwest karst. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation and Sustainability of Forest Biodiversity)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 839 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Leaf Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus Stoichiometry in a Pinus yunnanensis Forest in Southwest China

by Xiaobo Huang, Xuedong Lang, Shuaifeng Li, Wande Liu and Jianrong Su

Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6365; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/su14106365 - 23 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1528

Abstract

Pinus yunnanensis forest is a unique forest type in southwest China and one of the main forest types in Yunnan Province, which also has great ecological, economic and social significance. Understanding the changes in the stoichiometric characteristics is a key to study the [...] Read more.

Pinus yunnanensis forest is a unique forest type in southwest China and one of the main forest types in Yunnan Province, which also has great ecological, economic and social significance. Understanding the changes in the stoichiometric characteristics is a key to study the nutrient cycling, limiting factors and stability mechanisms of the forest ecosystem. However, the stoichiometric characteristics, stability of the ecosystem of P. yunnanensis natural forests and whether they are limited by nutrients are still poorly understood. Based on a K-S test, ANOVA analysis and OLS regression analysis, we analyzed the concentrations of leaf C, N and P in 48 woody species of natural P. yunnanensis forests from 122 plots to explore the pattern of leaf C:N:P stoichiometry. Our results showed that the mean values of leaf C, N and P plus C:N, C:P and N:P for the 48 woody species were 451.12, 11.05 and 1.11 mg/g and 45.03, 496.98 and 11.27, respectively. The coefficients of variation of leaf C, N and P plus C:N, C:P and N:P were 5.29%, 36.75%, 51.53%, 29.63%, 43.46% and 41.68%, respectively. The geometric mean values of leaf N, P and N:P were 10.49 and 1.00 mg/g and 10.51, respectively. Leaf C and N, and C and P relationships showed significant negative correlations, but a significant positive correlation was observed between leaf N and P. There were significant differences in leaf N and C:N across functional groups. There were significant differences in leaf C and P between evergreen and deciduous, conifer and broadleaf trees. Significant differences in leaf C:P were only observed between evergreen and deciduous trees, and significant differences in leaf N:P were observed between conifer and broadleaf trees. The relatively low N:P in all sampled trees indicated that N was a limiting factor in the distribution of natural P. yunnanensis forests. However, the higher leaf C:N and C:P ratios indicated that the P. yunnanensis natural forest ecosystem was in a relatively stable state. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation and Sustainability of Forest Biodiversity)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Conservation and Sustainability of Forest Biodiversity

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (8 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI