Article
Soil Science
Xiaohua Wan, Zaipeng Yu, Mengjuan Wang, Yu Zhang, Manuel Esteban Lucas-Borja, Zhiqun Huang
Summary: This study explored how tree species richness affects soil microbial biomass and community composition through functional trait variation and community-weighted trait means. The findings indicated that an increase in tree species richness decreased total microbial biomass in the soil, with implications on gram-positive to gram-negative bacteria ratio and fungi to bacteria ratio based on leaf nitrogen content and leaf dry matter content traits.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Shinichi Tatsumi, Michel Loreau
Summary: Plant density and size are crucial factors affecting plant survival, growth and yield. However, their explicit analysis in the context of biodiversity-productivity relationships is rare. In this study, we derive equations to partition the effects of biodiversity into components that reflect diversity-induced changes in plant density and size, and find contrasting ways in which plant density and size regulate yield in species mixtures.
Article
Forestry
Lei Su, Mehdi Heydari, Reza Omidipour, Forough Soheili, Javad Cheraghi, Pedro Manuel Villa, Bernard Prevosto
Summary: The effects of abiotic factors on the relationship between aboveground biomass and plant species diversity in semiarid forests of western Iran were investigated. It was found that elevation had a significant impact on aboveground biomass and diversity indices.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Reza Omidipour, Pejman Tahmasebi, Mohsen Faal Faizabadi, Marzban Faramarzi, Ataollah Ebrahimi
Summary: Our study found that species richness significantly positively predicted aboveground biomass in desert-steppe, steppe, and semi-steppe rangelands, while it had a negative relationship with Mediterranean rangelands. Additionally, evenness was negatively related to aboveground biomass in desert-steppe and semi-steppe rangelands. Negative relationships between beta diversity and aboveground biomass were observed in desert-steppe, steppe, and semi-steppe rangelands, while a positive relationship was found in Mediterranean rangelands.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Hans Pretzsch
Summary: The study demonstrates that in the most common tree species combinations in Central Europe, mixed stands often exhibit facilitation and competition reduction effects, which can be implemented in individual tree growth models for better understanding and design of mixed species stands.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qinyuan Zhang, Qing Zhang, Yinuo Zhai, Wenjun Yang, Yan Zhang, Hongxiang Liu, Kun Zhang, Xiao Liu, Kening Cui, Hui Wang, Peiming Zheng, Renqing Wang
Summary: A better understanding of the ecological mechanisms underlying diversity-biomass relationships in forest layers is crucial for understanding the importance of vertical stratification in forest ecosystems. This study investigated the effects of multiple abiotic and biological factors on aboveground biomass in different forest strata using data from North China. The results revealed that different factors determined the biomass of the overstory and understory, indicating different ecological mechanisms in temperate forests.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Oto Nakladal, Vaclav Zumr, Jiri Remes, Marketa Machacova, Vitezslava Peskova
Summary: Intensive forest and agroforestry management has reduced the biodiversity of saproxylic organisms. Large trees, especially heritage trees in the landscape, are important refuges for saproxylic beetles. Research shows that sunny habitats and increasing tree trunk dimension significantly affect the distribution of saproxylic beetles.
Article
Agronomy
Louis Georgi, Matthias Kunz, Andreas Fichtner, Anne Bienert, Hans-Gerd Maas, Goddert von Oheimb
Summary: Efficient use of limited canopy space can enhance productivity, but the relationship between tree diversity and canopy space occupation (CSO) remains debated. This study demonstrates that the definition of canopy space and consideration of different tree size classes significantly affect the direction and strength of the tree diversity-CSO relationship.
AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST METEOROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Yi-Yang Chen, Michael Jennions, Rebecca J. Fox
Summary: Invertivorous fishes in Ningaloo Marine Park exhibit foraging specializations based on microhabitat preferences, which allows us to identify their distinct functional roles within the trophic guild. The study highlights the importance of considering these specializations when assessing ecosystem resilience and conservation strategies.
Article
Ecology
Emma C. Hughes, David P. Edwards, Jen A. Bright, Elliot J. R. Capp, Christopher R. Cooney, Zoe K. Varley, Gavin H. Thomas
Summary: Understanding the origins and conservation of morphological diversity is crucial for determining biogeographical patterns, evolutionary processes, and environmental factors. A study on bird species found that avian morphological diversity is unevenly distributed globally, with dense species packing in tropical hotspots. These regions also exhibit high phenotypic diversity. Evolutionary history plays a key role in shaping these patterns, with old species contributing to niche expansion and young species contributing to niche packing.
Article
Forestry
Philippe St Martin, Azim Mallik
Summary: Understorey shrubs of boreal forests, such as blueberry species Vaccinium angustifolium and V. myrtilloides, coexist despite having similar traits and resource needs through niche differentiation. Understanding the coexistence mechanisms of these dominant shrubs after forest harvesting and fire is important from both theoretical and applied perspectives, as they provide food for wildlife and health-conscious consumers and hold cultural significance.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Suwash Kunwar, Li-Qiu Wang, Rajeev Chaudhary, Puspa Raj Joshi, Arshad Ali
Summary: The study investigated the effects of stand density, species diversity, and individual tree size variation on above-ground biomass (AGB) in tropical forests along an elevational gradient. Results indicated that increased stand density and decreased species diversity influenced AGB, while tree diameter and height variation had less impact. The study suggested that compact stand density is crucial for higher AGB, but higher species diversity and stand structural complexity should be considered for biodiversity conservation and forest management.
APPLIED VEGETATION SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Yaoyi Wang, Zheng Song, Xiongqing Zhang, Hongxiang Wang
Summary: This study analyzed the effects of tree diversity, functional composition, large trees, and environmental factors on aboveground biomass (AGB) in an old-growth subtropical natural forest in southern China. The results showed that size inequality, the community-weighted mean of maximum DBH, and large trees had significant positive effects on AGB, while lower soil phosphorus content promoted an increase in AGB. Large trees, mostly composed of dominant tree species, were identified as the main driver of AGB, and their effect reduced the impact of functional composition on AGB. Therefore, retaining large-diameter trees and dominant species, along with sustaining a complex stand structure, are crucial measures for improving productivity.
Article
Plant Sciences
Jens van der Zee, Alvaro Lau, Alexander Shenkin
Summary: This study quantified the characteristic of crown surface complementarity in trees displaying crown shyness using LiDAR-derived tree point clouds. The research found that trees with overlapping crowns scored lower in surface complementarity values compared to non-overlapping pairs, and the average slenderness of tree pairs correlated positively with their surface complementarity score. The 3-D metric developed in this study revealed how trees adapt the shape of their crowns to those of adjacent trees and how this is linked to the slenderness of the trees.
Article
Environmental Studies
Jongyun Kim, Wanmo Kang
Summary: This study examined the multidimensional contributions of green roofs to urban ecosystems using i-Tree Canopy. The results showed that green roofs enhance ecosystem services, improve biodiversity, and enhance tree canopy connectivity. These findings are important for the strategic planning and decision-making processes of urban green infrastructure.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jalil Kakeh, Anvar Sanaei, Emma J. Sayer, Shadi Hazhir, Manouchehr Gorji, Mohammad Hossein Mohammadi
Summary: Biocrust species richness plays a key role in maintaining soil multifunctionality in drylands affected by soil salinity. Soil clay content and salinity have negative impacts on biocrust species richness, while soil hydrological function is negatively affected by soil salinity.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Anvar Sanaei, Emma J. Sayer, Zuoqiang Yuan, Hugo Saiz, Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo, Majid Sadeghinia, Parvaneh Ashouri, Sahar Ghafari, Hasan Kaboli, Mansoureh Kargar, Eric W. Seabloom, Arshad Ali
Summary: Plant diversity supports ecosystem functions, including carbon sequestration, but it is influenced by factors such as grazing and environmental conditions. We assessed how grazing intensity modifies the relationship between plant diversity and carbon stocks across different environments. Our study found that above-ground carbon stocks increased with plant diversity, with the strongest relationship observed for forbs. Soil carbon stocks were influenced by soil fertility, aridity, grazing, and topography. High grazing intensity led to declines in carbon stocks and modified the relationship between plant diversity and carbon stocks. Potential losses in plant diversity under grazing intensification could reduce carbon storage in rangelands. The mechanisms underlying rangeland BEF relationships require further research.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Cui Li, Yingying Mo, Nina Wang, Longyi Xing, Yang Qu, Yanlong Chen, Zuoqiang Yuan, Arshad Ali, Jiyan Qi, Victoria Fernandez, Yuheng Wang, Peter M. Kopittke
Summary: Trichomes, the epidermal outgrowths on plant shoots, have been recognized for their protective and specialized metabolite synthesis functions. Recent studies have revealed their important roles in water absorption and metal detoxification, which have implications for ecology, the environment, and agriculture. However, these functions have been overlooked and much remains unknown. This review presents evidence of trichomes in various plant species involved in water absorption and metal sequestration, highlighting their unique structural features and mechanisms. Future research should focus on addressing knowledge gaps and important questions regarding these trichome functions.
PLANT CELL AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Umar Aftab Abbasi, Eskil Mattsson, Sarath Premalal Nissanka, Arshad Ali
Summary: Forests play a crucial role in global biogeochemical cycles, but local species diversity is decreasing and communities are becoming more homogenized. This study examined the effects of regional and local environmental factors and biotic processes on aboveground biomass (AGB) in tropical forests. The results showed that soil fertility and climatic water availability influenced local and regional biotic processes. Stand structural heterogeneity promoted species alpha-diversity but decreased beta-diversity. Species alpha-diversity and stand structural heterogeneity positively influenced AGB, while taxonomic and functional beta-diversity had negative effects on AGB.
JOURNAL OF FORESTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Correction
Forestry
Umar Aftab Abbasi, Eskil Mattsson, Sarath Premalal Nissanka, Arshad Ali
JOURNAL OF FORESTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Pedro Manuel Villa, Joao Augusto Alves Meira-Neto, Ecio Souza Diniz, Arshad Ali, Andreza Viana Neri, Sebastiao Venancio Martins, Primula Viana Campos, Herval Vieira Pinto-Junior, Jamerson Souza da Costa, Alex Joselio Pires Coelho, Francielli Bao, Graziela de Araujo Lima, Alessandro Rapini
Summary: This study examined the phylogenetic diversity and structure of tree communities during secondary succession in the Northern Amazon Forest. The results showed that soil-mediated filtering played a key role in shaping the phylogenetic structure and diversity, while stand age had no significant effect.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Editorial Material
Plant Sciences
Arshad Ali
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Zhenhua Sun, Arunkamon Sonsuthi, Tommaso Jucker, Arshad Ali, Min Cao, Feng Liu, Guanghong Cao, Tianyu Hu, Qin Ma, Qinghua Guo, Luxiang Lin
Summary: Tropical forests are important for carbon storage and biodiversity, but their structure can vary due to various factors. This study used field inventory and remote sensing to investigate the effects of canopy and stand structural attributes on aboveground biomass (AGB) in Chinese tropical forests. The results showed that top-of-canopy height, stem size variation, and abundance positively influenced AGB, and increased top-of-canopy height indirectly contributed to greater AGB through increased stem size variation.
Article
Forestry
Maryam Kazempour Larsary, Hassan Pourbabaei, Ali Salehi, Rasoul Yousefpour, Arshad Ali
Summary: Plant species diversity is crucial for soil organic carbon (SOC) storage, and the effects of diversity on SOC storage may be overlooked in previous studies. By integrating tree size and trait-based ecological approach, we found that tree functional diversity has an important influence on SOC storage in temperate deciduous forests, driven by soil properties.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Correction
Forestry
Anvar Sanaei, Zuoqiang Yuan, Arshad Ali, Michel Loreau, Akira S. Mori, Peter B. Reich, Tommaso Jucker, Fei Lin, Ji Ye, Shuai Fang, Zhanqing Hao, Xugao Wang
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Umar Aftab Abbasi, Hammad Gilani, Kiramat Hussain, Arshad Ali
Summary: Whether niche complementarity or selection effects enhance aboveground biomass (AGB) due to tree diversity in natural forests is confounded by tree structural imbalance. We found that increasing stand stature weakens the positive effects of tree richness and structural imbalance on AGB. Tree structural imbalance rather than tree richness declines AGB in multi-species tall-statured stands but has positive effects in single-species stands. Increasing topographic elevation declines AGB. Therefore, tall-statured and short-statured forests should be treated separately in forest management and biodiversity conservation efforts.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Xing Wang, Zuoqiang Yuan, Arshad Ali, Teng Yang, Fei Lin, Zikun Mao, Ji Ye, Shuai Fang, Zhanqing Hao, XugaoWang, Yoann Le Bagousse-Pinguet
Summary: This study investigates the response of the phyllosphere microbiome in mountain ranges to climate and leaf functional traits. The results show that the phyllosphere microbiome declines with increasing elevation, contrary to commonly observed hump-shaped biodiversity patterns. Host plant traits and climate have different effects on the endo- and epiphytic phyllosphere microbiomes.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Arshad Ali
Summary: The integrity of forest ecosystems affects human well-being, but human activities are causing rapid changes. Understanding the impacts of socioeconomic conditions and activities on forest ecosystem processes, functions, and services is crucial for human well-being.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Correction
Environmental Sciences
Anvar Sanaei, Arshad Ali, Zuoqiang Yuan, Shufang Liu, Fei Lin, Shuai Fang, Ji Ye, Zhanqing Hao, Michel Loreau, Edith Bai, Xugao Wang
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Sadadi Ojoatre, Jos Barlow, Suzanne R. Jacobs, Mariana C. Rufino
Summary: This study evaluates the changes in a forest complex in Kenya and finds that within 20 years of disturbance, there is rapid recovery of aboveground biomass and carbon accumulation, and the species diversity remains high in these previously disturbed fragments.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Astor Torano Caicoya, Peter Biber, Miren del Rio, Ricardo Ruiz-Peinado, Catia Arcangeli, Robert Matthews, Hans Pretzsch
Summary: This study analyzed the effects of site and climate on the self-thinning line in Scots pine forests in Europe. The results showed that species tolerance, temperature, and precipitation influenced the slope of the self-thinning line. In terms of the intercept, latitude and radiation had compensating effects. Time did not show significant trends in the self-thinning line. The study highlights the need to adapt management strategies and models based on self-thinning to different latitudes. Climate change has not yet significantly impacted the self-thinning trajectory, but a continuous rise in temperature and high precipitation may accelerate the self-thinning process and result in increased biomass accumulation.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Haonan Zhang, Jianing Xu, Weiqi Meng, Zhonglin Li, Yanyan Ni, Weijie Li, Hao Chen, Xingshuo Zhang, Huanhuan Yuan, Zhi Wang
Summary: Secondary forests play a crucial role in ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity recovery. This study investigated the mechanisms underlying secondary succession in a restored secondary forest and found that deciduous tree species transition from diversity accumulators to repellents as they progress through different life history stages, while evergreen tree species can act as accumulators or remain neutral. The study also revealed the effects of density dependence on the mortality and regeneration of different tree species, and highlighted the importance of early-arriving tree species in facilitating the establishment and diversity of late-arriving counterparts.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Yierxiati Abulaiti, Zijian Huang, Guojiao Xie, Xiaojuan Zou, Qin Luo, Minhuang Wang, Qiong Yang, Ping Hu, Shixiao Yu
Summary: In this study, the resistance to pest infestation of native and exotic mangrove species was compared based on their traits and spectral reflectance. The results showed that exotic species exhibited higher resistance to pest infestation compared to native species.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Thomas Feiss, Vincent Robin, Delphine Aran, Joseph Levillain, Thierry Paul, Jean-Luc Dupouey
Summary: Fagus sylvatica L. is a competitive tree in European temperate deciduous forests, but often sporadic or absent in present-day stands where Quercus spp. are dominant. Through soil charcoal analysis in the Lorraine Plateau in France, the presence of Fagus and Quercus in mature Quercus stands was confirmed. Radiocarbon dating results indicated that historical forest management caused the replacement of Fagus by Quercus, starting from the Bronze Age.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Paula Halbig, Anne-Sophie Stelzer, Peter Baier, Josef Pennerstorfer, Horst Delb, Axel Schopf
Summary: The incidence of oak processionary moth in Central Europe has been increasing, posing severe threats to oak trees, humans, and animals. To address this issue, researchers have developed an online early warning system that provides phenological forecasts and decision support for the protection of oak trees and human health.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Jean-Baptiste Ndamiyehe Ncutirakiza, Sylvie Gourlet-Fleury, Philippe Lejeune, Xavier Bry, Catherine Trottier, Frederic Mortier, Adeline Fayolle, Francois Muhashy Habiyaremye, Leopold Ndjele Mianda-Bungi, Gauthier Ligot
Summary: This study examines the influence of canopy structure on tropical tree growth using data collected through unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and field measurements. The results show that combining UAV and field data can improve the prediction of tree diameter increment. Diameter at breast height and crown area are complementary predictors, and crown-based competition indices significantly enhance prediction models. The calibrated model at one site can accurately predict growth at another site.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Abebe Damtew, Emiru Birhane, Christian Messier, Alain Paquette, Bart Muys
Summary: Restoring degraded dryland requires a diverse mixture of trees and shrubs. Shading and species diversity can improve seedling survival and vitality. Shaded conditions led to higher seedling survival, vitality, and chlorophyll content, while increasing species richness improved seedling vitality in non-shaded conditions.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Francois Hebert, Isabelle Delisle, Marc Tremblay, Pascal Tremblay, Jean- Francois Boucher, Yan Boucher, Daniel Lord
Summary: Regeneration failures in the closed-crown boreal forest, resulting in the creation of open lichen woodlands, can be restored through clear-cutting, scarification, and natural seeding. Clear-cutting combined with scarification promotes seedling establishment, and scarification creates suitable microsites for germination. Seedling growth in lichen woodlands is higher when logging and scarification are combined, but lower compared to feather moss stands. Afforestation through natural seeding following scarification could be a cost-effective option for restoring lichen woodlands.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Bianca Wulansari Kassun, A. Maarit I. Kallio, Erik Tr Omborg, Meley Mekonen Rannestad
Summary: Mapping and analyzing forest ecosystem services in dry and mountain forests can provide valuable knowledge for sustainable forest management strategies.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Michael Premer, Eric Turnblom, Aaron Weiskittel
Summary: Managed forests serve as a natural climate change solution by sequestering carbon and storing it in harvested wood products, while also providing ecosystem services and wildlife habitat. This study focused on the stem sinuosity of juvenile coastal Douglas-fir and found that genetic improvement, silviculture practices, and local growing conditions can impact stem sinuosity. Factors such as tree spacing, vegetation control, and climate variables also affect the severity of stem sinuosity.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Bronwyn Lira Dyson, Rhea Herpel, Peter Karasch, Jorg Mueller, Dominik Thom, Claus Baessler
Summary: The study aimed to assess the effects of different forest management strategies, dead wood types, and microclimates on Fomes fomentarius. The results showed that the occupancy of Fomes fomentarius was lower in control stands, while the percent cover occupied on snags under a closed canopy was higher. Increasing the number of snags and maintaining dense forest canopies could enhance the presence of Fomes fomentarius as well as provide important microhabitats for various arthropods.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Di Liu, Chaofan Zhou, Xiao He, Xiangdong Lei, Huiru Zhang, Xianzhao Liu
Summary: Canopy structure plays a significant role in the distribution and growth of saplings. Traditional canopy metrics are inadequate in irregular stands. The innovative framework of canopy triangular units provides a comprehensive understanding of the canopy's three-dimensional attributes. Through this framework, we can analyze the differences in various triangular unit types and the spatial dispersion of saplings.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Amalia Valeria Ibanez Moro, Fabian Borghetti, Leonardo Galetto, Juan M. Cellini, Sandra J. Bravo
Summary: This study evaluated the size and persistence of soil seed banks (SSB) of six native woody species in dry subtropical forests of the western Argentine Chaco region. The results showed that SSB size was influenced by different sites and sampling years, and forest disturbances had varying effects on SSB.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)
Article
Forestry
Stephanie Landry, Marc-Andre Villard, Gaetan Pelletier, Martin-Hugues St-Laurent
Summary: In many regions of the world, excessive browsing by ungulates has reached unsustainable levels, threatening biodiversity and forest regeneration. Moose, as ecological engineers, have severe impacts on forest structure and composition through overbrowsing. The distribution of forage and cover patches affects moose browsing pressure, and this relationship has been explored in conifer-dominated stands but not in hardwood-dominated landscapes.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2024)