Article
Forestry
Brian W. Rolek, Daniel J. Harrison, Daniel W. Linden, Cynthia S. Loftin, Petra B. Wood
Summary: This study investigated the influence of forest management on 18 conifer-associated birds during breeding and post-breeding over the forest regeneration period, finding that forestry treatment categories and years-since-harvest were poor predictors of abundance. However, important associations were found between abundance and vegetation variables, suggesting that managers should target species-specific vegetation outcomes when managing for individual focal species.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Qing Song, Tiemei Wang
Summary: This study conducted in the ecotones between the forest and grassland of Inner Mongolia found that shrub encroachment has an impact on species diversity in grassland, with severe shrub formation significantly reducing species diversity. However, shrub encroachment does not significantly affect aboveground biomass, with herbaceous plant population playing a leading role in grassland productivity. Additionally, shrub encroachment leads to a change in the overall association of shrub communities from positive to negative.
Article
Entomology
Elia Guariento, Konrad Fiedler
Summary: This study assessed ant assemblages along the tree line at five mountains in the south-central Alps of Italy, with the highest ant species richness and functional diversity found directly at the ecotone. Ant community composition was influenced by elevation and shrub cover around the tree line ecotone.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Aileen C. van der Mescht, James S. Pryke, Rene Gaigher, Michael J. Samways
Summary: Ecotones naturally occur in landscapes with varied ecological conditions, affecting species-specific responses. Both natural and anthropogenic landscapes support ecotones, with a behavioral component influencing animal responses. In a study comparing the acoustic characteristics of singing bush crickets in natural vs. anthropogenic ecotones, it was found that both types of ecotones had similar species compositions and supported high levels of bush cricket activity. These ecotones acted as transitional zones between different habitats, highlighting their importance in a complex landscape.
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Don R. Church, Larissa L. Bailey, Henry M. Wilbur, James H. Green, Lex Hiby
Summary: Geographically isolated wetland and surrounding landscape features affect the ecology and life history of amphibian species. Clearcuts have a negative impact on salamander populations, but other environmental factors may mitigate these effects.
Article
Plant Sciences
Krystof Chytry, Helena Prokesova, Mario Duchon, Klara Klinkovska, Pavel Novak, Milan Chytry, Jan Divisek
Summary: The geological substrate significantly affects the distribution of plant species in forest-steppe landscapes. The edge effect is observed on hard rocks, while it is absent on loess. Loess sites have lower species turnover between forest and steppe and fewer edge specialists.
JOURNAL OF VEGETATION SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Rita Verbylaite, Alfas Pliura, Vaidotas Lygis, Vytautas Suchockas, Jurga Jankauskiene, Juozas Labokas
Summary: The study aimed to determine the genetic diversity and spatial distribution of five common broadleaved tree species in Lithuania, including both maternal stands and natural regeneration. The results showed that the regenerating populations of these tree species exhibited random genetic structures, while Populus tremula mainly regenerated through root suckers. The genetic diversity in regenerating populations was as high as in maternal stands, indicating their potential to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Article
Agronomy
Vladimir Langraf, Kornelia Petrovicova, Janka Schlarmannova
Summary: The research demonstrates that soil moisture, pH, phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen levels influence the abundance of epigeic arthropods, with a higher number of individuals found in ecotones compared to field plots.
Article
Forestry
Victoria Stokes, Gary Kerr, Thomas Connolly
Summary: There is a strong policy move in Britain to improve forest resilience by increasing stand structural and species diversity. Underplanting technique can help regeneration and diversification of stands, but may also result in lower growth rates due to lower light levels. The survival and growth of underplanted conifer species were examined, with some species showing potential in exposed areas but facing challenges such as reduced growth rates.
Article
Forestry
Philip G. Comeau
Summary: Broadcast motor-manual or manual brushing treatments can increase aspen stem numbers and competition, while spot treatments can reduce aspen stump sprout size and quantity. Treatment timing and age have an impact on treatment effectiveness, and some treatments can significantly increase spruce diameter.
Article
Entomology
Evan S. Waite, Gregory R. Houseman, William E. Jensen, Molly M. Reichenborn, Mary L. Jameson
Summary: In recent years, there has been a sharp decline in beneficial insect numbers, which negatively affects food crops and wildlife. This study examines the response of ground beetles to CRP restoration and management, and finds that moderate levels of cattle grazing do not have a negative impact on ground beetle communities and may even have a positive effect on abundance, biomass, and diversity in tallgrass regions.
Article
Neurosciences
Polina O. Bogacheva, Anastasia I. Molchanova, Ekaterina S. Pravdivceva, Anna S. Miteva, Olga P. Balezina, Alexander E. Gaydukov
Summary: The study investigated the effects of BDNF processing by-products on the activity of mouse neuromuscular junctions. The results demonstrated that both proBDNF and BDNF prodomain predominantly inhibited spontaneous and evoked ACh release in NMJs.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Monica R. Lee, Darin J. Jr Jr McNeil, Codey L. Mathis, Christina M. Grozinger, Jeffery L. Larkin
Summary: Insect pollinator populations have declined due to habitat loss and degradation, with forested landscapes in eastern North America being considered strongholds for these populations. Timber harvest has been effective in enhancing forest pollinator habitat, but the role of microhabitat components like log landings remains understudied. Log landings were found to support more bees, butterflies, and floral resources compared to timber harvest interiors, suggesting they serve as concentrated resource hubs for pollinators. Further research on the importance of different plant species in habitat quality for early-successional pollinators is recommended.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Chunju Peng, Yandong Song, Chong Li, Tingting Mei, Zhili Wu, Yongjun Shi, Yufeng Zhou, Guomo Zhou
Summary: Mixed stand plantations of moso bamboo and Chinese fir exhibited better physiological-ecological performance compared to monoculture plantations, with higher leaf net photosynthesis rate, antioxidant enzyme activities, and chlorophyll content. However, there were some decreases in non-photochemical quenching in Chinese fir and water use efficiency in the mixed stand.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Samuel Roy Proulx, Alain Leduc, Nelson Thiffault, Aitor Ameztegui
Summary: This study investigated the growth interactions between black spruce and tamarack and found that the size of neighbouring trees was the main parameter influencing competition between these two species.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)