By taking city parks of Jingzhou City as an example,city parks,as primary places for citizens' daily forest recreation,should present a certain recreational environment feature under the comprehensive effect of na...By taking city parks of Jingzhou City as an example,city parks,as primary places for citizens' daily forest recreation,should present a certain recreational environment feature under the comprehensive effect of nature,humanity,facilities,location and historical evolution.Through the empirical analysis of recreationists' behaviors in city parks with different environmental characters,it has obtained the differences of recreationists in composition,staying time and contents of recreational activities in different city parks,and that recreationists appear to adapt to the environmental characters.Recreational attractions and demands have manifested their perception towards the environmental characters of city parks.The distribution of recreational satisfaction has demonstrated that experience value of recreationists and environmental characters of city parks are consistent.展开更多
The market-based incentive mechanism of payments for forest environmental services (PFES) seeks to capture part of the benefits derived from forest environmental services and channels them to forest resource owners/ma...The market-based incentive mechanism of payments for forest environmental services (PFES) seeks to capture part of the benefits derived from forest environmental services and channels them to forest resource owners/managers who generate these services, thus increases their incentives to conserve and manage forest resources. This paper examines some of the most important ethical issues entailed by PFES mechanism. The analysis shows that PFES may not always benefit the poor due to the comparative disadvantages of the poor and the complicated characteristics of forest ecosystem services. It is important and urgent to take ethical dimensions into account in the PFES approaches and design and develop the pro- poor payment mechanism in order to achieve the two objectives of forest conservation and economic development.展开更多
With the analyses of the reasons for the emergence of domestic and overseas markets for forest environmental service and its significance, this paper summarizes the progress in the research on the market and reviews t...With the analyses of the reasons for the emergence of domestic and overseas markets for forest environmental service and its significance, this paper summarizes the progress in the research on the market and reviews the operations of the markets for 4 kinds of forest environmental services that are watershed protection services, biodiversity protection services, carbon sequestration services and landscape services. At the end, the paper discusses the major problems arising in the creation of markets for environmental services and the developing tendency.展开更多
As a Nature-Based Solution,urban forests deliver a number of environmental ecosystem services(EESs).To quantify these EESs,well-defined,reliable,quantifiable and stable indicators are needed.With literature analysis a...As a Nature-Based Solution,urban forests deliver a number of environmental ecosystem services(EESs).To quantify these EESs,well-defined,reliable,quantifiable and stable indicators are needed.With literature analysis and expert knowledge gathered within COST Action FP1204 GreenInUrbs,we proposed a classification of urban forest EESs into three categories:(A)regulation of air,water,soil and climate;(B)provisioning of habitat quality;and(C)provisioning of other goods and services.Each category is divided into EES types:(a)amelioration of air quality;restoration of soil and water;amelioration of the microclimate;removal of CO2 from the air;(b)provision of habitat for biodiversity;support for resilient urban ecosystems;provision of genetic diversity;and(c)provision of energy and nutrients;provision of grey infrastructure resilience.Each EES type provides one or more benefits.For each of these 12 benefits,we propose a set of indicators to be used when analyzing the impacts on the identified EESs.Around half of the 36 indicators are relevant to more than one single benefit,which highlights complex interrelationships.The indicators of wider applicability are tree and stand characteristics,followed by leaf physical traits and tree species composition.This knowledge is needed for the optimization of the EESs delivered by urban forests,now and in the future.展开更多
Forest tourist areas have an excellent ecological environment,which is conducive to people's physical and mental health.In this study,Fuzhou National Forest Park and Wuying National Forest Park were selected as ty...Forest tourist areas have an excellent ecological environment,which is conducive to people's physical and mental health.In this study,Fuzhou National Forest Park and Wuying National Forest Park were selected as typical representatives of the southern and northern forest parks,respectively,which were compared by qualitative and quantitative research methods from such five aspects as air quality,climate quality,water environment quality,acoustic environment quality and biological population in some forest areas.The results showed that Fuzhou National Forest Park has a concentration of negative oxygen ions much higher than Wuying National Forest Park,and is thus more conducive to people's health;and it has the characteristics of warm and comfortable climate throughout the year and high biodiversity,but the noise is 4.35 db higher than Wuying National Forest Park,and the water quality is slightly poorer than that of Wuying National Forest Park.And its DO value is about 3.89 smaller in autumn than in summer.In Wuying National Forest Park,the concentration of negative oxygen ions is 53.6% lower than Fuzhou National Forest Park,but it is also above the national standard.The climate is only comfortable in June-August,and is colder or cooler in other months.The water quality is better than that of Fuzhou National Forest Park.In particular,the PH value is about 0.38 lower than that of Fuzhou National Forest Park.It has its own unique biological characteristics.The number of tourists in summer is higher,resulting in higher noise in summer than in autumn.The two forest parks in the north and the south are both good places for people to relax and enjoy.展开更多
We analyzed the relationship between species richness and biomass in natural forest communities at two similar sites on Mt. Xiaolongshan, northwest China. At both sites, a wide range of tree layer biomass levels was a...We analyzed the relationship between species richness and biomass in natural forest communities at two similar sites on Mt. Xiaolongshan, northwest China. At both sites, a wide range of tree layer biomass levels was available by local biomass estimation models. In order to identify underlying mechanism of the species richness-biomass relationship, we included different water resource levels and number of individuals in each plot in our analysis. We sampled 15 and 20 plots （20 m ×20 m）, respectively, at both two sites. These plots were sampled equally on the sunny slope and the shady slope. Species richness, number of individuals of each species and diameter at breast height （DBH） as a substitute of biomass of tree layer were recorded in each sample. At one site, the relationship between species richness and biomass was significant on the sunny slope, and this relationship disappeared on the shady slope due to more environmental factors. The relations between species richness and number of individuals and between number of individuals and biomass paralleled the species richness-biomass relation on both slopes. The difference in number of individuals-biomass relationships on the sunny slope and the shady slope revealed ＂interspecific competitive exclusion＂ even though the species richness-biomass relationships were not hump-shaped. At the other site, species richness was not related to biomass or to number of individuals. Our study demonstrated the importance of environmental stress and succession of community in the understanding of species diversity-productivity patterns.展开更多
Analysis of nature environmental condition and evalwtion of selection and integration ofteclmiques have been carried out in Daxing’an mountains from 1987. The character of soil generaion in this area is influenced by...Analysis of nature environmental condition and evalwtion of selection and integration ofteclmiques have been carried out in Daxing’an mountains from 1987. The character of soil generaion in this area is influenced by the frigid, coniferous forest vegetation, weather, glacier and late soil formation process. Syntliesis teclmiques for high yield plantation include high seedling quality,suitable site preparation and eftbctive protectioll measures for yoimg trees.展开更多
Environmental education （EE） is a vital dimension of modern day acumen that portends a great promise in solving the myriad environmental resource management challenges at global, regional and local levels. A study w...Environmental education （EE） is a vital dimension of modern day acumen that portends a great promise in solving the myriad environmental resource management challenges at global, regional and local levels. A study was carried out in 18 locations in the Nandi North, Nandi South and Nandi Hills districts of Kenya, which cover the Nandi Hills and Nandi Forests in Nandi County, major water catchments for Lake Victoria. A mixed methodological approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data obtained from focus group discussions, key informant interviews, household survey and observations was embraced in data collection and analysis. The study reveals that there are several strategies that have been adopted by the local population and institutions involved in the management of the Nandi Hills Forests （NHFs） and that these strategies have contributed to an improvement in the perceptions of the local population in terms of the importance of environmental management of the forests. This paper highlights EE as a vehicle for ensur- ing a sustainable management of the Nandi Hills Forests. As such, it illuminates the great potential that lies in sustainably managing the NHFs by integrating formal and informal EE approaches. It further points out the functional gaps in the management of NHFs and proposes best-practices that could be adopted and/or domesticated in NHFs management regimes.展开更多
Trees on sand dunes are more sensitive to environmental changes because sandy soils have extremely low water holding capacity and nutrient availability. We investigated the dynamics of soil respiration(Rs) for seconda...Trees on sand dunes are more sensitive to environmental changes because sandy soils have extremely low water holding capacity and nutrient availability. We investigated the dynamics of soil respiration(Rs) for secondary natural Litsea forest and plantations of casuarina,pine, acacia and eucalyptus. Results show that significant diurnal variations of Rsoccurred in autumn for the eucalyptus species and in summer for the pine species, with higher mean soil respiration at night. However, significant seasonal variations of Rswere found in all five forest stands. Rschanged exponentially with soil temperatures at the 10-cm depth; the models explain 43.3–77.0% of Rs variations. Positive relationships between seasonal Rsand soil moisture varied with stands. The correlations were significant only in the secondary forest, and the eucalyptus and pine plantations. The temperature sensitivity parameter(Q10 value) of Rsranged from 1.64 in casuarina plantation to 2.32 the in secondary forest; annual Rswas highest in the secondary forest and lowest in the pine plantation. The results indicate that soil temperatures and moisture are the primary environmental controls of soil respiration and mainly act through a direct influence on roots and microbial activity. Differences in root biomass, quality of litter,and soil properties(pH, total N, available P, and exchangeable Mg) were also significant factors.展开更多
The wax palm (Ceroxylon echinulatum) and palm heart (Prestoea acuminata) are key elements in Andean natural forests. This ecosystem is threatened by deforestation and habitat degradation, thus, it is vital to explore ...The wax palm (Ceroxylon echinulatum) and palm heart (Prestoea acuminata) are key elements in Andean natural forests. This ecosystem is threatened by deforestation and habitat degradation, thus, it is vital to explore the impact of anthropogenic activities on the ecological structure and preferences of these species in order to develop proper conservation strategies. Fifty-seven 400 m2 plots were established in two forest areas, a disturbed forest (n = 30 plots) and an undisturbed forest (n = 27 plots) in the Ecuadorean Andes. Nine micro-environmental variables and the number of individuals of C. echinulatum and P. acuminata in five size classes were recorded in each plot. Logistic regression models helped identify environmental variables that influence the establishment of the species. Results showed that different micro-environmental variables determined the presence of different size classes. Both species were benefitted by the environmental conditions of the disturbed forest. Light availability was important for the establishment of both species, especially for the canopy species (C. echinulatum). This palm was negatively affected by the variable “fallen wood”, while P. acuminata was negatively affected mainly by the steepness of the terrain. The environmental variables for the successful establishment of the studied species that were identified by this study provide clues for the sustainable management of C. echinulatum and P. acuminata in Andean forests.展开更多
Effects of environmental factors such as climate,topography,vegetation and soil in shelter forests in Three Gorges Reservoir Region on runoff and sediment yields were monitored to identify dominant environmental facto...Effects of environmental factors such as climate,topography,vegetation and soil in shelter forests in Three Gorges Reservoir Region on runoff and sediment yields were monitored to identify dominant environmental factors controlling runoff and sediment yields in 15 runoff plots in study area by soil sampling,laboratory analysis,stepwise regression analysis and path analysis,and to establish the main control environmental factors that affect runoff and sediment yields. The results showed that soil bulk density,herbaceous cover,slope,and canopy density were the significant factors controlling runoff,and the direct path coefficient of each factor was ranked as canopy closure(-0. 628) > litter thickness(-0. 547) > bulk density( 0. 509) > altitude( 0. 289). The indirect path coefficient was ranked as soil bulk density( 0. 354) >litter thickness(-0. 169) > altitude( 0. 126) > canopy closure(-0. 104). Therefore,canopy closure and litter thickness mainly had direct effects on runoff,while soil bulk density mainly had indirect effects through their contributions to other factors. Herbaceous cover,litter thickness,slope,canopy density,and altitude were the significant factors controlling sediment yields. The direct path coefficient of each factor was ranked as herbaceous cover(-0. 815) > litter thickness(-0. 777) > canopy closure(-0. 624) > slope( 0. 620). The indirect path coefficient was ranked as slope( 0. 272) > litter thickness(-0. 131) > canopy closure(-0. 097) > herbaceous cover(-0. 084). Therefore,herbaceous cover and litter thickness mainly had direct effects on sediment yields,while slope mainly had indirect effects through their contributions to other factors. All the selected environmental factors jointly explained 85. 5% and 78. 3% of runoff and sediment yield variability,respectively. However,there were large values of remaining path coefficients of other factors influencing runoff and sediment yields,which indicated that some important factors are not included and should be taken into account.展开更多
We investigated the composition of plant communities to quantify their relationships with environmental parameters in the Chitral Hindukush range of Pakistan. We sampled tree vegetation using the Point Centered Quart...We investigated the composition of plant communities to quantify their relationships with environmental parameters in the Chitral Hindukush range of Pakistan. We sampled tree vegetation using the Point Centered Quarter （PCQ） method while understory vegetation was sampled in 1.5-m circular quadrats. Cedrus deodara is the national symbol of Pakistan and was dominant in the sampled communities. Because environmental variables determine vegetation types, we analyzed and evaluated edaphic and topographic factors. DCA-Ordination showed the major gradient as an amalgam of elevation （p〈0.05） and slope （p〈0.01） as the topographic factors correlated with species distribution. Soil variables were the factors of environmental significance along DCA axes. However, among these factors, Mg2＋ , K ＋ and N2＋ contributed not more than 0.054% 0.20% and 0.073%, respectively, to variation along the first ordination axis. We conclude that the principal reason for weak or no correlation with many edaphic variables was the anthropogenic disturbance of vegetation. The understory vegetation was composed of perennial herbs in most communities and was most dense under the tree canopy. The understory vegetation strongly regulates tree seedling growth and regeneration patterns. We recommend further study of the understory vegetation using permanent plots to aid development of forest regeneration strategies.展开更多
Twenty-three secondary forest communities with different structure were selected in Mao＇er Mountain National Park of Heilongjiang Province, China to study the relationship between diversity of forest plant species an...Twenty-three secondary forest communities with different structure were selected in Mao＇er Mountain National Park of Heilongjiang Province, China to study the relationship between diversity of forest plant species and environmental gradient. The forest plant species diversity was analyzed by the diversity index, and the environmental factors was quantified by the method of Whittaker＇s quantification of environmental gradient. Meanwhile, β-diversity indexes of communities were calculated with similar measurements. The results showed that the Shannon-wiener diversity index of forest plant species increased with the increase of the environmental gradient, and the β-diversity indexes of communities showed a liner increase along with the change of environmental gradient.展开更多
基金Supported by Doctors’ Initial Funding of Yangtze University~~
文摘By taking city parks of Jingzhou City as an example,city parks,as primary places for citizens' daily forest recreation,should present a certain recreational environment feature under the comprehensive effect of nature,humanity,facilities,location and historical evolution.Through the empirical analysis of recreationists' behaviors in city parks with different environmental characters,it has obtained the differences of recreationists in composition,staying time and contents of recreational activities in different city parks,and that recreationists appear to adapt to the environmental characters.Recreational attractions and demands have manifested their perception towards the environmental characters of city parks.The distribution of recreational satisfaction has demonstrated that experience value of recreationists and environmental characters of city parks are consistent.
文摘The market-based incentive mechanism of payments for forest environmental services (PFES) seeks to capture part of the benefits derived from forest environmental services and channels them to forest resource owners/managers who generate these services, thus increases their incentives to conserve and manage forest resources. This paper examines some of the most important ethical issues entailed by PFES mechanism. The analysis shows that PFES may not always benefit the poor due to the comparative disadvantages of the poor and the complicated characteristics of forest ecosystem services. It is important and urgent to take ethical dimensions into account in the PFES approaches and design and develop the pro- poor payment mechanism in order to achieve the two objectives of forest conservation and economic development.
文摘With the analyses of the reasons for the emergence of domestic and overseas markets for forest environmental service and its significance, this paper summarizes the progress in the research on the market and reviews the operations of the markets for 4 kinds of forest environmental services that are watershed protection services, biodiversity protection services, carbon sequestration services and landscape services. At the end, the paper discusses the major problems arising in the creation of markets for environmental services and the developing tendency.
基金financially supported by COST Action FP1204 GreenInUrbsPRIN project EUFORICCMinistry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation(the Agreement No.02.A03.21.0008)
文摘As a Nature-Based Solution,urban forests deliver a number of environmental ecosystem services(EESs).To quantify these EESs,well-defined,reliable,quantifiable and stable indicators are needed.With literature analysis and expert knowledge gathered within COST Action FP1204 GreenInUrbs,we proposed a classification of urban forest EESs into three categories:(A)regulation of air,water,soil and climate;(B)provisioning of habitat quality;and(C)provisioning of other goods and services.Each category is divided into EES types:(a)amelioration of air quality;restoration of soil and water;amelioration of the microclimate;removal of CO2 from the air;(b)provision of habitat for biodiversity;support for resilient urban ecosystems;provision of genetic diversity;and(c)provision of energy and nutrients;provision of grey infrastructure resilience.Each EES type provides one or more benefits.For each of these 12 benefits,we propose a set of indicators to be used when analyzing the impacts on the identified EESs.Around half of the 36 indicators are relevant to more than one single benefit,which highlights complex interrelationships.The indicators of wider applicability are tree and stand characteristics,followed by leaf physical traits and tree species composition.This knowledge is needed for the optimization of the EESs delivered by urban forests,now and in the future.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(41907050)Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province(ZR2019MD031)Scientific Research Projects in Colleges and Universities in Shandong Province(J18KA197)
文摘Forest tourist areas have an excellent ecological environment,which is conducive to people's physical and mental health.In this study,Fuzhou National Forest Park and Wuying National Forest Park were selected as typical representatives of the southern and northern forest parks,respectively,which were compared by qualitative and quantitative research methods from such five aspects as air quality,climate quality,water environment quality,acoustic environment quality and biological population in some forest areas.The results showed that Fuzhou National Forest Park has a concentration of negative oxygen ions much higher than Wuying National Forest Park,and is thus more conducive to people's health;and it has the characteristics of warm and comfortable climate throughout the year and high biodiversity,but the noise is 4.35 db higher than Wuying National Forest Park,and the water quality is slightly poorer than that of Wuying National Forest Park.And its DO value is about 3.89 smaller in autumn than in summer.In Wuying National Forest Park,the concentration of negative oxygen ions is 53.6% lower than Fuzhou National Forest Park,but it is also above the national standard.The climate is only comfortable in June-August,and is colder or cooler in other months.The water quality is better than that of Fuzhou National Forest Park.In particular,the PH value is about 0.38 lower than that of Fuzhou National Forest Park.It has its own unique biological characteristics.The number of tourists in summer is higher,resulting in higher noise in summer than in autumn.The two forest parks in the north and the south are both good places for people to relax and enjoy.
基金the National Technology Support-ing Program of China (No. 2006BAD03A0206) for financial support.
文摘We analyzed the relationship between species richness and biomass in natural forest communities at two similar sites on Mt. Xiaolongshan, northwest China. At both sites, a wide range of tree layer biomass levels was available by local biomass estimation models. In order to identify underlying mechanism of the species richness-biomass relationship, we included different water resource levels and number of individuals in each plot in our analysis. We sampled 15 and 20 plots （20 m ×20 m）, respectively, at both two sites. These plots were sampled equally on the sunny slope and the shady slope. Species richness, number of individuals of each species and diameter at breast height （DBH） as a substitute of biomass of tree layer were recorded in each sample. At one site, the relationship between species richness and biomass was significant on the sunny slope, and this relationship disappeared on the shady slope due to more environmental factors. The relations between species richness and number of individuals and between number of individuals and biomass paralleled the species richness-biomass relation on both slopes. The difference in number of individuals-biomass relationships on the sunny slope and the shady slope revealed ＂interspecific competitive exclusion＂ even though the species richness-biomass relationships were not hump-shaped. At the other site, species richness was not related to biomass or to number of individuals. Our study demonstrated the importance of environmental stress and succession of community in the understanding of species diversity-productivity patterns.
文摘Analysis of nature environmental condition and evalwtion of selection and integration ofteclmiques have been carried out in Daxing’an mountains from 1987. The character of soil generaion in this area is influenced by the frigid, coniferous forest vegetation, weather, glacier and late soil formation process. Syntliesis teclmiques for high yield plantation include high seedling quality,suitable site preparation and eftbctive protectioll measures for yoimg trees.
文摘Environmental education （EE） is a vital dimension of modern day acumen that portends a great promise in solving the myriad environmental resource management challenges at global, regional and local levels. A study was carried out in 18 locations in the Nandi North, Nandi South and Nandi Hills districts of Kenya, which cover the Nandi Hills and Nandi Forests in Nandi County, major water catchments for Lake Victoria. A mixed methodological approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data obtained from focus group discussions, key informant interviews, household survey and observations was embraced in data collection and analysis. The study reveals that there are several strategies that have been adopted by the local population and institutions involved in the management of the Nandi Hills Forests （NHFs） and that these strategies have contributed to an improvement in the perceptions of the local population in terms of the importance of environmental management of the forests. This paper highlights EE as a vehicle for ensur- ing a sustainable management of the Nandi Hills Forests. As such, it illuminates the great potential that lies in sustainably managing the NHFs by integrating formal and informal EE approaches. It further points out the functional gaps in the management of NHFs and proposes best-practices that could be adopted and/or domesticated in NHFs management regimes.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31570604,41371269)The Basal Research Fund of Fujian provincial Public Scientific Research Institution support(2014R1011-7)the Casuarina Research Center of Engineering and Technology,and the Key Laboratory of Forest Culture and Forest Product Processing Utilization of Fujian Province
文摘Trees on sand dunes are more sensitive to environmental changes because sandy soils have extremely low water holding capacity and nutrient availability. We investigated the dynamics of soil respiration(Rs) for secondary natural Litsea forest and plantations of casuarina,pine, acacia and eucalyptus. Results show that significant diurnal variations of Rsoccurred in autumn for the eucalyptus species and in summer for the pine species, with higher mean soil respiration at night. However, significant seasonal variations of Rswere found in all five forest stands. Rschanged exponentially with soil temperatures at the 10-cm depth; the models explain 43.3–77.0% of Rs variations. Positive relationships between seasonal Rsand soil moisture varied with stands. The correlations were significant only in the secondary forest, and the eucalyptus and pine plantations. The temperature sensitivity parameter(Q10 value) of Rsranged from 1.64 in casuarina plantation to 2.32 the in secondary forest; annual Rswas highest in the secondary forest and lowest in the pine plantation. The results indicate that soil temperatures and moisture are the primary environmental controls of soil respiration and mainly act through a direct influence on roots and microbial activity. Differences in root biomass, quality of litter,and soil properties(pH, total N, available P, and exchangeable Mg) were also significant factors.
文摘The wax palm (Ceroxylon echinulatum) and palm heart (Prestoea acuminata) are key elements in Andean natural forests. This ecosystem is threatened by deforestation and habitat degradation, thus, it is vital to explore the impact of anthropogenic activities on the ecological structure and preferences of these species in order to develop proper conservation strategies. Fifty-seven 400 m2 plots were established in two forest areas, a disturbed forest (n = 30 plots) and an undisturbed forest (n = 27 plots) in the Ecuadorean Andes. Nine micro-environmental variables and the number of individuals of C. echinulatum and P. acuminata in five size classes were recorded in each plot. Logistic regression models helped identify environmental variables that influence the establishment of the species. Results showed that different micro-environmental variables determined the presence of different size classes. Both species were benefitted by the environmental conditions of the disturbed forest. Light availability was important for the establishment of both species, especially for the canopy species (C. echinulatum). This palm was negatively affected by the variable “fallen wood”, while P. acuminata was negatively affected mainly by the steepness of the terrain. The environmental variables for the successful establishment of the studied species that were identified by this study provide clues for the sustainable management of C. echinulatum and P. acuminata in Andean forests.
基金Supported by National Key Technology Research and Development Program of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(2015BAD07B04)Key Science and Technology Program of Henan Province,China(152102110059)
文摘Effects of environmental factors such as climate,topography,vegetation and soil in shelter forests in Three Gorges Reservoir Region on runoff and sediment yields were monitored to identify dominant environmental factors controlling runoff and sediment yields in 15 runoff plots in study area by soil sampling,laboratory analysis,stepwise regression analysis and path analysis,and to establish the main control environmental factors that affect runoff and sediment yields. The results showed that soil bulk density,herbaceous cover,slope,and canopy density were the significant factors controlling runoff,and the direct path coefficient of each factor was ranked as canopy closure(-0. 628) > litter thickness(-0. 547) > bulk density( 0. 509) > altitude( 0. 289). The indirect path coefficient was ranked as soil bulk density( 0. 354) >litter thickness(-0. 169) > altitude( 0. 126) > canopy closure(-0. 104). Therefore,canopy closure and litter thickness mainly had direct effects on runoff,while soil bulk density mainly had indirect effects through their contributions to other factors. Herbaceous cover,litter thickness,slope,canopy density,and altitude were the significant factors controlling sediment yields. The direct path coefficient of each factor was ranked as herbaceous cover(-0. 815) > litter thickness(-0. 777) > canopy closure(-0. 624) > slope( 0. 620). The indirect path coefficient was ranked as slope( 0. 272) > litter thickness(-0. 131) > canopy closure(-0. 097) > herbaceous cover(-0. 084). Therefore,herbaceous cover and litter thickness mainly had direct effects on sediment yields,while slope mainly had indirect effects through their contributions to other factors. All the selected environmental factors jointly explained 85. 5% and 78. 3% of runoff and sediment yield variability,respectively. However,there were large values of remaining path coefficients of other factors influencing runoff and sediment yields,which indicated that some important factors are not included and should be taken into account.
基金supported by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan
文摘We investigated the composition of plant communities to quantify their relationships with environmental parameters in the Chitral Hindukush range of Pakistan. We sampled tree vegetation using the Point Centered Quarter （PCQ） method while understory vegetation was sampled in 1.5-m circular quadrats. Cedrus deodara is the national symbol of Pakistan and was dominant in the sampled communities. Because environmental variables determine vegetation types, we analyzed and evaluated edaphic and topographic factors. DCA-Ordination showed the major gradient as an amalgam of elevation （p〈0.05） and slope （p〈0.01） as the topographic factors correlated with species distribution. Soil variables were the factors of environmental significance along DCA axes. However, among these factors, Mg2＋ , K ＋ and N2＋ contributed not more than 0.054% 0.20% and 0.073%, respectively, to variation along the first ordination axis. We conclude that the principal reason for weak or no correlation with many edaphic variables was the anthropogenic disturbance of vegetation. The understory vegetation was composed of perennial herbs in most communities and was most dense under the tree canopy. The understory vegetation strongly regulates tree seedling growth and regeneration patterns. We recommend further study of the understory vegetation using permanent plots to aid development of forest regeneration strategies.
基金Foundation project： The paper was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China （39899370）.
文摘Twenty-three secondary forest communities with different structure were selected in Mao＇er Mountain National Park of Heilongjiang Province, China to study the relationship between diversity of forest plant species and environmental gradient. The forest plant species diversity was analyzed by the diversity index, and the environmental factors was quantified by the method of Whittaker＇s quantification of environmental gradient. Meanwhile, β-diversity indexes of communities were calculated with similar measurements. The results showed that the Shannon-wiener diversity index of forest plant species increased with the increase of the environmental gradient, and the β-diversity indexes of communities showed a liner increase along with the change of environmental gradient.
