As the impact of climate change and anthropogenic disturbance continues to intensify around the world,the ecological integrity(EI)of forest ecosystems is compromised in various ways.This study aims to quantify ecologi...As the impact of climate change and anthropogenic disturbance continues to intensify around the world,the ecological integrity(EI)of forest ecosystems is compromised in various ways.This study aims to quantify ecological integrity,explore its latitudinal patterns,and identify the potential determinants behind it.We selected 15 indicators of forest composition,structure,and function and used two approaches to quantify ecological integrity.The results show a significant negative correlation between forest ecological integrity and increasing latitude.Climate emerged as the main driver of the latitudinal pattern compared to anthropogenic and other influencing factors.Our study offers a new approach to quantifying ecological integrity based on a set of indicators that may help assess the contribution of forest ecosystems in conservation,restoration,and ecosystem services.展开更多
Conservation and enhancement of old-growth forests are key in forest planning and policies.In order to do so,more knowledge is needed on how the attributes traditionally associated with old-growth forests are distribu...Conservation and enhancement of old-growth forests are key in forest planning and policies.In order to do so,more knowledge is needed on how the attributes traditionally associated with old-growth forests are distributed in space,what differences exist across distinct forest types and what natural or anthropic conditions are affecting the distribution of these old-growthness attributes.Using data from the Third Spanish National Forest Inventory(1997–2007),we calculated six indicators commonly associated with forest old-growthness for the plots in the territory of Peninsular Spain and Balearic Islands,and then combined them into an aggregated index.We then assessed their spatial distribution and the differences across five forest functional types,as well as the effects of ten climate,topographic,landscape,and anthropic variables in their distribution.Relevant geographical patterns were apparent,with climate factors,namely temperature and precipitation,playing a crucial role in the distribution of these attributes.The distribution of the indicators also varied across different forest types,while the effects of recent anthropic impacts were weaker but still relevant.Aridity seemed to be one of the main impediments for the development of old-growthness attributes,coupled with a negative impact of recent human pressure.However,these effects seemed to be mediated by other factors,specially the legacies imposed by the complex history of forest management practices,land use changes and natural disturbances that have shaped the forests of Spain.The results of this exploratory analysis highlight on one hand the importance of climate in the dynamic of forests towards old-growthness,which is relevant in a context of Climate Change,and on the other hand,the need for more insights on the history of our forests in order to understand their present and future.展开更多
Forest plays a vital role in the global biogeochemical cycles through a high rate of carbon sequestration and harboring biodiversity.However,local species diversity is declining while also becoming increasingly homoge...Forest plays a vital role in the global biogeochemical cycles through a high rate of carbon sequestration and harboring biodiversity.However,local species diversity is declining while also becoming increasingly homogenized across communities.Although eff ects of local biotic processes(e.g.,speciesα-diversity and stand structural heterogeneity)and environmental factors on aboveground biomass(AGB)have been widely tested,there is a huge knowledge gap for the eff ect of regional biotic processes(i.e.,taxonomic and functionalβ-diversity)in forests.Here,we hypothesized that regional and local environmental factors along with biotic processes jointly regulate AGB through species shifts in tropical forests.Using piecewise structural equation modeling(pSEM),we linked climatic water availability,soil fertility,stand structural heterogeneity(either tree DBH inequality,height inequality,or stand density),speciesα-diversity,taxonomic or functionalβ-diversity(and its two components;β-turnover andβ-richness),and AGB across 189 inventory plots in tropical forests of Sri Lanka.Soil fertility and climatic water availability shaped local and regional biotic processes.Stand structural heterogeneity promoted speciesα-diversity but declinedβ-diversity(but increasedβ-taxonomic turnover).Speciesα-diversity and stand structural heterogeneity promoted AGB whereas taxonomic and functionalβ-diversity declined(butβ-taxonomic turnover increased)AGB.The relationships of AGB with speciesα-diversity andβ-diversity varied from signifi cant to nonsignifi cant positive depending on the specifi c combinations of stand structural heterogeneity metrics used.This study shows that local biotic processes could increase AGB due to the local and regional niche complementarity eff ect whereas the regional biotic processes could restrict AGB due to the regional selection or functional redundancy eff ect under favorable environmental conditions.We argue that biotic homogenization,as well as drought conditions,may have strong divergent impacts on forest functions and that the impacts of tree diversity loss may greatly reduce carbon sequestration.展开更多
Background： Forest biodiversity is the foundation of many ecosystem services, and the effect of biodiversity on ecosystem functioning and processes （BEF） has been a central issue in biodiversity studies. Although m...Background： Forest biodiversity is the foundation of many ecosystem services, and the effect of biodiversity on ecosystem functioning and processes （BEF） has been a central issue in biodiversity studies. Although many hypotheses have been developed to interpret global gradients of biodiversity, there has not been complete agreement on mechanisms controlling biodiversity patterns and distributions. Differences may be due to limited observation data and inconsistencies of spatial scales in analysis. Methods： In this study, we take advantage of USDA Forest Service forest inventory and analysis （FIA） data for exploring regional forest biodiversity and BEF in New England forests. The FIA data provide detailed information of sampled plots and trees for the region, including 6000 FIA plots and more than 33,000 individual trees. Biodiversity models were used to analyze the data. Results： Tree species diversity increases from the north to the south at a rate about 2-3 species per latitudinal degree. Tree species diversity is better predicted by tree height than forest age or biomass. Very different distribution patterns of two common maple species, sugar maple （Acer sdcchorum） and red maple （Acer rubrum）, highlight the vulnerability of sugar maple and its potential replacement by red maple on New England landscapes. Red maple generally already outperforms sugar maple, and will likely and continuously benefit from a changing climate in New England. Conclusions： We conclude that forest structure （height） and resources （biomass） are more likely foundational characteristics supporting biodiversity rather than biodiversity determining forest productivity and/or biomass. The potential replacement of red maple for sugar maple in the New England areas could affect biodiversity and stability of forest ecosystem functioning because sugar maple plays important ecological roles distinct from red maple that are beneficial to other tree species in northern hardwood forests. Such a change may not affect forest resilience in terms of forest productivity and biomass as these are similar in red maple and sugar maple, however, it would almost certainly alter forest structure across the landscape.展开更多
[Objective]Returning farmland to forest and mountain enclosure for grazing prohibition ecological effect and economy rationality were explored.[Methods]A case study of returning farmland to forest and barren hills gra...[Objective]Returning farmland to forest and mountain enclosure for grazing prohibition ecological effect and economy rationality were explored.[Methods]A case study of returning farmland to forest and barren hills grazing prohibition in Yongxing Township of Jingyuan County was used to discuss and estimate the relative ecological function and relative ecological value.[Results]1）The ecological value of the forest of returning farmland was far more than the sum of the ecological value of farm crops and the agricultural output,and also more than the national subsidy standard.So the state policy of returning farmland to forests is not only favorable to local eco-environment restoration,but also reasonable in economic development.2）The ecological value of mountain enclosure for grazing prohibition was less than the opportunity cost of prohibiting grazing,also less than the national subsidy standard.The sum of the relative ecological value of prohibiting grazing and the state subsidies was more than the opportunity cost of prohibiting grazing.However,the ecological value of new vegetation through returning farmland to forest project was greater than the China＇s average ecological value of grassland.[Conclusion]The relative ecological value can be used to solve the problems in the equivalent conversion among various ecological indexes and between ecological indexes and economic indexes.展开更多
Introduction:This paper presents basic information on the research,classification,and application of the functions of tree species and their communities(mainly forest)in Slovakia.The main aim is a scientific assessmen...Introduction:This paper presents basic information on the research,classification,and application of the functions of tree species and their communities(mainly forest)in Slovakia.The main aim is a scientific assessment of acquired knowledge regarding the functional effects of forests under real ecological,forest management and socio-economic conditions from various regions in Slovakia;the most up-to-date findings concerning the ecology and economics of natural resources will be applied here.The second part of the paper presents methodological possibilities for valuation of outdoor recreation in forests.Different methods and methodological approaches suitable to a valuation of recreation based on various principles and criteria(preference and non-preference methods,cost-based methods,revenue-based methods,and direct and indirect methods)are analyzed.A practical application of one indirect preference method(travel cost method)is made to evaluate outdoor recreation in forests in Slovakia.Results and conclusions:A new classification system and a methodology of integrative utilization of forest functions for the forest ecosystem services are constructed.Outdoor recreation in forests,besides recreational forests and areas,assumes the character of a public good:its use by individuals has some influence on utilization by other individuals,and single users cannot be excluded from its utilization.Therefore,some stimulation for its production is missing.In principle,there are no markets for these kinds of public goods and services.The total value of outdoor recreation in forests in Slovakia amounted to€163.4 million;if opportunity time costs were included,this amounted to as much as€825.7 million.展开更多
Forest practices in headwater catchments are related to environmental and social contexts.The aim of this study is to analyse the changing protective functions of forests in the upper plain of the Jizera Mts.(North Bo...Forest practices in headwater catchments are related to environmental and social contexts.The aim of this study is to analyse the changing protective functions of forests in the upper plain of the Jizera Mts.(North Bohemia,Czech Republic)since the second half of the 19th century.With time,forests have gradually changed from native stands to spruce plantations(Picea abies),introducing exotic conifers(more resistant to air pollution),and,recently,back to more diverse mixed stands.The priority in pro-tective forest functions there shifted from flood protection to integrated control of water resources(quantity and quality).In the 1980s,forest-water interactions were degraded by consequences of extreme acid atmospheric deposition,forest die-back,and extensive clear-cut.In the Jizerka catchment,first signs of recovery were observed in the early 1990s.but.stream waters there are still affected by prolonged acidification.While reconstruction of stream water chemistry at Jizerka follows the drop of the acid deposition in some 5 years,the revival of stream biota takes 10-15 years.In 2071-2100,the pro-jected climate change shows rising annual air temperatures by 3.0-4.6℃,decreasing water yield by 65-123 mm,60%drop in'minimum residual discharge',and 20-30%rise in peak-flows.However,these projected environmental changes cannot substantially decline the high potential in water resource recharge,or,start reverse processes in recent recovery from acidification and radically affect the exis-tence of planned mixed forests in the upper plain of the Jizera Mts.展开更多
Today 42% (9 000 km2) of the area of Hesse is covered with forests. The total area of forests hasslightly increased since several years. But actually the forests adjacent to the conurbations of NorthernHesse in the vi...Today 42% (9 000 km2) of the area of Hesse is covered with forests. The total area of forests hasslightly increased since several years. But actually the forests adjacent to the conurbations of NorthernHesse in the vicinity of Kassel in particular and in the Rhein-Main Region surrounding Frankfurt are in a verydifficult position. There is big demand for land to be converted into settlements, infrastructure, etc., whilethere is increasing need for the protective and recreational functions of the forests. Therefore maintenance ofexisting forests and establishment of new forests are amongst the most important responsibilities of theforest authorities on regional and district level.展开更多
Forests create three major benefits, i.e. economic, ecological and social benefits. Evaluation onforest ecological benefits is an important issue to study nowadays, which can provide the scientific basis forreasonable...Forests create three major benefits, i.e. economic, ecological and social benefits. Evaluation onforest ecological benefits is an important issue to study nowadays, which can provide the scientific basis forreasonable allocation of resources and realization of forestry compensation. This paper is focused on theconception of forest ecological benefits, the current research on evaluation of forest ecological benefits athome and abroad, and research methods adopted and theoretical basis with the following 7 aspects involved:water head protection, soil and water conservation, wind prevention and sand fixing, carbon fixing and oxygenproduction, atmosphere purification, forest recreation and biodiversity conservation. Problems existing incurrent studies are also presented, such as rationality of replacement, compatibility of the outcomes, repetitionof calculation, comprehensiveness of evaluation and affection of subjective factors, and so on. In the end,suggestions for future studies on evaluation of forest ecological benefits are offered.展开更多
基金funded by the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2023YFF1304001-01)the Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32371870)。
文摘As the impact of climate change and anthropogenic disturbance continues to intensify around the world,the ecological integrity(EI)of forest ecosystems is compromised in various ways.This study aims to quantify ecological integrity,explore its latitudinal patterns,and identify the potential determinants behind it.We selected 15 indicators of forest composition,structure,and function and used two approaches to quantify ecological integrity.The results show a significant negative correlation between forest ecological integrity and increasing latitude.Climate emerged as the main driver of the latitudinal pattern compared to anthropogenic and other influencing factors.Our study offers a new approach to quantifying ecological integrity based on a set of indicators that may help assess the contribution of forest ecosystems in conservation,restoration,and ecosystem services.
基金supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation project GREEN-RISK(Evaluation of past changes in ecosystem services and biodiversity in forests and restoration priorities under global change impacts-PID2020-119933RB-C21)A.C.received a pre-doctoral fellowship funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation(PRE2021-099642).
文摘Conservation and enhancement of old-growth forests are key in forest planning and policies.In order to do so,more knowledge is needed on how the attributes traditionally associated with old-growth forests are distributed in space,what differences exist across distinct forest types and what natural or anthropic conditions are affecting the distribution of these old-growthness attributes.Using data from the Third Spanish National Forest Inventory(1997–2007),we calculated six indicators commonly associated with forest old-growthness for the plots in the territory of Peninsular Spain and Balearic Islands,and then combined them into an aggregated index.We then assessed their spatial distribution and the differences across five forest functional types,as well as the effects of ten climate,topographic,landscape,and anthropic variables in their distribution.Relevant geographical patterns were apparent,with climate factors,namely temperature and precipitation,playing a crucial role in the distribution of these attributes.The distribution of the indicators also varied across different forest types,while the effects of recent anthropic impacts were weaker but still relevant.Aridity seemed to be one of the main impediments for the development of old-growthness attributes,coupled with a negative impact of recent human pressure.However,these effects seemed to be mediated by other factors,specially the legacies imposed by the complex history of forest management practices,land use changes and natural disturbances that have shaped the forests of Spain.The results of this exploratory analysis highlight on one hand the importance of climate in the dynamic of forests towards old-growthness,which is relevant in a context of Climate Change,and on the other hand,the need for more insights on the history of our forests in order to understand their present and future.
基金funded by the Swedish Energy Agency(Project No 35586-1)for supporting the fieldworkSpecial Project(No.521100221033)of Hebei University for the interpretation of results
文摘Forest plays a vital role in the global biogeochemical cycles through a high rate of carbon sequestration and harboring biodiversity.However,local species diversity is declining while also becoming increasingly homogenized across communities.Although eff ects of local biotic processes(e.g.,speciesα-diversity and stand structural heterogeneity)and environmental factors on aboveground biomass(AGB)have been widely tested,there is a huge knowledge gap for the eff ect of regional biotic processes(i.e.,taxonomic and functionalβ-diversity)in forests.Here,we hypothesized that regional and local environmental factors along with biotic processes jointly regulate AGB through species shifts in tropical forests.Using piecewise structural equation modeling(pSEM),we linked climatic water availability,soil fertility,stand structural heterogeneity(either tree DBH inequality,height inequality,or stand density),speciesα-diversity,taxonomic or functionalβ-diversity(and its two components;β-turnover andβ-richness),and AGB across 189 inventory plots in tropical forests of Sri Lanka.Soil fertility and climatic water availability shaped local and regional biotic processes.Stand structural heterogeneity promoted speciesα-diversity but declinedβ-diversity(but increasedβ-taxonomic turnover).Speciesα-diversity and stand structural heterogeneity promoted AGB whereas taxonomic and functionalβ-diversity declined(butβ-taxonomic turnover increased)AGB.The relationships of AGB with speciesα-diversity andβ-diversity varied from signifi cant to nonsignifi cant positive depending on the specifi c combinations of stand structural heterogeneity metrics used.This study shows that local biotic processes could increase AGB due to the local and regional niche complementarity eff ect whereas the regional biotic processes could restrict AGB due to the regional selection or functional redundancy eff ect under favorable environmental conditions.We argue that biotic homogenization,as well as drought conditions,may have strong divergent impacts on forest functions and that the impacts of tree diversity loss may greatly reduce carbon sequestration.
基金the project NRS-6“Climate,Fire,and Carbon Cycle Sciences”supported by the USDA Forest ServiceBeijing Forestry University for covering the trip to the conference and generous conference venue facilitating this study
文摘Background： Forest biodiversity is the foundation of many ecosystem services, and the effect of biodiversity on ecosystem functioning and processes （BEF） has been a central issue in biodiversity studies. Although many hypotheses have been developed to interpret global gradients of biodiversity, there has not been complete agreement on mechanisms controlling biodiversity patterns and distributions. Differences may be due to limited observation data and inconsistencies of spatial scales in analysis. Methods： In this study, we take advantage of USDA Forest Service forest inventory and analysis （FIA） data for exploring regional forest biodiversity and BEF in New England forests. The FIA data provide detailed information of sampled plots and trees for the region, including 6000 FIA plots and more than 33,000 individual trees. Biodiversity models were used to analyze the data. Results： Tree species diversity increases from the north to the south at a rate about 2-3 species per latitudinal degree. Tree species diversity is better predicted by tree height than forest age or biomass. Very different distribution patterns of two common maple species, sugar maple （Acer sdcchorum） and red maple （Acer rubrum）, highlight the vulnerability of sugar maple and its potential replacement by red maple on New England landscapes. Red maple generally already outperforms sugar maple, and will likely and continuously benefit from a changing climate in New England. Conclusions： We conclude that forest structure （height） and resources （biomass） are more likely foundational characteristics supporting biodiversity rather than biodiversity determining forest productivity and/or biomass. The potential replacement of red maple for sugar maple in the New England areas could affect biodiversity and stability of forest ecosystem functioning because sugar maple plays important ecological roles distinct from red maple that are beneficial to other tree species in northern hardwood forests. Such a change may not affect forest resilience in terms of forest productivity and biomass as these are similar in red maple and sugar maple, however, it would almost certainly alter forest structure across the landscape.
基金State 973 upfront-"the formation of oasis in hexi corridor in gansu province edge product sand strip and its ecological effect"(2011CB411912)GEF/OP12-return of the land management and policy support
文摘[Objective]Returning farmland to forest and mountain enclosure for grazing prohibition ecological effect and economy rationality were explored.[Methods]A case study of returning farmland to forest and barren hills grazing prohibition in Yongxing Township of Jingyuan County was used to discuss and estimate the relative ecological function and relative ecological value.[Results]1）The ecological value of the forest of returning farmland was far more than the sum of the ecological value of farm crops and the agricultural output,and also more than the national subsidy standard.So the state policy of returning farmland to forests is not only favorable to local eco-environment restoration,but also reasonable in economic development.2）The ecological value of mountain enclosure for grazing prohibition was less than the opportunity cost of prohibiting grazing,also less than the national subsidy standard.The sum of the relative ecological value of prohibiting grazing and the state subsidies was more than the opportunity cost of prohibiting grazing.However,the ecological value of new vegetation through returning farmland to forest project was greater than the China＇s average ecological value of grassland.[Conclusion]The relative ecological value can be used to solve the problems in the equivalent conversion among various ecological indexes and between ecological indexes and economic indexes.
基金This publication is the result of the project implementation:Extension of the centre of Excellence‘Adaptive Forest Ecosystems’,ITMS:26220120049supported by the Research&Development Operational Programme funded by the ERDF.
文摘Introduction:This paper presents basic information on the research,classification,and application of the functions of tree species and their communities(mainly forest)in Slovakia.The main aim is a scientific assessment of acquired knowledge regarding the functional effects of forests under real ecological,forest management and socio-economic conditions from various regions in Slovakia;the most up-to-date findings concerning the ecology and economics of natural resources will be applied here.The second part of the paper presents methodological possibilities for valuation of outdoor recreation in forests.Different methods and methodological approaches suitable to a valuation of recreation based on various principles and criteria(preference and non-preference methods,cost-based methods,revenue-based methods,and direct and indirect methods)are analyzed.A practical application of one indirect preference method(travel cost method)is made to evaluate outdoor recreation in forests in Slovakia.Results and conclusions:A new classification system and a methodology of integrative utilization of forest functions for the forest ecosystem services are constructed.Outdoor recreation in forests,besides recreational forests and areas,assumes the character of a public good:its use by individuals has some influence on utilization by other individuals,and single users cannot be excluded from its utilization.Therefore,some stimulation for its production is missing.In principle,there are no markets for these kinds of public goods and services.The total value of outdoor recreation in forests in Slovakia amounted to€163.4 million;if opportunity time costs were included,this amounted to as much as€825.7 million.
基金Robert-Bosch Foundation and the EU integrated project SENSOR(003874)National Key Project for basic research(973)(2009CB421106)+1 种基金Key Program of Knowledge Innovation of CAS(KZCX2-EW-306)China-EU Corporation Program of MOST of China(0813)
基金supported by the Ministry of Education,Youth and Sports(Czech Republic,INTER-EXCELLENCE LTC 17006)European Cooperation in Science and Technology(COST Action CLIMO CA15226)+1 种基金Czech Technical University in Prague(Czech Republic,Project SCS20/11010HR112T/11)Czech Science Foundation(Czech Republic.PROGRESS:20-08294S).
文摘Forest practices in headwater catchments are related to environmental and social contexts.The aim of this study is to analyse the changing protective functions of forests in the upper plain of the Jizera Mts.(North Bohemia,Czech Republic)since the second half of the 19th century.With time,forests have gradually changed from native stands to spruce plantations(Picea abies),introducing exotic conifers(more resistant to air pollution),and,recently,back to more diverse mixed stands.The priority in pro-tective forest functions there shifted from flood protection to integrated control of water resources(quantity and quality).In the 1980s,forest-water interactions were degraded by consequences of extreme acid atmospheric deposition,forest die-back,and extensive clear-cut.In the Jizerka catchment,first signs of recovery were observed in the early 1990s.but.stream waters there are still affected by prolonged acidification.While reconstruction of stream water chemistry at Jizerka follows the drop of the acid deposition in some 5 years,the revival of stream biota takes 10-15 years.In 2071-2100,the pro-jected climate change shows rising annual air temperatures by 3.0-4.6℃,decreasing water yield by 65-123 mm,60%drop in'minimum residual discharge',and 20-30%rise in peak-flows.However,these projected environmental changes cannot substantially decline the high potential in water resource recharge,or,start reverse processes in recent recovery from acidification and radically affect the exis-tence of planned mixed forests in the upper plain of the Jizera Mts.
文摘Today 42% (9 000 km2) of the area of Hesse is covered with forests. The total area of forests hasslightly increased since several years. But actually the forests adjacent to the conurbations of NorthernHesse in the vicinity of Kassel in particular and in the Rhein-Main Region surrounding Frankfurt are in a verydifficult position. There is big demand for land to be converted into settlements, infrastructure, etc., whilethere is increasing need for the protective and recreational functions of the forests. Therefore maintenance ofexisting forests and establishment of new forests are amongst the most important responsibilities of theforest authorities on regional and district level.
基金This research is subsidized by the project of "the measurement research of forest resources loss in Beijing" from Beijing Forestry Bureau.
文摘Forests create three major benefits, i.e. economic, ecological and social benefits. Evaluation onforest ecological benefits is an important issue to study nowadays, which can provide the scientific basis forreasonable allocation of resources and realization of forestry compensation. This paper is focused on theconception of forest ecological benefits, the current research on evaluation of forest ecological benefits athome and abroad, and research methods adopted and theoretical basis with the following 7 aspects involved:water head protection, soil and water conservation, wind prevention and sand fixing, carbon fixing and oxygenproduction, atmosphere purification, forest recreation and biodiversity conservation. Problems existing incurrent studies are also presented, such as rationality of replacement, compatibility of the outcomes, repetitionof calculation, comprehensiveness of evaluation and affection of subjective factors, and so on. In the end,suggestions for future studies on evaluation of forest ecological benefits are offered.
