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"ecosystem development"
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Biotic and abiotic plant-soil feedback depends on nitrogen-acquisition strategy and shifts during long-term ecosystem development
1. Feedback between plants and soil is an important driver of plant community structure, but it remains unclear whether plant-soil feedback (PSF): (i) reflects changes in biotic or abiotic properties, (ii) depends on environmental context in terms of soil nutrient availability, and (iii) varies among plant functional groups. As soil nutrient availability strongly affects plant distribution and performance, soil chemical properties and plant nutrient-acquisition strategies might serve as important drivers of PSF. 2. We used soils from young and old stages of a long-term soil chronosequence to represent sites where productivity is limited by nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) availability, respectively. We grew three N-fixing and three non-N-fixing plant species in soils conditioned by co-occurring conspecific or heterospecific species from each of these two stages. In addition, three soil treatments were used to distinguish biotic and abiotic effects on plant performance, allowing measurements of overall, biotic, and abiotic PSF. 3. In young, N-poor soils, non-N-fixing plants grew better in soils from N-fixing plants than in their own soils (i.e., negative PSF). However, this difference was not only associated with improved abiotic conditions in soils from N-fixing plants but also with changes in soil biota. 4. By contrast, no significant PSF was observed for N-fixing plants grown in young soils. Moreover, we did not observe any significant PSF for either N-fixing or non-N-fixing plants growing in old, P-impoverished soils. 5. Synthesis. The direction and strength of plant-soil feedback (PSF) varied among N-acquisition strategies and soils differing in nutrient availability, with stronger plant-soil feedback in younger, N-poor soils compared to older, P-impoverished soils. Our results highlight the importance of considering soil nutrient availability, plant-mediated abiotic and biotic soil properties, and plant nutrient-acquisition strategies when studying plant-soil feedback, thereby advancing our mechanistic understanding of plant-soil feedback during long-term ecosystem development.
Journal Article
Organic phosphorus in the terrestrial environment: a perspective on the state of the art and future priorities
Background The dynamics of phosphorus (P) in the environment is important for regulating nutrient cycles in natural and managed ecosystems and an integral part in assessing biological resilience against environmental change. Organic P (Po) compounds play key roles in biological and ecosystems function in the terrestrial environment being critical to cell function, growth and reproduction. Scope We asked a group of experts to consider the global issues associated with Po in the terrestrial environment, methodological strengths and weaknesses, benefits to be gained from understanding the Po cycle, and to set priorities for Po research. Conclusions We identified seven key opportunities for Po research including: the need for integrated, quality controlled and functionally based methodologies; assessment of stoichiometry with other elements in organic matter; understanding the dynamics of Po in natural and managed systems; the role of microorganisms in controlling Po cycles; the implications of nanoparticles in the environment and the need for better modelling and communication of the research. Each priority is discussed and a statement of intent for the Po research community is made that highlights there are key contributions to be made toward understanding biogeochemical cycles, dynamics and function of natural ecosystems and the management of agricultural systems.
Journal Article
spatiotemporal dynamics of a primary succession
1. Conceptual models of ecosystem development commonly predict a phase of initial colonization characterized by the nucleation, growth and coalescence of discrete patches of pioneer plants. Spatiotemporal dynamics during subsequent development may follow one of three different models: the classical model, in which initially discrete patches of competitive dominant (secondary) colonists coalesce to form a homogeneous cover; the patch dynamics model, in which renewal mechanisms such as disturbance create a shifting mosaic of patches at different stages; and the geoecological model, in which the vegetation gradually differentiates along edaphic gradients related to the underlying physical template. 2. These models of spatiotemporal dynamics were tested using vegetation and soil data from an 850-year chronosequence, comprised of seven lava flows on Mt Hekla, Iceland. The scale and intensity of spatial pattern were quantified on each flow using spatial analyses (mean-variance ratios, quadrat variance techniques and indices of autocorrelation). Changes in spatial pattern with increasing terrain age were compared with predicted trajectories, in order to identify which of the models of spatiotemporal dynamics was most consistent with the observations. 3. The early stages of ecosystem development were characterized by colonization of the pioneer species, especially Racomitrium mosses, in discrete patches ('Pioneer colonization stage', < 20 years), which then grew laterally and coalesced to form a continuous, homogeneous carpet ('Pioneer expansion stage', 20-100 years). Later in the sequence, higher plants established in discrete patches within this pioneer matrix ('Higher plant colonization stage', 100-600 years). Over time, heterogeneity re-emerged at a larger spatial scale as the vegetation differentiated according to topographic variations in the underlying substrate ('Differentiation stage', > 600 years). 4. Synthesis. The spatiotemporal dynamics observed in the early stages of this succession were consistent with a model of pioneer nucleation in micro-scale safe sites, followed by growth, coalescence and eventual fragmentation of pioneer patches. The spatial patterns which emerged later in development support the geoecological model, with spatial differentiation of vegetation related to meso-scale substrate topography. The findings provide insight on how vegetation patterns emerge at different stages of ecosystem development in response to differing scales of heterogeneity in the underlying physical environment.
Journal Article
Mainstreaming natural capital and ecosystem services into development policy
\"This book highlights the latest advances in the science and practice of using ecosystem services to inform decisions for economic development in the context of the developing countries. Mainstreaming Natural Capital and Ecosystem Services into Development Policy is designed to help decision makers at all levels, including governments, businesses, multilevel development banks and individuals, integrate ecosystems and their services into their decision making\"-- Provided by publisher.
Book
Steeper declines in forest photosynthesis than respiration explain age-driven decreases in forest growth
The traditional view of forest dynamics originated by Kira and Shidei [Kira T, Shidei T (1967) Jap J Ecol 17:70–87] and Odum [Odum EP (1969) Science 164(3877):262–270] suggests a decline in net primary productivity (NPP) in aging forests due to stabilized gross primary productivity (GPP) and continuously increased autotrophic respiration (R ₐ). The validity of these trends in GPP and R ₐ is, however, very difficult to test because of the lack of long-term ecosystem-scale field observations of both GPP and R ₐ. Ryan and colleagues [Ryan MG, Binkley D, Fownes JH (1997) Ad Ecol Res 27:213–262] have proposed an alternative hypothesis drawn from site-specific results that aboveground respiration and belowground allocation decreased in aging forests. Here, we analyzed data from a recently assembled global database of carbon fluxes and show that the classical view of the mechanisms underlying the age-driven decline in forest NPP is incorrect and thus support Ryan’s alternative hypothesis. Our results substantiate the age-driven decline in NPP, but in contrast to the traditional view, both GPP and R ₐ decline in aging boreal and temperate forests. We find that the decline in NPP in aging forests is primarily driven by GPP, which decreases more rapidly with increasing age than R ₐ does, but the ratio of NPP/GPP remains approximately constant within a biome. Our analytical models describing forest succession suggest that dynamic forest ecosystem models that follow the traditional paradigm need to be revisited.
Journal Article
Surviving climate chaos : by strengthening communities and ecosystems
\"Surviving climate chaos requires communities and ecosystems strong enough to cope with the near-random local impacts of climate change. Their strength depends upon resilience, resistance and flexibility, three consequences of system integrity. Preserving and restoring the integrity of communities and ecosystems is needed everywhere, and quickly since active Arctic, equatorial and oceanic tipping points threaten total climate breakdown. This might be postponed by extreme efforts to conserve carbon-dense ecosystems, decarbonise economic systems and recapture greenhouse gases, but climate chaos everywhere is now inevitable. Adaptation efforts by 158 Paris Agreement parties reported since 2015 are converging on community-based and ecosystem-based strategies. Case studies in Bolivia, Nepal and Tanzania confirm that these are the correct strategies for surviving climate chaos, where success depends upon local empowerment through forums, ecosystem tenure security and environmental education. This approach, when replicated, networked and shielded by governments, offers the best way to strengthen societies against climate chaos while achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Its usefulness is highlighted for national and local government officials and aid professionals with key roles in promoting adaptation, for students, researchers and teachers, and for all people who live under threat of climate chaos\"-- Provided by publisher.
Book
Rapid peat development beneath created, maturing mangrove forests
Mangrove forests are among the world’s most productive and carbon-rich ecosystems. Despite growing understanding of factors controlling mangrove forest soil carbon stocks, there is a need to advance understanding of the speed of peat development beneath maturing mangrove forests, especially in created and restored mangrove forests that are intended to compensate for ecosystem functions lost during mangrove forest conversion to other land uses. To better quantify the rate of soil organic matter development beneath created, maturing mangrove forests, we measured ecosystem changes across a 25-yr chronosequence.We compared ecosystem properties in created, maturing mangrove forests to adjacent natural mangrove forests.We also quantified site-specific changes that occurred between 2010 and 2016. Soil organic matter accumulated rapidly beneath maturing mangrove forests as sandy soils transitioned to organic-rich soils (peat). Within 25 yr, a 20-cm deep peat layer developed. The time required for created mangrove forests to reach equivalency with natural mangrove forests was estimated as (1) <15 yr for herbaceous and juvenile vegetation, (2) ~55 yr for adult trees, (3) ~25 yr for the upper soil layer (0–10 cm), and (4) ~45–80 yr for the lower soil layer (10–30 cm). For soil elevation change, the created mangrove forests were equivalent to or surpassed natural mangrove forests within the first 5 yr. A comparison to chronosequence studies from other ecosystems indicates that the rate of soil organic matter accumulation beneath maturing mangrove forests may be among the fastest globally. In most peatland ecosystems, soil organic matter formation occurs slowly (over centuries, millennia); however, these results show that mangrove peat formation can occur within decades. Peat development, primarily due to subsurface root accumulation, enables mangrove forests to sequester carbon, adjust their elevation relative to sea level, and adapt to changing conditions at the dynamic land–ocean interface. In the face of climate change and rising sea levels, coastal managers are increasingly concerned with the longevity and functionality of coastal restoration efforts. Our results advance understanding of the pace of ecosystem development in created, maturing mangrove forests, which can improve predictions of mangrove forest responses to global change and ecosystem restoration.
Journal Article