Biochemical properties of highly mineralised and infertile soil modified by acacia and spinifex plants in northwest Queensland, Australia

Soil Research ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fang You ◽  
Ram C. Dalal ◽  
Longbin Huang
Keyword(s):  
Microbial Communities ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Basal Respiration ◽  
Growth Media ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Native Plant Species ◽  
Root Zones ◽  
Available Nutrients

Root zone soil properties can significantly influence the establishment of revegetated plant communities and alter their development trajectories in mined landscapes, due to closely coupled biogeochemical linkages between soil and plant systems. The present study aimed to characterise physicochemical and biochemical conditions in soil colonised by slow-growing native plant species: Acacia chisholmii (C3, native leguminous shrub) and Triodia pungens (spinifex C4 grass) in Mt Isa, North-west Queensland, Australia. This is to provide the basis for engineering growth media and root zones suitable for supporting target native plant communities to be revegetated in mined landscapes under subtropical and semiarid climatic conditions. Litter chemistry, soil physicochemical properties, and microbial community structure based on phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) biomarker method and activities (basal respiration, net mineralisation, dehydrogenase, invertase, urease and neutral phosphatase activities) were characterised in the surface soils beneath the keystone native plant species. Results showed that soils sampled were generally infertile with low levels of total organic carbon (TOC), available nutrients and slow cycling processes with bacteria dominant microbial communities supporting the native plant species. Surface soils underneath acacia and spinifex were modified by in situ litter return, in terms of TOC, and structure and functions of microbial communities. The levels of soil microbial biomass C and N, basal respiration rate and net mineralisation rate in the acacia soil were twice as much as those in the spinifex. Microbial communities in the acacia soil had a greater fungal:bacterial ratio than in the spinifex. On this basis, growth media and root zones for revegetating native acacia-spinifex communities at local mined landscapes may be engineered by using plant organic matter remediation to supply available nutrients and to rehabilitate suitable microbial communities for in situ litter decomposition and nutrient cycling.

Competition between native and non-native plants.

2020 ◽  
pp. 291-307
Author(s):  
Elizabeth M. Wandrag ◽  
◽  
Jane A. Catford ◽  
◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Invasion Biology ◽  
Competitive Interactions ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Native Plant Species ◽  
New Locations ◽  
Strength Of Competition

The introduction of species to new locations leads to novel competitive interactions between resident native and newly-arriving non-native species. The nature of these competitive interactions can influence the suitability of the environment for the survival, reproduction and spread of non-native plant species, and the impact those species have on native plant communities. Indeed, the large literature on competition among plants reflects its importance in shaping the composition of plant communities, including the invasion success of non-native species. While competition and invasion theory have historically developed in parallel, the increasing recognition of the synergism between the two themes has led to new insights into how non-native plant species invade native plant communities, and the impacts they have on those plant communities. This chapter provides an entry point into the aspects of competition theory that can help explain the success, dominance and impacts of invasive species. It focuses on resource competition, which arises wherever the resources necessary for establishment, survival, reproduction and spread are in limited supply. It highlights key hypotheses developed in invasion biology that relate to ideas of competition, outlines biotic and abiotic factors that influence the strength of competition and species' relative competitive abilities, and describes when and how competition between non-native and native plant species can influence invasion outcomes. Understanding the processes that influence the strength of competition between non-native and native plant species is a necessary step towards understanding the causes and consequences of biological invasions.

scholarly journals A century of ecosystem change: human and seabird impacts on plant species extirpation and invasion on islands

PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e2208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas K. Lameris ◽  
Joseph R. Bennett ◽  
Louise K. Blight ◽  
Marissa Giesen ◽  
Michael H. Janssen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Exotic Species ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Rapid Change ◽  
Ecosystem Change ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Native Plant Species ◽  
Species Cover

We used 116 years of floral and faunal records from Mandarte Island, British Columbia, Canada, to estimate the indirect effects of humans on plant communities via their effects on the population size of a surface-nesting, colonial seabird, the Glaucous-winged gull (Larus glaucescens). Comparing current to historical records revealed 18 extirpations of native plant species (32% of species historically present), 31 exotic species introductions, and one case of exotic introduction followed by extirpation. Contemporary surveys indicated that native species cover declined dramatically from 1986 to 2006, coincident with the extirpation of ‘old-growth’ conifers. Because vegetation change co-occurred with an increasing gull population locally and regionally, we tested several predictions from the hypothesis that the presence and activities of seabirds help to explain those changes. Specifically, we predicted that on Mandarte and nearby islands with gull colonies, we should observe higher nutrient loading and exotic plant species richness and cover than on nearby islands without gull colonies, as a consequence of competitive dominance in species adapted to high soil nitrogen and trampling. As predicted, we found that native plant species cover and richness were lower, and exotic species cover and richness higher, on islands with versus without gull colonies. In addition, we found that soil carbon and nitrogen on islands with nesting gulls were positively related to soil depth and exotic species richness and cover across plots and islands. Our results support earlier suggestions that nesting seabirds can drive rapid change in insular plant communities by increasing nutrients and disturbing vegetation, and that human activities that affect seabird abundance may therefore indirectly affect plant community composition on islands with seabird colonies.

scholarly journals Accumulation of Potentially Toxic Trace Elements (PTEs) by Native Plant Species Growing in a Typical Gold Mining Area Located in the Northeast of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Wang ◽  
Xiaorong Xie ◽  
Qifeng Li ◽  
Zhifeng Yu ◽  
Guangde Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Mining Area ◽  
Tibet Plateau ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Toxic Trace Elements ◽  
Native Plant Species ◽  
Mining Areas ◽  
Potentially Toxic Trace Elements ◽  
Qinghai Tibet Plateau

Abstract Though gold mines provide significant economic benefits to local governments, mining causes soil pollution by potentially toxic trace elements (PTEs) in mining areas, especially in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Screening of native plant species from mining areas is now an effective, inexpensive, and eco-friendly method for the remediation of PTEs in situ. In the present study, we conducted experiments to assess the accumulation of As, Cd, Pb, and Zn in 12 native plant species growing on a typical gold mining area in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Our results showed that rhizosphere soils have high soil organic matter content, high levels of As, and moderate levels of Cd. G. pylzowianum accumulated relatively higher As in its shoots and exhibited TF higher than 1 for As (4.65), Cd (1.87), and Pb (1.36). P. saundersiana had BCF-S higher than 1 for Cd (4.52) and Pb (1.70), whereas its TF was higher than 1 for As, Cd, Pb, and Zn. These plant species also exhibit strong tolerance to these PTEs. Furthermore, E. nutans accumulated low levels of As, Cd, Pb, and Zn in their shoots and exhibited TF values lower than 1 for the four PTEs. Therefore, G. pylzowianum could be used for the in situ phytoextraction of As, and P. saundersiana can be used as an effective plant for Cd and Pb phytoextraction. E. nutans is better suited for the phytostabilisation of multiple PTEs. Our study is of significant importance for introducing native plant species to remediate PTE-contaminated soils, particularly As and Cd, and has a good potential for developing PTE phytoremediation strategies at mining sites.

scholarly journals A century of ecosystem change: human and seabird impacts on plant species extirpation and invasion on islands

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas K Lameris ◽  
Joseph R Bennett ◽  
Louise K Blight ◽  
Marissa Giesen ◽  
Michael H Janssen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Exotic Species ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Rapid Change ◽  
Ecosystem Change ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Native Plant Species ◽  
Species Cover

We used 116-years of floral and faunal records from Mandarte Island, British Columbia, Canada, to estimate the indirect effects of humans on plant communities via their effects on the population size of a surface-nesting, colonial seabird, the Glaucous-winged gull (Larus glaucescens). Comparing current to historical records revealed 18 extirpations of native plant species (32% of species historically present), 31 exotic species introductions, and one case of exotic introduction followed by extirpation. Contemporary surveys indicated that native species cover declined dramatically from 1986 to 2006, coincident with the extirpation of ‘old-growth’ conifers. Because vegetation change co-occurred with an increasing gull population locally and regionally, we also tested predictions from the hypothesis that the presence and activities of seabirds help to explain those changes. Specifically, we predicted we would observe high nutrient loading and exotic plant species richness and cover on nearby islands with versus without gull colonies as a consequence of competitive dominance in species adapted to high soil nitrogen and trampling. As predicted, we found that native plant species cover and richness were lower, and exotic species cover and richness higher, on islands with versus without gull colonies. In addition, we found that soil carbon and nitrogen on islands with nesting gulls were positively related to soil depth and exotic species richness and cover across plots and islands. Our results suggest that gulls have the potential to drive rapid change in insular plant communities by increasing nutrients and disturbing vegetation. Because human activities have contributed to long-term change in gull populations, our results further suggest compelling, indirect links between human management decisions and plant community composition on islands of the Georgia Basin.

scholarly journals Establishing sustainable roadside vegetation communities of high botanical and aesthetic value: the basic concept statement and experimental justification

2019 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 238-254
Author(s):  
I. P. Voznyachuk ◽  
N. B. Vlasava ◽  
I. M. Stepanovich ◽  
A. T. Godneva ◽  
V. N. Reshetnikov
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Aesthetic Value ◽  
Native Plant Species ◽  
Native Flora ◽  
Roadside Vegetation ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Mowing Regime

The basic principles for the development of a new greening system for the region of Belarus aimed at creation and restoration of sustainable roadside plant communities of high botanical and aesthetic value are formulated on the basis of the use of conservation, restoration and “incorporation” methods of flowering native plant species, characteristic of a particular region. The statements of the concept are developed and recommended for roadways and highways in the Republic of Belarus and tested on the model site between the city of Myadel and the resort village of Naroch of Highway P28. Roadside vegetation management practices in other countries as well as our research has shown that along the investigated roads there is a high adaptive potential of native flora; by changing the mowing regime, sustainable plant communities can be established while enhancing the aesthetics and expressiveness of key elements of the landscape of the roadsides. The implementation of the strategy for each geobotanical region depends on the development of an assortment of native plant species that can be used for the greening of roadside areas. This should be done by taking into account their geobotanical and edaphic features, creation of a seed bank for grass mixtures, the formation of natural genetic reserves (field banks) of meadow flora to conserve the local and overall ecosystem and genetic balance. For examples, the atlas of plants “Roadside flowers” developed for the National Park “Narochansky” is recommended for use in roadsides (verges) greening within the boundaries of the Oshmyany– Minsk geobotanical district. To expand the use of gained positive experience on increasing the biodiversity of roadside ecosystems and reducing the cost of their maintenance, it is desirable to implement this strategy for the entire road network of Belarus, which will require adjustment in technologies for managing roadside ecosystems, based on priorities of conservation, restoration and formation of native plant communities, including meadows and wetlands.

scholarly journals Effects of the invasive plant Xanthium strumarium on diversity of native plant species: A competitive analysis approach in North and Northeast China

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. e0228476
Author(s):  
Mazher Farid Iqbal ◽  
Ming-Chao Liu ◽  
Aafia Iram ◽  
Yu-Long Feng
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Northeast China ◽  
Invasive Plant ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Xanthium Strumarium ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Native Plant Species

Xanthium strumarium is native to North America and now has become one of the invasive alien species (IAS) in China. In order to detect the effects of the invader on biodiversity and evaluate its suitable habitats and ecological distribution, we investigated the abundance, relative abundance, diversity indices, and the number of the invasive and native plants in paired invaded and non-invaded quadrats in four locations in North and Northeast China. We also analyzed the effects of monthly mean maximum and minimum temperatures, relative humidity (%), and precipitations (mm). Strong positive significant (P < 0.01) correlation and maximum interspecific competition (41%) were found in Huailai between invaded and non-invaded quadrats. Shannon’s Diversity Index showed that non-invaded plots had significantly (P < 0.05) more diversified species than invaded ones. The significant (P < 0.05) Margalef’s Richness Index was found in Huailai and Zhangjiakou in non-invaded recorded heterogeneous nature of plant communities. Similarly, significant (P < 0.05) species richness found in Huailai and Zhangjiakou in non-invaded quadrats compared to invaded ones. Maximum evenness of Setaria feberi (0.47, 0.37), Seteria viridis (0.43) found in Fushun and Zhangjiakou recorded more stable in a community compared to other localities. Evenness showed positive relationship of Shannon Entropy within different plant species. The higher dissimilarity in plant communities found in Huailai (87.06%) followed by Yangyuan (44.43%), Zhangjiakou (40.13%) and Fushun (29.02%). The significant (P < 0.01) value of global statistics R (0.943/94.3%) showed high species diversity recorded in Huailai followed by Zhangjiakou recorded by non-metric multidimensional scaling and analysis of similarity between invaded and non-invaded plots. At the end it was concluded that the diversity indices reduced significantly (P < 0.05) in invaded quadrats indicated that native plant species become less diverse due to X. strumarium invasion. The degrees of X. strumarium invasion affected on species richness resulted to reduce diversity indices significantly in invaded quadrats.

Competition between native and non-native plants.

2020 ◽  
pp. 281-307
Author(s):  
Elizabeth M. Wandrag ◽  
Jane A. Catford
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Abiotic Factors ◽  
Invasion Biology ◽  
Competitive Interactions ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Native Plant Species ◽  
New Locations ◽  
Strength Of Competition

Abstract The introduction of species to new locations leads to novel competitive interactions between resident native and newly-arriving non-native species. The nature of these competitive interactions can influence the suitability of the environment for the survival, reproduction and spread of non-native plant species, and the impact those species have on native plant communities. Indeed, the large literature on competition among plants reflects its importance in shaping the composition of plant communities, including the invasion success of non-native species. While competition and invasion theory have historically developed in parallel, the increasing recognition of the synergism between the two themes has led to new insights into how non-native plant species invade native plant communities, and the impacts they have on those plant communities. This chapter provides an entry point into the aspects of competition theory that can help explain the success, dominance and impacts of invasive species. It focuses on resource competition, which arises wherever the resources necessary for establishment, survival, reproduction and spread are in limited supply. It highlights key hypotheses developed in invasion biology that relate to ideas of competition, outlines biotic and abiotic factors that influence the strength of competition and species' relative competitive abilities, and describes when and how competition between non-native and native plant species can influence invasion outcomes. Understanding the processes that influence the strength of competition between non-native and native plant species is a necessary step towards understanding the causes and consequences of biological invasions.

scholarly journals A century of ecosystem change: human and seabird impacts on plant species extirpation and invasion on islands

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas K Lameris ◽  
Joseph R Bennett ◽  
Louise K Blight ◽  
Marissa Giesen ◽  
Michael H Janssen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Exotic Species ◽  
Plant Species ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Rapid Change ◽  
Ecosystem Change ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Native Plant Species ◽  
Species Cover

We used 116-years of floral and faunal records from Mandarte Island, British Columbia, Canada, to estimate the indirect effects of humans on plant communities via their effects on the population size of a surface-nesting, colonial seabird, the Glaucous-winged gull (Larus glaucescens). Comparing current to historical records revealed 18 extirpations of native plant species (32% of species historically present), 31 exotic species introductions, and one case of exotic introduction followed by extirpation. Contemporary surveys indicated that native species cover declined dramatically from 1986 to 2006, coincident with the extirpation of ‘old-growth’ conifers. Because vegetation change co-occurred with an increasing gull population locally and regionally, we also tested predictions from the hypothesis that the presence and activities of seabirds help to explain those changes. Specifically, we predicted we would observe high nutrient loading and exotic plant species richness and cover on nearby islands with versus without gull colonies as a consequence of competitive dominance in species adapted to high soil nitrogen and trampling. As predicted, we found that native plant species cover and richness were lower, and exotic species cover and richness higher, on islands with versus without gull colonies. In addition, we found that soil carbon and nitrogen on islands with nesting gulls were positively related to soil depth and exotic species richness and cover across plots and islands. Our results suggest that gulls have the potential to drive rapid change in insular plant communities by increasing nutrients and disturbing vegetation. Because human activities have contributed to long-term change in gull populations, our results further suggest compelling, indirect links between human management decisions and plant community composition on islands of the Georgia Basin.

Screening biological traits and fluoride contents of native vegetations in arid environments to select efficiently fluoride-tolerant native plant species for in-situ phytoremediation

Chemosphere ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 119 ◽  
pp. 217-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asma Boukhris ◽  
Isabelle Laffont-Schwob ◽  
Imed Mezghani ◽  
Lefi El Kadri ◽  
Pascale Prudent ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Biological Traits ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Native Plant Species
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