ID: 53557
Title: Evaluation of soil properties and flora under afforestation and natural forest in semi-arid climate of central Anatolia
Author: Ceyhun Gol, Mehmet Sezgin and Melda Dolarslan
Editor: Dr. R.C.Dalela
Year: 2010
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 31, No 1 & 2, January & March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Afforestation, Soil, Semi-arid climate, Central Anatolia
Abstract: Arid and semi-arid climates and antropojen effects have caused rapid deterioration of the natural resources in the watershed. The main objectives of the study were to determine the correlation between soil properties and flora and to examine some soil properties and floristic composition under natural forest and afforestration. The topographical, geological and stand viewing maps of the watershed belong to 1955 and 2006 years were examined in the study. According to this study, teh 14.5% rate of black pine forest in 1955 increased to 35.8% in 2006. Degraded forest, degraded black pine and agricultural area decreased respectively to 5.7, 1.8 and 15.8% in 51 years. The richest families in the research area were Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Poaceae, Brassicaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Boraginaceae, Apiaceae and Rosaceae. The rate of the richest families was 71.75% in the total species, the remaining 22 families were scattered to 28.25% in proportion of species.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53556
Title: Soil respiration and root biomass responses to burning in Calabrian pine (Pinus brutia) stands in Edirne, Turkey
Author: Aydin Tufekcioglu, Mehmet Kucuk, Tuncay Bilmis, Lokman Altun and Murat Yilmaz
Editor: Dr. R.C.Dalela
Year: 2010
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 31, No 1 & 2, January & March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Calabrian pine, Forest fire, Root biomass, Soil respiration, Soil properties
Abstract: In this study, soil properties and root biomass responses to prescribed fire were investigated in 25-30 year-old calabrian pine (Pinus brutia Ten) stands in Edirne, Turkey. The stands were established by planting and were subjected to prescribed burning in July 2005. Soil respiration rates were determined every two months using the soda-lime method over a two-year period. Fine (> 2mm diameter) and small root (> 2-5 mm diameter) biomass were sampled approximately bimonthly using the sequential coring method. Soil respiration rates in burned sites were significantly higher than in control sites during the summer season but there was no significant difference in the other seasons. Soil respiration rates were correlated significantly with soil moisture and soil temperature. Fine and small root biomass were significantly lower in burned sites than in control sites. Mean fine root biomass values were 3204 kg ha-1 for burned and 3772 kg ha-1 for control sites. Annual soil CO2 releases totaled 515 g Cm-2 for burned and 418g Cm-2 for control sites. Our results indicate that, depending on site conditions, fire could be used successfully as a tool in the management of calabrian pine stands in the study area.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53555
Title: Effects of forest fire on soil nutrients in Turkish pine (Pinus brutia, Ten) ecosystems
Author: Oktay Yildiz, Derya Esen, Murat Sarginci and Bulent Toprak
Editor: Dr. R.C.Dalela
Year: 2010
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 31, No 1 & 2, January & March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Fire, Soil nutrients, Turkish pine
Abstract: Fire is a long-standing and poorly understood component of the Mediterranean forestlands in Turkey. Fire can alter plant composition, destroy biomass, alter soil physical and chemical properties and reduce soil nutrient pools. However, fire can also promote productivity of certain ecosystems by mineralizing soil nutrients and promoting fast growing nitrogen fixing plant species. Fire effects on soils and ecosystems in Turkey and Mediterranean regions are not well understood. This study, uses a retrospective space-for-time substitution to study soil macro-nutrient changes on sites which were burned at different times during the last 8 years. The study sites are in teh Fethiye Forest Management Directorate in the western Mediterranean Sea region of Turkey. Our samples show 40% less Soil C, and cation exchange capacity (CEC) at 0-20 cm soil depth two weeks after teh fire. Soil C and CEC appear to recover to pre-fire level in one year. Concentrations of Mg were significantly lower on new-burn sites, but returned to pre-fire levels in one year. Total soil N concentrations one and two years after fire were 90% higher than other sites, and total P was 9 times higher on new-born site than averages from other sites. Some implications of these results for forest managers are discussed.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53554
Title: Forest diversity, climate change and forest fires in the Mediterranean region of Turkey
Author: Munir Ozturk, Salih Gucel, Mahir Kucuk and Serdal Sakcali
Editor: Dr. R.C.Dalela
Year: 2010
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 31, No 1 & 2, January & March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Forest diversity, climate change, forest fires
Abstract: This paper reviews the forest resources in Turkey in the light of published literature and summarises extensive fieldwork undertaken in the Mediterranean phytogeographical region of Turkey. The issues of landscape change and the associated drivers are addressed and the threats to the forest diversity are considered. It notes the impacts of climate change and forest fires and attempts have been made to put forth future options for sustainable forest development.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53553
Title: Forest diversity, climate change and forest fires in the Mediterranean region of Turkey
Author: Munir Ozturk, Salih Gucel, Mahir Kucuk and Serdal Sakcali
Editor: Dr. R.C.Dalela
Year: 2010
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 31, No 1 & 2, January & March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Forest diversity, Climate change, Forest fires
Abstract: This paper reviews the forest resources in Turkey in the light of published literature and summarises extensive fieldwork undertaken in the Mediterranean phytogeographical region of Turkey. The issues of landscape change and the associated drivers are addressed and the threats to the forest diversity are considered. It notes the impacts of climate change and forest fires adn attempts have been made to put forth future options for sustainable forest development.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53552
Title: Dynamic traffic of Wolffia consortia from sediment to surface of a eutrophic pond
Author: Michael Witty
Editor: B. Gopal, P.S.Pathak, A.Raman, S.Y.Lee
Year: 2010
Publisher: National Institute of Ecology, Vol 36, No 1, March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: wolffia columbiana, Fragilaria, Stauroforma, Lemnicola, Synedra, Epiphyte
Abstract: Wolffia columbiana are duckweeds that inhabit freshwater ponds along with single celled algal species and these very small flowering plants often dominate the surface layer of undisturbed ponds. This upper layer of plant material fatally shades out lower species of plants and algae. Some epiphytic algae have adapted to benefit from the dominance of Wolffia columbiana by attaching themselves with various degrees of firmness to this duckweed. The epiphytic lifestyle has the advantage of avoiding shading out and an additional advantage which becomes apparent in winter i.e. when Wolffia columbiana submerge to avoid frost damage. In this season their epiphytes are carried with them from the most favorable position in the water column for spring and summer, the surface, to the most favorable position in the water column for the winter, the column for the winter, the sediment debris layer. This is an example of dynamic epiphytic symbiosis, rather than the conventional static association of epiphytes and deciduous trees which only lasts for one growing season and results in death of algal epiphytes in Fall.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53551
Title: Carbon sequestration in the Grevillea robusta plantation on a reclaimed sodic soil at Karnal in Northern India
Author: Rekha Jangra, S.R.Gupta, Ravi Kumar and G. Singh
Editor: B. Gopal, P.S.Pathak, A.Raman, S.Y.Lee
Year: 2010
Publisher: National Institute of Ecology, Vol 36, No 1, March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Plant Biomass, Productivity, carbon pool and fluxes, clay, X-ray diffraction, Organic carbon, Inorganic carbon
Abstract: This study estimates carbon sequestration, and soil carbon stability in a 25 year old plantation of Grevillea robusta, at the Central Soil Salinity Research Institute, Karnal (290 59 ' N, 760 51 ' E; 250 m above sea level). The climate of the area is semiarid and monsoonic and characterized by hot dry summers and cold winters. The soil organic carbon varied from 0.96-0.12% in 0-100 cm soil depths. The organic matter input to the soil in litterfall was 3.458 Mg C ha-1. The fine root biomass varied from 2.279 to 8.732 Mg ha-1 in different seasons. The biomass accumulation in different tree components (Mg ha-1) was : 216.943 bole> 41.380 branches > 7.590 foliage. Root biomass accounted for 14.59% of total tree biomass. Total aboveground net production was 17.389 Mg ha-1yr-1. The carbon flux through total net primary productivity was 11.322 Mg C ha-1yr-1. The organic and inorganic carbon stock up to 1-m soil depth was 48.058 Mg C ha-1and 28.698 Mg IC ha-1, respectively. The soil microbial biomass, being an active pool of carbon, formed 1.91% of soil organic carbon up to 30 cm soil depth (0.571 Mg C ha-1). The microaggregates (250?m, 53? m and <53?m) formed a large fraction of soil aggregates and protected most of soil organic carbon in the soil. Montmorillonite, chlorite, illite, kaolinite and vermiculite were found to be the main clay minerals. The plantations of Grevillea, by increasing plant biomass production and soil carbon pool, can play an important role in carbon sequestration on marginal lands. The soil microbial biomass was found to be a good indicator of improved soil conditions.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53550
Title: Livestock depredation of the spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta) in Southern Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
Author: Gidey Yirga and Hans Bauer
Editor: B. Gopal, P.S.Pathak, A.Raman, S.Y.Lee
Year: 2010
Publisher: National Institute of Ecology, Vol 36, No 1, March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Diseases, Economic loses, Livestock, Spotted hyena, Depredation
Abstract: A household survey was conducted with an intention to quantify livestock losses resulted from depredation of the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), diseases and theft in southern Tigray, Ethiopia from October to December, 2009. Our intensive survey canvassed 1100 randomly selected households from two sub-districts (Debri and Felege Selam) of the Endreta district. Respondents were asked questions relating number of livestock owned, livestock management, number of livestock lost to predation by hyenas, diseases and theft between 2005 and 2009, human attacks and vulnerable livestock species to hyena predation. To quantify the economic cost of livestock lost, the species, age, number and sex of livestock losses were recorded and estimates of current average market values of these classes of livestock species were obtained from traders. Values were translated in to US$ at the exchange rate of the time of the study. Surveyed households reported losses of 1039 domestic animals due to predation, disease nad theft over the last five years. The average annual depredation resulted in an estimated economic loss of about US$ 5401. Hyena attacks on livestock represent an economic concern for livestock owners which were blamed for 11.8% of all reported livestock losses. The total estimated economic loss caused by diseases, theft and depredation was about US$ 229, 104, representing 85.5%, 2.7% and 11.8% respectively. On average , US$ 45, 820 per year (US$ 125 per day ) has been lost. Hyena attacks reported were not in proportion to the relative abundance of livestock species. Donkeys were significantly more likely to be reported as lost to hyena predation, representing 67.8% followed by goats (16.7%) and sheep (10.5%). Our results suggested that simple improvements in livestock management practices would help mitigate human-hyena conflicts.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53549
Title: Limnological Research in Libya
Author: M.A.Khan
Editor: B. Gopal, P.S.Pathak, A.Raman, S.Y.Lee
Year: 2010
Publisher: National Institute of Ecology, Vol 36, No 1, March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Development, Libya, Limnology, Present status, Scope
Abstract: Apparent lack of interest in research on limnological aspects in Libya has restricted the scope of its development. Such a situation results from the almost non-existence of natural freshwater bodies. The recent creation of some man-made lakes and the Great Artificial River, a project considered by many as extraordinary human innovation, with substantial financial investment should, however, stimulate enthusiasm for linmological research. The scientifically-oriented technological and theoretical impetus, multi-disciplinary seminars, environmental awareness among populace, establishment of research-cum-training centres and adequate financial support, hitherto grossly ignored, are vital ingredients to promote the scope of limnology in Libya. Ecological monitoring of Libyan inland water gains paramount importance for short and long-term environmental implications.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53548
Title: Technological and Institutional options for Common Property Resources Management in Rainfed areas
Author: Dinesh K Marothia
Editor: B. Gopal, P.S.Pathak, A.Raman, S.Y.Lee
Year: 2010
Publisher: National Institute of Ecology, Vol 36, No 1, March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Common property resources, Technical arrangements, Institutional arrangements, Rainfed areas
Abstract: Common Property Resources (CPRs) of land, water, forest, fisheries, wildlife and agriculture constitute an important component of community assets in India, and they underpin the livelihoods of million of poor people, living particulary in rainfed areas, with few alternative economic opportunities. Rapid depletion and continuous decline in the physical productivity of CPRs, and the unequal access and control of the poor on CPRs have been the major factors of displacing a large number of people from rainfed areas and reducing their status to environmental refugees. There is widespread lack of understanding of the relationship between people and CPRs in the context of rainfed areas. As a result, design and implementation of appropriorate policies for CPRs management has therefore become a major Challenge. More recently, the realization that design of effective CPRs management system must be based on a fair understanding of interplay between technical and institutional arrangements has led to fresh research interest and work in the rainfed areas. This paper advocates that CPRs management problems are associated with inadequate understanding and investment in evolving appropriate technical and institutional arrangements in the rainfed areas. Initially this paper discusses the technical and institutional dimensions of CPRs governance, links between CPRs and livelihoods and then documents example of successful common property regimes from rainfed areas, and, finally identifies important policy issues to strengthen CPRs-rainfed area development link.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53547
Title: Distribution of Pistachio mutica F. & M as influenced by topographical factors and soil properties in mountain areas of Western Iran
Author: M.J.Bahrani, M. Yeganeh and B.Heidari
Editor: B. Gopal, P.S.Pathak, A.Raman, S.Y.Lee
Year: 2010
Publisher: National Institute of Ecology, Vol 36, No 1, March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Tree density, Canopy closure, shoot growth, soil P content, soil organic C, elevation, slope, aspect
Abstract: Forests of wild pistachio (Pistachio mutica F & M) are widely distributed throughout most parts of Zagros mountain ranges of Iran. Covering an area of 2.4 million ha, the forests have experienced a high degree of human disturbance over a long period of time. These plants have edible fruits with extractable juice usable in pharmaceuticals, gums, paints, pesticides, pastes, perfumes and minerals oil industries. The Ghalajeh heights of Kermanshah province, an extension of Zagros ranges are one of the famous and main habitats of these species. The purpose of this research was to determine the effects of soil properties, elevation levels, slope gradients and positions on habitat distribution of wild pistachio in Ghalajeh heights. A defined forest area was divided into the 100 m elevation intervals and a quadrate (50 x 50 m) method was used at each interval. Plant distribution was significantly correlated with soil P and clay content, soil depth, and slope position, however, slope gradient, soil organic carbon (C) and pH had minor influence on plant distribution. The wild pistachio plants were the dominant species at elevation levels of 1500 to 2200 m and there were no pistachio trees at above 2220 m and below 1380 m elevation. Slope aspect had a prominent effect on plant growth and their distribution. There was higher plant density in the north-facing slopes than others. Canonical correlation analysis showed that increased soil P and decreased silt contents strongly increased canopy closure, however, soil P content had not very significant effect on plant density. Elevation level increased plant density, but the rate of increase on annual shoot growth was less than plant density. Increase in annual shoot growth was primarily due to soil depth.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53546
Title: Epiphytic montane lichens exposed to background air pollution and climate change: Monitoring and conservation aspects
Author: Gregory E. Insarov
Editor: B. Gopal, P.S.Pathak, A.Raman, S.Y.Lee
Year: 2010
Publisher: National Institute of Ecology, Vol 36, No 1, March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Background Air Pollution, Climate Change, Epiphytic Lichens, Monitoring, Nature Reserves, Red Data Book, Russia, Indices, Trend Detection
Abstract: A monitoring scheme using epiphytic lichens has been developed over the last decades for several protected areas and regions in Russia and adjacent countries influenced by background air pollution and, increasingly, also by climate change. Its main objective is to detect trends in epiphytic lichen status caused by changes in background (regional and global) air pollution levels. The scheme includes: (I) a sampling protocol to assess lichen diversity, cover and frequency on tree trunks, (2) estimates of the sensitivity of lichen species to air pollution in the protected area or region, (3) determination of the Trend Detection Index (TDI) of lichen community status with the highest resolution as it relates to air pollution change detection. Confidence intervals for lichen cover and frequency can also be calculated for each species. Trend in TDI, cover and frequency can be revealed by conventional statistic methods. Decline of lichen community characteristics along a gradient of air pollution can also be quantified. On the basis of these trends, one can quantify change in a lichen species, or community state. These trends can than be used to categorize and re-asses lichen species in new red-list categories according to 2001 IUCN threat categories and criteria. Examples from montane national reserves in Russian and adjacent countries are presented.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53545
Title: Ecological economics: from the viewpoint of the marginalized sections of the society
Author: P.S.Ramakrishnan
Editor: B. Gopal, P.S.Pathak, A.Raman, S.Y.Lee
Year: 2010
Publisher: National Institute of Ecology, Vol 36, No 1, March 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Keywords: Sustainable development, Traditional knowledge systems
Abstract: Dedicating this article to my respected teacher, the late Professor R. Misra who enabled me to be reflective in my thinking processes. I try to advocate here that there could be diverse ways of looking at the rapidly emerging inter-disciplinary, rather trans-disciplinary subject area of ecological economics. I have tried to argue that there could be diverse approaches to this area of study, determined by the socio-ecological, economic, cultural and even political climate under which one looks at the issues involved. The developing world perspective could be different from that of the developed as much as the diversity in the socio-ecological systems under consideration-developed vs.developing world, urban vs rural, and /or the degraded rural systems vs biodiversity rich rural systems, etc. Emphasizing upon the viewpoint linked with very ' traditional ' marginalized societies living in biodiversity rich areas suchy as in a forested environment, who are dependant upon biodiversity contained therein for meeting with their livelihood needs, biodiversity conservation linked sustainable development becomes the major issue. Emphasizing upon the marginalized traditional societies and looking at their problems in a comparative way with more endowed sections of the rural communities living in the developing world as in India, apart from detailed socio-ecological research analysis that would held in decision-making, as in the case of the traditional societies living in the north-eastern hills of India. I have narrowed down to the viewpoint that energy and money as two currencies used for input/output analyses could be two comprehensive measures for evaluating socio-ecological systems structure and functions. In the ultimate analysis, the argument is for ' working with nature ' , emphasizing upon conservation and sustainabe management of biodiversity in all its scalar dimensions. Here lies the key towards addressing a range of sustainability concerns with concerns for human security, all accentuated by increasing environmental uncertainities and linked food security, emerging from ' global change ' as an ecological phenomenon and ' globalization ' of economics.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53544
Title: Distribution, abundance, group size and demography of dark-bellied bonnet macaque Macaca radiata radiata in Karnataka, South India
Author: H.N.Kumar, Mewa Singh, Shanthala Kumar and Anindya Sinha
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Assoication, Vol 99, No 5, 10 September 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Bonnet macaque, demography, distribution, group size, provisioning
Abstract: We carried out an extensive survey on bonnet macaques in the south Indian state of Karnataka over a period of five years. We travelled 9697 km covering all districts and recorded the distribution, encounter rate and demographic features of bonnet macaque groups on roadsides and villages, temples and several different forest types, and walked 1736 km in selected Protected Areas and Reserve Forests. Bonnet macaque groups were encountered at a rate of 2.11 groups/100 km in a road survey. Encounter rates were high in the districts of Chamarajanagar, Shimoga, Bangalore, Kolar, Kodagu and Mysore. Encountered rates were higher in wet evergreen forests than in deciduous forests. Mean group size was highest in human habitations followed by deciduous forests, roadsides and evergreen forests. The groups in highly provisioned places had the highest size compared to medium or low degree provisioning. Age-sex ratios were observed to be the same in all habitat types. We propose that large -scale suryves of the present type provide baseline data for long-term management and conservation of a species.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 53543
Title: Bamboo resources mapping using satellite technology
Author: J. Goswami, L. Tajo and K.K.Sarma
Editor: P. Balaram
Year: 2010
Publisher: Current Science Assoication, Vol 99, No 5, 10 September 2010
Source: Centre for Ecological Science,Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-12
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Bamboo index, remote sensing, resources mapping, satellite technology
Abstract: Identification of bamboo-growing areas is important for proper planning and management of the resources. Space technology has been playing a vital role in the mapping and identification of natural resources. Not much work has been done on the estimation of bamboo-growing areas using remote sensing and geographic information system due to the mixing up of reflectance value with other forest classes. The present study explores the possibility fo developing an index specific to bamboo (bamboo index) using red, NIR and SWIR bands of IRS P6 LISS-III imageries to identift the bamboo-growing areas fo the NE region.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None