Publications
Found 861 publication(s)
- of type
Beck, E. (2012-01-21). Experiences in International Ecological/Biological Research. Presented at Conference on Genetic Resources and Traditional Knowledge, Göttingen, Germany.
Beck, E.; Strobl, S.; Lemma, Y.S.; Abebe, G.T.; Fetene, M. & Zewdie, S. (2011-06-13). Coexistence of 3 different functional types of indigenous trees in a montane tropical forest in Ethiopia . Presented at Joint International Meeting of the ATBC and the Society for Conservation Biology, Arusha, Tanzania.
Beck, E.; Malagón, O.; Valarezo, C.; Paladines, B. & Ribadeneira Sarmiento, M. (2010-03-23). Non-commercial benefits resulting from basic research - an Ecuadorian Case. Presented at Meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group on Access and Benefit Sharing, Cali, Colombia.
Beck, E. (2010-09-22 Keynote). Functional aspects of tropical biodiversity revealed by gradient analysis. Presented at The Biodiversity Day, Tribhuvan University Kathmandu, Nepal.
Ad-Hoc-Arbeitsgruppe Boden 2006: Bodenkundliche Kartieranleitung. 5. verbesserte und erweiterte Auflage. (Schweizerbart'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung, Stuttgart).
Potthast, K.; Hamer, U. & Makeschin, F. (2012): In an Ecuadorian pasture soil the growth of Setaria sphacelata, but not of soil microorganisms, is co-limited by N and P. Applied Soil Ecology 62, 103-114.
-
log in to download
-
link
-
view metadata
-
DOI: 10.1016/j.apsoil.2012.08.003
-
Abstract:
Abstract:
In the mountain rainforest region of southern Ecuador, soils of active pastures, established after slashand-
burn of the forest, are characterized by improved quantity and quality of soil organic matter favoring
microbial conditions. However, these beneficial conditions decrease with increasing pasture age and
burning frequency. As a consequence, rates of soil nutrient cycling decrease, supporting the infestation
of bracken fern and, in turn, causing further decreases in pasture productivity. Finally, farmers are forced
to abandon the degraded pastures and to establish new ones by continuous deforestation. To investigate
whether an application of N and/or P nutrients to an extensively grazed pasture (active pasture) can
improve grass productivity and maintain soil fertility, a pasture fertilization experiment was conducted.
On an active pasture site, planted with Setaria sphacelata, moderate rates of urea (50 kg N ha−1 a−1), rock
phosphate (10 kg P ha−1 a−1), and a combination of both were applied. It was examined whether soil
mineralization (gross and net N mineralization, SOC mineralization) and microbial community structure
(PLFA-analysis), as well as quantity and quality of the grass biomass, were affected by fertilization.
Furthermore, the impact of fertilization on in situ soil respiration rates was studied. The combined application
of urea and rock phosphate increased the pasture yield by 2 Mg ha−1 a−1 most efficiently, indicating
a co-limitation of growth. Additionally, the fodder quality was improved by a 67% higher content of P
and by a 7% higher content of Ca in the grass biomass compared to the control. While carbon, nitrogen,
and phosphorus in the microbial biomass remained unaffected and the microbial activity increased
only temporarily, the relative abundance of fungi (18:2n6,9) increased significantly due to fertilizer addition.
Urea addition induced a short-lived increase in the in situ soil CO2-C effluxes, assuming a positive
priming effect due to an activation of soil microbes. In total, plots amended with urea emitted 0.8 Mg CO2-
C ha−1 a−1 more than the control. Results reveal that already moderate fertilization significantly improved
pasture productivity and maintained soil quality. However, it is expected that higher loads of NP fertilizer
will increase pasture productivity at the expense of soil organic carbon sequestration due to enhanced
soil CO2-C losses. Hence, to establish a sustainable pasture management in the study region, the soil C
management must also be carefully considered.
Roos, K.; Montero, M.; Cevallos Aleaga, X.K.; Weig, A. & Beck, E. (2012-2-24). Species composition and genetic diversity of tropical bracken invading montane pastures in southern Ecuador . Presented at Annual Conference of the Society for Tropical Ecology, University of Erlangen, Germany.
-
log in to download
-
link
-
view metadata
-
Abstract:
Abstract:
Growing land scarcity due to population increase promotes the conversion of natural ecosystems into areas for food and energy production, especially in the tropics. On the other hand, high proportions of degraded land are present. In the research area in the south-eastern Andes of Ecuador about 40% of the potential pastureland has been abandoned because of infestation by bracken (Pteridium spp.). This rhizomatous plant is one of the most aggressive weeds worldwide especially where fire is used for forest clearing or in agriculture. Taxonomically, it represents a complex that is grouped into a northern, temperate, and a southern, tropical clade. In the research area, two species of the southern bracken complex, P. arachnoideum and P. caudatum, co-occur.
We analysed the bracken species composition on active and abandoned pastures at 7 altitudinal levels between 1,000 and 3,000 m. The 2 species could be differentiated using morphological and molecular characters. Depending on the altitudinal and climate conditions, the shares of the two species in the bracken cover changed: P. caudatum preferred the lower altitudes, where P. arachnoideum was hardly found. The opposite was observed in the upper regions. At 1800 m an extensive study of the composition of the bracken population was performed using microsatellite markers. As bracken propagates readily via rhizome branching and disaggregation, a high degree of homogeneity of the ramets was expected. However, the percentage of identical ramets of both species was very low, as were distances at which genetically identical samples were found. Maximum extension of a genet (consisting of several ramets) was less than 150 m which contrasts with findings of northern bracken species. The high diversity was attributed to a high frequency of bushfires whose heat could stimulate sexual reproduction. After such fire fast colonization of the bare soil by bracken was observed. The entire developmental cycle from spore formation until ample growth of young sporophytes required less than 2 months. In addition, regrowth of bracken fronds from rhizomes was also stimulated by the heat pulse from such fires.
Roos, K.; Adams, J.; Curatola Fernández, G.F.; Bendix, J. & Beck, E. (2012-04-18). Mountain pastures in tropical Ecuador: Ruin and rehabilitation. Presented at Sustainable Land Use and Rural Development in Mountain Areas, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.
-
log in to download
-
link
-
view metadata
-
Abstract:
Abstract:
Deforestation for gaining pastures and croplands is still advancing in the tropical Andes while vast agricultural areas are at the same time disused due to degradation (FAO 2011). In the research area in South Ecuador infestation by bracken (Pteridium spp.) plays an important role in this regard (Göttlicher et al. 2009), especially where fire is used for forest clearing or in pasture management (Hartig & Beck 2003, Roos et al. 2010).
The focus of our study was: (1) the analysis of the infestation rate of bracken on agricultural land, (2) to reconvert bracken-infested areas into useful pastures, and (3) to find a sustainable management for the rehabilitated pastures.
Bracken cover was analyzed using high resolution satellite data (QuickBird) on which bracken could be identified from the spectral reflection. Actually, almost 40% of the potential mountain pastures in the research area have been abandoned, because they are overgrown by the weed. An experiment extending over several years was conducted to reconvert these abandoned areas into pastures (Roos et al. 2011): A two-step strategy seemed to be successful. In a first step, the efficacy of 13 bracken control treatments was compared with the vegetation development in untreated plots. Two of the measures proved to be successful and at the same time affordable for the local farmers, namely periodical cutting of the weed with a machete or repeated spraying of a locally available herbicide ?Combo? (a mixture of metsulfuron methyl and picloram) (Figure 1A). However, due to brackens persistent rhizomes in various soil depths, only ponderable weakening of the weed could be achieved, but not complete eradication. In a next step, the common pasture grass Setaria sphacelata (a highly competitive C4-grass) was planted. About 1.5 years later, the grass had reached a cover of more than 70% suppressing the fern to a cover of less than 40% and grazing could start (Figure 1B). Growth of bracken and of Setaria was monitored monthly using cover and height of vegetation as variables. Different extensive and intensive management treatments (various grazing intensities in combination with fertilization regimes) were applied to the rehabilitated pasture plots, and the effects on biomass gain and protein content of Setaria were analyzed. Additionally, vegetation composition depending on the treatments was compared with existing pastures. Regrowing bracken fronds should be removed annually with the machete to maintain the weed on a low stage.
Following the described protocol, repasturisation requires about 2.5 years until the pastures can be used. Applying a balanced management of fertilization and grazing can lead into a sustainable reutilization of the abandoned areas and thus alleviate the pressure on the natural forests.
Schwab, L. (2012): Gehalte, Speicher und Umsetzungszeiten von Kupfer und Zink in einem tropischen Bergregenwald in Ecuador Geographic Institute, University of Berne, bachelor thesis
-
log in to download
-
link
-
view metadata
-
Abstract:
Abstract:
Im Arbeitsgebeit Q2 ist die anfallende Streufallmenge in der Periode April 2004 bis März 2005 im Vergleich zu anderen tropischen Bergregenwäldern hoch, im Vergleich zum langjährigen Mittelwert jedoch etwas geringer. Die wöchentlichen Streufallmengen zeigen grosse Unterschiede, welche vermutlich auf mechanische Belastungen zurückzuführen sind. Die Zinkgehalte in der Feinstreu sind geringer als vergleichbare Werte in der Literatur. Die Kupfergehalte in der Feinstreu sind geringer als die Zinkgehalte, vergleichbare Werte in der Literatur wurden keine gefunden. Die Deposition von Zink ist durch die geringeren Zinkgehalte in der Feinstreu und die etwas geringeren Streufallmengen ebenfalls geringer als vergleichbare Werte in der Literatur. Die Deposition von Kupfer ist analog zu den Gehalten in der Feinstreu geringer als die von Zink. Die Hypothese, dass die Elementeintröge vom Wasserhaushalt abhängen konnte nicht bestätigt werden. Die Zinkgehalte in der organischen Auflage entsprechen in etwa vergleichbaren Werten der Literatur. Die Kupfergehalte sind wiederum geringer als diejenigen von Zink. Auch hier fehlen Vergleichbare Werte aus der Literatur. Die Elementgehalte nehmen in der organischen Auflage mit zunehmendem Zersetzungsgrad zu. Diese Zunahme widerspiegelt sich ebenfalls im Speicher der Elemente in der organischen Auflage, obwohl hier auch die Mächtigkeit der Auflagehorizonte einen grossen Einfluss hat. Es kommt zu einer Anreicherung von Kupfer und in geringerem Masse auch von Zink in der organischen Auflage, was auf einen engen Kreislauf dieser Elemente im Ökosystem hindeutet. Die Umsetzungszeiten der Masse, von Zink und Kupfer sind insgesamt als hoch einzuschätzen. Vergleichbare Untersuchungen im selben Arbeitsgebiet ergaben niedrigere Werte und auch der Vergleich mit anderen tropischen Bergregenwäldern deutet darauf hin, dass die Umsetzung langsamer abläuft. Im Vergleich zu gemässigten Klimaten sind die Umsetzungszeiten jedoch geringer. Die Vernachlässigung der Einträge durch Grobstreu und Feinwurzeln führen allerdings zu einer beträchtlichen Überschätzung der Umsetzungszeiten.
Lotz, T.; Bendix, J. & Dobbermann, M. (2012-09-12). Information Management System FOR816dw - Experiences derived from the development and running of an EML‐based data platform for the ecological research unit FOR816‐Ecuador. Presented at GfÖ-2012, Session: Data - publishing, linking, using ecological data online, Lüneburg / Germany.
-
download
-
link
-
view metadata
-
Abstract:
Abstract:
One crucial aspect within most joint projects in ecosystem research is the way of data storage and exchange. The Data Warehouse of the DFG-Research Unit 816 (FOR816dw) provides an integrative platform to enable the retrieval, transfer, storage, and analysis of scientific data of various ecological disciplines, focused on biodiversity research.
To structure the data and to make it usable by other scientists a robust metadata concept had to be implemented. The Ecological Metadata Language (EML: www.knb.ecoinformatics.org/software/eml) provides a sophisticated XML-based scheme to describe scientific ecological data sets. The relational database structure of the FOR816dw is based on the metadata logic of EML and contains at least all mandatory fields to be compliant to this specification. The metadata are transmitted by the data owner via a browser based wizard during the data upload. They can be queried for temporal, spatial, and thematically features to find data sets in the data pool. Furthermore the metadata bears information on the data set creator, the intellectual rights, and the data collection/processing workflow of each contained attribute of a data set. The adaption of the concept to describe each attribute (variable) of a data set establishes the granulated storage and analysis of the tabular data set values. All information are safely stored in the relational database and can be filtered, selected and reused.
Beside the storage and maintenance of data sets and metadata the FOR816dw provides the management of administrative tasks of the research group. The user management, the project structure, a news system, a mailing-lists generator, the travel reimbursement, and the station booking system is based on the same personnel and project specific data used for the metadata description of the scientific data sets. The project`s webpage (www.tropicalmountainforest.org) is the single point of contact for the project members and provides a user-friendly access to all information of the DFG-Research Unit 816 ?Biodiversity and Sustainable Management of a Megadiverse Mountain Ecosystem in South Ecuador?.
After six years of development and running, an open source release will be available at the termination of the FOR816 in March 2013. With this in view we want to review some technical and conceptual solutions and discuss the acceptance by the users. Is the representation of EML in a relational database possible? Is the combination of project administration and data management in one platform useful? Up to what level of detail are the users willing to submit and describe their data?
Münzenmayer, L. (2012): Molekulare und lichtmikroskopische Untersuchungen der Mykorrhizen von Graffenrieda harlingii Wurdack (Melastomataceae) aus dem tropischen Bergregenwald Süd-Ecuadors Universität Tübingen, Evolutionäre Ökologie der Pflanzen, bachelor thesis
-
log in to download
-
link
-
view metadata
-
Abstract:
Abstract:
Ziel der Arbeit war es, die Mykorrhiza-Pilzpartner von G. harlingii molekular zu identifizieren und mit vorhandenen Sequenzdaten von G. emarginata und anderen Bäumen aus dem Untersuchungsgebiet zu vergleichen. Zum einen sollte dadurch überprüft werden, ob sich die AM-Pilzpartner von G. harlingii im Vergleich zu G. emarginata und anderen Bäumen aus dem Untersuchungsgebiet unterscheiden. Zum anderen sollte untersucht werden, ob neben G. emarginata auch G. harlingii eine Doppelmykorrhizierung mit arbuskulären Mykorrhizapilzen und einem Ascomyceten im Untersuchungsgebiet zeigt. Hierfür wurden auch lichtmikroskopische Unter-suchungen durchgeführt.
Thies, B.; Meyer, H.; Nauss, T. & Bendix, J. (2012): Projecting land use and land cover changes in a tropical mountain forest of southern Ecuador. Journal of Land Use Science xx, 1-33.
Behling, H. & Schüler, L. (2010): Characteristics of Poaceae pollen grains as a tool to assess palaeoecological grassland dynamics in South America. Vegetation History and Archaeobotany 20, 97-108.
-
log in to download
-
link
-
view metadata
-
DOI: 10.1007/s00334-010-0264-0
-
Abstract:
Abstract:
During the Quaternary, in particular during
glacial times, different grassland ecosystems played a
much larger role and had a significantly larger distribution.
Little is known yet about past development, biodiversity
and dynamics of grassland ecosystems. In this innovative
study, we attempt to distinguish between different South
American grassland types in space and time based on
morphological pollen grain characteristics of Poaceae. For
this purpose[60?80 Poaceae pollen grains of 20 grassland
samples were measured using their length, width and pore
diameter as well as annulus width. Samples were taken
from five sites in wet Pa´ramo vegetation from the Late
Pleistocene to the Late Holocene in South Ecuador and
from two sites in the south-eastern Brazilian highlands
(Campos do Altitude) of the same period. Additionally, we
investigated two samples from a Pampa site as well as six
samples from one Campos grassland site in southern Brazil
from the Late Pleistocene to the Late Holocene. Subsets of
samples of the Campos grasslands and of the Pa´ramo were
investigated in order to retrieve more detailed information
on patterns within these vegetation types. Multivariate data
analysis of the complete data set shows changes in taxonomic
composition along an elevational gradient in the
Pa´ramo grasslands. Our results reveal a highly dynamic
development of the individual grassland types; they also
provide interesting information on Poaceae taxa composition
patterns, development and possibly changes in
biodiversity within these ecosystems. Moreover, our data
provide an indication about the origin and dynamics of the
Campos ecosystems in the southern Brazilian highlands
during the Late Pleistocene and the Holocene before and
after the onset of human activities.
-
Keywords: |
biodiversity |
grassland |
South America |
Poaceae |
pollen grain morphology |
grain size |
Pampa |
Schüler, L. & Behling, H. (2010): Poaceae pollen grain size as a tool to distinguish past grasslands in South America - a new methodological approach. Vegetation History and Archaeobotany 20, 83-96.
-
log in to download
-
link
-
view metadata
-
DOI: 10.1007/s00334-010-0265-z
-
Abstract:
Abstract:
Despite the dominance of grasslands during the
last glacial period, especially in South America, the highly
uniform morphology of Poaceae pollen grains has so far
allowed only very few palynological studies based on
Poaceae pollen. In our study we compare two methods of
distinguishing between South American grassland ecosystems
based on quantitative morphology of Poaceae pollen
grains. We investigated data sets from Pa´ramo in southern
Ecuador, Campos de Altitude and Campos in south-eastern
and southern Brazil as well as data sets from the Pampa in
Argentina by measuring the pollen grain length, grain
width, pore diameter and annulus width. Firstly we investigated
the potential influence of chemical treatment of
pollen grains on pollen grain size as well as the measurement
setting for defining the boundary conditions for using
Poaceae pollen grains in a palaeoecological investigation.
Finally the measured pollen grain parameters were analyzed
by comparison of average grain length using
statistical tests. This approach reveals highly significant
differences in average grain size between all grassland
ecosystems. Assuming that a certain grain size range can
be assigned to a certain Poaceae taxon, conclusions about
differences and similarities in taxa composition can be
derived. We used two methods of multivariate data analysis.
One uses the pollen grain parameters directly for a
Principle Component Analysis (PCA). The other is an
already established method in grassland ecology which
defines parameter based pollen grain types to investigate
similarities between grassland ecosystems. Both approaches
confirm the results of the grain length analysis. In this
work we demonstrate that the method we developed has the
potential to provide acquisition of so far inaccessible
information on spatial and temporal patterns and dynamics
of South American grasslands.
-
Keywords: |
palynology |
grassland |
South America |
Poaceae |
Pampa |
Paramo |
Jantz, N. (2010): A Holocene environmental record reflecting vegetation, climate, and fire variability at the Páramo of Quimsacocha in the south Ecuadorian Andes Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, master thesis
-
log in to download
-
link
-
view metadata
-
Abstract:
Abstract:
We reconstructed the palaeoenvironmental conditions of the last ca. 8000 years in the Tres Lagunas region of the Quimsacocha volcanic basin (ca. 3800 m a.s.l.) in the southwestern Ecuadorian Andes by means of a pollen and charcoal record.
Sediment deposits and pollen taxa reflect warm and possibly drier conditions in the early to mid-Holocene. The late Holocene undergoes several warm and cold-phases of which the most prominent one was the Little Ice-Age which is characterised by a marked increase of taxa that correspond to cold and moist conditions. As charcoal can be recorded since the early to mid-Holocene and Polylepis underwent several phases of degradation and re-establishment in the region, the presence of human influence might be dated back to this time.
-
Keywords: |
Holocene |
Paramo |
Palaeoecology |
climate change |
Andes |
Rodriguez, F. & Behling, H. (2012): Late Quaternary vegetation, climate and fire dynamics, and evidence of early to mid-Holocene Polylepis forests in the Jimbura region of the southernmost Ecuadorian Andes. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 350-352, 247-257.
-
log in to download
-
link
-
view metadata
-
DOI: 10.1016/j.palaeo.2012.07.004
-
Abstract:
Abstract:
The vegetation,climate and fire history of high mountain ecosystemsin the southern Ecuadorian Andes are
documented in a continuous pollen and charcoal record,from Lagunas Natosas Forest bog,at 3495 m a.s.l. spanning the late Pleistocene and Holocene periods since 15,930 cal yr BP.The chronology of this record is
based on four radiocarbon dates.Páramo vegetation with abundant Poaceae and Plantago rigida characterized
the Late Glacial(LG)period, implying cold and wet conditions. Slight expansions of mountain forests suggest
warming during the LG. The upper foresl line was lower than today and fire events were rare during the
Pleistocene. During the early and mid-Holocene until 4300 cal yr BP, the area of páramo was markedly smaller and the subpáramo with woody vegetation (Melastomataceae) was larger. The upper mountain forest dominated and the upper forest line shifted to higher elevations. The pollen record provides the first evidence
of the development of Polylepis forests in the southern part of the so-called Andean Depression reflecting
warmer and drier climatic conditions during early and mid-Holocene. The late Holocene after about
4300 cal yr BP is characterized by larger areas of páramo and subpáramo promoted by moister conditions.
These moister conditions and frequent fires may have been the cause of the very rare occurrence or even extinction of Polylepis populations in the Jimbura region. Since ca. 1000 cal yr BP human occupation has altered
the landscape by frequent burning, woodcutting, grazing and cultivation.
-
Keywords: |
Ecuador |
palynology |
Holocene |
Andes |
mountain forest |
Polylepis |
fire history |
forest line |
Late Glacial |
Zamora |
Adolf, C. (2011): Climatic Influences and Human Impact on vegetation in Southern Ecuador -- A New High-Andean Postglacial Record Universität Bern, master thesis
-
log in to download
-
link
-
view metadata
-
Abstract:
Abstract:
The past vegetation and climate dynamics of Southern Ecuador are still not well known, despite this region belonging to the worldwide hotspots of biodiversity (Mutke and Barthlott, 2005) with influences from Amazonia, the Andean Highlands and the Pacific Coast. In addition to that, a rich cultural heritage including the Inca civilization as well as many pre and post-incaic cultures belong to the history of this Andean country. To know more about past vegetation changes in response to climate and human impact, we present a Postglacial pollen and charcoal sequence from the mire Laguna Vendada (3640 m a.s.l.), covering approximately the last 18,200 calibrated years BP. Deglaciation at the site started before 18,000 cal. yr BP and vegetation was very sparse during the Lateglacial. Before the onset of the Holocene, vegetation was dominated by cold and moist adapted species during the Younger Dryas cooling. Below the site, forests expanded at the beginning of the Holocene and reached largest expansions during the Mid-Holocene (between ca. 7500 and 2000 cal. yr BP). Forests probably established around the site between 7500 6000 cal. yr BP. Human impact presumably started very early around Laguna Vendada, evident by a high fire frequencies and large abundances of dung spores since ca. 8000 cal. yr BP. This early and persistent impact on vegetation might explain the reduction to isolated patches of today’s treeline Polylepis forests.
Villota, A. & PUCE (2012): Estudio palinológico en las Lagunas Natosas, páramo de Jimbura, Provincia de Loja Potificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, other thesis
-
log in to download
-
link
-
view metadata
-
Abstract:
Abstract:
By means of palinological studies realized in the pet bog Lagunas Natosas, at páramo de Jimbura, 73 taxa of pollen and spores were identified, of which 24 are the most frequent and important. Four different zones (LNT I to IV) were differentiated through cluster analysis of terrestrial pollen taxa. These data allowed the reconstruction of vegetation, including fire and climate history in the last 15,000 years BP. During the Late Pleistocene (ca. 15,000 12,000 years BP) the percentage of montane forest pollen recorded was higher in relation to the páramo, reflecting a gradual shift of this type of vegetation. This event indicates an increase in temperature during that period, causing a retreat of glaciers allowing the expansion of montane forest. In the early Holocene (ca. 12,000 – 4,800 years BP) the timberline rose, a higher percentage of Podocarpaceae, Polylepis Acaena and Hedyosmum are registered at this stage, to even greater heights than at present and, páramo vegetation was limited to 3,300–3,500 m. The climate became much warmer and wetter. Mean while the Late Holocene, about 4,800 years BP until the present, was characterized by a higher percentage of Poaceae and Cyperaceae, which are representatives of páramo vegetation. During that time, the timberline decreased, giving way to the current location of the páramo. On the other hand, the sediment record (LNT) showed that despite the fires, caused by anthropogenic activity, were much more frequent in the beginning of the Holocene, these did not affect drastically the vegetation composition at Lagunas Natosas, páramo de Jimbura.
-
Keywords: |
palynology |
Pleistocene |
Holocene |
Lagunas Natosas |
pollen |
Kirsten, M. (2011): Auswirkung von Bekämpfungsmaßnahmen gegen P. arachnoideum auf verlassenen Weideflächen in Süd Ecuador und einer anschließenden Repastorisierung mit S.sphacelata auf Indikatoren der Bodenqualität Institute for Soil Science and Site Ecology; Dresden University of Technology, bachelor thesis
-
log in to download
-
link
-
view metadata
-
Abstract:
Abstract:
Die von ROOS et al. (2010a) durchgeführten Bekämpfungsmaßnahmen auf der Llashipa Fläche, führten zu einer deutlichen Verringerung von P. arachnoideum. Im Anschluss erfolgte eine Bepflanzung der Flächen mit S. sphacelata, um zu untersuchen ob hierdurch aufgegebene Weideflächen in eine erneute Nutzung überführt werden können. Aufgrund von Untersuchungsergebnissen (HAMER et al. (2009), HAMER et al. (2012), POTTHAST et al. (2010), POTTHAST et al. (2011)) von verlassenen und aktiven Weideflächen, welche Unterschiede in verschiedenen chemischen und biologischen Bodenindikatoren nachgewiesen haben, erfolgte eine Untersuchung nach einem vergleichbaren Schema für die Llashipa Fläche. Hierbei dienten weiterhin mit Farn bewachsene Flächen als Referenz, um mögliche Auswirkungen der Anpflanzung zu identifizieren. Die Messergebnisse zeigten zwischen den mit S. sphacelata bepflanzten Flächen und den Kontrollflächen keine signifikanten Unterschiede, ließen für verschiedene Indikatoren jedoch Tendenzen erkennen. So war der pH-Wert, die Basensättigung, der mikrobiell gebundene Phosphor und die Kohlenstoffmineralisierung auf der
von P. arachnoideum dominierten Kontrollflache geringer als auf den mit S. sphacelata bepflanzten Flachen. Auffällig ist, dass die Kontrollflache den höchsten Gehalt an mikrobiell gebundenen Stickstoff bei vergleichbarem mikrobiell gebundenem Kohlenstoffgehalt aufweist. Weiterhin lag im Vergleich die höchste Stickstoffmineralisierung auf der Kontrollfläche vor.
Allgemein weisen etliche der aufgenommenen Indikatoren eine hohe Variabilität auf, was durch den Stichprobenumfang nicht ausreichend abgedeckt wurde. Eine hohe Variabilität führt dazu, dass mögliche Unterschiede in den Indikatoren sehr groß sein müssen, damit eine Teststatistik Signifikanz anzeigt. Da jedoch ein relativ geringer Zeitraum zwischen Bepflanzung (Anfang 2008) und Probennahme (Oktober 2010) lag, ist es wahrscheinlich, dass mögliche Veränderungen in den verschiedenen Indikatoren nicht stark genug ausgeprägt waren. Damit mögliche Veränderungen deutlich werden, sollten Folgebeprobungen mit einem erhöhten
Stichprobenumfang auf der Fläche durchgeführt werden. Hierbei sollte nicht zwischen verschiedenen Bekämpfungsmaßnahmen unterschiedenen werden, sondern ausschließlich zwischen S. sphacelata und P. arachnoideum dominierten Flächen. Eine weiterführende Untersuchung sollte dazu dienen, dass vorhandene Prozessverständnis von aktiven und verlassenen Weideflachen zu verbessern. Die Ergebnisse würden dazu beitragen, effektive Weidemanagementpläne zu erstellen, damit eine Degradation vermieden wird und bereits degradierte Weideflachen erneut in die Produktion überführt werden könnten.
Gerique, A. (2012): Biodiversity as a Resource: Plant Use, Land Use, and Nature Conservation in Shuar, Saraguro, and Mestizo Communities in South-Eastern Ecuador. In: Bruce E. Ponman; Rainer W. Bussmann (eds.): Medicinal Plants and the Legacy of Richard E. Schultes - Proceedings of the Botany 2011 Symposium Ho ( ), The William L. Brown Center at the Missouri Botanical Garden, Trujillo, 73-88.
-
log in to download
-
link
-
view metadata
-
Abstract:
Abstract:
The tropical premontane and montane rainforests of south-eastern Ecuador constitute one of the most important hotspots of plant diversity. However, the Andes of Ecuador are known as the region with the highest deforestation rate in South America. The experience in international nature conservation during the past decades has shown that, to be effective, biodiversity conservation in inhabited areas should provide welfare through the use of forest for local peoples who coexist with it. Based on the foregoing, this study pursued the following targets: (1) to document the ethnobotany of the different ethnic groups who live in the area of study - namely the Shuar, the Saraguros, and the mestizos, (2) to analyze actual land use, and (3), to evaluate the suitability of the implementation of agroforestry systems, ecotourism, payments for environmental services, and bioprospecting as instruments in line with the ?protection by use? concept.
Trachte, K. & Bendix, J. (2012): Katabatic Flows and Their Relation to the Formation of Convective Clouds - Idealized Case Studies. Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology 51, 1531?1546.
Martinson, G.; Corre, M. & Veldkamp, E. (2012): Responses of nitrous oxide fluxes and soil nitrogen cycling to nutrient additions in montane forests along an elevation gradient in southern Ecuador. Biogeochemistry online , online.
-
log in to download
-
link
-
view metadata
-
DOI: 10.1007/s10533-012-9753-9
-
Abstract:
Abstract:
Tropical montane forests are commonly limited by N or co-limited by N and P. Projected increases in N deposition in tropical montane regions are thought to be insufficient for vegetation demand and are not therefore expected to affect soil N availability and N2O emissions. We established a factorial Nand P-addition experiment (i.e., N, P, N ? P, and control) across an elevation gradient of montane forests in Ecuador to test these hypotheses: (1) moderate rates of N and P additions are able to stimulate soil-N cycling rates and N2O fluxes, and (2) the magnitude and timing of soil N2O-flux responses depend on the initial nutrient status of the forest soils. Moderate rates of nutrients were added: 50 kg N ha-1 year-1 (in the form of urea) and 10 kg P ha-1 year-1 (in the form of NaH2PO4 . 2H2O) split in two equal applications. We tested the hypotheses by measuring changes in net rates of soil–N cycling and N2O fluxes during the first 2 years (2008??2009) of nutrient manipulation in an oldgrowth premontane forest at 1,000 m, growing on a Cambisol soil with no organic layer, in an old-growth lower montane forest at 2,000 m, growing on a Cambisol soil with an organic layer, and an oldgrowth upper montane rainforest at 3,000 m, growing on a Histosol soil with a thick organic layer. Among the control plots, net nitrification rates were largest at the 1,000-m site whereas net nitrification was not detectable at the 2,000and 3,000-m sites. The already large net nitrification at the 1,000-m site was not affected by nutrient additions, but net nitrification became detectable at the 2,000and 3000-m sites after the second year of N and N + P additions. N2O emissions increased rapidly following N and N ? P additions at the 1,000-m site whereas only smaller increases occurred at the 2,000and 3,000-m sites during the second year of N and N + P additions. Addition of P alone had no effect on net rates of soil N cycling and N2O fluxes at any elevation. Our results showed that the initial soil N status, which may also be influenced by presence or absence of organic layer, soil moisture and temperature as encompassed by the elevation gradient, is a good indicator of how soil N cycling and N2O fluxes may respond to future increases in nutrient additions.
-
Keywords: |
phosphorus |
mountain forest |
N2O emissions |
soil N availability |
nutrient manipulation |
nutrient limitation |
wood specific gravity |
aboveground biomass |
environmental gradients |
carbon stocks |
Pilodyn wood tester |
Lochschmidt, F. (2010): Modellierung der Erosion sowie erosionsbedingter Nährstoffausträge (N, P, K) verschiedener Landnutzungssysteme in Südecuador Dresden University of Technology, diploma thesis
-
log in to download
-
link
-
view metadata
-
Abstract:
Abstract:
Wide parts oft the Ecuadorian highlands are characterized by soil erosion of different
severity levels, with partially significant effects on soil nutrient balances in the affected
land use systems. Against this background, especially the aspect of soil erosion was investigated
in this thesis, as part of the project ?Participatory soil fertility management:
Calculation of nutrient balances in different farm systems of the Ecuadorian Andes?. Soil
erosion was calculated for thirteen farms of three different agricultural systems in the
south of Ecuador. Furthermore, it was looked for possibilities of erosion protection to
model exemplarily with these scenarios. Simultaneously, the application of the modeling
program should be evaluated, because it is not a special erosion model.
Because of the small size of most of the farms and their high diversity of crown cultures,
the model NUTMON was used. For the USLE (Universal Soil Loss Equation), that is the
basis of erosion calculation with NUTMON, it was looked for alternative and regional
adapted methods of calculating the factors of the equation. Thereby, it was possible to
assign specific values to each unit of management.
The mean erosion rates on farm level were between 0,2 and 84 tons per hectare and year,
however, land use and relief vary strongly and had main influence on erosion. Soil
erosion is mainly responsible for negative nutrient balances of most of the farms. On the
supposition of different measures of erosion reduction (live mulching, mulching, improved
utilization of pasture), soil loss could be reduced up to 70%. Generally, annual
cultures showed the greatest potential for minimizing erosion, followed by permanent
cultures and pastures. NUTMON itself seems to be less suitable for calculation of erosion
rates of very small areas. Through the missing of exact calibration values, achieved in
field trials of the research area, it was difficult to evaluate the obtained results.
Knoke, T.; Román-Cuesta, R.M.; Weber, M. & Haber, W. (2012): How can climate policy benefit from comprehensive land-use approaches?. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 10, 438-445.
-
log in to download
-
link
-
view metadata
-
DOI: 10.1890/110203
-
Abstract:
Abstract:
Schemes that reward developing countries for the mitigation of greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions through preservation and restoration of their forests are becoming more common. However, efforts to reduce GHG emissions must also consider food production. This creates an apparent conflict, since agricultural production ? a key driver of GHG emissions as a consequence of forest clearance ? will increase as human populations continue to grow. We argue that a mix of small cropland and forest parcels enables sustainable intensification of agriculture by minimizing soil degradation . Economic analyses of the mixed land-use concept suggest an improvement of long-term economic performance by 19?25% relative to conventional industrial agriculture. Adopting this approach requires farm management plans, landscape zoning, and new instruments to finance sustainable agriculture. We conclude that climate policy and food production are reconciled through an integrative landscape concept that combines sustainable intensification of agriculture and reforestation of abandoned lands.
Menz, J. (2012): Biogeochemical Changes in Response to Precipitation Events in Stream Waters of a Tropical Mountain Forest in southern Ecuador University of Giessen, bachelor thesis
-
log in to download
-
link
-
view metadata
-
Abstract:
Abstract:
Die tropischen Bergregenwälder Ecuadors gehören zu den artenreichsten Ökosystemen der Erde. Aufgrund ihrer Höhenlage und daraus bedingt besonderen klimatischen Bedingungen sind sie Lebensraum für zahlreiche Tier und Pflanzenarten. Zugleich sind sie durch intensive Landnutzung, Abholzung und Brandrodung bedroht. Die Bedeutung der Landnutzung bezüglich der Belastung, Wechselwirkungen und Auswirkungen von Nutzungsänderungen auf den Wasser und Stoffhaushalt zeigt einmal mehr die Notwendigkeit des Ressourcenmanagements für Gewässer in dieser Region. Das Forschungsgebiet des Rio San Francisco liegt im tropischen Bergregenwald von Süd-Ecuador. Hier wurden zwischen September 2011 und November 2011 die notwendigen Feldarbeiten durchgeführt und die hydrogeochemischen Reaktionen der Stoffflüsse in unterschiedlich genutzten Teileinzugsgebieten auf Niederschlagsereignisse untersucht. Dazu wurden Daten zur chemischen Zusammensetzung, pH und elektrischer Leitfähigkeit aus verschiedenen Flüssen bei unterschiedlichen Niederschlagsereignissen aufgenommen. Verdünnungseffekte und Aufkonzentrationen führen bei Niederschlagsereignissen zur Veränderung der chemischen Zusammensetzung der abflussgenerierenden Prozesse. Die Interaktionen dieser Prozesse, wie Grundwasserzustrom, Oberflächenabfluss und Zwischenabfluss im Boden, wurden im Zusammenhang mit Stoffausträgen in den unterschiedlichen Teileinzugsgebieten im Rahmen dieser Arbeit analysiert. Eine Ver??nderung des Abflusses resultiert üblich in eine Veränderung der chemischen Zusammensetzung des Flusswassers. Dieser Zusammenhang wird häufig in Form von Hysteresis Kurven dargestellt. Das Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, die Beziehung zwischen Flussabfluss und quantitativer chemischer Veränderung unterschiedlicher Parameter zu erkennen und diese in Form von Hysteresis Kurven zu erklären. Während des Untersuchungszeitraums konnten 16 „Events“ aufgenommen werden und auf Hysteresis Effekte untersucht werden. Resultate zeigten keine einheitlichen Hysteresis Formen für die einzelnen Parameter und die Rotationsrichtung der einzelnen Kurven variierte bedeutsam. Die graphische Interpretation lieferte zudem keine hinreichende Erklärung zu den abflussgenerierenden Prozessen.
Waltz, T. (2012): Räumlich-zeitliche Variabilität der Isotopensignatur (2H/H und 18O/16O) im Niederschlag eines südecuadorianischen Bergnebelwald-Einzugsgebiets University of Giessen, master thesis
-
log in to download
-
link
-
view metadata
-
Abstract:
Abstract:
This thesis presents the spatial and temporal variability of d²H and d18O isotope signatures in the precipitation of a south ecuadorian montane cloud forest catchment. During the investigation period from 02.09.2010 to 25.12.2010 event sampling of freefall and throughfall was conducted along an altitudinal transect (1800m a.s.l. to 2800m a.s.l.) to investigate possible effects of altitude and land use on the isotope signature in precipitation. The data is further used to determine deuterium excess and the temporal variability during the investigation period. Temporal variability is mostly controlled by the prevailing air mass. During most time of the year, the study area is strongly affected by tropical trade winds. Due to the large input of reevaporated moisture to the air masses, which takes place during their passage over the amazon basin and during the orographic uplift at the slopes of the Andes, trade wind-related precipitation is highly enriched in heavy isotopes. High values in deuterium excess, which is used to asses the contribution of reevaporated moisture in precipitation, were observed during times of strong influence of trade winds. From Mid-October on, an ebbing of trade winds from the amazon basin was observed and the influence of other air masses rose. This change in weather patterns is consistent with considerably lower isotope signatures and deuterium excess in precipitation. Therefore, it can be concluded that the degree of reevaporation is low-er at that time. Spatial variability is mainly affected by the altitude effect, which reaches values of -1,12‰ × 100m-1 in the case of d²H and -0,22‰ × 100m-1 in the case of d18O in the study area. On average, throughfall is enriched compared to freefall by 2,28‰ of ²H and 0,31‰ of d18O, respectively. In combination with measurements of the isotope signatures of adjacent streams the data from this study allows determining and quantifying preferential path ways of water in the catchment and can be used to validate a hydrologic simulation model and to generate mixing models that allow to quantify the mean residence time of water in the catchment.
Fries, C. (2012): Regionalisierung von Bodenkohlenstoff im Flusseinzugsgebiet des Rio San Francisco, Südecuador University of Giessen, master thesis
-
log in to download
-
link
-
view metadata
-
Abstract:
Abstract:
Der tropische Bergregenwald Ecuadors, welcher als „Hot Spot für Biodiversität“ (MYRES et al., 2000) gilt, ist einer der am stärksten bedrohten Ökosysteme weltweit. Um dieses Ökosystem besser zu verstehen und neue Erkenntnisse über Funktionsweisen der ökologischen Kreisläufe zu gewinnen, ist die Analyse vorhandener Umweltbedingungen und die damit verbundene Informationsbeschaffung von besonderer Bedeutung. Auch die interdisziplinäre Deutsche Forschergruppe (DFG) 816 Ecuador (Biodiversity and Sustainable Management of a Megadiverse Mountain Ecosystem in South Ecuador) hat sich die Aufgabe zum Ziel gesetzt das Gesamtökosystem „tropischer Bergregenwald“ besser zu verstehen und untersucht seit 1997 in insgesamt 25 Teilprojekten die Biodiversität und Ökosystemfunktionen, sowie Ökosystemleistungen und das Ökosystemmanagement. Im Rahmen dieser Masterarbeit soll, integriert in die Forschergruppe, ein Modell zur flächenhaften Vorhersage von Bodenkohlenstoff im Flusseinzugsgebiet des Rio San Francisco durch Punktdaten und Geländevariablen entwickelt werden. Die Arbeit ist in die Forschergruppe D4 „Catchment scale hydro-biogeochemical fluxes and aquatic diversity under global change“ eingegliedert und soll zum Verständnis hinsichtlich funktionaler Zusammenhänge und Prozesse im Ökosystem „tropischer Bergregenwald“ beitragen. In den letzten Jahren wurden verstärkt Modelle zur Beschreibung ökologischer Prozesse und der Klärung von Zusammenhängen zwischen dem Ökosystem, seinen Funktionen und Kompartimenten entwickelt, so werden beispielsweise auch im Kompartiment Boden immer häufiger Modelle zur Beschreibung und Analyse von Bodeneigenschaften herangezogen. Dabei spielt die Vorhersage von Bodeneigenschaften, was als digitale Bodenkartierung (Digital Soil Mapping, kurz DSM) bezeichnet wird eine entscheidende Rolle (Mc BARTNEY et al., 2003). Durch die digitale Bodenkartierung werden lückenhafte Punktdaten auf eine gesamte Fläche übertragen und in einem räumlichen Raster dargestellt. Diese Form der Modellierung bildet dabei ökologische Prozesse nach und schätzt die zu prognostizierenden Daten. Bodeneigenschaften können somit flächendeckend, sowie mit geringerem Kostenund Zeitaufwand zur Verfügung gestellt werden. Auch schwer zugängliche Bereiche, die eine Beprobung kaum möglich machen, können durch die digitale Bodenkartierung abgedeckt werden. Die Vorteile der Regionalisierung von Bodeneigenschaften mittels leicht zugänglicher Daten lässt das Digital Soil Mapping immer populärer werden. Eine besonders gut geeignete Regionalisierungsmethode für die digitale Bodenkartierung sind Entscheidungsbäume in Form von Klassifikationsund Regressionsbäumen (VASQUES et al., 2008). Der Ansatz des Klassifikationsund Regressionsbaums (kurz CART) kann durch die Erweiterung nach dem Ansatz Random Forest (kurz RF) verbessert werden. Dabei wird im Gegensatz zu einem Entscheidungsbaum ein „Wald von Entscheidungsbäumen“ erzeugt. Dieser kombinierte Ansatz wurde bereits von WIESMEIER et al. (2010) in einem Untersuchungsgebiet in der Inneren Mongolei angewendet und zeigt dort, dass besonders die Kombination beider Methoden (CART und RF) ein vielversprechendes Modell zur räumlichen Vorhersage von Bodeneigenschaften unter anderem auch des Bodenkohlenstoffgehalts ist. Auch durch LIEß et al. (2009) wurden bereits Modelle zur digitalen Bodenkartierung im Untersuchungsgebiet der Forschungsstation angewendet mit dem Ergebnis, dass sich durch CART Bodentypen realistisch vorhersagen lassen. Bodenkohlenstoff, der in dieser Arbeit die Zielvariable darstellt, spielt eine wichtige Rolle im globalen Kohlenstoffkreislauf. Böden stellen einen großen Speicher für organischen Kohlenstoff dar, der für die Nährstoffversorgung und das Wasserspeicherungsvermögen von Bedeutung ist. Der organische Kohlenstoff gelangt durch tote organische Substanz oder Bodenorganismen in den Boden. Dort erfolgen Stabilisierungsund Umwandlungsprozesse. Durch Erosion und Landnutzungswandel kann der im Boden gebundene Kohlenstoff wieder frei gesetzt werden (SCHEFFER und SCHACHTSCHABEL, 2010). Auch hinsichtlich der globalen Klimaerwärmung ist der im Boden gebundene Kohlenstoff ein wichtiger Parameter um Klimaund Bodenbedeckungsveränderungen besser verstehen und vorhersehen zu können (JOBBÁGY und JACKSON, 2000). Besonders in tropischen Bergregenwäldern sind Kohlenstoffgehalte und Kohlenstoffvorräte, sowie die vertikale Verteilung des Kohlenstoffgehalts bisher weitestgehend unbekannt (MOSER et al., 2011), weshalb eine Methode zur Modellierung und Vorhersage des Bodenkohlenstoffgehalts für das Untersuchungsgebiet der Forschungsstation Estación Científica San Francisco (ECSF) im tropischen Bergregenwald Ecuadors von hohem Interesse ist. Ziel dieser Masterarbeit ist, das Digital Soil Mapping im Flusseinzugsgebiet des Rio San Francisco auf Anwendbarkeit zu überprüfen. Es bildet somit eine Grundlage für zukünftige Modellierungsansätze im Einzugsgebiet der Forschungsstation. Des Weiteren gilt es die zum jetzigen Zeitpunkt vorliegenden Punktdaten des Bodenkohlenstoffgehalts flächendeckend vorherzusagen. Die erstellte Bodenkohlenstoffkarte stellt eine wichtige Informations-grundlage für weiterführende Modellierungen und Untersuchungen, beispielsweise von hydrologischen Prozessen und des bio-geochemischen Stoffkreislaufes dar. Die Ergebnisse der Arbeit werden für die gesamte DFG Forschergruppe ein Erkenntniszugewinn sein.
Burgmeier, S. (2011): Räumlich verteilte Schwebstoffausträge unterschiedlich genutzter Einzugsgebiete des Rio San Francisco, Süd Ecuador University of Giessen, bachelor thesis
-
log in to download
-
link
-
view metadata
-
Abstract:
Abstract:
Zu den artenreichsten, aber auch gefährdetsten Ökosystemen unserer Erde zählen tropische Bergnebelwälder (Doumenge et al., 1995). Über die Funktionsweisen dieser empfindlichen Ökosysteme ist bisher noch nicht viel bekannt. Daher kann noch nicht abgeschätzt werden, inwieweit die Abholzung der Wälder sich auf die kleinskaligen Prozesse in diesen Ökosystemen auswirkt (Bücker et al., 2009). Im Jahre 1990 betrug in Ecuador die bewaldete Landesfläche 13.817.000 Hektar. 2010 waren es nur noch 9.865.000 Hektar Wald (FAO, 2010). In dieser Zeitspanne von 20 Jahren gingen also allein in Ecuador rund 4 Millionen Hektar Wald verloren. Die jährliche Abholzungsrate zwischen 2005 und 2010 betrug in dieser Region 1,89 % (FAO, 2010). Die Gründe für den weltweiten Verlust von Waldfläche sind vielfältig. Wenn in landwirtschaftlichen Gemeinschaften der Bedarf an Lebensmitteln und anderen agrarwirtschaftliche Gütern steigt, so muss der Ertrag einer bereits bewirtschafteten Fläche gesteigert werden (Marcoux, 2000). Kann dies nicht erreicht werden, wird meist neues Land für den Anbau von landwirtschaftlichen Gütern durch Abholzung der Wälder bereitgestellt (Marcoux, 2000). Ein weiterer Grund für die Abholzung der Wälder ist der Bedarf an Brennholz. Mehr als die Hälfte der Erdbevölkerung lebt in ländlichen Gebieten. Diese Menschen sind von der Nutzung der Wälder als Energielieferant abhängig (Marcoux, 2000). Neben diesen beiden gibt es noch viele weitere Gründe, die weltweit den Verlust von Wäldern verursachen. In Ecuador ist der wichtigste Grund für die Abholzung der Regenwälder die Umwandlung in Weideland (Günter et al., 2006). Die Abholzung von Wäldern hat schwerwiegende Konsequenzen für die Abflussmenge und die Erosion, also das Bodenmaterial, das vom Regenwasser abgeschwemmt und so vom Land in die Flüsse getragen wird (Neill et al., 2006). Werden Wälder durch Weideland ersetzt, so beeinflusst dies die hydrologischen Eigenschaften von Böden und das Gleichgewicht zwischen Niederschlägen und Evapotranspiration. Daraus resultieren fast ausnahmslos höhere Abflussmengen in Wassereinzugsgebieten (Neill et al., 2006).
Altmann, F. (2011): Quantifizierung und Vergleich von Kohlenstoffgehalten in Böden unterschiedlicher Landnutzung im San Francisco Einzugsgebiet University of Giessen, bachelor thesis
-
log in to download
-
link
-
view metadata
-
Abstract:
Abstract:
In den komplexen Ökosystemen der Erde spielen Böden eine äußerst wichtige Rolle. Sie bieten den Lebensraum für Tiere und Pflanzen, Nutzungsfläche für menschliche Tätigkeiten und stellen eine wichtige Komponente des globalen Kohlenstoffkreislaufs dar, der unter anderem einen Einfluss auf das irdische Klima hat. Dadurch beeinflussen Böden und ihre Eigenschaften das Leben der Organismen auf unserem Planeten auf verschiedenen Ebenen. Allerdings gibt es bisher nur wenige Studien über Böden unter Urwald und unter entwaldeten Weideflächen im Ökosystem Bergregenwald (Makeschin et al., 2006). Die Abholzung von Nebelwäldern in Gebirgsregionen, zur Vermehrung von Weideflächen, gefährdet deren Rolle bezüglich Hydrologie und Bodenerhaltung (Stadtmüller, 1986). Sie zu schützen verringert das Risiko großflächiger Erosionen, des Verlustes endemischer Arten und einzigartigen Landschaften, sowie der Abnahme der Biodiversität und das Verschwinden wertvollen Erbmaterials (Stadtmüller, 1986). Ein besseres Verständnis der Auswirkungen von Entwaldungen auf die Bodeneigenschaften ist wichtig, um Weideflächen auf nachhaltige Weise zu bewirtschaften und die Konsequenzen der Abholzung präzise zu bewerten.
DFG Research Unit 816 (2012): TMF Newsletter, Issue 17. Laboratory for Climatology and Remote Sensing (LCRS), University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
-
download
-
link
-
view metadata
-
DOI: 10.5678/lcrs/for816.cit.1132
-
Abstract:
Abstract:
The Newsletter presents a summary of five years of research (Speakers' Corner) and provides insight in latest results of the nutrient addition experiments, the competition between bracken and pasture grass, mycorrhization, climate change research and recent modelings, the advances of the data warehouse and the Laser Scanning Mission as well as achievements in afforestation experiments (Science News). This issue also informs about recent progress of the foundation NCI, the status of the two transfer projects and the biodiversity results of the cooperating partner project. The vast biodiversity of the tropical mountain forests once attracted German scientists to start the interdisciplinary research in the remote area of the Ecuadorian Rio San Francisco Valley. Now, after a total of 15 years of German-Ecuadorian research, they have unveiled features hitherto unknown regarding ecosystem constitution, functioning, and services. As they observed this unique ecosystem is locally threatened by non-sustainable land uses like pasture farming. Therefore they developed a science-directed sustainable land use portfolio based on their results and the resilience of the ecosystem against environmental changes. Their recommendations after 6 years of German-Ecuadorian research in the scope of FOR816 include intensification, diversification, restoration and conservation, and to monitor the impacts of ongoing environmental change.
-
Keywords: |
Newsletter |