The Experts below are selected from a list of 306 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
William M Roberts - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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phosphorus leaching from riparian soils with differing management histories under three grass species
Journal of Environmental Quality, 2020Co-Authors: William M Roberts, Timothy S George, Marc Stutter, Aranzazu Louro, Mustafa Ali, P M HaygarthAbstract:Plants release carbon‐based exudates from their roots into the rhizosphere to increase phosphorus (P) supply to the soil solution. However, if more P than required is brought into solution, additional P could be available for leaching from riparian soils. To investigate this further, soil columns containing a riparian arable and Buffer Strip soil, which differed in organic matter contents, were sown with three common agricultural and riparian grass species. The P loads in leachate were measured and compared with those from unplanted columns, which were 0.17 ± 0.01 and 0.89 ± 0.04 mg kg−1 for the arable and Buffer Strip soil, respectively. A mixture of ryegrass and red fescue significantly (p ≤ .05) increased dissolved inorganic P loads in leachate from the arable (0.23 ± 0.01 mg kg−1) and Buffer Strip soil (1.06 ± 0.05 mg kg−1), whereas barley significantly reduced P leaching from the Buffer Strip soil (0.53 ± 0.08 mg kg−1). This was dependent on the dissolved organic C released under different plant species and on interactions with soil management history and biogeochemical conditions, rather than on plant uptake of P and accumulation into biomass. This suggested that the amount and forms of P present in the soil and the ability of the plants to mobilize them could be key factors in determining how plants affect leaching of soil P. Selecting grass species for different stages of Buffer Strip development, basing species selection on root physiological traits, and correcting soil nutrient stoichiometry in riparian soils through vegetative mining could help to lower this contribution.
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microbial biomass phosphorus contributions to phosphorus solubility in riparian vegetated Buffer Strip soils
Biology and Fertility of Soils, 2013Co-Authors: William M Roberts, Marc Stutter, R A Matthews, M S A Blackwell, S Peukert, A L Collins, P M HaygarthAbstract:This study tests the hypothesis that microbial biomass phosphorus (P) makes a significant contribution to P solubility in riparian Buffer Strip soils. In 36 soils collected from Buffer Strips within three UK soil associations, water-extractable inorganic P solubility was most strongly related to NaHCO3 extractable inorganic P. However, within individual soil associations where soil pedological properties and management were similar, water-extractable inorganic P was most strongly related to microbial biomass P. These results highlight the difficulty in predicting dissolved P leaching risk based on agronomic soil P tests alone and the dissolved P leaching risk presented by having soils high in organic matter and microbial biomass P in close proximity to surface waters.
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Phosphorus retention and remobilization in vegetated Buffer Strips: a review.
Journal of environmental quality, 2012Co-Authors: William M Roberts, Marc Stutter, Philip M. HaygarthAbstract:Diffuse pollution remains a major threat to surface waters due to eutrophication caused by phosphorus (P) transfer from agricultural land. Vegetated Buffer Strips (VBSs) are increasingly used to mitigate diffuse P losses from agricultural land, having been shown to reduce particulate P transfer. However, retention of dissolved P (DP) has been lower, and in some cases VBSs have increased delivery to surface waters. The aims of this review were (i) to develop a conceptual model to enhance the understanding of VBS functioning in terms of DP, (ii) to identify key processes within the model that affect DP retention and delivery, and (iii) to explore evidence for the controls on these processes. A greater understanding in these areas will allow the development of management strategies that enhance DP retention. We found evidence of a surface layer in Buffer Strip soils that is enriched in soluble P compared with adjacent agricultural land and may be responsible for the reported increased DP delivery. Through increased biological activity in VBSs, plants and microorganisms may assimilate P from particulates retained in the VBSs or native soil P and remobilize this P in a more soluble form. These conclusions are based on a limited amount of research, and a better understanding of biogeochemical cycling of P in Buffer Strip soils is required.
William O. Rasmussen - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Two methods to define and compute visual Buffer Strips in a forested environment
Environmental Management, 1992Co-Authors: William O. RasmussenAbstract:Several approaches can be used to define and construct visual Buffer Strips around proposed new facility sites in a forested environment. A visual Buffer Strip of a given value, defines a region around an object within which the probability of an unblocked view of all or portions of it by an observer are less than the Buffer Strip probability value. Two primary approaches are used to define visual Buffer Strips that take into account the size of the vegetative elements and their individual effects on visibility. Several variations and combinations of the approaches are possible. One approach defines a visual Buffer Strip based on the average probability of a clear view of points along the object by an observer; the other approach is based on the visibility of the feature as a whole. The computation and construction of visual Buffer Strips based on these two concepts are presented. Comparisons of the two approaches for specific feature shapes are also described.
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Predicting visual Buffer Strips in a forested environment
Journal of Environmental Management, 1992Co-Authors: William O. RasmussenAbstract:The planning of new facilities in a forested environment and determination of their visual impact on people in existing houses and other structures can be assisted through the use of the concept of a visual Buffer Strip or zone. This is a defined region surrounding a new facility outside of which visibility of the facility is equal to or less than a specified value. The Buffer Strips can either be determined from statistics of the forest vegetation or developed for actual vegetation surrounding a specific site. Comparisons are made between the two approaches for various shapes of new facilities. Descriptions of visual Buffer Strip computations using point, arc or cellular geographic information system databases are also presented.
Anna Oldén - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the effect of Buffer Strip width and selective logging on streamside polypore communities
Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 2020Co-Authors: Maiju Peura, Anna Oldén, Janne S. Kotiaho, Mikko Mönkkönen, Merja Elo, Panu HalmeAbstract:Preserving streamside forest habitats or Buffer Strips is considered to reduce forestry-related biodiversity loss in commercial forest landscapes. However, it is still unclear what type of manageme...
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Windthrow in streamside key habitats: Effects of Buffer Strip width and selective logging
Forest Ecology and Management, 2020Co-Authors: Hennariikka Mäenpää, Maiju Peura, Panu Halme, Juha Siitonen, Mikko Mönkkönen, Anna OldénAbstract:Abstract Streamside forests are preserved from clear-cut logging in production forests and protected with uncut Buffer Strips in many countries. However, Buffer Strips often remain narrow due to economic reasons and, therefore, provide weak protection against adverse edge effects of clear-cuts and are vulnerable to windthrow. Selective logging of Buffer Strips is sometimes allowed to reduce their costs, but the decreased tree density may expose the Buffer to higher occurrence of windthrow. We used a replicated two-factor experiment to assess the effects of Buffer width (15 m or 30 m) and selective logging (0% or 30% of the basal area removed) on the risk of windthrow in boreal streamside forests in Finland. We examined the windthrown trees 12 years after experimental logging at 29 sites and at seven unlogged control sites. In addition, we studied the influence of topography and the extent of clear-cut logging in the surrounding forests on windthrow risk. The proportion of windthrown spruces at sites with 15 m Buffer Strips was, on the average, six times higher than at control sites and 2.5 times higher than at sites with 30 m Buffer Strips. In contrast, the proportion of windthrown spruces did not differ between sites with 30 m Buffer Strips and control sites. Selective logging did not increase the risk of windthrow strongly. However, sites with selectively logged 30 m Buffers were slightly more prone to windthrow than control sites. The proportion of windthrown trees tended to increase with the extent of the adjacent clear-cut areas on both sides of the stream. We conclude that a 15 m Buffer Strip is not wide enough to protect streamside forests from substantial windthrow, while a 30 m Buffer Strip is sufficient in most cases. Selective logging of 30 m Buffers may be undertaken at sites that are not under a high risk of windthrow. If selective logging enables a wider Buffer Strip, it may be a better option for protecting the streamside habitat from substantial windthrow than leaving a narrow Buffer Strip. Moreover, clear-cut harvesting on both sides of the stream should be avoided if the aim is to prevent excessive windthrow.
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the effect of Buffer Strip width and selective logging on riparian forest microclimate
Forest Ecology and Management, 2019Co-Authors: Anna Oldén, Maiju Peura, Sonja Saine, Janne S. Kotiaho, Panu HalmeAbstract:Abstract Riparian forests have cool and humid microclimates, and one aim of leaving forested Buffer Strips between clear-cut areas and streams is to conserve these microclimatic conditions. We used an experimental study set up of 35 streamside sites to study the impacts of Buffer Strip width (15 or 30 m) and selective logging within the Buffer Strips on summer-time air temperature, relative air humidity and canopy openness 12 years after logging. The Buffer Strip treatments were compared to unlogged control sites. We found that 15-meter Buffer Strips with or without selective logging and 30-meter Buffer Strips with selective logging were insufficient in maintaining temperature, relative humidity and canopy openness at similar levels than they were in control sites. In contrast, 30-meter Buffer Strips differed only little from control sites, although they did have significantly lower mean air humidity. Microclimatic changes were increased by southern or southwestern aspect of the clear-cut, and by logging on the opposite side of the stream. We also tested how the cover of three indicator mosses (Hylocomium splendens, Pseudobryum cinclidioides and Polytrichum commune) had changed (from pre-logging to 12 years post-logging) in relation to post-logging air temperature, relative air humidity and canopy openness. We found that each of the species responded to at least one of these physical conditions. Air humidity was the most significant variable for explaining changes in the cover of the indicator moss species, suggesting that the changes in this microclimatic component has biological impacts. We conclude that to preserve riparian microclimatic conditions and species dependent on those, Buffer Strips should exceed 30 m in width, and not be selectively logged. Wider Buffer Strips are required if the clear-cut is towards south or southwest, or if the two sides of the stream are logged at the same time or during subsequent years.
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The effect of Buffer Strip width and selective logging on streamside plant communities.
BMC Ecology, 2019Co-Authors: Anna Oldén, E. Lehkonen, Ville Selonen, Janne S. KotiahoAbstract:Background Riparian forests surrounding streams host high biodiversity values, but are threatened by clear-cut logging. Narrow Buffer Strips of about 15 m are commonly left between the stream and the clear-cut, but studies suggest that the Buffer width should be at least 30 m to protect riparian plant communities. Moreover, selective logging is often allowed on the Buffer Strips in order to increase economic gain. We used an experiment of 43 riparian sites where Buffer Strip width and selective logging within the Strip were manipulated and supplemented with unlogged control sites. We report the short-term changes in the community composition of vascular plants and mosses near the stream (0–15 m distance).
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The effect of Buffer Strip width and selective logging on streamside plant communities
BMC, 2019Co-Authors: Anna Oldén, E. Lehkonen, Ville Selonen, Janne S. KotiahoAbstract:Abstract Background Riparian forests surrounding streams host high biodiversity values, but are threatened by clear-cut logging. Narrow Buffer Strips of about 15 m are commonly left between the stream and the clear-cut, but studies suggest that the Buffer width should be at least 30 m to protect riparian plant communities. Moreover, selective logging is often allowed on the Buffer Strips in order to increase economic gain. We used an experiment of 43 riparian sites where Buffer Strip width and selective logging within the Strip were manipulated and supplemented with unlogged control sites. We report the short-term changes in the community composition of vascular plants and mosses near the stream (0–15 m distance). Results 15-meter Buffers are not enough to protect the vascular plant communities from changes caused by a clear-cut irrespective of the selective logging on the Buffer Strip. For moss communities 15-m Buffers were not enough if they were selectively logged. Relative to the control sites, we observed no significant changes in community composition of vascular plants or mosses in the sites with 30-m Buffer Strips, whether selectively logged or not. Conclusions We conclude that Buffer Strips of 15 m are not sufficient to protect streamside plant communities even in the short term, but that Buffers of 30 m should be left on both sides of the stream. Selective logging appears not to have effects on Buffers that are at least 30 m wide. Thus, it may be more reasonable to increase Buffer width and to allow selective logging on the wider Buffer in order to compensate for the economic losses than to leave all trees on a narrow and ecologically insufficient Buffer
Marc Stutter - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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phosphorus leaching from riparian soils with differing management histories under three grass species
Journal of Environmental Quality, 2020Co-Authors: William M Roberts, Timothy S George, Marc Stutter, Aranzazu Louro, Mustafa Ali, P M HaygarthAbstract:Plants release carbon‐based exudates from their roots into the rhizosphere to increase phosphorus (P) supply to the soil solution. However, if more P than required is brought into solution, additional P could be available for leaching from riparian soils. To investigate this further, soil columns containing a riparian arable and Buffer Strip soil, which differed in organic matter contents, were sown with three common agricultural and riparian grass species. The P loads in leachate were measured and compared with those from unplanted columns, which were 0.17 ± 0.01 and 0.89 ± 0.04 mg kg−1 for the arable and Buffer Strip soil, respectively. A mixture of ryegrass and red fescue significantly (p ≤ .05) increased dissolved inorganic P loads in leachate from the arable (0.23 ± 0.01 mg kg−1) and Buffer Strip soil (1.06 ± 0.05 mg kg−1), whereas barley significantly reduced P leaching from the Buffer Strip soil (0.53 ± 0.08 mg kg−1). This was dependent on the dissolved organic C released under different plant species and on interactions with soil management history and biogeochemical conditions, rather than on plant uptake of P and accumulation into biomass. This suggested that the amount and forms of P present in the soil and the ability of the plants to mobilize them could be key factors in determining how plants affect leaching of soil P. Selecting grass species for different stages of Buffer Strip development, basing species selection on root physiological traits, and correcting soil nutrient stoichiometry in riparian soils through vegetative mining could help to lower this contribution.
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is green manure from riparian Buffer Strip species an effective nutrient source for crops
Journal of Environmental Quality, 2019Co-Authors: Lawrie K Brown, Marc Stutter, Charalampos Kazas, Jenni A Stockan, Cathy Hawes, Casey M Ryan, Geoffrey R Squire, Timothy S GeorgeAbstract:Agriculture needs to reduce inputs of inorganic fertilizers and close the loop on nutrients that can otherwise become environmental pollutants. This can be achieved by promoting recycling of nutrients within the agricultural landscape. We investigated the extent to which plants found in riparian Buffer zones have the potential to provide nutrients to crops as a green manure, through plant growth and decomposition studies. Under controlled conditions, species typical of Scottish riparian Buffer Strips were tested for their ability to accumulate biomass and nutrients in tissue under N- and P-replete conditions and whether this ability enhanced the utility of the resulting green manure in promoting crop growth. In this proof-of-concept study, we found that green manure derived from riparian Buffer Strips did not effectively replace inorganic fertilizer and only had a significant positive effect on growth, yield, and nutrient accumulation in barley ( L.) when it was integrated with the addition of inorganic fertilizers. The individual species tested varied in the amount of P they accumulated in their tissue (1.38-52.73 mg P plant), but individual species did not differ in their ability to promote yield when used as a green manure. Our results indicate that selecting certain species in the Buffer Strip on the basis of their nutrient accumulating abilities is not an effective way to increase the utility of Buffer Strip green manure as a nutrient source for crops.
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microbial biomass phosphorus contributions to phosphorus solubility in riparian vegetated Buffer Strip soils
Biology and Fertility of Soils, 2013Co-Authors: William M Roberts, Marc Stutter, R A Matthews, M S A Blackwell, S Peukert, A L Collins, P M HaygarthAbstract:This study tests the hypothesis that microbial biomass phosphorus (P) makes a significant contribution to P solubility in riparian Buffer Strip soils. In 36 soils collected from Buffer Strips within three UK soil associations, water-extractable inorganic P solubility was most strongly related to NaHCO3 extractable inorganic P. However, within individual soil associations where soil pedological properties and management were similar, water-extractable inorganic P was most strongly related to microbial biomass P. These results highlight the difficulty in predicting dissolved P leaching risk based on agronomic soil P tests alone and the dissolved P leaching risk presented by having soils high in organic matter and microbial biomass P in close proximity to surface waters.
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integrating economic and biophysical data in assessing cost effectiveness of Buffer Strip placement
Journal of Environmental Quality, 2012Co-Authors: Bedru Babulo Balana, Marc Stutter, Manuel Lago, Nikki Baggaley, Marie Castellazzi, James Sample, Bill Slee, A J A VintenAbstract:The European Union Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires Member States to set water quality objectives and identify cost-effective mitigation measures to achieve "good status" in all waters. However, costs and effectiveness of measures vary both within and between catchments, depending on factors such as land use and topography. The aim of this study was to develop a cost-effectiveness analysis framework for integrating estimates of phosphorus (P) losses from land-based sources, potential abatement using riparian Buffers, and the economic implications of Buffers. Estimates of field-by-field P exports and routing were based on crop risk and field slope classes. Buffer P trapping efficiencies were based on literature metadata analysis. Costs of placing Buffers were based on foregone farm gross margins. An integrated optimization model of cost minimization was developed and solved for different P reduction targets to the Rescobie Loch catchment in eastern Scotland. A target mean annual P load reduction of 376 kg to the loch to achieve good status was identified. Assuming all the riparian fields initially have the 2-m Buffer Strip required by the General Binding Rules (part of the WFD in Scotland), the model gave good predictions of P loads (345-481 kg P). The modeling results show that riparian Buffers alone cannot achieve the required P load reduction (up to 54% P can be removed). In the medium P input scenario, average costs vary from £38 to £176 kg P at 10% and 54% P reduction, respectively. The framework demonstrates a useful tool for exploring cost-effective targeting of environmental measures.
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Phosphorus retention and remobilization in vegetated Buffer Strips: a review.
Journal of environmental quality, 2012Co-Authors: William M Roberts, Marc Stutter, Philip M. HaygarthAbstract:Diffuse pollution remains a major threat to surface waters due to eutrophication caused by phosphorus (P) transfer from agricultural land. Vegetated Buffer Strips (VBSs) are increasingly used to mitigate diffuse P losses from agricultural land, having been shown to reduce particulate P transfer. However, retention of dissolved P (DP) has been lower, and in some cases VBSs have increased delivery to surface waters. The aims of this review were (i) to develop a conceptual model to enhance the understanding of VBS functioning in terms of DP, (ii) to identify key processes within the model that affect DP retention and delivery, and (iii) to explore evidence for the controls on these processes. A greater understanding in these areas will allow the development of management strategies that enhance DP retention. We found evidence of a surface layer in Buffer Strip soils that is enriched in soluble P compared with adjacent agricultural land and may be responsible for the reported increased DP delivery. Through increased biological activity in VBSs, plants and microorganisms may assimilate P from particulates retained in the VBSs or native soil P and remobilize this P in a more soluble form. These conclusions are based on a limited amount of research, and a better understanding of biogeochemical cycling of P in Buffer Strip soils is required.
Janne S. Kotiaho - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the effect of Buffer Strip width and selective logging on streamside polypore communities
Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 2020Co-Authors: Maiju Peura, Anna Oldén, Janne S. Kotiaho, Mikko Mönkkönen, Merja Elo, Panu HalmeAbstract:Preserving streamside forest habitats or Buffer Strips is considered to reduce forestry-related biodiversity loss in commercial forest landscapes. However, it is still unclear what type of manageme...
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the effect of Buffer Strip width and selective logging on riparian forest microclimate
Forest Ecology and Management, 2019Co-Authors: Anna Oldén, Maiju Peura, Sonja Saine, Janne S. Kotiaho, Panu HalmeAbstract:Abstract Riparian forests have cool and humid microclimates, and one aim of leaving forested Buffer Strips between clear-cut areas and streams is to conserve these microclimatic conditions. We used an experimental study set up of 35 streamside sites to study the impacts of Buffer Strip width (15 or 30 m) and selective logging within the Buffer Strips on summer-time air temperature, relative air humidity and canopy openness 12 years after logging. The Buffer Strip treatments were compared to unlogged control sites. We found that 15-meter Buffer Strips with or without selective logging and 30-meter Buffer Strips with selective logging were insufficient in maintaining temperature, relative humidity and canopy openness at similar levels than they were in control sites. In contrast, 30-meter Buffer Strips differed only little from control sites, although they did have significantly lower mean air humidity. Microclimatic changes were increased by southern or southwestern aspect of the clear-cut, and by logging on the opposite side of the stream. We also tested how the cover of three indicator mosses (Hylocomium splendens, Pseudobryum cinclidioides and Polytrichum commune) had changed (from pre-logging to 12 years post-logging) in relation to post-logging air temperature, relative air humidity and canopy openness. We found that each of the species responded to at least one of these physical conditions. Air humidity was the most significant variable for explaining changes in the cover of the indicator moss species, suggesting that the changes in this microclimatic component has biological impacts. We conclude that to preserve riparian microclimatic conditions and species dependent on those, Buffer Strips should exceed 30 m in width, and not be selectively logged. Wider Buffer Strips are required if the clear-cut is towards south or southwest, or if the two sides of the stream are logged at the same time or during subsequent years.
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The effect of Buffer Strip width and selective logging on streamside plant communities.
BMC Ecology, 2019Co-Authors: Anna Oldén, E. Lehkonen, Ville Selonen, Janne S. KotiahoAbstract:Background Riparian forests surrounding streams host high biodiversity values, but are threatened by clear-cut logging. Narrow Buffer Strips of about 15 m are commonly left between the stream and the clear-cut, but studies suggest that the Buffer width should be at least 30 m to protect riparian plant communities. Moreover, selective logging is often allowed on the Buffer Strips in order to increase economic gain. We used an experiment of 43 riparian sites where Buffer Strip width and selective logging within the Strip were manipulated and supplemented with unlogged control sites. We report the short-term changes in the community composition of vascular plants and mosses near the stream (0–15 m distance).
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The effect of Buffer Strip width and selective logging on streamside plant communities
BMC, 2019Co-Authors: Anna Oldén, E. Lehkonen, Ville Selonen, Janne S. KotiahoAbstract:Abstract Background Riparian forests surrounding streams host high biodiversity values, but are threatened by clear-cut logging. Narrow Buffer Strips of about 15 m are commonly left between the stream and the clear-cut, but studies suggest that the Buffer width should be at least 30 m to protect riparian plant communities. Moreover, selective logging is often allowed on the Buffer Strips in order to increase economic gain. We used an experiment of 43 riparian sites where Buffer Strip width and selective logging within the Strip were manipulated and supplemented with unlogged control sites. We report the short-term changes in the community composition of vascular plants and mosses near the stream (0–15 m distance). Results 15-meter Buffers are not enough to protect the vascular plant communities from changes caused by a clear-cut irrespective of the selective logging on the Buffer Strip. For moss communities 15-m Buffers were not enough if they were selectively logged. Relative to the control sites, we observed no significant changes in community composition of vascular plants or mosses in the sites with 30-m Buffer Strips, whether selectively logged or not. Conclusions We conclude that Buffer Strips of 15 m are not sufficient to protect streamside plant communities even in the short term, but that Buffers of 30 m should be left on both sides of the stream. Selective logging appears not to have effects on Buffers that are at least 30 m wide. Thus, it may be more reasonable to increase Buffer width and to allow selective logging on the wider Buffer in order to compensate for the economic losses than to leave all trees on a narrow and ecologically insufficient Buffer
