Abstract: In the EU different utilization demands compete with each other and space is limited. As a consequence, socio-economic considerations and economic activities play therefore an important part in land use management and conservation planning. Often the integration of conservation concerns in agricultural as well as forestry production land use models has been neglected. One reason is a lack of accurate and consistent basis data. Therefore, conservation studies that offer high-accuracy landscape information at the European level are often recommended by policy makers, but rarely realized. This study contributes to this problem by creating and preparing a wetland distribution model (SWEDI) for integration into the mathematical bottom-up land use assessment model EUFASOM, which studies synergies and tradeoffs between biodiversity conservation efforts, greenhouse gas mitigation options, as well as traditional agriculture and forestry. The basis of SWEDI is the optimal combination of existing spatial datasets to obtain the spatial distribution of wetlands by definition of flexible knowledge rules. The model distinguishes between existing wetlands and sites suitable for wetland restoration at 1 km resolution. It differentiates several wetland types and covers the whole EU-25 area. The results of the model may help to locate sites suitable for restoration programs, or for the introduction of faunistic corridors.

Keywords: land use planning, restoration ecology, spatial analysis

Abstract: The non-native Pinus nigra has been widely planted on natural dolomite grasslands in Hungary, yet little is known on its influence on soil properties. We compared soil micro-element concentrations in rock grassland (RG) and under P. nigra plantation (PP), both grown on north facing slopes of dolomite bedrock. At PP sites, the original vegetation was RG prior to afforestation. For both vegetation types, five sampling sites were selected, and at each site soil samples were taken from three depths (0-5, 5-10 and 10-15 cm). Micro-element concentrations of corresponding soil layers in the two vegetation types were compared. Under the pine plantation, the concentration of a number of soil trace elements was altered compared to the original rock grassland soil, and this effect increased with soil depth. At the deepest layer, significant differences were found for 10 microelements (Al, Fe, Mn, Ba, Cd, Co, Ni, Pb, Sr, Zn), and in each case the concentration was higher in PP than in RG soil. In contrast, the concentration of Cr, Cu, Hg, Mo and Se was not different between the two habitats throughout the soil layers sampled. Values exceeding the Hungarian environmental limits of background concentrations were detected for lead and cadmium. In the RG soil, concentrations of Pb and Cd were highest in the topmost layer, while for the PP sites these elements showed concentrations higher in the 10-15 cm layer than in the 5-10 cm depth. Concentrations of some other micro-elements showed similar inversion at PP sites. The depth inversion of these, often airborne pollutant trace elements was explained as a consequence of afforestation with P. nigra and such phytostabilization effect of the pine stands is assumed to increase with stand age.

Keywords: dolomite, heavy metals, Pinus nigra, rock grassland, soil pollution

Abstract: The present study was conducted in two sacred forests, representing subtropical humid forest of the state of Meghalaya, India. Measurement of canopy cover, light interception and disturbance index revealed that these two sacred forests are comparable with respect to plant diversity and community attributes. The disturbance index was slightly higher in Mairang sacred forests, which had supported high species richness, better recruitment of seedlings leading to high regeneration potential. This was due to formation of gaps within forest. On other hand, gaps facilitated expansion of crown of trees, which inhibited growth and survival of saplings, the retarded growth of saplings had resulted in low conversion of saplings to trees. This condition could also be a reason for high basal area and low tree density in Mairang sacred forest. Endemic, rare and rare endemics were also reported from both the forests. Altitude had impacted composition, and dominance of species and families. Both the forests were highly dissimilar with respect to species composition. Contagious distribution was prevalent in both the forests, clumping is a characteristic feature of natural forest in tropical and subtropical region. Wide-girth structure and log-normal dominance-distribution curves justify complexity and stability of communities that lead to climax vegetation.

Keywords: Population attributes, regeneration potential, sacred forest, subtropical humid forest, woody species diversity

Abstract: Environmental protectionism and sustainable development has been gaining increased attention among governments, investors and consumers alike. As a result, firms are facing growing pressure from the various stakeholders to improve their environmental performance. This study is focusing on the food industry, which in recent years has been a subject of increased scrutiny due to their role in resource consumption, waste generation and unsustainable production practices. Our research is aiming to examine how the financial community evaluates the environmental stewardship of food industry companies as proxied by market reactions in response to environmental news. Are all company related environmental news items evaluated equally, and which financial and non-financial firm-specific attributes can influence market responses? Have there been changes in reactions on the stock exchange in the past two decades?

Keywords: environmental performance, food industry, news impact, stock markets, firm-level variables

Abstract: Taxus chinensis var. mairei is an endemic, endangered and first-class protected tree species with great medicinal values in China. Its forest distributes in very limited region and its area is reducing during the last 30 years. Conservation of this species and its communities is urgent. This study aimed to reveal relationships of T. chinensis var. mairei forests with soil variables and topographic variables in Shanxi of China. Floristic data and environmental data from 95 samples of 10 m × 10 m in temperate region were analyzed by TWINSPAN, DCA and CCA, and species diversity indices. Eight forest associations were recognized by TWINSPAN and testified by DCA. These associations with special characteristics were main forest types of T. chinensis var. mairei. The results of CCA showed that the vegetation patterns are related to both soil variables and topographic variables. Among the soil variables, soil organic matter, water content, N, P, Zn and Mn were the most important factors explaining the spatial patterns of forest communities. The topographic variables, elevation, slope and aspect were also significantly correlated with the vegetation. Interactions between the environmental variables were apparent. Species richness, diversity and evenness were significantly related to elevation, but not significantly related to other variables. Further measures for the conservation of T. chinensis var. mairei and its forests must be undertaken.

Keywords: Forest conservation, protected plant, economic species, quantitative analysis, vegetation-environment relation, species diversity

Abstract: The study investigates the effect of the tropospheric ozone content on the relative catch of European Vine Moth (Lobesia botrana Den. et Schiff.), Spotted Tentiform Leafminer (Phyllonoricter blancardella Fabr.), Setaceous Hebrew Character (Xestia c-nigrum L.), Latticed Heath (Chiasmia clathrata L.), April Beetle (Rhizotrogus aequinoctialis Herbst) and Ecnomus tenellus Rambur trapped between 2004 and 2011 in Hungary. In order to describe the empirical connection between the ozone content of the air and the relative number of trapped insects, we introduce some nonlinear regression models of the same general model as origin. We show that elevated ozone content of air stimulates basically two different kinds of response in flying activity of insects.

Keywords: ozone, insect, trap, Hungary, nonlinear regression models

Abstract: Zinc and chromium are environmental pollutants that are toxic even at very low concentrations. Domestic and industrial wastewater discharges are probably the two most important sources for chromium and zinc in water. In Rwanda, the discharge into natural ecosystems of untreated wastewater containing heavy metals by factories and households is a growing problem. A bench-scale study was therefore conducted from May to October 2007 to investigate the major mechanisms responsible for Cr (VI) and Zn (II) removal from industrial wastewater using water hyacinth. The pH effects, plant relative growth, trace metal remaining in water samples, translocation ability, bioconcentration factor, adsorption, bioaccumulation and uptake mechanisms were investigated. The pH slightly increased from the start time pH = 6.7 (0 hr) to pH = 7.64 to 7.86 (48 hr); but after 48 hours of experiment, the pH decreased due to the saturation of bond sites, resulting in some H+ being released back into the water. The relative growth significantly decreased (P ≤ 0.05) from 1, 3 and 6 mg/L in 1 week but it slightly decreased linearly after 1 week with increasing metal concentrations (P ≤ 0.05). About 56.7 % of Zn (II) was accumulated in petioles, 27.0 % in leaves and 16.3 % in roots. For Cr (VI) 73.7 % was taken up in roots, 14.1 % in petioles and 12.2 % in leaves. It was observed that 17.6 %, 6.1 % and 1.1 % were adsorbed for 1, 3 and 6 mg/L of Zn (II) concentrations, respectively, by water hyacinth plants. For Cr (VI), 9.0 %, 36.4 % and 54.6 % were adsorbed for 1, 3 and 6 mg/L, respectively. The order of translocation ability for Cr (VI) was leaves petioles roots in water hyacinth whereas for Zn (II) it was leaves roots petioles.

Keywords: Adsorption experiments, chromium removal, industrial wastewater, metal removal mechanisms, water hyacinth, zinc removal

Abstract: A 9-year-old plantation of Colophospermum mopane (Kirk et Benth) kirk ex J. Leonard at a spacing of 5m x 5m was selected to study tree crop interaction with a view to find out suitability of this species for integration in agriculture land. Different treatments were (i) fixed crop of Vigna radiata (FC), (ii) rotation crop (Vigna radiata rotated by non-legume crop, RC) (iii) sole agriculture crop (AC), and (iv) sole tree (TC). Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek (mungbean) was sown on 21 June 2003. Micro-plots of 1m X 1 m size were laid at 1m (near), 2.5 m (middle of two trees) and 3.5 m (centre of four trees) from the selected trees for sampling and yield recording. Tree height, dbh and crown diameter differed significantly (P 0.05) between the plots. Soil water content was lowest (P 0.05) in tree-integrated plots but it increased in deeper soil layers. SWC varied through non-significant in August, lowest (P 0.05) at 1 m in September to significantly (P 0.01) different between sampling distances in December 2003 suggesting exhaustive use of soil water by trees. Soil organic matter, available PO4-P, NO3-N and NH4-N did not differ among the treatments and micro-plots though these nutrients differed in soil layers. Tree water use from 0-25 cm in August, 25-50 cm in September and 50-75 cm soil layer in December 2003 indicated a competitive nature of C. mopane with the associated V. radiata crop reducing population and yield up to a level of 97%. Reduction in grain was relatively greater than husk (pods after grain removal). Seedling population and yield were lowest at 1 m distance and increased with distance from the trees. Leaf water status of V. radiata was highest at 1m and it decrease with distance with a lowest value in AC plots. Relative neighbour effect values indicated a transition from strong competitive to weak facilitative nature of C. mopane and suggested the dominance of competitive effects during crop growth. Conclusively, integration of C. mopane reduces crop yield when rainfall is sufficient only for agriculture crop. Trenching around tree to reduce root overlapping between tree and agriculture crop and therefore competition for resources may be beneficial and enhance crop yield.

Keywords: Colophospermum mopane, competition for resources, crop yield, soil nutrients, soil water, V. radiata

Abstract: In this paper we present models of relationship between the diatoms community diversity indices (DIs) and the physico-chemical parameters using machine learning techniques. By taking relative abundances into account, a diversity index depends not only on species richness but also on the evenness, or equitability, with which individuals are distributed among the different time and space. Diversity indices provide important information about rarity and commonness of species in a community. Because the physical-chemical conditions of the environmental influence on the several diversity indices of the diatoms community at once, it is more reliably to model all the diversity indices together. For modelling of the DIs models we use the raw; as measured, values of the concentrations for the physical-chemical parameters and the diversity indices of the diatoms abundance. The well known machine learning techniques are used to express this relationship: regression trees (RTs) and multi-target regression trees (MTRT’s). The MTRT are more general than the RT, which predictive target is only one variable. The diversity indices are calculated for all diatoms of one measurement for 16 months, monthly and then are placed with the given physico-chemical parameters in one table. The results from the model have captured the ecological information with correlation between 0.9 and 0.92 for unseen (test) data. Diversity indices have proved to be a reliable indicator for the influence of the environment on the diatoms community. Temperature and conductivity components together with the Zn concentration are most influenced factors on the diatoms biodiversity. This could lead to more widely research broad view in this direction of ecological modelling.

Keywords: diatoms, Multi-target modelling, Lake Prespa, machine learning

Abstract: Microbes are important in the coral reef environment in the recycling of nutrients and as a source of food to a variety of animal species. They also have an important trophic role to play in the reef environment, goverened by different physico-chemical and biotic factors. The present study has revealed the presence of more THB (total heterotropic bacteria) population density in water (5.2 to 22.5 × 105 CFUml-1) and in the sediments (7 to 24.2 × 107 CFUg-1) than in the surrounding coastal environments. A total of 24 species of planktonic cyanobacteria and 11 species of benthic cyanobacteria were recorded. Among them, Phormidium tenue was the most dominant species and the families Oscillatoriaceae and Chroococcaceae were predominant in the present study. A total of 35 species of fungi belonging to 20 genera representing the families Labyrinthulomycetes, Oomycetes, Zygomycetes and Deuteromycetes were isolated. Among them, the deuteromycetous fungi formed the bulk of the mycoflora of all the samples at both stations.

Keywords: Coral reef microbes, Gulf of Mannar, Bacteria, Cyanobacteria , Fungi THB

Abstract: Soluble Si compounds such as monosilicic and polysilicic acids affect chemicals and physical properties of the soil. The main aim of this study is to evaluate Si cycle in the various soil-plant systems via the determination of mobile Si forms in the soil and of the total content of Si in the plant associations. The concentrations of monosilicic acid, polysilicic acids and acid-extractable Si in unmowed meadow, mowed meadow, birch-aspen forest, spruce wood and agricultural land soil-plant systems, were tested at the soil depths of 0-10, 20-30 and 50-60 cm in a Russian region, south of Moscow. The annual content of Si within the investigated soil-plant systems was calculated. Forty to 80 kg ha-1 of Si is annually removed from Grey Forest Soil (Luvisol). The concentration of monosilicic acid in the upper soil horizon depended on the type of plant association and on the total content of adsorbed Si. The removal of plant remains from the ecosystems resulted in decreased monosilicilic acid concentration in the upper soil horizon. The ecosystems which utilize annual plant remains increased the content of monosilicilic acid of the surface soil horizon. The concentration of monosilicic acid in the upper soil layer can be used as indicator of the stability of plant association. The unmowed meadow and the birch-aspen forest were characterized as ecosystems with accumulative type of Si cycle. The agricultural land, the mowed meadow and spruce wood all had alluvial type of Si cycle.

Keywords: monosilicilic acid, plant association, polysilicic acid, silicon cycle, soil-plant ecosystem

Abstract: The paper deals with the quantitative and qualitative assessment of vesicular arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) associated with the rhizosphere of dominant plants of three vegetation viz., Tropical Evergreen Forest, Gibbon Wild-life sanctuary, Jorhat, Assam, Tropical Moist Forest, Kanha National Park, Mandla, M.P., and Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest, Sagar, M.P. Root and rhizosphere soil samples, collected near different trees species were analyzed for root colonization, spore count, extramatrical hyphae, vesicles, Paris coil and intraradical spores. VAM spores were isolated by wet sieving and decanting method and estimation of spores was carried out. In evergreen forest vegetation (Site-I), maximum root colonization (33 ± 0.35 %) was observed in Terminalia myrocarpa Henrck and Mull. and minimum in Walsura robusta Roxb. (19 ± 0.61 %).VAM spore count per 25g of soil was also highest (133 ± 0.41) in Terminalia myrocarpa Henrck and Mull. while it was low in Mesua ferrea Linn. (48 ± 0.21). In tropical moist forest (Site-II), Bridelia retusa Spreng. was observed to support least root colonization (33 ± 0.4 per cent) and spore density (43 ± 0.25/25 g soil). Maximum root colonization (64 ± 0.49%) and spores density (167 ± 0.46) were found in Lagerastroemia parviflora Roxb. In tropical dry deciduous forest (Site-III), root colonization (62 ± 0.62 %) and spores density (121 ± 0.31) were maximum in Albizzia lebbek Benth.-highest among all the three sites. Interestingly, these attributes were also lowest at this site in Wrightia tinctoria Linn. In all, 25 VAM species were identified from all the three forest sites. Out of these, 5 VAM species were common to three forest sites. More number of exclusive VAM species (6) were recorded at site-II. Glomus spp. was found as dominant VAM at all the three forest sites. Besides, the other morphological details of different VAM fungi, the results of present investigation envisage that diverse conditions of the habitat i.e. Tropical Moist Forest, support more VAM species not only in terms of numbers but also as the root association and potential propagules in the form of spores.

Keywords: VAM, Root colonization, Qualitative and Quantitative characters