Plant height along the plant diversity gradient in the Jena Experiment (Main Experiment, year 2005)

This data set contains measurements of plant height: vegetative height (heighest leaf) and regenerative height (heighest flower) in 2005 from the Main Experiment plots of a large grassland biodiversity experiment (the Jena Experiment; see further details below). In the Main Experiment, 82 grassland plots of 20 x 20 m were established from a pool of 60 species belonging to four functional groups (grasses, legumes, tall and small herbs). In May 2002, varying numbers of plant species from this species pool were sown into the plots to create a gradient of plant species richness (1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 60 species) and functional richness (1, 2, 3, 4 functional groups). Plots were maintained by bi-annual weeding and mowing. In 2005, plant height was recorded twice a year just before biomass harvest (during peak standing biomass in late May and in late August). For target plant individuals at 10 points separated by 1 m each along a transect in the central area in the plots, vegetative height (heighest leaf) and regenerative height (heighest flower) were measured as standing height (without stretching the plant). Provided are the individual measurements and the mean over the measured plants.

Plant height along the plant diversity gradient in the Jena Experiment (Main Experiment, year 2006)

This data set contains measurements of plant height: vegetative height (heighest leaf) and regenerative height (heighest flower) in 2006 from the Main Experiment plots of a large grassland biodiversity experiment (the Jena Experiment; see further details below). In the Main Experiment, 82 grassland plots of 20 x 20 m were established from a pool of 60 species belonging to four functional groups (grasses, legumes, tall and small herbs). In May 2002, varying numbers of plant species from this species pool were sown into the plots to create a gradient of plant species richness (1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 60 species) and functional richness (1, 2, 3, 4 functional groups). Plots were maintained by bi-annual weeding and mowing. In 2006, plant height was recorded twice a year just before biomass harvest (during peak standing biomass in late May and in late August). For target plant individuals at 10 points separated by 1 m each along a transect in the central area in the plots, vegetative height (heighest leaf) and regenerative height (heighest flower) were measured as standing height (without stretching the plant). In 2006, also the plots of the management experiment, that altered mowing frequency and fertilized subplots (see further details below) were sampled by measuring vegatation height five times, every 1m on a 5m transekt along the side of the management plots. Provided are the individual measurements and the mean over the measured plants.

Mineral nitrogen from KCl extractions of soil from the Jena Experiment (Main Experiment up to 30cm depth, year 2003)

As an estimate of plant-available N, this data set contains measurements of inorganic nitrogen (NO3-N and NH4-N, the sum of which is termed mineral N or Nmin) determined by extraction with 1 M KCl solution of soil samples from the main experiment plots of a large grassland biodiversity experiment (the Jena Experiment; see further details below). In the main experiment, 82 grassland plots of 20 x 20 m were established from a pool of 60 species belonging to four functional groups (grasses, legumes, tall and small herbs). In May 2002, varying numbers of plant species from this species pool were sown into the plots to create a gradient of plant species richness (1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 60 species) and functional richness (1, 2, 3, 4 functional groups). Plots were maintained by bi-annual weeding and mowing. Soil sampling and analysis: Five soil cores (diameter 0.01 m) were taken at a depth of 0 to 0.15 m and 0.15 to 0.3 m of the mineral soil from each of the experimental plots in March, June, and October 2003. Samples of the soil cores per plot were pooled during each sampling campaign. NO3-N and NH4-N concentrations were determined by extraction of soil samples with 1 M KCl solution and were measured in the soil extract with a Continuous Flow Analyzer (CFA, Skalar, Breda, Netherlands).

Total nitrogen from solid phase in the Jena Experiment (Block 2 Main Experiment up to 100cm depth, year 2007)

This data set contains measurements of total nitrogen from the main experiment plots of a large grassland biodiversity experiment (the Jena Experiment; see further details below). In the main experiment, 82 grassland plots of 20 x 20 m were established from a pool of 60 species belonging to four functional groups (grasses, legumes, tall and small herbs). In May 2002, varying numbers of plant species from this species pool were sown into the plots to create a gradient of plant species richness (1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 60 species) and functional richness (1, 2, 3, 4 functional groups). Plots were maintained by bi-annual weeding and mowing. Stratified soil sampling to a depth of 1m was repeated in April 2007 (as had been done before sowing in April 2002). Three independent samples per plot were taken of all plots in block 2 using a motor-driven soil column cylinder (Cobra, Eijkelkamp, 8.3 cm in diameter). Soil samples were dried at 40°C and segmented to a depth resolution of 5 cm giving 20 depth subsamples per core. All samples were analyzed independently. All soil samples were passed through a sieve with a mesh size of 2 mm. Because of much higher proportions of roots in the soil, the samples in 2007 were further sieved to 1 mm according to common root removal methods. No additional mineral particles were removed by this procedure. Total nitrogen concentration was analyzed on ball-milled subsamples (time 4 min, frequency 30 s-1) by an elemental analyzer at 1150°C (Elementaranalysator vario Max CN; Elementar Analysensysteme GmbH, Hanau, Germany).

Total nitrogen from solid phase in the Jena Experiment (Main Experiment up to 30cm depth, year 2006)

This data set contains measurements of total nitrogen from the main experiment plots of a large grassland biodiversity experiment (the Jena Experiment; see further details below). In the main experiment, 82 grassland plots of 20 x 20 m were established from a pool of 60 species belonging to four functional groups (grasses, legumes, tall and small herbs). In May 2002, varying numbers of plant species from this species pool were sown into the plots to create a gradient of plant species richness (1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 60 species) and functional richness (1, 2, 3, 4 functional groups). Plots were maintained by bi-annual weeding and mowing. Soil sampling and analysis: Stratified soil sampling was performed in April 2006 to a depth of 30 cm. Three independent samples per plot were taken using a split tube sampler with an inner diameter of 4.8 cm (Eijkelkamp Agrisearch Equipment, Giesbeek, the Netherlands). Soil samples were segmented to a depth resolution of 5 cm in the field, giving six depth subsamples per core, and made into composite samples per depth. Sampling locations were less than 30 cm apart from sampling locations in other years. Samples were dried at 40°C. All soil samples were passed through a sieve with a mesh size of 2 mm. Because of much higher proportions of roots in the soil, the samples were further sieved to 1 mm according to common root removal methods. No additional mineral particles were removed by this procedure. Total nitrogen concentration was analyzed on ball-milled subsamples (time 4 min, frequency 30 s-1) by an elemental analyzer at 1150°C (Elementaranalysator vario Max CN; Elementar Analysensysteme GmbH, Hanau, Germany).

Total nitrogen from solid phase in the Jena Experiment (Main Experiment up to 30cm depth, year 2002)

This data set contains measurements of total nitrogen from the main experiment plots of a large grassland biodiversity experiment (the Jena Experiment; see further details below). In the main experiment, 82 grassland plots of 20 x 20 m were established from a pool of 60 species belonging to four functional groups (grasses, legumes, tall and small herbs). In May 2002, varying numbers of plant species from this species pool were sown into the plots to create a gradient of plant species richness (1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 60 species) and functional richness (1, 2, 3, 4 functional groups). Plots were maintained by bi-annual weeding and mowing. Soil sampling and analysis: Stratified soil sampling was performed before sowing in April 2002. Five independent samples per plot were taken using a split tube sampler with an inner diameter of 4.8 cm (Eijkelkamp Agrisearch Equipment, Giesbeek, the Netherlands). Soil samples were dried at 40°C and then segmented to a depth resolution of 5 cm giving six depth subsamples per core. All samples were analyzed independently and averaged values per depth layer are reported. Sampling locations were less than 30 cm apart from sampling locations in other years. Subsequently, samples were dried at 40°C. All soil samples were passed through a sieve with a mesh size of 2 mm. Rarely present visible plant remains were removed using tweezers. Total nitrogen concentration was analyzed on ball-milled subsamples (time 4 min, frequency 30 s-1) by an elemental analyzer at 1150°C (Elementaranalysator vario Max CN; Elementar Analysensysteme GmbH, Hanau, Germany).

Evaluación del ruido ambiental en espacios naturales protegidos: implicaciones para su gestión

Esta Tesis Doctoral trata sobre la caracterización acústica de los ecosistemas naturales y la evaluación del impacto ambiental del ruido antropogénico sobre sus potenciales receptores en estos lugares, incluidos los receptores no humanos y sus efectos ecológicos, además, analiza las implicaciones para su gestión a distintas escalas y se lleva a cabo una valoración económica. Este trabajo ofrece soluciones para caracterizar los paisajes sonoros de forma compatible con distintas escalas de trabajo, nivel de esfuerzo técnico y en contextos de recursos limitados que haga viable su tratamiento como cualquier otra variable ambiental en el ámbito de la conservación y gestión del medio natural. Se han adaptado herramientas y metodologías propias de disciplinas como la acústica ambiental, bioacústica y ecología del paisaje, para servir a los objetivos específicos de la evaluación y gestión de los paisajes sonoros y el ruido ambiental en amplias extensiones geográficas. Se ha establecido un método general de muestreo sistemático para trabajo de campo y también se han adaptado métodos de modelización informática, que permiten analizar escenarios sonoros dinámicos en el tiempo y en el espacio, desde localizaciones puntuales hasta la escala del paisaje. Es posible elaborar cartografía ambiental con esta información y se ha representado gráficamente la zona de influencia de distintas fuentes de ruido sobre la calidad de distintos hábitats faunísticos. Se recomienda el uso del indicador del nivel de presión sonora equivalente (Leq) por su operatividad en medición y modelización, y su adaptabilidad a cualquier dimensión espacial y temporal que se requiera, por ejemplo en función del paisaje, actividades o especies que se establezcan como objeto de análisis. Se ha comprobado que las voces y conversaciones de parte de los excursionistas en zonas de reposo, observación y descanso (Laguna Grande de Peñalara) es la fuente de ruido que con mayor frecuencia identifican los propios visitantes (51%) y causa un incremento del nivel de presión sonora equivalente de unos 4,5 dBA sobre el nivel correspondiente al ambiente natural (Lnat). También se ha comprobado que carreteras con bajo nivel de tráfico (IMD<1000) pueden causar estrés fisiológico sobre la fauna y afectar a la calidad de sus hábitats. La isófona de 30 dBA del índice Leq (24h) permite dividir a los corzos de la zona de estudio en dos grupos con diferente nivel de estrés fisiológico, más elevado en los que se sitúan más cerca de la carretera con mayor volumen de tráfico y se expone a mayores niveles de ruido. Por otro lado, ha sido posible delimitar una zona de exclusión para la nidificación de buitre negro alrededor de las carreteras, coincidente con la isófona Leq (24h) de 40 dBA que afecta al 11% de su hábitat potencial. Además se ha llevado a cabo una novedosa valoración económica de la contaminación acústica en espacios naturales protegidos, mediante el análisis de la experiencia sonora de los visitantes del antiguo Parque Natural de Peñalara, y se ha constatado su disposición al pago de una entrada de acceso a estos lugares (aproximadamente 1 euro) si redundara en una mejora de su estado de conservación. En conclusión, los espacios naturales protegidos pueden sufrir un impacto ambiental significativo causado por fuentes de ruido localizadas en su interior pero también lejanas a ellos, que se sitúan fuera del ámbito de competencias de sus gestores. Sucesos sonoros como el sobrevuelo de aviones pueden incrementar en aproximadamente 8 dBA el nivel de referencia Lnat en las zonas tranquilas del parque. Se recomienda llevar a cabo una gestión activa del medio ambiente sonoro y se considera necesario extender la investigación sobre los efectos ecológicos del ruido ambiental a otros lugares y especies animales. ABSTRACT This PhD Thesis deals with acoustic characterization of natural ecosystems and anthropogenic noise impact assessment on potential receivers, including non-human receivers and their ecological effects. Besides, its management implications at different scales are analyzed and an economic valuation is performed. This study provides solutions for characterizing soundscapes in a compatible way with different working scales, level of technical effort and in a context of limited resources, so its treatment becomes feasible as for any other environmental variable in conservation and environmental management. Several tools and methodologies have been adapted from a variety of disciplines such as environmental acoustics, bioacoustics and landscape ecology, to better serve the specific goals of assessing and managing soundscapes and environmental noise in large areas. A procedure has been established for systematic field measurement surveys and noise common computer modelling methods have also been adapted in order to analyze dynamic soundscapes across time and space, from local to landscape scales. It is possible to create specific thematic cartography as for instance delimiting potential influence zone from different noise sources on animal habitats quality. Use of equivalent continuous sound pressure level index (Leq) is recommended because it provides great flexibility in operation for noise measurement and modelling, and because of its adaptability to any required temporal and spatial dimension, for instance landscape, activities or the target species established as study subjects. It has been found that human voices and conversations in a resting and contemplation area (Laguna Grande de Peñalara) is the most frequently referred noise source by national park visitors (51 %) when asked. Human voices alter this recreational area by increasing the sound pressure level approximately 4.5 dBA over the natural ambient level (Lnat). It has also been found that low traffic roads (AADT<1000 ) may cause physiological stress on wildlife and affect the quality of their habitats. It has also been possible to define a road-effect zone by noise mapping, which suggests an effective habitat loss within the Leq (24h) 30 dBA isophone in case of Roe deer and also divide the study area in two groups with different physiological stress level, higher for those exposed to higher noise levels and traffic volume. On the other hand, it has been possible to determine an exclusion area for Cinereous vulture nesting surrounding roads which is coincident with the Leq (24h) 40 dBA isophone and affects 11 % of the vulture potential habitat. It has also been performed an economic estimation of noise pollution impact on visitors’ perception and results showed that visitors would be willing to pay an entrance fee of approximately 1 euro if such payment is really bringing an improvement of the conservation status. In conclusion, protected areas may be significantly affected by anthropogenic noise sources located within the park borders but perturbations may also be caused by large-distance noise sources outside the park managers’ jurisdiction. Aircraft overflight events disrupted quietness and caused Leq increases of almost 8 dBA during a monitoring period with respect to Lnat reference levels in the park quiet areas. It is recommended to actively manage the acoustic environment. Finally, further research on ecological impacts of environmental noise needs to be extended to other species and places.

UMA ECOLOGIA REFÉM DO PODER ECONÔMICO: Leitura exegética sócio-econômica de Deuteronômio 5,12-15

Com esse trabalho, visamos discutir a tentativa de estabelecer um equilíbrio entre o ser humano e natureza na área rural de Judá, pouco antes do reinado de Josias (640-609 a.C.). Nesse caso, pode-se perguntar: seria o mandamento de Deuteronômio 5,12-15 um discurso ecológico? A partir dos estudos de Frank Crüsemann e Haroldo Reimer se admite que partes das leis veterotestamentárias eram destinadas ao assim chamado grupo povo da terra de Judá, visando à manutenção de seu poder. O grupo teria assumido a liderança em Judá mediante um golpe político e, articulando-se, desde então, numa política de aliança para se conservar no poder, mesmo não o assumindo diretamente. Nesse contexto de política de alianças deve-se procurar a implementação do mandamento de Deuteronômio 5,12-15. Ele teria sido escrito por anciãos, um grupo junto ao qual o povo da terra teria se aliado para que ordenassem sentenças jurídicas para a acomodação social. Nesse caso, inicialmente o portão da cidade, espaço oficial para discussões, reclamações e propostas de intermediações, deve ter sido o lugar de elaboração de sentenças jurídicas sobre a utilização de técnicas na agricultura. Sendo elas posteriormente levadas ao tribunal do templo para passar pelas mãos dos sacerdotes, outro braço da coalizão. O uso dos animais de porte, cujo peso prejudicava as pequenas propriedades de terra de Judá, deve ter sido um motivo de incessantes conflitos entre pequenos e grandes proprietários de terra. Ressaltamos assim que apenas os homens mais abastados de Judá tinham acesso a esses animais. Esta solução, segundo se entende, liga o rodízio de culturas ao descanso do campo pertencente ao povo da terra de Judá. Liga-se o termo sábado com a vida da elite rural judaíta do período do reinado de Josias. Uma saída encontrada pelas elites de Judá, a qual nos leva a ponderar uma situação similar que ocorre na América Latina, diante da globalização. Se o texto Deuteronômio 5,12-15 é uma ponderação das elites hegemônicas de Judá que buscam o equilíbrio entre ser o humano e a natureza (ecologia), o discurso ecológico contemporâneo poderá ter neste texto um importante interlocutor. Esse discurso pode ocultar interesses econômicos, completamente diferentes, pois se trata de uma estratégia dominadora e não libertadora, objetivando-se, sobretudo, a reprodução social. O Brasil e os demais países da América Latina vêm sofrendo, há algum tempo, com essa distância entre a elite e o resto da sociedade. Nossas elites utilizam-se, há tempos, do discurso ecológico para se manterem no poder dessas sociedades. Por exemplo, vemos nos noticiários uma quantidade de programas e manchetes ligadas à destruição da natureza. Isso é interessante porque, após terem eles mesmo destruído a natureza, passam agora a defendê-la; controlando as reservas naturais, garantindo sua produtividade e seu status quo no sistema econômico atual.(AU)

UMA ECOLOGIA REFÉM DO PODER ECONÔMICO: Leitura exegética sócio-econômica de Deuteronômio 5,12-15

Com esse trabalho, visamos discutir a tentativa de estabelecer um equilíbrio entre o ser humano e natureza na área rural de Judá, pouco antes do reinado de Josias (640-609 a.C.). Nesse caso, pode-se perguntar: seria o mandamento de Deuteronômio 5,12-15 um discurso ecológico? A partir dos estudos de Frank Crüsemann e Haroldo Reimer se admite que partes das leis veterotestamentárias eram destinadas ao assim chamado grupo povo da terra de Judá, visando à manutenção de seu poder. O grupo teria assumido a liderança em Judá mediante um golpe político e, articulando-se, desde então, numa política de aliança para se conservar no poder, mesmo não o assumindo diretamente. Nesse contexto de política de alianças deve-se procurar a implementação do mandamento de Deuteronômio 5,12-15. Ele teria sido escrito por anciãos, um grupo junto ao qual o povo da terra teria se aliado para que ordenassem sentenças jurídicas para a acomodação social. Nesse caso, inicialmente o portão da cidade, espaço oficial para discussões, reclamações e propostas de intermediações, deve ter sido o lugar de elaboração de sentenças jurídicas sobre a utilização de técnicas na agricultura. Sendo elas posteriormente levadas ao tribunal do templo para passar pelas mãos dos sacerdotes, outro braço da coalizão. O uso dos animais de porte, cujo peso prejudicava as pequenas propriedades de terra de Judá, deve ter sido um motivo de incessantes conflitos entre pequenos e grandes proprietários de terra. Ressaltamos assim que apenas os homens mais abastados de Judá tinham acesso a esses animais. Esta solução, segundo se entende, liga o rodízio de culturas ao descanso do campo pertencente ao povo da terra de Judá. Liga-se o termo sábado com a vida da elite rural judaíta do período do reinado de Josias. Uma saída encontrada pelas elites de Judá, a qual nos leva a ponderar uma situação similar que ocorre na América Latina, diante da globalização. Se o texto Deuteronômio 5,12-15 é uma ponderação das elites hegemônicas de Judá que buscam o equilíbrio entre ser o humano e a natureza (ecologia), o discurso ecológico contemporâneo poderá ter neste texto um importante interlocutor. Esse discurso pode ocultar interesses econômicos, completamente diferentes, pois se trata de uma estratégia dominadora e não libertadora, objetivando-se, sobretudo, a reprodução social. O Brasil e os demais países da América Latina vêm sofrendo, há algum tempo, com essa distância entre a elite e o resto da sociedade. Nossas elites utilizam-se, há tempos, do discurso ecológico para se manterem no poder dessas sociedades. Por exemplo, vemos nos noticiários uma quantidade de programas e manchetes ligadas à destruição da natureza. Isso é interessante porque, após terem eles mesmo destruído a natureza, passam agora a defendê-la; controlando as reservas naturais, garantindo sua produtividade e seu status quo no sistema econômico atual.(AU)

Harvested populations are more variable only in more variable environments

Acknowledgments This work was funded by NERC grant NE/C510467/1 (T. G. Benton and S. B. Piertney) and a University of Leeds Faculty Postdoctoral Fellowship (T. C. Cameron). Data Accessibility The original time series and body size data from these experiments are available to download from DRYAD entry number http://dx.doi.org/10.5061/dryad.bq135.

Plant biology in the future

In the beginning of modern plant biology, plant biologists followed a simple model for their science. This model included important branches of plant biology known then. Of course, plants had to be identified and classified first. Thus, there was much work on taxonomy, genetics, and physiology. Ecology and evolution were approached implicitly, rather than explicitly, through paleobotany, taxonomy, morphology, and historical geography. However, the burgeoning explosion of knowledge and great advances in molecular biology, e.g., to the extent that genes for specific traits can be added (or deleted) at will, have created a revolution in the study of plants. Genomics in agriculture has made it possible to address many important issues in crop production by the identification and manipulation of genes in crop plants. The current model of plant study differs from the previous one in that it places greater emphasis on developmental controls and on evolution by differential fitness. In a rapidly changing environment, the current model also explicitly considers the phenotypic variation among individuals on which selection operates. These are calls for the unity of science. In fact, the proponents of “Complexity Theory” think there are common algorithms describing all levels of organization, from atoms all the way to the structure of the universe, and that when these are discovered, the issue of scaling will be greatly simplified! Plant biology must seriously contribute to, among other things, meeting the nutritional needs of the human population. This challenge constitutes a key part of the backdrop against which future evolution will occur. Genetic engineering technologies are and will continue to be an important component of agriculture; however, we must consider the evolutionary implications of these new technologies. Meeting these demands requires drastic changes in the undergraduate curriculum. Students of biology should be trained in molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecosystem biology, including all living organisms.

La ruralidad del 15-M. Iniciativas desde el movimiento agroecológico alicantino

La principal imagen del movimiento 15-M viene simbolizada por las acampadas en las plazas de numerosas ciudades españolas, es decir, su apariencia urbana. No obstante, el derecho a la alimentación sana, el consumo responsable, el acceso a la tierra, la conservación de ecosistemas agrarios y la despoblación del medio rural han sido algunas de las temáticas debatidas en el seno del movimiento. Ello demuestra una sustancial preocupación por la cuestión tanto ambiental como agraria, para las cuales se reclaman alternativas desde una perspectiva propiamente rural. Como se pretende hacer ver en este artículo, en el seno del movimiento 15-M las cuestiones urbanas y rurales son indisociables. Entre ellas destaca la reivindicación de la soberanía alimentaria y de la agroecología como horizontes de una transformación en la organización del territorio. En este artículo se sintetizan los aspectos de ruralidad del movimiento 15-M y sus reivindicaciones de carácter social, ambiental y territorial. De manera particular, se consideran las características propias de iniciativas incipientes que se están llevando a cabo en la provincia de Alicante, en el sureste del Estado español, así como de sus interrelaciones con movimientos rurales en el ámbito regional, nacional e internacional.

Pensar las ciencias sociales desde América Latina ante el cambio de época

Herederas de propuestas disciplinarias originales, como la teoría de la dependencia -y sus posteriores críticas desde el marxismo-, o del pensamiento socioeconómico de la CEPAL, las ciencias sociales latinoamericanas toman distancia de enfoques anglo-euro-céntricos, para avanzar en una línea crítica del pensamiento y de las prácticas neocolonialistas. El desafío para el pensamiento es ser cosmopolita y simultáneamente latinoamericano. En este proceso, el pensamiento social latinoamericano está logrando recuperar su originalidad y vigor, gracias a un rico diálogo Sur-Sur que no pierde de vista el carácter global de sus reflexiones y de sus referentes universales. Aunque ni el marxismo clásico ni el occidental son hegemónicos dentro de la teoría crítica, el (neo)marxismo enriquecido con la crítica a la colonialidad del poder, la teoría del Sistema-mundo, la geopolítica crítica y la ecología política recuperan el campo de la teoría crítica en clave fundadora de un pensamiento de época. Sus debates epistemológicos con el post-estructuralismo y diversos enfoques posmodernos configuran los desarrollos recientes de la teoría crítica.

Experimental studies on the nature of species

"Literature cited": v.1, p. 437-442; v.2, p. 154-163; v.3, p. 124-125; v.5, p. 198-204; v.6, p. 113-115.