Stochastic Assessment Of Environmental Flows In Semiarid Environments

The regimen of environmental flows (EF) must be included as terms of environmental demand in the management of water resources. Even though there are numerous methods for the computation of EF, the criteria applied at different steps in the calculation process are quite subjective whereas the results are fixed values that must be meet by water planners. This study presents a friendly-user tool for the assessment of the probability of compliance of a certain EF scenario with the natural regimen in a semiarid area in southern Spain. 250 replications of a 25-yr period of different hydrological variables (rainfall, minimum and maximum flows, ...) were obtained at the study site from the combination of Monte Carlo technique and local hydrological relationships. Several assumptions are made such as the independence of annual rainfall from year to year and the variability of occurrence of the meteorological agents, mainly precipitation as the main source of uncertainty. Inputs to the tool are easily selected from a first menu and comprise measured rainfall data, EF values and the hydrological relationships for at least a 20-yr period. The outputs are the probabilities of compliance of the different components of the EF for the study period. From this, local optimization can be applied to establish EF components with a certain level of compliance in the study period. Different options for graphic output and analysis of results are included in terms of graphs and tables in several formats. This methodology turned out to be a useful tool for the implementation of an uncertainty analysis within the scope of environmental flows in water management and allowed the simulation of the impacts of several water resource development scenarios in the study site.

半干旱区典型植物对气候变化与C02浓度升高的响应与适应

1.羊草对土壤水分的响应与适应 羊草生物量随着土壤水分含量的降低逐渐降低，后期的降低幅度远远大于前期。干旱促进鞘分配增加，增加了在处理初期的根的分配，但到后期则使之减少，表明羊草在经历较长期的持续干旱后通过增加根部的比重来提高抗旱性的能力逐渐降低。轻度(LD)、中度干旱(MD)对羊草叶片相对含水量(RWC)、气孔密度、光合参数、荧光猝灭参数和群体日交换速率无显著影响，但严重土壤干旱使它们显著降低。 羊草叶片的可溶性蛋白质以中度干旱的最高，严重干旱(SD)特别是极严重干旱(VD)使之显著降低，游离氨基酸含量(FAA)的变化与之相似。随着土壤水分含量的降低硝酸还原酶(NR)活性逐渐下降，而谷氨酰胺酶合成酶(GS)的活性变化则是LD和MD使之分别增加了25.75%和12.22%，SD和VD则分别减少了8.21%和28.72%，说明了NR的活性变化对土壤干旱较敏感，而GS的活性则对适度的干旱有一定程度的适应性。LD处理没有增加天冬酰胺酶(AE)和内肽酶(EP)两种酶的活性，但MD、SD和VD使两种水解酶的活性显著增加，说明轻度土壤干旱对蛋白质和氨基酸的分解作用有稍降低作用，但随着土壤干旱程度的加剧，又极大地促进了这个分解过程。严重和极严重土壤干旱显著降低了叶片的总核酸含量和RNA的含量，暗示严重程度的土壤水分胁追限制了核酸的合成代谢，加强了其分解代谢，严重土壤干旱还显著增加了丙二醛(MDA)的含量，说明提高了羊草叶片叶肉细胞的膜质过氧化水平。 2.羊草对土壤干旱和复水的响应与适应 羊草受到适当的干旱驯化可促进生长，但过长时间的干旱处理，复水后未能补偿损失的生物量和叶面积。羊草叶片的气孔密度以中度干旱持续期(Mtd)处理的最高，其次是短期干旱持续期( Std)，二者分别比没有经过土壤干旱的处理（对照）增加了14.90%和3.61%，但长期干旱持续期(Ltd)却使之减少了27.19%，气孔指数亦有类似的趋势。复水增加羊草叶片的光合速率、气孔导度、蒸腾速率，近期复水的激发效应明显大于前期，而对夜晚的呼吸作用影响不显著。水分利用率( WUE)的日变化动态呈“M”字型曲线，以Mtd的WUE值的峰值最大，以三次曲线拟合WUE的24小时日进程最佳。叶绿素荧光动力学的分析结果表明，复水，特别是最近的复水可显著改善羊草叶片的PS II性能，增加叶绿素a，b的含量及其比值，提高碳酸酐酶的活性。 羊草含氮量以叶片的最高(4.40%)，根部的最低(1.99%)，枯叶、茎鞘和根茎的含量差异较小(2.26～4.40%)。所有器官的含氨量对土壤水分处理的响应基本一致，以对照处理的最低，Std的最高。各器官的碳氮比都是以对照的最高，而其它土壤水分处理相差不显著，给于一定时间的土壤干旱处理可使羊草获得较强的氨代谢能力。Std的氮素总拥有量最多，和对照相比，绿叶、枯叶、茎鞘、根茎和根分别提高了35.58、26.88、23.49、31.66、40.75%，而Ltd的含氨总量呈下降趋势，说明短时间的土壤水分干旱处理可明显促进羊草各器官和植株的氮素积累，而较长时间的土壤干旱则不利于氮素的积累。羊草各器官氮素绝对量占整株的百分比从大到小依次为：绿叶(42.42-44.00%)、根茎(20.13—23.69%)、根(15.43～17.18%)、枯叶(10.07～11.30%)和茎鞘(7.27～8.67%)，表明叶片的氮素存量占植株的一半以上。Mtd处理增加了叶片的氮素贡献率，减少了茎鞘和根茎的贡献率，有利于加强叶片的光合性能。 以中度干旱持续期(Mtd)处理的叶片可溶性蛋白质含量、谷氨酰胺合成酶(GS)活性、RNA含量为最高，但中长期的土壤干旱处理再复水后则显著降低了羊草叶片内肽酶(EP)的活性和MDA的含量，说明给于一定时间的土壤干旱处理可使羊草叶片保持较高的蛋白质代谢水平，降低膜脂过氧化水平。 3.羊草对昼夜温差与土壤水分交互作用响应与适应 昼夜温差减少使单株羊草的生物量降低21.3%，分蘖和根的生物量减少，而鞘的生物量稍增加，显著降低了严重和极严重条件下的生物量。温差缩小降低了分蘖和根的投资比例，减少植株的地下部分生物量，而增加新叶、鞘和分蘖光合产物的比例，表明温差的减少将抑制光台产物向地下部分的转移。温差减少对充足土壤水分和轻度干旱处理的放射性比强影响较小，但减少了其它3种干旱处理的放射性比强。其原因主要是减少了植株鞘、根和根茎的放射性比强，显著增加了饲喂叶和心叶的放射性比强，表明温差的缩小阻止了“源”的光合产物向“库”的转移，降低对分蘖和根的投资，不利于羊草对干旱逆境的适应。 昼夜温差缩小使羊草叶片的气孔密度降低4.01%，而且减少了土壤干旱对气孔密度的影响。较高的昼夜温差和较低的昼夜温差相比，羊草叶片的光合速率和WUE分别增加了7.37%和20.09%;而气孔导度、胞间CO2浓度和蒸腾速率分别降低了14.03%、2.57%和10.80%。昼夜温差减少降低了土壤干旱的δ13C值，说明可能减少处在干旱条件下的植株WUE，暗示减小昼夜温差不利于增大羊草叶片对土壤水分亏缺的耐性。昼夜温差的缩小主要影响了下午羊草群体的CO2交换速率，增加了对照、LD和MD处理的夜间呼吸速率，降低了尤其是显著降低了在土壤缺水条件下的CO2昼夜净交换量，而在两个昼夜温差条件下都是以LD的最高。 昼夜温差缩小影响氮素含量在羊草各器官中的氮素分配，降低了叶片和茎鞘中的氮素百分比含量，但增加了根茎和根中的氮素含量。在较小的昼夜温差条件下，LD显著增加了叶片的氮素含量，但其它土壤水分处理影响不显著，在较大的昼夜温差条件下，亦是LD显著增加了叶片的氮素含量，但MD也使其显著增加。昼夜温差缩小增加了叶片和茎鞘的碳氮比，降低了根茎和根的碳氮比，使叶片在中度和严重土壤水分胁迫时无变化，降低了响应于土壤水分变化的调节弹性。 昼夜温差缩小使羊草叶片可溶性蛋白质降低了16.14%。LD和MD显著促进叶片可溶性蛋白质含量增加，SD和VD都显著地降低了羊草叶片的可溶性蛋白质含量。昼夜温差缩小有使羊草叶片游离氨基酸降低的趋势，主要是降低土壤干旱条件下的游离氨基酸含量，虽然昼夜温差缩小稍增加了可溶性耱的含量(4.68%)，但使土壤干旱激发效应变得不显著，表明温差的缩小降低了叶片中渗透调节物质的积累，不利于羊草抗旱性的提高。昼夜温差缩小显著降低了羊草叶片的NR、GS和谷氨酸脱氢酶(GDH)的活性，在较小昼夜温差条件下几乎看不出土壤水分降低的激发效应，而在高温差下则明显看出LD的激发效应。昼夜温差减少加强土壤干旱对天冬酰胺酶和内肽酶活性的影响，加强了蛋白质和关键氨基酸的分解作用，提高了叶片的膜脂过氧化水平，不利于羊草对干旱的适应性响应。 在土壤水分充足条件下，昼夜温差缩减对羊草叶片气孔形态的影响不明显，但可以看出温差较大时有较多的星状蜡质覆于气孔表面及其周围，这可能是由于夜间温度升高后植物为了减少水分的散失而采取的一种适应性策略。在本实验条件下，中度和严重土壤水分胁迫使气孔变得更加凹陷，气孔更加坚挺，体现了对土壤干旱的适应性反应。对羊草叶片叶肉细胞超微结构的观察表明，昼夜温差对土壤水分充足时的超微结构影响不显著，但在严重土壤干旱条件下，昼夜温差缩减似乎减少了叶绿体中的淀粉粒，加速了叶绿体和线粒体膜的裂解，表明昼夜温差缩减加大了严重土壤干旱对羊草叶片叶肉细胞超微结构的负面影响。 4.羊草对温度和土壤水分交互作用的响应与适应 温度升高使羊草叶片气孔导度和蒸腾速率增加，使光合速率(A)和水分利用率( WUE)降低。土壤干旱和高温均导致最大光化学效率、量子产额和光化学荧光猝灭系数降低，使非光化学荧光猝灭系数升高。土壤干旱减少了羊草幼苗的生物量，却显著增加了根的贡献率和根冠比，而高温使二者显著地降低。在本实验条件下，直到极端干旱才显著降低了羊草叶片的A和WUE，而其他的水分处理影响不显著。土壤干旱使得叶片中的含氮量显著降低：温度对叶片氮含量无显著影响，但却显著地降低了根中的氮含量，尤其显著增加根与叶片氮含量的比率。高温加强了干旱对光合性能的影响，表明高温降低了羊草对干旱的适应能力。 温度过低或过高都对叶片保持高水平的可溶性蛋白质不利，温度过高还削弱了土壤水分亏缺对叶片中游离氨基酸的激发作用。水分梯度对20℃时的GS活性无显著影响，但LD促使26℃和29'C下的GS活性增加，MD以上强度的土壤干旱都显著降低了23℃以上温度尤其是29℃和32℃时的GS活性，表明高温和干旱的协同效应对谷氨酰胺的合成不利。高温增加了AE和EP的活性，加强了土壤干旱对羊草叶片蛋白质和氨基酸分解的促进作用，在一定的土壤水分条件下，高温对RNA的合成作用增强，认为这是对高温胁迫的一种适应性响应。 随着温度的升高羊草叶片中的可溶性糖含量逐渐增加，土壤干旱亦增加了其可溶性糖的含量，但至极端干旱时则使之降低。在20℃下，土壤水分对羊草叶片的可溶性糖的含量无显著影响，在23—32℃温度条件下则是土壤干旱增加了其值，但至VD时则使之显著降低。不同温度条件下，土壤水分对羊草叶片的MDA影响不同，在20℃下，无显著影响，在23和26℃下，SD和VD使MDA稍升高，但在29和32℃条件下使之显著增加，说明温度升高加强了土壤干旱所引发的增加叶片膜质过氧化水平的负面影响。 5.柠条和杨柴对CO2浓度倍增和土壤水分交互作用的响应与适应 土壤干旱使拧条和杨柴的生物量在倍增CO2浓度条件下比在正常浓度条件下降低幅度更大。CO2浓度倍增较大地促进了充足水分条件下的植物生长，而对干旱条件下的生长促进作用则较小。无论在中度条件下还是在严重干旱条件下，两种优势植物均是在倍增CO2浓度条件下增加的根冠比幅度较大;无论在中度条件下还是在严重干旱条件下，且无论正常CO2浓度条件下还是在倍增CO2浓度条件下均是杨柴增加的幅度大。CO2浓度倍增主要增加了水分充足和MD的单位叶面积质量(LMA)，但反而降低了严重干旱的LMA。 CO2倍增使δ13C降低，但土壤干旱使之增加。用“库”（根）中的δ13C值对“源”（叶片）中的δ13C作图，可以用以评价碳分配以及“库”中新增生物量，两种沙生灌木叶片与根部的δ13C值呈极显著线性关系，杨柴的斜率大于柠条的，表明前者叶片与根部在光合产物分配上具有较高的可塑性，这和干旱条件下杨柴的根冠比增加相关联。杨柴的“源库”调节特性反映了对逆境具有较高的耐性。 CO2倍增使柠条和杨柴叶片含氮量分别降低了10.40%和5.06%，土壤干旱有使柠条叶片含氮量增加的趋势，但中度干旱没有增加羊柴叶片的含氮量。CO2倍增使叶片的碳氮比显著增加，而干旱使之降低。CO2浓度倍增降低叶肉细胞质膜的过氧化产物MDA的含量，干旱亦使叶片的MDA含量增加。叶片含氮量与MDA呈显著正相关，表明CO2倍增有保护叶片免受土壤干旱的作用，但干旱的负面影响是CO2倍增效应所难以弥补的。 CO2倍增降低了柠条叶片的可溶性蛋白质的含量，但在干旱条件下降低幅度较小，说明CO2浓度升高条件下可减轻干旱影响叶片中可溶性蛋白质的强度，体现了CO2浓度倍增对植物的抗旱性有利的一面。CO2浓度倍增使土壤水分充足条件下的柠条叶片中游离氨基酸含量降低17.24%，却使SD条件下增加10.78%，表明土壤干旱导致的叶片游离氨基酸含量的增加平衡了CO2升高造成的降低。在充足土壤水分和MD条件下，CO2浓度倍增对核酸总含量和RNA含量有稀释效应，但严重干旱条件下，CO2倍增提高了核酸总含量和RNA的含量。

浑善达克沙地几种优势植物的生态适应

浑善达克沙地是我国北方干旱半干旱区的主要沙地和严重荒漠化地区之一。同时也是我国内陆沙尘的主要源区之一。研究当地植物对沙地环境的适应方式有助于当地的荒漠化治理，加快生态环境恢复。本文应用（温室和野外）实验生态学方法研究了沙地植物对水分、沙埋和养分异质性环境的生态适应对策。 浑善达克沙地属于半干旱区域。在一次降雨过后，适合植物生长的湿沙层逐渐下降，或者说不适合植物生长的干沙层逐渐加厚。为了能够有效地从沙层中获得水分，植物的根系的伸长的速度必须大于湿沙层下降的速度。因此，当地分布的植物的根系则应该具有相应的形态、生长和生物量投资方面的可塑性。羊柴（Hedysarum laeve Maxim. (Leguminosae) ）是当地的主要半灌木和固沙植物。我们研究了羊柴幼苗对不同土壤含水量和不同模拟降雨量的反应格局，以及移动沙丘生长季节的土壤含水量变动规律。发现，大于3％土壤含水量适合羊柴幼苗生长。最适土壤含水量为12%－20% 。在生长季节早期，羊柴幼苗比较容易在沙丘上定居。如果没有充分的后续降雨的话，萌发后的幼苗在沙丘顶部、落沙坡中部和后部定居比较困难。降雨量越大，根系越深、总根长越大、根系直径越大、侧根越多、根冠比越低。 在干旱半干旱区域的沙地，种子萌发的时间和地点对于植物的定居和存活具有关键作用。通过温室实验，研究了小叶锦鸡儿和羊柴的种子萌发和出苗对不同深度的沙埋的反应，及其与种子大小的关联。结果表明，小叶锦鸡儿和羊柴的种子萌发和出苗对浑善达克沙地的自然生境表现出相似的生态适应。这两个种的种子萌发的适宜温度为10-15ºC, 这是当地春季的平均温度。由于这两个种的种子萌发是光敏感的，所以它们的种子萌发受土壤含水量和光照强度二者之间的平衡调节。2 cm 的较浅沙埋最有利于种子萌发和出苗。种子埋得越深，种子的萌发率和出苗率越低，更多的种子受胁迫休眠保存在土壤中作为种子库。不同大小的种子的不同萌发能力也是一种重要的生态适应，这可以调节种子在合适的时间和合适的沙埋深度萌发和出苗。 冰草（Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn）是浑善达克沙地植物群落中占优势的多年生根茎草本植物之一。种子在合适的地点和时间萌发以及幼苗在合适的地点和时间生长，对于冰草在沙地环境条件下生存和分布具有重要意义。本文研究了浑善达克沙地4-10月份土壤含水量变动情况和冰草种子萌发、出苗和幼苗生长对土壤含水量的响应。结果表明，4月下旬至5月上中旬的土壤含水量对冰草种子萌发、出苗和定居极为关键。控制条件下，冰草种子萌发的最适土壤含水量是12%-20%，出苗以及幼苗生长的最适土壤含水量是12%-16%。当土壤含水量低于3%，冰草种子不能萌发，土壤含水量低于6%时，幼苗不能出土和定居。当土壤含水量达到16%时，冰草幼苗生物量有所下降。在6%-8%的土壤含水量条件下，植株将更多的生物量投资于根的生长。 本文对浑善达克沙地低湿滩地、滩地-风沙沉积过渡区到风沙沉积区的赖草（Leymus secalinus （Georgi） Tzvel.）分株数、地上生物量、土壤水分和养分异质性进行了研究。结果表明，从低湿滩地、滩地-风沙沉积过渡区到风沙沉积区，随着土壤养分的降低，赖草分株数和地上生物量反而增加。赖草的分株数在三种生境中都存在空间自相关。并且，从低湿滩地、过渡区到风沙沉积区空间自相关的变程逐渐增加。地上生物量同样存在空间自相关，但变程以过渡区最大，风沙沉积区最低。土壤水分仅仅在风沙沉积区存在空间自相关。在三种生境条件下，土壤全氮和有机质的空间分布格局相似，都在低湿滩地和过渡区存在空间自相关且变程相似。在风沙沉积区不存在空间自相关。赖草的空间分布格局在低湿滩地为偏离随机适度聚集的分布格局，在过渡区近似于聚居分布，而在风沙沉积区为均匀分布格局。 豆科锦鸡儿属（Caragana ）植物因其可以生物固氮而在草原生态系统当中具有特殊的地位。定量分析小叶锦鸡儿（Caragana microphylla ）灌丛在浑善达克沙地不同生境条件下的分布格局，有助于理解植被与土壤养分循环之间的关系和合理制定退化沙地的恢复对策。本文采用地统计学中的半方差分析和分形分析两种方法研究了浑善达克沙地小叶锦鸡儿灌丛的空间分布格局，分析了不同生境中小叶锦鸡儿灌丛的植被、土壤水分和养分间的相关性。结果表明（1）小叶锦鸡儿灌丛在三种生境条件下（滩地、固定沙丘和半固定沙丘）的盖度、土壤有机质和全氮的空间分布符合球状模型，空间自相关显著;（2）土壤pH值在滩地和固定沙丘的空间分布符合球状模型且空间自相关显著，但在半固定沙丘空间自相关不显著;（3）土壤水分在三种生境中的空间分布都符合线性模型，空间自相关显著。（4）植被的变异尺度（变程）小于各个土壤要素的变异尺度。植被（小叶锦鸡儿灌丛）的分布和形成过程决定了土壤养分的分布和形成过程。当地的豆科植物在养分“沃岛”现象的形成中起了重要作用，合理的利用和布局当地的豆科植物，可以更加有效地补充草地生态系统的养分，从而有利于加快当地生态系统的恢复进程。

植物生长与土壤水关系调控起始期

确定植物生长与土壤水关系调控起始期是可持续利用土壤水资源的基础。以柠条为研究对象,采用中子仪对黄土丘陵半干旱区撂荒地,1～5年生柠条林生长和土壤水分进行长期定位观测和分析。结果表明:1 a内,随着时间推移,柠条利用土壤水分深度从播种时的表层土壤增加到220 cm;随着林龄增加,除丰水年2年生柠条林地土壤储水量增加外,柠条利用土壤水分深度和耗水量增加,林地土壤储水量下降。在2004年生长末期,3年生柠条林地100 cm土层的土壤含水量低于萎蔫系数,4年生柠条林地土壤旱化加剧,柠条生长与土壤水关系调控起始期是第5年。此时需要调控柠条生长与土壤水关系,采取措施降低柠条水分耗水量,实现土壤水资源可持续利用。

半干旱典型草原区封育草地土壤结构特征研究

以宁夏固原云雾山自然保护区典型草原为研究对象,采用空间序列代替时间序列的方法,以坡耕地为对照,对封育演替草地百里香(Thymus mongolicus Ronn.)、铁杆蒿(Artemisia sacrorum Ledeb.)、大针茅(Stipa grandis P.Smirn.)和本氏针茅(Stipa bungeana Trin.)群落0~10 cm表层土壤水稳性团聚体分布、孔隙度及土壤结构评价指标进行了研究和分析。结果表明:草地实施封育措施能明显改善土壤结构特征,随着草地植被自然演替,土壤的结构稳定性和孔隙状况逐步得到提高;在演替过程中,封育草地土壤的>0.25 mm水稳性团聚体含量(WSAC)、平均重量直径(MWD)、几何平均直径(GMD)和孔隙分形维数(Dp)逐渐增加,团聚体分形维数(Da)逐渐减少,说明植被演替能促进形成良好的土壤结构;同时,土壤结构影响因素随着草地植被演替过程表现出有机碳含量显著增加,容重显著降低,毛管孔隙度逐渐增大,非毛管孔隙度逐渐降低。本研究还比较了多项土壤结构评价指标,表明与MWD和GMD相比,指标WSAC(>0.25 mm)、Da及Dp能更好地反映出各封育草地群落之间土壤结...

半干旱区柠条林利用土壤水分深度和耗水量

植物根系利用土壤水分深度和耗水量是研究植物与土壤水关系的基础。以柠条为对象,采用中子仪,对撂荒地和柠条林地土壤水分进行长期定位观测和分析。结果表明,2002年内,随着时间推移,柠条利用土壤水分深度从播种时的2cm左右,迅速增加到9月1日的90cm,10月15日的110cm,11月1日的170cm,到11月15日柠条利用土壤水分深度为220cm;除丰水年(2年生)柠条土壤储水量增加了122.8mm外,随着林龄的增加和降雨量等的变化,植物利用土壤水分的深度和耗水量增加,土壤储水量下降。到2004年生长季末,3年生柠条林地100cm土层出现土壤干层,5年生柠条林地剖面60—300cm土层出现土壤干层。此时需要采取措施,控制柠条生长、密度和耗水量,实现土壤水资源的可持续利用。

黄土高原半干旱地区的农业发展与高效用水

黄土高原的大部分处于半干旱地带,属于生态环境脆弱地区,改善黄土高原地区的生态环境和提高生产力不仅是黄土高原地区内部的问题,而且是西部大开发的重要组成部分.本文在总结和对比分析国内外半干旱地区农业发展过程中的成功经验与关键措施的基础上,提出该地区的农业发展战略应该以实现水土资源高效利用和开发基因资源的潜力为目标.同时,针对黄土高原半干旱地区的农业水环境,论述了作物对有限水高效利用的原理,并对该地区农业可持续发展的技术对策提出了建议.

Patterns of Cactaceae species distribution in a protected area in the semiarid caatinga biome of North-Eastern Brazil.

2016

The short-term responses of small mammals to wildfire in semiarid mallee shrubland, Australia

Context. Wildfire is a major driver of the structure and function of mallee eucalypt- and spinifex-dominated landscapes. Understanding how fire influences the distribution of biota in these fire-prone environments is essential for effective ecological and conservation-based management.

Aims. We aimed to (1) determine the effects of an extensive wildfire (118 000 ha) on a small mammal community in the mallee shrublands of semiarid Australia and (2) assess the hypothesis that the fire-response patterns of small mammals can be predicted by their life-history characteristics.

Methods. Small-mammal surveys were undertaken concurrently at 26 sites: once before the fire and on four occasions following the fire (including 14 sites that remained unburnt). We documented changes in small-mammal occurrence before and after the fire, and compared burnt and unburnt sites. In addition, key components of vegetation structure were assessed at each site.

Key results. Wildfire had a strong influence on vegetation structure and on the occurrence of small mammals. The mallee ningaui, Ningaui yvonneae, a dasyurid marsupial, showed a marked decline in the immediate post-fire environment, corresponding with a reduction in hummock-grass cover in recently burnt vegetation. Species richness of native small mammals was positively associated with unburnt vegetation, although some species showed no clear response to wildfire.

Conclusions. Our results are consistent with the contention that mammal responses to fire are associated with their known life-history traits. The species most strongly affected by wildfire, N. yvonneae, has the most specific habitat requirements and restricted life history of the small mammals in the study area. The only species positively associated with recently burnt vegetation, the introduced house mouse, Mus domesticus, has a flexible life history and non-specialised resource requirements.

Implications. Maintaining sources for recolonisation after large-scale wildfires will be vital to the conservation of native small mammals in mallee ecosystems.

Genotype effect on carcass and meat quality of lambs finished in irrigated pastures in the semiarid Northeastern Brazil

The aim of this study was to compare four genetic groups of sheep on the carcass and meat quality traits. Thirty-three contemporary and unrelated male lambs, all of single birth were used in the experiment, being thirteen from the Santa Inês (SI) breed, seven from the Brazilian Somali breed (BS), six from the Morada Nova (MN) breed and seven from the ½ Dorper - ½ Morada Nova (F1) crossbreed. The genotypes SI, BS and F1 presented similar performances in relation to hot and cold carcass weights, which values were 10.76±0.53kg and 10.46±0.52kg for SI, 9.20±0.73kg and 8.99±0.71kg for BS, and 9.35±0.73kg and 9.13±0.71kg for F1, respectively. The BS had a better hot carcass yield (47.10±0.88%) and cold carcass yield (46.00±0.87%). Better carcass conformation was observed in SI and F1 (2.73±0.12 and 2.50±0.17, respectively) while the BS presented a better finishing (3.29±0.20). The average for the rib eye area (REA) was 9.94±0.49cm², 8.66±0.67cm², 7.18±0.72cm² and 9.8±0.67cm², and for the carcass compactness index (CCI) it was 0.17±0.01kg/cm, 0.17±0.01kg/cm, 0.11±0.01kg/cm and 0.16±0,01kg/cm, for SI, SB, MN and F1, respectively. There were no significant differences between SI, BS and F1 regarding REA and CCI. Although, in general, the MN presented a relatively lower performance than the other genotypes, this breed had similar carcass yields and fat thickness when compared to SI and F1 and similar conformation and REA in comparison to the BS. Regarding meat quality, no differences were observed between genotypes, except for redness and cooking losses. It is concluded that no one group had a higher or lower performance in all traits analyzed. Moreover, for the management conditions employed in this study, there was evidence of greater specialization in meat production for genotypes SI, BS and F1 when compared to MN, although there are no substantial differences between the four groups regarding meat quality.

CHARACTERIZATION OF REGOSOLS IN THE SEMIARID REGION OF PERNAMBUCO, BRAZIL

CHARACTERIZATION OF REGOSOLS IN THE SEMIARID REGION OF PERNAMBUCO, BRAZIL Studies on soil characterization in unexplored regions, besides the generation of data banks for the soil classes of the country, also produce scientific information about soil properties, important for the development of good management practices and sustainable land use. One of the main soil classes in the semiarid region of Pernambuco State, the Regosols, cover about 27 % of the state area, and are used mainly for family agriculture. Due to different geological and climatic aspects Regosols with different chemical, physical and mineralogical properties are found in Pernambuco, which were characterized for the semiarid region of the State. Five Regosol profiles were selected in different regions of the State (P1=Sao Caetano; P2=Lagoa do Ouro; P3=Caetes; P4=Sao Joao; P5=Parnamirim). The soils were morphologically characterized and samples collected from all horizons and the bedrock. Routine physical and chemical analyses were carried out for soil classification of all samples and mineralogical analyses of the coarse fractions (gravel and sand) by optical microscopy and of the silt and clay fractions by X ray diffraction (XRD), as well as petrographic analyses of the rock samples. The results showed similarities between the soils, with a low degree of pedogenetic development, varying from medium to very deep, with the horizon sequence A-AC-C-Cr and a sandy to sandy loam texture. In the deeper layers of two profiles (P1 and P5), a solodic character was observed. Organic matter and available phosphorus content were low in all studied soils. Despite the low levels of exchangeable cations, all soil profiles showed high base saturation. The mineralogical composition of gravel, sand and silt fractions consisted, essentially, of quartz, followed by feldspars and mica, supporting the results of the petrographic analysis of the bedrock. Kaolinite was the main clay mineral in all studied profiles and horizons, indicating an important monosialitization process in autochthonous soils of a typical semiarid region. In soil profile P2, at a lower landscape position, smectite minerals were observed, with mixing phases of montmorillonite, beidelite or nontronite, indentified by the Greene-Kelly test in the DRX analysis.

Association Between Atmospheric Circulation Patterns and Firn-Ice Core Records from the Inilchek Glacierized Area, Central Tien Shan, Asia

Glacioclimatological research in the central Tien Shan was performed in the summers of 1998 and 1999 on the South Inilchek Glacier at 5100 - 5460 m. A 14.36 m firn-ice core and snow samples were collected and used for stratigraphic, isotopic, and chemical analyses. The firn-ice core and snow records were related to snow pit measurements at an event scale and to meteorological data and synoptic indices of atmospheric circulation at annual and seasonal scales. Linear relationships between the seasonal air temperature and seasonal isotopic composition in accumulated precipitation were established. Changes in the delta(18)O air temperature relationship, in major ion concentration and in the ratios between chemical species, were used to identify different sources of moisture and investigate changes in atmospheric circulation patterns. Precipitation over the central Tien Shan is characterized by the lowest ionic content among the Tien Shan glaciers and indicates its mainly marine origin. In seasons of minimum precipitation, autumn and winter, water vapor was derived from the arid and semiarid regions in central Eurasia and contributed annual maximal solute content to snow accumulation in Tien Shan. The lowest content of major ions was observed in spring and summer layers, which represent maximum seasonal accumulation when moisture originates over the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean and Black Seas.

Fish diversity and traditional fishing methods in semiarid irrigated system in the Bajo Vinalopó region, Southeastern Spain

The aim of this paper is to obtain a comprehensive picture of the importance of the fish fauna in the wetlands and coastal lagoons of the Bajo Vinalopó region (Alicante, South eastern Spain) and the ecological, historical and cultural value of the traditional knowledge on fishing maintained by local people. We have compiled data from different information sources: (1) the revision of historical archives, (2) personal interviews and collaborative research, and (3) ecological and water quality data. The results show that the area sustains important fish fauna diversity (17 species) and that local people have inherited a considerable traditional knowledge on fishing methods (11 modalities), on the maintenance and sound management of the water system and on the ecology and behaviour of fish. We conclude that a comprehensive consideration of all these ecological, historical and socio-cultural aspects related to fish and fishing shows clearly the value of this ecological and cultural heritage and provides a necessary base for a sustainable management of the area.

Available water modifications by topsoil treatments under mediterranean semiarid conditions: afforestation plan

During dry periods in the Mediterranean area, the lack of water entering the soil matrix reduces organic contribu- tions to the soil. These processes lead to reduced soil fertility and soil vegetation recovery which creates a positive feedback process that can lead to desertification. Restoration of native vegetation is the most effective way to regenerate soil health, and control runoff and sediment yield. In Mediterranean areas, after a forestry proposal, it is highly common to register a significant number of losses for the saplings that have been introduced due to the lack of rainfall. When no vegetation is established, organic amendments can be used to rapidly protect the soil surface against the erosive forces of rain and runoff. In this study we investigated the hydrological effects of five soil treatments in relation to the temporal vari- ability of the available water for plants. Five amendments were applied in an experimental set of plots: straw mulching; mulch with chipped branches of Aleppo Pine (Pinus halepensis L.); TerraCotten hydroabsobent polymers; sewage sludge; sheep manure and control. Plots were afforested following the same spatial pattern, and amendments were mixed with the soil at the rate 10 Mg ha-1. In control plots, during June, July, August and September, soils were registered below the wilting point, and therefore, in the area of water unusable by plants. These months were coinciding with the summer mediter- ranean drought. This fact justifies the high mortality found on plants after the seeding plan. Similarly, soils have never exceeded the field capacity value measured for control plots. Conversely, in the straw and pinus mulch, soils were above the wilting point during a longer time than in control plots. Thus, the soil moisture only has stayed below the 4.2 pF suction in July, July and August. Regarding the amount of water available was also higher, especially in the months of December, January and February. However, the field capacity value measured has not showed any differences regarding the control. For these treatments, the survival sapling rates measured were the highest. Sludge, manure and polymers showed a moisture retention capacity slightly more limited than straw and pinus mulch. Likewise, it has been found that the area of usable water by plants was also lower, especially during the months of January and February. This situation is especially sharpened in plots amended with manure. In this treatment, the upper part of the soil profile was below the wilting point for six months a year (from April to August). For this treatment, the survival sapling rates measured were the lowest. In conclusion, from a land management standpoint, the pinus and straw mulch treatments have been shown as effective methods reducing water stress for plants. In this research, mulching has been proved as a significant method to reduce the mortality sapling rates during the mediterranean summer drought.

Available water modifications by topsoil treatments under mediterranean semiarid conditions: afforestation plan

During dry periods in the Mediterranean area, the lack of water entering the soil matrix reduces organic contribu- tions to the soil. These processes lead to reduced soil fertility and soil vegetation recovery which creates a positive feedback process that can lead to desertification. Restoration of native vegetation is the most effective way to regenerate soil health, and control runoff and sediment yield. In Mediterranean areas, after a forestry proposal, it is highly common to register a significant number of losses for the saplings that have been introduced due to the lack of rainfall. When no vegetation is established, organic amendments can be used to rapidly protect the soil surface against the erosive forces of rain and runoff. In this study we investigated the hydrological effects of five soil treatments in relation to the temporal vari- ability of the available water for plants. Five amendments were applied in an experimental set of plots: straw mulching; mulch with chipped branches of Aleppo Pine (Pinus halepensis L.); TerraCotten hydroabsobent polymers; sewage sludge; sheep manure and control. Plots were afforested following the same spatial pattern, and amendments were mixed with the soil at the rate 10 Mg ha-1. In control plots, during June, July, August and September, soils were registered below the wilting point, and therefore, in the area of water unusable by plants. These months were coinciding with the summer mediter- ranean drought. This fact justifies the high mortality found on plants after the seeding plan. Similarly, soils have never exceeded the field capacity value measured for control plots. Conversely, in the straw and pinus mulch, soils were above the wilting point during a longer time than in control plots. Thus, the soil moisture only has stayed below the 4.2 pF suction in July, July and August. Regarding the amount of water available was also higher, especially in the months of December, January and February. However, the field capacity value measured has not showed any differences regarding the control. For these treatments, the survival sapling rates measured were the highest. Sludge, manure and polymers showed a moisture retention capacity slightly more limited than straw and pinus mulch. Likewise, it has been found that the area of usable water by plants was also lower, especially during the months of January and February. This situation is especially sharpened in plots amended with manure. In this treatment, the upper part of the soil profile was below the wilting point for six months a year (from April to August). For this treatment, the survival sapling rates measured were the lowest. In conclusion, from a land management standpoint, the pinus and straw mulch treatments have been shown as effective methods reducing water stress for plants. In this research, mulching has been proved as a significant method to reduce the mortality sapling rates during the mediterranean summer drought.