Multitrophic biodiversity enhances ecosystem functions, services and ecological intensification in agriculture

Journal of Plant Ecology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 16(6)

Published: May 24, 2023

Abstract One central challenge for humanity is to mitigate and adapt an ongoing climate biodiversity crisis while providing resources a growing human population. Ecological intensification (EI) aims maximize crop productivity minimizing impacts on the environment, especially by using improve ecosystem functions services. Many EI measures are based trophic interactions between organisms (e.g. pollination, biocontrol). Here, we investigate how research multitrophic effects of functioning could advance application in agriculture forestry. We review previous studies use qualitative analyses literature test important variables such as land-use parameters or habitat complexity affect diversity, biodiversity–ecosystem relationships. found that positive prevalent production systems, largely across function dimensions, levels, study methodologies different functions, however, with certain context dependencies. also strong land management functions. detected knowledge gaps terms data from underrepresented geographical areas, organism groups functional diversity measurements. Additionally, identified several aspects require more attention future, trade-offs multiple temporal dynamics, change, spatial scale their implementation. This information will be vital ensure agricultural forest landscapes produce sustainably within environmental limits planet.

Language: Английский

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Thresholds for adding degraded tropical forest to the conservation estate

Nature, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 631(8022), P. 808 - 813

Published: July 17, 2024

Abstract Logged and disturbed forests are often viewed as degraded depauperate environments compared with primary forest. However, they dynamic ecosystems 1 that provide refugia for large amounts of biodiversity 2,3 , so we cannot afford to underestimate their conservation value 4 . Here present empirically defined thresholds categorizing the logged forests, using one most comprehensive assessments taxon responses habitat degradation in any tropical forest environment. We analysed impact logging intensity on individual occurrence patterns 1,681 taxa belonging 86 taxonomic orders 126 functional groups Sabah, Malaysia. Our results demonstrate existence two conservation-relevant thresholds. First, lightly (<29% biomass removal) retain high a largely intact composition, therefore likely recover pre-logging values if allowed undergo natural regeneration. Second, extreme impacts occur heavily more than two-thirds (>68%) removed, these require expensive measures value. Overall, our data confirm irreplaceable 5 but also reinforce message considerable should not be overlooked.

Language: Английский

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Huge improved gas separation performance of carbon molecular sieve membrane by forming a double crosslinked polyimide precursor

Journal of Membrane Science, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 711, P. 123218 - 123218

Published: Aug. 17, 2024

Language: Английский

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Tree cover and its heterogeneity in natural ecosystems is linked to large herbivore biomass globally

One Earth, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 6(12), P. 1759 - 1770

Published: Nov. 1, 2023

Addressing intertwined crises of climate change and biodiversity loss is a pressing global challenge, with trees playing pivotal roles in promoting carbon sequestration habitat diversity. However, there distinct knowledge gap concerning the drivers shaping tree cover its heterogeneity, particularly relative importance large herbivores fire compared to climatic topo-edaphic conditions. Here, we deploy satellite observations strictly protected areas worldwide reveal that regions where vegetation may be disequilibrium climate, high biomass herbivores, especially browsers, inversely related but positively associated spatial heterogeneity. Conversely, reduces both These results suggest top-down megafauna effects on landscape-scale openness heterogeneity manifest worldwide. Our finding supports need consider megafauna, ecosystem mitigation conservation restoration efforts through trophic rewilding.

Language: Английский

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Tropical dry woodland loss occurs disproportionately in areas of highest conservation value

Global Change Biology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 29(17), P. 4880 - 4897

Published: June 26, 2023

Tropical and subtropical dry woodlands are rich in biodiversity carbon. Yet, many of these under high deforestation pressure remain weakly protected. Here, we assessed how dynamics relate to areas woodland protection conservation priorities across the world's tropical woodlands. Specifically, characterized different types frontier from 2000 2020 compared them protected (PAs), Indigenous Peoples' lands for biodiversity, carbon water. We found that global were always overrepresented rest globe (between 4% 96% more than expected, depending on type priority). Moreover, about 41% all as frontiers, frontiers have been falling disproportionately with important regional (i.e. woodland) assets. While identified within classes protection, they lower average coinciding (23%), other PAs (28%). However, PAs, also affecting Many emerging outside but close highlighting a growing threat conserved will become isolated. Understanding coincide major current can help target context-specific policies interventions assets (e.g. which is rampant require stronger enforcement, inactive could benefit restoration). Our analyses identify recurring patterns be used test transferability governance approaches promote learning social-ecological contexts.

Language: Английский

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Feedback loops between 3D vegetation structure and ecological functions of animals

Ecology Letters, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 26(9), P. 1597 - 1613

Published: July 7, 2023

Abstract Ecosystems function in a series of feedback loops that can change or maintain vegetation structure. Vegetation structure influences the ecological niche space available to animals, shaping many aspects behaviour and reproduction. In turn, animals perform functions shape However, most studies concerning three‐dimensional animal ecology consider only single direction this relationship. Here, we review these separate lines research integrate them into unified concept describes mechanism. We also show how remote sensing tracking technologies are now at global scale describe their consequences for ecosystem functioning. An improved understanding interact with is needed conserve ecosystems face major disruptions response climate land‐use change.

Language: Английский

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Bornean tropical forests recovering from logging at risk of regeneration failure

Global Change Biology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 30(3)

Published: March 1, 2024

Abstract Active restoration through silvicultural treatments (enrichment planting, cutting climbers and liberation thinning) is considered an important intervention in logged forests. However, its ability to enhance regeneration key for long‐term recovery of forests, which remains poorly understood, particularly the production survival seedlings subsequent generations. To understand impacts logging we tracked diversity, traits that germinated immediately after a mast fruiting North Borneo unlogged forests 30–35 years logging. We monitored 5119 from germination ~1.5 across mixed landscape (ULs), naturally regenerating (NR) actively restored via rehabilitative (AR), 15–27 restoration. measured 14 leaf, root biomass allocation on 399 15 species. Soon fruiting, UL AR had higher seedling densities than NR forest, but was lowest first 6 months. Community composition differed among forest types; lower species richness evenness by 5–6 months post‐mast did not differ between them. Differences community altered community‐weighted mean trait values types, with relative forest. Traits influenced mortality ~3 post‐mast, more acquisitive aboveground investment favoured Our findings reduced diversity suggest long time lags post‐logging recruitment, some taxa. recovers initial production, elevated lowers efficacy active recruitment or communities. This suggests current practices may fail overcome barriers drive changes future plant

Language: Английский

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Trade-offs and synergies pattern evolution of ecosystem structure-resilience-activity-services (SRAS) in the Belt and Road Initiative region

Resources Conservation and Recycling, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 211, P. 107883 - 107883

Published: Sept. 4, 2024

Language: Английский

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Selective logging intensity and time since logging drive tropical bird and dung beetle diversity: a case study from Amazonia

Environmental Conservation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 51(2), P. 112 - 121

Published: Jan. 2, 2024

Summary Understanding how selective logging affects biodiversity is crucial to planning cost-effective conservation strategies in tropical forests, yet there limited understanding of its impacts on fauna functional diversity the Americas. We assessed intensification and time since influence multiple metrics integrity Brazilian Amazon by collecting bird dung beetle data within 48 management units that had experienced varying exploitation intensities between 1.5–2.0 5.0–6.0 years before faunal surveys. investigated assemblage responses used attributes assess changes diversity, specialization, originality species rarity. Using point counts pitfall traps, we collected 5081 records 182 7892 beetles from 45 species. Logging led significant declines most body mass, whereas was a key driver taxonomic diversity. Our study presents novel empirical evidence effects vary across taxa, ecological logging, which informing forest further investigating environmental degradation biodiversity.

Language: Английский

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Land degradation and development in India: Status quo, challenges and opportunities

Land Degradation and Development, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 35(8), P. 2675 - 2683

Published: March 19, 2024

Abstract This article reviews and synthesizes the articles published in a virtual special issue (VSI) “Land Degradation Development India: Status quo , challenges, opportunities.” A total of 31 studies (28 research papers three reviews) are this VSI covering various agroclimatic zones India. These provide insights on how different natural anthropogenic disturbances affect diversity, functioning forests, grasslands, agriculture, agroforestry, physicochemical biological composition soil. Twelve these also investigate effectiveness restoration methods to restore degraded ecosystems through afforestation reforestation, organic amendments, agroecological interventions. The historical journey forest restoration, behavioral pattern local communities for conservation policy framework India discussed independent articles. Overall, there is convergence learnings from structural non‐structural land degradation, soil salinization, agroforestry but results plantations inputs into farming highlight need more research.

Language: Английский

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