Resumen: Las cianobacterias son los organismos fototróficos oxigénicos que poseen una alta capacidad adaptativa a diferentes ambientes, lo cual les permite ser pioneros en los ecosistemas terrestres. El objetivo del trabajo fue comparar la comunidad de cianobacterias en dos zonas de bosque serrano secundario, uno a siete días de ocurrido un incendio (suelo post-fuego) y otra próxima sin incendio (suelo testigo). Las muestras extraídas se cultivaron durante 8 semanas en condiciones controladas. Se identificaron un total de 35 taxones: 2 unicelulares, 24 filamentosas sin heterocitos y 9 con heterocitos; 13 de ellos constituyen primera cita para suelos de Córdoba.Microcoleus vaginatusfue el taxón más frecuente, junto conScytonema hoffmannii, Desmonostoc muscorumyNostoc communepermanecieron hasta finalizar el ensayo. Se destaca la presencia de organismos exclusivos tales como:Calothrix brevissima, Chlorogloeopsis fritschiiyCylindrospermum muscicolaen los suelos testigos, serían los taxones sensibles a este tipo de eventos disruptivos en la comunidad. La disponibilidad de nitrógeno, contenido de CO y pH son las variables físico-químicas del suelo que definen la estructura de la comunidad. Se considera que este trabajo aporta valiosa información para el avance del conocimiento de la restauración de suelos luego de los incendios forestales.

Summary: Cyanobacteria are oxygenic phototrophic organisms that possess a high adaptive capacity to different environments, allowing them to pioneer terrestrial ecosystems. The objective of this study was to compare the cyanobacterial community in two areas of secondary mountain forest: one seven days after a fire (post-fire soil) and another nearby without fire (control soil). The collected samples were cultivated for 8 weeks under controlled conditions. A total of 35 taxa were identified: 2 unicellular, 24 filamentous without heterocytous, and 9 with heterocytous cyanobacteria; 13 of them represent the first record for soils in Córdoba.Microcoleus vaginatuswas the most frequent taxon, along withScytonema hoffmannii, Desmonostoc muscorum, andNostoc commune, which persisted until the end of the experiment. The presence of exclusive organisms such asCalothrix brevissima, Chlorogloeopsis fritschii,andCylindrospermum muscicolain the control soils highlights their sensitivity to this type of disruptive event in the community. The availability of nitrogen, CO content, and pH are the physicochemical soil variables that define the community structure. This work is contributing to increase our knowledge of soil restoration after forest fires.

Resumo A Vereda é um tipo de vegetação savânica que ocorre ao longo do domínio do Cerrado. Este ambiente é caracterizado pela incidência de altas irradiâncias e solos encharcados durante parte do ano, apresentando condições hipóxicas, com acúmulo de matéria orgânica e limitação de nutrientes. Devido a essas características, esperamos que o escleromorfismo foliar seja o padrão predominante na comunidade, permitindo a sobrevivência das plantas de Vereda nesse ambiente. Avaliamos folhas de 14 espécies em Vereda Grande no Brasil central, para identificar seus padrões foliares anatômicos. Analisamos também a disponibilidade de luz e aspectos edáficos dos solos em que as plantas crescem. Encontramos altas irradiâncias e solos ricos em matéria orgânica, mas pobres em nutrientes, fatores que limitam o crescimento das plantas dado os elevados valores de alumínio e o baixo pH (média de 3,6). A maioria das espécies estudadas apresentou folhas espessas com cutícula espessa, mesofilo bem desenvolvido, e presença de cristais de cálcio, compostos fenólicos e de esclerênquima. Esses resultados corroboram o padrão esperado de escleromorfismo previsto pelas condições ambientais a que as plantas de Vereda estão submetidas. Chelonathus alatus não mostrou tais padrões escleromorfos foliares e evitou o estresse no período seco perdendo as partes aéreas. Cerrado ano hipóxicas nutrientes características comunidade 1 central anatômicos crescem média 3,6. 36 3,6 . 3 6 3,6) espessa desenvolvido cálcio esclerênquima submetidas aéreas 3,

Abstract Vereda (palm swamp) is a savanna vegetation type widespread in the Cerrado. This environment is characterized by high irradiance levels and waterlogged soils for part of the year, resulting in hypoxic conditions, organic matter accumulation, and nutrient limitation. Due to these characteristics, we expect leaf scleromorphism to be the predominant pattern in the community, thus ensuring the survival of Vereda plants in these harsh environments. We examined the leaves of 14 species in Vereda Grande in central Brazil to identify their anatomy. We also analyzed the light availability and edaphic aspects of the soils in which these plants grow. We found high irradiance and soils which were rich in organic matter but low in nutrients; these factors limit plant growth given the elevated aluminum values and low pH (mean of 3.6). Most species had thick leaves with a thick cuticle, a well-developed mesophyll, calcium crystals, phenolic compounds, and sclerenchyma. These results corroborate the expected pattern of scleromorphism predicted by the environmental conditions to which Vereda plants are subjected. Chelonathus alatus did not show a leaf scleromorphic pattern and avoided stress in the dry period by losing its shoots. palm swamp Cerrado year accumulation limitation characteristics community environments 1 anatomy grow nutrients mean 3.6. 36 3.6 . 3 6 3.6) cuticle welldeveloped well developed mesophyll crystals compounds sclerenchyma subjected shoots 3.

ABSTRACT In this study, the objective was to evaluate the epiedaphic fauna in different agroecosystems using two sampling methods. Organisms were sampled in four agroecosystems: (i) corn cultivation, (ii) Brachiaria ruziziensis cultivation, (iii) silvopastoral system, and (iv) secondary forest remnant. In each agroecosystem, 5 Pitfall traps and 5 Provid traps were installed at a distance of 10 meters and kept in the field for three days. The sampled organisms were classified at the lowest possible taxonomic level and the data obtained were analyzed using Shannon’s diversity and Simpson’s dominance indices, and principal component analysis. The Pitfall traps method resulted in greater abundance of the epiedaphic community compared to the Provid traps method. The corn cultivation area had greater abundance compared to the other agroecosystems evaluated. The best ecological index was observed in the B. ruziziensis crop, using both methods. The areas of corn cultivation and silvopastoral system were separated by the two methods, by principal component analysis, with a greater number of groups associated with the area cultivated with B. ruziziensis and the secondary forest remnant. study methods i (i ii (ii iii (iii iv (iv remnant agroecosystem 1 days Shannons Shannon s Simpsons Simpson indices analysis evaluated B crop

RESUMO Neste estudo, o objetivo foi avaliar a fauna epiedáfica em diferentes agroecossistemas utilizando dois métodos de coleta. Os organismos foram amostrados em quatro agroecossistemas: (i) cultivo de milho, (ii) cultivo de Brachiaria ruziziensis, (iii) sistema silvipastoril, e (iv) remanescente florestal secundário. Em cada agroecossistema, 5 armadilhas do método Pitfall traps e 5 do método Provid foram instaladas, espaçadas em 10 metros entre si e mantidas em campo por três dias. Os organismos coletados foram classificados ao menor nível taxonômico possível e os dados obtidos, avaliados pelos índices de diversidade de Shannon e de dominância de Simpson, e análise de componentes principais. O método Pitfall traps resultou em maior abundância da comunidade epiedáfica em relação ao método Provid. A área cultivada com milho teve maior abundância em relação aos demais agroecossistemas avaliados. Os melhores valores de diversidade foram observados no cultivo de B. ruziziensis, por ambos os métodos. As áreas de cultivo de milho e sistema silvipastoril foram separadas pelos dois métodos pela análise de componentes principais. O maior número de grupos da fauna epidáfica ocorreu na área cultivada com B. ruziziensis e ao remanescente florestal. estudo coleta i (i ii (ii iii (iii iv (iv secundário agroecossistema instaladas 1 dias obtidos Simpson principais B

SIGNIFICANCE: This paper introduces gypsum ecosystem research to southern Africa. It is the result of current joint efforts to compare African gypsum ecosystems with those in other parts of the world. We highlight the expansion of an international network through joint projects and training of young scientists. We propose a research agenda to sensitise the ecological community in Africa to the significance of life on gypsum and to demystify the existence of gypsum soil and associated ecosystems in southern Africa.

Resumen Antecedentes: Se evalúa la influencia de la heterogeneidad ambiental en la comunidad de palmas a escala del paisaje en el límite norte de la distribución de la selva tropical húmeda en América. Preguntas: ¿Cómo la heterogeneidad a nivel de paisaje (edáfica, topográfica, así como la densidad, diversidad y biomasa arbórea) influye en la distribución de las especies de palma en una reserva forestal afectada por la defaunación? Sitio y años de estudio: El estudio se realizó en la Estación de Biológica Tropical Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, México, en 2020. Métodos: Se delinearon unidades de paisaje (UP) basadas en suelo y geomorfología, se obtuvieron datos de la riqueza y abundancia de los árboles para caracterizar la heterogeneidad ambiental. Se analizó como influye la heterogeneidad ambiental en la composición, riqueza y abundancia de las especies de palma. Resultados: La abundancia y composición de las especies de palmas difirió entre las UP, en ambos casos fueron influenciadas por la presencia de fragmentos gruesos del suelo, altitud, inclinación de la pendiente y precipitación anual. La riqueza y densidad de árboles afectaron significativamente a la comunidad de palmas, pero sólo cuando se analizaron en combinación con variables edáficas y topográficas. Conclusiones: Los resultados revelan que existe una marcada heterogeneidad edáfica y topográfica que influye en la distribución de las especies de palmas a escala de paisaje, por lo que el enfoque de la heterogeneidad ambiental permite asociar la variación abiótica con los patrones de distribución de las especies y su coexistencia en comunidades tropicales altamente diversas.

Abstract Background: Our study presents the first assessment of the relationships between environmental heterogeneity and the palm community at the landscape scale at the northern boundary of tropical rainforest distribution in America. Question: How does landscape-level heterogeneity (edaphic, topographic as well as the density, diversity, and tree biomass) shapes the palm community in a protected reserve affected by defaunation? Study site and date: The study was carried out in Los Tuxtlas Tropical Biology Station, Veracruz, Mexico (2020). Methods: We delineated landscape units (LUs) based on soil and geomorphology to characterize the biophysical mosaic. We built rank-abundance curves to compare the palm richness and their abundance among LUs. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) and nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) were applied to detect shifts in the palm community across LUs. Results: Integrating abiotic and biotic components by delimiting LUs allowed us to evaluate the multifactorial effect of environmental heterogeneity on the palm community. The density and composition of the palms changed significantly among the LUs, influenced by soil coarse fragments, elevation, slope inclination, and annual precipitation. Tree richness and density had a significant effect on the palm community only when analyzed in combination with the soil-topography variables. Conclusions: The results reveal that there is high edaphic and topographic heterogeneity that influences palm species distribution at the landscape scale. The environmental heterogeneity approach allows capturing novel abiotic variation to explain the distribution patterns of palm species and their coexistence in highly diverse tropical communities.

RESUMEN El cultivo de aguacate cada vez cobra mayor importancia en el altiplano de la subregión Oriente del departamento de Antioquia, Colombia. Para evaluar la influencia de diferentes formas de manejo y de algunas propiedades del suelo en la composición de la comunidad de arvenses se monitorearon 50 huertos de aguacate variedad Hass distribuidos en nueve municipios, de la subregión oriente de Antioquia. Las variables evaluadas fueron la cobertura y la presencia de arvenses, lo que permitió estimar la frecuencia y dominancia relativas, así como el valor de importancia (IV por sus siglas en inglés). El manejo se caracterizó a través de una encuesta, aplicada a los productores de los predios seleccionados. También se determinó la capacidad máxima de retención de humedad y el pH del suelo. La importancia de las arvenses, la rotación de las estrategias de manejo mecánico y el uso de herbicidas se analizaron gráficamente. La asociación entre la dominancia y los factores se determinó a través de un modelo lineal generalizado. Se clasificaron 66 especies de arvenses dicotiledóneas y 28 monocotiledóneas. De las 10 especies con mayor IV, tres especies foráneas Melinis minutiflora P. Beauv, Digitaria horizontalis Willd y Pennisetum clandestinum Hoschst. Ex Chiov fueron las más representativas. Los municipios agruparon los efectos de estrategias de manejo similares en el territorio, el manejo químico favoreció el equilibrio de la composición de arvenses, mientras que el mecánico lo desfavoreció. Las propiedades del suelo presentaron menor influencia en la distribución y dominancia de las arvenses.

ABSTRACT No-till avocado orchards in the highlands are gaining importance in eastern Antioquia, Colombia. To evaluate the influence of management, and edaphic properties on the composition of weed communities, 50 Hass avocado orchards were studied in nine municipalities of eastern Antioquia. The variables cover and presence of weeds were used to estimate relative frequency, dominance, and Importance Value (IV); weed management was characterized by a survey. The maximum moisture retention capacity and pH of the soil were also determined. The importance of species, rotation of management strategies, and herbicides were analyzed graphically. The association between weeds dominance, and factors, was evaluated by a generalized linear model. 66 dicots and 28 monocot weeds were classified. Out of the 10 most important species, three foreign species,Melinis minutiflora P. Beauv, Digitaria horizontalis Willd, andPennisetum clandestinum Hoschst. Ex Chiov were the most representative. The municipalities are grouping the effects of similar management strategies in the territory. Chemical management favored the equilibrium of the weed composition, while mechanical management did not. Soil properties had less influence on the distribution and dominance of weeds.

RESUMEN Entre las especies vegetales de importancia cultural y económica en la Amazonia, se encuentra Uncaria guianensis y U. tomentosa, ambas conocidas comúnmente como “uña de gato”. Debido a que estas especies crecen en suelos con bajos niveles de materia orgánica y nutrientes, establecen micorrizas arbusculares para su crecimiento. Hay poca información sobre la composición de las comunidades de hongos formadores de micorrizas arbusculares (HFMA) asociados a U. tomentosa y no se conocen estudios sobre esta asociación en U. guianensis, por lo que esta investigación aporta información adicional de las comunidades de HFMA asociadas con las especies de Uncaria en suelos amazónicos. Se determinó tanto el porcentaje de colonización de las raíces como la influencia de la composición edáfica en las dos especies. Se evaluó la riqueza y diversidad de HFMA por el método de aislamiento de esporas y a través del análisis molecular de taxones virtuales y además, se analizó la diferencia entre los suelos. A pesar de que U. guianensis crece tanto en Oxisoles como en Entisoles Aluviales y U. tomentosa está restringida a Oxisoles, no hubo una respuesta significativa en la esporulación de los HFMA y la colonización radicular a la variación de las propiedades químicas de los suelos. Se identificaron 72 taxones virtuales para las especies de Uncaria (53 U. tomentosa y 19 U. guianesis). Sin embargo, la abundancia relativa de los HFMA en la raíz de U. tomentosa fue mayor a la del suelo. La comunidad de HFMA que coloniza las raíces de las especies de Uncaria indica que éstas se comportan como una especie silvestre, por lo que la propagación ex situ en sistemas agrícolas puede ser menos efectiva que con un enriquecimiento de los bosques.

ABSTRACT There are some plant species with cultural and economic importance in the Amazon, such as Uncaria guianensis and U. tomentosa, both commonly named “cat's claw”. Since these species grow in soils with low levels of organic matter and nutrients, both depend on arbuscular mycorrhizae to grow. The information about arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi communities for U. tomentosa is limited and there is no current research on U. guianensis. Therefore, this research provides additional information on the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi communities associated with Uncaria species in Amazonian soils. Both the percentage of root colonization and the influence of the edaphic composition in the two species were determined. Also, the richness and diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi were assessed using the spore isolation method and also, through the molecular analysis of virtual taxa. In addition, the difference between the soils was analyzed. Although U. guianensis grows in both Oxisols and Alluvial Entisols and U. tomentosa is restricted to Oxisols, sporulation of AM and root colonization does not respond significantly to variations in soil chemical properties. Additionally, 72 virtual taxa were identified for Uncaria species (53 U. tomentosa and 19 U. guianensis) and the relative abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi was higher in roots of Uncaria species than in soils. The arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi community that colonizes the roots of Uncaria species indicates that these species behave as wild species; therefore, the ex-situ propagation of the species in agricultural systems could be less successful than forest enrichment.

Abstract The attributes of nematodes are presented as valuable tools for determining the quality of soil, especially that of mining companies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavior of nematodes against a stress gradient in a rainy season and a dry season in soils influenced by mining. Thus, field sampling was carried out over 100 m2 in triplicate for four types of soils classified according to their uses (pasture, maize cultivation, fig cultivation, and eucalyptus cultivation), and these areas were located on the periphery (500 to 1500 m) of the Ollachea mining community of Puno in Peru; subsequently, the samples were processed in the laboratory to determine edaphic, agrochemical, heavy metal, and microbiological parameters and identify the nematodes. The abiotic stress gradient was determined by a principal component analysis; and through a canonical correlation analysis, the relationships between the abiotic stress gradient and the nematodes were determined. Canonical correlation analysis showed that there were significant correlations: in the rainy season, Helicotylenchus and vanadium (r = 0.99), Globodera and titanium (r = 0.97), and Tylenchus and lead (r = 0.96); in the dry season: Meloidogyne and vanadium (r = 0.99), and Hemicycliophora and lead (r = 0.91). In conclusion, the abiotic stress gradient had a high correlation with bacterivorous, fungivorous, and phytoparasitic nematodes and a low correlation with omnivorous and predatory nematodes, showing the bioindicator capacity of nematodes in relation to stress parameters that impact soil quality.

SUMMARY Soils impacted by mining undergo significant alterations that affect their revegetation potential. One important alteration is the reduction of key microbial symbionts, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which have the capacity to facilitate soil revegetation through symbiotic relationships with plants. This study aimed to assess changes in the AMF community composition during the natural succession of mining-impacted areas in Condoto, Chocó, Colombia. Researchers selected three mines abandoned for 5, 15, and 30 years, along with a natural reference forest. Soil samples were collected to evaluate fertility and quantify AMF spore populations, and fine root samples of three woody species were collected to quantify AMF colonization, including number of hyphae, vesicles, and arbuscules. The successional sites exhibited acidic and nutrient-poor soils. Fifteen AMF morphotypes were identified, with Acaulospora and Glomus being the most abundant genera. However, the diversity and composition of morphotypes, as well as the abundance of hyphae, vesicles, and arbuscules in roots did not differ significantly between treatments. The presence of AMF in early stages of mine abandonment suggests a potential role in expediting natural revegetation. However gaining a deeper understanding of the role played by this edaphic biotic community in mine restoration will require future research that examines the specific interactions between AMF species and plants in this unique environment throughout the natural succession process.

RESUMEN Los suelos impactados por minería experimentan alteraciones drásticas que afectan su revegetación. Una de esas alteraciones es la reducción de simbiontes microbianos claves para el establecimiento de plantas, tales como los hongos micorrízicos arbusculares (HMA), que tienen potencial para facilitar la revegetación de suelos dado su capacidad para establecer relaciones simbióticas con plantas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar cambios en la composición de la comunidad de HMA durante la sucesión natural de áreas impactadas por minería en Condoto, Chocó, Colombia. Se seleccionaron tres minas con 5, 15, y 30 años de abandono, y un bosque natural de referencia, donde se recolectaron muestras de suelo para determinar fertilidad y cuantificar el número de esporas de HMA, y se tomaron muestras de raíces finas de tres especies leñosas para cuantificar colonización de HMA (número de hifas, vesículas, y arbúsculos). Los tratamientos sucesionales presentaron suelos ácidos y pobres en nutrientes. Se identificaron 15 morfo-tipos de HMA, siendo Acaulospora y Glomus los géneros más abundantes. La diversidad y composición de morfo-tipos, así como el número de hifas, vesículas, y arbúsculos en raíces no varió significativamente entre tratamientos. La presencia de HMA desde etapas tempranas en las minas puede favorecer su revegetación natural rápida; sin embargo, una mayor compresión del rol que juega esta comunidad biótica edáfica para la restauración de las minas, implicará la realización de futuras investigaciones que evalúen cómo especies de HMA y plantas interactúan de manera específica en este tipo de ambientes a lo largo de la sucesión natural.

RESUMO A comunidade edáfica é composta por diversos organismos que mantêm interações ecológicas nos ambientes, como fragmentação de serapilheira, ciclagem de nutrientes, modificações na estrutura do solo, além de reguladores de cadeia trófica. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a composição da fauna edáfica, os atributos físicos e químicos do solo em diferentes fisionomias de cerrado no Parque Estadual do Mirador (PEM). O estudo foi desenvolvido em duas formações de Cerrado (Cerrado Ralo e Cerrado Típico) no Parque Estadual do Mirador, onde foram instaladas 100 armadilhas pitfall. Os organismos edáficos foram triados, identificados em termos de ordens, subordens, subfamílias e família; a partir disso foram estimados os parâmetros abundância, riqueza, diversidade de Shannon e equitabilidade de Pielou. Um total de 4.149 indivíduos foram coletados nas duas parcelas experimentais. A parcela em Cerrado Típico apresentou maior riqueza taxonômica (25 grupos); e maior diversidade de Shannon (H’ = 1,65), enquanto a parcela em Cerrado Ralo apresentou 19 grupos edáficos e diversidade de Shannon igual a H’ = 1,51. A exploração fatorial explicou 84,43% dos dados originais do Cerrado Ralo e 90,84% dos dados do Cerrado Típico. Conclui-se, que a parcela em Cerrado Típico demonstrou maior diferença em termos de riqueza e abundância, decorrente das condições favoráveis à fauna edáfica como alto teor de matéria orgânica e maior cobertura vegetal.

ABSTRACT The edaphic community comprises several organisms that perform ecological functions in the environment, such as litter fragmentation, nutrient cycling, and modifications of soil structure, in addition to acting as food chain regulators. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the composition of the edaphic fauna and the physical and chemical attributes of soil in different physiognomies of Cerrado in the Parque Estadual do Mirador (PEM). The study was carried out in two Cerrado formations (Sparse Cerrado and Typical Cerrado) in PEM, where 100 pitfall traps were installed. The edaphic organisms were screened and identified in terms of orders, suborders, subfamilies, families, abundance, richness, Shannon diversity, and Pielou’s equitability. A total of 4,149 individuals were collected from two experimental plots. The plot in the Typical Cerrado showed greater taxonomic richness (25 groups) and greater Shannon diversity (H’ = 1.65), while the plot in Sparse Cerrado presented 19 edaphic groups and Shannon diversity equal to H’ = 1.51. The factorial exploration explained 84.43% of the original data from the Sparse Cerrado and 90.84% from the Typical Cerrado. It is concluded that the plot in the Typical Cerrado showed greater differences in terms of richness and abundance due to the more favorable conditions for soil fauna, such as a high content of organic material and greater vegetation cover.

Resumo Aqui, investigamos a relação entre as comunidades vegetais e o meio ambiente da vegetação temperada úmida da floresta montanhosa de Lalkoo, distrito de Swat. Foram amostrados dados de 162 unidades amostrais (quadrados) utilizando 1 x 1 m2 para ervas, 5 x 5 m2 para arbustos e 10 x 10 m2 para árvores, considerando sistematicamente seis gradientes de altitude entre 1.970 m e 3.095 m. Realizamos análises estatísticas, como análise de correspondência canônica (CCA) e TWINSPAN (análise de espécies indicadoras de duas vias), para avaliação ecológica e agrupamento de comunidades de plantas. Para verificar a correlação das espécies (CR) com as variáveis topográficas e edáficas, foi utilizado o software estatístico PC-ORD, versão 7. Foram reconhecidas 264 espécies de plantas pertencentes a 30 famílias. Registramos as principais medições de amostragem de densidade, frequência e cobertura para todas essas espécies que são vitais para a descrição da comunidade. Os resultados mostraram valores de diversidade de Shannon-Wiener e Simpson de 19,18 e 3,17, respectivamente. Os índices de valor de importância (IVI) foram usados para identificar as espécies de plantas principais e raras em cada comunidade ou grupo de cluster. No total, reconhecemos 11 comunidades diferentes, como: Berberis-Abies-Bergeni, Picea-Indigofera-Poa, Abies-Parrotiopsis-Poa, Quercus-Viburnum-Poa, Picea-Salix-Primula, Abies-Viburnum-Poa, Viburnum-Taxus-Poa, Pinus-Viburnum-Lithospermum, Abies-Berberis-Carex, Pinus-Viburnum-Poa e Parrotiopsis-Picea-Poa, por meio de análise de agrupamento hierárquico (TWINSPAN). A análise de CCA revelou que, de todas as variáveis edáficas e topográficas estudadas, altitude, silte, carbonato de cálcio e matéria orgânica foram os fatores mais fortes na determinação da diversidade e composição da comunidade vegetal em cada microclima das 11 comunidades. Visualmente a vegetação da floresta foi dominada por árvores de pequeno porte, seguidas de arbustos, e se regenera, indicando o estágio de regeneração secundária. Encontramos grave interferência humana na biodiversidade existente, o que requer conservação imediata para garantir o manejo sustentável e a utilização dos recursos naturais da floresta temperada úmida de Lalkoo.

Abstract Here, we investigated the relationship between Plant communities and the environment from the moist temperate vegetation of Lakoo mountainous forest District Swat. We sampled data from 162 sampling units (Quadrates) using 1x1m2 for herbs 5x5m2 and shrubs, while 10 x10m2 for trees, systematically considering six elevation gradients between the altitudinal from 1970m to 3095m. We performed statistical analysis like Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) and TWINSPAN (two-way indicator species analysis) for ecological assessment and clustering of plant communities. To check upon the correlation of species (CR) with topographic and edaphic variables we used statistical software PC-ORD version 7. We recognized 264 species plants belonging to thirty families. We recorded key sampling measurements of density, frequency, and cover for all these species which are vital for community description. The results showed Shannon-Winner,s, and Simpson diversity values as 19.18 and 3.17 respectively. The importance value indexes (IVI) were used to identify the leading and rare species of plant in each community or cluster group. In total we recognized eleven different communities as: Berberis- Abies- Bergeni, Picea - Indigofera- Poa,Abies- Parrotiopsis- Poa, Quercus- Viburnum- Poa, Picea- Salix- Primula, Abies- Viburnum- Poa, Viburnum- Taxus- Poa, Pinus- Viburnum- Lithospermum, Abies-Berberis- carex, Pinus- Viburnum- Poa and Parrotiopsis- Picea- Poa through hierarchical cluster analysis (TWINSPAN). CCA analysis revealed that of all studied edaphic and topographic variables altitude, silt, calcium carbonate, and organic matter were the strongest factors determining plant community diversity and composition in each microclimate of the eleven communities. Visually the vegetation of the forest was dominated by small-sized trees followed by shrubs, and regenerates indicating the stage of secondary regeneration. We found severe human interference in disturbing the existing biodiversity, which requires immediate conservation to ensure sustainable management and utilization of natural resources of the Lalkoo moist temperate forest.

ABSTRACT The importance of understory vegetation cannot be denied as an integral component of forest ecosystems, but there is a dearth of studies to explore the effects of environmental variables and canopy species on its diversity and composition. Here we investigated the effects of environmental variables and overstory stand structure on the understory vegetation in old-growth Monotheca buxifolia dominated forests with considerable co-dominance of other broadleaved by using ecologically standardized data collection methods across Pakistan. Multivariate analyses were used to examine the vegetation composition and different species assemblages with multiple influencing variables. We found a total of 58 understory species belonging to 55 genera and 30 families mostly representing pluriregional (33.89 %) chorological affinities with therophytic (17 species) life-form dominance and microphyll (34.48 %) leaf-size spectrum. Likewise, significant differences were observed in species richness and diversity indices between different understory community types. Attributes such as elevation, aspect, soil properties, and tree canopy structure were most strongly correlated with the Redundancy Analysis (RDA-ordination), indicating that several factors exert the strongest influence and explained the spatial pattern of understory vegetation. The findings of this research can assist forestry resources managers, forest biologists and ecologists in restoration and conservation plans for understory vegetation in the region.

Abstract The South Brazilian grasslands (Campos Sulinos) form the dominant vegetation in southern Brazil. They are species-rich ecosystems that occur under distinct geomorphological and climatic conditions but spatial variation of plant species diversity remains understudied. Here, we present a detailed description of plant communities across the region. Our data were obtained in 1080 plots, representing well-preserved grasslands in different ecological systems. Apart from describing alpha and beta diversity, we investigated the relations of plant communities with environmental features. We identified 759 plant species and found clear differences in community composition across the region. Northern and Southern highland grasslands, humid and dry coastal grasslands and the mesic Pampa grassland were clearly distinct, related to climatic and edaphic features. While species abundance distribution was markedly uneven, local species richness was high, above 20 species/m2, especially in the highlands and in mesic Pampa sites, on shallow soils. The predominant component of beta diversity was species turnover, which suggests that a network of well-conserved grasslands distributed across the region would be the best strategy to protect plant diversity. Our results establish regionalized reference values for richness and diversity that can be useful for initiatives of restoration and conservation of these grasslands.

Resumo Apesar da singularidade e extensão da flora de savanas naturais na Amazônia brasileira, e da existência de trabalhos sobre sua origem e diversidade, não há estudos locais que associam padrões florísticos com propriedades do solo em enclaves de cerrado na região amazônica no estado de Mato Grosso. Comparamos a composição florística e a diversidade entre uma comunidade lenhosa de um inselberg de savana rochosa em uma região de transição (STR) entre os dois maiores biomas sul-americanos (Cerrado-Amazônia) e um enclave de savana rochosa na Amazônia (SAR) e investigamos os efeitos das propriedades do solo. Além disso, comparamos as duas comunidades estudadas com outras duas comunidades de savanas rochosas próximos da transição Cerrado-Amazônia. A flora e as propriedades físicas e químicas do solo de vinte e cinco subparcelas de 20 × 20 m (1 ha), em cada comunidade foram amostradas e georreferenciadas. Uma evidente distinção florística foi encontrada entre as duas comunidades estudadas, com baixos valores de similaridade e um número elevado de espécies indicadoras. A riqueza observada e estimada e os perfis de diversidade de Rényi indicaram menor diversidade de espécies na SAR do que na STR. Os solos são litólicos, pouco drenados, distróficos, álicos, extremamente ácidos, arenosos e pobres em nutrientes em ambas as comunidades. A composição e a abundância de espécies foram associadas às propriedades do solo. A clara diferença na composição e diversidade entre STR e SAR parecem ser moldadas pelas propriedades do solo, isolamento geográfico e influências florísticas do Cerrado e Amazônia. Esses resultados ampliam o conhecimento sobre a composição e diversidade de plantas lenhosas de savanas em enclaves da Amazônia e inselbergs do Cerrado e fornecem um importante conjunto de descritores florísticos e edáficos para a fitogeografia de savanas rochosas.

Abstract Despite the uniqueness and reach of the flora from natural savannas in the Brazilian Amazon, and the existence of studies on its origin and diversity, there are no local studies associating floristic patterns with soil properties in savanna enclaves in the Amazon region of the state of Mato Grosso. Floristic composition and diversity were compared between a woody community from a rocky savanna inselberg in a transition region (RTS) between the two largest South American biomes (Cerrado-Amazon), and an enclave of rocky savanna in the Amazon (RAS), and the effects of soil properties were investigated. Floristic comparisons were also made between the two studied communities and two other rocky savanna communities near the Cerrado-Amazon transition. The flora and physical and chemical soil properties in twenty-five 20 × 20 m subplots (1 ha) in each community were sampled and georeferenced. An evident floristic distinction was found between the two studied communities, with low similarity values and a high number of indicator species. The observed and estimated richness and Rényi diversity profiles indicated lower species diversity in RAS than in RTS. Soils were found to be litholic, poorly drained, dystrophic, alic, extremely acidic, sandy and nutrient poor. Species composition and abundance was associated with soil properties in both communities. The clear difference in species composition and diversity between RTS and RAS seem to be shaped by soil properties, geographic isolation and floristic influence from the Cerrado and the Amazon. These results broaden the knowledge regarding the composition and diversity of woody plants of savannas in Amazonian enclaves and Cerrado inselbergs, and provide an important set of floristic and edaphic descriptors for the phytogeography of rocky savannas.

Natural areas of high biological diversity are being degraded to meet man's need to convert them to various uses. The ecological restoration through litter transposition enables for the reestablishment of ecological processes and may contribute to the increase of microorganisms. It aimed to evaluate the influence of litter on the community of mycorrhizal fungi in an area of Cabreúva, São Paulo State, Brazil. Ten plots were delimited, five control and five treatment. Soil samples were collected during two distinct periods for physical, chemical and microbiological analysis. Results indicated that the edaphic conditions of the place are consistent with the presence of AMF; also, the transposed organic matter did not increase species richness and did not facilitate the colonization of plant species, whereas gravimetric humidity and grass may have influenced species richness.

Áreas naturais de elevada diversidade biológica estão sendo degradadas para suprir a necessidade do homem em convertê-las em usos diversos. A restauração ecológica por meio da transposição de serapilheira possibilita o reestabelecimento dos processos ecológicos e pode contribuir com o aumento de microrganismos. Objetivou-se avaliar a influência da serapilheira na comunidade de fungos micorrízicos em uma área de Cabreúva, SP. Dez parcelas foram delimitadas, sendo cinco controle e cinco com tratamento. Foram coletadas amostras de solo em dois períodos para análises físicas, químicas e microbiológicas. Os resultados indicaram que as condições edáficas do local condizem com a presença de FMA, a matéria orgânica transposta não promoveu aumento da riqueza de espécies e não facilitou a colonização de espécies vegetais, enquanto que a umidade gravimétrica e a gramínea podem ter influenciado na riqueza de espécies.