The structure and diversity of tree species in a temperate forest in northwestern Mexico was characterized. Nine sampling sites of 50 × 50 m (2,500 m2) were established, and a census of all tree species was carried out. Each individual was measured for total height and diameter at breast height. The importance value index (IVI) was obtained, calculated from the variable abundance, dominance and frequency. The diversity and richness indices were also calculated. A total of 12 species, four genera and four families were recorded. The forest has a density of 575.11 individuals and a basal area of 23.54/m2. The species of Pinus cooperi had the highest IVI (79.05%), and the Shannon index of 1.74.
Objective: To study the changes of growth, physiological and absorption characteristics of Pinus bungeana under ozone (O3) stress, to elucidate the correlations among the indicators, and to determine its degree of response to O3. Methods: The growth, physiological characteristics and O3 uptake capacity of Pinus bungeana seedlings were measured in an open-top O3 fumigation manual control experiment with three concentration gradients (NF: normal atmospheric O3 concentration, NF40: normal atmospheric O3 concentration plus 40 nmlol/mol; NF80: normal atmospheric O3 concentration plus 80 nmol/mol), and the relationships between the characteristics of Pinus bungeana under different O3 concentrations were investigated with correlation analysis, redundancy analysis and analysis of variance. Results: (1) Plant height growth (ΔH), diameter growth at 50 cm (ΔDBH), stomatal size (S), stomatal density (M), stomatal opening (K), stomatal conductance (Gs), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Et), water use efficiency (WUE), maximum photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), chlorophyll content (CHL), whole tree water consumption (W), and O3 uptake rate () all decreased with the increase of O3 concentration; while intercellular CO2 concentration () and relative conductivity (L) increased with the increase of O3 concentration; (2) growth indicators of Pinus bungeana under O3 stress (ΔH, ΔDBH) were the most correlated with O3 uptake status (, W), followed by photosynthetic indicators (, WUE, ,, ) and growth indicators (ΔH, ΔDBH) and stomatal characteristics (K, M, S) under O3 stress, some physiological indicators (L, ) were relatively weakly correlated with photosynthesis (, WUE,,, ) and stomatal (K, M, S); (3) all the indicators of Pinus bungeana were significantly different under O3 treatments of NF and NF80 (P < 0.05), ΔH, ΔDBH, M, CHL, , , W and were most significantly different under NF and NF40 treatments, and K, S, WUE, , , , L were more significantly different under NF40 and NF80 treatments. Conclusion: The experiment proved that the growth of Pinus bungeana was slowed, photosynthetic capacity was reduced, and the absorption capacity of O3 was further reduced by long-term exposure to high concentration of O3. The growth of Pinus bungeana was most correlated with the changes of O3 absorption characteristics, and the stomatal characteristics were most correlated with photosynthetic physiological characteristics, and the reduction of photosynthetic capacity etc. further led to the curtailment of its growth.
Water scarcity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, is a critical issue affecting forest management. This study investigates the effects of drought stress on the water requirement and morphological characteristics of two important tree species Turkish pine and Chinaberry. Using a factorial design, the study examines the impact of three age stages (one-year-old, three-year-old, and five-year-old plants) and three levels of drought stress on these species. Microlysimeters of varying sizes were employed to simulate different drought conditions. Soil moisture was monitored to show the effect of the various irrigation schedules. The study also calculated reference crop evapotranspiration (ET0) using the PMF-56 method and developed plant coefficients (Kc) for the species. Results showed that evapotranspiration increased with soil moisture, peaking during summer and decreasing in winter. Turkish pine exhibited higher plant ET than Chinaberry, particularly among one-year-old seedlings. Drought stress significantly reduced evapotranspiration and water uses for both species, highlighting the importance of efficient water management in afforestation projects. The findings underscore the necessity of selecting drought-resistant species and optimizing irrigation practices to enhance the sustainability of green spaces in arid regions. These insights are crucial for improving urban forestry management and mitigating the impacts of water scarcity in Iran and similar climates globally.
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