The variability in the type of ecosystem degradation and the specificity of restoration goals can... more The variability in the type of ecosystem degradation and the specificity of restoration goals can challenge restorationists' ability to generalize about approaches that lead to restoration success. The discipline of soil ecology, which emphasizes both soil organisms and ecosystem processes, has generated a body of knowledge that can be generally useful in improving the outcomes of restoration despite this variability. Here, we propose that the usefulness of this soil ecological knowledge (SEK) for restoration is best considered in the context of the severity of the original perturbation, the goals of the project, and the resilience of the ecosystem to disturbance. A straightforward manipulation of single physical, chemical, or biological components of the soil system can be useful in the restoration of a site, especially when the restoration goal is loosely defined in terms of the species and processes that management seeks to achieve. These single-factor manipulations may in fact produce cascading effects on several ecosystem attributes and can result in unintended recovery trajectories. When complex outcomes are desired, intentional and holistic integration of all aspects of the soil knowledge is necessary. We provide a short roster of examples to illustrate that SEK benefits management and restoration of ecosystems and suggest areas for future research.
This study examined the effect of soil microarthropods on the decomposition of a single substrate... more This study examined the effect of soil microarthropods on the decomposition of a single substrate (Quercus prinus L.) at two humid tropical forests (La Selva, Costa Rica [LAS], and Luquillo Experimental Forest, Puerto Rico [LUQ]) and one temperate forest (Coweeta Hydrologic Station, North Carolina, USA [CWT]). In this litterbag experiment, naphthalene was applied to reduce the microarthropod population density from half of three replicate plots established at each site. This enabled us to quantify the mass loss contributed by the fauna (MLCF) at each site and permitted an analysis of the influence of site-specific differences in the composition of the microarthropod assemblages on decomposition rates. We hypothesized that microarthropod regulation of the microbial populations involved in leaf litter decomposition would be stronger in humid tropical forests, which experience conditions of low climatic variability. In these conditions, there can be an enhanced degree of biotic interactions between microarthropods and their microbial food sources. The elevated extent of these interactions should be expressed as a greater influence of microarthropods at the tropical sites and could result in a site-specific effect of faunal assemblages on decomposition.
… : SYMPOSIUM ON THE BIOLOGY, ECOLOGY, AND …, Jan 1, 2005
The use of trade, firm, or corporation names in this publication is for information only and does... more The use of trade, firm, or corporation names in this publication is for information only and does not constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
We examined decomposition rates of three substrates (Quercus prinus L., Acer rubrum L., and Cornu... more We examined decomposition rates of three substrates (Quercus prinus L., Acer rubrum L., and Cornus florida L.) in a watershed 21 years after it had been clearcut, and compared them to an adjacent control watershed. Previous investigations at these sites had shown that microarthropod populations, important components of the decomposer community, were considerably less dense in the clearcut watershed and that decomposition rates were reduced. Twenty-one years after clearcut decomposition rates in the clearcut watershed had reconverged with the control, and in the case of one substrate (C. florida) now exceeded the control. Microarthropods maintained denser populations in the clearcut watershed, and oribatid assemblages, the most abundant taxonomic group, were more diverse in that watershed. A contrast of the decomposition of the substrates 8 and 21 years after cable-logging revealed that decomposition was slower in the control watershed in the more recent observations, though this may reflect lower precipitation that year. These results seem to confirm that microarthropod recovery may be indicative of a restored decomposer community functioning, and that this may be reflective of reconverged abiotic conditions at the site. #
Urban biodiversity conservation needs a firm scientific foundation, one that draws upon active an... more Urban biodiversity conservation needs a firm scientific foundation, one that draws upon active and regionally calibrated research programs. Until recently this foundation has not existed. In this paper we examine the way in which the emerging discipline of restoration ecology in an urban context can learn from the experiences of ongoing restoration projects and in turn how novel insights from research of urban soils can help these projects define and reach their goals. Limitations on collaboration between academic researchers and practitioners continues be problematic. We discuss a model whereby this impediment may be removed. A case study of Rhamnus cathartica, an invader of Midwestern woodlands which modifies some important soil ecosystem properties will be used to illustrate the potential for engagement between research and practice.
Available evidence suggests that research in terrestrial restoration ecology has been dominated b... more Available evidence suggests that research in terrestrial restoration ecology has been dominated by the engineering and botanical sciences. Because restoration science is a relatively young discipline in ecology, the theoretical framework for this discipline is under development and new theoretical offerings appear regularly in the literature. In reviewing this literature, we observed an absence of in-depth discussion of how soils, and in particular the ecology of soils, can be integrated into the developing theory of restoration science. These observations prompted us to assess the current role of soil ecological knowledge in restoration research and restoration practice. Although soils are universally regarded as critical to restoration success, and much research has included manipulations of soil variables, we found that better integration of soil ecological principles could still contribute much to the practice of ecosystem restoration. Here we offer four potential points of departure for increased dialog between restoration ecologists and soil ecologists. We hope to encourage the view that soil is a complex, heterogeneous, and vital entity and that adoption of this point of view can positively affect restoration efforts worldwide.
Carabidae fauna in two Irish conifer stands: a comparison with those of some other European forests
… : Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, Jan 1, 1995
... A COMPARISON WITH THOSE OF SOME OTHER EUROPEAN FORESTS Marian T. Coll, Liam Heneghan and Thom... more ... A COMPARISON WITH THOSE OF SOME OTHER EUROPEAN FORESTS Marian T. Coll, Liam Heneghan and Thomas Bolger ABSTRACT ... Dublin. An Foras For bartha. Day, KR 1987 The species and community characteris tics of ground beetles (Cole?ptera: Carabidae) in 176 ...
This study examined nitrogen dynamics in decomposing Quercus prinus L. litter, con®ned in litterb... more This study examined nitrogen dynamics in decomposing Quercus prinus L. litter, con®ned in litterbags, in two tropical forests (La Selva Biological Station, Costa Rica and Luquillo Experimental Forest, Puerto Rico) and one temperate forest site (Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, NC). Using regressions of %N in the decomposing litter against litter mass remaining. we demonstrated similar concentrations of N at all sites when the amount of litter lost was 50%. By using naphthalene, an arthropod repellent, we examined the effect of microarthropods on the N¯uxes in the litterbags. Microarthropods had little effect on the %N remaining. At La Selva, the presence of fauna resulted in a marginally signi®cant increase in litter nitrogen concentrations (p <0.06). At both tropical sites, there was a signi®cant net immobilization of N followed by N mineralization after four months. Although there was a net immobilization of N at Coweeta, this lasted for a longer period and the litterbags had not begun to mineralize N after 10 months. We suggest that the rapid accumulation of N in decomposing litter at the tropical sites during the ®rst few months after leaf fall can result in the retention of mobile nitrogen ions in soils. The subsequent mineralization, in later decomposition stages, can make N available to trees during leaf¯ush. #
The impact of an invasive shrub (Rhamnus cathartica L.) on some ecosystem properties in urban woodland in Chicago, Illinois
Ecological Restoration, Jan 1, 2004
Additions to the Inventory of Irish Chironomidae (Diptera)
The Irish Naturalists' Journal, Jan 1, 1987
... Nat. J. Vol. 22 No. 5 1987 ADDITIONS TO THE INVENTORY OF IRISH CHIRONOMIDAE (DIPTERA) Liam He... more ... Nat. J. Vol. 22 No. 5 1987 ADDITIONS TO THE INVENTORY OF IRISH CHIRONOMIDAE (DIPTERA) Liam Heneghan and Declan A. Murray ... 4), Killiney, on Lupinus in garden, coll Mrs. A. Murphy and det VF Eastop; 9 $ nymphs, 31 May 1986, 0089377 (PV. 4), Castleknock, ...
The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file. All in-text references underlined in b... more The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file. All in-text references underlined in blue are added to the original document and are linked to publications on ResearchGate, letting you access and read them immediately.
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