Integration of stakeholder choices and multi-criteria analysis to support land use planning in semiarid areas

The ecosystem services concept is increasingly considered as a policy tool to achieve the sustainable use of natural resources. However, it is still not sufficiently integrated into land use planning. We assessed five land use types (Tetraclinis articulata woodlands, Pinus halepensis plantations, Shrublands, Cereal-almond crops and Cactus groves) in a semiarid area of northern Morocco using empirical data on 17 ecosystem services whose weights were established by 67 stakeholders. The analysis included MCA and direct ranking of the five land uses. Three groups of stakeholders (scientists and managers, collaborators, and direct users of natural resources) were particularly concerned by water supply, protection against erosion and floods, soil fertility and food provision. Multi-criteria analysis showed that the three groups concurred in that Tetraclinis woodlands, crops and cactus fields were the most suitable land uses for the area, regarding ecosystem service provision. Direct ranking confirmed this tendency but showed some divergence between the three groups, as collaborators and users were more inclined towards crops and cactus. The integration of the ecosystem services concept in land use planning is needed to be more practical and easily perceived as a logical response to environmental exigencies and social aspirations.The work was carried out in the University of Abdelmalek Essaadi (Tétouan, Morocco) and the University of Alicante (Spain), and was funded by the projects SEMER (AECID: Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo, Programa de Cooperación Interuniversitaria AECI-PCI AP/040315/11), RESEP2B (University of Alicante), UNCROACH and TERECOVA (Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation; CGL2011-30581-C02-01 and CGL2014-52714-C2-1-R)

Community attributes determine facilitation potential in a semi-arid steppe

Studies on positive plant–plant relations have traditionally focused on pair-wise interactions. Conversely, the interaction with other co-occurring species has scarcely been addressed, despite the fact that the entire community may affect plant performance. We used woody vegetation patches as models to evaluate community facilitation in semi-arid steppes. We characterized biotic and physical attributes of 53 woody patches (patch size, litter accumulation, canopy density, vegetation cover, species number and identity, and phylogenetic distance), and soil fertility (organic C and total N), and evaluated their relative importance for the performance of seedlings of Pistacia lentiscus, a keystone woody species in western Mediterranean steppes. Seedlings were planted underneath the patches, and on their northern and southern edges. Woody patches positively affected seedling survival but not seedling growth. Soil fertility was higher underneath the patches than elsewhere. Physical and biotic attributes of woody patches affected seedling survival, but these effects depended on microsite conditions. The composition of the community of small shrubs and perennial grasses growing underneath the patches controlled seedling performance. An increase in Stipa tenacissima and a decrease in Brachypodium retusum increased the probability of survival. The cover of these species and other small shrubs, litter depth and community phylogenetic distance, were also related to seedling survival. Seedlings planted on the northern edge of the patches were mostly affected by attributes of the biotic community. These traits were of lesser importance in seedlings planted underneath and in the southern edge of patches, suggesting that constraints to seedling establishment differed within the patches. Our study highlights the importance of taking into consideration community attributes over pair-wise interactions when evaluating the outcome of ecological interactions in multi-specific communities, as they have profound implications in the composition, function and management of semi-arid steppes.This research has been funded by project UNCROACH (Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation; CGL2011-30581-C02-01), projects RECUVES and ESTRES (Spanish Ministry of the Environment, Rural and Marine Areas; 077/RN08/04.1and 063/SGTB/2007/7.1), project GRACCIE (Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, Consolider-Ingenio 2010 Program;CSD2007-00067) and Generalitat Valenciana (Programa G. Forteza;FPA/2009/029)

Similarities in stakeholder identification of restoration targets in a semiarid area

Ecological restoration is a suitable tool to revert the decline in the provision of ecosystem services in semiarid areas. Stakeholder opinion has been increasingly incorporated in ecological restoration strategies. However, the debate still exists whether the opinion of scientists and managers should be integrated together with that of local stakeholders in the decision making process. We assessed the restoration priorities in a semiarid area in North Morocco according to the opinion of 67 stakeholders, including scientists and managers, direct users and collaborators. The questions consisted in (i) ranking five categories of services in addition to economic benefits, and in (ii) comparing pairs of services within each category. We checked for both cardinal and ordinal inconsistency. The results showed an overall consensus about regulating and supporting services as the most valuable categories. More specifically, the most important services were erosion and flood control, soil fertility, water supply and species richness. The accuracy of the responses of the three groups was similar as the consistency for their judgments was not significantly different. Our results bring additional proof that the opinion of scientists, managers and local stakeholders should be considered of similar interest and accuracy when defining the most suitable restoration objectives.The research was carried out in the University of Abdelmalek Essaadi (Tétouan, Morocco) and the University of Alicante (Spain) and was funded by the projects SEMER (AECID: Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo, Programa de Cooperación Interuniversitaria AECI-PCI AP/040315/11), RESEP2B (University of Alicante) and UNCROACH (Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation; CGL2011-30581-C02-01), in collaboration with the Forest Administration of Al Hoceima in N Morocco

El uso de parches artificiales mejora el rendimiento de una repoblación de Rhamnus lycioides en medio semiárido

En el presente estudio se evalúa el efecto de la formación de parches artificiales que contribuyan a regenerar la dinámica fuente-sumidero característica de ecosistemas semiáridos. Para ello se ha evaluado el efecto de pilas de ramas de pino sobre brinzales introducidos de Rhamnus lycioides L., analizando la importancia relativa de la sombra y la captura de escorrentía superficial de estos parches en la respuesta de la vegetación. Estos parches redujeron de forma significativa la radiación PAR incidente, aumentando la supervivencia de los brinzales en más de un 30%, aunque no tuvieron un efecto significativo sobre su crecimiento o la retención de sedimentos. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren que las pilas de ramas pueden ser una buena herramienta en la restauración de estos medios, pudiendo mejorar procesos vitales para el ecosistema.Esta investigación ha sido financiada por el proyecto Life-ECOQUARRY (LIFE04 ENV/ES/000195), con la colaboración de CEMEX S.A

Análisis de las políticas de restauración forestal en España (1983-2013)

Se ha analizado la situación de la restauración forestal en España durante el período 1983-2013, evaluando la eficiencia de las políticas emprendidas desde las Comunidades Autónomas, poseedoras de competencias en materia forestal. Para ello se han analizado los documentos legales y estratégicos referentes a la restauración forestal y se ha realizado un diagnóstico de la situación actual a escala autonómica. También se ha evaluado la calidad de los proyectos de restauración forestal a partir de su memoria técnica. Algunas de las carencias identificadas, que suponen los principales retos de futuro, están relacionadas con la simplificación del concepto “restauración ecológica”, limitada a labores de repoblación o reforestación, y con una insuficiente priorización de las zonas con mayor necesidad de ser restauradas. Otros aspectos que requieren una atención especial son la titularidad de las zonas de actuación, en general pública, y la escasa variedad de las especies empleadas. Por su parte una carencia generalizada de los proyectos de restauración corresponde con la falta de identificación de ecosistemas de referencia hacia los que se pretende dirigir la restauración. Se considera que una adecuada coordinación, la consideración de procesos de participación pública y la realización de análisis de coste-beneficio serían fundamentales para un trabajo eficiente y adecuado a la realidad socioeconómica. Las labores de mantenimiento, seguimiento y evaluación post proyecto no han sido lo suficientemente desarrolladas. Finalmente, los datos, limitados, dispersos y de reducida accesibilidad, dificultan conocer con exactitud la superficie restaurada en España, así como la inversión que ha supuesto.Este trabajo se realizó en el Marco del Máster Oficial de la Universidad de Alicante Gestión y Restauración del Medio Natural. Jordi Cortina agradece la financiación del Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad al proyecto Herramientas para la planificación territorial de la restauración en la Comunidad Valenciana (TERECOVA; CGL2014-52714-C2-1-R)

Nutrient status and transplant shock on Mediterranean shrubs under semiarid climate

Hemos utilizado diferentes regímenes de fertirrigación en vivero y fertilizante de liberación lenta para producir brinzales de cinco especies leñosas mediterráneas (Pistacia lentiscus, Quercus coccifera, Rhamnus lycioides, Rhamnus alaternus, Tetraclinis articulata) con características morfológicas y funcionales contrastadas, y hemos evaluado el efecto de estos tratamientos sobre la vitalidad (potencial de crecimiento de raíces) y comportamiento en el campo (supervivencia tras el shock de transplante). El tamaño de los brinzales varió sustancialmente con los tratamientos. Observamos una relación positiva entre el estado nutricional y el crecimiento potencial de raíces, relación que era consecuencia del tamaño de las plantas. Las deficiencias de nitrógeno y fósforo, la reducción de la dosis de nutrientes o el endurecimiento por reducción de la proporción de N en las últimas fases de cultivo en vivero favorecieron la supervivencia de los brinzales a corto plazo. No observamos relación positiva entre el crecimiento potencial de raíces y la resistencia al shock post-transplante. Estos resultados contrastan con los obtenidos en zonas con déficit hídrico menos acusado.We have analyzed the effect of different fertilizer types and doses on the morphology and performance of five semiarid shrubs commonly used in afforestation programmes. Species selected had contrasted morpho-functional traits: Pistacia lentiscus, Quercus coccifera, Rhamnus lycioides, Rhamnus alaternus, Tetraclinis articulata. We found a relationship between application regime and root growth potential (RGP). Most of the variation in RGP was explained by seedling size, suggesting that other effects of nutrient application were less important. Short-term mortality reduced by nitrogen and phosphorus deficiency and nutrient hardening. No positive relationship was observed between RGP and transplant shock. Results contrast with works carried out in sub-humid areas.Este trabajo ha sido financiado por CEAM-Fundación Bancaja y una beca de investigación concedida a R. Trubat en el marco del proyecto CREOAK

Water availability and species identity control shrub colonization in abandoned semiarid steppes

The increase in shrub cover and density is a widespread phenomenon in drylands worldwide. Its causes and consequences are complex and strongly idiosyncratic. Detailed knowledge of the rate of shrub colonization, and its abiotic and biotic drivers is crucial to fully understand and manage these areas. We used a set of aerial photographs (1956, 1978, 1985, 1998 and 2009) and field data to relate shrub patch dynamics, and abiotic and biotic properties of 27 abandoned steppes in SE Iberian Peninsula. Shrub patch density in 2009 ranged from 11 to 143 patches ha−1, and increased by an average of ∼180% between 1956 and 2009. Temporal changes in shrub patch density followed non-linear functions (monomolecular, logistic and exponential) describing early, gradual and late recruitment, respectively. Differences in shrub patch colonization rate were related to the identity of patch-forming species, but contingent on water availability. Total increases in shrub patch density were larger when patches were dominated by late colonizer species. Overall shrub patch dynamics was mostly related to the identity of patch-forming species and climatic conditions, and to a lesser extent physical factors such as aspect and rock cover. Given the sensitivity of patch-forming species to climatic conditions, new challenges for steppe management will emerge over the next decades. Species able to thrive under harsh conditions may increase their dominance at the expense of species adapted to less demanding conditions.The project was financially supported by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Competitiveness (project UNCROACH, CGL2011-30581-C02-01). VR was supported by a postdoctoral grant from the OP Education for Competitiveness (European Social Fund and Czech Republic Ministry of Education and Youth CZ.1.07/2.3.00/30.0017) and by the National Research Foundation (South Africa). BA was supported by an FPU fellowship from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation

Evaluación a medio plazo de la aplicación de biosólidos en repoblaciones forestales de Pinus halepensis

Dado el delicado balance entre impactos positivos y negativos en la aplicación de biosólidos en trabajos de restauración forestal, la determinación de dosis adecuadas es un aspecto clave para la optimización del uso de estos residuos orgánicos en repoblaciones forestales en ambiente mediterráneo. En este ensayo realizamos una evaluación de la supervivencia y crecimiento de brinzales de Pinus halepensis sometidos a diferentes dosis de lodos de depuradora compostados o secos al aire, durante los tres años posteriores a su plantación. Tres años después de la plantación, el porcentaje de mortalidad fue elevado (>50% en el conjunto de todos los brinzales). Las dosis de 15 y 30 Mg.ha-1 apenas modificaron los porcentajes de supervivencia respecto al tratamiento control, mientras que dosis superiores los hicieron disminuir significativamente. Esta mortalidad se relacionó con el valor de la conductividad eléctrica del suelo tras el primer verano, y se mantuvo constante los tres años posteriores en relación al tratamiento control. El índice de efecto relativo aplicado al área basal de los brinzales tratados mostró una influencia muy positiva de las dosis más bajas frente a los valores negativos de dicho índice con las dosis de 60 Mg.ha-1. Nuestros resultados sugieren que la aplicación de dosis inferiores a 30 Mg.ha-1 de lodo de depuradora puede suponer una mejora en el resultado global de repoblaciones de Pinus halepensis en medios mediterráneos secos.Esta investigación ha sido financiada parcialmente por el Ministerio de Medio Ambiente (proyectos OLORES, exp nº174/2004/3 y BIOMET, exp. 608/2006/1-4.4). La Fundación CEAM está financiada por la Generalitat Valenciana y por Bancaixa

Characterization of soil mineralogy by FTIR: application to the analysis of mineralogical changes in soils affected by vegetation patches

Aims The objective of this paper was to develop a method based on infrared spectroscopy to compare mineral content in soils and apply it to evaluate soil mineralogical variations in pairs of inter-patch and patch soils in a semi-arid area. Methods Mixtures of several minerals were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy, the second derivative of the spectra was calculated and the spectra normalized respect to calcite or quartz signals (711 cm−1 or 800 cm−1 respectively). The intensities of representative signals of each mineral were related to their concentration in the mixtures. Pairs of patch and inter-patch soils from five different sites were analyzed by this method. Elemental analysis and total lime analysis were performed in some soil pairs. Results Soils were dominated by calcite and quartz, or by montmorillonite and kaolinite. Inter-patch soils were richer in calcite and poorer in quartz or clays than patch soils. Calcite losses in patch soils might be related to soil acidification by CO2 from respiration and/or organic matter. Elemental analysis showed high values of S, Cl, and K in patch soils with respect to inter-patch soils. Conclusions The proposed FTIR method was useful to compare soil mineralogy in specific areas. Fertile spots by accumulation of water, soluble salts and sediments may favor plant growth in semi-arid regions and these plants may increase the fertility of the spot. Changes in soil mineral composition could be used to monitor the biological activity of soil in arid and semi-arid zones.Research funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (projects UNCROACH, CGL2011–30581- C02–01 and GRACCIE Programa Consolider-Ingenio 2010, CSD2007–00067), Spanish Ministry of the Environment, Rural and Marine Areas (Project RECUVES; 077/RN08/04.1) and Generalitat Valenciana (Programa G. Forteza; FPA/2009/029)