Soil properties of North Iberian wet heathlands in relation to climate, management and plant community

Financiado para publicación en acceso aberto: Universidade da Coruña/CISUG[Abstract] Background and aims: Heathlands are a broad vegetation type characterized by the dominance of evergreen shrub species that thrive on nutrient-poor soils, thus sensitive to small changes in soil conditions. Here we aimed to identify soil gradients related to climate, management and main species in wet heathlands. Methods: Soil nutrient levels, organic matter and acidity were studied at two soil depths on ninety plots from 18 sites in Erica mackayana wet heaths of NW Iberian Peninsula, in relation to presence and cover of structural plant species (shrubs and graminoids) at two scales: plot and site (landscape) scale. Results: We identified one main soil gradient explained by soil organic matter (SOM), the effective cation exchange complex (eCEC), available phosphorus (P), and Aluminium-Calcium ratio (Al:Ca). Cattle density had a positive correlation with the main gradient in the surface layer, all other climate and management factors were unrelated to soil conditions. Molinia caerulea had a positive relation with SOM, eCEC, basic cations and low Al:Ca ratio. Erica cinerea showed the opposite reaction at both scales. Ulex gallii showed a negative correlation with C:N ratio at the plot scale and deeper layer. Conclusion: SOM accumulation, low nutrient levels and Al toxicity explain the uniqueness of E. mackayana heathland vegetation and soils. Main indicator species react to soil conditions at plot and landscape scales. Cattle density correlated positively with soil nutrient levels, but density of wild ponies is unrelated to soil conditions. Large herbivores, especially ponies, are needed for conservation management of these heathlands

Diversity of Testate Amoebae as an Indicator of the Conservation Status of Peatlands in Southwest Europe

Testate amoebae are one of the most studied groups of microorganisms in Sphagnum peatland ecosystems and, therefore, one of the most reliable bioindicators of their ecological status. Peatland ecosystems are supported by a delicate biogeochemical balance that leads to the formation of peat, one of the main sinks of C, as a result of soil–atmosphere interaction, but currently they are one of the most threatened wetland types at their southern distribution limit. In the European continent, where climatic conditions limit peat formation, they have endured significant anthropic pressure for centuries, and the risk of loss of biodiversity linked to these ecosystems is critical. In addition, peatlands are poorly known ecosystems in the Iberian Peninsula compared with other wetlands; therefore, we have studied the chemical parameters of water and the diversity patterns of testate amoebae in the western Iberian Peninsula to better understand the current status of these ecosystems. The analysis of testate amoeba communities showed an inverse relationship between the diversity and conservation status of these peatlands, both in relation to chemical parameters (i.e., pH, electrical conductivity, phosphates) and to the proportion of anthropized area, with a marked geographical pattern in the degree of anthropogenic disturbanceThis research was made possible thanks to a grant awarded by the Xunta de Galicia (project: INCITE09–200-019-PR) and thanks to the support of “Consolidación e Estructuración 2018 GRC GI-1243-GEMAP, ED431C 2018/32”S

Distribution of testate amoebae in bryophyte communities in São Miguel Island (Azores Archipelago)

Background: Testate amoebae are a polyphyletic group of protists living preferentially in soils, freshwaters and wetlands. These Protozoa have a worldwide distribution, but their presence and diversity in the Azores (a remote oceanic archipelago) is poorly known, with only twelve taxa recorded so far. The published information reflects occasional collections from sporadic field visits from naturalists to São Miguel Island, mainly in the nineteenth century. To overcome this limitation, a standardised survey was carried out on the Island, sampling different types of habitats from several localities to provide the distribution and information on species ecology of testate amoebae. New information: In this study, 43 species of testate amoebae were recorded (within a total of 499 occurrences), belonging to two orders of Protista (26 Arcellinida and 17 Euglyphida). The most frequently occurring testate amoebae were Euglypha strigosa, Trinema lineare, Euglypha rotunda, Assulina muscorum and Cyclopyxis eurystoma. The most diverse genus was Euglypha (six species). A total of 38 species are new records for the Azores Archipelago. These data help to improve knowledge of the geographical distribution of testate amoebae in the northern hemisphere and their diversity in the Azores ArchipelagoThis work was funded by FCT – Foundation for Science and Technology, the European Union, QREN, FEDER, COMPETE programmes (PMR - DL57/2016/ICETA/EEC2018/25; MSS - ICETA/EEC2018/25; DiscoverAzores Project - PTDC/CTA-AMB/28511/2017; UID/BIA/50027/2020 and POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006821), AZORESBIOPORTAL – PORBIOTA (ACORES-01-0145-FEDER-000072) and Consolidation and Structuring Project 2018 GRC-ED431C 2018/32 of Xunta de Galicia governmentS

Characterisation of Holocene plant macrofossils from North Spanish ombrotrophic mires: vascular plants

Methods and criteria that were used to identify plant macrofossils from four ombrotrophic mires in northern Spain are presented. Twelve monocotyledon and ten dicotyledon species were recorded. Some were identified from vegetative or reproductive macroremains (Eriophorum angustifolium, Molinia caerulea, Calluna vulgaris, Erica mackaiana, Erica tetralix, Potentilla erecta), while others were recognised only by their fruits (Rhynchospora alba, Carex durieui, Carex echinata, Carex binervis, Carex demissa, Betula alba), seeds (Juncus squarrosus, Juncus bulbosus, Luzula multiflora, Narthecium ossifragum, Drosera rotundifolia, Drosera intermedia, Caltha palustris, Daboecia cantabrica), rhizome fragments with remains of leaves (Agrostis curtisii), or twigs with buds and leaves (Vaccinium myrtillus). Descriptions of the specific distinctive characters for the plant macrofossils that were recorded are accompanied by illustrations that facilitate their interpretation. Dichotomous identification keys are also providedS

Distribuição do mercúrio total em função da dimensão dos agregados num podzol de floresta temperada

This study determined the distribution of total Hg (HgT) among aggregate size fractions in the A, E, Bh and Bs horizons of a representative temperate forest podzol. The aggregate distribution was dominated by the coarse sand size fraction (average of 55%) followed by fine sand (29%), fine silt (10%), coarse silt (4%) and clay (2%). In general, HgT mean values increased as the aggregate size become smaller: clay (170 ng g-1) > fine silt (130 ng g-1) > coarse silt (80 ng g-1) > fine sand (32 ng g-1) > coarse sand (14 ng g-1). Total Hg enrichment in clay-sized aggregates ranged from 2 to 11 times higher than the values shown by the bulk soil ( 50% of HgT in Bh and Bs horizons. The potential ecological risk index (PERIHg) increased as the aggregate size decreased, with the highest values in the illuvial horizons (45-903) and lowest in the E horizon (3-363). Heterogeneous distribution of Hg in the soil aggregate size fractions must be considered for Hg determination for purposes such as critical loads, background values or environmental risk indices. In addition, Hg accumulation in finer aggregates could be of concern due to its potential mobility in forest soils, either transferred by leaching to groundwater and freshwaters or mobilized by runoff in surface horizons.En este trabajo se analiza la distribución de Hg total (HgT) en fracciones de tamaño agregado en los horizontes A, E, Bh y Bs de un podzol forestal representativo. La distribución de agregados fue dominada por la fracción de tamaño arena gruesa (promedio del 55%), seguida arena fina (29%), limo fino (10%), limo grueso (4%) y arcilla (2%). En general, los valores medios de HgT incrementaron a medida que el tamaño de los agregados disminuía: arcilla (170 ng g-1) > limo fino (130 ng g-1) > limo grueso (80 ng g-1) > arena fina (32 ng g-1) > arena gruesa (14 ng g-1). El enriquecimiento de HgT en los agregados de tamaño arcilla varía entre 2 y 11 veces más que los niveles en la fracción tierra fina (< 2 mm). La acumulación de HgT en los agregados de menor tamaño estaba estrechamente asociada al C orgánico total, al C extraído con pirofosfato Na, a los complejos metal (Al, Fe)-humus y a los oxihidróxidos de Fe y Al. De hecho, estos parámetros variaron significativamente (p < 0,05) con el tamaño de agregado y sus valores más elevados se encontraron en las fracciones más finas. Esto sugiere el papel de estos compuestos del suelo en el incremento de la superficie específica por unidad de masa y de cargas negativas en los agregados más pequeños, favoreciendo la retención de Hg. Los valores del factor de acumulación de Hg (HgAF) fueron de hasta 10,8 en los agregados de tamaño arcilla, siendo cercanos a 1 en las fracciones de tamaño arena. Respecto de los factores de enriquecimiento de Hg (HgEF), estos fueron < 4 (categoría “contaminación moderada”) en la mayoría de los horizontes y tamaños de agregado. El índice de masa por tamaño de agregado (GSFHg) reveló que las fracciones más finas tenían una mayor carga de Hg que el correspondiente a sus masas, siendo destacable la contribución del limo fino que constituía más del 50% del HgT en los horizontes Bh y Bs. El índice de riesgo ecológico potencial (PERIHg) aumentó conforme disminuía el tamaño de agregado, con los valores más altos en los horizontes iluviales (45-903) y los más bajos en el horizonte E (3-363). La distribución heterogénea del Hg entre fracciones de tamaño agregado debe ser tenida en cuenta para la determinación de Hg para fines como cargas críticas, valores de fondo geoquímico o índices de riesgos medioambientales. Además, la acumulación de Hg en los agregados más finos podría ser preocupante debido a su potencial movilidad en suelos forestales, tanto mediante su transferencia por lixiviado a aguas freáticas y superficiales como su movilización por escorrentía en los horizontes superficiales.Neste estudo determinou-se a distribuição do Hg total (HgT) pelos agregado de diferentes frações nos horizontes A, E, Bh e Bs de um podzol representativo de floresta temperada. A distribuição dos agregados foi dominada pela fração areia grossa (média de 55%) seguida de areia fina (29%), limo fino (10%), limo grosseiro (4%) e argila (2%). Em geral, os valores médios da HgT aumentaram à medida que a dimensão do agregado diminuiu: argila (170 ng g-1) > limo fino (130 ng g-1) > limo grosseiro (80 ng g-1) > areia fina (32 ng g-1) > areia grosseira (14 ng g-1). O enriquecimento total de Hg em agregados da dimensão argila variou, sendo de 2 a 11 vezes maior do que os valores na fração terra fina (< 2 mm). A acumulação de HgT em agregados de menor dimensão estava intimamente relacionada com o C orgânico total, C extraído com pirofosfato de Na, aos complexos organo-metálicos (Al, Fe) e aos oxihidróxidos de Fe e Al. De facto, esses parâmetros variaram significativamente (p < 0,05) com o tamanho do agregado e os valores mais altos ocorreram nas frações mais finas. Isto sugere o papel destes compostos do solo no aumento da superfície específica e das cargas negativas nos agregados de menor dimensão, favorecendo a retenção do Hg. Os valores do fator de acumulação de Hg (HgAF) atingiram o valor de 10,8 nos agregados da dimensão argila, sendo próximos da unidade nas frações areia. Os fatores de enriquecimento do Hg (HgEF) apresentam valores < 4 (categoria "poluição moderada") na maioria dos horizontes e dimensão de agregados. O índice de massa por dimensão de agregado (GSFHg) revelou que as frações mais finas apresentam maior carga de Hg do que as suas frações de massa, sendo notável a contribuição do limo fino ao qual correspondiam valores > 50% de HgT nos horizontes Bh e Bs. O índice de risco ecológico potencial (PERIHg) aumentou com a diminuição do tamanho do agregado, com os valores mais altos nos horizontes iluviais (45-903) e mais baixos no horizonte E (3-363). A distribuição heterogénea de Hg nos agregados de várias dimensões deve ser considerada para determinação do Hg no solo com objetivos tais como cargas críticas, valores de fundo ou índices de risco ambiental. Além disso, a acumulação de Hg em agregados mais finos pode ser motivo de preocupação devido à sua potencial mobilidade em solos florestais, quer pela sua transferência por lixiviação para as águas subterrâneas e superficiais, quer por mobilização por escoamento superficial desorganizado em horizontes superficiais.This work was supported by the Consellería de Cultura, Educación e Ordenación Universitaria (Xunta de Galicia) with a Reference Competitive Groups grant (ED431C2017/62) to BV1 Research Group. Xunta de Galicia is acknowledged by the pre-doctoral fellowship of A. G. A. (ED481A-2016/220)S

High-resolution patterns of palaeoenvironmental changes during the Little Ice Age and the Medieval Climate Anomaly in the northwestern Iberian Peninsula

ABSTRACT: A high resolution core (9.7 yr cm-1 ) from the Chao de Veiga Mol raised bog (NW Iberian Peninsula) was analyzed to identify plant macrofossils, estimate peat humification and calculate hydroclimatic indices based on current bog species, with the overall aim of determining the climate conditions associated with evolution of the bog during the Medieval Climate Anomaly and the Little Ice Age. These proxies, together with historical and climate data, proved to be good indicators of the changes in bog surface wetness. Analysis: of the core led to identification of 9 different periods: two corresponding to the so-called Medieval Climate Anomaly (930 to 1345 AD, 1075–665 calibrated years before present [cal. yr BP]); four corresponding to the Little Ice Age (1345 to 1905 AD; 665–105 cal yr BP); and three corresponding to the last century (1905 to 2000 AD). The findings revealed a generally dry climate that lasted until the 14th century, followed by a transition to a long period with a more humid, but characteristically very variable climate, which ended at the beginning of the 20th century and was followed by a rapid transition to more humid conditions and finally, a change to drier conditions. The Medieval Climate Anomaly was indicated by the abundance of dry-adapted mosses (Leucobryum glaucum, Hypnum cupressiforme) and characterized by warm dry conditions and high levels of peat humification, with alternating wet phases. The LIA period was dated by a large abundance of Sphagnum species (an indicator of wetness) and a gradual increase in the humification index. However, four different climate phases were differentiated in this period. High-resolution reconstruction of the evolution of the CVM bog and the multiproxy approach have together enabled a more detailed identification of climatic variations in this area, which are generally consistent with the global models, as well as better definition of the elusive climatic oscillations in the last millennium and confirmation of the importance of local modulation of global models. The study provides new information and a detailed chronology of climatic events that will help to refine local modulation of the climate evolution model in the still quite unexplored region of the NW Iberian Peninsula, a key area for understanding the paleoclimatic dynamics in SW Europe.This research was funded with the support of the Xunta de Galicia government (Spain) through projects INCITE09-200-019-PR and Consolidacion e Estructuracion 2018 GRC GI- 1243-GEMAP, ED431C 2018/32

The role of afforestation species as a driver of Hg accumulation in organic horizons of forest soils from a Mediterranean mountain area in SW Europe

Forest areas are a primary sink of atmospheric mercury (Hg) within terrestrial ecosystems, whereas forest vegetation plays a key role in atmospheric Hg transfer to soil horizons. This study assessed variations in total Hg contents (HgT) and accumulation (HgRes) in the soil organic horizons of a forest area in NE Portugal, where post-wildfire afforestation led to the substitution of the native deciduous species (Quercus pyrenaica) by fast-growing coniferous species (Pseudotsuga menziesii and Pinus nigra). The study also evaluated, for each species, the links between Hg contents and other biophilic elements of soil organic matter (C, N, S) present in organic subhorizons (OL, OF, OH). Mean HgT in the organic horizons of the different tree species follow the sequence: P. nigra (88 μg kg−1) < Q. pyrenaica (101 μg kg−1) < P. menziesii (141 μg kg−1). The highest HgRes for the entire organic horizon was found under P. menziesii (471 μg m−2), followed by P. nigra (253 μg m−2) and Q. pyrenaica (189 μg m−2). Among the organic subhorizons, values of HgT and HgRes follow the sequence OL < OF < OH, which is consistent with the degree of organic matter humification. Indeed, HgT and HgRes correlated significantly with the C/N and C/S ratios for all species and organic subhorizons, suggesting that the quality of organic matter may influence strongly the Hg fate in these forest soils. Soils from P. menziesii plots have shown an HgRes 2.5 times higher than in plots dominated by the native Q. pyrenaica. Hg accumulation in the organic horizons, promoted in the coniferous species, may increase the risk of Hg mobilization due to wildfires and forest management practices. Therefore, forest management plans should select cautiously the tree species for afforestation in order to minimize adverse environmental effects caused by changes in the biogeochemical cycle of contaminants such as Hg.M. Méndez-López acknowledges the predoctoral grant FPU of Ministerio de Educación y Formación Profesional (FPU17/05484). It is also recognized the financial support of the Consellería de Cultura, Educación e Universidade (Xunta de Galicia) through the contract ED431C 2021/46-GRC granted to the research group BV1 of the University of Vigo and the research project ED431F2018/06-EXCELENCIA.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The soil use conflict and food quality

Se discuten los problemas derivados de la intensificación del conflicto de los usos del suelo en base a las tres amenazas que pueden comprometer la calidad y seguridad alimentaria. Este trabajo se centra en analizar: A) la importancia de la conservación del suelo como protector de los recursos hídricos y las consecuencias de la mala ordenación de usos del suelo sobre la calidad del agua y los alimentos, B) el problema del empleo del suelo como receptor final de residuos orgánicos y la compatibilidad con su uso agrícola, C) finalmente se abordará el problema de la competencia del uso del suelo para la producción de energía, destacando el conflicto entre la producción de biocombustibles y alimentosWe discuss the problems arising from the intensification of the land use conflict on the basis of three main threats that may compromise the food safety and its quality. We focused on: (A) the importance of soil conservation to protect the water resources and the consequences of inadequate soil use planning on the water quality and food, (B)the problem of soil as destination of organic wastes and its use in agriculture, (C) finally we discuss the problem of the competence for energy production, highlighting the conflict between biofuels and food productionS

7150 Depresiones en sustratos turbosos del rhynchosporium

[ES] Definición según Bartolomé et al. (2005): comuni¬dades vegetales pioneras colonizadoras de substratos ácidos turbosos desnudos resultantes de la erosión artificial o natural de las turberas de Sphagnum. Este tipo de hábitat se presenta en los mismos terri¬torios que otras turberas de Sphagnum, fundamen¬talmente en las comarcas septentrionales y en los sistemas montañosos ácidos de la Península.Peer reviewe

Iberian acid peatlands: types, origin and general trends of development

In the present study we reviewed the genesis, development and classification of peatlands in the Iberian Peninsula by conducting chronostratigraphic analysis of 108 of these ecosystems. The findings are summarised as follows: 1. The region has a wide variety of peatlands which are classified according to their biogeochemical, geomorphological and ecological characteristics into different types of bogs and fens. 2. Most of the peatlands occur in the Atlantic region followed by the Mediterranean and Alpine regions. Fens are more widely distributed than bogs, and blanket and raised bogs are mainly found in the Eurosiberian biogeographical region. 3. In many of the fens, the last active peat-forming cycle occurred during the Late Holocene (43 %). In most of the bogs, the peat-forming cycle occurred in the Middle Holocene (70 %), although in a substantial proportion of blanket bogs these processes occurred in the Early Holocene (30 %). 4. The peat formed in the last active cycle is, on average, thicker in raised bogs (322 cm) than in blanket bogs (257 cm) and fens (156 cm). 5. Vertical peat accumulation rates varied between 16 and 30 yr cm-1 in more than 40 % of the peatlands. The accumulation rates differed significantly between the different types of peatlands and were highest in the raised bogs. The accumulation rates were very variable in the fens. 6. The genesis, evolution and types of Iberian peatlands are similar to those observed in peatlands in northern latitudes in Europe and North AmericaOur research has been made possible by the following project grants: INCITE09-200-019-PR (Xunta de Galicia Government); DESIRÈHAR2013-43701-P (Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness); and Relictflora-P11-RNM7033 (Excellence Research Projects Program from the Andalusian Government)S