Lunar Rhythmicities in the Biology of Trees, Especially in the Germination of European Spruce (Picea abies Karst.): A New Statistical Analysis of Previously Published Data

Interest in the question of moon-related fluctuations in tree biology and physiology has been revived by recent experimental research, which could confirm the existence of real phenomena. In this context, previously published extensive data from germination tests on European Spruce using established standard devices, which appeared at the time to give negative results, has been analysed with the help of modern statistical tools. Slight but statistically significant lunar rhythmicities were revealed by this new analysis. One of these fluctuations is found in the germination rate from sowings shortly before Full Moon, compared to those shortly before New Moo

Lunar Rhythmicities in the Biology of Trees, Especially in the Germination of European Spruce (Picea abies Karst.): A New Statistical Analysis of Previously Published Data

Abstract Interest in the question of moon-related fluctuations in tree biology and physiology has been revived by recent experimental research, which could confirm the existence of real phenomena. In this context, previously published extensive data from germination tests on European Spruce using established standard devices, which appeared at the time to give negative results, has been analysed with the help of modern statistical tools. Slight but statistically significant lunar rhythmicities were revealed by this new analysis. One of these fluctuations is found in the germination rate from sowings shortly before Full Moon, compared to those shortly before New Moon

A framework to implement Stakeholder participation in environmental projects

Participation has emerged as an appropriate approach for enhancing natural resources management. However, despite long experimentation with participation, there are still possibilities for improvement in designing a process of stakeholder involvement by addressing stakeholder heterogeneity and the complexity of decision-making processes. This paper provides a state-of-the-art overview of methods. It proposes a comprehensive framework to implement stakeholder participation in environmental projects, from stakeholder identification to evaluation. For each process within this framework, techniques are reviewed and practical tools proposed. The aim of this paper is to establish methods to determine who should participate, when and how. The application of this framework to one river restoration case study in Switzerland will illustrate its strengths and weaknesses

Carbon storage and soil organic matter stabilisation in near-natural, restored and embanked Swiss floodplains

Over recent decades, the number of floodplain restoration projects has increased worldwide. In Switzerland, several projects have been implemented to maintain or recreate ecological functions of floodplains. Despite this, little is known about the potential of floodplain soils to release and/or accumulate carbon. In alluvial soils, carbon storage is strongly influenced by fluvial dynamics, and therefore a better understanding of carbon fluxes and stocks in such settings is clearly needed. To evaluate the impact of river restoration on carbon storage in alluvial soils, we aimed to quantify and explain carbon storage and soil organic matter (SOM) stabilisation in the uppermost soil humic layer. Three floodplains were investigated showing each of them different levels of human disturbance: a near-natural section along the Rhine River, and both restored and embanked sections along the Thur River and Emme River. Carbon storage was determined by total organic carbon (TOC) stocks. SOM stabilisation was evaluated by considering the TOC content in different granulometric fractions (1000–2000 μm, 500–1000 μm, and 250–500 μm) and the macro-aggregate formation, i.e. the abundance of water-stable aggregates (WSA) and the mean weight diameter of macro-aggregates (MWD). Our results show that the carbon storage and SOM stabilisation parameters were all related to soil properties such as clay, silt and total iron contents of the upper humic layer. Within each floodplain, carbon storage and SOM stabilisation parameters differed according to soil profile groups, thus reflecting a soil gradient evolution from bare alluvium soils to more stabilised soils and a hydric functioning (soils with hydromorphic features). In addition, river restoration showed various impacts on carbon storage and SOM stabilisation parameters depending on the floodplains, with a significant difference between embanked and restored sections for the Emme floodplain and no difference for the Thur floodplain

A new framework for forestry planning

The purpose of the article is to describe and comment on recent developments that have influenced forestry management and planning. The concepts of “sustainable development” and “multiple use forestry” have opened new dimensions in forestry theory. “Criteria and indicators” in sustainable management have been instrumental in implementing a more systematic approach to the definition of management goals and of forest system monitoring. The landscape approach incorporates management processes into a broader ecological system. Modern participatory procedures involve the relevant players in the decision-making process and improve acceptance of management plans. Forest certification and the ecosystem-based approach enable forestry businesses to both improve their management and acquire credit among audiences that are increasingly aware of the stakes of sustainable development.Le but de l’article est de présenter et de commenter les développements récents qui ont influencé la gestion forestière et l’aménagement des forêts. Les notions “gestion durable” et “multifonctionnalité” ont apporté des dimensions nouvelles à la réflexion forestière. Les “critères et indicateurs” de la gestion durable sont des instruments qui ont permis une approche plus systématique de la définition des objectifs de gestion et de la surveillance des systèmes forestiers. L’approche paysagère permet d’intégrer les processus de gestion dans un système écologique plus large. Les techniques modernes de participation permettent d’associer aux prises de décisions les acteurs concernés et d’améliorer l’acceptation des plans de gestion. La certification forestière et l’approche écosystémique sont des outils qui permettent à l’entreprise forestière à la fois d’améliorer sa gestion et de gagner du crédit auprès d’un public de plus en plus conscient des défis du développement durable