Thesis (Ph. D.)--Oregon State University, 1992. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 106-115). Also available on the World Wide Web.

Thesis (M.S. in Soil Science)--Washington State University. / Includes bibliographical references.

Estima-se que atualmente 80% dos remanescentes florestais de Mata Atlântica estejam localizados em propriedades particulares, o que torna evidente a necessidade da conservação dessas áreas por entidades engajadas. A avaliação e o monitoramento das florestas restauradas são essenciais para o aperfeiçoamento das técnicas de restauração, contribuindo dessa forma para a manutenção e a permanência da biodiversidade nessas áreas. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a influência do tempo de restauração florestal em áreas plantadas com espécies arbóreas nativas e suas características estruturais sobre a riqueza e abundância da anurofauna de serapilheira. Os dados da presente pesquisa foram obtidos entre abril de 2011 e fevereiro de 2012, em parcelas de 5 × 5 m dispostas em 12 fragmentos localizados em três áreas de vegetação nativa e uma cronossequência (cinco meses e quatro e 11 anos de idade) de áreas restauradas, totalizando três fragmentos por idade. Em cada fragmento foram instaladas seis unidades amostrais, cada uma composta por quatro parcelas, perfazendo 288 parcelas de esforço amostral. Além da contagem de anuros, em cada parcela, com a intenção de caracterizar os micro-habitats disponíveis para os anuros dentro das diferentes florestas, foram medidas as seguintes variáveis abióticas: temperatura e umidade relativa do ar aprisionado na serapilheira, profundidade da serapilheira e cobertura do dossel. Observouse a presença de cinco espécies distribuídas em cinco famílias. A maior riqueza de espécies e abundância foram registradas nos fragmentos com 11 anos de restauração, seguida pela área de floresta nativa e pelo fragmento com cinco meses de idade. Na área com quatro anos de restauração nenhum indivíduo foi capturado. A análise de correlação de Spearman indicou que a riqueza foi significativamente correlacionada com a profundidade de serapilheira e a cobertura do dossel. Foi observada correlação positiva entre as variáveis cobertura do dossel e profundidade de serapilheira e correlação negativa entre umidade relativa do ar e temperatura relativa do ar. O teste de Kruskal-Wallis indicou diferença significativa entre os diferentes tipos de fragmentos avaliados. O teste de Wilcoxon revelou que os fragmentos de cinco meses e quatro anos não diferiram entre si, mas foram significativamente diferentes dos fragmentos de 11 anos e de floresta nativa. Ressalta-se, no entanto, a necessidade de estudos de médio e longo prazo para que se possa melhorar a compreensão dos processos envolvidos na sucessão ecológica e da ocupação desses habitats pelas espécies de anuros. / It is estimated that currently 80% of the remaining Atlantic forest are located on private properties, which makes evident the need for conservation of these areas by engaged entities. Evaluation and monitoring of restored forests are essential to improve restoration techniques, thereby contributing to the maintenance and persistence of biodiversity in these areas. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of time of forest restoration in areas planted with native tree species and their structural characteristics on the richness and abundance of leaf litter frogs. The data set of this study was obtained between April 2011 and February 2012, on 5 × 5 m plots arranged in 12 fragments located in three areas of native vegetation and a chronosequence (five months, and four and 11 years old) of areas restored with native species, totaling three fragments by age. Four sampling stations with six sampling units were installed in each fragment, totaling 288 plots of sampling effort. In addition to counting the frogs in each plot the following abiotic variables were measured: temperature and relative humidity of the air trapped in the litter, litter depth and cover canopy. Five anuran species belonging to five families were recorded. The highest species richness and abundance were obtained in forested fragments with 11 years old, followed by the native forest area and the fragment with five months old. No individual was captured at the four years old area. The Spearman correlation analysis indicated that anuran richness was significantly correlated with the depth of leaf litter and canopy cover. Canopy cover and litter depth were positively correlated, and relative humidity and temperature of the air were negatively correlated. The Kruskal-Wallis test indicated a significant difference among different types of fragments evaluated. The Wilcoxon test revealed that five old months and four years old fragments did not differ, but they were significantly different from 11 years old and native forest fragments. It should be noted, however, the need for medium and long term studies to improve our understanding about processes involved in ecological succession and occupation of these habitats by anurans.

Estima-se que atualmente 80% dos remanescentes florestais de Mata Atlântica estejam localizados em propriedades particulares, o que torna evidente a necessidade da conservação dessas áreas por entidades engajadas. A avaliação e o monitoramento das florestas restauradas são essenciais para o aperfeiçoamento das técnicas de restauração, contribuindo dessa forma para a manutenção e a permanência da biodiversidade nessas áreas. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a influência do tempo de restauração florestal em áreas plantadas com espécies arbóreas nativas e suas características estruturais sobre a riqueza e abundância da anurofauna de serapilheira. Os dados da presente pesquisa foram obtidos entre abril de 2011 e fevereiro de 2012, em parcelas de 5 × 5 m dispostas em 12 fragmentos localizados em três áreas de vegetação nativa e uma cronossequência (cinco meses e quatro e 11 anos de idade) de áreas restauradas, totalizando três fragmentos por idade. Em cada fragmento foram instaladas seis unidades amostrais, cada uma composta por quatro parcelas, perfazendo 288 parcelas de esforço amostral. Além da contagem de anuros, em cada parcela, com a intenção de caracterizar os micro-habitats disponíveis para os anuros dentro das diferentes florestas, foram medidas as seguintes variáveis abióticas: temperatura e umidade relativa do ar aprisionado na serapilheira, profundidade da serapilheira e cobertura do dossel. Observouse a presença de cinco espécies distribuídas em cinco famílias. A maior riqueza de espécies e abundância foram registradas nos fragmentos com 11 anos de restauração, seguida pela área de floresta nativa e pelo fragmento com cinco meses de idade. Na área com quatro anos de restauração nenhum indivíduo foi capturado. A análise de correlação de Spearman indicou que a riqueza foi significativamente correlacionada com a profundidade de serapilheira e a cobertura do dossel. Foi observada correlação positiva entre as variáveis cobertura do dossel e profundidade de serapilheira e correlação negativa entre umidade relativa do ar e temperatura relativa do ar. O teste de Kruskal-Wallis indicou diferença significativa entre os diferentes tipos de fragmentos avaliados. O teste de Wilcoxon revelou que os fragmentos de cinco meses e quatro anos não diferiram entre si, mas foram significativamente diferentes dos fragmentos de 11 anos e de floresta nativa. Ressalta-se, no entanto, a necessidade de estudos de médio e longo prazo para que se possa melhorar a compreensão dos processos envolvidos na sucessão ecológica e da ocupação desses habitats pelas espécies de anuros. / It is estimated that currently 80% of the remaining Atlantic forest are located on private properties, which makes evident the need for conservation of these areas by engaged entities. Evaluation and monitoring of restored forests are essential to improve restoration techniques, thereby contributing to the maintenance and persistence of biodiversity in these areas. The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of time of forest restoration in areas planted with native tree species and their structural characteristics on the richness and abundance of leaf litter frogs. The data set of this study was obtained between April 2011 and February 2012, on 5 × 5 m plots arranged in 12 fragments located in three areas of native vegetation and a chronosequence (five months, and four and 11 years old) of areas restored with native species, totaling three fragments by age. Four sampling stations with six sampling units were installed in each fragment, totaling 288 plots of sampling effort. In addition to counting the frogs in each plot the following abiotic variables were measured: temperature and relative humidity of the air trapped in the litter, litter depth and cover canopy. Five anuran species belonging to five families were recorded. The highest species richness and abundance were obtained in forested fragments with 11 years old, followed by the native forest area and the fragment with five months old. No individual was captured at the four years old area. The Spearman correlation analysis indicated that anuran richness was significantly correlated with the depth of leaf litter and canopy cover. Canopy cover and litter depth were positively correlated, and relative humidity and temperature of the air were negatively correlated. The Kruskal-Wallis test indicated a significant difference among different types of fragments evaluated. The Wilcoxon test revealed that five old months and four years old fragments did not differ, but they were significantly different from 11 years old and native forest fragments. It should be noted, however, the need for medium and long term studies to improve our understanding about processes involved in ecological succession and occupation of these habitats by anurans.

Numerous flights of Quaternary marine terraces are present around the island of Cyprus, in the Eastern Mediterranean. These terraces are a result of the global eustatic sea-level curve and local tectonism. Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5 through MIS 13 terraces are identified, mapped and dated. Palaeoshoreline elevation, an excellent indicator for a past sea–level, and new numerical geochronology are used to calculate an Upper Pleistocene uplift rate for various coastal sectors. Southwestern Cyprus presents the highest uplift rates of 0.35-0.65 mm/year with other sections suggesting uplift of 0.07-0.15 mm/year. This Upper Pleistocene tectonic signal is attributed to an active offshore subduction/collision system to the southwest of Cyprus, evidenced from the seismic activity offshore and the surface expression of a blind thrust fault in the Pafos region. Soil chronosequences and geology in southwestern Cyprus are studied in order to understand the Quaternary development on this uplifting landscape. Soil profile properties are used to calculate a profile development index (PDI), a method often applied to geomorphic surfaces as a relative dating method. Well-developed red and clayey soils occur in the coastal sector, on broad and low-angle surfaces, specifically on marine terraces and alluvial fans. Higher elevations of steep slopes consisting of carbonate and ophiolite lithologies host poorly developed soils. Results show variable PDI's on uplifted terraces, obscured by transported materials, active alluvial fan buildup and hillslope erosion. Calcium carbonate build-up in soil profiles in the form of nodular and laminar accumulations are used as another relative dating method. Geochronology of marine terraces is used as an age range approximation for carbonate stages. Geomorphologic mapping focuses on the southeastern part of the Pafos thrust fault, the only point on the landscape where this otherwise blind fault is exposed on the surface. This is the location of Palaipafos, an important Ancient polity, today the site of the village of Kouklia. Geoarchaeological study suggests little landscape change over the last 4000 years in the vicinity of the urban core of Palaipafos, this being attributed to bedrock and landscape resistance of its location, a plateau at 80 m amsl. Copper deposits in the Palaipafos hinterland had provided a valuable resource at one time. Soil and water resources continue to sustain agriculture.Tectonic uplift in this part of the Pafos thrust fault is estimated to be 2.1mm/year, considered, together with Late Holocene sea-level change responsible for the shifting locations and eventual abandonment of the Palaipafos harbor in the coastal lowlands. / Graduation date: 2013

The forest floor represents the uppermost organic and organicenriched mineral soil horizons. They have been formed by the deposition of organic material and the subsequent biologically mediated decomposition. The forest floor influences rooting-zone temperature, aeration, moisture, and nutrient conditions, and hence, forest productivity. Considering the importance of the forest floor, and the fact that it is exposed to disturbance (being the surface layer), we need to assess the potential impacts our logging practices may have. Clearcutting, one of the contentious silvicultural practices used in British Columbia, is imputed to most adversely affect ecosystems and sustainability. We assessed the long-term impact of clearcutting on the forest floor by documenting changes in the thickness, chemical and biotic properties of the humus form across a chronosequence of forest stands. The study was located in the largest and most representative portion of the coastal rainforest the Very Wet Maritime Coastal Western Hemlock (CWHvm) subzone.

Abstract not available

Saltwater Forest is a Dacrydium cupressinum-dominated lowland forest covering 9000 ha in south Westland, South Island, New Zealand. Four thousand hectares is managed for sustainable production of indigenous timber. The aim of this study was to provide an integrated analysis of soils, soil-landform relationships, and soil-vegetation relationships at broad and detailed scales. The broad scale understandings provide a framework in which existing or future studies can be placed and the detailed studies elucidate sources of soil and forest variability. Glacial landforms dominate. They include late Pleistocene lateral, terminal and ablation moraines, and outwash aggradation and degradation terraces. Deposits and landforms from six glacial advances have been recognised ranging from latest Last (Otira) Glaciation to Penultimate (Waimea) Glaciation. The absolute ages of landforms were established by analysis of the thickness and soil stratigraphy of loess coverbeds, augmented with radiocarbon dating and phytolith and pollen analysis. In the prevailing high rainfall of Westland soil formation is rapid. The rate of loess accretion in Saltwater Forest (ca. 30 mm ka⁻¹) has been low enough that soil formation and loess accretion took place contemporaneously. Soils formed in this manner are known as upbuilding soils. The significant difference between upbuilding pedogenesis and pedogenesis in a topdown sense into an existing sediment body is that each subsoil increment of an upbuilding soil has experienced processes of all horizons above. In Saltwater Forest subsoils of upbuilding soils are strongly altered because they have experienced the extremely acid environment of the soil surface at some earlier time. Some soil chronosequence studies in Westland have included upbuilding soils formed in loess as the older members of the sequence. Rates and types of processes inferred from these soils should be reviewed because upbuilding is a different pedogenic pathway to topdown pedogenesis. Landform age and morphology were used as a primary stratification for a study of the soil pattern and nature of soil variability in the 4000 ha production area of Saltwater Forest. The age of landforms (> 14 ka) and rapid soil formation mean that soils are uniformly strongly weathered and leached. Soils include Humic Organic Soils, Perch-gley Podzols, Acid Gley Soils, Allophanic Brown Soils, and Orthic or Pan Podzols. The major influence on the nature of soils is site hydrology which is determined by macroscale features of landforms (slope, relief, drainage density), mesoscale effects related to position on landforms, and microscale influences determined by microtopography and individual tree effects. Much of the soil variability arises at microscales so that it is not possible to map areas of uniform soils at practical map scales. The distribution of soil variability across spatial scales, in relation to the intensity of forest management, dictates that it is most appropriate to map soil complexes with boundaries coinciding with landforms. Disturbance of canopy trees is an important agent in forest dynamics. The frequency of forest disturbance in the production area of Saltwater Forest varies in a systematic way among landforms in accord with changes in abundance of different soils. The frequency of forest turnover is highest on landforms with the greatest abundance of extremely poorly-drained Organic Soils. As the abundance of better-drained soils increases the frequency of forest turnover declines. Changes in turnover frequency are reflected in the mean size and density of canopy trees (Dacrydium cupressinum) among landforms. Terrace and ablation moraine landforms with the greatest abundance of extremely poorly-drained soils have on average the smallest trees growing most densely. The steep lateral moraines, characterised by well drained soils, have fewer, larger trees. The changes manifested at the landform scale are an integration of processes operating over much shorter range as a result of short-range soil variability. The systematic changes in forest structure and turnover frequency among landforms and soils have important implications for sustainable forest management.

Saltwater Forest is a Dacrydium cupressinum-dominated lowland forest covering 9000 ha in south Westland, South Island, New Zealand. Four thousand hectares is managed for sustainable production of indigenous timber. The aim of this study was to provide an integrated analysis of soils, soil-landform relationships, and soil-vegetation relationships at broad and detailed scales. The broad scale understandings provide a framework in which existing or future studies can be placed and the detailed studies elucidate sources of soil and forest variability. Glacial landforms dominate. They include late Pleistocene lateral, terminal and ablation moraines, and outwash aggradation and degradation terraces. Deposits and landforms from six glacial advances have been recognised ranging from latest Last (Otira) Glaciation to Penultimate (Waimea) Glaciation. The absolute ages of landforms were established by analysis of the thickness and soil stratigraphy of loess coverbeds, augmented with radiocarbon dating and phytolith and pollen analysis. In the prevailing high rainfall of Westland soil formation is rapid. The rate of loess accretion in Saltwater Forest (ca. 30 mm ka⁻¹) has been low enough that soil formation and loess accretion took place contemporaneously. Soils formed in this manner are known as upbuilding soils. The significant difference between upbuilding pedogenesis and pedogenesis in a topdown sense into an existing sediment body is that each subsoil increment of an upbuilding soil has experienced processes of all horizons above. In Saltwater Forest subsoils of upbuilding soils are strongly altered because they have experienced the extremely acid environment of the soil surface at some earlier time. Some soil chronosequence studies in Westland have included upbuilding soils formed in loess as the older members of the sequence. Rates and types of processes inferred from these soils should be reviewed because upbuilding is a different pedogenic pathway to topdown pedogenesis. Landform age and morphology were used as a primary stratification for a study of the soil pattern and nature of soil variability in the 4000 ha production area of Saltwater Forest. The age of landforms (> 14 ka) and rapid soil formation mean that soils are uniformly strongly weathered and leached. Soils include Humic Organic Soils, Perch-gley Podzols, Acid Gley Soils, Allophanic Brown Soils, and Orthic or Pan Podzols. The major influence on the nature of soils is site hydrology which is determined by macroscale features of landforms (slope, relief, drainage density), mesoscale effects related to position on landforms, and microscale influences determined by microtopography and individual tree effects. Much of the soil variability arises at microscales so that it is not possible to map areas of uniform soils at practical map scales. The distribution of soil variability across spatial scales, in relation to the intensity of forest management, dictates that it is most appropriate to map soil complexes with boundaries coinciding with landforms. Disturbance of canopy trees is an important agent in forest dynamics. The frequency of forest disturbance in the production area of Saltwater Forest varies in a systematic way among landforms in accord with changes in abundance of different soils. The frequency of forest turnover is highest on landforms with the greatest abundance of extremely poorly-drained Organic Soils. As the abundance of better-drained soils increases the frequency of forest turnover declines. Changes in turnover frequency are reflected in the mean size and density of canopy trees (Dacrydium cupressinum) among landforms. Terrace and ablation moraine landforms with the greatest abundance of extremely poorly-drained soils have on average the smallest trees growing most densely. The steep lateral moraines, characterised by well drained soils, have fewer, larger trees. The changes manifested at the landform scale are an integration of processes operating over much shorter range as a result of short-range soil variability. The systematic changes in forest structure and turnover frequency among landforms and soils have important implications for sustainable forest management.