published_or_final_version / Civil Engineering / Master / Master of Science in Engineering

published_or_final_version / Civil Engineering / Master / Master of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / abstract / Earth Sciences / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / Civil Engineering / Master / Master of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / Applied Geosciences / Master / Master of Science

published_or_final_version / Applied Geosciences / Master / Master of Science

Choi, Yuk Kam. / Thesis submitted in: December 2008. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 204-221). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract --- p.i / Abstact (in Chinese) --- p.iv / Acknowlegement --- p.vi / Table of contents --- p.viii / List of tables --- p.xiii / List of figures --- p.xv / List of plates --- p.xvi / Chapter CHAPTER 1 --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Research background --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Conceptual framework --- p.3 / Chapter 1.3 --- Research objectives --- p.10 / Chapter 1.4 --- Significance of the study --- p.10 / Chapter 1.5 --- Organization of this thesis --- p.11 / Chapter CHAPTER 2 --- LITERATURE REVIEW --- p.13 / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.13 / Chapter 2.2 --- Hong Kong's forestry and use of native species in ecological restoration --- p.14 / Chapter 2.3 --- Factors limiting the use of native species in ecological rehabilitation --- p.17 / Chapter 2.4 --- The climate and soils in Hong Kong --- p.19 / Chapter 2.5 --- Soil physical properties --- p.22 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- Soil water and water holding capacity --- p.23 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- Penetration resistance --- p.26 / Chapter 2.5.3 --- Soil structure --- p.27 / Chapter 2.6 --- Soil amendment materials --- p.29 / Chapter 2.6.1 --- Compost --- p.30 / Chapter 2.6.2 --- Coconut meal --- p.32 / Chapter 2.6.3 --- Water absorbing polymer --- p.35 / Chapter 2.7 --- Summary --- p.39 / Chapter CHAPTER 3 --- EFFECT OF AMENDMENT MATERIALS ON PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF DECOMPOSED GRANITE AND THE GROWTH OF SCHIMA SUPERBA : GREENHOUSE EXPERIMENT I --- p.41 / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.41 / Chapter 3.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.42 / Chapter 3.3 --- Experimental design --- p.43 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- "Amending DG with water absorbing polymer, coconut meal and compost" --- p.43 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Watering treatment --- p.45 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Post-planting treatment --- p.47 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Monitoring of penetration resistance and soil moisture content --- p.48 / Chapter 3.4 --- Plant growth measurement --- p.49 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Survival rate --- p.49 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Height and basal diameter --- p.49 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Chlorophyll fluorescence --- p.49 / Chapter 3.4.4 --- Aboveground biomass --- p.50 / Chapter 3.5 --- Laboratory analysis --- p.50 / Chapter 3.5.1 --- Texture --- p.50 / Chapter 3.5.2 --- Reaction pH and conductivity --- p.51 / Chapter 3.5.3 --- Organic carbon of soil and the amended substrates --- p.51 / Chapter 3.5.4 --- Total carbon of coconut meal and compost --- p.51 / Chapter 3.5.5 --- Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen --- p.52 / Chapter 3.5.6 --- Total phosphorus --- p.52 / Chapter 3.5.7 --- Exchangeable A1 and H and total exchangeable acidity --- p.53 / Chapter 3.5.8 --- "Total potassium, sodium，calcium and magnesium" --- p.53 / Chapter 3.5.9 --- Heavy metals --- p.53 / Chapter 3.5.10 --- Exchangeable cations --- p.53 / Chapter 3.5.11 --- Water absorbency of water absorbing polymer --- p.54 / Chapter 3.5.12 --- Water retention capacity --- p.54 / Chapter 3.5.13 --- Mean weight diameter --- p.54 / Chapter 3.6 --- Statistical analysis --- p.55 / Chapter 3.7 --- Results and discussion --- p.55 / Chapter 3.7.1 --- Properties of decomposed granite --- p.55 / Chapter 3.7.2 --- "Properties of water absorbing polymer, coconut meal and compost" --- p.58 / Chapter 3.8 --- Effects of amendment materials on DG --- p.60 / Chapter 3.8.1 --- Penetration resistance --- p.60 / Chapter 3.8.2 --- Soil moisture --- p.64 / Chapter 3.8.3 --- Water release characteristic curves and available water content --- p.69 / Chapter 3.8.4 --- Effect of amendment materials on soil organic carbon --- p.74 / Chapter 3.8.5 --- Relationship between SOC and water release characteristics --- p.77 / Chapter 3.8.6 --- Mean weight diameter --- p.78 / Chapter 3.9 --- Effects of amendment materials on the growth of Schima superba --- p.81 / Chapter 3.9.1 --- Survival rate --- p.81 / Chapter 3.9.2 --- Height and basal diameter increment --- p.84 / Chapter 3.9.3 --- Aboveground biomass --- p.88 / Chapter 3.9.4 --- Chlorophyll florescence --- p.89 / Chapter 3.10 --- Summary --- p.91 / Chapter CHAPTER 4 --- EFFECT OF AMENDMENT MATERIALS ON PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF DECOMPOSED GRANITE AND THE GROWTH OF CASTANOPSIS FISSA: GREENHOUSE EXPERIMENT II --- p.94 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.94 / Chapter 4.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.95 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Materials --- p.95 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Experimental design --- p.96 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Preparation of growth substrates --- p.96 / Chapter 4.2.5 --- Soil sampling --- p.98 / Chapter 4.2.6 --- Monitoring of soil moisture change and penetration resistance --- p.99 / Chapter 4.2.7 --- Plant growth measurement --- p.100 / Chapter 4.2.8 --- Laboratory analysis --- p.101 / Chapter 4.3 --- Results and discussion --- p.101 / Chapter 4.3.1. --- Properties of DG --- p.101 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Water absorbency of ALCOSORB® --- p.103 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Effect of amendment materials on physical properties of DG --- p.103 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- Effect of soil amendment on water release characteristic curves --- p.109 / Chapter 4.3.5 --- Soil evaporation test --- p.113 / Chapter 4.3.6 --- Soil organic carbon --- p.119 / Chapter 4.3.7 --- Mean weight diameter --- p.121 / Chapter 4.3.8 --- Effects of amendment materials on the growth of Castanopsis fissa --- p.123 / Chapter 4.3.8.1 --- Survival rate --- p.123 / Chapter 4.3.8.2 --- Height and basal diameter --- p.126 / Chapter 4.3.8.3 --- Aboveground biomass --- p.132 / Chapter 4.3.8.4 --- Chlorophyll fluorescence --- p.134 / Chapter 4.4 --- Summary --- p.136 / Chapter CHAPTER 5 --- CAN WATER ABSORBING POLYMER BENEFIT QUARRY REHABILITATION IN THE DRY SEASON? --- p.139 / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.139 / Chapter 5.2 --- The study area --- p.142 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- The Anderson Road Quarry --- p.142 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Rehabilitation of Anderson Road Quarry --- p.143 / Chapter 5.3 --- Experimental design --- p.145 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Site preparation --- p.145 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Selection of native species for planting --- p.147 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- The planting --- p.148 / Chapter 5.3.4 --- Data logging the growth environment --- p.150 / Chapter 5.3.5 --- Plant growth measurement --- p.150 / Chapter 5.3.6 --- Soil sampling and analysis --- p.151 / Chapter 5.4 --- Statistical analysis --- p.151 / Chapter 5.5 --- Results and discussion --- p.152 / Chapter 5.5.1 --- Properties of decomposed granite in ARQ --- p.152 / Chapter 5.5.2 --- Survival rate --- p.155 / Chapter 5.5.3 --- Height and basal diameter increments --- p.157 / Chapter 5.5.4 --- Major limiting factors for the establishment of seedlings --- p.160 / Chapter 5.5.4.1 --- Drought --- p.160 / Chapter 5.5.4.2 --- Soil erosion caused by rainstorm --- p.163 / Chapter 5.6 --- Summary --- p.165 / Chapter CHAPTER 6 --- EFFECT OF WATER ABSORBING POLYMER ON THE GROWTH OF NATIVE SPECIES IN A RESTORED QUARRY --- p.167 / Chapter 6.1 --- Introduction --- p.167 / Chapter 6.2 --- Study area --- p.168 / Chapter 6.3.2 --- Data logging the growth environment --- p.169 / Chapter 6.3.3 --- Plant growth measurement --- p.169 / Chapter 6.3.4 --- Spatial variation of irrigation water --- p.170 / Chapter 6.4 --- Statistical analysis --- p.170 / Chapter 6.5 --- Results and discussion --- p.170 / Chapter 6.5.1 --- Survival rate --- p.170 / Chapter 6.5.2 --- Height and basal diameter increments --- p.178 / Chapter 6.5.3 --- Growth environment in Anderson Road Quarry --- p.185 / Chapter 6.5.4 --- Weed competition --- p.189 / Chapter 6.6 --- Summary --- p.190 / Chapter CHAPTER 7 --- CONCLUSIONS --- p.191 / Chapter 7.1 --- Summary of major findings --- p.191 / Chapter 7.2 --- Implications of the study --- p.196 / Chapter 7.3 --- Limitations of the study --- p.199 / Chapter 7.4 --- Suggestions for further study --- p.200 / REFERENCES --- p.204 / APPENDICES --- p.222

published_or_final_version / abstract / toc / Geography and Geology / Master / Master of Philosophy

Wong Cheuk Yuet. / Thesis submitted in: July 2003. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 223-233). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS --- p.i / ABSTRACT --- p.iv / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.ix / LIST OF FIGURES --- p.xii / LIST OF PLATES --- p.xiv / LIST OF TABLES --- p.xv / Chapter CHAPTER 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- About the thesis --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Background of Hong Kong --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Geography --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Climate --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2.3 --- Vegetation and their distribution --- p.7 / Chapter 1.2.4 --- Floristic composition --- p.10 / Chapter 1.2.5 --- Urban development and forestry history --- p.11 / Chapter 1.3 --- Restoration of degraded lands --- p.13 / Chapter 1.3.1 --- Importance of restoration --- p.13 / Chapter 1.3.2 --- Sites for restoration --- p.16 / Chapter 1.3.3 --- Substratum for restoration in Hong Kong --- p.16 / Chapter 1.3.4 --- Revegetation --- p.19 / Chapter 1.4 --- Species for plantation --- p.20 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Exotics vs. natives --- p.20 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- Fields of controversy --- p.23 / Chapter 1.5 --- Project objectives and significances --- p.26 / Chapter 1.6 --- Study sites --- p.27 / Chapter 1.6.1 --- Criteria for site selection --- p.27 / Chapter 1.6.2 --- Shek O Quarry and Lam Tei Quarry --- p.27 / Chapter 1.6.3 --- Rehabilitation of the quarries --- p.31 / Chapter 1.6.4 --- Site specificity and representativeness --- p.33 / Chapter CHAPTER 2 --- Characterization of CDG on Site --- p.37 / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.37 / Chapter 2.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.39 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Soil sampling --- p.39 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Soil analysis --- p.40 / Chapter 2.3 --- Statistical analysis --- p.42 / Chapter 2.4 --- Results and discussion --- p.43 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Characterization and comparison of soil stock between two sites --- p.43 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Comparison between raw soil and grassed soil --- p.46 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Comparison among phases --- p.49 / Chapter 2.4.4 --- Comparison with other studies --- p.56 / Chapter 2.4.5 --- Soil development in two quarries --- p.58 / Chapter 2.5 --- Conclusions --- p.59 / Chapter CHAPTER 3 --- Natives Performance in Revegetation on CDG - I. Common PlantationSpecies --- p.61 / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.61 / Chapter 3.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.64 / Chapter 3.3 --- Statistical analysis --- p.66 / Chapter 3.4 --- Results and discussion --- p.68 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Height and basal diameter at the beginning of study --- p.68 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Relative growth rates of different ages --- p.72 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Comparison between sites --- p.84 / Chapter 3.5 --- Conclusions --- p.89 / Chapter CHAPTER 4 --- Natives Performance in Revegetation on CDG ´ؤ II. the Neglected Species --- p.91 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.91 / Chapter 4.1.1 --- Seed dispersal and rehabilitation --- p.91 / Chapter 4.1.2 --- Conservation and rehabilitation --- p.92 / Chapter 4.1.3 --- Framework species --- p.93 / Chapter 4.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.95 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Species selection --- p.95 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Planting area --- p.97 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Planting scheme --- p.97 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Planting protocol --- p.100 / Chapter 4.2.5 --- Field measurements --- p.102 / Chapter 4.3 --- Statistical analysis --- p.106 / Chapter 4.4 --- Results and discussion --- p.107 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- General performance of the planted species --- p.107 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- General inter-specific comparison --- p.116 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- Effect of aspect on seedling performance --- p.120 / Chapter 4.4.4 --- Effect of elevation on seedling performance --- p.140 / Chapter 4.4.5 --- Overall species evaluation --- p.147 / Chapter 4.5 --- Conclusions --- p.151 / Chapter CHAPTER 5 --- Further Exploration of Other Potential Pioneer Natives --- p.153 / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.153 / Chapter 5.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.155 / Chapter 5.3 --- Results and discussion --- p.156 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Inter-site comparison --- p.161 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Inter-phase comparison --- p.163 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- Ranking of species --- p.171 / Chapter 5.3.4 --- Invaders for exploration --- p.171 / Chapter 5.4 --- Conclusions --- p.177 / Chapter CHAPTER 6 --- Performance of Five Natives under Different N:P Combinations --- p.180 / Chapter 6.1 --- Introduction --- p.180 / Chapter 6.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.181 / Chapter 6.3 --- Statistical analysis --- p.185 / Chapter 6.4 --- Results and discussion --- p.186 / Chapter 6.4.1 --- Height --- p.186 / Chapter 6.4.2 --- Basal diameter --- p.193 / Chapter 6.4.3 --- Leaf number --- p.200 / Chapter 6.4.4 --- Total dry weight --- p.200 / Chapter 6.4.5 --- Aerial and underground dry weight --- p.202 / Chapter 6.4.6 --- "Chlorophyll florescence, stomatal conductance and transpiration" --- p.207 / Chapter 6.4.7 --- General species performance in treatments --- p.214 / Chapter 6.4.8 --- Comparison with seedling performance in field trial --- p.215 / Chapter 6.5 --- Conclusions --- p.216 / Chapter CHAPTER 7 --- General Conclusions --- p.217 / REFERENCES --- p.223 / APPENDIX I --- p.234 / APPENDIX II --- p.235 / APPENDIX III --- p.237 / APPENDIX IV --- p.238 / APPENDIX V --- p.241 / APPENDIX VI --- p.242

by Fung, Chun-hong. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1995. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 111-123). / Abstract --- p.i / Acknowledgments --- p.iii / List of Tables --- p.v / List of Figures --- p.vii / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- Reforestation in Hong Kong --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Conceptual framework of the study --- p.2 / Chapter 1.3 --- Objectives of the study --- p.5 / Chapter 1.4 --- Significance of the study --- p.6 / Chapter 1.5 --- Organization of the thesis --- p.6 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Literature Review / Chapter 2.1 --- Vegetation and soils --- p.8 / Chapter 2.2 --- Trees and soil physical properties --- p.9 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Aggregate stability --- p.9 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Organic matter and aggregate stability --- p.10 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Other factors affecting aggregate stability --- p.12 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Reforestation and bulk density --- p.12 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Reforestation and soil moisture --- p.13 / Chapter 2.3 --- Trees and soil chemical properties --- p.14 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Exchangeable acidity --- p.14 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Exchangeable acidity and cation exchange capacity --- p.15 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Organic matter and cation exchange capacity --- p.15 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Clay and cation exchange capacity --- p.16 / Chapter 2.3.5 --- Organic matter and nitrogen --- p.17 / Chapter 2.3.6 --- Organic matter and phosphorus --- p.18 / Chapter 2.4 --- Litter decomposition --- p.18 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Factor affecting litter decomposition --- p.19 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Effects of litter on soil nutrient reserve --- p.21 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- The Study Area / Chapter 3.1 --- Location --- p.23 / Chapter 3.2 --- Geology --- p.23 / Chapter 3.3 --- Soils --- p.25 / Chapter 3.4 --- Vegetation --- p.27 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Reforestation since the mid-1980s --- p.27 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Growth performance of the acacias --- p.28 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Undergrowth of the acacia woodlands --- p.29 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Effects on Soil Physical Properties / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.31 / Chapter 4.2 --- Methodology --- p.33 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Soil texture --- p.33 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Bulk density and porosity --- p.33 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Penetration resistance --- p.34 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Aggregate stability --- p.34 / Chapter 4.2.5 --- Water characteristic curve --- p.35 / Chapter 4.2.6 --- Infiltration rate --- p.35 / Chapter 4.3 --- Statistical analysis --- p.35 / Chapter 4.4 --- Results --- p.36 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- Soil texture --- p.36 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- "Bulk density, porosity and penetration resistance" --- p.36 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- Aggregate stability --- p.38 / Chapter 4.4.4 --- Infiltration --- p.39 / Chapter 4.4.5 --- Water characteristic curve --- p.40 / Chapter 4.5 --- Discussion --- p.42 / Chapter 4.5.1 --- Inherent physical properties of granitic soil --- p.42 / Chapter 4.5.2 --- Effects of acacias on the aeration of granite soil --- p.44 / Chapter 4.5.3 --- Effects of acacias on the penetration resistance and aggregate stability of granitic soil --- p.46 / Chapter 4.5.4 --- Effects of acacias on the water transmission property of granitic soil --- p.47 / Chapter 4.5.5 --- Effects of acacias on the water retention property of granitic soil --- p.50 / Chapter 4.6 --- Conclusion --- p.52 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- Effects on Soil Chemical Properties / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.54 / Chapter 5.2 --- Methodology --- p.55 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Sampling --- p.55 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Soil reaction and conductivity --- p.55 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Organic carbon --- p.55 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Total Kjeldahl nitrogen --- p.56 / Chapter 5.2.5 --- Total phosphorus --- p.56 / Chapter 5.2.6 --- "Exchangeable K, Ca, Mg and Na" --- p.56 / Chapter 5.2.7 --- Exchangeable A1 and H --- p.57 / Chapter 5.2.8 --- Carbon : nitrogen ratio --- p.57 / Chapter 5.3 --- Statistical analysis --- p.57 / Chapter 5.4 --- Results --- p.58 / Chapter 5.4.1 --- Conductivity --- p.58 / Chapter 5.4.2 --- Soil pH and exchangeable acidity --- p.58 / Chapter 5.4.3 --- Soil organic matter --- p.61 / Chapter 5.4.4 --- Total Kjeldahl nitrogen --- p.62 / Chapter 5.4.5 --- Total phosphorus --- p.63 / Chapter 5.4.6 --- "Exchangeable K, Ca, Mg and Na" --- p.64 / Chapter 5.5 --- Discussion --- p.67 / Chapter 5.5.1 --- Inherent chemical properties of granitic soil --- p.67 / Chapter 5.5.2 --- Effects of acacias on the acidity of granitic soil --- p.69 / Chapter 5.5.3 --- "Effects of acacias on the organic matter, total nitrogen and phosphorus of granitic soil" --- p.71 / Chapter 5.5.4 --- Effects of acacias on the exchangeable cations of granitic soil --- p.74 / Chapter 5.6 --- Conclusion --- p.76 / Chapter Chapter 6 --- Litter Decomposition / Chapter 6.1 --- Introduction --- p.78 / Chapter 6.2 --- Methodology --- p.79 / Chapter 6.2.1 --- Standing litter --- p.79 / Chapter 6.2.2 --- Litter decomposition --- p.80 / Chapter 6.2.3 --- Chemical analysis --- p.80 / Chapter 6.3 --- Statistical analysis --- p.81 / Chapter 6.4 --- Results --- p.81 / Chapter 6.4.1 --- Standing litter --- p.81 / Chapter 6.4.2 --- Chemical composition of fresh litters --- p.82 / Chapter 6.4.3 --- Cumulative dry weight loss of litters --- p.82 / Chapter 6.4.4 --- Cumulative weight loss of nutrients --- p.84 / Chapter 6.4.5 --- C : element ratios --- p.88 / Chapter 6.5 --- Discussion --- p.88 / Chapter 6.5.1 --- Litter decomposition --- p.88 / Chapter 6.5.2 --- Litter decomposition and soil organic matter --- p.93 / Chapter 6.5.3 --- Nutrient release patterns --- p.94 / Chapter 6 5 --- 4 Litter decomposition and soil nutrient reserves --- p.96 / Chapter 6.6 --- Conclusion --- p.98 / Chapter Chapter 7 --- Conclusion / Chapter 7.1 --- Summary of findings --- p.100 / Chapter 7.2 --- Implication of the study --- p.103 / Chapter 7.3 --- Limitations of the study --- p.106 / Chapter 7.4 --- Suggestion for future study --- p.108 / References --- p.111 / Appendice --- p.124