by Leung Chi Kam Joseph. / Thesis (M.Ph.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1985 / Bibliography: leaves 178-198

嚴南海. / 複寫本. / 附錄: Geotechnical area study: north west. / Thesis (M.A.)--香港中文大學硏究院地理系. / Fu xie ben. / Fu lu: Geotechnical area study: north west. / New Territories: terrain classification map. / Yan Nanhai. / Thesis (M.A.)--Xianggang Zhong wen da xue yan jiu yuan di li xi. / Chapter 第一章 --- 緒論 / Chapter 1.1 --- 理論依據 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- 土地分析的性質 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- 土地分析的概念 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- 土地分析的發展 / Chapter 1.1.4 --- 土地分類的方向 / Chapter 1.1.5 --- 土地分析的方法 / Chapter 1.1.6 --- 土地評估的性質 / Chapter 1.1.7 --- 土地評估的方法 / Chapter 1.2 --- 研究目的 / Chapter 1.3 --- 研究意義 / Chapter 第二章 --- 研究區域與研究方法 / Chapter 2.1 --- 研究區自然環境概況 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- 位置 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- 地質 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- 氣候 / Chapter 2.1.4 --- 土壤 / Chapter 2.1.5 --- 植被 / Chapter 2.2 --- 研究方法 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- 資料搜集及處理 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- 統計分析 / Chapter 2.3 --- 研究限制 / Chapter 第三章 --- 元朗地區的土地特徵 / Chapter 3.1 --- 土地條件 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- 坡度 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- 土地要素 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- 侵蝕不穩性 / Chapter 3.1.4 --- 地表物質 / Chapter 3.2 --- 土地特徵的相互關係 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- 土地要素與坡度 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- 土地要素與侵蝕不穩性 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- 土地要素與地表物質 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- 坡度與侵蝕不穩性 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- 坡度與地表物質 / Chapter 3.2.6 --- 地表物質與侵蝕不穩性 / Chapter 3.3 --- 岩性與土地特徵 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- 岩性與坡度的關係 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- 岩性與侵蝕不穩性的關係 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- 岩性與地表物質的關係 / Chapter 3.4 --- 小結 / Chapter 第四章 --- 土地利用與土地特徵的關係 / Chapter 4.1 --- 土地利用分佈概況 / Chapter 4.2 --- 各土地特徵對土地利用的影響 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- 土地利用與坡度 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- 土地利用與土地要素 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- 土地利用與侵蝕不穩性 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- 土地利用與地表物質 / Chapter 4.2.5 --- 小結──農業用地與城市用地的土地條件差異 / Chapter 第五章 --- 元朗地區的土地分區與評估 / Chapter 5.1 --- 元朗地區的土地分區 / Chapter 5.1.1 --- 聚類分析結果 / Chapter 5.1.2 --- 判別分析結果 / Chapter 5.2 --- 元朗地區七個土地分區的土地利用潛力評估 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- 土地利用潛力分類 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- 各分區的土地利用潛力及發展方向 / Chapter 5.3 --- 元朗地區社區發展的土地潛力 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- 社區發展上的地貌限制 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- 元朗地區社區發展的空間取向 / Chapter 5.4 --- 小結 / Chapter 第六章 --- 結論 / 參考文獻 / Chapter 附錄： --- Geotechnical Area Study──North West New Territories: Terrain Classification Map

by Lau Wai Man. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1981. / Bibliography: leaves 189-205.

Ecological changes in soil covers were studied in terms of physical, chemical and biological properties in the three quarries. Results show that all soils were classified as sand loam in texture, and high bulk density and low total porosity were common problems. Soils were strongly acidic to moderately acidic in reaction. Organic C, total N, extractable NO3 - and extractable cations increased with increasing rehabilitation age, but others did not show similar trends. The results of mineral N flux in soil show that ammonification predominated over nitrification in TH and LT, while nitrification predominated in SO in wet season. In dry season, ammonification predominated over nitrification in all phases, except TH. Net N mineralization increased with age. The results of soil microbial study show that older sites had the highest total microbial abundance and biomass C and N, while those in younger sites were low. Metabolic abilities of soil microbes developed gradually with ages in SO, but TH and LT had the similar patterns of carbon source utilization. The group of G- bacteria dominated in all sites, in which cy19:0 represented more than 15% of the total extracted FAMEs. The group of fungi and AM fungi decreased with increasing ages in the three quarries. / Lacks of seed rain and seed bank were major factors limiting vegetation regeneration. Physical and chemical problems of cover soils are still severe even after 10 years of rehabilitation. Therefore, adding native species with fleshy fruits to attract birds, and leguminous species to assist in the buildup of nitrogen capital should be recommended. Application of organic composts should be considered by quarry contractors and managers during early rehabilitation period to improve soil structure and raise nutrient storage capacities. / To evaluate the ecological succession in the floristic composition and structure of closed quarries, studies of the current vegetation development and seed dynamics were carried out in the three quarries, namely Turret Hill Quarry (TH), Lam Tei Quarry (LT) and Shek O Quarry (SO). The floristic composition shows that the species richness and Shannon index were higher on older phases than other younger phases in the overstorey and understorey vegetation. Although planted exotic species dominated the overstorey at different phases, some native species became more dominant in the understorey, and the importance value of native species accounted for more than 50%. Seed rain results show that older sites had higher seed number and seed species than younger sites. In terms of number of seeds, half were dispersed by birds, while 23% and 27% were dispersed by wind and civets, respectively. Seed germination experiment shows that most species from all twelve woody species had higher germination in SO, though most emerging seedlings finally died under the field condition. In the soil seed bank study, high seed species and density were recorded on older sites. Non-woody species predominated on all phases of the three quarries, but some pioneer tree and shrub species were better represented on older sites. / Zhang, Hao. / Adviser: L.M. Chu. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 73-02, Section: B, page: . / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 238-280). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [201-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

by Au Pui Sze. / Thesis submitted in: December 2000. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 135-150). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract --- p.i / Abstract (in Chinese) --- p.iii / Acknowledgement --- p.iv / Table of contents --- p.vi / List of tables --- p.x / List of figures --- p.xi / List of appendices --- p.xii / Chapter Chapter one --- Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- The role of plantations in ecosystem rehabilitation --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Reforestation history in Hong Kong --- p.2 / Chapter 1.3 --- Conceptual framework of the study --- p.5 / Chapter 1.4 --- Objectives of the study --- p.15 / Chapter 1.5 --- Scope and significance of the study --- p.16 / Chapter 1.6 --- Organisation of the thesis --- p.17 / Chapter Chapter two --- The Study Area / Chapter 2.1 --- Geographical setting of Hong Kong --- p.18 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Climate --- p.18 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Geology --- p.20 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Soils --- p.20 / Chapter 2.1.4 --- Vegetation --- p.21 / Chapter 2.2 --- Site selection --- p.23 / Chapter 2.3 --- Site description --- p.26 / Chapter 2.4 --- Nature and extent of disturbance prior to planting --- p.30 / Chapter 2.5 --- Planting techniques and post-planting maintenance --- p.31 / Chapter Chapter Three --- Stand Characteristics of Acacia Plantations / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.33 / Chapter 3.2 --- Methodology --- p.37 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Sampling plots design --- p.37 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Tree density --- p.37 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Tree growth parameters --- p.38 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Data processing and statistical analysis --- p.38 / Chapter 3.3 --- Results and discussion --- p.39 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Growth dynamics of acacias --- p.39 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Growth characteristics of the reforested species --- p.44 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Sustained growth and natural regeneration of acacia plantations --- p.48 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Rehabilitation of degraded lands by exotic species plantations --- p.52 / Chapter 3.4 --- Conclusion --- p.54 / Chapter Chapter Four --- Cover Soil Characteristics of Acacia Plantations / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.56 / Chapter 4.2 --- Methodology --- p.60 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Soil sampling --- p.60 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Laboratory analysis --- p.61 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Texture --- p.61 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Soil pH --- p.61 / Chapter 4.2.5 --- Organic carbon --- p.62 / Chapter 4.2.6 --- Total Kjeldahl nitrogen --- p.62 / Chapter 4.2.7 --- Carbon : nitrogen ratio --- p.63 / Chapter 4.2.8 --- Mineral nitrogen (NH4-N and N03-N) --- p.63 / Chapter 4.2.9 --- Available phosphorus --- p.64 / Chapter 4.2.10 --- Exchangeable cations --- p.64 / Chapter 4.3 --- Data processing and statistical analysis --- p.64 / Chapter 4.4 --- Results and discussion --- p.65 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- Effect of acacias on soil texture and pH --- p.65 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- "Effect of acacias on SOM, TKN and mineral N" --- p.69 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- Effect of acacias on the available P and exchangeable cations… --- p.77 / Chapter 4.4.4 --- Soil nutrient status of the plantations --- p.82 / Chapter 4.5 --- Conclusion --- p.90 / Chapter Chapter Five --- Understorey Vegetation of Acacia Plantations / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.92 / Chapter 5.2 --- Methodology --- p.96 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Understorey plant sampling --- p.96 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Species identification and nomenclature --- p.98 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Plant growth parameters --- p.98 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Data processing and statistical analysis --- p.99 / Chapter 5.3 --- Results and discussion --- p.100 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Floristic composition of the acacia plantations --- p.100 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- "Species richness, diversity and woody abundance of the understories" --- p.101 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- Species composition and structure of the understories --- p.106 / Chapter 5.3.4 --- Mechanisms and pathway of succession in the exotic plantations --- p.115 / Chapter 5.4 --- Conclusion --- p.116 / Chapter Chapter Six --- Conclusion / Chapter 6.1 --- Summary of findings --- p.118 / Chapter 6.2 --- Implications of the study --- p.122 / Chapter 6.2.1 --- Ecological value of exotic plantations in Hong Kong --- p.122 / Chapter 6.2.2 --- Restoration strategies for borrow areas --- p.125 / Chapter 6.2.3 --- Enrichment planting after fire --- p.128 / Chapter 6.3 --- Limitations of the study --- p.131 / Chapter 6.4 --- Suggestion for future study --- p.132 / References --- p.135 / Appendices --- p.151

Zou, Huiling. / Thesis submitted in: November 2008. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 159-176). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract --- p.i / Acknowledgements --- p.vi / Table of contents --- p.viii / List of tables --- p.x / List of figures --- p.xiii / Abbreviations --- p.xv / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- Background --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Physicochemical properties of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Sources of PAHs --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Toxicity of PAHs --- p.5 / Chapter 1.1.4 --- Fate of PAHs in environment --- p.6 / Chapter 1.1.5 --- Soil physicochemical and microbiological properties --- p.16 / Chapter 1.1.6 --- Geography and climate of Hong Kong --- p.17 / Chapter 1.1.7 --- Traffic status in Hong Kong --- p.17 / Chapter 1.1.8 --- Research status in Hong Kong --- p.18 / Chapter 1.2 --- "Significant, objectives and outline of this study" --- p.18 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Research significance --- p.18 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Research objectives and thesis outline --- p.19 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- PAH concentrations and their seasonal variations in roadside soils in Hong Kong / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.20 / Chapter 2.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.22 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Soil sampling --- p.22 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Soil physicochemical properties analysis --- p.24 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Soil PAH analysis --- p.25 / Chapter 2.2.3.1 --- Extraction of PAHs --- p.25 / Chapter 2.2.3.2 --- Cleanup and concentration of the extract --- p.25 / Chapter 2.2.3.3 --- Determination of PAHs --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2.3.4 --- Calibration standards and recovery --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Statistical analysis --- p.28 / Chapter 2.3 --- Results and discussion --- p.29 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Soil PAH contents and their relationships with soil physicochemical properties and AADT --- p.29 / Chapter 2.3.1.1 --- Soil PAHs --- p.29 / Chapter 2.3.1.2 --- Soil physicochemical properties --- p.38 / Chapter 2.3.1.3 --- Relationships of PAH contents with soil physicochemical properties and AADT --- p.39 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Seasonal variations of PAH contents of roadside soils --- p.50 / Chapter 2.4 --- Conclusion --- p.56 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- "PAH concentrations in roadside vegetation, dusts and soils" / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.58 / Chapter 3.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.59 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Sampling --- p.59 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Soil physicochemical properties analysis --- p.60 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- PAHs analysis --- p.60 / Chapter 3.2.3.1 --- Extraction of PAHs --- p.60 / Chapter 3.2.3.2 --- Cleanup and concentration of the extract --- p.60 / Chapter 3.2.3.3 --- Determination of PAHs --- p.61 / Chapter 3.2.3.4 --- Calibration standards and recovery --- p.61 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Statistical analysis --- p.61 / Chapter 3.3 --- Results and discussion --- p.62 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Soil physicochemical properties --- p.62 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- PAH concentrations --- p.62 / Chapter 3.3.2.1 --- Soil PAHs --- p.62 / Chapter 3.3.2.2 --- Dust PAHs --- p.65 / Chapter 3.3.2.3 --- Vegetation PAHs --- p.71 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- PAH profile --- p.80 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- PAH sources --- p.83 / Chapter 3.3.5 --- PCA and HCA --- p.88 / Chapter 3.3.6 --- "Relationships of PAH contents between vegetation, dust and soil, and soil physicochemical properties and AADT" --- p.99 / Chapter 3.4 --- Conclusion --- p.124 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Vertical and horizontal distribution of PAHs in roadside soil and their influences on soil microbial characteristics / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.126 / Chapter 4.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.127 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Sampling --- p.127 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Soil physicochemical properties analysis --- p.128 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Soil microbial biomass carbon analysis --- p.128 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Soil microbial community analysis --- p.128 / Chapter 4.2.5 --- Soil enzyme activity analysis --- p.129 / Chapter 4.2.6 --- Soil PAH analysis --- p.130 / Chapter 4.2.7 --- Statistical analysis --- p.130 / Chapter 4.3 --- Results and discussion --- p.131 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Vertical distribution --- p.131 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Horizontal distribution --- p.137 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Influences of roadside soil PAH on microbial characteristics --- p.142 / Chapter 4.4 --- Conclusion --- p.153 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- General conclusion / Chapter 5.1 --- Summary of findings --- p.155 / Chapter 5.2 --- Limitations of the study --- p.157 / Chapter 5.3 --- Implications for further studies --- p.158 / References --- p.159

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

Lam Lai-yee. / Thesis submitted in: November 2004. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 124-140). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract --- p.i / Acknowledgement --- p.vii / Table of contents --- p.viii / List of Tables --- p.xi / List of Figures --- p.xiii / List of Plates --- p.xiv / Chapter CHAPTER ONE --- Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Background and ecological impact of hill fires in Hong Kong --- p.2 / Chapter 1.3 --- Conceptual framework of study --- p.4 / Chapter 1.4 --- Objectives of the study --- p.10 / Chapter 1.5 --- Significance --- p.11 / Chapter 1.6 --- Organization of the thesis --- p.12 / Chapter CHAPTER TWO --- The study area / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.14 / Chapter 2.2 --- Geographical setting of Hong Kong --- p.14 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Climate of Hong Kong --- p.14 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Geology of Hong Kong --- p.15 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Soils of Hong Kong --- p.16 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Vegetation of Hong Kong --- p.17 / Chapter 2.3 --- Site selection --- p.18 / Chapter 2.4 --- Grassy Hill --- p.20 / Chapter CHAPTER THREE --- Heating effect on the properties of ash / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.23 / Chapter 3.2 --- Experimental design and methodology / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Selection of simulation heating --- p.26 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- "Heating intensity at 200°-600°C for 1,5 and 15 minutes" --- p.27 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Field work --- p.27 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Heating method --- p.28 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Chemical analysis --- p.28 / Chapter 3.2.6 --- Analysis of data --- p.32 / Chapter 3.3 --- Results and Discussion / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Heating effect on ash weight and pH --- p.33 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- "Heating effect on ash organic C, N and P" --- p.33 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Heating effect on ash available cations --- p.40 / Chapter 3.4 --- Conclusion --- p.42 / Chapter CHAPTER FOUR --- The effect of heat and ash on soil / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.44 / Chapter 4.2 --- Methodology / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Field work --- p.48 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Soil heating methods --- p.48 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Chemical analysis --- p.49 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Statistical analysis --- p.52 / Chapter 4.3 --- Results and Discussion / Chapter 4.3.1 --- The effect of heat and ash on soil pH --- p.53 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- "The effect of heat and ash on soil organic matter, N and P" --- p.55 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- The effect of heat and ash on soil cations --- p.62 / Chapter 4.4 --- Conclusion --- p.65 / Chapter CHAPTER FIVE --- Nitrogen and phosphorus mineralization after heating / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.67 / Chapter 5.2 --- Methodology / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Heating and incubation method --- p.70 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Laboratory methods --- p.72 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Statistical analysis --- p.72 / Chapter 5.3 --- Results and discussion / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Temporal changes of N mineralization in heated bare soils --- p.72 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- The effect of ash on N mineralization --- p.78 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- Comparison of N mineralization with other studies --- p.79 / Chapter 5.3.4 --- Temporal changes of P mineralization in the heated bare soils --- p.81 / Chapter 5.3.5 --- The effect of ash on P mineralization --- p.83 / Chapter 5.3.6 --- Comparison of P mineralization to other studies --- p.84 / Chapter 5.4 --- Conclusion --- p.85 / Chapter CHAPTER SIX --- Vertical movement of mineral N in ash-covered soil columns / Chapter 6.1 --- Introduction --- p.87 / Chapter 6.2 --- Methodology / Chapter 6.2.1 --- Package of soil columns --- p.89 / Chapter 6.2.2 --- Water addition and extraction of pore water --- p.90 / Chapter 6.2.3 --- Statistical analysis --- p.92 / Chapter 6.3 --- Results and Discussion / Chapter 6.3.1 --- Mineral N in the pore water --- p.92 / Chapter 6.3.2 --- The effect of ash on mineral N in pore water --- p.97 / Chapter 6.3.3 --- The leaching loss of mineral N --- p.98 / Chapter 6.3.4 --- Comparisons with other studies --- p.103 / Chapter 6.4 --- Conclusion --- p.105 / Chapter CHAPTER SEVEN --- Integrative discussion / Chapter 7.1 --- Summary of major findings --- p.107 / Chapter 7.2 --- Clarifying some misconceptions about the effect of fire --- p.110 / Chapter 7.3 --- Estimated losses of N and P from heating --- p.112 / Chapter 7.4 --- Nutrient supplying capacity of soils after heating --- p.115 / Chapter 7.5 --- Why are repeatedly burnt areas reduced to grassland? --- p.118 / Chapter 7.6 --- Implication on the restoration of fire-affected areas --- p.119 / Chapter 7.7 --- Limitations of the study --- p.121 / Chapter 7.8 --- Suggestions for future research --- p.122 / References --- p.124 / Appendices --- p.141

Liu Wing Ting. / Thesis submitted in: November 2004. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 141-156). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract (English) --- p.i / Abstract (Chinese) --- p.iii / Acknowledgments --- p.v / List of Tables --- p.vii / List of Figures --- p.ix / List of Plates --- p.x / List of Appendices --- p.xi / Chapter CHAPTER 1 --- INTRODUCTION / Chapter 1.1 --- Urban ecological environment and the urban parks in Hong Kong --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Conceptual framework of the study --- p.4 / Chapter 1.3 --- Objectives of the study --- p.9 / Chapter 1.4 --- Scope of the study --- p.10 / Chapter 1.5 --- Significance of the study --- p.11 / Chapter 1.6 --- Organization of the thesis --- p.12 / Chapter CHAPTER 2 --- LITERATURE REVIEW / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.13 / Chapter 2.2 --- Urban parks and urban soils --- p.13 / Chapter 2.3 --- Urban soils: properties and problems --- p.14 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Overseas studies about urban soils --- p.15 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Urban soils in Hong Kong --- p.16 / Chapter 2.4 --- Nitrogen dynamics --- p.22 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- The internal N cycle and N transformations in soil --- p.22 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Factors affecting nitrogen dynamics in soil --- p.24 / Chapter (i) --- "Soil moisture and temperature, seasonality and spatial variation" --- p.24 / Chapter (ii) --- Soil pH and texture --- p.26 / Chapter (iii) --- Litter quality and C:N ratio --- p.26 / Chapter (iv) --- Disturbance --- p.27 / Chapter (v) --- Fertilizer input and management intensity --- p.27 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- N dynamics in urban areas --- p.28 / Chapter 2.4.4 --- Research of N dynamics in Hong Kong --- p.29 / Chapter 2.5 --- Phosphorus dynamics --- p.30 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- Gains and losses of P from soil system --- p.30 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- Forms and transformations of phosphorus in soil --- p.31 / Chapter 2.5.3 --- Factors affecting P dynamics in soil --- p.34 / Chapter (i) --- Fluctuations of soil moisture --- p.34 / Chapter (ii) --- Liming and pH adjustment --- p.34 / Chapter (iii) --- Cultivation and management intensity --- p.35 / Chapter (iv) --- Vegetation cover and disturbances --- p.35 / Chapter 2.5.4 --- P dynamics in urban areas --- p.36 / Chapter CHAPTER 3 --- STUDY AREA / Chapter 3.1 --- General situation of Hong Kong and the study locations --- p.37 / Chapter 3.2 --- Background of the two parks: Kowloon Park and Tin Shui Wai Park --- p.40 / Chapter 3.3 --- Climate --- p.43 / Chapter 3.4 --- Park vegetation --- p.45 / Chapter 3.5 --- Park soils --- p.47 / Chapter 3.6 --- Park management and horticultural routines --- p.47 / Chapter CHAPTER 4 --- BASELINE STUDY OF URBAN PARK SOIL PROPERTIES / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.52 / Chapter 4.2 --- Methodology --- p.54 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Sampling --- p.54 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Soil texture --- p.55 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Soil reaction --- p.55 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) --- p.55 / Chapter 4.2.5 --- Mineral nitrogen (ammonium and nitrate nitrogen) --- p.55 / Chapter 4.2.6 --- Total phosphorus --- p.56 / Chapter 4.2.7 --- Available phosphorus --- p.56 / Chapter 4.2.8 --- Organic carbon --- p.56 / Chapter 4.2.9 --- "Exchangeable cations (K, Na, Ca, Mg)" --- p.57 / Chapter 4.2.10 --- Carbon: nitrogen ratio and carbon: phosphorus ratio --- p.57 / Chapter 4.3 --- Statistical analysis --- p.57 / Chapter 4.4 --- Results --- p.58 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- Texture --- p.58 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- Soil pH --- p.58 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- Organic matter --- p.59 / Chapter 4.4.4 --- Total Kjeldahl nitrogen and C:N ratio --- p.60 / Chapter 4.4.5 --- Ammonium nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen --- p.61 / Chapter 4.4.6 --- Total phosphorus and C:P ratio --- p.62 / Chapter 4.4.7 --- Available phosphorus --- p.64 / Chapter 4.4.8 --- Exchangeable cations --- p.65 / Chapter 4.5 --- Discussion --- p.66 / Chapter 4.5.1 --- Park soils under different vegetation covers --- p.67 / Chapter 4.5.2 --- Duration of park management and influence of land use outside the parks --- p.72 / Chapter 4.5.3 --- Quality of substrates in Kowloon Park and Tin Shui Wai Park --- p.76 / Chapter 4.5.4 --- C:N ratio and C:P ratio --- p.83 / Chapter 4.6 --- Conclusion --- p.84 / Chapter CHAPTER 5 --- NITROGEN DYNAMICS OF URBAN PARK SOILS / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.87 / Chapter 5.2 --- Methodology --- p.89 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- In situ incubation --- p.89 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- "Determination of N mineralization, leaching and uptake" --- p.91 / Chapter 5.3 --- Results --- p.94 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- "Net ammonification, NH4-N leaching and uptake" --- p.94 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- "Net nitrification, NO3-N leaching and uptake" --- p.95 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- "Net N mineralization, N leaching and uptake" --- p.96 / Chapter 5.4 --- Discussion --- p.97 / Chapter 5.4.1 --- Nitrogen mineralization and immobilization --- p.98 / Chapter 5.4.2 --- Comparison with other studies --- p.100 / Chapter 5.4.3 --- Nitrogen leaching and uptake --- p.103 / Chapter 5.5 --- Conclusion --- p.108 / Chapter CHAPTER 6 --- PHOSPHORUS DYNAMICS OF URBAN PARK SOILS / Chapter 6.1 --- Introduction --- p.110 / Chapter 6.2 --- Methodology --- p.112 / Chapter 6.3 --- Results --- p.113 / Chapter 6.4 --- Discussion --- p.115 / Chapter 6.4.1 --- Phosphorus mineralization and immobilization --- p.115 / Chapter 6.4.2 --- Phosphorus leaching and uptake --- p.118 / Chapter 6.4.3 --- Comparison with other studies --- p.120 / Chapter 6.5 --- Conclusion --- p.122 / Chapter CHAPTER 7 --- CONCLUSION / Chapter 7.1 --- Summary of findings --- p.124 / Chapter 7.2 --- Implications of the study --- p.128 / Chapter 7.2.1 --- Chemical characteristics of urban park soils and their relationship to management --- p.128 / Chapter 7.2.2 --- Management practices for different vegetation types and species --- p.133 / Chapter 7.3 --- Limitations of the study --- p.136 / Chapter 7.4 --- Suggestions for future study --- p.139 / REFERENCES --- p.141 / APPENDICES --- p.157