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The Provision of Ecosystem Services in Response to Habitat Change

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2022) | Viewed by 16992

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Damian Chmura

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Guest Editor

Institute of Nature Protection and Engineering, University of Bielsko-Biala, Bielsko-Biała, PL-43-309, Poland
Interests: biology and ecology of invasive alien species; forest ecology; anthropogenic habitats; population ecology; numerical methods in ecological research and nature conservation

Dr. Gabriela Woźniak

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Guest Editor

Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-032 Katowice, Poland
Interests: vegetation assembly rules; vegetation species composition and diversity; ecosystem function; plants adaptation processes in relation to biotic and abiotic conditions of the natural and anthropogenic environment (novel ecosystems)

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Anthropogenic landscapes, along with human affected, transformed and intentionally created habitats, are expanding and tend to cover more land. Together with these alternations, the ecosystems functioning in the densely populated environmental mosaic are changing. At the same time, the demand for ecosystem services is increasing proportionally to the growth of human population, and the decrease of the natural environment, due to global changes of the Anthropocene. Among the anthropogenic ecosystems, there are many that present features of novel ecosystems (NE) (Hobbs et al. 2006). From a scientific viewpoint, the biological nature of the mechanisms of the novel ecosystems functioning is almost not known. The human population is facing the perspective of more than half of the terrestrial ecosystem being anthropogenic ecosystems on one hand, and on the other hand, the dependence on ecosystem services provided by ecosystems of unknown functioning mechanisms. The outline and scope of this collection should be, at least, to define what we do not know about the basis (ecosystems services) of human population in the future.

The purpose of the collection should be to fill the gap between the pure scientific identification of the biological and ecological mechanisms driving the ecosystems functioning (including the expanding novel ecosystems), as the basis of environmental health quality. The varied and diverse ecosystem functions are the prerequisite of all ecosystem services. The ecosystem services are frequently viewed as sociological phenomena, presented mostly by geographers and sociologists. While the environmental aspects are very likely being discussed from the engineering and agricultural point of view (Evers et al. 2017).

This collection could provide an interdisciplinary forum for discussion and conclusions. Such insight into ecosystem functioning, with an emphasis on ecosystem services, is necessary, because it can be seen every day that the current environmental approach is leading to Earth’s wide changes, which might be a serious for the human population.

References

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Bullock, J.M., Aronson, J., Newton, A.C., Pywell, R.F., Rey-Benayas, J.M., 2011. Restoration of ecosystem services and biodiversity: conflicts and opportunities. Trends Ecol. Evol. 26 (10), 541e550.

Cadotte, M.W., Carscadden, K., Mirotchnick, N., 2011. Beyond species: functional diversity and the maintenance of ecological processes and services. J. Appl. Ecol. 48 (5), 1079e1087.

Costanza, R., d'Arge, R., De Groot, R., Farber, S., Grasso, M., Hannon, B., Limburg, K., Naeem, S., O'neill, R.V., Paruelo, J., Raskin, R.G., 1997. The value of the world's ecosystem services and natural capital. Nature 387 (6630), 253e260.

Crutzen, P. Stoermer, E. (2000) The Anthropocene. Global Change Newsletter 41: 17–18.

Dempsey, J., Robertson, M.M., 2012. Ecosystem services: tensions, impurities, and points of engagement within neoliberalism. Prog. Hum. Geogr. 36 (6). http://doi.org/10.1177/0309132512437076.

De Groot, R.S., Alkemade, R., Braat, L., Hein, L., Willemen, L., 2010. Challenges in integrating the concept of ecosystem services and values in landscape planning, management and decision making. Ecol. Complex. 7 (3), 260e272.

Harris, J.A., Hobbs, R.J., Higgs, E., Aronson, J., 2006. Ecological restoration and global climate change. Restor. Ecol. 14 (2), 170e176.

Higgs, E., Falk, D.A., Guerrini, A., Hall, M., Harris, J., Hobbs, R.J., Jackson, S.T., Rhemtulla, J.M., Throop, W., 2014. The changing role of history in restoration ecology. Front. Ecol. Environ. 12 (9), 499e506.

Hobbs, R. J., et al. 2006. Novel ecosystems: theoretical and management aspects of the new ecological world order. Global Ecol. Biogeography,15(1), 1-7.

Light, A., Thompson, A., Higgs, E.S., 2013. Valuing novel ecosystems. In: Hall, C., Higgs, E.S., Hobbs, R.J. (Eds.), Novel Ecosystems: Intervening in the New Ecological World Order. John Wiley and Sons, Hoboken, NJ.

Lugo, A.E., 2009. The emerging era of novel tropical forests. Biotropica 41 (5), 589e591.

Mace, G.M., Norris, K., Fitter, A.H., 2012. Biodiversity and ecosystem services: a multilayered relationship. Trends Ecol. Evol. 27 (1), 19e26.

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Dr. Damian Chmura
Dr. Gabriela Woźniak
Guest Editors

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Keywords

community ecology
ecosystem function
anthropogenic habitats
man-made habitats
human impact
alien and native species biology and adaptation

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 3196 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Plant Diversity and Soil Properties on Soil Microbial Biomass and Activity in a Novel Ecosystem

by Wojciech Bierza, Gabriela Woźniak, Agnieszka Kompała-Bąba, Franco Magurno, Monika Malicka, Damian Chmura, Agnieszka Błońska, Andrzej M. Jagodziński and Zofia Piotrowska-Seget

Sustainability 2023, 15(6), 4880; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15064880 - 9 Mar 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2456

Abstract

Plant–microbial relations have not yet been fully disclosed in natural or seminatural ecosystems, nor in novel ecosystems developing spontaneously on post-coal mine heaps. The aim of this study was to determine which factor, biotic (plant taxonomic diversity vs. plant functional diversity) or abiotic (physicochemical substrate parameters), affects the biomass of soil microbial communities the most, as well as soil in situ respiration in novel ecosystems. The study was carried out on unreclaimed plots selected according to four different combinations of taxonomic and functional plant diversity. Additionally, plots on a reclaimed heap served as a comparison between the two management types. The biomass of several soil microbial groups was analysed using phospholipid fatty acids profiles. We detected that soil microbial biomass was more impacted by abiotic parameters (explaining 23% of variance) than plant diversity (explaining 12% of variance). Particularly, we observed that substrate pH was the most important factor shaping microbial community biomass, as shown in the RDA analysis. The highest microbial biomass was found in plots with low taxonomic and functional diversity. This finding can be explained by the fact that these plots represented a more advanced phase of vegetation development in the early stages of plant succession. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Provision of Ecosystem Services in Response to Habitat Change)

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14 pages, 2291 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Contribution of Environmental and Cultural Aspects of Pastoralism in the Provision of Ecosystem Services: The Case of the Silesian Beskid Mts (Southern Poland)

by Anna Salachna, Katarzyna Marcol, Jan Broda and Damian Chmura

Sustainability 2022, 14(16), 10020; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141610020 - 12 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1753

Abstract

Grazing has proven to be a successful management tool in terms of the maintenance and restoration of biodiversity. Sheep and pastoralism can provide a various set of ecosystem services, i.e., benefits for humans from the environment. The Silesian Beskids, the westernmost part of the Carpathian Mountains, is an area with a long tradition of pastoralism. Since the 13th century, sheep have grazed clearings located in forests and in large areas of grasslands in mountains. In this study, we tried to identify all possible aspects of provisional, regulating and cultural services provided by sheep and the pasturage tradition bearing in mind the specificity of this region. The biodiversity maintenance and habitat creation due to grazing and the cultural values of pastoralism was illustrated using a literature review of data concerning cultural heritage, tourism and education and using our own phytosociological field studies performed in nine vegetation types within grazing sites. In order to examine the impact of grazing, an observation of sheep’s daily grazing activity during the vegetation season using tractive GPS locators was conducted. The results showed that grazing has a positive impact on the maintenance of vegetation including EU-protected habitats. In addition, the pastoral activity introduced to the Beskids by the Vlachs contributed to the development of a specific highlander culture that continues to this day. Not all potential ecosystem services associated with the use of sheep are realized in the study area. Amongst the provisional services, sheep bones are not used while dairy is the most popular followed by meat. In turn, the cultural heritage of pastoralism is one of the most important drivers for the touristic attraction of Silesian Beskid. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Provision of Ecosystem Services in Response to Habitat Change)

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17 pages, 2190 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Selected Ecosystem Services in Different Farming Systems in Poland Regarding the Differentiation of Agricultural Land Structure

by Lidia Luty, Kamila Musiał and Monika Zioło

Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6673; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126673 - 11 Jun 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2364

Abstract

The functioning of various agroecosystems is nowadays shaped by different farming systems, which may impair their functions, as well as being beneficial to them. The benefits include ecosystem services, defined as economic and noneconomic values gained by humans from ecosystems, through supporting soil formation and nutrient circulation, and the impact of agriculture on climate and biodiversity. Their mutual flow and various disturbances depend on the agroecosystem’s management method, which is associated with the type of management of agricultural land (AL) in individual farms. This paper raises a problem of transformation in the structure of three main farming systems in Poland, in 2004–2018, in relation to the implementation of 16 selected ecosystem services and their scale. Special attention was given to organic farming, as the most environmentally friendly and sustainable. The analysis demonstrates the increase in ALs in that type of production during the analyzed period of time. Disparities of transformation associated with the type of agricultural system were noticeable at the regional level, which were presented in 16 Polish voivodeships. The results of the analysis confirm that the organic system, which is an important carrier of various ecosystem services, gained a stable position. Moreover, areas with integrated farming still do not exceed 0.5% of total agricultural lands in such voivodeships. The analysis of factors influencing the deterioration or disappearance of selected environmental services characterizing agricultural systems indicates the need to depart from an intensive conventional management system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Provision of Ecosystem Services in Response to Habitat Change)

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22 pages, 1834 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of the Manner in Which Montane and Submontane Areas Are Utilized on the Quality of Leachate Water

by Piotr Kacorzyk and Jacek Strojny

Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 6299; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13116299 - 2 Jun 2021

Viewed by 1792

Abstract

This study aimed at assessing the effect of how submontane soils are managed on the quantity and quality of leachate water, as well as on the load of nutrients leached with it. The quality of leachate water moving through the soil profile at the depth of 0–30 cm was investigated. The quality of leachate water from six research variants was analyzed in three periods: intensive growing, inhibited growing, and the non-growing season. It was established that the type of flora had a significant effect on the amount and chemical composition of water flowing through the soil profile. The highest loads of minerals were leached with leachate waters from arable land. Contrary to the common opinion, unused meadow had the best quality of leachate waters. On account of the quality of leachate waters in submontane and montane areas, it is recommended to reduce plow tillage in these areas. It is also recommended to use these areas as meadows and pastures, with moderate fertilization and rational use, i.e., two mowings or three grazings during the growing season. The study emphasizes how important the management of the use of submontane and montane areas is for the quality and quantity of leachate waters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Provision of Ecosystem Services in Response to Habitat Change)

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17 pages, 6250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Biodegradable Geotextiles on the Effect of Sodding of Difficult Terrain

by Piotr Kacorzyk, Jacek Strojny and Barbara Białczyk

Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 5828; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13115828 - 21 May 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3176

Abstract

Difficult terrain is characterized by deteriorated conditions for plant adaptation, e.g., owing to poor substrate, substantial land slope, or intensive insolation. In terms of plant adaptation, difficult terrain includes newly created ski slopes, any kind of embankment, scarps, levees, and etc. Application of grasses is an effective and economic method of stabilization of the ground. However, sowing of grass-legume mixtures to sod these areas does not typically produce adequate effects. Application of a new generation of protective fabrics with the addition of bird feathers may be a remedy to these problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of biodegradable fabrics for covering difficult areas to improve the habitat conditions for plants. To evaluate this issue, an area characterized by difficult conditions for plant development was selected. Five types of protective fabrics were applied. The main factor influencing the efficiency of the sodding of difficult terrain was the application of fabrics that were capable of absorbing water, which were then given to plants over a longer period of time. Vegetation grew easiest through the geotextile made of sheep wool with the addition of bird feathers. Fabrics manufactured from problematic waste materials contribute to an ecological effect as well as an economic effect resulting from lower costs of waste management as well as the income from selling the innovative product. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Provision of Ecosystem Services in Response to Habitat Change)

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22 pages, 1441 KiB

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Preliminary Assumptions for Identification of the Common Hamster (Cricetus cricetus) as a Service Provider in the Agricultural Ecosystem

by Magdalena Joanna Hędrzak, Elżbieta Badach and Sławomir Adam Kornaś

Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6793; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126793 - 16 Jun 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3872

Abstract

The common hamster is a critically endangered species, but it is also perceived as a pest. Searching for an economic reason for its protection can be an argument to prevent its extinction. The purpose of this paper is to reveal the identification services provided by hamsters in the agricultural ecosystem and the determination of their correlation with human welfare. We propose the methods that can be applied for this purpose, and we check if the knowledge of the species is sufficient in order to use available methods for estimating the value of the services. The common hamster is a provider of supporting, regulating, and cultural services. Estimating their value is difficult because (1) available knowledge on the species’ ecology requires an update, in many aspects, due to changes to agricultural practices that have taken place since the 1970s (e.g., assessment of actual losses to cereal, vegetable, or root crops), and also extending by context, enabling the economic valuation of services (e.g., determination of impact range on various habitat components); it is also necessary to identify the correlations between profits and losses caused by this species; (2) there is a low level of public knowledge on the presence of hamsters and their role in the ecosystem. Education, primarily for consumers, followed by the promotion of hamsters as an umbrella and key species for agricultural areas, may result in the development of cultural services, which will increase the economic value of the services provided by hamsters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Provision of Ecosystem Services in Response to Habitat Change)

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