We have previously discussed the effects of trees on biodiversity, fecundity, soil chemistry, and weeds. However, the tree effect also extends to other aspects of ecosystem functioning. The following are a few examples of how trees influence ecosystem functioning and flora and fauna. Listed below are some other benefits of trees, as well as some of the key factors that can impact their success. To learn more, read the following article.
Impact of trees on biodiversity
Companies and countries are investing in tree planting, but there are concerns that nonnative species are sucking away carbon and providing little support for webs of life. What is “right”? There is a debate as to what is best, but some argue that large tree farms are needed to store carbon, others favor fruit trees for small farmers, and still others believe that native species should be allowed to regenerate on their own.
Trees have many benefits. They capture and clean rainwater, reduce climate change and water pollution, and slow water absorption. Trees have intricate root systems and are a major factor in ecosystem resilience. One mature evergreen tree can capture as much as 15,000 litres of rainwater per year. They also provide habitat for dozens of species of insects, fungi, and animals. Various species of forest animals require different kinds of habitat.
Impact of trees on fecundity
Fecundity declines with age and tree size, and in many species seed size is sacrificed to produce more seeds. This decline is linked to climate and soil factors, which mediate the limits of reproduction. The authors report that fecundity declined in 80 percent of species in a Piedmont forest. Their results are consistent with the physiological decline of large trees and provide evidence for tree senescence.
The direct effects of climate on tree growth and reproduction are less obvious. Climate change increases seed availability and decreases fecundity in warm forests. The latter is partly responsible for the fecundity hotspot in eastern forests. In eastern forests, higher temperature increases recruitment, and this may be caused by increased seed availability among young trees. This hypothesis is consistent with predictions made by Clark et al.
Impact of trees on soil chemistry
Although theories have been advanced on the impact of trees on soil chemistry, there is sufficient evidence to assess whether or not forests affect soil chemistry. The composition of forest floor mass and litterfall varies considerably across species. In addition, net mineralization of N varies by up to 50% in different species, indicating strong feedback mechanisms. Soil chemistry, including nutrient and carbon cycling, is influenced by the diversity of tree species.
Changes in the diversity of tree species in the same region have been examined in many studies. Although most of these studies have considered changes in tree species alone, few have studied the impact of tree-species substitutions on soil chemistry. The changes were studied at four different sites: two sites underwent a vegetation switch around 1960, one site underwent no change in vegetation, and the other underwent a gradual shift from coniferous to broadleaved trees. Soil samples were analysed for total carbon (C), nitrogen (N), exchangeable cations (K+ and Ca), and phosphorus (P) content.
Impact of trees on weeds
The impact of trees on weeds is a complex issue. Weeds compete with young trees for sunlight, nutrients and water. They also alter the pattern of low-volume irrigation systems, and can intercept soil-applied chemicals. Weeds can also reduce grove temperatures during freeze events. These factors can also affect insect populations and disease incidence. Here are some ways to manage weeds in your orchard:
Young groves are more susceptible to weeds, and must be treated more frequently with herbicides than mature groves. The weed-preventive action of herbicides depends on the type of soil, the amount of water applied and the timing of rainfall. Controlling weeds in young groves is important for improving tree health, but it is important to remember that young trees will not tolerate herbicide rates as high as mature trees.
Impact of trees on visibility
Generally speaking, street trees that face intersections are not a significant obstruction to driver visibility. They are spaced about 25 feet apart and pruned to begin leafing and horizontal limbs at 14 feet above the ground. However, trees that face intersections near buildings and parked cars may cause a visibility problem because they are blocking pedestrians’ paths. Hence, street trees and buildings near intersections need to be placed in such a way that they do not restrict pedestrians’ movements.
Furthermore, the presence of trees in urban areas can be useful in promoting health and well-being of urban residents. It helps reduce crime and promotes physical and mental well-being. Thus, trees are an important part of any community. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, trees also contribute to the achievement of UN SDGs. In fact, a number of studies have documented the benefits of trees for human health and wellbeing. However, there are many limitations associated with this kind of research. However, the overwhelming majority of studies have clearly shown that trees are beneficial.