Jaume Fons-Esteve | Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (original) (raw)

Papers by Jaume Fons-Esteve

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Jun 21, 2022

EEA activity no. 3.2 Environmental impacts on health and well-being: SO1: Supporting policy imple... more EEA activity no. 3.2 Environmental impacts on health and well-being: SO1: Supporting policy implementation and sustainability transitions, SO2: Providing timely input to solutions for sustainability challenges, SO4: Making full use of the potential of data. Legal notice Preparation of this report has been funded by the European Environment Agency as part of a grant with the European Topic Centre on Human health and the environment (ETC-HE) and expresses the views of the authors. The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the position or opinion of the European Commission or other institutions of the European Union. Neither the European Environment Agency nor the European Topic Centre on Human health and the environment is liable for any consequence stemming from the reuse of the information contained in this publication.

Land

The negative impacts of soil sealing are numerous, from withdrawing fertile soil from biomass pro... more The negative impacts of soil sealing are numerous, from withdrawing fertile soil from biomass production to modifying the microclimate and decreasing biodiversity. Many of the processes are interrelated and propagate further undesirable consequences from local to global levels. Three issues are especially important from the viewpoint of multiscale ecological cycles and consequent environmental impacts. One is soil organic carbon (SOC), the other is soil water management and the third is biomass productivity. In this study, we assessed the lost carbon sequestration potential due to soil sealing in functional Urban Areas (FUAs) of Europe, the potential effect of soil sealing on the topsoil to hold water to its full capacity and the loss of biomass productivity potential. Findings revealed that one-fifth of the area of soil that became sealed between 2012 and 2018 was of high productivity potential, and almost two-thirds was of medium productivity potential. New soil sealing caused a l...

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Feb 3, 2022

This report provides a comprehensive description of the methodology for gap-filling missing noise... more This report provides a comprehensive description of the methodology for gap-filling missing noise exposure data (i.e. data not yet reported by the Member States after the deadlines set by the Environmental Noise Directive). The report also explores a new method for major airports based on estimating the noise contour band when this information is not provided. The experience of the three reporting cycles of the Environmental Noise Directive (END), which started in 2007, has demonstrated substantial delays in delivering noise exposure data. For that reason, methodologies to estimate missing data have been developed as early as 2013 to provide a complete overview of the extent of the population exposed to various noise sources. This report reviews previous methodologies and provides a comprehensive description of the methodology to gap-fill missing data in all reported noise sources. In particular, it provides a systematic approach when regression is required (e.g. estimation of the p...

The Environmental Noise Directive (END, Directive 2002/49/EC) sets legally binding obligations fo... more The Environmental Noise Directive (END, Directive 2002/49/EC) sets legally binding obligations for reduction and management of environmental noise. Based upon noise mapping results, action plans have to be drawn up for major transport sources and the largest urban areas. However, the specific types of measures included in these action plans are decided at Member State level. This report provides an overview of the reported noise action plans up to April 2019, and the type of measures implemented to reduce environmental noise.

This report is the result of more than four years of joint work between the EEA, ETC/ULS, and the... more This report is the result of more than four years of joint work between the EEA, ETC/ULS, and the EIONET expert group on tourism and environment as a contribution to explore the feasability of monitoring environmental impacts of the sector and its sustainability trends. The first part of the report ('Tourism in multiple contexts') draws an overview of tourism as a complex socio-economic sector, that has many policy and social interlinks. The second part ('Key tourism trends in Europe') is mainly based on the use of indicators -which were developed during the same period- that show the tourism-environment interplay. The indicators also address the driver–pressure–state–impact–response (DPSIR) analytical framework. Indicator-related assessments in the report are also complemented, for specific aspects, by information provided by a scientific literature review, as well as with national case studies from different European countries. The third part of the report ('To...

Proceedings of the ICA congress, 2019

Living in a quiet area provides health benefits such as increased quality of life and well-being.... more Living in a quiet area provides health benefits such as increased quality of life and well-being. Nearby access to quiet areas can also offer psychological restoration and can help in reducing noise annoyance reactions. Quiet areas are not only beneficial for human health but also help to protect areas of valuable habitat. The Environmental Noise Directive (END) recognises the need to preserve areas of good acoustic quality, referred as "quiet areas". However, the data reported as part of the END contains little information on how the countries, regions and cities define and protect quiet areas in their territories and whether there has been a significant improvement in designation and protection of these areas over the past years. The aim of this paper is to present an overview of how countries define and protect of quiet areas in Europe. This is achieved using data from case studies comprised of online questionnaires, which were completed by noise representatives of different countries, regions and cities. In addition to the analysis of the questionnaires, a combined spatial assessment of noise exposure, land use and land cover data for areas potentially unaffected by noise pollution in European cities is presented for 2012 and 2017.

This report analyses changes in population exposure to noise in agglomerations, in major roads, m... more This report analyses changes in population exposure to noise in agglomerations, in major roads, major rails and major airports under the Environmental Noise Directive for which data is available and completed in 2012 and 2017, up to 1^st of January 2019.

This report presents the interim results of an Applied Research Project conducted within the fram... more This report presents the interim results of an Applied Research Project conducted within the framework of the ESPON 2013 Programme, partly financed by the European Regional Development Fund. The partnership behind the ESPON Programme consists of the EU Commission and the Member States of the EU27, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Each partner is represented in the ESPON Monitoring Committee. This report does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the members of the Monitoring Committee. Information on the ESPON Programme and

LA IMPORTANCIA DE PINUS HALEPENSIS EN LA CUENCA MEDITERRANEA (RECUBRIMIENTO Y PROTECCION DEL SUEL... more LA IMPORTANCIA DE PINUS HALEPENSIS EN LA CUENCA MEDITERRANEA (RECUBRIMIENTO Y PROTECCION DEL SUELO), CONTRASTA CON EL NIVEL DE CONOCIMIENTO APLICABLE A LA GESTION. ESTE TRABAJO ABORDA UN ASPECTO DE CONOCIMIENTO BASICO RELACIONADO CON EL CICLO DE LA MATERIA ORGANICA, Y OTRO MAS APLICADO QUE INTENTA IDENTIFICAR ELEMENTOS INDICADORES DE FERTILIDAD. LA FERTILIDAD DE LOS SUELOS ESTUDIADOS ESTA RELACIONADA CON EL SUBSTRATO LITOLOGICO A TRAVES DE LOS SIGUIENTES FACTORES: SUMINISTRO DE NUTRIENTES, PARTICULARMENTE DISPONIBILIDAD DE P; GEOMORFOLOGIA Y TEXTURA QUE CONDICIONA EL REGIMEN HIDRICO Y MODULAN LA INCORPORACION DE LA MATERIA ORGANICA AL SUELO MINERAL. LOS ARBOLES SON SENSIBLES (AUMENTO DE PRODUCCION) FRENTE EL P (5-15 CM DEL SUELO) Y EL N MINERALIZABLE (HORIZONTE H). EL NMIN SE RELACIONA CON DIFERENCIAS EN LA ACTIVIDAD BIOLOGICA Y FORMAS DE HUMUS. FINALMENTE, LA VEGETACION ES EXPRESION DE LA CALIDAD DEL SITIO Y SU HISTORIA DE USOS.

La Informacion Geografica Al Servicio De Los Ciudadanos Recurso Electronico De Lo Global a Lo Local 2010 Isbn 978 84 472 1294 1 Pags 86 96, 2010

Geoderma, 2005

The evergreen Nothofagus betuloides and deciduous Nothofagus pumilio live close together in Tierr... more The evergreen Nothofagus betuloides and deciduous Nothofagus pumilio live close together in Tierra del Fuego. The fact that these two species rarely form mixed forests suggests that the soil factor can contribute to the distribution of two species on a local scale. Most of these forests are undisturbed; therefore, soil characteristics may reflect both the influence of the species and of the dominant pedogenetic processes. In this paper, we aim to study how soil characteristics can affect nutrient cycling, the strategies of tree nutrition and the distribution of Nothofagus forests in Tierra del Fuego. Twenty-two soils in these two types of forests in contrasted topographic positions were sampled and analysed. The dominant soil processes were waterlogging in the evergreen forest and podzolisation in the deciduous one. Within each type of forest we observed large variability in soils. Nutrient-poor litter slowed down nitrogen cycling. However, phosphorus mobilisation was high in nutrient-poor environments because of low pH and waterlogging. Chemical and biological characteristics of the Oa horizon were able to discriminate between forest types while mineral soil characteristics were not. Biological activity of the organic horizons was limited by low pH and, in N. betuloides forests, also by waterlogging conditions. According to this pattern, N. betuloides grows in less fertile soils and thus has lower nutrient concentrations in leaves. In contrast, N. pumilio grows in soils with higher fertility and consequently has high nutrient content in leaves. Despite growing in low fertility sites, N. betuloides grows at a rate similar to that of N. pumilio. This suggests that the evergreen species is more efficient in using nutrients and better adapted to waterlogging conditions.

The Environmental Noise Directive (END) sets legally binding obligations to reduce and manage env... more The Environmental Noise Directive (END) sets legally binding obligations to reduce and manage environmental noise. The competent authorities have to draw up action plans for major transport sources and the largest urban areas based upon noise mapping results. This report provides an overview of the reported noise action plans up to January 2020, and the type of measures implemented to reduce environmental noise. Based upon noise mapping results, the competent authorities have to draw up action plans for major transport sources and the largest urban areas. Furthermore, areas of high acoustic quality, in other words, free from noise pollution, should also be protected by appropriate action plans. While the requirements are set in the Directive, the specific types of measures included in these action plans are decided at Member State level. Data on action plans submitted by countries under the END, up to January 2020, show that noise reduction at the source (e.g. improving road and rai...

Annales des Sciences Forestières, 1997

ABSTRACT Many studies have revealed the high variability of soil properties, especially on the fo... more ABSTRACT Many studies have revealed the high variability of soil properties, especially on the forest floor. Sampling techniques have been developed to reduce this variability so as to obtain more precise mean values. Little attention has been paid to the frequency distributions of variables, even though they could provide information on factors that control variability. This paper addresses the selection of the sampling strategy considering the type of study. For the characterization of ecosystems, stratified sampling or systematic sampling is proposed, depending on previous knowledge of the study area. To study processes, two cases were considered: processes that occur within the ecosystem, such as organic matter decomposition, and processes that concern the whole ecosystem, such as fire. In the first case subjective sampling was useful, since it reduced the extrinsic variability of the processes. In the second case, both stratified and systematic sampling were very effective. Frequency distribution analysis was proposed as a tool to detect some factors that control litter accumulation. Stratégies d'échantillonnage dans les sols forestiers. Beaucoup d'études ont révélé la grande variabilité des propriétés du sol, en particulier celles relatives aux horizons organiques. Plusieurs techniques d'échantillonnage ont été développées pour réduire la variabilité et obtenir des valeurs moyennes avec précision. Bien que l'étude des distributions de fréquences puisse fournir des informations sur les facteurs qui contrôlent la variabilité, cette approche a reçu peu d'attention. Cet article discute la sélection de stratégies d'échantillonnage selon le type d'étude à effectuer. Pour la caractérisation des écosystèmes on a proposé l'échantillonnage stratifié ou l'échnntillonnage systématique. Le choix de l'un ou de l'autre dépend de l'information disponible sur l'aire d'étude. Pour l'étude de processus, deux cas ont été considérés : les processus à l'intérieur de l'écosystème (décomposition de la matière organique) et les processus qui affectent tout l'écosystème (le feu). Dans le premier cas, l'échantillonnage dirigé s'est montré approprié parce qu'il réduit la variabilité extrinsèque au processus. Dans le second cas, les deux techniques d'échantillonnage (stratifié et systématique) ont été efficaces. L'analyse de la distribution des fréquences a été jugée utile pour détecter les facteurs qui contrôlent l'accumulation de la litière.

Geoderma, 2005

The evergreen Nothofagus betuloides and deciduous Nothofagus pumilio live close together in Tierr... more The evergreen Nothofagus betuloides and deciduous Nothofagus pumilio live close together in Tierra del Fuego. The fact that these two species rarely form mixed forests suggests that the soil factor can contribute to the distribution of two species on a local scale. Most of these forests are undisturbed; therefore, soil characteristics may reflect both the influence of the species and of the dominant pedogenetic processes. In this paper, we aim to study how soil characteristics can affect nutrient cycling, the strategies of tree nutrition and the distribution of Nothofagus forests in Tierra del Fuego. Twenty-two soils in these two types of forests in contrasted topographic positions were sampled and analysed. The dominant soil processes were waterlogging in the evergreen forest and podzolisation in the deciduous one. Within each type of forest we observed large variability in soils. Nutrient-poor litter slowed down nitrogen cycling. However, phosphorus mobilisation was high in nutrient-poor environments because of low pH and waterlogging. Chemical and biological characteristics of the Oa horizon were able to discriminate between forest types while mineral soil characteristics were not. Biological activity of the organic horizons was limited by low pH and, in N. betuloides forests, also by waterlogging conditions. According to this pattern, N. betuloides grows in less fertile soils and thus has lower nutrient concentrations in leaves. In contrast, N. pumilio grows in soils with higher fertility and consequently has high nutrient content in leaves. Despite growing in low fertility sites, N. betuloides grows at a rate similar to that of N. pumilio. This suggests that the evergreen species is more efficient in using nutrients and better adapted to waterlogging conditions. D

Forest Ecology and Management, 1998

For humus forms are one of the less known features of trembling aspen ecosystems, we studied them... more For humus forms are one of the less known features of trembling aspen ecosystems, we studied them in 18 stands located across a range of soil moisture and nutrient regimes in the Boreal Black and White Spruce of northeastern British Columbia.

The importance of humus form or forest floor as a principal component of terrestrial forest ecosy... more The importance of humus form or forest floor as a principal component of terrestrial forest ecosystems has led to the development of a taxonomic classification of humus forms for BC (first approximation: Klinka et al. 1981; second approximation: Green et al. 1993). This classification, as all others, is based on the field-observable (morphological) features because we expect that they reflect differences in the nature and development of humus forms. However, there is a continuing need to test (1) whether humus forms that appear different are in fact different in their physical, chemical, and biotic properties, and (2) the portability of the classification outside the area in which it was developed. As a result of recent studies of the biotic component of humus forms and recent testing of the classification outside British Columbia (Scandinavia, southeastern Russia, and northeastern China), we have recognized several new diagnostic horizons, and hence new taxa. In this pamphlet, we p...

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Jun 21, 2022

EEA activity no. 3.2 Environmental impacts on health and well-being: SO1: Supporting policy imple... more EEA activity no. 3.2 Environmental impacts on health and well-being: SO1: Supporting policy implementation and sustainability transitions, SO2: Providing timely input to solutions for sustainability challenges, SO4: Making full use of the potential of data. Legal notice Preparation of this report has been funded by the European Environment Agency as part of a grant with the European Topic Centre on Human health and the environment (ETC-HE) and expresses the views of the authors. The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the position or opinion of the European Commission or other institutions of the European Union. Neither the European Environment Agency nor the European Topic Centre on Human health and the environment is liable for any consequence stemming from the reuse of the information contained in this publication.

Land

The negative impacts of soil sealing are numerous, from withdrawing fertile soil from biomass pro... more The negative impacts of soil sealing are numerous, from withdrawing fertile soil from biomass production to modifying the microclimate and decreasing biodiversity. Many of the processes are interrelated and propagate further undesirable consequences from local to global levels. Three issues are especially important from the viewpoint of multiscale ecological cycles and consequent environmental impacts. One is soil organic carbon (SOC), the other is soil water management and the third is biomass productivity. In this study, we assessed the lost carbon sequestration potential due to soil sealing in functional Urban Areas (FUAs) of Europe, the potential effect of soil sealing on the topsoil to hold water to its full capacity and the loss of biomass productivity potential. Findings revealed that one-fifth of the area of soil that became sealed between 2012 and 2018 was of high productivity potential, and almost two-thirds was of medium productivity potential. New soil sealing caused a l...

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Feb 3, 2022

This report provides a comprehensive description of the methodology for gap-filling missing noise... more This report provides a comprehensive description of the methodology for gap-filling missing noise exposure data (i.e. data not yet reported by the Member States after the deadlines set by the Environmental Noise Directive). The report also explores a new method for major airports based on estimating the noise contour band when this information is not provided. The experience of the three reporting cycles of the Environmental Noise Directive (END), which started in 2007, has demonstrated substantial delays in delivering noise exposure data. For that reason, methodologies to estimate missing data have been developed as early as 2013 to provide a complete overview of the extent of the population exposed to various noise sources. This report reviews previous methodologies and provides a comprehensive description of the methodology to gap-fill missing data in all reported noise sources. In particular, it provides a systematic approach when regression is required (e.g. estimation of the p...

The Environmental Noise Directive (END, Directive 2002/49/EC) sets legally binding obligations fo... more The Environmental Noise Directive (END, Directive 2002/49/EC) sets legally binding obligations for reduction and management of environmental noise. Based upon noise mapping results, action plans have to be drawn up for major transport sources and the largest urban areas. However, the specific types of measures included in these action plans are decided at Member State level. This report provides an overview of the reported noise action plans up to April 2019, and the type of measures implemented to reduce environmental noise.

This report is the result of more than four years of joint work between the EEA, ETC/ULS, and the... more This report is the result of more than four years of joint work between the EEA, ETC/ULS, and the EIONET expert group on tourism and environment as a contribution to explore the feasability of monitoring environmental impacts of the sector and its sustainability trends. The first part of the report ('Tourism in multiple contexts') draws an overview of tourism as a complex socio-economic sector, that has many policy and social interlinks. The second part ('Key tourism trends in Europe') is mainly based on the use of indicators -which were developed during the same period- that show the tourism-environment interplay. The indicators also address the driver–pressure–state–impact–response (DPSIR) analytical framework. Indicator-related assessments in the report are also complemented, for specific aspects, by information provided by a scientific literature review, as well as with national case studies from different European countries. The third part of the report ('To...

Proceedings of the ICA congress, 2019

Living in a quiet area provides health benefits such as increased quality of life and well-being.... more Living in a quiet area provides health benefits such as increased quality of life and well-being. Nearby access to quiet areas can also offer psychological restoration and can help in reducing noise annoyance reactions. Quiet areas are not only beneficial for human health but also help to protect areas of valuable habitat. The Environmental Noise Directive (END) recognises the need to preserve areas of good acoustic quality, referred as "quiet areas". However, the data reported as part of the END contains little information on how the countries, regions and cities define and protect quiet areas in their territories and whether there has been a significant improvement in designation and protection of these areas over the past years. The aim of this paper is to present an overview of how countries define and protect of quiet areas in Europe. This is achieved using data from case studies comprised of online questionnaires, which were completed by noise representatives of different countries, regions and cities. In addition to the analysis of the questionnaires, a combined spatial assessment of noise exposure, land use and land cover data for areas potentially unaffected by noise pollution in European cities is presented for 2012 and 2017.

This report analyses changes in population exposure to noise in agglomerations, in major roads, m... more This report analyses changes in population exposure to noise in agglomerations, in major roads, major rails and major airports under the Environmental Noise Directive for which data is available and completed in 2012 and 2017, up to 1^st of January 2019.

This report presents the interim results of an Applied Research Project conducted within the fram... more This report presents the interim results of an Applied Research Project conducted within the framework of the ESPON 2013 Programme, partly financed by the European Regional Development Fund. The partnership behind the ESPON Programme consists of the EU Commission and the Member States of the EU27, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Each partner is represented in the ESPON Monitoring Committee. This report does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the members of the Monitoring Committee. Information on the ESPON Programme and

LA IMPORTANCIA DE PINUS HALEPENSIS EN LA CUENCA MEDITERRANEA (RECUBRIMIENTO Y PROTECCION DEL SUEL... more LA IMPORTANCIA DE PINUS HALEPENSIS EN LA CUENCA MEDITERRANEA (RECUBRIMIENTO Y PROTECCION DEL SUELO), CONTRASTA CON EL NIVEL DE CONOCIMIENTO APLICABLE A LA GESTION. ESTE TRABAJO ABORDA UN ASPECTO DE CONOCIMIENTO BASICO RELACIONADO CON EL CICLO DE LA MATERIA ORGANICA, Y OTRO MAS APLICADO QUE INTENTA IDENTIFICAR ELEMENTOS INDICADORES DE FERTILIDAD. LA FERTILIDAD DE LOS SUELOS ESTUDIADOS ESTA RELACIONADA CON EL SUBSTRATO LITOLOGICO A TRAVES DE LOS SIGUIENTES FACTORES: SUMINISTRO DE NUTRIENTES, PARTICULARMENTE DISPONIBILIDAD DE P; GEOMORFOLOGIA Y TEXTURA QUE CONDICIONA EL REGIMEN HIDRICO Y MODULAN LA INCORPORACION DE LA MATERIA ORGANICA AL SUELO MINERAL. LOS ARBOLES SON SENSIBLES (AUMENTO DE PRODUCCION) FRENTE EL P (5-15 CM DEL SUELO) Y EL N MINERALIZABLE (HORIZONTE H). EL NMIN SE RELACIONA CON DIFERENCIAS EN LA ACTIVIDAD BIOLOGICA Y FORMAS DE HUMUS. FINALMENTE, LA VEGETACION ES EXPRESION DE LA CALIDAD DEL SITIO Y SU HISTORIA DE USOS.

La Informacion Geografica Al Servicio De Los Ciudadanos Recurso Electronico De Lo Global a Lo Local 2010 Isbn 978 84 472 1294 1 Pags 86 96, 2010

Geoderma, 2005

The evergreen Nothofagus betuloides and deciduous Nothofagus pumilio live close together in Tierr... more The evergreen Nothofagus betuloides and deciduous Nothofagus pumilio live close together in Tierra del Fuego. The fact that these two species rarely form mixed forests suggests that the soil factor can contribute to the distribution of two species on a local scale. Most of these forests are undisturbed; therefore, soil characteristics may reflect both the influence of the species and of the dominant pedogenetic processes. In this paper, we aim to study how soil characteristics can affect nutrient cycling, the strategies of tree nutrition and the distribution of Nothofagus forests in Tierra del Fuego. Twenty-two soils in these two types of forests in contrasted topographic positions were sampled and analysed. The dominant soil processes were waterlogging in the evergreen forest and podzolisation in the deciduous one. Within each type of forest we observed large variability in soils. Nutrient-poor litter slowed down nitrogen cycling. However, phosphorus mobilisation was high in nutrient-poor environments because of low pH and waterlogging. Chemical and biological characteristics of the Oa horizon were able to discriminate between forest types while mineral soil characteristics were not. Biological activity of the organic horizons was limited by low pH and, in N. betuloides forests, also by waterlogging conditions. According to this pattern, N. betuloides grows in less fertile soils and thus has lower nutrient concentrations in leaves. In contrast, N. pumilio grows in soils with higher fertility and consequently has high nutrient content in leaves. Despite growing in low fertility sites, N. betuloides grows at a rate similar to that of N. pumilio. This suggests that the evergreen species is more efficient in using nutrients and better adapted to waterlogging conditions.

The Environmental Noise Directive (END) sets legally binding obligations to reduce and manage env... more The Environmental Noise Directive (END) sets legally binding obligations to reduce and manage environmental noise. The competent authorities have to draw up action plans for major transport sources and the largest urban areas based upon noise mapping results. This report provides an overview of the reported noise action plans up to January 2020, and the type of measures implemented to reduce environmental noise. Based upon noise mapping results, the competent authorities have to draw up action plans for major transport sources and the largest urban areas. Furthermore, areas of high acoustic quality, in other words, free from noise pollution, should also be protected by appropriate action plans. While the requirements are set in the Directive, the specific types of measures included in these action plans are decided at Member State level. Data on action plans submitted by countries under the END, up to January 2020, show that noise reduction at the source (e.g. improving road and rai...

Annales des Sciences Forestières, 1997

ABSTRACT Many studies have revealed the high variability of soil properties, especially on the fo... more ABSTRACT Many studies have revealed the high variability of soil properties, especially on the forest floor. Sampling techniques have been developed to reduce this variability so as to obtain more precise mean values. Little attention has been paid to the frequency distributions of variables, even though they could provide information on factors that control variability. This paper addresses the selection of the sampling strategy considering the type of study. For the characterization of ecosystems, stratified sampling or systematic sampling is proposed, depending on previous knowledge of the study area. To study processes, two cases were considered: processes that occur within the ecosystem, such as organic matter decomposition, and processes that concern the whole ecosystem, such as fire. In the first case subjective sampling was useful, since it reduced the extrinsic variability of the processes. In the second case, both stratified and systematic sampling were very effective. Frequency distribution analysis was proposed as a tool to detect some factors that control litter accumulation. Stratégies d'échantillonnage dans les sols forestiers. Beaucoup d'études ont révélé la grande variabilité des propriétés du sol, en particulier celles relatives aux horizons organiques. Plusieurs techniques d'échantillonnage ont été développées pour réduire la variabilité et obtenir des valeurs moyennes avec précision. Bien que l'étude des distributions de fréquences puisse fournir des informations sur les facteurs qui contrôlent la variabilité, cette approche a reçu peu d'attention. Cet article discute la sélection de stratégies d'échantillonnage selon le type d'étude à effectuer. Pour la caractérisation des écosystèmes on a proposé l'échantillonnage stratifié ou l'échnntillonnage systématique. Le choix de l'un ou de l'autre dépend de l'information disponible sur l'aire d'étude. Pour l'étude de processus, deux cas ont été considérés : les processus à l'intérieur de l'écosystème (décomposition de la matière organique) et les processus qui affectent tout l'écosystème (le feu). Dans le premier cas, l'échantillonnage dirigé s'est montré approprié parce qu'il réduit la variabilité extrinsèque au processus. Dans le second cas, les deux techniques d'échantillonnage (stratifié et systématique) ont été efficaces. L'analyse de la distribution des fréquences a été jugée utile pour détecter les facteurs qui contrôlent l'accumulation de la litière.

Geoderma, 2005

The evergreen Nothofagus betuloides and deciduous Nothofagus pumilio live close together in Tierr... more The evergreen Nothofagus betuloides and deciduous Nothofagus pumilio live close together in Tierra del Fuego. The fact that these two species rarely form mixed forests suggests that the soil factor can contribute to the distribution of two species on a local scale. Most of these forests are undisturbed; therefore, soil characteristics may reflect both the influence of the species and of the dominant pedogenetic processes. In this paper, we aim to study how soil characteristics can affect nutrient cycling, the strategies of tree nutrition and the distribution of Nothofagus forests in Tierra del Fuego. Twenty-two soils in these two types of forests in contrasted topographic positions were sampled and analysed. The dominant soil processes were waterlogging in the evergreen forest and podzolisation in the deciduous one. Within each type of forest we observed large variability in soils. Nutrient-poor litter slowed down nitrogen cycling. However, phosphorus mobilisation was high in nutrient-poor environments because of low pH and waterlogging. Chemical and biological characteristics of the Oa horizon were able to discriminate between forest types while mineral soil characteristics were not. Biological activity of the organic horizons was limited by low pH and, in N. betuloides forests, also by waterlogging conditions. According to this pattern, N. betuloides grows in less fertile soils and thus has lower nutrient concentrations in leaves. In contrast, N. pumilio grows in soils with higher fertility and consequently has high nutrient content in leaves. Despite growing in low fertility sites, N. betuloides grows at a rate similar to that of N. pumilio. This suggests that the evergreen species is more efficient in using nutrients and better adapted to waterlogging conditions. D

Forest Ecology and Management, 1998

For humus forms are one of the less known features of trembling aspen ecosystems, we studied them... more For humus forms are one of the less known features of trembling aspen ecosystems, we studied them in 18 stands located across a range of soil moisture and nutrient regimes in the Boreal Black and White Spruce of northeastern British Columbia.

The importance of humus form or forest floor as a principal component of terrestrial forest ecosy... more The importance of humus form or forest floor as a principal component of terrestrial forest ecosystems has led to the development of a taxonomic classification of humus forms for BC (first approximation: Klinka et al. 1981; second approximation: Green et al. 1993). This classification, as all others, is based on the field-observable (morphological) features because we expect that they reflect differences in the nature and development of humus forms. However, there is a continuing need to test (1) whether humus forms that appear different are in fact different in their physical, chemical, and biotic properties, and (2) the portability of the classification outside the area in which it was developed. As a result of recent studies of the biotic component of humus forms and recent testing of the classification outside British Columbia (Scandinavia, southeastern Russia, and northeastern China), we have recognized several new diagnostic horizons, and hence new taxa. In this pamphlet, we p...