Special Issue "The Provision of Ecosystem Services in Response to Habitat Change"

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2021.

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Damian Chmura
E-Mail Website
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
E-Mail Website
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

Adams,W.M., 2014. The value of valuing nature dvaluing nature in economic terms is not always beneficial for biodiversity conservation. Science 346, 6209.

Balmford, A., Bruner, A., Cooper, P., Costanza, R., Farber, S., Green, R.E., 2002. Economic reasons for conserving wild nature. Science 297 (5583), 950e953.

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.

Maes, J., Paracchini, M.L., Zulian, G., Dunbar, M.B., Alkemade, R., 2012. Synergies and trade-offs between ecosystem service supply, biodiversity, and habitat conservation status in Europe. Biol. Conserv. 155, 1e12.

Ricketts, T.H., Watson, K.B., Koh, I., Ellis, A.M., Nicholson, C.C., Posner, S., Richardson, L.L., Sonter, L.J., 2016. Disaggregating the evidence linking biodiversity and ecosystem services. Nat. Commun. 7, 13106.

Ripple, W.J., Beschta, R.L., 2012. Trophic cascades in Yellowstone: the first 15 years after wolf reintroduction. Biol. Conserv. 145 (1), 205e213.

Rosenzweig, M., 2003. Win-win Ecology, How the Earth's Species Can Survive in the Midst of Human Enterprise. Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK

Dr. Damian Chmura
Dr. Gabriela Woźniak
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

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

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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Article
The Role of Selected Ecosystem Services in Different Farming Systems in Poland Regarding the Differentiation of Agricultural Land Structure
Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6673; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126673 - 11 Jun 2021
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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 [...] Read more.
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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Article
The Effect of the Manner in Which Montane and Submontane Areas Are Utilized on the Quality of Leachate Water
Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 6299; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13116299 - 02 Jun 2021
Viewed by 506
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 [...] Read more.
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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Article
The Impact of Biodegradable Geotextiles on the Effect of Sodding of Difficult Terrain
Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 5828; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13115828 - 21 May 2021
Viewed by 461
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 [...] Read more.
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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Review
Preliminary Assumptions for Identification of the Common Hamster (Cricetus cricetus) as a Service Provider in the Agricultural Ecosystem
Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6793; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126793 - 16 Jun 2021
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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 [...] Read more.
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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