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Influence of insect herbivory on plant competition
Opltová, Radka ; Kuťáková, Eliška (advisor) ; Florianová, Anna (referee)
Plant communities are influenced by many factors, such as soil properties, humidity, temperature, resource availability or competition and herbivory. This thesis summarizes current knowledge about insect herbivory and its impact on plant competition in the context of plant communities, especially in grasslands. The competition outcome depends on numerous factors, such as the competitiveness of focal as well as neighbouring plants, trade-off between fast growth and production of defensive chemicals, resource availability etc. Insect herbivory can significantly impact plant competition, and the impact depends on herbivore abundance and its specific traits, such as feeding preferences or occupied habitat. Although herbivory often reduces plant biomass, it can stabilize the community structure by suppressing strong competitors and, therefore, keeping higher plant biodiversity. Plant response to herbivory can sometimes develop over a long time, so long-term observations of changes in plant communities are necessary. It is my willingness to continue with research based on this review, within the context of a master thesis. Specifically, I would deal with the impact of belowground herbivory on seminatural mountain grassland in the Krkonoše Mountains. As a model herbivore species I chose the garden chafer...
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Th effect of fertilization oan microbial and chemical soil properties in post mining sites.
Hermová, Markéta ; Frouz, Jan (advisor) ; Kryštůfek, Václav (referee)
The effects of fertiliser application, recultivation type and site age on chemical and microbiological soil properties were examined on a short-term (1year) experimental trial situated on spoil heaps in Sokolov mining district, Czech Republic. Treatments at the site included fertilisation by inorganic form of nitrogen, concretely calcic saltpetre (N) and fertilisation by inorganic form of phosphorus, namely superphosphate (P). Plots were either fertilised in the beginning of growing season or unfertilised. Microbial biomass-C increased as a consequence of both N and P addition while comparing with control. There was a significant effect of fertilisation on non-fumigated C representing labile source of carbon. With N,P application non-fumigated C significantly decreased. Specific respiration rate calculated as basal microbial respiration to microbial biomass-C was significantly increased by fertiliser application. In contrary, no significant treatment effect on the other parameters include water extractable carbon, total C, total N, available P, soil pH and basal respiration was recorded. The results indicate that short-term fertilisation is not able maintain soil condition. Therefore, site age or recultivation treatment had significant effect on mostly investigated parameters (WEC, total C) rather...
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