Effect of windbreaks on wind speed reduction and soil protection against wind erosion

Řeháček, David; Khel, Tomáš; Kučera, Josef; Vopravil, Jan; Petera, Martin

doi:10.17221/45/2016-swr

Cited by 32 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…The nding that Fukugi windbreaks provide signi cant ecosystem services and play a valuable role in biological conservation is consistent with other types of windbreaks, such as those found in agricultural lands [39], farmsteads [40], and in plains [41]. Windbreaks have also been used to reduce soil erosion [42], protect crops, reduce energy consumption, protect wildlife habitat [41,43], mitigate greenhouse gas emissions [44], increase scenic beauty, supply rewood, and produce other types of timber products [45].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 72%

Distribution and utilization of homestead windbreak Fukugi (Garcinia subelliptica Merr.) trees: An ethnobotanical approach

Chen

Akamine

2021

Preprint

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Background: Garcinia subelliptica (Fukugi in Japanese) is an evergreen tropical tree, first identified in Batanes, the Philippines, which has been planted as a homestead windbreak and in coastal forests extensively on the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan. This article focuses on the traditional uses and cultural values of Fukugi trees and provides ethnobotanical information for the conservation scheme of this important tree species.Methods: A combination of ecological and ethnobotanical approaches was applied in this study. Extensive field surveys were conducted to collect dimensions of relatively large trees, and in-depth interviews with the village leaders and knowledgeable persons were conducted to collect ethnobotanical data. Results: Fukugi trees have been primarily planted as homestead or farmland windbreaks. Timber was harvested during difficult times, for example, after WWII, and used for recreational purposes for children or farmers. The fruits were also eaten on some remote islands. Old-growth Fukugi trees are widely found in sacred sites, within cities, and as symbolic trees. The older generations respect Fukugi trees; however, the cultural significance valued by older generation seems to be lacking in the younger generation. We argue that Fukugi is a cultural keystone species in Okinawa, which underpins Ryukyu culture and has transformed islands into a pleasant land, a unique place, and shared identity for the community.Conclusions: Fukugi windbreaks provide significant ecosystem services, such as biodiversity in the forest, reducing soil erosion, and spiritual and cultural values. A combination of biophysical environment, as well as tradition and custom, has played an essential role in tree species selection for windbreaks. The positive impacts that anthropogenic activities have had on the sustainability of woody species, namely, the active utilization of tree species, may have enabled the species to sustain. Strategies for protecting old-growth Fukugi trees, in addition to restoration of damaged trees, are needed to improve the sustainable management of Fukugi trees in Okinawa.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 72%

Distribution and utilization of homestead windbreak Fukugi (Garcinia subelliptica Merr.) trees: An ethnobotanical approach

Chen

Akamine

2021

Preprint

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“…The nding that Fukugi windbreaks provide signi cant ecosystem services and play a valuable role in biological conservation is consistent with other types of windbreaks, such as those found in agricultural lands [29], farmsteads [30], and in plains [31]. Windbreaks have also been used to reduce soil erosion [32], protect crops, reduce energy consumption, protect wildlife habitat [31,33], mitigate greenhouse gas emissions [34], increase scenic beauty, supply rewood, and produce other types of timber products [35]).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 72%

Distribution and Utilization of Homestead Windbreak Fukugi (Garcinia Subelliptica Merr.) Trees: An Ethnobotanical Approach

Chen

Akamine

2020

Preprint

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Background:Garcinia subelliptica (Fukugi in Japanese) is an evergreen tropical tree, first identified in Batanes, the Philippines, which has been planted as a homestead windbreak and in coastal forests extensively on the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan. This article focuses on the traditional uses and cultural values of Fukugi trees and provides ethnobotanical information for the conservation scheme of this important tree species.Methods:A combination of ecological and ethnobotanical approaches was applied in this study. Extensive field surveys were conducted to collect dimensions of relatively large trees, and in-depth interviews with the village leaders and knowledgeable persons were conducted to collect ethnobotanical data. Results:Fukugi trees have been primarily planted as homestead or farmland windbreaks. Timber was harvested during difficult times, for example, after WWII, and used for recreational purposes for children or farmers. The fruits were also eaten on some remote islands. Old-growth Fukugi trees are widely found in sacred sites, within cities, and as symbolic trees. The older generations respect Fukugi trees; however, the cultural significance valued by older generation seems to be lacking in the younger generation. We argue that Fukugi is a cultural keystone species in Okinawa, which underpins Ryukyu culture and has transformed islands into a pleasant land, a unique place, and shared identity for the community.Conclusions:Fukugi windbreaks provide significant ecosystem services, such as biodiversity in the forest, reducing soil erosion, and spiritual and cultural values. A combination of biophysical environment, as well as tradition and custom, has played an essential role in tree species selection for windbreaks. The positive impacts that anthropogenic activities have had on the sustainability of woody species, namely, the active utilization of tree species, may have enabled the species to sustain. Strategies for protecting old-growth Fukugi trees, in addition to restoration of damaged trees, are needed to improve the sustainable management of Fukugi trees in Okinawa.

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“…Other authors of [34][35][36] assessed the vegetation elements only from the aspect of species composition and development as well, without evaluating the antierosive function. In contrast, [26,[37][38][39] and others focused on the study of optical porosity of the windbreaks and its effect on the wind speed reduction. Boitani etal.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Functions of Windbreaks in the Landscape Ecological Network and Methods of Their Evaluation

Podhrázská

Kučera

Doubrava

et al. 2021

Forests

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Linear elements in the agricultural landscape, particularly windbreaks, reduce the wind speed and improve the microclimate in the protected zone. They offer many direct effects on agricultural production with maximum benefits of ecosystem biodiversity. Despite the indisputable advantages and favourable effects of permanent linear vegetation elements, their representation in the agricultural landscape is not as frequent as it used to be. Moreover, the formerly planted elements do not fulfil their original function due to the overgrowth and neglected maintenance. The optimum spatial and functional organisation of the newly proposed linear elements requires evaluation of the existing linear vegetation, its functional parameters and involvement in the landscape ecological network. Our report presents methods for the evaluation of the linear elements, both from the aspect of their internal structure and species composition (category A) and their involvement in the functional system (category B). The evaluation is based on seven established criteria and results in a point scoring system that reflects the characteristics of the reference criteria. In five selected localities, we tested the linear elements as individuals by the A method and their integrity by the B method of evaluation. In one locality only, the state of windbreaks was assessed as functional; at two localities, they were found as conditionally functional, and at two other localities, the state of the windbreaks was assessed as non-functional. An example of the evaluation of individual windbreaks (category A) is demonstrated in model localities in South Moravia, Czech Republic. The results of the evaluation of the model localities thus point out an unsatisfactory state of the linear elements in the region of South Moravia and the need to accord them increased care and to establish new plantations under professional supervision. Their building can be sped up by using the tools of land consolidation.

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Effect of windbreaks on wind speed reduction and soil protection against wind erosion

Cited by 32 publications

References 18 publications

Distribution and utilization of homestead windbreak Fukugi (Garcinia subelliptica Merr.) trees: An ethnobotanical approach

Distribution and utilization of homestead windbreak Fukugi (Garcinia subelliptica Merr.) trees: An ethnobotanical approach

Distribution and Utilization of Homestead Windbreak Fukugi (Garcinia Subelliptica Merr.) Trees: An Ethnobotanical Approach

Functions of Windbreaks in the Landscape Ecological Network and Methods of Their Evaluation

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