Seabird guano influences on desert islands: soil chemistry and herbaceous species richness and productivity

Wait, D. Alexander; Aubrey, Doug P.; Anderson, Wendy B.

doi:10.1016/j.jaridenv.2004.07.001

Cited by 99 publications

(92 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…Furthermore, within the planktivore transect, soil dry mass was negatively correlated with guano deposition; hence, water content was higher, which would further encourage vegetation development. Similar findings have been reported in other studies in both polar regions (e.g., Tatur 1989; Odasz 1994; Leishman and Wild 2001), as well as at lower latitudes (e.g., Hawke and Powell 1995;Anderson and Polis 1999;García et al 2002;Ligeza and Smal 2003;Wait et al 2005;Ellis et al 2006). Our study provides evidence that planktivore and piscivore colonies affect surrounding tundra in subtly different ways, even though the absolute amount of guano deposited per unit time or area was similar.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

“…Guano production and its composition are related to the diet, with different proportions of organic and non-organic fractions and particular mineral salts reported in analyses of the guano of plankton-, fish-, and bivalve-eating birds (Hutchison 1950;Galkina 1974;Bédard et al 1980). Guano deposition influences various physical and chemical soil parameters, such as concentration of ammonium, nitrate, phosphate, magnesium and potassium ions, as well as soil humidity, conductivity, and respiration rate (Gilham 1956;Ryan and Watkins 1989;Anderson and Polis 1999;García et al 2002;Wait et al 2005;Ellis et al 2006). Although guano itself is typically alkaline, the process of its decomposition in the soil often results in increased soil acidity being found near seabird colonies (Gilham 1956;García et al 2002;Ellis 2005;Wait et al 2005).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Guano deposition and nutrient enrichment in the vicinity of planktivorous and piscivorous seabird colonies in Spitsbergen

et al. 2012

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The crucial role of seabirds in the enrichment of nutrient-poor polar terrestrial ecosystem is well-known. However, no studies have examined the potentially different impacts associated with piscivorous and planktivorous bird colonies on the surrounding tundra soils. Therefore, we compared guano deposition and physical and chemical parameters of soil near two large seabird colonies, one of planktivorous little auks (Alle alle) and the other comprising piscivorous Brunnich's guillemots (Uria lomvia) and kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla). The two colonies generated similar levels of guano deposition, with the intensity of deposition decreasing away from the colony. Guano deposition adjacent to both colonies was considerably higher than that in control areas. The increased guano supply around colonies significantly enhanced soil conductivity, nitrogen (NO 3 -, NH 4 ? ), potassium (K ? ), and phosphate (PO 4 3-) ion concentrations and led to reduced pH values. Guano deposition explained 84 % (piscivorous colony) and 67 % (planktivorous colony) of the total variation in the tested soil parameters. Planktivore and piscivore colonies affected adjacent tundra in different ways. The phosphate content and pH value of soil influenced by piscivores were significantly higher than values measured in planktivore-influenced soil. The gradient of guano deposition and associated ion content in the soil decreased more rapidly with distance from the piscivore colony. Climate-induced changes in populations of planktivorous and piscivorous seabirds are expected in the study region and may therefore have substantial consequential effects on Arctic terrestrial ecosystems.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 91%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Guano deposition and nutrient enrichment in the vicinity of planktivorous and piscivorous seabird colonies in Spitsbergen

et al. 2012

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“…Many studies have linked plant biomass and cover increase with seabird presence in the polar regions (e.g. Ellis 2005;Wait et al 2005;Maron et al 2006), and our results provide further support to the hypothesis that seabirds impact indirectly on springtail (and other soil invertebrate) community composition and variability, this being mediated through vegetation changes.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 86%

Influence of allochtonous nutrients delivered by colonial seabirds on soil collembolan communities on Spitsbergen

et al. 2012

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Despite a widespread recognition of the role of seabird colonies in the fertilization of nutrient-poor polar terrestrial ecosystems, qualitative and quantitative data documenting any consequential influence on soil invertebrate communities are still lacking. Therefore, we studied community structure and abundance of springtails (Collembola) in ornithogenic tundra near two large seabird colonies in Hornsund, south-west Spitsbergen. We found considerably (5-209) higher densities and biomass of Collembola in the vicinities of both colonies (the effect extending up to ca. 50 m from the colony edge) than in comparable control areas of tundra not influenced by allochtonous nutrient input. The most common springtails observed in the seabird-influenced areas were Folsomia quadrioculata, Hypogastrura viatica and Megaphorura arctica. The latter species appeared the most resistant to ornithogenic nutrient input and was found commonly closest to the bird colonies. Collembolan abundance decreased with increasing distance from the seabird colonies. However, relationships between collembolan density and specific physicochemical soil parameters and vegetation characteristics were weak. The most important factors were the cover of the nitrophilous green alga Prasiola crispa, total plant biomass and soil solution conductivity, all of which were correlated with distance from the colony and estimated amount by guano deposition. Community composition and abundance of springtails showed no evidence of being influenced of seabird diet, with no differences apparent between communities found in ornithogenic tundra developing in the vicinity of planktivorous and piscivorous seabird colonies. The study provides confirmation of the influence of marine nutrient input by seabirds on soil microfaunal communities.

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“…In other studies, the presence of seabird breeding increased plant productivity (Bancroft et al 2005;Wait et al 2005) and leaf nutrient status (Anderson & Polis 1999;García et al 2002), although high burrow densities can reduce growth rates and seedling establishment (Mulder & Keall 2001). If the higher nutrient status and herbivory found in red mangroves in Florida, fertilised by the addition of bird guano to the surface of the plants, soil, and water is also present in podocarp conifers in the Westland petrel colony, the flow-on effects to higher trophic levels could be substantial.…”

Section: Journal Of the Royal Society Of Newmentioning

confidence: 74%

Stable isotopic (δ¹⁵N, δ¹³C) analysis of wood in trees growing in past and present colonies of burrow‐nesting seabirds in New Zealand. I. δ¹⁵N in two species of conifer (Podocarpaceae) from a mainland colony of Westland petrels (Procellaria westlandica), Punakaiki, South Island

Holdaway¹,

Hawke²,

Hyatt³

et al. 2007

Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand

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Seabird guano influences on desert islands: soil chemistry and herbaceous species richness and productivity

Cited by 99 publications

References 25 publications

Guano deposition and nutrient enrichment in the vicinity of planktivorous and piscivorous seabird colonies in Spitsbergen

Guano deposition and nutrient enrichment in the vicinity of planktivorous and piscivorous seabird colonies in Spitsbergen

Influence of allochtonous nutrients delivered by colonial seabirds on soil collembolan communities on Spitsbergen

Stable isotopic (δ¹⁵N, δ¹³C) analysis of wood in trees growing in past and present colonies of burrow‐nesting seabirds in New Zealand. I. δ¹⁵N in two species of conifer (Podocarpaceae) from a mainland colony of Westland petrels (Procellaria westlandica), Punakaiki, South Island

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Seabird guano influences on desert islands: soil chemistry and herbaceous species richness and productivity

Cited by 99 publications

References 25 publications

Guano deposition and nutrient enrichment in the vicinity of planktivorous and piscivorous seabird colonies in Spitsbergen

Guano deposition and nutrient enrichment in the vicinity of planktivorous and piscivorous seabird colonies in Spitsbergen

Influence of allochtonous nutrients delivered by colonial seabirds on soil collembolan communities on Spitsbergen

Stable isotopic (δ15N, δ13C) analysis of wood in trees growing in past and present colonies of burrow‐nesting seabirds in New Zealand. I. δ15N in two species of conifer (Podocarpaceae) from a mainland colony of Westland petrels (Procellaria westlandica), Punakaiki, South Island

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Stable isotopic (δ¹⁵N, δ¹³C) analysis of wood in trees growing in past and present colonies of burrow‐nesting seabirds in New Zealand. I. δ¹⁵N in two species of conifer (Podocarpaceae) from a mainland colony of Westland petrels (Procellaria westlandica), Punakaiki, South Island