Mid and long-term ecological impacts of ski run construction on alpine ecosystems.

The proliferation of ski run construction is a worldwide trend. The machine-grading of slopes involved during ski run construction changes the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil, having significant long-term ecological impact on the environment. Establishing and developing plant communities in these affected areas is crucial in rehabilitating the biotic and abiotic soil environment, while also improving slope stability and reducing the risk of natural hazards.

Potential phosphorus and arsenic mobilization from Bangladesh soils by particle dispersion.

Besides dissolution, particle dispersion and mobilization can substantially contribute to element transfer from soils to waters. The dispersibility of the fine particulate and the associated potential losses of P and As from Bangladesh soils of the Ganges and Meghna floodplains have been evaluated with a simple dispersion test. The dispersible fraction was greater for the coarse-textured soils from the Meghna floodplain and increased with particle charge density.

Fire severity, residuals and soil legacies affect regeneration of Scots pine in the Southern Alps.

Regeneration of non fire-adapted conifers following crown fires on the European Alps is often delayed or unsuccessful. Fire may limit establishment by eliminating seed trees, altering soil properties, or modifying microsite and soil conditions via disturbance legacies. However, the effect of soil legacies on post-fire establishment has rarely been discussed.