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Horvatinec J, Buczny J, Ondrasek G. Fly ash application impacts master physicochemical pedovariables: A multilevel meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 368:122066. [PMID: 39116811 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.122066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Fly ash (FA) is a very alkaline, hazardous waste with a potential to be recycled in amelioration of master pedovariables, notably: i) pH, drives soil biogeochemistry, ii) electrical conductivity (EC), reflects soil salinity level and overall soil health, iii) water holding capacity (WHC), determines soil hydraulic functions and iv) bulk denisity (BD), indicates soil compaction and water-air relations. We performed a multilevel meta-analysis, encompassing 30 out of 1325 screend studies, using a random effect model and non-aggregated data sets. By moderating; experimental type, FA application rate, soil type and land use, two distinct meta-analytical approaches on observed pedovariables were performed: i) uni-moderator, considering moderators separately, and ii) multi-moderator, considering moderators combined. It was found that FA application: increased soil pH by 15.4% (Hedge's g = 8.07), EC by 51.7% (Hedge's g = 8.07), WHC by 22.6% (Hedge's g = 7.79), and reduced BD by 13.5% (Hedge's g = -5.03). However, the uni-moderator meta-analytical model revealed a significant increase in pH and EC only with relatively lower FA dosage (up to 20%). In addition, the impact of FA on pH and EC was significantly positive in acid (pHH2O < 6.5), negative in alkaline (pHH2O > 7.2), and not significant in neutral (pHH2O = 6.6-7.2) soil types. The same uni-moderator approach revealed that FA dosages above 5% significantly increased WHC, but reduced BD. Moreover, the multi-moderator model identified two significant interactions: i) between varying FA dosage and land use, and ii) between varying FA dosage and soil type. Confirmed positive implications of FA on key soil properties underscore its strong potential as a valuable resource for sustainable soil management, mitigating widespread soil constraints and contributing waste reduction. However, careful consideration of FA dosage, soil type, and land use is imperative to optimize FA application and prevent potential adverse environmental implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Horvatinec
- Department of Soil Amelioration, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jacek Buczny
- Department of Experimental and Applied Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Gabrijel Ondrasek
- Department of Soil Amelioration, University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Ondrasek G, Meriño-Gergichevich C, Manterola-Barroso C, Seguel Fuentealba A, Romero SM, Savić R, Cholin SS, Horvatinec J. Bio-based resources: systemic & circular solutions for (agro)environmental services. RSC Adv 2024; 14:23466-23482. [PMID: 39055268 PMCID: PMC11271217 DOI: 10.1039/d4ra03506b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The global promotion of decarbonisation through the circular solutions and (re)use of bio-based resources (BBR), i.e. waste streams, notably from the agricultural, forest and municipal sectors has steadily increased in recent decades. Among the transformative solutions offered by BBR, biosolids (BS), biochars (BC), and bioashes (BA) specifically attract scientific attention due to their highly complex organo-mineral matrices, which present significant potential for recovery in the agro-/forest-ecosystems. These materials enhance various soil (i) chemical (pH, macro/micro nutrient concentrations, organic matter content), (ii) physical (porosity, water-air relations, compaction) or (iii) microbial (diversity, activity) properties. Furthermore, some of transformed BBR contribute to a multitude of environmental services such as the remediation of contaminated sites and wastewater treatment, employing cost-effective and eco-friendly approaches that align with circular economy/waste management principles, ultimately contributing to climate change mitigation. However, several challenges impede the widespread utilization/transformation of BBR, including technological limitations in processing and application, concerns about contamination (e.g., PAHs, PCBs, micro/nano plastics present in BS), toxicity issues (e.g., heavy metals in BA or nanoparticles in BC), and regulatory constraints (e.g., non-uniform regulations governing the reuse of BA and BS). Addressing these challenges demands an interdisciplinary and intersectoral approach to fully unlock the potential of BBR in sustainable decarbonisation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrijel Ondrasek
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture Svetosimunska c. 25 Republic of Croatia
| | - Cristian Meriño-Gergichevich
- Scientific and Technological Bioresources Nucleus (BIOREN-UFRO), Universidad de La Frontera Temuco Chile
- Laboratory of Physiology and Plant Nutrition for Fruit Trees, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Environment, Universidad de La Frontera Temuco Chile
- Laboratory of Soil Fertility, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Environment, Universidad de La Frontera Temuco Chile
- Department of Agricultural Production, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Environment, Universidad de La Frontera Temuco Chile
| | - Carlos Manterola-Barroso
- Scientific and Technological Bioresources Nucleus (BIOREN-UFRO), Universidad de La Frontera Temuco Chile
- Laboratory of Physiology and Plant Nutrition for Fruit Trees, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Environment, Universidad de La Frontera Temuco Chile
- Laboratory of Soil Fertility, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Environment, Universidad de La Frontera Temuco Chile
- Doctoral Program in Science of Natural Resources, Universidad de La Frontera Temuco Chile
| | - Alex Seguel Fuentealba
- Departamento de Ciencias Agronómicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente, Universidad de La Frontera Temuco Chile
| | - Sebastián Meier Romero
- Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, INIA Carillanca Temuco Chile
- School of Agronomy, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering, and Technology, Universidad Mayor Temuco Chile
| | - Radovan Savić
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad Trg D. Obradovica 1 21000 Novi Sad Serbia
| | - Sarvamangala S Cholin
- Plant Molecular Biology Lab (DBT-BIOCARe), Department of Biotechnology & Crop Improvement, College of Horticulture, University of Horticultural Sciences Bagalkot 587103 Karnataka India
- University of Horticultural Sciences Bagalkot 587103 Karnataka India
| | - Jelena Horvatinec
- University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture Svetosimunska c. 25 Republic of Croatia
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Solokha M, Pereira P, Symochko L, Vynokurova N, Demyanyuk O, Sementsova K, Inacio M, Barcelo D. Russian-Ukrainian war impacts on the environment. Evidence from the field on soil properties and remote sensing. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 902:166122. [PMID: 37567282 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
The Russian-Ukrainian war is having a dramatic impact on the environment. The effects are still unknown. However, it is expected that the effects will be substantial. Since the conflict is ongoing, it is challenging to have ground-accurate data that could show an idea of the extension of the impact. Remote sensing can support a preliminary analysis in areas without safety to conduct fieldwork. This work aims to assess the impacts of the Russian-Ukrainian war on the environment using field and remote sensing sources. This is the first work that published fieldwork data from this conflict. Different soil properties were studied (e.g., texture and heavy metals) in different places (Novy Korotych and Mala Rohan). Remote sensing (e.g., Normalised Difference Vegetation Index) at different spatial scales (Eastern Ukraine and case study in the Kharkiv region) were assessed between 2021 and 2022. The results showed that the finer sediments increased in bombed areas compared with not bombed ones. Also, there was an increase in the content of heavy metals (e.g., Manganese, Iron, Cobalt, Copper, Cadmium, Chromium, Lead and Nickel) in soils in the shelled areas, compared to the non-shelled. This was mainly observed in the Novy Korotych site. Remote sensing analysis revealed that between 2021 and 2022 at a large scale (Eastern and southeastern Ukraine), vegetation greenness decreased in the areas where the combats are more intense (Luhansk and Donetsk) and increased in the southern area (Zaporizhia and Kherson), likely due to agriculture abandonment. On a small scale (case study in Kharkiv region), the vegetation greenness was affected due to the bombing. Although our results are preliminary, it is important to highlight that shelling is increasing soil pollution and contributing to vegetation greenness reduction where the fighting is intense. The actual impacts of the war still need to be understood entirely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksym Solokha
- National Scientific Center, Institute for Soil Science and Agrochemistry Research named after O.N. Sokolovsky, Kharkіv, Ukraine
| | - Paulo Pereira
- Environmental Management Laboratory, Mykolas Romeris University, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Lyudmyla Symochko
- Uzhhorod National University, Uzhhorod, Ukraine; University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute of Agroecology and Environmental Management NAAS, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Nadiya Vynokurova
- National Scientific Center, Institute for Soil Science and Agrochemistry Research named after O.N. Sokolovsky, Kharkіv, Ukraine
| | - Olena Demyanyuk
- Institute of Agroecology and Environmental Management NAAS, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Kateryna Sementsova
- National Scientific Center, Institute for Soil Science and Agrochemistry Research named after O.N. Sokolovsky, Kharkіv, Ukraine
| | - Miguel Inacio
- Environmental Management Laboratory, Mykolas Romeris University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Damia Barcelo
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), C/Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
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Jiang C, Wang Y, Yang Z, Zhao Y. Do adaptive policy adjustments deliver ecosystem-agriculture-economy co-benefits in land degradation neutrality efforts? Evidence from southeast coast of China. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1215. [PMID: 37713117 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11821-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Ecosystem restoration projects (ERPs) facilitate land degradation neutrality (LDN). However, the response dynamics and interactions of sectors within ecosystem-agriculture-economy nexus (EAEN) have not been sufficiently explored, which constrains the coordinated efficacy of LDN efforts. To bridge the knowledge gaps, the present study selected a land restoration hotspot in southeastern China as a case to investigate the simultaneous responses of the EAEN sectors to ERPs from a novel social-ecological system (SES)-based LDN perspective. Various biophysical models and Manne-Kendall trend test as well as multi-source spatially explicit data and socioeconomic statistics were applied to quantify the co-evolution of natural and socioeconomic indicators. ERPs converting cropland to woodland and grassland promoted vegetation restoration, reduced soil erosion, and enhanced carbon sequestration. However, cropland loss initially resulted in a decline in grain productivity. Policy adjustments and improvements in ecosystem restoration efforts and agricultural production conditions improved food security and increased agricultural production capacity. Effective policymaking and favorable resident engagement accelerated the transformation from a grain-production-based agriculture to diversified industries and, by extension, economic output, income, and population. The success of socioeconomic development under the SES framework for LDN demonstrated that this strategy could achieve the desired environmental, agricultural, and economic targets. EAEN under the SES conceptual framework provides an inclusive, comprehensive LDN perspective and improves ERP efficacy. The findings of the present work might be applicable to other land restoration areas challenged by the complex interactions among multidimensional factors. Comparably successful implementation of these ERPs could be realized if individual environmental and socioeconomic conditions are thoroughly considered during the formulation of coordinated development policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Coupling Process and Effect of Natural Resources Elements, Beijing, 100055, China.
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China.
- Changsha Comprehensive Survey Center of Natural Resources, China Geological Survey, Changsha, 410600, China.
- Dongying Base of Integration Between Industry and Education for High-Quality Development of Modern Agriculture, Ludong University, Dongying, 257509, China.
- Guangzhou Institute of Geography, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510070, China.
| | - Yixin Wang
- Research Institute of Management Science, Hohai University, Nanjing, 211100, China
| | - Zhiyuan Yang
- Department of Infrastructure Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Ying Zhao
- Dongying Base of Integration Between Industry and Education for High-Quality Development of Modern Agriculture, Ludong University, Dongying, 257509, China.
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Zhang Z, Ding J, Zhao W, Liu Y, Pereira P. The impact of the armed conflict in Afghanistan on vegetation dynamics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 856:159138. [PMID: 36191719 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Armed conflicts disturb the environment and impair land productivity. Afghanistan has been submerged in conflict for >20 years, affecting the environment dramatically. In this study, we used the Normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) to investigate vegetation's spatial and temporal changes and the potential underpinned mechanisms. We found a 16.44 % increase in NDVI in Afghanistan from 2000 to 2021. The average NDVI growth rate was 11.33 % (within 5 km distance from the armed conflict), higher in the conflict group than in the non-conflict group. People migration may have reduced the human impacts on the environment. The relative contribution of armed conflict to vegetation growth was 3.17 %. Our results showed that the vegetation in Afghanistan increased, confirming the idea that depopulation increase greenness. Despite the reduced variance explained by the war (R2 values around 0.3), our study provides empirical evidence on the linkages between the war and vegetation change in Afghanistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Institute of Land Surface System and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Zhuhai Branch of State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Zhuhai 519087, China
| | - Jingyi Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Institute of Land Surface System and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Wenwu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Institute of Land Surface System and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Yue Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Institute of Land Surface System and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Paulo Pereira
- Environmental Management Center, Mykolas Romeris University, Ateities g. 20, 08303 Vilnius, Lithuania
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Pereira P, Bašić F, Bogunovic I, Barcelo D. Russian-Ukrainian war impacts the total environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 837:155865. [PMID: 35569661 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The Russian-Ukrainian war triggered a tsunami that dramatically impacted the world economy, geopolitics, and food security. Due to the extreme humanitarian situation, the effects on the environment have been overlooked. However, due to the intense fighting, the impacts will be dramatic and produce an environmental disaster. The war is already affecting areas beyond Ukraine (explosions in Russia and Moldova territory). This discussion paper aims to shed light on the potential effect of this vast conflict on the ecosystems and their services. Although the war is still ongoing, there is evidence of severe air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the intense fights. Also, warfare activities were conducted in the vicinity of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (the biggest in Europe) and Chernobyl, increasing the fear of radiation leaks. The biodiversity is being drastically affected due to intense deforestation and habitat destruction with potential implications for wildlife. Bombing, trench and tunnel excavations will likely negatively impact soil degradation and landscape morphology. This assumes particular importance since Ukraine has some of the most fertile soils globally (Chernozem), affecting food production. Water availability and quality are likely to be affected due to infrastructure destruction and the transport of pollutants to water reserves. The ecosystem services supplied will likely be strongly damaged since deforestation will decrease the capacity of the ecosystems to regulate air pollution or climate. Soil degradation will hamper food production, and landscape aesthetics, cultural heritage and social cohesion destruction drastically affects cultural services. Finally, the impacts on human health are already tremendous. However, it can be even higher due to exposure to high levels of contamination and sanitary conditions degradation. The war is still ongoing, and there is considerable uncertainty regarding the impacts. However, we may expect a dramatic effect on the total environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Pereira
- Environmental Management Laboratory, Mykolas Romeris University, Vilnius, Lithuania; Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA-CERCA), Girona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Ferdo Bašić
- Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Igor Bogunovic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Damia Barcelo
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA-CERCA), Girona, Catalonia, Spain
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Usmani M, Brumfield KD, Magers BM, Huq A, Barciela R, Nguyen TH, Colwell RR, Jutla A. Predictive Intelligence for Cholera in Ukraine? GEOHEALTH 2022; 6:e2022GH000681. [PMID: 36185317 PMCID: PMC9514009 DOI: 10.1029/2022gh000681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Cholera, an ancient waterborne diarrheal disease, remains a threat to public health, especially when climate/weather processes, microbiological parameters, and sociological determinants intersect with population vulnerabilities of loss of access to safe drinking water and sanitation infrastructure. The ongoing war in Ukraine has either damaged or severely crippled civil infrastructure, following which the human population is at risk of health disasters. This editorial highlights a perspective on using predictive intelligence to combat potential (and perhaps impending) cholera outbreaks in various regions of Ukraine. Reliable and judicious use of existing earth observations inspired mathematical algorithms integrating heuristic understanding of microbiological, sociological, and weather parameters have the potential to save or reduce the disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moiz Usmani
- GeoHealth and Hydrology LaboratoryDepartment of Environmental Engineering SciencesUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
| | - Kyle D. Brumfield
- Maryland Pathogen Research InstituteUniversity of MarylandCollege ParkMDUSA
- University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer StudiesUniversity of MarylandCollege ParkMDUSA
| | - Bailey M. Magers
- GeoHealth and Hydrology LaboratoryDepartment of Environmental Engineering SciencesUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
| | - Anwar Huq
- Maryland Pathogen Research InstituteUniversity of MarylandCollege ParkMDUSA
- University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer StudiesUniversity of MarylandCollege ParkMDUSA
| | | | - Thanh H. Nguyen
- Department of Civil and Environmental EngineeringUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaILUSA
| | - Rita R. Colwell
- Maryland Pathogen Research InstituteUniversity of MarylandCollege ParkMDUSA
- University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer StudiesUniversity of MarylandCollege ParkMDUSA
| | - Antarpreet Jutla
- GeoHealth and Hydrology LaboratoryDepartment of Environmental Engineering SciencesUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
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Zhou T, Hou G, Sun J, Zong N, Shi P. Degradation shifts plant communities from S- to R-strategy in an alpine meadow, Tibetan Plateau. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 800:149572. [PMID: 34392221 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The replacement of dominant sedges/grasses with secondary forbs is common in alpine rangelands, but the underlying plant ecological strategies and their relevance to leaf traits and their variabilities of different plant functional groups remain largely unknown. Here, we measured key leaf traits and analyzed the competitor, stress-tolerator and ruderal (CSR) strategies of major species with different functional groups (sedges, grasses and forbs) in an alpine meadow along a degradation gradient on the Tibetan Plateau. Our results indicated that S-selected species were dominant in both non-degraded (C:S:R = 1:95:4%) and severely degraded (C:S:R = 2:87:11%) meadows. However, there was a shift from S- to R-strategy in the communities after rangeland degradation. More specifically, sedges and grasses with a "conservative" strategy maintained stronger S-strategy to tolerate degraded and stressful conditions. In contrast, forbs with an "opportunistic" strategy (increase 9.5% in R-score) tended to adapt to degraded stages. Moreover, 51.1% and 23.9% of the increased R-scores in forbs were accounted by leaf mass per area and specific leaf area, respectively. Generally, higher leaf water and nitrogen contents coupled with larger variations in leaf traits and flexible SR strategies in forbs enabled them to capitalize on lower soil water and nutrient availability. Our findings highlighted that the contrasting strategies of plant species in response to the decrease in available resources might lead to niche expansion of secondary forbs and loss of diversity in the degraded alpine meadow. The emerging alternative stable states in the degraded rangelands might bring about a predicament for rangeland restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiancai Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modelling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Ge Hou
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modelling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Jian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System, Resources and Environment (TPESRE), Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Ning Zong
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modelling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Peili Shi
- Key Laboratory of Ecosystem Network Observation and Modelling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
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Prăvălie R, Nita IA, Patriche C, Niculiță M, Birsan MV, Roșca B, Bandoc G. Global changes in soil organic carbon and implications for land degradation neutrality and climate stability. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 201:111580. [PMID: 34186079 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a critical indicator for healthy and fertile lands across the world. It is also the planet's largest terrestrial carbon pool, so any changes of this pool may have profound implications for both land productivity and climate stability. However, SOC changes have so far remained largely unexplored, although their understanding is essential for many international environmental policies. Here we investigate for the first time recent global SOC changes, based on some SOC stock interannual data that were processed for the 2001-2015 period on a planetary scale. We analysed the global SOC dynamics using the Mann-Kendall test and Sen's slope estimator, which are widely acknowledged to be reliable geostatistical tools for detecting various environmental trends from global to local scale. We explored SOC changes via three metrics (averages, quantities, areas) of negative and positive trends, but also of the balance between soil carbon trends, a key statistic for monitoring land quality stability and soil-atmosphere carbon fluxes in the global environmental policies. Globally, we estimated a net average decrease of -58.6 t C km2 yr-1, a total loss of ~3.1 Pg C, and an area affected by net SOC losses of ~1.9 million km2. Using this triple statistic, we found that 79% of countries worldwide have been affected by net declines of SOC after 2001, which suggests that halting land degradation and mitigating climate change through the SOC pathway are still far from being achieved by international policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remus Prăvălie
- University of Bucharest, Faculty of Geography, 1 Nicolae Bălcescu Street, 010041, Bucharest, Romania; University of Bucharest, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB)/Romanian Young Academy, 90-92 Sos. Panduri, 5th District, 050663, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Ion-Andrei Nita
- National Meteorological Administration (Meteo Romania), Department of Research and Meteo Infrastructure Projects, 97 București-Ploiești Street, 013686, Bucharest, Romania; Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Faculty of Geography and Geology, Department of Geography, 20A Carol I Street, 700506, Iaşi, Romania.
| | - Cristian Patriche
- Romanian Academy, Iaşi Divison, Geography Department, 8 Carol I Street, 700505, Iaşi, Romania.
| | - Mihai Niculiță
- Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Faculty of Geography and Geology, Department of Geography, 20A Carol I Street, 700506, Iaşi, Romania.
| | - Marius-Victor Birsan
- National Meteorological Administration (Meteo Romania), Department of Research and Meteo Infrastructure Projects, 97 București-Ploiești Street, 013686, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Bogdan Roșca
- Romanian Academy, Iaşi Divison, Geography Department, 8 Carol I Street, 700505, Iaşi, Romania.
| | - Georgeta Bandoc
- University of Bucharest, Faculty of Geography, 1 Nicolae Bălcescu Street, 010041, Bucharest, Romania; Academy of Romanian Scientists, 54 Splaiul Independenței Street, Bucharest, Romania.
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10
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Jiang C, Yang Z, Liu C, Dong X, Wang X, Zhuang C, Zhao L. Win-win-win pathway for ecological restoration by balancing hydrological, ecological, and agricultural dimensions: Contrasting lessons from highly eroded agroforestry. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 774:145140. [PMID: 33607442 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Ecological restoration projects (ERP) can effectively reverse ecosystem degradation. However, some ERPs have failed to restore ecosystems under environmental constraints, and they were unable to achieve the desired ecological and economic benefits. To achieve a win-win-win target that balances the hydrological, ecological, and agricultural dimensions, we introduced the contrasting lessons from hotspots of ecosystem restoration in the arid Loess Plateau (LP) and the humid Karst Plateau (KP) in China, and discussed a novel strategy for coordinating ecosystem restoration, water and food security, and residents' livelihoods. The biophysical models and related statistical records showed that aggressive ERPs and soil and water conservation projects (SWCPs) significantly promoted vegetation restoration and reduced soil erosion and sediment yield in both areas. However, excessive afforestation in the arid LP exhausted water resources and threatened ecosystem sustainability. The accelerated replacement of cropland since 1999 in the LP aggravated cropland shortage which led to carbon sequestration and grain productivity declines in the initial years. However, the construction of terrace and check-dam fields and improvements in the conditions of agricultural production reconciled the cropland shortage and stabilized food security. The positive involvement of stakeholders in ERPs effectively minimized land degradation through economic development and the improved livelihoods of local residents. Therefore, based on the evidence from the KP and LP, the proposed win-win-win strategy is potentially applicable in other global regions that suffer from land degradation. This strategy can achieve considerable success if the planners have a good understanding of local environmental conditions as well as the social and economic needs of residents affected by ERPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Jiang
- Guangdong Open Laboratory of Geospatial Information Technology and Application, Guangzhou Institute of Geography, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510070, PR China; Key Lab of Guangdong for Utilization of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System, Guangzhou 510070, PR China
| | - Zhiyuan Yang
- Department of Infrastructure Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Cai Liu
- China Aero Geophysical Survey and Remote Sensing Center for Natural Resources, Beijing 100083, PR China.
| | - Xinling Dong
- Hebei Oriental University, Langfang 065001, PR China.
| | - Xinchi Wang
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, PR China
| | - Changwei Zhuang
- Guangdong Provincial Academy of Environmental Science, Guangzhou 510045, PR China
| | - Lingling Zhao
- Guangdong Open Laboratory of Geospatial Information Technology and Application, Guangzhou Institute of Geography, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510070, PR China; Key Lab of Guangdong for Utilization of Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System, Guangzhou 510070, PR China
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11
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Gomes E, Inácio M, Bogdzevič K, Kalinauskas M, Karnauskaitė D, Pereira P. Future scenarios impact on land use change and habitat quality in Lithuania. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 197:111101. [PMID: 33831413 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Anticipating future land use and land cover (LULC) changes can improve our knowledge of the complexity of human-environment interactions that lead to transformations in the landscape. Therefore, it is key to understand these LULC changes under different scenarios and how they affect habitat quality (HQ) a key indicator for ecosystem services (ES) supply quality. This work aims to study the impacts of LULC changes under different scenarios: business as usual (A0), urbanisation (A1), land abandonment and afforestation (A2) and agriculture intensification (A3) in 2050. To simulate future LULC changes we applied the Cellular Automata (CA) method, and to assess HQ, the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) model was used. Spatial autocorrelation was assessed with a Moran's I index and the Getis Ord* hotspot analysis. The result showed that the LULC model calibration and validation were accurate (80%). Between 1990 and 2018 there was an increase in urban areas and forest and woodlands, which was reflected in the A0 scenario in 2050. Under the A1 scenario there was an increase in the urban area (4628 ha) compared to 2018, and in the most important cities (e.g., Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda) in the scenario A2 there was an increase of 375,820 ha of woodland and forest. Finally, under the scenario A3, a large growth in cropland area (884,030 ha) was identified. HQ model had a better validation using three cover density data (r2 = 0.67), than with imperviousness (r2 = 0.26). A2 scenario showed the highest HQ and A3 scenario have the lowest HQ. The land uses of 1990, 2018, and A3 scenario had a clustered distribution while A0, A1 and A2 showed a random pattern. The results can support policy-makers by assessing the impact of future LULC changes in Lithuania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Gomes
- Environmental Management Laboratory, Mykolas Romeris University, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Miguel Inácio
- Environmental Management Laboratory, Mykolas Romeris University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Katažyna Bogdzevič
- Environmental Management Laboratory, Mykolas Romeris University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Marius Kalinauskas
- Environmental Management Laboratory, Mykolas Romeris University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Donalda Karnauskaitė
- Environmental Management Laboratory, Mykolas Romeris University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Paulo Pereira
- Environmental Management Laboratory, Mykolas Romeris University, Vilnius, Lithuania
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12
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Wang J, Zhao W, Wang G, Yang S, Pereira P. Effects of long-term afforestation and natural grassland recovery on soil properties and quality in Loess Plateau (China). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 770:144833. [PMID: 33508670 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Long-term afforestation has important implications on soil properties and quality in semi-arid areas. A large-scale afforestation project has been carried out in the Loess Plateau in the last 20 years. This work aims to study the afforestation (Robinia pseudoacacia, Caragana korshinskii and natural grassland recover 10, 20, 30, and 40 years after) impacts on soil properties and quality. The results showed that coverage and root biomass (RB) was the highest 30 years after the restoration in Robinia pseudoacacia and Caragana korshinskii treatments, while the highest 40 years post-restoration in natural grasslands. Sand content and BD showed the highest values 10 years post afforestation in all study areas. Clay, Silt, mean weight diameter (MWD), and geometric mean diameter (GMD) in Robinia pseudoacacia, Caragana korshinskii had the highest values 30 years after the afforestation, while in natural grasslands, this was observed 40 years after. In Robinia pseudoacacia, Caragana korshinskii treatments, soil moisture content (SMC) reached the highest levels 30 years post afforestation at 20-40 and 40-60 cm. Regarding natural grasslands, SMC had the highest values 40 years post-afforestation. Sand content and BD increased with soil depth, while the opposite was identified in RB, clay, silt, MWD, GMD and SMC. In Robinia pseudoacacia and Caragana korshinskii treatments, soil organic matter, total nitrogen, available nitrogen, total phosphorous, and available phosphorus had the highest levels 40 years post-restoration at 0-20 cm, while at 20-40 and 40-60 cm, the highest concentrations were identified 30 years after. In all the treatments, the soil quality index (SQI) was the highest 40 years post-restoration. The values of SQI were always higher in natural grasslands than in Robinia pseudoacacia and Caragana korshinskii treatments. Overall, natural recovery (natural grasslands) is more efficient than afforestation (Robinia pseudoacacia and Caragana korshinskii treatments) in soil quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Institute of Land Surface System and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Wenwu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Institute of Land Surface System and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Guan Wang
- School of Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Siqi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Institute of Land Surface System and Sustainable Development, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Paulo Pereira
- Environment Management Laboratory, Mykolas Romeris University, LT-08303 Vilnius, Lithuania
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13
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Kalinauskas M, Mikša K, Inácio M, Gomes E, Pereira P. Mapping and assessment of landscape aesthetic quality in Lithuania. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 286:112239. [PMID: 33662753 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mapping and assessing landscape aesthetic quality (LAQ) at the national level can provide valuable insights to scientists and policymakers about the general condition of targeted cultural ecosystem service (CES). A generalised view based on unified methodological standards allows comparing LAQ between countries, thus facilitating international environmental management policies. LAQ can be assessed by combining subjective and objective metrics. This approach makes it challenging to map and assess the LAQ at national scale since it requires consensus-based methodologies to be reliably applicable in a broader geographic region. The national-scale studies related to LAQ are not common since they require high computational resources and differ in data accessibility. However, it is crucial to conduct broader LAQ studies to reveal the more general picture of LAQ condition and support (adjust) policy implementation at the national scale. More studies are needed to assess LAQ at the national level. This study aims to map and assess LAQ in Lithuania on the national scale. To achieve this aim, we adapted a LAQ mapping and assessment approach previously applied in Germany at the national scale. Based on previous work, we tested the methodology's transferability by applying it in a different geographical region by using local datasets. In this study, we partially modified sub-indicators calculation methods and performed an additional in-depth analysis to gather more information on LAQ accessibility and condition in Lithuania. Geographic Information Systems modeling and spatial statistics analysis allowed for achieving this aim. The results revealed that agricultural and urban areas had the lowest landscape diversity, naturalness, uniqueness, and LAQ in general, while areas with high ruggedness, forests, protected areas, natural monuments, and heritage sites had the highest LAQ scores. Viewshed analysis showed that a significant part of Lithuanian territory with the highest LAQ values have limited visibility due to terrain energy and undulation. Curonian spit and Nemunas riverbanks are few of high LAQ areas with high visual accessibility potential. The patches with high LAQ were clustered in protected areas, while the lowest LAQ values were observed in agricultural lands and urbanised areas. LAQ CES assessment is critical for higher quality environmental management regulation practices. High LAQ areas may need a better protection and provide wellbeing for the population, while low LAQ areas may require additional restoration effort. It also provides a better understanding of the LAQ condition and contributes to achieve national, European, and global goals related to landscape planning, management, and sustainable development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Kalinauskas
- Environmental Management Laboratory, Mykolas Romeris University, Ateities S. 20, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Katažyna Mikša
- Environmental Management Laboratory, Mykolas Romeris University, Ateities S. 20, Vilnius, Lithuania; Institute of International and European Union Law, Mykolas Romeris University, Ateities S. 20, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Miguel Inácio
- Environmental Management Laboratory, Mykolas Romeris University, Ateities S. 20, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Eduardo Gomes
- Environmental Management Laboratory, Mykolas Romeris University, Ateities S. 20, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Paulo Pereira
- Environmental Management Laboratory, Mykolas Romeris University, Ateities S. 20, Vilnius, Lithuania.
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14
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Prăvălie R, Patriche C, Borrelli P, Panagos P, Roșca B, Dumitraşcu M, Nita IA, Săvulescu I, Birsan MV, Bandoc G. Arable lands under the pressure of multiple land degradation processes. A global perspective. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 194:110697. [PMID: 33428912 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
While agricultural systems are a major pillar in global food security, their productivity is currently threatened by many environmental issues triggered by anthropogenic climate change and human activities, such as land degradation. However, the planetary spatial footprint of land degradation processes on arable lands, which can be considered a major component of global agricultural systems, is still insufficiently well understood. This study analyzes the land degradation footprint on global arable lands, using complex geospatial data on certain major degradation processes, i.e. aridity, soil erosion, vegetation decline, soil salinization and soil organic carbon decline. By applying geostatistical techniques that are representative for identifying the incidence of the five land degradation processes in global arable lands, results showed that aridity is by far the largest singular pressure for these agricultural systems, affecting ~40% of the arable lands' area, which cover approximately 14 million km2 globally. It was found that soil erosion is another major degradation process, the unilateral impact of which affects ~20% of global arable systems. The results also showed that the two degradation processes simultaneously affect an additional ~7% of global arable lands, which makes this synergy the most common form of multiple pressure of land degradative conditions across the world's arable areas. The absolute statistical data showed that India, the United States, China, Brazil, Argentina, Russia and Australia are the most vulnerable countries in the world to the various pathways of arable land degradation. Also, in terms of percentages, statistical observations showed that African countries are the most heavily affected by arable system degradation. This study's findings can be useful for prioritizing agricultural management actions that can mitigate the negative effects of the two degradation processes or of others that currently affect many arable systems across the planet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remus Prăvălie
- University of Bucharest, Faculty of Geography, 1 Nicolae Bălcescu Street, 010041, Bucharest, Romania; University of Bucharest, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), 90-92 Sos. Panduri, 5th District, 050663, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Cristian Patriche
- Romanian Academy, Iaşi Divison, Geography Department, 8 Carol I Street, 700505, Iaşi, Romania.
| | - Pasquale Borrelli
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata, 27100, Pavia, Italy; Department of Biological Environment, Kangwon National University, 24341, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Panos Panagos
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Directorate for Sustainable Resources, Ispra, I-21027, Italy.
| | - Bogdan Roșca
- Romanian Academy, Iaşi Divison, Geography Department, 8 Carol I Street, 700505, Iaşi, Romania.
| | - Monica Dumitraşcu
- Institute of Geography, Romanian Academy, 12 Dimitrie Racoviță Street, 023993, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Ion-Andrei Nita
- National Meteorological Administration (Meteo Romania), Department of Research and Meteo Infrastructure Projects, 97 București-Ploiești Street, 013686, Bucharest, Romania; Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Faculty of Geography and Geology, Department of Geography, 20A Carol I Street, 700506, Iaşi, Romania.
| | - Ionuţ Săvulescu
- University of Bucharest, Faculty of Geography, 1 Nicolae Bălcescu Street, 010041, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Marius-Victor Birsan
- National Meteorological Administration (Meteo Romania), Department of Research and Meteo Infrastructure Projects, 97 București-Ploiești Street, 013686, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Georgeta Bandoc
- University of Bucharest, Faculty of Geography, 1 Nicolae Bălcescu Street, 010041, Bucharest, Romania; Academy of Romanian Scientists, 54 Splaiul Independenței Street, Bucharest, Romania.
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15
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Ondrasek G, Rengel Z. Environmental salinization processes: Detection, implications & solutions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 754:142432. [PMID: 33254867 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
A great portion of Earth's freshwater and land resources are salt-affected and thus have restricted use or may become unsuitable for most human activities. Some of the recent scenarios warn that environmental salinization processes will continue to be exacerbated due to global climate change. The most relevant implications and side-effects in ecosystems under excessive salinity are destructive and long lasting (e.g. soil dispersion, water/soil hypersalinity, desertification, ruined biodiversity), often with non-feasible on site remediation, especially at larger scales. Agro-ecosystems are very sensitive to salinization; after a certain threshold is reached, yields and food quality start to deteriorate sharply. Additionally, salinity often coincides with numerous other environmental constrains (drought, waterlogging, pollution, acidity, nutrient deficiency, etc.) that progressively aggravate the threat to food security and general ecosystem resilience. Some well-proven, widely-used and cost-effective traditional ameliorative strategies (e.g. conservation agriculture, application of natural conditioners) help against salinity and other constraints, especially in developing countries. Remotely-sensed and integrated data of salt-affected areas combined with in situ and lab-based observations have never been so easy and rapid to acquire, precise and applicable on huge scales, representing a valuable tool for policy-makers and other stakeholders in implementing targeted measures to control and prevent ecosystem degradation (top-to-bottom approach). Continued progress in biotechnology and ecoengineering offers some of the most advanced and effective solutions against salinity (e.g. nanomaterials, marker-assisted breeding, genome editing, plant-microbial associations), albeit many knowledge gaps and ethical frontiers remain to be overcome before a successful transfer of these potential solutions to the industrial-scale food production can be effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrijel Ondrasek
- The University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Svetosimunska c. 25, Croatia.
| | - Zed Rengel
- The University of Western Australia, UWA School of Agriculture and Environment, Stirling Highway 35, Perth, W. Australia, Australia; Institute for Adriatic Crops and Karst Reclamation, Put Duilova 11, Split, Croatia
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16
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Savic R, Ondrasek G, Zemunac R, Bubalo Kovacic M, Kranjcec F, Nikolic Jokanovic V, Bezdan A. Longitudinal distribution of macronutrients in the sediments of Jegricka watercourse in Vojvodina, Serbia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 754:142138. [PMID: 32920401 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Sediment matrices, as integral organo-mineral parts of aquatic bodies, can effectively bind and accumulate nutrients and potentially hazardous substances from diffuse and/or point sources of contamination. In this study, we analysed the longitudinal distribution of macronutrients (total N and available P and K) and the mechanical composition of the sediments of Jegricka watercourse (a part of the multi-functional Danube-Tisa-Danube canal network) known for its exposure to anthropogenic loads. The results showed that the nutrient pollution index was mostly above 1.0 (in 76%, 86% and 93% of the analysed samples for K, N and P, respectively), and the mean values for N, P and K were 2.69, 1.92 and 1.24, respectively. The average content of all nutrients and the sand fraction were significantly higher, whereas the clay fraction was considerably lower, in the sediment samples than in the adjacent arable Chernozem soil used as a benchmark. The differences in the nutrient contents and mechanical properties in the sediments were measured longitudinally (at upstream vs. downstream stations) and assessed using correlation, cluster analysis, and principal component analysis. The results suggest that the nutrient sources in the sediments as well as their transport and loading mechanisms along Jegricka watercourse are diverse and complex, likely driven by a combination of untreated industrial/urban wastewater discharges, erosion and surface runoff from the surrounding agricultural land. As a majority of the analysed watercourse banks belong to areas of special ecological value, the obtained results may be useful: i) indicators for designing and implementation of sustainable land/water policies and measures for the protection and rehabilitation of these valuable ecosystems, ii) inputs for testing/calibrating the sediment transport models and iii) the basis for sediment management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radovan Savic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Trg D. Obradovica 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.
| | - Gabrijel Ondrasek
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetosimunska 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Rados Zemunac
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Trg D. Obradovica 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Marina Bubalo Kovacic
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetosimunska 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Filip Kranjcec
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetosimunska 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Atila Bezdan
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Trg D. Obradovica 8, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
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17
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Ferreira C, Kalantari Z, Pereira P. Liveable cities: Current environmental challenges and paths to urban sustainability. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 277:111458. [PMID: 33032000 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Ferreira
- Department of Physical Geography and Bolin Centre for Climate Research, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden; Navarino Environmental Observatory, Costa Navarino, Navarino Dunes, 24001, Messinia, Greece; Research Centre for Natural Resources, Environment, and Society (CERNAS), Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Agricultural School, Bencanta, 3045-601, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Zahra Kalantari
- Department of Physical Geography and Bolin Centre for Climate Research, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden; Navarino Environmental Observatory, Costa Navarino, Navarino Dunes, 24001, Messinia, Greece
| | - Paulo Pereira
- Environmental Management Center, Mykolas Romeris University, Ateities g. 20, LT-8303, Vilnius, Lithuania.
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18
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Stanturf JA, Mansourian S. Forest landscape restoration: state of play. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2020; 7:201218. [PMID: 33489272 PMCID: PMC7813234 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.201218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Tree planting has been widely touted as an inexpensive way to meet multiple international environmental goals for mitigating climate change, reversing landscape degradation and restoring biodiversity restoration. The Bonn Challenge and New York Declaration on Forests, motivated by widespread deforestation and forest degradation, call for restoring 350 million ha by 2030 by relying on forest landscape restoration (FLR) processes. Because the 173 million ha commitments made by 63 nations, regions and companies are not legally binding, expectations of what FLR means lacks consensus. The frequent disconnect between top-level aspirations and on-the-ground implementation results in limited data on FLR activities. Additionally, some countries have made landscape-scale restoration outside of the Bonn Challenge. We compared and contrasted the theory and practice of FLR and compiled information from databases of projects and initiatives and case studies. We present the main FLR initiatives happening across regional groups; in many regions, the potential need/opportunity for forest restoration exceeds the FLR activities underway. Multiple objectives can be met by manipulating vegetation (increasing structural complexity, changing species composition and restoring natural disturbances). Livelihood interventions are context-specific but include collecting or raising non-timber forest products, employment and community forests; other interventions address tenure and governance.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A. Stanturf
- Institute of Forestry and Rural Engineering, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 5, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
- InNovaSilva, Højen Tang 80, 7100 Vejle, Denmark
| | - Stephanie Mansourian
- Mansourian.org, 36 Mont d'Eau du Milieu, 1276 Gingins, Switzerland
- University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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19
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Short-Term Impact of Tillage on Soil and the Hydrological Response within a Fig (Ficus Carica) Orchard in Croatia. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12113295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tillage is well known to have impacts on soil properties and hydrological responses. This work aims to study the short-term impacts of tillage (0–3 months) on soil and hydrological responses in fig orchards located in Croatia. Understanding the soil hydrological response in the study area is crucial for soil management due to frequent autumn floods. The hydrological response was investigated using rainfall simulation experiments (58 mm h−1, for 30 min, over 0.785 m2 plots). The results show that the bulk density was significantly higher 3 months after tillage than at 0 and 1 months. The water holding capacity and amount of soil organic matter decreased with time. The water runoff and phosphorous loss (P loss) increased over time. The sediment concentration (SC) was significantly higher 3 months after tillage than in the previous monitoring periods, while sediment loss (SL) and carbon loss (C loss) were significantly lower 0 months after tillage than 3 months after tillage. Overall, there was an increase in soil erodibility with time (high SC, SL, C loss, and P loss), attributed to the precipitation patterns that increase the soil water content and therefore the hydrological response. Therefore, sustainable agricultural practices are needed to avoid sediment translocation and to mitigate floods and land degradation.
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20
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Yu Y, Zhao W, Martinez-Murillo JF, Pereira P. Loess Plateau: from degradation to restoration. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 738:140206. [PMID: 32660774 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
United Nations established 2021-2030 as the decade for ecosystem restoration and "prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems worldwide". Ecosystem and land degradation are a global phenomenon. As a consequence of land degradation, in the late 1990s, the "Grain for Green Program" (GFGP) was established in Loess Plateau (China). It converted slope farmlands to forest or grassland over the, resulting in a visible "greening" trend. Other effects of GFGP on soil properties, land production, hydrological conditions, ecosystem services, and policy implications are the topics of this Special Issue. This Special Issue includes 17 contributions that cover recent research carried out in Loess Plateau in the mentioned topics at different spatial and temporal scales. The collection of papers presented in this Special Issue discusses critical issues in vegetation restoration and sustainable land management in the region. This Special Issue will contribute to United Nations strategy for ecosystems restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- College of Soil and Water Conservation, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation & Desertification Combating, State Forestry and Grassland Administration, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; Jixian National Forest Ecosystem Research Network Station, CNERN, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; Department of Sediment Research, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Wenwu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Juan F Martinez-Murillo
- Departamento de Geografía, Universidad de Málaga, Campus de Teatinos s/n, Málaga 29071, Spain; Instituto de Geomorfología y Suelos, Universidad de Málaga, Ampliación Campus de Teatinos, Málaga 29071, Spain
| | - Paulo Pereira
- Environmental Management Laboratory, Mykolas Romeris University, Vilnius, Lithuania.
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