scholarly journals Plumage balances camouflage and thermoregulation in Horned Larks (Eremophila alpestris)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas A Mason ◽  
Eric Riddell ◽  
Felishia Romero ◽  
Carla Cicero ◽  
Rauri C K Bowie
Keyword(s):  
Western United States ◽  
Soil Types ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
Biological Functions ◽  
Water Requirements ◽  
Abiotic Conditions ◽  
Selective Pressures ◽  
Solar Reflectance ◽  
Visual Background

Animal coloration serves many biological functions and must therefore balance potentially competing selective pressures. For example, many animals have camouflage, in which coloration matches the visual background against which predators scan for prey. However, different colors reflect different amounts of solar radiation and may therefore have thermoregulatory implications as well. In this study, we examined geographic variation in dorsal patterning, color, and solar reflectance among Horned Larks (Eremophila alpestris) of the western United States. We found associations between dorsal plumage brightness, hue, and patterning relative to the soil conditions where specimens were collected. Specifically, brighter dorsal plumage corresponded to brighter soil, while redder, more saturated hues in dorsal plumage corresponded to redder soils. Furthermore, backs with more high-contrast patterning were more common among females and also associated with soil that had coarser soil fragments, suggesting that lark plumage has been selected to optimize background matching in different environments. We also found that larks exhibited higher solar reflectance in hotter and more arid environments, which lowers the water requirements for homeothermy. Taken together, these findings suggest that natural selection has balanced camouflage and thermoregulation in Horned Larks across a wide variety of soil types and abiotic conditions.

scholarly journals A Long Journey of CICA-17 Quinoa Variety to Salinity Conditions in Egypt: Mineral Concentration in the Seeds

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 407
Author(s):  
Juan A. González ◽  
Leonardo Hinojosa ◽  
María I. Mercado ◽  
José-Luis Fernández-Turiel ◽  
Didier Bazile ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiments ◽  
Chemical Elements ◽  
Chenopodium Quinoa ◽  
Soil Types ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
Mineral Concentration ◽  
Marginal Lands ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Pattern Distribution ◽  
Induced Changes

Quinoa may be a promising alternative solution for arid regions, and it is necessary to test yield and mineral accumulation in grains under different soil types. Field experiments with Chenopodium quinoa (cv. CICA-17) were performed in Egypt in non-saline (electrical conductivity, 1.9 dS m−1) and saline (20 dS m−1) soils. Thirty-four chemical elements were studied in these crops. Results show different yields and mineral accumulations in the grains. Potassium (K), P, Mg, Ca, Na, Mn, and Fe are the main elements occurring in the quinoa grains, but their concentrations change between both soil types. Besides, soil salinity induced changes in the mineral pattern distribution among the different grain organs. Sodium was detected in the pericarp but not in other tissues. Pericarp structure may be a shield to prevent sodium entry to the underlying tissues but not for chloride, increasing its content in saline conditions. Under saline conditions, yield decreased to near 47%, and grain sizes greater than 1.68 mm were unfavored. Quinoa may serve as a complementary crop in the marginal lands of Egypt. It has an excellent nutrition perspective due to its mineral content and has a high potential to adapt to semi-arid and arid environments.

Physiological and biomass partitioning shifts to water stress under distinct soil types in Populus deltoides saplings

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 545-553
Author(s):  
Senlin Yang ◽  
Jian Shi ◽  
Lianghua Chen ◽  
Jian Zhang ◽  
Danju Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exchange Rate ◽  
Drought Stress ◽  
Gas Exchange ◽  
Nitrogen Metabolism ◽  
Populus Deltoides ◽  
Soil Types ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
N Assimilation ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Gas Exchange Rate

Abstract Aims Although soil environments exist extensive heterogeneity for many plants with a wide range of distribution, researches about effects of soil conditions on plants’ tolerance and adaptation are particularly inadequate. In our study, the aims are to reveal physiological strategies of Populus deltoides against drought stress under different soil conditions and to select the most suitable soil type for P. deltoides plantation. Methods Under controlled conditions, we used P. deltoides as a model species to detect differences in gas exchange rate, antioxidative capacity, nitrogen metabolism and biomass accumulation and partitioning in response to drought stress under three mineral soil types with distinct physicochemical characters, i.e. red soil (RS), yellow soil (YS) and yellow-brown soil (BS). Important Findings Exposure to 25% of field water holding capacity in soil for 3 months had significantly decreased biomass of all organs, photosynthetic rate, enzyme activities related to N assimilation, but increased H2O2, malondialdehyde and content of both NO3− and NH4+, when P. deltoides was planted in both RS and YS. In contrast, under BS, there are slightly negative effects exerted by water deficit on total biomass, gas exchange rate, activities of enzymes related to nitrogen metabolism and membrane damage caused by reactive oxygen species, which can be associated with a consistent increase in superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase, and a higher ratio of root mass to shoot mass. It is concluded that, such higher capacity in tolerance and adaptation against drought stress under BS relative to both RS and YS could be accounted for more sufficient nutrient provision in soil parental materials and better soil aeration conditions which play a vital role in plant acclimation to water shortage. Our study also revealed that, distribution areas of BS might be preferable for cultivation of P. deltoides, when compared with those of RS and YS.

scholarly journals Adaptation of Extra Short Duration Pigeonpea to Rainfed Semi-Arid Environments

1993 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. S. Chauhan ◽  
C. Johansen ◽  
Laxman Singh
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Short Duration ◽  
Cajanus Cajan ◽  
Soil Types ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
Rate Of Growth ◽  
Semi Arid

SummaryThe adaptation of extra short duration (ESD) pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) genotypes to rainfed environments was studied on Alfisols and Vertisols at the ICRISAT Center between 1987 and 1989. Despite a slightly shorter crop duration, the grain yield of ESD genotypes was twice as large on Alfisols as on Vertisols. On both soil types, the rate of growth and grain yield were better in crops sown on time than in those where sowing was delayed. The population levels necessary to maximize yield varied among genotypes on Alfisols, where the grain yield of several ESD genotypes compared favourably with that of ICPL 87, a standard short duration genotype. However, none of the ESD genotypes yielded more than ICPL 87 on the Vertisols.

Effects of some soil conditions on sugar-beet seedling emergence

1972 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
pp. 543-545 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. C. Longden
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Sugar Beet ◽  
Clay Soil ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Seedling Emergence ◽  
Clay Soils ◽  
Soil Types ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Soil Conditioners ◽  
Water Holding

SUMMARYSeven soil conditioners added to a sandy clay soil at Saxmundham did not benefit sugar-beet seedling emergence in four experiments in 3 years. In microplots at Broom's Barn free draining peat and sandy loam gave consistently more seedlings than limestone loam or flinty loam. In the laboratory, for each of three soil types, emergence was maximal only for a small soil moisture range and decreased rapidly when soils became drier or wetter. This suggests that conditioners which increase water-holding capacity should be tested on sandy loams rather than clay soils and that seed-bed preparation on heavier soils should seek to aerate the soil.

scholarly journals The effect of compaction of the arable layer in sandy soils on the growth of maize for silage. 2. Soil conditions and plant growth.

1987 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 113-128
Author(s):  
F.R. Boone ◽  
H.M.G. van der Werf ◽  
B. Kroesbergen ◽  
B.A. ten Hag ◽  
A. Boers
Keyword(s):  
Growth Stage ◽  
Sandy Soils ◽  
Soil Types ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
Soil Aeration ◽  
Compacted Soil ◽  
Silage Maize ◽  
Loose Soil ◽  
Over Time

Silage maize cv. Brutus was grown on 3 soil types in 1980-82 on (a) loose soil, (b) soil lightly compacted with a packer at ploughing, (c) soil moderately compacted using a tractor with double rear wheels, (d) soil heavily compacted using a tractor with single rear wheels. Crop growth responses varied over time in relation to growth stage and amount of rainfall. There were small yield reductions in loose soil, and large reductions in heavily compacted soil resulting from insufficient soil aeration. Results were greatly influenced by rainfall pattern and local variations in drainage status. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)

scholarly journals Acute zinc deficiency observed in cacao on certain soil types in Netherlands New Guinea.

1959 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 309-316
Author(s):  
H. Schroo
Keyword(s):  
Zinc Deficiency ◽  
Root Systems ◽  
The Other ◽  
Soil Types ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Very Old ◽  
Zn Content ◽  
Silty Loam ◽  
Leaf Symptoms

Leaf symptoms in young cacao were observed on two different soil types. On one, a very old, much leached, infertile, quartzitic silty loam, low Zn content was responsible; heavy drought which crippled the root systems made the hidden shortage acute. On the other soil, low Zn content was greatly accentuated by adverse soil conditions which impaired the uptake of Zn by the roots; high pH, excessive PO4, poor water-retaining capacity in dry weather and poor aeration in the wet season probably induced deficiency. Deficient trees recovered in 7 months with Zn sprays. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)

scholarly journals Cyanobacteria and bio-crusts communities restore degraded soil: Examples of Iran

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atoosa Gholamhosseinian ◽  
Adel Sepehr
Keyword(s):  
Soil Degradation ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Environmental Threats ◽  
Degraded Ecosystems

Soil is the major natural resource on which human life depends for the production of food, feed, fiber, renewable energy and raw materials, as well as the protection of the planet’s natural ecosystems and climate system. Increasing soil degradation and subsequent ecosystem degradation is a current concern in agriculture and the environment. Soil degradation poses many challenges to feed the world’s growing population. This food insecurity will also reduce the income of the agricultural sector, which will lead to a decrease in economic income. Soil degradation will lead to environmental threats, the extinction of animals and plants, the reduction of biodiversity, water loss, and disruption of water and carbon cycles. The use of new technologies such as biological crusts has provided great hope for the recovery and restoration of degraded ecosystems. Inoculation of biological crusts, especially cyanobacteria, has had positive results on improving soil conditions and restoration degraded soils. In this article, has been introduced the biocrusts communities considering cyanobacteria species to restore degraded soils. We reported the results of cyanobacteria applications in soil conservation in arid environments of Iran.

Investigation of relationships between soil type and condition and crater size for shallow-buried explosive charges

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-153
Author(s):  
Joshua Edward Payne ◽  
William Scott Myers ◽  
John Qua Ehrgott ◽  
Denis Dwayne Rickman ◽  
Cameron Demond Thomas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Type ◽  
Full Range ◽  
Ground Surface ◽  
Soil Types ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Soil Parameters ◽  
Apparent Depth ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Crater Size

The detonation of near-surface and shallow-buried explosives results in a ground crater that has a size and shape that is directly related to the charge size, charge position, and soil conditions. Several methods are currently available that attempt to predict crater size, that is, apparent depth and diameter of a ground crater, based on direct inputs of key factors such as the soil type, soil conditions, explosive type and mass, and depth of burial of the explosive. Current prediction methodologies are limited, primarily due to the lack of key cratering data in well-controlled and characterized soil backfills consisting of a full range of soil types, water contents, and density conditions. A new cratering database is currently being developed based on craters produced in well-characterized materials representing a significant number of soil types defined by the Unified Soil Classification System. This database is capturing key cratering measurements for charge depth of burials ranging from tangent below the ground surface to a scaled depth of approximately 1.0 ft/lb1/3. Data collected include water content and density measurements in the as-constructed backfills and measurements of the crater cross-sectional profiles, including the apparent depth and diameter, lip-to-lip diameter, and lip-to-bottom depth. Analyses were conducted on the test data to define key parameters affecting crater size. Based on the results of these analyses, the critical soil parameters affecting crater size were identified.

scholarly journals The Effect of Soil Conditions on the Sucrose Content of Sugarcane

1969 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 132-146
Author(s):  
M. A. Lugo-López
Keyword(s):  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Chemical Reaction ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Soil Types ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Sucrose Content ◽  
East Central ◽  
Sugarcane Varieties ◽  
Edaphic Conditions ◽  
Different Soils

Data are presented herein to show the influence of soils and soil conditions on the sucrose yield of sugarcane. Information derived from five broad geographic areas of Puerto Rico, namely: North, south, northeast, east-central, and northwest-interior, was analyzed critically. There were significant differences in the sucrose-yielding potential of several commercial sugarcane varieties among some soils within each area. These differences are attributable to variations in the properties of the various soil types or complexes, or to some factor closely connected with the soil like drainage, chemical reaction, and so on. Some varieties produced higher sucrose yields than others even when growing under similar edaphic conditions. Different varieties of sugarcane produced their maximum yields in different soils, thus indicating a certain degree of variability and adaptation to the soil, as far as this factor was concerned. Within a given area the sucrose-yielding potential of a given soil may be modified considerably by the dominant climatic conditions.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Productivity of New Spring Cereal Mixture to Optimize Cultivation under Different Soil Conditions

Agriculture ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 344
Author(s):  
Danuta Leszczyńska ◽  
Agnieszka Klimek-Kopyra ◽  
Krzysztof Patkowski
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiment ◽  
Soil Quality ◽  
Soil Type ◽  
Metabolic Energy ◽  
Soil Types ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Naked Barley ◽  
Production Space ◽  
Covered Oats ◽  
Naked Oats

The aim of the study was to evaluate grain yields, protein yields, and net metabolic energy yields of different combinations of spring types of barley, oat, and wheat arranged in 10 mixtures and grown under different soil types. Naked cultivars of barley and oat were used. The three-year field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Advisory Centre in Szepietowo, Poland. The study showed that the major factor determining yields of the mixtures was soil quality. Within the better soil (Albic Luvisols), the highest yield was achieved by a mixture of covered barley and wheat and by a mixture of covered barley with covered oats and wheat, but only in treatments with lower sowing density. Moreover, on the better soil, significantly higher protein yields were obtained for mixtures of barley (covered or naked grains) with wheat as compared to the mixture of covered barley with covered oats, or the mixture of covered barley with naked oats and wheat. The highest yields of net metabolic energy, regardless of soil type, were obtained from a mixture of naked barley with wheat, while the lowest from a mixture of covered barley with naked oats and wheat. Mixed sowings increase biodiversity of canopies, which allows a better use of production space. They also increase health and the productivity of plants.

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