Effects of topographic factors on distribution of cacti along an elevation gradient in Brazilian Caatinga

Rodriguésia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabrício Correia Diniz ◽  
Maiara Bezerra Ramos ◽  
Humberto Araújo de Almeida ◽  
Anderson Silva Pinto ◽  
Sérgio de Faria Lopes
Keyword(s):  
Arid Regions ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Elevation Gradient ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Ecological Relevance ◽  
Caatinga Vegetation ◽  
Species Composition And Distribution ◽  
Species Richness And Abundance ◽  
Abiotic Interactions ◽  
Semi Arid

Abstract The Cactacea family comprises 128 genera and 1450 species with predominantly neotropical distribution. Cacti are commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions and have great ecological relevance due to their interactions with animals and other groups of plants. Abiotic interactions, such as topography, altitude, rainfall, temperature and soils, also influence the composition and distribution of cacti. The objective of the present study was to assess patterns of species composition and distribution for cacti along an elevation gradient in Brazilian Caatinga vegetation. Four transects (composed by 25 plots of 100 m² each) were established at each of two mountain sites. The topographic variables of elevation, slope, rockiness and soil depth were evaluated to determine if they affect the distribution of richness and abundance of cacti along the elevation gradient using Spearman's (rs) correlation coefficient. A total of 554 individuals of five cacti species (Pilosocereus gounellei, Pilosocereus pachycladus, Tacinga palmadora, Tacinga inamoena and Melocactus zehntneri) were sampled. Cacti richness and abundance were found to be negatively correlated with elevation, slope and rockiness, and positively correlated with soil depth (p<0.05). All species exhibited aggregate spatial distribution patterns, which may be related to different environmental conditions produced by interactions among topographic variables (slopes, rockiness and soil depth), that synergistically influence the patterns of species richness and abundance along the elevation gradient.

Factors influencing soil moisture in the Loess Plateau, China: a review

2018 ◽  
Vol 109 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 501-509
Author(s):  
Wenwu ZHAO ◽  
Xuening FANG ◽  
Stefani DARYANTO ◽  
Xiao ZHANG ◽  
Yaping WANG
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Loess Plateau ◽  
Arid Regions ◽  
Scale Effects ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Loess Plateau ◽  
Deep Soil ◽  
Semi Arid

ABSTRACTSoil moisture is a key issue for eco-hydrological research in arid and semi-arid regions, and is primarily concerned with water availability for vegetation. Shallow and deep soil moisture occurs according to the maximum infiltration depth. Soil moisture has three-dimensional characteristics: inter-layer variability, horizontal heterogeneity and temporal variability. Soil moisture is affected by various factors including terrain, soil characteristics, climate and vegetation, and the effects of these change with time (e.g., rainfall patterns) and space (e.g., soil depth). In arid and semi-arid regions, deep soil moisture is of particular importance to vegetation restoration and the evaluation of vegetation sustainability; however, accurate prediction of the spatial distribution of deep soil moisture in the Loess Plateau of China still faces numerous challenges. Therefore, future research should focus on the mechanisms, models and scale effects of soil moisture, particularly for deep soil moisture.

BIODIVERSITY OF HALOPHYTES IN SEMI-ARID REGIONS CASE OF ZAHREZ GHARBI AND ZAHREZ CHERGUI (ZAAFRANE-DJELFA) IN ALGERIA

2020 ◽  
Vol 76 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Senni Rachida ◽  
De Belair Gerard ◽  
Abdelkrim Hacene
Keyword(s):  
Arid Regions ◽  
Semi Arid

Water Resources Management in the Semi-Arid Central Valley of California

1987 ◽  
Vol 19 (9) ◽  
pp. 97-106
Author(s):  
J. J. Vasconcelos
Keyword(s):  
Resource Management ◽  
Ground Water ◽  
Water Resource ◽  
Water Resource Management ◽  
Arid Regions ◽  
Central Valley ◽  
The United States ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Ground Water Resource ◽  
Semi Arid

Hater resource managers in semi-arid regions are faced with some unique problems. The wide variations in precipitation and stream flows in semi-arid regions increase man's dependence on the ground water resource for an ample and reliable supply of water. Proper management of the ground water resource is absolutely essential to the economic well being of semi-arid regions. Historians have discovered the remains of vanished advanced civilizations based on irrigated agriculture which were ignorant of the importance of proper ground water resource management. In the United States a great deal of effort is presently being expended in the study and control of toxic discharges to the ground water resource. What many public policy makers fail to understand is that the potential loss to society resulting from the mineralization of the ground water resource is potentially much greater than the loss caused by toxic wastes discharges, particularly in developing countries. Appropriations for ground water resource management studies in developed countries such as the United States are presently much less than those for toxic wastes management and should be increased. It is the reponsibility of the water resource professional to emphasize to public policy makers the importance of ground water resource management. Applications of ground water resource management models in the semi-arid Central Valley of California are presented. The results demonstrate the need for proper ground water resource management practices in semi-arid regions and the use of ground water management models as a valuable tool for the water resource manager.

scholarly journals Mulching as water-saving technique in dryland agriculture: review article

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Abdul Kader ◽  
Ashutus Singha ◽  
Mili Amena Begum ◽  
Arif Jewel ◽  
Ferdous Hossain Khan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Arid Regions ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Water Saving ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Agricultural Water ◽  
Plastic Mulch ◽  
Dryland Agriculture ◽  
Crop Cultivation ◽  
Agricultural Water Resources ◽  
Semi Arid

Abstract Agricultural water resources have been limited over the years due to global warming and irregular rainfall in the arid and semi-arid regions. To mitigate the water stress in agriculture, mulching has a crucial impact as a water-saving technique in rain-fed crop cultivation. It is important mainly for preserving soil moisture, relegating soil temperature, and limiting soil evaporation, which affects the crop yield. Mulching has many strategic effects on soil ecosystem, crop growth, and climate. Mulch insulates the soil, helping to provide a buffer from cold and hot temperatures that have a crucial activity in creating beautiful and protected landscapes. This study has accumulated a series of information about both organic and plastic mulch materials and its applicability on crop cultivation. Moreover, future research potentials of mulching with modeling were discussed to quantify water loss in agriculture.

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