scholarly journals Functional Diversity of Soil Nematodes in Relation to the Impact of Agriculture—A Review

Diversity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 64
Author(s):  
Stela Lazarova ◽  
Danny Coyne ◽  
Mayra G. G. Rodríguez ◽  
Belkis Peteira ◽  
Aurelio Ciancio
Keyword(s):  
Functional Diversity ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Ecosystem Functioning ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Detailed Knowledge ◽  
Soil Nematode ◽  
Soil Nematodes ◽  
Nematode Diversity ◽  
The Impact

The analysis of the functional diversity of soil nematodes requires detailed knowledge on theoretical aspects of the biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationship in natural and managed terrestrial ecosystems. Basic approaches applied are reviewed, focusing on the impact and value of soil nematode diversity in crop production and on the most consistent external drivers affecting their stability. The role of nematode trophic guilds in two intensively cultivated crops are examined in more detail, as representative of agriculture from tropical/subtropical (banana) and temperate (apple) climates. The multiple facets of nematode network analysis, for management of multitrophic interactions and restoration purposes, represent complex tasks that require the integration of different interdisciplinary expertise. Understanding the evolutionary basis of nematode diversity at the field level, and its response to current changes, will help to explain the observed community shifts. Integrating approaches based on evolutionary biology, population genetics and ecology can quantify the contribution of nematode fauna to fundamental soil functions. These include carbon transformation, nutrient cycling, pest control and disease transmission. In conclusion, different facets of nematode diversity such as trophic groups, life history traits, variability in body size and/or taxa identities in combination with DNA-based techniques are needed in order to disclose nematode–soil–ecosystem functioning relationships. Further experimental studies are required to define locally adapted and sustainable management practices, through ecosystem-based approaches and nature-based solutions.

A survey on dairy heifer farm management practices in a Western-European plainland, the French Pays de la Loire region

2012 ◽  
Vol 150 (4) ◽  
pp. 518-533 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. LE COZLER ◽  
O. RECOURSÉ ◽  
E. GANCHE ◽  
D. GIRAUD ◽  
J. DANEL ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Herd Size ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Herd Management ◽  
Production Region ◽  
Qualitative Survey ◽  
Small Set ◽  
Dairy Heifer ◽  
The Impact

SUMMARYDespite practical information and applied results from numerous experimental studies and/or field observations, there is a persistent gap between scientific recommendations and on-farm reality. There are numerous published reports on the impact of dairy heifer herd management conditions on short-term, medium-term and long-term performances, but few studies on actual dairy heifer herd management practices – particularly in France. In an attempt to address this shortfall, a survey was conducted in 2010 on 449 herds located in the second largest dairy production region, the Pays de la Loire region (Western France). Economic-related aspects of heifer farming were not addressed. The essentially qualitative survey information was collected by 107 independent agricultural technologists. A quantitative analysis based on a small set of the most representative key production criteria was also conducted on a representative sub-sample of 286 herds. Mean herd size, at 46·6 cows per farm, and milk production, at 7953 kg milk/cow/lactation, were close to French national averages (47·3 cows per farm and 8109 kg milk/cow/lactation). The survey covered nine core themes and confirmed an all-round lack of precise monitoring on animal growth, as reported in earlier studies performed outside France. Most of the farmers surveyed considered animal weight a useful indicator for estimating growth performance. However, very few actually weighed their animals, despite the fact that 0·80 of the farmers surveyed aimed to calve their heifers before 30 months of age, with 0·55 of them setting a minimum calving weight target of at least 610 kg. Mean calf age at weaning was 2·9 months, but in practice this was >3·5 months in 0·31 of cases. Although farmers differ on certain practices, common core foci emerged: weight or age targets for pre-determined growth and development stages (at weaning or at service), recycling non-marketable milk for feeding young calves, essentially visual oestrus detection methods, and others. Based on the farmers’ declarations, the estimated time spent rearing a heifer from birth to calving ranges from 12 to 15 h per animal, with most farmers spending an estimated 0–2 h/day rearing their heifers. While almost two-thirds of farmers stated that rearing heifers was a necessity, 0·36 of this survey population claimed they enjoyed the work, whereas 0·02 of the farmers felt the work was purely a chore. Mirroring the conclusions from other countries, dairy heifer herd performances could be improved through better animal monitoring and management.

scholarly journals A remote sensing-based dataset to characterize the ecosystem functioning and functional diversity of a Biosphere Reserve: Sierra Nevada (SE Spain)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatriz P. Cazorla ◽  
Javier Cabello ◽  
Andrés Reyes ◽  
Emilio Guirado ◽  
Julio Peñas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional Diversity ◽  
Sierra Nevada ◽  
Ecosystem Functioning ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Environmental Gradients ◽  
Environmental Data ◽  
Data Availability ◽  
Ecological Processes

Abstract. Conservation Biology faces the challenge of safeguarding the ecological processes that sustain biodiversity. Characterization and evaluation of these processes can be carried out through attributes or functional traits related to the exchanges of matter and energy between vegetation and the atmosphere. Nowadays, the use of satellite imagery provides useful methods to produce a spatially continuous characterization of ecosystem functioning and processes at regional scales. Our dataset characterizes the patterns of ecosystem functioning in Sierra Nevada (Spain) from the vegetation greenness dynamics captured through the spectral vegetation index EVI (Enhanced Vegetation Index) since 2001 to 2018 (product MOD13Q1.006 from MODIS sensor). First, we provided three Ecosystem Functional Attributes (EFAs) (i.e., descriptors of annual primary production, seasonality, and phenology of carbon gains), as well as their integration into a synthetic mapping of Ecosystem Functional Types (EFTs). Second, we provided two measures of functional diversity: EFT richness and EFT rarity. Finally, in addition to the yearly maps, we calculated interannual summaries, i.e., means and inter-annual variabilities. Examples of research and management applications of these data sets are also included to highlight the value of EFAs and EFTs to improve the understanding and monitoring ecosystem processes across environmental gradients. The datasets are available in two open-source sites (PANGAEA: https://doi.pangaea.de/10.1594/PANGAEA.904575 (Cazorla et al. 2019) and http://obsnev.es/apps/efts_SN.html), and bring to scientists, managers and the general public valuable information on the first characterization of the functional diversity at ecosystem level developed in a Mediterranean hotspot. Sierra Nevada represents an exceptional ecology laboratory of field conditions, where a long-term monitoring (LTER) program was established 10 years ago. The data availability on biodiversity, climate, ecosystem services, hydrology, land-use changes and management practices from Sierra Nevada, will allow to explore the relationships between these other environmental data and ecosystem functional data that we provide in this work.

Effects of organic and conventional pesticides on plant biomass, nematode diversity and the structure of the soil food web

Nematology ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Carrascosa ◽  
Sara Sánchez-Moreno ◽  
José Luis Alonso-Prados
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Nematophagous Fungi ◽  
Parasitic Nematodes ◽  
Soil Nematode ◽  
Soil Biodiversity ◽  
Nematode Diversity ◽  
Pine Forest Soil ◽  
Soil Fumigants

Due to the uncertain future of the soil fumigants most commonly used in the EU, there is a need to develop new integrated pest management programmes to control crop diseases. Different nematode management practices, such as solarisation and the use of ecological nematicides, including nematophagous fungi, are used to control populations of plant-parasitic nematodes, one of the most common pests affecting crops. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of organic (neem seed paste and a mixture of nematophagous fungi) and conventional (oxamyl and fenamiphos) nematicides on soil physical chemical properties, soil biodiversity and plant biomass. Such effects were investigated in two types of habitats: low diversity soils from an agricultural farm and high diversity soils from a natural vegetation area. The greater effect was observed with the neem treatment, which induced a large boost of dauer juveniles in the nutrient-depleted soil, while the same treatment induced an increase of populations of less opportunistic, generalist bacterivore nematodes in the pine forest soil, rich in organic matter. We have studied the effects of different biological and chemical nematicides on the whole soil nematode community through ecological indices and their relationship with plant biomass, but further research is needed to improve understanding of the effect of these products on nematode assemblages.

scholarly journals Effects of Mowing Frequency on Soil Nematode Diversity and Community Structure in a Chinese Meadow Steppe

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 5555
Author(s):  
Jinling Zhao ◽  
Jiale Chen ◽  
Honghui Wu ◽  
Linghao Li ◽  
Fengjuan Pan
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
Critical Factor ◽  
Terrestrial Ecosystems ◽  
Structure Stability ◽  
Soil Nematode ◽  
Soil Nematodes ◽  
Grassland Ecosystems ◽  
Management Measures ◽  
Nematode Diversity ◽  
The Stability

Soil nematodes are one of the most important components in terrestrial ecosystems and the critical factor driving the belowground process. The grasslands of Northeast China have been subject to mowing for ages, which theoretically should have had substantial effects on the processes associated with soil nematodes. However, relevant studies have barely been conducted to date. This study examined variations in soil nematode abundance, biomass, diversity, and community structure, with respect to varying mowing frequencies. The results showed that a higher mowing frequency significantly reduced the abundance of soil nematodes, biomass, diversity, and community structure stability in the ecosystem, while intermediate mowing frequency enhanced these parameters to different extents. Our findings indicate that the changing patterns of the nematode indices with mowing frequency conform to the intermediate disturbance theory. This study provides a theoretical basis for formulating grassland-related management measures and maintaining the stability of grassland ecosystems.

scholarly journals Effects of Grazing Intensity on Soil Nematode Community Structure and Function in Different Soil Layers in a Meadow Steppe

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fengjuan Pan ◽  
Ruirui Yan ◽  
Jinling Zhao ◽  
Linghao Li ◽  
Yanfeng Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
Soil Layer ◽  
Nematode Community ◽  
Soil Nematode ◽  
Soil Nematodes ◽  
Meadow Steppe ◽  
Soil Layers ◽  
Soil Nematode Community ◽  
Nematode Diversity ◽  
Grazing Intensities

Abstract Aims Grazing is a key driver of plant communities and soil functions in grassland ecosystems. Soil nematodes play a vital role in soil ecological functions. however, few studies have explored how grazing shapes soil nematode community in different soil layers.Methods we investigated the composition, abundance, diversity, metabolic footprint, and food web metrics of soil nematodes over a gradient of grazing in the 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm soil layers in a meadow steppe. The relationships between nematode community structure and biotic and abiotic factors were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA) and structural equation model (SEM) analysis. Results Light grazing tended to increase the abundance of soil nematodes. Intensive grazing decreased the biomass carbon and metabolic footprints of plant parasites, fungivores, and total soil nematodes in 0-10 cm soils. There was no difference in the biomass carbon and metabolic footprints of soil nematodes among different grazing intensities in the 10-20 cm soil layer. Soil moisture, aboveground biomass, belowground biomass and Shannon diversity of grass contributed more to changes in soil nematode composition in both soil layers. In the 0-10 cm soil layer, grazing directly and indirectly affected soil nematode diversity via soil moisture and aboveground biomass, while grazing directly affected soil nematode diversity in 10-20 cm soil layer. Conclusions Our results indicate that soil depth can weaken the effect of grazing intensities on soil nematode fauna. Grazing affected the soil nematode community structure via different paths in different soil layers.

Responses of soil nematode communities to agroecological crop management systems

Nematology ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 209-221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Débora Cristina Santiago ◽  
Giovani de Oliveira Arieira ◽  
Edinei de Almeida ◽  
Maria de Fátima Guimarães
Keyword(s):  
Trophic Structure ◽  
Biological Indicators ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Soil Nematode ◽  
Canavalia Ensiformis ◽  
Nematode Communities ◽  
Plant Feeding ◽  
Nematode Diversity ◽  
Crop Management Systems ◽  
The Impact

Soil nematodes are sensitive to human intervention and widely used as biological indicators of disruptions and alterations in soil quality. The aim of this work was to identify nematodes that are good biological indicators in maize crops under different management systems, and to establish the impact levels of these systems. Soil samples were collected over a 3-year period at a depth of 0.0-0.3 m in areas under six different management systems for maize (Zea mays) monoculture, and intercropped maize and Canavalia ensiformis. Six areas of native vegetation were also assessed to provide a reference for ecological balance. After identification and counting, nematode communities were characterised according to abundance (total and relative), diversity (identified genera and diversity indexes), trophic structure and ecological maturity (disturbance indexes). Nematodes proved to be good ecological indicators, responding to the systems employed. Intercropping maize and Canavalia ensiformis in at least one assessment year reduced disruption and increased nematode diversity, which were both verified based on specific indexes. It was also observed that the maize monoculture increased disruption leading to a drop in nematode fauna diversity and an increase in the incidence of plant-feeding nematodes.

Crop tree release increased the density of soil nematodes and improved the food web structure

2021 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-110
Author(s):  
Haifeng Yin ◽  
Yu Su ◽  
Xianwei Li ◽  
Chuan Fan ◽  
Gang Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Web ◽  
Soil Condition ◽  
Pinus Massoniana ◽  
Soil Nematode ◽  
Soil Nematodes ◽  
Food Web Structure ◽  
Nematode Density ◽  
Web Structure ◽  
Structure Index ◽  
The Impact

As a special thinning method, crop tree release (CTR) has a beneficial effect on forest environments and structures by changing forest light, heat, and water. However, the impact of CTR on underground biodiversity remains unclear. Therefore, we analyzed the composition, diversity, and metabolic footprints of soil nematode communities under three CTR (100, 150, and 200 trees·ha–1) treatments, as well as a no CTR treatment, in Pinus massoniana Lamb. plantations. The results showed that CTR increased the density of soil nematodes (P < 0.05), the number of omnivore–predator nematodes (P < 0.05), and the diversity (H′) of nematodes (P < 0.05) and enriched the food web structure of soil nematodes. In the medium CTR density treatment (150 trees·ha–1), the nematode density and diversity (H′) were the highest (P < 0.05), the number of omnivore–predator nematodes was also the highest (P < 0.05), and the enrichment index and structure index values of the soil nematodes reached the maximum at the depth of 0–10 cm (P < 0.05). Our results indicated that the community structure of soil nematodes became more stable and mature after CTR, which may be attributed to the changes of soil condition, especially soil organic matter, and plant diversity indirectly.

The Impact of Shariah Governance and Corporate Governance on the Risk Management Practices: Evidence from Local and Foreign Islamic Banks in Malaysia

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Sabri Embi ◽  
Zurina Shafii
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
T Test ◽  
The Body ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Islamic Banks ◽  
Shariah Governance ◽  
The Impact

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of Shariah governance and corporate governance (CG) on the risk management practices (RMPs) of local Islamic banks and foreign Islamic banks operating in Malaysia. The Shariah governance comprises the Shariah review (SR) and Shariah audit (SA) variables. The study also evaluates the level of RMPs, CG, SR, and SA between these two type of banks. With the aid of SPSS version 20, the items for RMPs, CG, SR, and SA were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA). From the PCA, one component or factor was extracted each for the CG, SR, and RMPs while another two factors were extracted for the SA. Primary data was collected using a self-administered survey questionnaire. The questionnaire covers four aspects ; CG, SR, SA, and RMPs. The data received from the 300 usable questionnaires were subjected to correlation and regression analyses as well as an independent t-test. The result of correlation analysis shows that all the four variables have large positive correlations with each other indicating a strong and significant relationship between them. From the regression analysis undertaken, CG, SR, and SA together explained 52.3 percent of the RMPs and CG emerged as the most influential variable that impacts the RMPs. The independent t-test carried out shows that there were significant differences in the CG and SA between the local and foreign Islamic banks. However, there were no significant differences between the two types of the bank in relation to SR and RMPs. The study has contributed to the body of knowledge and is beneficial to academicians, industry players, regulators, and other stakeholders.

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