Partial exclusion of precipitation: throughfall, stemflow and canopy interception in Eucalyptus plantations in southern Brazil

Hydrological behavior in reforested watersheds is different from that under other forms of cover. The variation may be related to aspects intrinsic to species, planting density, physiological maturity, management system and climatic conditions. Periodically, climatic anomalies such as the case of La Ninã are observed, and these are responsible for the alteration of the rainfall regime and consequently generate water deficits in the southern region of Brazil. Water deficit is responsible for reducing growth and productivity for the Eucalyptus genus, in addition to causing changes in hydrological behavior in reforested watersheds. Accordingly, this study compared the partition of rainfall in throughfall, stemflow and canopy interception of eucalyptus trees submitted or not to partial exclusion of precipitation. In the open field, 3 rainfall collectors were installed, and in the stand, for each rain exclusion treatment, 9 throughfall collectors and 9 stemflow collectors were installed. Every two weeks for 12 months, the volume of the collectors was measured. The quantified precipitation was 1627 mm over a year. In the treatment without exclusion, 84.8, 2.9 and 12.3% referred to throughfall, stemflow and canopy interception, respectively, while in the treatment excluding rainfall 80.6, 2.3 and 17.2% referred to throughfall, stemflow and canopy interception. The regression adjustments for throughfall and stemflow showed satisfactory R2 coefficients.

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Adjusting cotton planting density under the climatic conditions of Henan Province, China

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0222395 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (9) ◽

pp. e0222395

Author(s):

Liyuan Liu ◽

Chuanzong Li ◽

Yingchun Han ◽

Zhanbiao Wang ◽

Lu Feng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Climatic Conditions ◽

Henan Province ◽

Planting Density

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Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) Productivity and Raw Material Quality from Organic Cultivation

Agronomy ◽

10.3390/agronomy9060279 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 279 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Katarzyna Bączek ◽

Olga Kosakowska ◽

Małgorzata Gniewosz ◽

Iwona Gientka ◽

Zenon Węglarz

Keyword(s):

Essential Oil ◽

Open Field ◽

Microbiological Quality ◽

Farming System ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Raw Material ◽

Conventional Agriculture ◽

Central European ◽

Sweet Basil ◽

Organic Cultivation

Sweet basil is one of the most important culinary herbs. Currently, its production is carried out mainly in accordance with conventional agriculture. However, its cultivation in organic systems seems to be better adjusted to consumer demands connected with the lack of pesticide residues in foods and their safety. In the present study, two methods of basil cultivation in organic farming system were applied, i.e., in the open air and under foil tunnels. During the experiment, in central European climatic conditions, it was possible to obtain four successive cuts of herb. The herb was subjected to chemical analysis, including determination of the content of essential oil, phenolic compounds, and chlorophylls. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and flame ionization detector (GC-FID) analysis of the essential oil was performed, whereas the fresh herb was subjected to sensory analysis. The cumulative mass of fresh herb was distinctly higher in the cultivation under foil tunnels (44.7 kg∙10 m−2) in comparison to the open field (24.7 kg∙10 m−2). The content of essential oil, flavonoids, and phenolic acids was also higher in the raw material collected from plants grown under foil tunnels (0.81, 0.36, and 0.78 g·100g−1 DW, respectively) than from the open field (0.48, 0.29, and 0.59g·100g−1 DW, respectively). In turn, the dominant compound of the essential oil, i.e., linalool, was present in higher amounts in the essential oil obtained from plants cultivated in the open field. The sensory and microbiological quality of herb was comparable for both methods of cultivation. The obtained results indicate that, in central European climatic conditions, it is possible to obtain good-quality yield of basil herb. However, for its better productivity, it seems that cultivation under foil tunnels is preferable.

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Diagnosing the Climatic and Agronomic Dimensions of Rain-Fed Oat Yield Gaps and Their Restrictions in North and Northeast China

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su11072104 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. 2104 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Chong Wang ◽

Jiangang Liu ◽

Shuo Li ◽

Ting Zhang ◽

Xiaoyu Shi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Northeast China ◽

Crop Production ◽

Crop Yields ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Planting Density ◽

Limiting Factors ◽

High Yield ◽

Yield Gap ◽

Potential Yield ◽

Yield Gaps

Confronted with the great challenges of globally growing populations and food shortages, society must achieve future food security by increasing grain output and narrowing the gap between potential yields and farmers’ actual yields. This study attempts to diagnose the climatic and agronomic dimensions of oat yield gaps and further to explore their restrictions. A conceptual framework was put forward to analyze the different dimensions of yield gaps and their limiting factors. We quantified the potential yield (Yp), attainable yield (Yt), experimental yield (Ye), and farmers’ actual yield (Ya) of oat, and evaluated three levels of yield gaps in a rain-fed cropping system in North and Northeast China (NC and NEC, respectively). The results showed that there were great differences in the spatial distributions of the four kinds of yields and three yield gaps. The average yield gap between Yt and Ye (YG-II) was greater than the yield gap between Yp and Yt (YG-I). The yield gap between Ye and Ya (YG-III) was the largest among the three yield gaps at most sites, which indicated that farmers have great potential to increase their crop yields. Due to non-controllable climatic conditions (e.g., light and temperature) for obtaining Yp, reducing YG-I is extremely difficult. Although YG-II could be narrowed through enriching soil nutrients, it is not easy to improve soil quality in the short term. In contrast, narrowing YG-III is the most feasible for farmers by means of introducing high-yield crop varieties and optimizing agronomic managements (e.g., properly adjusting sowing dates and planting density). This study figured out various dimensions of yield gaps and investigated their limiting factors, which should be helpful to increase farmers’ yields and regional crop production, as long as these restrictions are well addressed.

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Performance of resistant varieties (PIWI) at two different altitudes in Southern Brazil

BIO Web of Conferences ◽

10.1051/bioconf/20191201021 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

pp. 01021

Author(s):

A.L.K. de Souza ◽

A.F. Brighenti ◽

E. Brighenti ◽

V. Caliari ◽

M. Stefanini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Climatic Conditions ◽

Soluble Solids ◽

Soluble Solids Content ◽

Southern Brazil ◽

Wine Quality ◽

Phenological Stages ◽

Lower Altitude ◽

Grape Quality ◽

Resistant Varieties ◽

Solids Content

In southern Brazil there is a predominance of labrusca and hybrid varieties for wine and juice production due to climatic conditions of high rainfall, temperature and relative humidity. Growing varieties that combine disease resistance and wine quality (PIWI) can be an alternative to improve wine quality. The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of three PIWI varieties (Felicia, Calardis Blanc and Aromera) in two regions (Videira, 27∘01′S and 51∘08′W, altitude 830 m; and São Joaquim, 28∘13′S and 50∘04′W, altitude 1100 m) in the vintage 2018. The date of occurrence of main phenological stages, productiveindexes, clusters characteristics and grape qualitative indexes was evaluated. There was no difference for budbreak date, but flowering, veraison an maturity time varied between regions. The development of plants is slower when they are cultivated at a higher altitude. The number of clusters per plant and yield were higher at 830 m for all varieties. For productive indexes Felicia and Calardis Blanc varieties stood out in relation to Aromera in all parameters. Among the evaluated varieties, Felicia and Calardis Blanc were better adapted to the lower altitude region and had higher productivity and the same grape quality. On the other hand, Aromera presented higher productivity at 830 m but higher soluble solids content at 1100 m.

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Water budget fluxes in catchments under grassland and Eucalyptus plantations of different ages

Canadian Journal of Forest Research ◽

10.1139/cjfr-2020-0156 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Decio Ferreto ◽

José Miguel Reichert ◽

Rosane Barbosa Lopes Cavalcante ◽

Raghavan Srinivasan

Keyword(s):

Water Resources ◽

Water Flow ◽

Water Budget ◽

Development Stage ◽

Livestock Grazing ◽

Green Water ◽

Canopy Interception ◽

Planted Forests ◽

Water Flows ◽

Eucalyptus Plantations

The area with planted forests increased in the last decades and they have an important role in programs to sequester carbon. However, the effects of eucalyptus plantations on water resources in the Southern Grasslands biome are largely unknown, and we herein address water budget fluxes including green and blue flows. We evaluated green (canopy interception and evapotranspiration) and blue (discharge) water flows in three watersheds; two predominantly covered with Eucalyptus, either in the first years after planting or at the end of the rotation, and one with livestock-grazing grassland. We used field measurements of rainfall, streamflow and throughfall, and estimated canopy interception and evapotranspiration by water balance. Water flows in the monitored watersheds with eucalyptus plantations were influenced by forest development stage. Annual canopy interception and transpiration were always higher in the watersheds with eucalyptus than in the one with grassland, except for the transpiration in the first year after plantation in watershed with young eucalyptus. Increase in evapotranspiration (green water flow) and the consequent decrease in streamflow (blue water flow) should be considered in local water resources management. Studies on catchment hydrology and forest management for improved water use efficiency and streamflow regulation are required, particularly in understudied regions.

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Effect of vegetation and seasons on the water content of soil climatic conditions of the Atlantic Forest in Southern Brazil

10.13031/2013.41418 ◽

2012 ◽

Author(s):

Rafael Matias Feltrin ◽

João Batista Dias de Paiva ◽

Eloiza Maria Cauduro Dias de Paiva ◽

Vanessa Sari ◽

Lariane Schlosser Brites

Keyword(s):

Water Content ◽

Atlantic Forest ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Southern Brazil

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Identification of the main site factors and management intensity affecting the establishment of Short-Rotation-Coppices (SRC) in Northern Italy through stepwise regression analysis

Open Life Sciences ◽

10.2478/s11535-010-0028-y ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 522-530 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Sara Bergante ◽

Gianni Facciotto ◽

Gianfranco Minotta

Keyword(s):

Regression Analysis ◽

Water Availability ◽

Stepwise Regression ◽

Organic Matter Content ◽

Stepwise Regression Analysis ◽

Planting Density ◽

Rainfall Regime ◽

Site Factors ◽

Plant Survival ◽

Management Intensity

AbstractData collected from 183 poplar and 102 willow SRC experimental plots, located in Central-North Italy, were subjected to stepwise regression analysis to acquire information on the environmental factors affecting plant survival and productivity in the first two-year rotation cycle. Nine Populus ×canadensis Mönch, eight P. deltoids Bartr. clones and four hybrids of Sali× matsudana Koidz were included in analysis. Independent variables were: annual and seasonal water availability (rainfall and irrigation), annual mean air temperature, soil texture, pH, N and organic matter content, planting density and management intensity. Dependent variables were: a) mean annual yield during the first two-year rotation cycle in tons per hectare per year of dry matter (Odt·ha−1·y−1); b) plant survival at the end of the second year from planting (%). Water availability resulted the main variable driving plant survival and biomass production in both poplar and willow clones. Water availability appeared to be the principal factor affecting the establishment of poplar and willow energy plantations in the Po valley. Possible variations in the rainfall regime consequent to climate changes could seriously influence land suitability to SRC. Experimental data also indicate that choice of planting density may increase the biomass yield during the first two-year especially with P. deltoides clones.

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Shifts in composition of avian communities related to temperate-grassland afforestation in southeastern South America

Iheringia Série Zoologia ◽

10.1590/s0073-47212013000100002 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 103 (1) ◽

pp. 12-19 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Rafael A. Dias ◽

Vinicius A. G. Bastazini ◽

Maycon S. S. Gonçalves ◽

Felipe C. Bonow ◽

Sandra C. Müller

Keyword(s):

South America ◽

Grassland Birds ◽

Tree Plantations ◽

Southern Brazil ◽

Grassland Bird ◽

Natural Grasslands ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Eucalyptus Plantations ◽

Regional Population ◽

The Impact

Afforestation of temperate grasslands with fast-growing trees for industrial pulpwood production is spreading in South America. Despite high afforestation rates resulting from governmental policies that stimulate pulpwood production in grasslands of southern Brazil and Uruguay, the impact of this activity on biodiversity remains to be properly assessed. We used an Impact-Reference study design to evaluate how grassland afforestation affects the composition of grassland bird assemblages. We sampled eucalyptus plantations and neighboring natural grasslands in southern Brazil from 2006-2009, and relied on nested sampling and analysis to separate the effects of afforestation from the natural variability of grasslands. We recorded a significant difference in composition between assemblages from grasslands and tree plantations. Species adapted to open, treeless areas tended to be negatively affected in relation to edge or forest birds in eucalyptus plantations. Afforestation is systematically replacing the bird assemblage of hilltop grasslands by a collection of common edge and forest species that occur in nearby riverine and hillside forests. Although most grassland birds negatively affected by tree plantations are common and widespread, observed and predicted afforestation rates in southeastern South America may result in regional population reductions in the near future.

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Growing Organic Heirloom Tomatoes in the Field and High Tunnels in North Carolina: Comparative Economic Analysis

HortTechnology ◽

10.21273/horttech.23.2.227 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 23 (2) ◽

pp. 227-236 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Olha Sydorovych ◽

Cary L. Rivard ◽

Suzanne O’Connell ◽

Chris D. Harlow ◽

Mary M. Peet ◽

...

Keyword(s):

North Carolina ◽

Economic Analysis ◽

Open Field ◽

Production Systems ◽

Farming Systems ◽

Quality Parameters ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Production Costs ◽

High Tunnel ◽

High Tunnels

In this study, we conducted an economic analysis of high tunnel and open-field production systems of heirloom tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) based on a two-year study at the Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS) located in Goldsboro, eastern North Carolina. The research site was transitional organic using organically certified inputs and practices on land not yet certified. Production costs and returns were documented in each system and provide a useful decision tool for growers. Climatic conditions varied dramatically in 2007 compared with 2008 and differentially affected total and marketable yields in each system. Profits were higher in the open-field system and the high tunnels in 2007 and 2008, respectively. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using a range of market prices from $1.60/lb to $3.60/lb and a range of fruit marketability levels from 35% to 80%. Both systems were profitable except at the lowest price point and the lowest percent marketability level in high tunnel in 2007. At $2.60/lb, seasonal average sale price reported by growers for this region, and depending on percent marketability levels, the payback period for high tunnels ranged from two to five years. Presented sensitivity tables will enable decision makers to knowledgably estimate economic potential of open-field and high tunnel systems based on expected local prices and fruit quality parameters.

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First record of Thaumastocoris peregrinus (Hemiptera, Thaumastocoridae) in Pará state, Brazil

Acta Amazonica ◽

10.1590/1809-4392201803161 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 49 (3) ◽

pp. 179-182

Author(s):

Ivy Laura SALIBA ◽

Alexandre Mehl LUNZ ◽

Telma Fátima BATISTA ◽

Gustavo SCHWARTZ

Keyword(s):

Rio Grande ◽

Brazilian Amazon ◽

First Record ◽

Climatic Conditions ◽

Silvopastoral Systems ◽

Rio Grande Do Sul ◽

Cellulose Production ◽

Mato Grosso ◽

Eucalyptus Plantations ◽

Mato Grosso Do Sul

ABSTRACT Thaumastocoris peregrinus (Hemiptera, Thaumastocoridae) is a phytophagous pest of eucalyptus plantations. It was introduced in Brazil in 2008, and expanded rapidly due to its adaptive capacity to different climatic conditions. Eucalyptus has been planted in the Brazilian Amazon since the 1980s, being used in silvopastoral systems and for cellulose production. Since its introduction in the southernmost Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, T. peregrinus has expanded its geographical distribution to 117 municipalities in states in the south (Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Paraná), southeast (São Paulo, Espirito Santo, Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais), mid-west (Mato Grosso do Sul and Goiás) and northeast (Sergipe) of the country. Here we report the first record of T. peregrinus in the Brazilian Amazonian state of Pará.

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