scholarly journals The rising productivity of alpine grassland under warming, drought and N-deposition treatments

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Volk ◽  
Matthias Suter ◽  
Anne-Lena Wahl ◽  
Seraina Bassin

Abstract. We conducted a four-year warming × moisture × N-deposition field-experiment (AlpGrass) with 216 turf monoliths from six different subalpine pastures (sites of origin). At a common location, the monoliths were replanted at six climate scenario sites (CS) along an altitudinal gradient from 2360 to 1680 m a.s.l., representing an April–October temperature change of −1.4 °C to +3.0 °C, compared to CSreference with no temperature change and with climate conditions comparable to the sites of origin. We further applied an irrigation treatment (+12–21 % of ambient precipitation) and an N-deposition treatment (+3 kg and +15 kg N ha−1 a−1), the latter simulating a fertilizing air pollution effect. Moderate warming led to increased productivity. Across the four-year experimental period, the mean annual yield peaked at intermediate CSs (+43 % at +0.7 °C and +44 % at +1.8 °C), coinciding with c. 50 % of days with dry soil during the growing season (growing-season-days with soil moisture

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 2075-2090
Author(s):  
Matthias Volk ◽  
Matthias Suter ◽  
Anne-Lena Wahl ◽  
Seraina Bassin

Abstract. Multiple global change drivers affect plant productivity of grasslands and thus ecosystem services like forage production and the soil carbon sink. Subalpine grasslands seem particularly affected and may serve as a proxy for the cold, continental grasslands of the Northern Hemisphere. Here, we conducted a 4-year field experiment (AlpGrass) with 216 turf monoliths, subjected to three global change drivers: warming, moisture, and N deposition. Monoliths from six different subalpine pastures were transplanted to a common location with six climate scenario sites (CSs). CSs were located along an altitudinal gradient from 2360 to 1680 m a.s.l., representing an April–October mean temperature change of −1.4 to +3.0 ∘C, compared to CSreference with no temperature change and with climate conditions comparable to the sites of origin. To uncouple temperature effects along the altitudinal gradient from soil moisture and soil fertility effects, an irrigation treatment (+12 %–21 % of ambient precipitation) and an N-deposition treatment (+3 kg and +15 kg N ha−1 a−1) were applied in a factorial design, the latter simulating a fertilizing air pollution effect. Moderate warming led to increased productivity. Across the 4-year experimental period, the mean annual yield peaked at intermediate CSs (+43 % at +0.7 ∘C and +44 % at +1.8 ∘C), coinciding with ca. 50 % of days with less than 40 % soil moisture during the growing season. The yield increase was smaller at the lowest, warmest CS (+3.0 ∘C) but was still 12 % larger than at CSreference. These yield differences among CSs were well explained by differences in soil moisture and received thermal energy. Irrigation had a significant effect on yield (+16 %–19 %) in dry years, whereas atmospheric N deposition did not result in a significant yield response. We conclude that productivity of semi-natural, highly diverse subalpine grassland will increase in the near future. Despite increasingly limiting soil water content, plant growth will respond positively to up to +1.8 ∘C warming during the growing period, corresponding to +1.3 ∘C annual mean warming.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Volk ◽  
Matthias Suter ◽  
Anne-Lena Wahl ◽  
Seraina Bassin

Abstract. Climate change is associated with a change in soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks, implying a feedback mechanism on global warming. Grassland soils represent 28 % of the global soil C sink and are therefore important for the atmospheric greenhouse gas concentration. In a field experiment in the Swiss Alps we recorded changes in the ecosystem organic carbon stock under climate change conditions, while quantifying the ecosystem C fluxes at the same time (ecosystem respiration, gross primary productivity, C export in plant material and leachate water). We exposed 216 grassland monoliths to six different climate scenarios (CS) in an altitudinal transplantation experiment. In addition, we applied an irrigation treatment (+12–21 % annual precipitation) and an N deposition treatment (+3 and +15 kg N ha−1 a−1) in a factorial design, simulating summer-drought mitigation and atmospheric N pollution. In five years the ecosystem C stock, consisting of plant C and SOC, dropped dramatically by about −14 % (−1034 ± 610 g C m−2) with the CS treatment representing a +3.0 °C seasonal (Apr.–Oct.) warming. N deposition and the irrigation treatment caused no significant effects. Measurements of C fluxes revealed that ecosystem respiration increased by 10 % at the +1.5 °C warmer CS site and by 38 % at the +3 °C warmer CS site (P ≤ 0.001 each), compared to the CS reference site with no warming. However, gross primary productivity was unaffected by warming, as were the amounts of exported C in harvested plant material and leachate water (dissolved organic C). As a result, the five year C flux balance resulted in a climate scenario effect of −936 ± 138 g C m−2 at the +3.0 °C CS, similar to the C stock climate scenario effect. It is likely that this dramatic C loss of the grassland is a transient effect before a new, climate adjusted steady state is reached.


1970 ◽  
pp. 13-17
Author(s):  
Saifuldeen A. Salim ◽  
Isam Kudhier Hamza ◽  
Laith Farhan Jar

The present study was conducted to find out the water requirements and most suitable irrigation frequencies for cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) var grown under drip irrigation. The treatments were based on the IW:CPE ratio at different empirical pan factors 0.6 , 0.8, 1.0, 1.,1.4 , and 1.6 Ef (where Ef = IW/CPE). It was observed that the irrigation interval was variable values decreased by increasing Ef value and with the progress of the growing season. The 1.2 and 1.0 IW: CPE treatments with approximately 4 days irrigation interval were achieved the best results. The total amount of applied water during Cowpea growing season was varied between 247.7 and 266.5mm with 254.8mm as a mean. Irrigation treatment with Ef1.2 was superior over the rest of other treatments in fresh seed yield (5.13 ton.hec.-1), crop water productivity (2.14 kg.m-3), biological yield (6.88 ton.hec.-1) , fresh pod yield (7.33 ton.hec.-1), weight of 100 seed (31.28gm), number of seed/pod (9.34) and netting percentage (37.1). The lowest values of the most parameters used in this study were obtained by Ef 0.6 irrigation treatment.  


Agriculture ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 290
Author(s):  
Koffi Djaman ◽  
Curtis Owen ◽  
Margaret M. West ◽  
Samuel Allen ◽  
Komlan Koudahe ◽  
...  

The highly variable weather under changing climate conditions affects the establishment and the cutoff of crop growing season and exposes crops to failure if producers choose non-adapted relative maturity that matches the characteristics of the crop growing season. This study aimed to determine the relationship between maize hybrid relative maturity and the grain yield and determine the relative maturity range that will sustain maize production in northwest New Mexico (NM). Different relative maturity maize hybrids were grown at the Agricultural Science Center at Farmington ((Latitude 36.69° North, Longitude 108.31° West, elevation 1720 m) from 2003 to 2019 under sprinkler irrigation. A total of 343 hybrids were grouped as early and full season hybrids according to their relative maturity that ranged from 93 to 119 and 64 hybrids with unknown relative maturity. The crops were grown under optimal management condition with no stress of any kind. The results showed non-significant increase in grain yield in early season hybrids and non-significant decrease in grain yield with relative maturity in full season hybrids. The relative maturity range of 100–110 obtained reasonable high grain yields and could be considered under the northwestern New Mexico climatic conditions. However, more research should target the evaluation of different planting date coupled with plant population density to determine the planting window for the early season and full season hybrids for the production optimization and sustainability.


2021 ◽  
Vol 193 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Kelman Wieder ◽  
Melanie A. Vile ◽  
Kimberli D. Scott ◽  
Cara M. Albright ◽  
James C. Quinn ◽  
...  

AbstractIncreasing gaseous emissions of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) associated with oil sands development in northern Alberta (Canada) has led to changing regional wet and dry N and S deposition regimes. We assessed the potential for using bog plant/lichen tissue chemistry (N and S concentrations, C:N and C:S ratios, in 10 plant/lichen species) to monitor changing atmospheric N and S deposition through sampling at five bog sites, 3–6 times per growing season from 2009 to 2016. During this 8-year period, oil sands N emissions steadily increased, while S emissions steadily decreased. We examined the following: (1) whether each species showed changes in tissue chemistry with increasing distance from the Syncrude and Suncor upgrader stacks (the two largest point sources of N and S emissions); (2) whether tissue chemistry changed over the 8 year period in ways that were consistent with increasing N and decreasing S emissions from oil sands facilities; and (3) whether tissue chemistry was correlated with growing season wet deposition of NH4+-N, NO3−-N, or SO42−-S. Based on these criteria, the best biomonitors of a changing N deposition regime were Evernia mesomorpha, Sphagnum fuscum, and Vaccinium oxycoccos. The best biomonitors of a changing S deposition regime were Evernia mesomorpha, Cladonia mitis, Sphagnum fuscum, Sphagnum capillifolium, Vaccinium oxycoccos, and Picea mariana. Changing N and S deposition regimes in the oil sands region appear to be influencing N and S cycling in what once were pristine ombrotrophic bogs, to the extent that these bogs may effectively monitor future spatial and temporal patterns of deposition.


Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 416
Author(s):  
Barbara Jagosz ◽  
Stanisław Rolbiecki ◽  
Roman Rolbiecki ◽  
Ariel Łangowski ◽  
Hicran A. Sadan ◽  
...  

Climate warming increases the water needs of plants. The aim of this study was to estimate the water needs of grapevines in central Poland. Water needs were calculated using the crop coefficients method. Reference evapotranspiration was assessed by the Blaney–Criddle’s equation, modified for climate conditions in Poland. Crop coefficients were assumed according to the Doorenbos and Pruitt method. Water needs were calculated using the data from four meteorological stations. Rainfall deficit with the probability occurrence of normal years, medium dry years, and very dry years was determined by the Ostromęcki’s method. Water needs of grapevines during the average growing season were estimated at 438 mm. Upward time trend in the water needs both in the period of May–October and June–August was estimated. Temporal variability in the water needs was significant for all of the provinces. These changes were mainly impacted by a significant increasing tendency in mean air temperature and less by precipitation totals that did not show a clear changing tendency. Due to climate change, vineyards will require irrigation in the near future. The use of resource-efficient irrigation requires a precise estimate of the grapevines’ water needs. The study identified the water requirements for grapevines in central Poland.


2016 ◽  
Vol 124 (4) ◽  
pp. 971-976 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin Huntoon ◽  
Tianxia Wu ◽  
J. Bradley Elder ◽  
John A. Butman ◽  
Emily Y. Chew ◽  
...  

OBJECT Peritumoral cysts are frequently associated with CNS hemangioblastomas and often underlie neurological morbidity and mortality. To determine their natural history and clinical impact, the authors prospectively analyzed hemangioblastoma-associated peritumoral cysts in patients with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. METHODS Patients with VHL disease who had 2 or more years of follow-up and who were enrolled in a prospective study at the National Institutes of Health were included. Serial prospectively acquired laboratory, genetic, imaging, and clinical data were analyzed. RESULTS One hundred thirty-two patients (of 225 in the VHL study with at least 2 years of follow-up) had peritumoral cysts that were followed for more than 2 years (total of 292 CNS peritumoral cysts). The mean age at study entrance was 37.4 ± 13.1 years ([mean ± SD], median 37.9, range 12.3–65.1 years). The mean follow-up was 7.0 ± 1.7 years (median 7.3, range 2.1–9.0 years). Over the study period, 121 of the 292 peritumoral cysts (41.4%) became symptomatic. Development of new cysts was associated with a larger number cysts at study enrollment (p = 0.002) and younger age (p < 0.0001). Cyst growth rate was associated with anatomical location (cerebellum cysts grew faster than spine and brainstem cysts; p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0008), younger age (< 35 years of age; p = 0.0006), and development of new neurological symptoms (p < 0.0001). Cyst size at symptom production depended on anatomical location (p < 0.0001; largest to smallest were found, successively, in the cerebellum, spinal cord, and brainstem). The most common location for peritumoral cysts was the cerebellum (184 cysts [63%]; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Peritumoral cysts frequently underlie symptom formation that requires surgical intervention in patients with VHL disease. Development of new cysts was associated with a larger number of cysts at study enrollment and younger age. Total peritumoral cyst burden was associated with germline partial deletion of the VHL gene.


2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-51
Author(s):  
Victor Brunini Moreto ◽  
Lucas Eduardo de Oliveira Aparecido ◽  
Glauco de Souza Rolim ◽  
José Reinaldo da Silva Cabral de Moraes

ABSTRACT Brazil is the fourth largest producer of cassava in the world, with climate conditions being the main factor regulating its production. This study aimed to develop agrometeorological models to estimate the sweet cassava yield for the São Paulo state, as well as to identify which climatic variables have more influence on yield. The models were built with multiple linear regression and classified by the following statistical indexes: lower mean absolute percentage error, higher adjusted determination coefficient and significance (p-value < 0.05). It was observed that the mean air temperature has a great influence on the sweet cassava yield during the whole cycle for all regions in the state. Water deficit and soil water storage were the most influential variables at the beginning and final stages. The models accuracy ranged in 3.11 %, 6.40 %, 6.77 % and 7.15 %, respectively for Registro, Mogi Mirim, Assis and Jaboticabal.


1982 ◽  
Vol 60 (12) ◽  
pp. 2518-2529 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Walker ◽  
Carl W. Mize ◽  
Harold S. McNabb Jr.

Two different sites in central Iowa were planted with hybrid poplars and subsequently sampled over a growing season for spores of endogonaceous fungi. At one of the sites, the effects of plowing and herbicide treatment on spore numbers also were examined. Ten species of fungi in the genera Acaulospora, Gigaspora, and Glomus were recorded at the first site. The second location yielded 12 species from the same genera. In both sites, the distribution of spores was highly variable. The poplars rarely became endomycorrhizal and had no effect on spore populations during the experimental period. Changes in spore populations were correlated with soil-moisture level. Evidence was found for some depression of spore production caused by plowing and herbicide treatment. The conclusion was drawn that small samples with but few replicates may not adequately represent populations of endogonaceous spores.


2012 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria BOROVINOVA ◽  
Vilina PETROVA ◽  
Svetla MANEVA

The presented study aimed to determine apples trunk and branch diseases and pests in three growing systems conventional, integrated and biological (organic). The investigations were made on an experimental apple orchard (1 ha) of the Institute of Agriculture at Kyustendil, Southwest Bulgaria in four consecutive years from 2007 to 2010. Three scab resistant cultivars Prima, Florina and Erwin Baur grafted on rootstocks MM106 were planted in 1996. The orchard was divided into four plots. One plot was treated conventionally with a normal pesticide programme, two plots were treated integrated according to the general principles, rules and standards of integrated apple production and one plot for biological (organic). The monitoring of pests and diseases and assessment of their density were done every two weeks. It was established that during the experimental period important disease and pests on apple trees in different growing systems were black rot Botryosphaeria obtusa, apple clearwig moth Synanthedon myopaeformis and shorthole borer Scolytus rugulosus. The damages by trunk and branch diseases and pests on apple were considerable higher in biological growing system. The mean rate of attack of cultivar Erwin Baur by Botryosphaeria obtusa in biological and conventional growing systems was 52.35% and 4.65%, respectively. The percentage of damaged by Scolytus rugulosus trunk and branch area per tree reach to 58.74 in biological and 0.23 in conventional system. Reduced vitality of apple trees growing with out pesticides and mineral fertilizers in biological growing system was the reason for strong infection of Botryosphaeria obtusa and attack of Synanthedon myopaeformis and Scolytus rugulosus.


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