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Cinnamomum cassia Presl. is a subtropical plant that is used for food and medicine. Climate change has changed the suitable habitats of medicinal plants, which might have repercussions for the efficacy of herbal remedies. In this study, the potential distribution in each period of Cinnamomum cassia was predicted and the quality in different suitable habitats was evaluated. According to the results, (1) precipitation, temperature, and soil are the primary environmental variables influencing C. cassia distribution. (2) The high-suitable habitats of current climate scenarios were predominantly located in the southern regions (Guangdong and Guangxi etc.) of China, with an area of 706,129.08 km2. Under future climate scenarios, suitable habitats will increasingly move northward, with a greater concentration south of the Yangtze River, particularly in the 2090s SSP585 scenario, the total area of newly extended suitable habitat reaches 312,963.53 km2. (3) HPLC and FTIR, combined with chemometrics, can be effective methods for identifying different suitable habitats of C. cassia. The content of trans-cinnamaldehyde (0.85%) is significantly higher in the high suitability habitat compared to the medium-low suitability habitat (0.30%). Our findings can offer valuable guidance for the identification of suitable C. cassia cultivation areas in China, as well as for the evaluation of C. cassia resource quality and the rational use of resources in different suitable habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitigation translocations move wildlife from specific areas due to conflict with humans over land use at the site. A critical decision when carrying out mitigation translocation is the acceptable distance across which animals can be moved. This decision trades off logistical expediency of unrestricted translocation with the risk of reducing translocation success due to environmental mismatch between origin and translocation site conditions. In this study, we used a large dataset of 502 individually identifiable carcasses to examine the role of geographic origin and translocation distance in the relative survival of 2822 translocated subadult and adult gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus), a species experiencing large‐scale mitigation translocation, at a recipient site in the Florida panhandle, USA. We hypothesized that if climate or habitat differences between the origin and translocation site influenced survival, tortoises translocated from within the Florida panhandle would have the highest survival. To the contrary, we found that survival slightly increased with increasing climatic difference between origin and recipient site, driven by higher survival of tortoises coming from central Florida sites compared to those from the panhandle and north Florida. This suggests that environmental mismatch due to long‐distance translocation is not a main driver of mortality. These models also indicated an effect of season, with a survival advantage to tortoises translocated in the spring and late fall, relative to summer translocations, and a negative effect of initial density on survival. Finally, we also estimated the upper bound on annual survival in three well‐monitored groups to be quite low (92–95%) for several years following release, suggesting caution when considering large translocated populations to be viable without first assessing adult survival. Our unexpected results highlight the importance of investigating species‐specific sensitivities to translocation distances and indicate the limitations of assumed linear effects of translocation distance on outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of herbarium materials of the Ephedra dahurica Turcz. collected in the Torey Lakes region in different years has revealed the morphological variability of its pollen grains. An inverse relationship has been established between the development of the number of pseudosulci and plicae (ridge) of pollen grains and the values of temperature and humidity during the growing season. During wet seasons, the plant produces pollen grains with few pseudosulci. The number of pseudosulci increases during dry and cool growing seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The year 2022 was marked by a significant increase in electricity prices in Germany, with prices reaching extreme levels due to various geopolitical and climatic factors. This research analyzes the evolution of electricity prices in Germany from 2015 to 2024 and applies Benford's Law to examine the distribution of the first digits of these prices. Historical electricity price data from Germany, obtained from publicly available sources, were used for the analysis. We applied Benford's Law to determine the frequency of occurrence of the first digits of electricity prices and compared the results with the expected distribution according to Benford's Law. We also considered the impact of negative electricity prices. The results suggest that external factors, such as geopolitical events and climatic conditions, have a significant impact on the volatility of electricity prices. Benford's Law can be a useful tool for analyzing electricity prices, although its application to this market shows certain deviations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steppe pastures are characteristic of the Armenian landscape and play an important role in supporting livelihoods and biodiversity conservation. The productivity and biodiversity of steppe pastures depend on grazing management, soil types, and climatic and topographical characteristics. As a whole, they form local small-scale sites. Our data on five study sites located on the southeast slope of Mt. Aragats summarized the impact of sites and grazing on canopy height; productivity; grass, legume, and forb biomass; nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium concentrations; pH; and litter contents in the soil. Five grazed and ungrazed plots (ca. 600–800 m2) were established at each study site. Within each plot, two permanent 40 m long transects were installed. The canopy height was recorded in ungrazed and freely grazed plots. The aboveground biomass was cut at the soil surface from May to June; grouped into grass, legumes, and forbs; dried; and weighed. Soil samples were collected in every ungrazed and freely grazed plot. The results indicated that grazing decreased the plant parameters and nitrogen and litter content across all sites, while it had no effect on the phosphorus and potassium content or the pH. It seems that plant parameters, as well as soil parameters, were more affected by the management strategy than by the topographical and climatic features of the sites, as revealed via redundancy analysis. Our results suggest that it is important to introduce livestock rotation practices for sites with respect to the sustainable management of steppe pastures. This management strategy could ensure ecosystem services, high forage quality, and soil fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable crop production requires an innovative approach due to increasing soil salinisation and decreasing freshwater availability. One promising strategy is the domestication of naturally salt-tolerant plant species with commercial potential. Sarcocornia fruticosa is a highly salt-tolerant halophyte, common in Mediterranean marshes, which may hold promise for biosaline agriculture. This study included 11 populations of this species spread over the territory of the Valencian Community in eastern Spain. Climatic data for each locality were obtained from the nearest meteorological stations. Soil analyses included texture, pH, electroconductivity, organic carbon and organic matter. Biochemical analyses on wild-sampled plant material focused on antioxidant compounds, such as carotenoids, phenolics, flavonoids and proline with malondialdehyde (MDA) used as a marker of oxidative stress. All variables (climatic, edaphic and biochemical) were evaluated together using Principal Component Analysis and Spearman correlation. The results obtained indicated some climatic differences in terms of mean annual precipitation, with a clear N-S gradient and considerable edaphic variability. However, none of the environmental conditions showed a clear correlation with plant biochemical characteristics. Significant differences in the levels of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and MDA between populations were probably due to genetic factors and cannot be explained as a response to environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Cinnamomum cassia Presl. is a subtropical plant that is used for food and medicine. Climate change has changed the suitable habitats of medicinal plants, which might have repercussions for the efficacy of herbal remedies. In this study, the potential distribution in each period of Cinnamomum cassia was predicted and the quality in different suitable habitats was evaluated. According to the results, (1) precipitation, temperature, and soil are the primary environmental variables influencing C. cassia distribution. (2) The high-suitable habitats of current climate scenarios were predominantly located in the southern regions (Guangdong and Guangxi etc.) of China, with an area of 706,129.08 km2. Under future climate scenarios, suitable habitats will increasingly move northward, with a greater concentration south of the Yangtze River, particularly in the 2090s SSP585 scenario, the total area of newly extended suitable habitat reaches 312,963.53 km2. (3) HPLC and FTIR, combined with chemometrics, can be effective methods for identifying different suitable habitats of C. cassia. The content of trans-cinnamaldehyde (0.85%) is significantly higher in the high suitability habitat compared to the medium-low suitability habitat (0.30%). Our findings can offer valuable guidance for the identification of suitable C. cassia cultivation areas in China, as well as for the evaluation of C. cassia resource quality and the rational use of resources in different suitable habitats.

Background. Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is a microbiotic whose seeds quickly lose germination in uncontrolled conditions at room temperatures. This determines the need to preserve accessions in special conditions. Low temperature storage (LTS) allows to maintain high seed germination ability, but not for all accessions. Therefore, it is relevant to assess the results of LTS at the VIR Genebank and to make an attempt to determine the best geographical conditions for growing plants and harvesting seeds that will be subjected to LTS. Materials and methods. The work was carried out on 312 soybean accessions from the VIR collection, originating from almost the entire area of soybean cultivation. The accessions used in the research were reproduced at three VIR experiment stations (ES), namely Adler ES, Kuban ES (Krasnodar Territory) and the Far East ES (Primorsky Territory). The seeds were harvested in 1999 to 2017 and stored in sealed foil laminated bags at –10°C from 2002 to 2021. The accessions were removed from LTS and germination assessed in 2022. Results. At the beginning of LTS, seed germination (Gi) ranged from 12 to 100% (averaging 79.1%), while that after LTS (Gr) ranged from 1 to 97% (57.8% on average). The retention of germination ability was expressed as the germination index (GI = Gr / Gi), which ranged from 0.02 to 1.73 (an average of 0.72). All the indicators of germination in the range of up to 20 years of LTS were not associated with the duration of LTS and with the number of years before LTS (0.5-4 years in our research). The climatic conditions characteristic of the place of reproduction had a significant impact on Gi and Gr, but not on GI. The average Gi of seeds obtained at the Adler ES and Kuban ES did not differ significantly (77.4% and 75.7%), while that of seeds harvested at the Far East ES was significantly higher (84.0%). Gr of the accessions from the Far East ES (64.3%) was also greater than that of accessions from the Kuban ES (52.2%) and Adler ES (57.2%). The excessively high sum of temperatures above 10°C (recorded in some years at all stations) reduced Gi, Gr but had little effect on GI. The highest values of Gi, Gr, and GI were demonstrated by the accessions maturing in 101-120 days. Additionally drying of the most late-ripening accessions (later than 140 days) in sheaves under an awning yielded seeds with high germination ability and good LTS tolerance. Conclusion. The seeds from different places of reproduction of accessions differed in germination before and after LTS, and, on an average, the highest values were demonstrated by the seeds harvested at the Far East ES, where the temperature regime is closer to the optimal one for soybeans. The seed germination index showed relative independence from the conditions of reproduction of accessions, including the climate and weather conditions, as well as the initial germination ability and LTS duration.

Abstract Proper species recognition is required to correctly estimate species preferences and their vulnerability or for eco-evolutionary inference. Varicellaria hemisphaerica and Varicellaria lactea are almost completely morphologically homogeneous species with unclear identification features. To evaluate the importance of morphological, chemical, and ecological characteristics used in recognition of these species, we tested 670 specimens, of which 42 were analyzed phylogenetically using nucITS rDNA, SSU rDNA, and LSU rDNA markers. This integrated taxonomical approach showed that V. hemisphaerica is distinct from V. lactea, and that substrate requirements, together with phylogenetic differences and the size of soredia, differentiate these species. The chemical composition of secondary lichen metabolites in both analyzed species showed similar variation and, therefore, this feature is not diagnostic in species recognition, although suggested by previous studies. The potential speciation of the two species seems to be caused by the shift in the substrate requirements.

Sweet potato is an important food security crop, and the world market for this root is on the rise. Based on the physiological changes in plants in response to climatic conditions and fertilization, this study evaluated the effects of the growing season (rainy and dry season) and P2O5 doses (0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 kg ha-1) on total yield, marketable classes yields, as well as chemical composition of storage roots of two sweet potato cultivars. The storage roots yield was greater in the rainy season. The optimum agronomic and economic doses were 128 and 95 kg ha-1 P2O5 for the cultivar Canadense. Cultivar Uruguaiana did not respond to phosphate fertilization, but its storage roots had higher contents of dry matter, lipids, fibers, total and reducing sugars, and starch. Sweet potato cultivation in the rainy season with doses up to 100 kg ha-1 P2O5 increase root yield in marketable size classes in higher economic value and with higher carbohydrate contents. The results can help producers schedule the planting and harvesting of sweet potatoes throughout the year and contribute to the seasonal management of phosphate fertilizer application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) stands out as the most critical pest in citriculture. With chemical pesticides facing reduced efficacy and increased resistance in populations, biological control has emerged as a promising strategy. The performance of entomopathogenic fungi is influenced by abiotic factors such as RH and ultraviolet radiation (UV-B). Understanding how these factors interact with entomopathogens enables us to optimize their efficiency against the pest, guiding the ideal timing for application and identifying the most favorable seasons. Our study aimed to assess the impact of different RH levels and UV-B exposure on the efficacy of the entomopathogenic fungus Cordyceps javanica (Frieder. and Bally) Kepler, B. Shrestha, and Spatafora (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) strain ESALQ1296 in controlling D. citri. C. javanica with 0.075% KBRAdj® exhibited superior performance in D. citri control across all moisture levels, particularly during periods of low RH (≤ 50%) and extended UV-B exposure (> 4 h), when compared to Tween 80. However, it is expected to perform better when spraying during periods with lower UV-B radiation incidence and higher RH. Considering the high efficacy required to control this vector, implementing the fungus is contingent on the formulation utilized and the prevailing environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Climatic conditions significantly impact the life stages and distribution patterns of ticks and tick-borne diseases. South Africa’s central plateau and various biomes offer a distinct landscape for studying the geography’s effects. The study estimated tick species prevalence and the influential factors on their survival. Materials and Methods: Ticks were gathered from communal cattle in South African provinces including Limpopo (LP), Gauteng (GP), Mpumalanga (MP), KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), the Eastern Cape (EC), and the Free State (FS), from September 2020 to November 2022. Using data from South African weathercasts, the annual climate was assessed. Results: A total of 3,409 ticks were collected, with the highest infestation observed in KZN (45%), followed by LP (26%), EC (19%), GP (5%), MP (2%), and the FS (2%). The most prevalent tick species were Amblyomma hebraeum (55.1%), Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (13.9%) and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus), and decoloratus (11.9%). Other species included R. (Boophilus) microplus (10.85%), Hyalomma marginatum (4.8%), Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (1.4%), Harpalus rufipes (0.8%), Rhipicephalus exophthalmos (0.2%), Rhipicephalus glabroscutatus (0.2%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (0.2%), Haemaphysalis silacea (0.5%), Ixodes pilosus (0.1%), and Rhipicephalus simus (0.1%). The infestations were most prevalent on farms in Pongola and KZN. The temperature fluctuated between 12°C and 35°C during data gathering, while humidity varied between 40% and 65%. Conclusion: This study showed that ticks survive optimally in warm temperatures and high humidity conditions. Livestock farms with high tick infestations may be associated with several risk factors. These practices could involve suboptimal grazing, insufficient acaricidal treatment, and detrimental effects resulting from traditional animal husbandry. Future research is needed to longitudinally evaluate the effects of climate change on tick populations, pathogen transmission, hosts, habitats, and human behavior, influencing potential exposure risks.

Modern plants and surface soil δ13С values from 95 sites in the Baikal region were obtained for the first time and were used to establish relationships with regional environmental factors. Studied sites were distributed along the elevation gradient from 403 to 2315 m, which defined a strong landscape and climatic gradients encompassing mountain tundra, subalpine grasslands, mountain taiga, subtaiga, and steppe. δ13С values of soil organic matter (SOM) varied from –29.50 to –22.98‰. This result showed that the stable C isotopic composition of the surface soils was mainly determined by δ13С values of C3 plants (vary from –33.0 to –24.5‰) and C isotope fractionation during stabilization of plant-derived C into SOM. The δ13С values of modern plants and surface soils were negatively correlated with mean annual and growing season precipitation (p

Maize (Zea mays L.) kernels are exposed to mechanical and physical impacts during harvest, transport, handling, and processing. Between harvest and processing, there are losses in grain weight and reduced physical quality often occurs. Cracked or broken kernels are quality factors that reduce the efficient use and sales value of maize grain. The adverse influence of mechanical impact on maize kernels ranges from the development of small and large cracks of the pericarp to completely broken kernels, and dust generation. Increasing the amounts of broken kernels results in potential problems during storage due to faster spoilage of grain, difficult and uneven aeration during handling and grain drying, increased risk of spontaneous heating and explosion, increased animal health issues due to reduced utilization rate, and increased respiratory infections of humans and animals, and inefficient processing due to unfavourable ratio of high-value products to low-value products in dry and wet milling. The maize kernel structure, the production system, and the climatic condition’s during the maize growing season influence kernel hardness and brittleness or breakage susceptibility causing differences in the amount of breakage present. During artificial grain drying, high temperatures on the kernel surface lead to internal moisture gradients within grain kernels resulting in increased kernel crackage and breakage.

Makurdi is in a strategic position in the agricultural map of Nigeria, producing a wide range of both annual and perennial crops such as yam, maize, rice, sorghum, soybean, cowpea, citrus, mangoes, and a variety of vegetables. One of the factors responsible for this wide range of crops is the favorable climate. This study was aimed at evaluating the suitability of the soils for the production of groundnut and to have a detailed soil database for effective land use planning. Soil requirements for groundnut were obtained from past research works and compared with data collected from the survey. The study showed that the soils of the area had formed under climatic environment presently characterized by an annual rainfall of about 1330.20 mm and a mean annual temperature of about 27.80 0C. The soils were well drained to poorly drained. The clay content ranged from 7.20 to 29.30 %, increasing with depth. Organic carbon was low (0.64 %) in the upland, but relatively high when compared with the low (0.62 %) value in the low land. The suitability assessment results showed that although, certain quantities or characteristics such as mean annual temperature, relative humidity and base saturation were optimum for groundnut cultivation, there was however, no highly suitable (S1) land for groundnut cultivation in the area. All the soils were classified into moderately suitable (S2f) subclass due to their low nutrient levels. COATRF I and II units of the area were moderately suitable (S2tf) due to topography and low soil fertility. COATRF III was limited by its imperfect drainage to marginally suitable subclass (S3wf) for groundnut production. To improve on the level of productivity of the soils for optimal groundnut production, management techniques such as continuous organic matter incorporation and mineral fertilizer application, and efficient use of mineral fertilizers with low levels of chemical inputs with adaption of appropriate irrigation techniques would make dry season farming sustainable

A numerical study was carried out to assess the practicality of running inverter air conditioner directly on photovoltaic cells in the climatic conditions of Iraq. The research aims to assess the energy consumption and efficiency Regarding the solar air conditioning system in various weather conditions and operational situations. The study employs a computational model to replicate the system's behavior and enhance its performance. Where solar panels with a capacity of 570 watts the number of solar panels4 were used, the number of batteries 2, and inverter capacity 3.5 kw , the number of panels, and the amount of energy consumed during different time periods and for different air conditioner loads were used, such as one ton, one quarter ton, one half ton, and two tons. Solar panels' lifespan is determined by the extremes in temperature they are exposed to, whereas their output capacity is determined by the amount of light radiation they receive. The amount of batteries, the number of panels, and the kind of inverter required are all determined numerically in this study. The aim of the study was to estimate the efficiency of the air conditioning system, which It runs on solar energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Climatic conditions significantly impact the life stages and distribution patterns of ticks and tickborne diseases. South Africa's central plateau and various biomes offer a distinct landscape for studying the geography's effects. The study estimated tick species prevalence and the influential factors on their survival. Materials and Methods: Ticks were gathered from communal cattle in South African provinces including Limpopo (LP), Gauteng (GP), Mpumalanga (MP), KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), the Eastern Cape (EC), and the Free State (FS), from September 2020 to November 2022. Using data from South African weathercasts, the annual climate was assessed. Results: A total of 3,409 ticks were collected, with the highest infestation observed in KZN (45%), followed by LP (26%), EC (19%), GP (5%), MP (2%), and the FS (2%). The most prevalent tick species were Amblyomma hebraeum (55.1%), Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (13.9%) and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus), and decoloratus (11.9%). Other species included R. (Boophilus) microplus (10.85%), Hyalomma marginatum (4.8%), Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (1.4%), Harpalus rufipes (0.8%), Rhipicephalus exophthalmos (0.2%), Rhipicephalus glabroscutatus (0.2%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (0.2%), Haemaphysalis silacea (0.5%), Ixodes pilosus (0.1%), and Rhipicephalus simus (0.1%). The infestations were most prevalent on farms in Pongola and KZN. The temperature fluctuated between 12°C and 35°C during data gathering, while humidity varied between 40% and 65%. Conclusion: This study showed that ticks survive optimally in warm temperatures and high humidity conditions. Livestock farms with high tick infestations may be associated with several risk factors. These practices could involve suboptimal grazing, insufficient acaricidal treatment, and detrimental effects resulting from traditional animal husbandry. Future research is needed to longitudinally evaluate the effects of climate change on tick populations, pathogen transmission, hosts, habitats, and human behavior, influencing potential exposure risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) is an important component of soil organic carbon (SOC), which can promote long-term SOC sequestration. However, GRSP distribution characteristics and its contribution to the SOC pool among different grassland types remain poorly understood. Therefore, six grassland types (alpine meadow, mountain meadow, temperate meadow steppe, temperate steppe, temperate desert steppe, and temperate desert) were chosen to evaluate the contribution of GRSP to the SOC pool and the factors that influence GRSP accumulation in the Irtysh River Basin in China. The results revealed that GRSP (EE-GRSP, T-GRSP) accumulated more in the 0–10 cm soil layer than in the 10–20 cm soil layer (p < 0.05). GRSP content was higher in alpine grasslands (15.69 mg·g−1) than in desert grasslands (5.45 mg·g−1). However, their contribution to the SOC pool exhibited an opposite trend, whereas GRSP-C/SOC even accounted for 11.88% in the desert grasslands. The redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that SOC was the top important positive regulator for GRSP accumulation both in the two layers (explanatory rate > 80%). Besides the SOC factor, the two soil layers had different factors in regulating GRSP accumulation. Changes in GRSP content in the 0–10 cm soil layer were more strongly associated with mean annual temperature (MAT), sand content, soil water content (SWC), and silt content. In contrast, in the 10–20 cm soil layer, GRSP content was more influenced by SWC, electrical conductivity (EC), and pH (p < 0.05). Additionally, the main factor in the GRSP content variation was the interaction between climate and soil in the two soil layers (explanatory rate > 80%). Our findings underscore the critical role of GRSP in facilitating SOC sequestration within desert grasslands and elucidate the primary factors driving GRSP distribution across varying soil depths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to winemaking techniques, wine's quality and typicity are linked to the place where the grapes are grown. Climate, soil and the cultivar are major drivers of the terroir's expression. Moreover, climate change is affecting the distribution of grapevine varieties in different wine-growing regions because changes in climatic conditions over the past years is affecting grape production. This study investigated the influence of some terroir parameters on the volatile composition of Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Eight wines from vineyards sited in Argentina, Spain and Portugal with altitudes between 2400 and 77 m above sea level (a.s.l.) with different soils and climatic conditions were selected. The results suggested that the vineyard's place significantly modified the volatile composition of Cabernet Sauvignon wines because all chemical groups of volatiles quantified were affected. Volatile acids, C6 compounds, aldehydes, esters and terpenes showed the highest concentrations at 2400 m a.s.l., where the highest thermal amplitude was observed. In Portugal, where the vineyard studies were sited at lower altitudes (77 m a.s.l.) and under warm climatic conditions, high concentrations of alcohols and lactones were observed. Alcohols also showed high concentrations in wines from vineyards sited at 413 and 155 m a.s.l. (Spain). Principal component analysis showed the positive correlation of Cabernet Sauvignon wines located at higher altitudes with terpenes. On the contrary, wines from grapes grown at lower altitude conditions exhibited a correlation with alcohols and lactones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil acidification is a global environmental problem with significant impacts on agricultural production, environmental protection, and ecosystem health. Soil acidification is widespread in China, affecting crop yields, agricultural product quality, and biodiversity. Since the 1980s, much work has been done on acidic soils in China, but it is controversial whether excessive nitrogen fertilizer application can lead to soil acidification mechanisms. To address the above issues, we conducted a meta-analysis of 115 published papers to integrate and analyze the effects of N fertilizer application on soil acidification and biological properties from 1980 to 2024. We also quantified the effect of nitrogen fertilization on soil acidification and biological changes under different climatic conditions. The results showed that under long-term application of nitrogen fertilizers in China from 1980 to 2024, soil pH decreased by an average of 15.27%, and the activities of soil urease, nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, catalase, glutamate dehydrogenase, and glutamate synthetase decreased by an average of 9.82–22.37%. The soil microbial community richness (Chao1 index) increased by 6.53%, but the community diversity (Shannon index) decreased by 15.42%. Among the dominant soil microorganisms, the relative abundance of bacteria decreased by an average of 9.67–29.38% and the abundance of gene expression of nifH, amoA-AOA, amoA-AOB, and qnorB decreased by 9.92–19.83%. In addition, we found that the mean annual temperature and rainfall impacted soil acidification via their effect on soil microbial diversity and community composition. This study provides a scientific basis for an in-depth understanding of the spatial and temporal variation of soil acidification and biological properties in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Global warming affects air and water temperatures, which impacts the phenology of lakes and aquatic ecosystems. These changes are most noticeable during winter, when the potentially toxic Planktothrix rubescens forms its inoculum for annual blooms. Mostly, research has been conducted on alpine lakes, where blooms have persisted for decades, while a few have focused on temperate lakes. Our study aimed to determine the factors influencing the dynamics of the development of P. rubescens in temperate lakes where blooms occasionally occur, with a particular emphasis on the role of ice phenology. Methods: We investigated the vertical distribution of P. rubescens in an annual cycle in three temperate lakes. Samples were collected monthly in the winter and biweekly during the vegetative seasons. Overall, 434 samples were collected and analyzed according to biological and chemical parameters. Physical parameters were measured in situ. Results: The vegetation seasons in temperate lakes showed a similar development pattern in the P. rubescens population as that in alpine lakes. Our results also show the influence of physical and chemical factors on the vertical distribution of this cyanobacterium. These results revealed the significant impact of P. rubescens filaments on phytoplankton biodiversity and biomass. Our data show the role of ice phenology in the establishment of the winter inoculum of P. rubescens and its further mass development until its disappearance in autumn. Conclusion: A climate-zone-independent pattern of P. rubescens blooms was observed during the vegetation periods. The population of P. rubescens was more influenced by physical factors than by the availability of dissolved nutrients in the water. Despite the same etiology, global warming has been shown to cause different responses in aquatic ecosystems, which affect the different nature of P. rubescens appearances. We associated blooms in temperate lakes, in contrast to alpine lakes, mainly with the presence of ice cover during severe winters, when the species establishes its inoculum. Hence, blooms in temperate lakes occur at different time intervals. Therefore, the dynamics of periodic blooms of P. rubescens in temperate lakes provide novel knowledge to the case study and a counterpoint to permanent blooms found in deep alpine lakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of climatic conditions on the growth and yield of apple trees can be modified by various factors such as the plant species, its condition as well as stress factors (for example, Apple Replant Disease). The aim of the study was to analyse the influence of air temperature and rainfall on the yield and fruit quality of replanted apple trees of the `Najdared` cultivar. Between 2015 and 2017 an experiment was conducted on apple trees growing on replanted soil and on crop rotation soil in western Poland. The relationship between the trees growing on the replanted soil and crop rotation soil in the years with changeable climatic conditions was analysed with canonical variate analysis based on transformation by linear combination and singular value decomposition. Our study confirmed the fact that air temperature and rainfall significantly affected the yield and quality of apples. The yield of the apple trees growing on the replanted soil was several times lower than the yield of the trees growing on the soil after crop rotation. A similar dependence was observed for the fruit quality characteristics. The previous use of the soil on which the apple trees grew caused differences in their reactions to the meteorological conditions. The occurrence of ARD caused a greater decrease in the yield of trees due to low temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ecological environment of the Hexi Corridor in China is fragile owing to its unique geographical conditions. Since the 21st century, the construction of highway projects in the Hexi Corridor has increased with the implementation of China's western development policy. The impact of highway construction on vegetation along roads is uncertain and requires attention. In this study, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was obtained based on remote sensing data, and the correlations between the vegetation index, climate changes, and highway construction from 2000 to 2019 were analyzed. The results showed that the NDVI of the Hexi Corridor showed a significant increasing trend, and the spatial difference was obvious, which was largely controlled by climatic conditions. Generally, the vegetation index was negatively correlated with temperature, but positively correlated with precipitation, and the correlation between the NDVI and precipitation was greater than that of temperature. The impact of highways on vegetation is a long-term process. In the eastern region of the Hexi Corridor, where the ecological environment is better, highway construction promoted vegetation development. However, in the western region with high desertification, the damage caused by highway construction to vegetation was serious, and the recovery rate of degraded vegetation was slow after the completion of highway construction. Although the vegetation development in the Hexi Corridor was mainly affected by precipitation, in the western region, highway construction was the main factor controlling vegetation disturbance within a certain range on both sides, and its contribution to vegetation disturbance reached 60%. The research results can improve understanding of the disturbance effect of highway construction on vegetation in arid areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive evaluations of global precipitation datasets are imperative for gaining insights into their performance and potential applications. However, the existing evaluations of global precipitation datasets are often constrained by limitations regarding the datasets, specific regions, and hydrological models used for hydrologic predictions. The accuracy and hydrological utility of eight precipitation datasets (including two gauged-based, five reanalysis and one merged precipitation datasets) were evaluated on a daily timescale from 1982 to 2015 in this study by using 2404 rain gauges, 2508 catchments, and four lumped hydrological models under varying climatic conditions worldwide. Specifically, the characteristics of different datasets were first analyzed. The accuracy of precipitation datasets at the site and regional scale was then evaluated with daily observations from 2404 gauges and two high-resolution gridded gauge-interpolated regional datasets. The effectiveness of precipitation datasets in runoff simulation was then assessed by using 2058 catchments around the world in combination with four conceptual hydrological models. The results show that: (1) all precipitation datasets demonstrate proficiency in capturing the interannual variability of the annual mean precipitation, but with magnitudes deviating by up to 200 mm/year among the datasets; (2) the precipitation datasets directly incorporating daily gauge observations outperform the uncorrected precipitation datasets. The Climate Precipitation Center dataset (CPC), Global Precipitation Climatology Center dataset (GPCC) and multi-source weighted-ensemble precipitation V2 (MSWEP V2) can be considered the best option for most climate regions regarding the accuracy of precipitation datasets; (3) the performance of hydrological models driven by different datasets is climate dependent and is notably worse in arid regions (with median Kling–Gupta efficiency (KGE) ranging from 0.39 to 0.65) than in other regions. The MSWEP V2 posted a stable performance with the highest KGE and Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) values in most climate regions using various hydrological models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Sweet potato is an important food security crop, and the world market for this root is on the rise. Based on the physiological changes in plants in response to climatic conditions and fertilization, this study evaluated the effects of the growing season (rainy and dry season) and P2O5 doses (0, 50, 100, 200 and 400 kg ha-1) on total yield, marketable classes yields, as well as chemical composition of storage roots of two sweet potato cultivars. The storage roots yield was greater in the rainy season. The optimum agronomic and economic doses were 128 and 95 kg ha-1 P2O5 for the cultivar Canadense. Cultivar Uruguaiana did not respond to phosphate fertilization, but its storage roots had higher contents of dry matter, lipids, fibers, total and reducing sugars, and starch. Sweet potato cultivation in the rainy season with doses up to 100 kg ha-1 P2O5 increase root yield in marketable size classes in higher economic value and with higher carbohydrate contents. The results can help producers schedule the planting and harvesting of sweet potatoes throughout the year and contribute to the seasonal management of phosphate fertilizer application.

Litter decomposition is significantly influenced by soil fauna, litter quality, and climate. Effects of soil fauna on litter decomposition are largely dependent on the size classes of the fauna. However, the understanding of how different soil fauna groups affect litter decomposition remains elusive. In this study, we conducted a global meta-analysis of experiments using litterbags with varying mesh sizes to quantify the contributions of mesofauna and macrofauna to litter decomposition by calculating log response ratios. Additionally, we quantitatively assessed how climatic conditions and litter quality influence the effect of these two faunal size classes on litter decomposition. Our findings demonstrated that mesofauna and macrofauna increased litter decomposition by an average of 12.25% and 22.14%, respectively. Furthermore, the relative increase in litter decomposition induced by mesofauna and macrofauna exhibited a significant statistical difference on a global scale. Specifically, in dry and temperate climatics, the effect of soil macrofauna on litter decomposition was significantly greater than that of mesofauna. Climatic conditions, particularly temperature and precipitation, were the primary factors influencing litter decomposition by both mesofauna and macrofauna. In contrast, litter quality significantly influenced decomposition only by macrofauna in dry and tropical climatic conditions. Our findings underscore that the relative increase in litter decomposition rates to mesofauna and macrofauna differed significantly on a global scale and that the climate and litter quality differentially regulate litter decomposition across faunal size classes.

The goal of this study is to establish the impact of tillage (reversible to a depth of 25–28 cm and irreversible to a depth of 25–28, 15–18 and 5–8 cm) and the fertilizing products such as LEANUM and VITAMIN O7 (liquid and powdered, respectively) for growing Hemingway and Harmonium hybrids with FAO 280 and 380 on the leaf area duration (LAD) and the concentration of chlorophyll а and b. The leaf area duration was measured by the method of M. I. Orlovskyi and calculated using the formula. The content of chlorophyll a and b in maize leaves was determined using the ULAB 102 Spectrophotometer. In general, the effect of biofertilizer treatment on the leaf can be noted by increasing the leaf area duration. Thus, for Harmonium, with any variant of tillage, the leaf area duration increased on the variants of foliar treatment. And on irreversible tillage for three years, an increase in the leaf area duration was noted with the use of pre–sowing inoculation with the studied fertilizing products, one treatment with LEANUM foliar, and a combined treatment with LEANUM + 1 LEANUM. It is worth noting that disking to a depth of 5–8 cm only led to a decrease in the leaf area duration during the cultivation of Harmonium. However, when growing Hemingway, almost all variants had a positive effect on the leaf area duration, with the exception of inoculation (when using both fertilizing products). An interesting fact is that in most cases, an increase in the leaf area duration led to a decrease in the concentration of chlorophyll a, but did not lead to a decrease in the total concentration of chlorophylls a and b, due to an increase in the concentration of chlorophyll b. It should be noted that biofertilizer treatment and tillage significantly affected the concentration of chlorophyll a and chlorophylls a and b, but chlorophyll b was not affected by tillage. When growing Hemingway, neither biologics nor tillage had any effect, while other pigments had a significant effect.

Cultivating stevia is imperative because it is a natural sweetener, providing a healthier and low-calorie substitute for sugar. A comprehensive study was undertaken in 2021-2022, employing a randomized complete block design with three replicates, to evaluate the growth, yield, physiological, and biochemical characteristics of stevia across diverse Iranian climates (Arak, Rasht, Gorgan, Hamedan, Isfahan, Kermanshah, Shiraz, Tabriz, Tehran, and Urmia). The findings unveiled notable variations in growth, yield, physiological, biochemical traits, and steviol glycoside content among different cultivation sites. Notably, Shiraz, Isfahan, Tehran, and Arak exhibited the highest leaf yield, recording values of 119.89, 91.25, 97.07, and 86.24 g m-2, respectively. Conversely, Rasht and Gorgan showcased the lowest growth and yield parameters. Of particular interest, Shiraz samples displayed the highest photosynthetic pigment content (chlorophyll) and the lowest proline levels. Rasht samples demonstrated the highest average content of rebaudioside-A, stevioside, and total steviol glycosides (3.01%, 8.66%, and 11.67%, respectively). Furthermore, Shiraz samples yielded the most steviol glycosides at 122.6 mg m-2. Correlation analysis between climatic data and yield, along with biochemical traits, indicated positive associations of average temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity with leaf yield and steviol glycoside content. In contrast, altitude exhibited a negative correlation with steviol glycoside content. In conclusion, Shiraz is recommended for stevia cultivation for optimal growth and leaf yield, while Rasht and Gorgan are preferable for steviol glycoside production. [Fundam Appl Agric 2024; 9(2.000): 122-130]

This two-year research aimed to evaluate the efficacy of chemical preparations and the resistance of tomato cultivars (Amati and Bella) against the Phytophthora infestans pathogen causing fruit blight. Fungicides, including Metalaxyl, Azoxystrobin, Mancozeb, and Copper, were tested in seven combinations, and disease assessments were conducted using the McKinney Index. Results from 2021 and 2022 consistently demonstrated that the combination of Azoxystrobin and Metalaxyl exhibited the highest efficiency in protecting both cultivars against Phytophthora infestans, with infection rates as low as 5.30% and 4.43%, respectively. In addition to fungicide effectiveness, cultivar resistance analysis revealed that Bella consistently displayed higher sustainability to the pathogen compared to Amati, with infection rates ranging from 4.43% to 6.30% for Bella, compared to 5.30% to 7.03% for Amati. This enhanced resistance in Bella was attributed to its smaller vegetative mass. The study underscores the importance of meticulous systemic fungicide use to prevent the development of pathogen resistance. Furthermore, the research recommends adjusting the frequency of sprayings based on climatic conditions to optimize blight management strategies. This research provides valuable insights into effective blight management strategies, highlighting specific fungicide combinations, and emphasizing the resistance characteristics of tomato cultivars. These findings contribute to the development of sustainable practices for protecting tomatoes against Phytophthora infestans, ultimately aiding in the cultivation of more resilient and disease-resistant tomato crops.

Implementation of Innovative Technologies During The Modernization of Existing Level Crossings for High-Speed Train Traffic Purpose. The main purpose of the study is to review innovative technologies for improving safety at the intersection of railways and roads. The object of research is the processes of functioning – railway crossings with different intensity and parameters of traffic, which require solving a fairly wide range of theoretical, practical and organizational tasks. Methodology. The study is based on the theory of mathematical modeling and numerical methods of computer calculations. The subject of the study is indicators that allow to assess the state of safety after modernization or new design solutions. Findings. A model of an improved method of the final coefficient is proposed, which allows predicting changes in the initial data and obtaining different values of the final coefficient, and thus planning measures to introduce innovative technologies that improve traffic safety at level crossings. Closing railroad crossings or switching to a two-level intersection of railroad and road (overpasses) is the only way to completely eliminate the risk. However, it is virtually impossible to close all railroad crossings immediately. In addition to financial and practical constraints, user convenience should still be a key factor. Using hierarchy, brainstorming, and other methods, a reliable set of indicators can be identified to assess and ensure the overall safety of passengers and vehicles related to all aspects of the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of the rail network. The introduction of innovative technologies during the modernization of existing level crossings is an important step towards organizing high-speed train traffic. These technologies will increase the level of traffic safety at railroad crossings and protect people's lives. Originality. The scientific and applied problem of introducing innovative technologies during the modernization of existing level crossings for the organization of high-speed train traffic has been solved. Practical value. The implementation of a sound technology for the modernization of existing level crossings will provide a significant increase in traffic safety and throughput.

Context: The productivity of crops is influenced by the available net water balance, which relies on a complex interplay of edaphic and climatic factors. In this sense, rainfall is the leading water input for crop growth and yield, especially in water-scarce regions under semi-arid climates worldwide. Aims: This study aimed to define the optimum cropping calendar and the agroclimatic and agroecological zones for rainfed maize in the state of Ceará, which is predominantly located within the Brazilian semi-arid region, assuming different rainfall scenarios. Methods: We considered the subdivision of the study area into eight homogeneous precipitation regions according to the regional rainfall pattern. The climatic water balance for each region over two decades was calculated from historical weather data series, assuming three rainy scenarios: dry, regular, and rainy. The agroclimatic zoning was defined through the crop water balance results, soil classification, land use and occupation, slope and temperature, weighted through a multi-criteria decision analysis based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process. Key results: The recommended planting period was broader in rainy conditions. However, there may be some dry spells between two 10-day intervals of the calendar, which impair plant growth depending on their intensity. For the dry scenario, the agroclimatic zoning showed that the marginal water deficiency covered 96.55% of the study area. Conclusions: Rainfed maize cultivated under the semi-arid climate of Ceará state is viable in rainy conditions, partially restricted in regular years, and not recommended in dry years. Implications: This study emphasises the importance of climate monitoring in effective planning for rainfed maize cultivation in semi-arid regions. This study aimed to define the optimum cropping calendar and the agroclimatic and agroecological zones for rainfed maize (Zea mays L.) across Ceará state, situated within the Brazilian semi-arid region, assuming different rainfall scenarios: dry, regular, and rainy. The agroclimatic zoning was defined trough the crop water balance results. Our findings demonstrated that rainfed maize cultivated under the semi-arid climate of Ceará state is viable in rainy conditions, partially restricted in regular years, and not recommended in dry years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecotypic divergence in tree taxa often occurs in subalpine habitats, where environmental conditions are more stressful than those in lower elevations. In the white oak species in Japan Quercus crispula, the subalpine shrubby variety Q. crispula var. horikawae (Qch) has been recognized in central and northern Honshu. Although Qch has different phenotypes from Q. crispula var. crispula (Qcc), genetic divergence between Qcc and Qch has not been examined yet. Pairs of Qcc and Qch populations in eight locations and additional Qcc and Qch populations around these locations were investigated. Leaf size of Qch was smaller than that of Qcc. Chloroplast DNA haplotypes were shared between the Qcc and Qch populations. In genotypes at 29 nuclear microsatellite loci, genetic diversity did not differ between the Qcc and Qch populations. Principal component analysis and a neighbor‐joining tree of populations based on the genotypes demonstrated that 13 Qcc populations and eight Qch populations were grouped separately, except for three Qch populations that were grouped to Qcc. Climatic conditions in the eight Qch populations were characterized by lower temperature and heavier snowfall than those in the 16 populations of the genetic group of Qcc. These results suggest genetic divergence between Qcc and Qch associated with subalpine climatic conditions, irrespective of leaf size. The origin of the subalpine Qch lineage and the history of ecotypic divergence should be investigated in future genomic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global soil nitrogen (N) cycling remains poorly understood due to its complex driving mechanisms. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of global soil δ15N, a stable isotopic signature indicative of the N input–output balance, using a machine‐learning approach on 10,676 observations from 2670 sites. Our findings reveal prevalent joint effects of climatic conditions, plant N‐use strategies, soil properties, and other natural and anthropogenic forcings on global soil δ15N. The joint effects of multiple drivers govern the latitudinal distribution of soil δ15N, with more rapid N cycling at lower latitudes than at higher latitudes. In contrast to previous climate‐focused models, our data‐driven model more accurately simulates spatial changes in global soil δ15N, highlighting the need to consider the joint effects of multiple drivers to estimate the Earth's N budget. These insights contribute to the reconciliation of discordances among empirical, theoretical, and modeling studies on soil N cycling, as well as sustainable N management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This two-year research aimed to evaluate the efficacy of chemical preparations and the resistance of tomato cultivars (Amati and Bella) against the Phytophthora infestans pathogen causing fruit blight. Fungicides, including Metalaxyl, Azoxystrobin, Mancozeb, and Copper, were tested in seven combinations, and disease assessments were conducted using the McKinney Index. Results from 2021 and 2022 consistently demonstrated that the combination of Azoxystrobin and Metalaxyl exhibited the highest efficiency in protecting both cultivars against Phytophthora infestans, with infection rates as low as 5.30% and 4.43%, respectively. In addition to fungicide effectiveness, cultivar resistance analysis revealed that Bella consistently displayed higher sustainability to the pathogen compared to Amati, with infection rates ranging from 4.43% to 6.30% for Bella, compared to 5.30% to 7.03% for Amati. This enhanced resistance in Bella was attributed to its smaller vegetative mass. The study underscores the importance of meticulous systemic fungicide use to prevent the development of pathogen resistance. Furthermore, the research recommends adjusting the frequency of sprayings based on climatic conditions to optimize blight management strategies. This research provides valuable insights into effective blight management strategies, highlighting specific fungicide combinations, and emphasizing the resistance characteristics of tomato cultivars. These findings contribute to the development of sustainable practices for protecting tomatoes against Phytophthora infestans, ultimately aiding in the cultivation of more resilient and disease-resistant tomato crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study is to establish the impact of tillage (reversible to a depth of 25-28 cm and irreversible to a depth of 25-28, 15-18 and 5-8 cm) and the fertilizing products such as LEANUM and VITAMIN O7 (liquid and powdered, respectively) for growing Hemingway and Harmonium hybrids with FAO 280 and 380 on the leaf area duration (LAD) and the concentration of chlorophyll a and b. The leaf area duration was measured by the method of M. I. Orlovskyi and calculated using the formula. The content of chlorophyll a and b in maize leaves was determined using the ULAB 102 Spectrophotometer. In general, the effect of biofertilizer treatment on the leaf can be noted by increasing the leaf area duration. Thus, for Harmonium, with any variant of tillage, the leaf area duration increased on the variants of foliar treatment. And on irreversible tillage for three years, an increase in the leaf area duration was noted with the use of pre-sowing inoculation with the studied fertilizing products, one treatment with LEANUM foliar, and a combined treatment with LEANUM + 1 LEANUM. It is worth noting that disking to a depth of 5-8 cm only led to a decrease in the leaf area duration during the cultivation of Harmonium. However, when growing Hemingway, almost all variants had a positive effect on the leaf area duration, with the exception of inoculation (when using both fertilizing products). An interesting fact is that in most cases, an increase in the leaf area duration led to a decrease in the concentration of chlorophyll a, but did not lead to a decrease in the total concentration of chlorophylls a and b, due to an increase in the concentration of chlorophyll b. It should be noted that biofertilizer treatment and tillage significantly affected the concentration of chlorophyll a and chlorophylls a and b, but chlorophyll b was not affected by tillage. When growing Hemingway, neither biologics nor tillage had any effect, while other pigments had a significant effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gannan Prefecture, China faces problems of water resource shortage and fragile ecological environment. Exploring the spatiotemporal pattern of ET can provide a basis for regional water resource development. The study analyzes the interannual changes and spatiotemporal characteristics of evapotranspiration based on MOD16, and selects meteorological, LULC data to analyze their impact on ET through trend analysis method and correlation. From 2000 to 2020, the overall AET in Gannan Prefecture showed an upward trend (P < 0.01), with an average upward rate of 6.30 mm/a. The PET showed a downward trend (P < 0.01), with an average downward rate of 6.24 mm/a. The average change rate of AET in Gannan Prefecture is 6.54 mm/a, mainly concentrated in 5-10 mm/a, and the average change rate of PET is -7.24 mm/a. The AET in Gannan Prefecture is consistent with the interannual change trend of hydrothermal conditions, showing a slow upward trend. The correlation coefficient between AET and rainfall is 0.56, and the correlation coefficient with temperature is 0.69, indicating that the AET in Gannan Prefecture is jointly affected by hydrothermal conditions. The difference in AET between grassland, cultivated land, and wetland in Gannan Prefecture is not significant, and the difference in PET is not significant. Land use type is not the dominant factor for ET changes in Gannan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compatible model systems were developed for estimating fuel load dynamics in Ulex europaeus (gorse) and in Erica australis (Spanish heath) dominated shrub communities at stand level. The models were based on intensive, detailed destructive field sampling and were fitted simultaneously to fulfill the additivity principle. The models enable, for the first time, estimation of the biomass dynamics of the total shrub layer, size fractions and vegetative stage, with reasonably good accuracy. The approach used addresses the high variability in shrub biomass estimates by using a site index (SI) based on biomass levels at a reference age of 10 years. Analysis of the effect of climatic variables on site index confirmed the preference of gorse for mild temperatures and the ability of high heath communities to tolerate a wider range of temperatures. In the gorse communities, SI tended to increase as summer rainfall and the mean temperature of the coldest month increased. However, in the heath communities, no relationships were observed between SI and any of the climatic variables analyzed. The study findings may be useful for assessing and monitoring fuel hazards, updating fuel mapping, planning and implementing fuel reduction treatments and predicting fire behavior, among other important ecological and biomass use-related applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous multi-proxy records have revealed the advantages of well-preserved and long-scale geological archives from the lake sediments of Barkol Lake, which is located at northeast Xinjiang in northwest China. However, the exact organic matter (OM) sources in the sediments and their response to climatic variability still remain unclear in this area. In this study, we present an 8.8 kyr n-alkane record extracted from the sediments in Barkol Lake to explore the OM sources and the relationship between n-alkanes and climatic changes. The results indicate that the n-alkane composition was dominated by long-chain n-alkanes(C27–C31), implying a dominant origination of OM from the terrestrial higher plants and emergent aquatic plants. The n-alkane data further revealed that changes in OM sources were related to the surface erosion-transportation-deposition processes controlled by climatic changes. Lake level changes, which are also regulated by climate conditions, played an important role in impacting OM accumulation. Relatively wetter conditions would result in a rising lake level that favored more aquatic OM and less terrestrial OM input, and vice versa. The regional climate patterns have been generally dominated by alternations of cold-wet and warm-dry episodes over the past ~8.8 kyr. We preliminarily concluded the dynamic changes of OM input and the hydrological changes in Barkol Lake was mainly controlled by SSTs in the North Atlantic region and melting water supply modulated by Eurasian ice sheet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate calculation for heat flux of borehole heat exchanger (BHE) is of great importance for design of ground source heat pump (GSHP); the climatic conditions influence GSHP performance through GHE. In this study, a 2-D heat transfer model for coaxial BHE was built to investigate the effects of multi-climatic parameters on BHE heat transfer and GSHP performance. The outlet temperature, ground temperature profiles and COP of GSHP system for the cooling period were concerned. The effects of climatic conditions under different borehole depths, ground thermal conductivities and flow rates were studied. The studies showed that the outlet temperature from BHE increased about 10% and system COP declined about 5% in cooling mode with considering the effect of climatic conditions. The comparison indicates that the effects of climatic conditions on coaxial BHE are stronger than that on U-tube BHE. Generally, the climatic conditions influence BHE heat transfer mainly through the shallow ground and the influences strengthen with time. The effects can be more significant with a larger ground thermal conductivity, but it weaken with increase of borehole depth. Also, the effects of climatic conditions on BHE and GSHP seem to be independent of flow rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Over the last few decades, different types of plastics have been found in different soil types with documented or potential negative effects on the environment, the flora and fauna inhabiting the soils, and subsequently human health. This article is a global review of the consequences of the interactions of plastics with soil, plants, soil microbes, and organic or inorganic pollutants depending on land use. It focuses on the various types of polyethylene, a widely used material with a strong presence in both agricultural and urban soils. Although the chemical formula (C2H4)n remains the same in its various classifications, the chemical behavior of polyethylene in soil varies and directly depends on its density, branching, crystallinity, and relative molecular mass, resulting in many and various differences in the properties but also in the behavior of the two main forms of polyethylene, low and high density. However, beyond the chemical composition of plastics, the climatic conditions that apply in both urban and rural areas determine the degree of corrosion as well as their shape and size, also affecting the chemical reactions that directly or indirectly affect them. In agricultural soils, plants and the microbiome present mainly in the rhizosphere seem to dramatically influence the behavior of plastics, where the interaction of all these parameters leads to changes in the availability of nutrients (phosphorus and potassium), the percentage of organic matter and the nitrogen cycle. In urban soils, the increase in temperature and decrease in humidity are the main parameters that determine the adsorption of heavy metals and organic pollutants on the surface of plastics. Although the presence of plastics is considered inevitable, perhaps a more thorough study of them will lead to a reduction in the risks of pollution in urban and rural environments. This research provides a promising perspective on the potential contribution of MP PEs to the sustainable management of soil systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The cotton or solenopsis mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis (Tinsley, 1898) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), infests various host plants in Egypt. A study was conducted to observe the incidence of mealybugs and the possible influences of meteorological variables and plant age on the insect population of maize (single-hybrid 168 yellow maize cultivar) plants in Esna district, Luxor governorate, Egypt, in two consecutive seasons (2021 and 2022). P. solenopsis infested maize plants from the 3rd week of June to harvest, and had three peaks of seasonal incidence/season namely; in the 1st week of June in the 3rd/4th week of July, and the 2nd week of August. Similarly, there were three peaks in the percent of infestations per season. In the first season, the average population density of P. solenopsis per sample was 174.04 ± 16.93 individuals, and in the second season, 156.72 ± 14.28 individuals. The most favorable climate for P. solenopsis population increase and infestation occurred in August in the first season and in September in the second season, while June was less suitable in both growing seasons (as estimated by weekly surveys). The combined effects of weather conditions and plant age are significantly related to the estimates of P. solenopsis populations, with an explained variance (E.V.) of 93.18 and 93.86%, respectively, in the two seasons. In addition, their influences explained differences in infestation percentages of 93.30 and 95.54%, respectively, in the two seasons. Maize plant age was the most effective factor in determining changes in P. solenopsis population densities in each season. The mean daily minimum temperature in the first season and mean daily dew point in the second season were the most important factors affecting the percent changes in infestation. However, in both seasons, the mean daily maximum temperature was the least effective variable in population and infestation variation. This study paves the way for monitoring and early detection of mealybugs in maize; as well as the optimal climatic conditions for its development.

IntroductionGlobal warming affects air and water temperatures, which impacts the phenology of lakes and aquatic ecosystems. These changes are most noticeable during winter, when the potentially toxic Planktothrix rubescens forms its inoculum for annual blooms. Mostly, research has been conducted on alpine lakes, where blooms have persisted for decades, while a few have focused on temperate lakes. Our study aimed to determine the factors influencing the dynamics of the development of P. rubescens in temperate lakes where blooms occasionally occur, with a particular emphasis on the role of ice phenology.MethodsWe investigated the vertical distribution of P. rubescens in an annual cycle in three temperate lakes. Samples were collected monthly in the winter and biweekly during the vegetative seasons. Overall, 434 samples were collected and analyzed according to biological and chemical parameters. Physical parameters were measured in situ.ResultsThe vegetation seasons in temperate lakes showed a similar development pattern in the P. rubescens population as that in alpine lakes. Our results also show the influence of physical and chemical factors on the vertical distribution of this cyanobacterium. These results revealed the significant impact of P. rubescens filaments on phytoplankton biodiversity and biomass. Our data show the role of ice phenology in the establishment of the winter inoculum of P. rubescens and its further mass development until its disappearance in autumn.ConclusionA climate-zone-independent pattern of P. rubescens blooms was observed during the vegetation periods. The population of P. rubescens was more influenced by physical factors than by the availability of dissolved nutrients in the water. Despite the same etiology, global warming has been shown to cause different responses in aquatic ecosystems, which affect the different nature of P. rubescens appearances. We associated blooms in temperate lakes, in contrast to alpine lakes, mainly with the presence of ice cover during severe winters, when the species establishes its inoculum. Hence, blooms in temperate lakes occur at different time intervals. Therefore, the dynamics of periodic blooms of P. rubescens in temperate lakes provide novel knowledge to the case study and a counterpoint to permanent blooms found in deep alpine lakes.