scholarly journals Root Characteristics and Water Erosion-Reducing Ability of Alpine Silver Grass and Yushan Cane for Alpine Grassland Soil Conservation

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (14) ◽  
pp. 7633
Author(s):  
Jung-Tai Lee ◽  
Shun-Ming Tsai ◽  
Yu-Jie Wu ◽  
Yu-Syuan Lin ◽  
Ming-Yang Chu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Root System ◽  
Forest Fires ◽  
Soil Conservation ◽  
Water Erosion ◽  
Alpine Grassland ◽  
Alpine Vegetation ◽  
Fibrous Root ◽  
Flume Experiments ◽  
Root Characteristics ◽  
Reducing Ability

In Taiwan, intensive forest fires frequently cause serious forest degradation, soil erosion and impacts on alpine vegetation. Post-fire succession often induces the substitution of forest by alpine grassland. Alpine silver grass (Miscanthus transmorrisonensis Hay.) and Yushan cane (Yushania niitakayamensis (Hay.) Keng f.) are two main endemic species emerging on post-fire alpine grassland. These species play a major role in the recovery of alpine vegetation and soil conservation of alpine grassland. However, their root traits, root mechanical properties and water erosion-reducing ability have still not been well studied. In the present study, root characteristics were examined using a complete excavation method. Root mechanical characteristics were estimated by utilizing the uprooting test and root tensile test, and hydraulic flume experiments were performed to investigate the water erosion-reducing ability using 8-month-old plants. The results show that the root architecture system of Alpine silver grass belongs to fibrous root system, while the Yushan cane has sympodial-tufted rhizomes with a fibrous root system. Root characteristics reveal that relative to Alpine silver grass, Yushan cane has remarkably larger root collar diameter, higher root biomass, larger root volume, higher root density, and a higher root tissue density. Furthermore, uprooting resistance of Yushan cane is notably higher than that of Alpine silver grass. However, the root tensile strength of Alpine silver grass is significantly higher than that of Yushan cane. Additionally, hydraulic flume experiments reveal that Yushan cane has significantly lower soil detachment rates than that of Alpine silver grass. Collectively, these findings clearly show that Yushan cane has superior root characteristics and water erosion-reducing ability than Alpine silver grass and is thus more suitable for the conservation of alpine grassland.

scholarly journals Uso de Técnicas de Geoprocessamento para Estudo da Erosão Hídrica Laminar em Bacia Hidrográfica do Sudoeste do Paraná.

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 1117
Author(s):  
Julio Caetano Tomazoni ◽  
Ana Paula Vansan
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Soil Conservation ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
Satellite Images ◽  
Water Erosion ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Universal Equation ◽  
Erosion Rates ◽  
Loss Estimate

Este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar a erosão hídrica laminar do solo, por meio da Equação Universal de Perdas de Solos Revisada (RUSLE) na bacia hidrográfica do rio São José, localizada no município de Francisco Beltrão (PR).  A perda de solo média anual (A) foi determinada através da RUSLE para os anos 2000, 2005, 2009, 2015 e 2017 utilizando-se técnicas de geoprocessamento com o auxílio do software ArcGis 10.0. O fator erosividade da chuva (R) foi determinado utilizando-se dados pluviométricos correspondentes ao período de 1974 a 2016. O fator erodibilidade do solo (K) foi obtido através da análise de amostras de solo coletadas in loco. O fator topográfico (LS) foi estimado por meio dos dados altimétricos e hidrográficos da bacia. Os fatores de uso e manejo do solo (C) e de práticas conservacionistas do solo (P) foram determinados por meio da caracterização multitemporal do uso e ocupação do solo, através de imagens de satélite. O potencial natural de erosão (PNE) foi determinado pela multiplicação dos fatores R, K e LS.A estimativa de perda de solo (A) foi determinada pela multiplicação do PNE pelos fatores C e P.  Use of Geoprocessing Techniques to Study Laminar Water Erosion in Watershed of Southwest Paraná A B S T R A C TThe objective of this work is evaluate the soil erosion by the Universal Equation of Soil Losses Revised (RUSLE) in the São José river basin, located in the municipality of Francisco Beltrão (PR). The average annual soil loss (A) was determined through RUSLE for the years 2000, 2005, 2009, 2015 and 2017 using geoprocessing techniques with ArcGis 10.0 software. Rainfallerosivity (R) was determined using rainfall data from 1974 to 2016, being determined at 11521.26 11521,26 MJ.mm.ha-1.h-1.year-1. The soil erodibility factor (K) was obtained through the analysis of soil samples collected on the spot (0,03018 t.ha.h/ha.MJ.mm, 0,02771 t.ha.h/ha.MJ.mm e 0,02342 t.ha.h/ha.MJ.mm). The topographic factor (LS) was estimated by the altimetric and hydrographic data of the basin. Soil use and management (C) and soil conservation (P) were determined through multitemporal characterization of land use and occupation, using satellite images. The natural erosion potential (NEP) was determined by multiplying the R, K and LS factors, with more than half of the total area of the watershed with very strong PNE. The soil loss estimate (A) was determined by multiplying the NEP by factors C and P with predominance of the class called low (0 to 10 t/ha/year) denoting the reduction of erosion rates through factors C and P, helping to protect the soil from the erosion process.Key words: Soil Erosion; Watershed, Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation, Geoprocessing, Software.

Root Morphology and Secretion of two subtropical tree species to NH4+-N and NO3–-N Deposition

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Zhang ◽  
Yi Wang ◽  
Zhichun Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Root Growth ◽  
Root System ◽  
Root Morphology ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Southern China ◽  
N Deposition ◽  
Fibrous Root ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Root Absorption ◽  
Tap Root

Abstract Background: Both NH4+ and NO3– are capable of greatly influencing plants’ growth and biomass. However, the belowground responses of subtropical trees to either NH4+ or NO3– deposition remain poorly understood. Here, we discuss how these two forms of N deposition can affect root development, and experimentally analyzed how they could impact nitrogen and phosphorus absorption in two types (broadleaved with a fibrous root system vs. conifer with a tap root system) of subtropical tree species. Results: In a greenhouse in southern China, 1-year-old S. superba and P. massoniana seedlings grown on P-limited and P-normal soil were treated with NaNO3 and NH4Cl solutions of 0, 80, and 200 kg N ha–1 year–1, corresponding to the control, N80, and N200 groups, respectively. Root phenotype characteristics and metabolism ability were measured after 8 months of growth. The results showed that the root morphology and physiology variables differed significantly between the two species under different N and P treatments. Although S. superba had a larger quantity of roots than P. massoniana, both its root growth rate and root absorption were respectively lower and weaker. N addition differentially affected root growth and activity as follows: (1) NO3–-N80 and NH4+-N80 increased root growth and activity of the two species, but NH4+-N80 led to thicker roots in S. superba; (2) NO3–-N200 and NH4+-N200 had inhibitory effects on the roots of P. massoniana, for which NH4+-N200 led to thinner and longer roots and even the death of some roots; and (3) NH4+-N could promote metabolic activity in thicker roots (> 1.5 mm) and the NO3–-N was found to stimulate activity in thinner roots (0.5–1.5 mm) in the fibrous root system having a larger quantity of roots, namely S. superba. By contrast, NO3–-N and NH4+-N had an opposite influence upon functioning in the tap root system with a slender root, namely P. massoniana. Conclusion: We conclude P. massoniana has a much higher root absorption efficiency; however, nitrogen deposition is more beneficial to the root growth of S. superba.

scholarly journals A Soil Erosion Indicator for Supporting Agricultural, Environmental and Climate Policies in the European Union

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panos Panagos ◽  
Cristiano Ballabio ◽  
Jean Poesen ◽  
Emanuele Lugato ◽  
Simone Scarpa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Soil Conservation ◽  
Soil Loss ◽  
National Level ◽  
Water Erosion ◽  
Soil Protection ◽  
Conservation Practices ◽  
The European Union ◽  
The Eu

Soil erosion is one of the eight threats in the Soil Thematic Strategy, the main policy instrument dedicated to soil protection in the European Union (EU). During the last decade, soil erosion indicators have been included in monitoring the performance of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study comes five years after the assessment of soil loss by water erosion in the EU [Environmental science & policy 54, 438–447 (2015)], where a soil erosion modelling baseline for 2010 was developed. Here, we present an update of the EU assessment of soil loss by water erosion for the year 2016. The estimated long-term average erosion rate decreased by 0.4% between 2010 and 2016. This small decrease of soil loss was due to a limited increase of applied soil conservation practices and land cover change observed at the EU level. The modelling results suggest that, currently, ca. 25% of the EU land has erosion rates higher than the recommended sustainable threshold (2 t ha−1 yr−1) and more than 6% of agricultural lands suffer from severe erosion (11 t ha−1 yr−1). The results suggest that a more incisive set of measures of soil conservation is needed to mitigate soil erosion across the EU. However, targeted measures are recommendable at regional and national level as soil erosion trends are diverse between countries which show heterogeneous application of conservation practices.

The Temporal Dynamics of Cynodon Dactylon Soil - Root System in Soil Conservation and Slope Reinforcement

2013 ◽  
Vol 838-841 ◽  
pp. 675-679 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miao Zhang ◽  
Fang Qing Chen ◽  
Jin Xia Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Shear Strength ◽  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Root System ◽  
Soil Conservation ◽  
Erosion Resistance ◽  
Cynodon Dactylon ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Resistance Coefficient ◽  
Slope Reinforcement ◽  
Riparian Species

Cynodon dactylon has become a dominant riparian species in the reservoir region after the Three Gorges project was finished. In order to determine the effect of the species in soil conservation and slope reinforcement and the variation over time, the soil erosion resistance and shear strength of plants soil-root systems were tested during different seasons in a year through control experiment. Results showed that C. dactylon roots enhanced significantly soil conservation and slope reinforcement. The tensile strength of C. dactylon roots reached from 65.34 to 91.22Kpa/mm2 after three to twelve month growth, so did the soil erosion resistance coefficient from 0.34 to 0.86, shear strength from 20.82 to 25.98Kpa increasing by 39.62%, 154.90% and 24.74% respectively. We conclude that the temporal dynamics of C. dactylon roots influenced the performance of soil-root system in soil conservation and slope reinforcement.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Root System of Grasses Used in Soil Conservation in Paundi Khola Sub Watershed of Lamjung District, Nepal

1970 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-129
Author(s):  
Gandhiv Kafle ◽  
Mohan K Balla
Keyword(s):  
Root System ◽  
Soil Conservation ◽  
Insect Pest ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Soil Mass ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Surface Erosion ◽  
Improved Varieties ◽  
Root Parameters ◽  
Rain Splash

The study was carried out in Paundi Khola Sub-watershed of Lamjung District, with the objective of evaluating the effectiveness of root system of grasses used in soil conservation. Different root parameters were recorded through direct field measurement. Key informant's survey, semi-structured walk and focus group discussions were also undertaken to acquire relevant information on pattern of retaining grasses, insect/pest condition, local uses of grasses, perceived weeds and perception of farmers on different issues. Stylo and Molasses are most effective in armouring the slope against surface erosion from both runoff and rain splash due to their dense surface cover, low canopy and small leaves. Broom Grass and Napier are most effective in reinforcing the soil by providing a network of strong roots that increases the soil's resistance to shear. Broom Grass can moderately support the soil mass by its strong and long fibrous roots. Broom Grass can bind average 3.8 cu. m. soil, and that for napier, stylo, and molasses are 0.37 cu. m., 0.45 cu. m. and 0.04 cu. m. soil respectively. It was found that farmers plant the improved varieties of grasses primarily for forage due to high foliage content. Soil conservation is second priority. A combination of improved varieties of grasses and natural grasses helps to conserve soil and moisture more effectively than single-use of grass species on marginal land. Key Words: Effectiveness, Improved grass species, Root, Soil conservation, Napier, Molasses, Stylo, Broom grass. DOI: 10.3126/init.v2i1.2533 The Initiation Vol.2(1) 2008 pp121-129

Effect of drought on growth and water use of sugar beet

1987 ◽  
Vol 109 (3) ◽  
pp. 421-435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kay F. Brown ◽  
A. B. Messem ◽  
R. J. Dunham ◽  
P. V. Biscoe
Keyword(s):  
Sugar Beet ◽  
Root System ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Unit Length ◽  
Fibrous Root ◽  
Deep Soil ◽  
Uptake Rates ◽  
Fibrous Roots

SummaryThe growth and water use of sugar beet affected by early (ED) and late (LD) drought was compared with that of irrigated (I) and unirrigated (NI) controls. Mobile shelters were used to exclude rain from ED plots during June and July, and LD plots during August and September, respectively, whereas outside these periods the ED and LD plots were irrigated as necessary.The ED treatment affected the fibrous roots severely. Many of the roots in the top 60 cm of soil died and development of the root system below this depth was slow. Expansion of the leaf canopy slowed, radiation interception was reduced and the rate of water use fell from about 1·2 times to 0·6 times Penman potential transpiration rate. The LD treatment, which was imposed when the fibrous root system was already extensive, had little effect on the fibrous roots except in the top soil. The accessible soil water was quickly depleted and the resulting stress was accompanied by earlier senescence of leaves. The rate of converting intercepted light to crop dry matter was reduced in both treatments. However, the ED treatment was the most detrimental because the amount of light intercepted in the months of highest radiation was greatly reduced owing to the restricted leaf cover. The relative effects on growth are reflected in the final sugar yields which were 8·7, 10·5, 9·9 and 12·0 (±0·30) t/ha in the ED, LD, NI and I treatments respectively.More of the deep soil water was used in the drought-affected plots (particularly LD) than in the irrigated controls. Maximum depths of water extraction were 140–150 cm in ED and I plots and > 170 cm in LD plots. The highest uptake rates per unit length of root (20–40 μl/cm per day) were measured in the deepest part of the root system. At all depths, uptake rates declined as the soil dried. After correcting for overestimated water use where necessary, the ratios of final dry matter and sugar yields respectively to season-long water use (June–October) were close to 1·4 and 0·8 t/ha per 25 mm for all four treatments.

Development and application of modern soil erosion prediction technology - The USDA experience

Soil Research ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 893 ◽  
Author(s):  
LJ Lane ◽  
KG Renard ◽  
GR Foster ◽  
JM Laflen
Keyword(s):  
Soil Erosion ◽  
Soil Conservation ◽  
Water Erosion ◽  
Systems Model ◽  
Erosion Prediction ◽  
Modern Soil ◽  
Water Erosion Prediction Project ◽  
Applied Technology ◽  
Flow Hydraulics ◽  
Soil Erosion By Water

Erosion prediction efforts are described to provide a synopsis of the USDA's experience in developing and applying soil erosion prediction technology in its research and development activities and its soil conservation programs. For almost five decades, equations to predict soil erosion by water have been useful m developing plans for controlling soil erosion and sedimentation. The Universal Soil Low Equation (USLE) is the most widely known and used of the erosion prediction equations. The USLE presents a simply understood and easily applied technology which has been of incalculable benefit to soil conservation and land management. The Chemicals, Runoff, and Erosion from Agricultural Management Systems Model (CREAMS) contains a sophisticated erosion component based, in part, on the USLE and on flow hydraulics and the processes of sediment detachment, transport, and deposition. In 1985, the USDA in cooperation with BLM and several universities initiated a national project called the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) to develop a next generation water erosion prediction technology. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) is an update of the USLE to improve erosion prediction in the interim before WEPP is adopted and to provide and adjunct technology thereafter.

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