Mycorrhizal networks and complex systems: Contributions of soil ecology science to managing climate change effects in forested ecosystems

2009 ◽  
Vol 89 (4) ◽  
pp. 369-382 ◽  
Author(s):  
S W Simard
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Complex Systems ◽  
Nutrient Dynamics ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Soil Ecology ◽  
Ecological Resilience ◽  
Natural Soil ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Mycorrhizal Networks ◽  
Key Words Climate Change

Soil ecology science has contributed a rich understanding of natural soil patterns and processes, and played a role in revolutionizing the management of ecosystems. This basic understanding is also providing a foundation for predicting and managing the consequences of climate change on ecosystems, including their resilience to disturbance, biotic diversity, and carbon and nutrient dynamics. To help address the challenges of climate change, future soil ecology research and management would benefit from a complex systems approach, where network and dynamics systems theory are used to predict plant community and ecosystem responses to disturbance. A reductionist approach to management that ignores networks and system dynamics, by contrast, is destined to contribute to ecological degradation as climate changes. In this paper, I describe mycorrhizal networks as models of biological networks in the interior Douglas-fir forests of British Columbia, and the role they play in carbon flux and regeneration dynamics following disturbance. I propose a conservationist approach for managing forest mycorrhizal networks and hub trees that can facilitate native plant migrations, limit exotic plant invasions, and bolster ecological resilience. Interdisciplinary research that integrates the dynamics of multiple, overlapping networks will help develop management practices that sustain ecosystems in our changing climate. Key words: Climate change, complex systems, mycorrhizal networks, species migrations

scholarly journals Credit access and faecal management practices among poultry farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria: Implications for climate change

Agro-Science ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-61
Author(s):  
O.B. Osuntade ◽  
D.A. Babalola
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Waste Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Farm Size ◽  
Extension Service ◽  
Credit Access ◽  
Access To Credit ◽  
Ogun State ◽  
Key Words Climate Change ◽  
Poultry Farmers

This research identified the sources of credit available and utilized by the respondents, evaluated the socioeconomic factors determining farmers’ access to credit, constraints encountered by respondents and the influence of access to credit on management practices of poultry farmers in Obafemi Owode Local Government of Ogun State. The data collected from 90 poultry farmers were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the logit regression model, to evaluate the socio-economic factors determining the respondents’ access to creditand also to analyze the influence of access to credit on faecal management practices in the study area. The descriptive result showed the farmers earned less than N100, 000 monthly (mean = 61,402±12,127.17, ca. $290) and up to 48% still lacked access to credit. The major use of credit among the farmers was for operational activities (53%) which included waste management. Only 48% of the farmers had access to quality extension service and 46% do not participate in any cooperative. Despite the fact that most of the farmers were aware of impact of farming activities on climate change, about 80% still practiced open dumping of faecal waste without proper treatment because of credit constraint. The logit result (all at p < 0.05) showed that farming experience, farm size, awareness of credit source, cooperative participation, access to extension service and farm income were associated with both access to credit and farmers’ use of appropriate waste management practice. Based on the findings, it is recommended that better waste management practices among poultry farmers should be enhanced by facilitating increased access to credit and this is sine qua non to mitigating climate change. Key words: climate change, credit access, faecal management, Nigeria, poultry

A Guide to Planting Wildflower Enhancements in Florida

EDIS ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary C. Bammer ◽  
Josh Campbell ◽  
Chase B. Kimmel ◽  
James D.. Ellis ◽  
Jaret C. Daniels
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Insect Pests ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
Agricultural Producers ◽  
Native Plant Species ◽  
Control Techniques ◽  
Wild Bee ◽  
Pollinator Species ◽  
Nesting Sites ◽  
The Right

The establishment of native wildflower plantings in Florida can benefit agricultural producers as well as native pollinators and other beneficial insects (predators and parasitoids). The plantings do this by:  providing forage and nesting sites for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, increasing wild bee numbers possibly across the farm, and increasing natural enemies of insect pests (that also depend on forage and nesting sites). This document discusses choosing the right mix of native plant species to benefit many pollinator species, as well as proper site selection, planting practices, and weed control techniques. Wildflower plots should be practical to manage, maximize benefits to wildlife, and fit into the overall management practices of the property. 

Beyond Wickedness: Managing Complex Systems and Climate Change

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan M. Gilligan ◽  
Michael P. Vandenbergh
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Complex Systems

scholarly journals The Soil Organic Matter in Connection with Soil Properties and Soil Inputs

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 779
Author(s):  
Václav Voltr ◽  
Ladislav Menšík ◽  
Lukáš Hlisnikovský ◽  
Martin Hruška ◽  
Eduard Pokorný ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Texture ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Natural Soil ◽  
Soil Productivity ◽  
Linear Regression Models

The content of organic matter in the soil, its labile (hot water extractable carbon–HWEC) and stable (soil organic carbon–SOC) form is a fundamental factor affecting soil productivity and health. The current research in soil organic matter (SOM) is focused on individual fragmented approaches and comprehensive evaluation of HWEC and SOC changes. The present state of the soil together with soil’s management practices are usually monitoring today but there has not been any common model for both that has been published. Our approach should help to assess the changes in HWEC and SOC content depending on the physico-chemical properties and soil´s management practices (e.g., digestate application, livestock and mineral fertilisers, post-harvest residues, etc.). The one- and multidimensional linear regressions were used. Data were obtained from the various soil´s climatic conditions (68 localities) of the Czech Republic. The Czech farms in operating conditions were observed during the period 2008–2018. The obtained results of ll monitored experimental sites showed increasing in the SOC content, while the HWEC content has decreased. Furthermore, a decline in pH and soil´s saturation was documented by regression modelling. Mainly digestate application was responsible for this negative consequence across all soils in studied climatic regions. The multivariate linear regression models (MLR) also showed that HWEC content is significantly affected by natural soil fertility (soil type), phosphorus content (−30%), digestate application (+29%), saturation of the soil sorption complex (SEBCT, 21%) and the dose of total nitrogen (N) applied into the soil (−20%). Here we report that the labile forms (HWEC) are affected by the application of digestate (15%), the soil saturation (37%), the application of mineral potassium (−7%), soil pH (−14%) and the overall condition of the soil (−27%). The stable components (SOM) are affected by the content of HWEC (17%), soil texture 0.01–0.001mm (10%), and input of organic matter and nutrients from animal production (10%). Results also showed that the mineral fertilization has a negative effect (−14%), together with the soil depth (−11%), and the soil texture 0.25–2 mm (−21%) on SOM. Using modern statistical procedures (MRLs) it was confirmed that SOM plays an important role in maintaining resp. improving soil physical, biochemical and biological properties, which is particularly important to ensure the productivity of agroecosystems (soil quality and health) and to future food security.

scholarly journals Detecting Climate Driven Changes in Chlorophyll-a in Deep Subalpine Lakes Using Long Term Satellite Data

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 866
Author(s):  
Gary Free ◽  
Mariano Bresciani ◽  
Monica Pinardi ◽  
Nicola Ghirardi ◽  
Giulia Luciani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Chlorophyll A ◽  
Nutrient Dynamics ◽  
Cascading Effects ◽  
The North ◽  
Subalpine Lakes ◽  
Winter Temperatures ◽  
Decadal Climate ◽  
The North Atlantic Oscillation ◽  
Traditional Pattern

Climate change has increased the temperature and altered the mixing regime of high-value lakes in the subalpine region of Northern Italy. Remote sensing of chlorophyll-a can help provide a time series to allow an assessment of the ecological implications of this. Non-parametric multiplicative regression (NPMR) was used to visualize and understand the changes that have occurred between 2003–2018 in Lakes Garda, Como, Iseo, and Maggiore. In all four deep subalpine lakes, there has been a disruption from a traditional pattern of a significant spring chlorophyll-a peak followed by a clear water phase and summer/autumn peaks. This was replaced after 2010–2012, with lower spring peaks and a tendency for annual maxima to occur in summer. There was a tendency for this switch to be interspersed by a two-year period of low chlorophyll-a. Variables that were significant in NPMR included time, air temperature, total phosphorus, winter temperature, and winter values for the North Atlantic Oscillation. The change from spring to summer chlorophyll-a maxima, relatively sudden in an ecological context, could be interpreted as a regime shift. The cause was probably cascading effects from increased winter temperatures, reduced winter mixing, and altered nutrient dynamics. Future trends will depend on climate change and inter-decadal climate drivers.

scholarly journals The Effect of Elicitors and Canopy Management in the Chemical Composition of Vitis vinifera Red Varieties in Warm and Hot Areas in Spain

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1192
Author(s):  
Natalia Gutiérrez ◽  
Leyre López-de-Silanes ◽  
Carlos Escott ◽  
Iris Loira ◽  
Juan Manuel del Fresno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Vitis Vinifera ◽  
Climate Changes ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Total Phenolic ◽  
Phenolic Fraction ◽  
Biological Origin ◽  
Phenolic Index ◽  
Canopy Management

Canopy management practices in vineyards, such as sprawling systems and shoot trimming, can change the accumulation of metabolites in grapes. The use of elicitors of biological origin on grapevines of Vitis vinifera red grape varieties may also modulate the chemical composition of the berries. These modifications are often observed in the accumulation of phenolic compounds, including pigments. Both technical approaches are alternatives involved in minimizing the effects of global climate change in warm areas. The increase of temperature related to climate change accelerates the accumulation of sugars, but produces unbalanced grapes. This work establishes the use of button sensors to monitor the climate changes occurring at grape cluster level. Together with climate monitoring, conventional instrumental analytical techniques are used to follow up the chemical composition and the phenolic fraction of grapes in four different production areas in Spain. The effect of either treatment seems variable and to be affected by external factors besides the treatment itself and the climate conditions. While there is a fine effect that correlates with the use of elicitors in varieties like Merlot and Tempranillo, there is minimal improvement observed in Tintilla de Rota. The total phenolic index increases were between 2.3% and 11.8% in the first two parcels. The same happened with the vineyard’s canopy management systems, with increased pigment accumulation and the total phenolic index rising (37.7% to 68.7%) after applying intense shoot trimming, or a variation in sugar concentrations when using sprawl conduction. This study aims to provide viticulturists and oenologists in particular, and farmers in general, with data on the field regarding the use of alternative sustainable practices in the cultivation of grapes. The techniques used involved 100% natural products without adjuvants. The benefits obtained from applying some of these practices would be to produce technically mature grapes despite climate changes, and the elaboration of more balanced wines.

A modern perspective on Meinecke’s 1929 assessment of tourist impacts on redwoods

2021 ◽  
pp. 030913332110299
Author(s):  
Ross H Martin ◽  
Joshua B Hodge ◽  
Clayton J Whitesides
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Soil Compaction ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Tree Roots ◽  
Tourism Management ◽  
Modern Perspective ◽  
Impacts Of Climate Change

E.P. Meinecke, a noted plant pathologist and staunch supporter of conservation, authored an influential article about the impacts of tourism on redwood trees. In the Effect of Excessive Tourist Travel on the California Redwood Parks, published in 1929, Meinecke found that soil compaction by tourists had a negative impact on tree roots and his recommendations for amelioration were both logical and laced with philosophical ideals. We revisit that report with a modern perspective by reviewing his findings and suggestions, and by comparing his ideas with modern research and tourism management practices. One of Meinecke’s greatest concerns was the advent of the automobile and its ability to bring more people to redwood groves. We take that concern to the next logical step and discuss potential impacts of climate change on redwood trees.

Climate change and conflict in the Sahel: the acacia gum tree as a tool for environmental peacebuilding

2021 ◽  
Vol 97 (1) ◽  
pp. 201-218
Author(s):  
Ousseyni Kalilou
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Forced Migration ◽  
Gum Arabic ◽  
Local Environment ◽  
Natural Soil ◽  
Resource Governance ◽  
Acacia Gum ◽  
Promising Source ◽  
Acacia Tree

Abstract Environmental stress contributes to food insecurity, poverty, forced migration and violent conflict in the Sahel, with climate change aggravating the situation. The production of gum arabic from the acacia tree increasingly aligns with the community stakeholders’ efforts to promote climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience. Based on expert interviews and field observations in Niger, and a reading of relevant documents, I found that gum arabic production is valuable for conflict mitigation because it helps tackle the root causes of violent conflicts. The acacia gum tree is a natural soil fixer and multinational companies have coveted the resin from the tree, which is a rising commodity and a promising source of revenue for the local inhabitants. As different communities work together and cooperate with outside actors (government agencies, international partners, NGOs and businesses), the opportunities to build social cohesion around the tree increase. By facilitating ecological improvement, social inclusion and poverty alleviation, the promotion of gum arabic production, despite other issues such as bad natural resource governance, is a critical environmental peacebuilding strategy. Hence, suitable funding of massive afforestation with the acacia tree fits with community-based natural climate solutions to global humanitarian issues by protecting and restoring the local environment.

scholarly journals Reduced resilience of terrestrial ecosystems locally is not reflected on a global scale

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuhao Feng ◽  
Haojie Su ◽  
Zhiyao Tang ◽  
Shaopeng Wang ◽  
Xia Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Global Climate Change ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Terrestrial Ecosystem ◽  
Terrestrial Ecosystems ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Ecological Resilience ◽  
Terrestrial Vegetation ◽  
Ecosystem Resilience

AbstractGlobal climate change likely alters the structure and function of vegetation and the stability of terrestrial ecosystems. It is therefore important to assess the factors controlling ecosystem resilience from local to global scales. Here we assess terrestrial vegetation resilience over the past 35 years using early warning indicators calculated from normalized difference vegetation index data. On a local scale we find that climate change reduced the resilience of ecosystems in 64.5% of the global terrestrial vegetated area. Temperature had a greater influence on vegetation resilience than precipitation, while climate mean state had a greater influence than climate variability. However, there is no evidence for decreased ecological resilience on larger scales. Instead, climate warming increased spatial asynchrony of vegetation which buffered the global-scale impacts on resilience. We suggest that the response of terrestrial ecosystem resilience to global climate change is scale-dependent and influenced by spatial asynchrony on the global scale.

scholarly journals An integrative quantifier of multistability in complex systems based on ecological resilience

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiranjit Mitra ◽  
Jürgen Kurths ◽  
Reik V. Donner
Keyword(s):  
Complex Systems ◽  
Ecological Resilience
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