Review
Plant Sciences
Lucy Rowland, Jose-Alberto Ramirez-Valiente, Iain P. Hartley, Maurizio Mencuccini
Summary: Future increases in drought severity and frequency will have significant impacts on the function and survival of plants, but there is uncertainty about what drought adjustment is and whether plants can adapt to sustained drought. This review focuses on woody plants and summarizes the evidence for drought adjustment in key above-ground and below-ground plant traits. The review concludes that while drought adjustment is common in these traits, it is uncertain whether this adaptation is sufficient for future droughts.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
C. J. Collier, L. M. Langlois, K. M. McMahon, J. Udy, M. Rasheed, E. Lawrence, A. B. Carter, M. W. Fraser, L. J. McKenzie
Summary: This study investigated biomass allocation strategies in tropical seagrass species, finding that multi-species meadows tend to invest more in below-ground biomass (BGr) to enhance resistance to disturbances. Region was crucial for estimating BGr in four species. A case study in Cairns Harbour demonstrated how models can predict BGr using only above-ground biomass (AGr) measurements.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Chad A. Peterson, Malachi K. Hornbuckle, Robert C. Brown
Summary: The study used a modified micropyrolyzer reactor to determine devolatilization kinetics of switchgrass, corn stover, red oak, and pine, showing that a first order reaction could model devolatilization rates at temperatures up to 500 degrees C. No correlation was found between inorganic content and devolatilization rate.
FUEL PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
An Na Liu, Yang Zhang, Zhu Feng Hou, Guang Hui Lu
Summary: This study focused on the relationships between plant traits and environmental factors in the Ebinur Lake Wetland Natural Reserve, Xinjiang, China, revealing that biomass and stoichiometric traits of plants reflect both environmental changes and natural characteristics. Additionally, it was found that biomass allocation is influenced by soil nutrient ratios, with nitrogen allocation tending to be conservative and phosphorus allocation more variable. Interspecific differences were also observed, with different species exhibiting different scaling relationships, indicating varying allocation strategies.
Article
Plant Sciences
Youfu Zhang, Tuo Chen, Hanbo Yun, Chunyan Chen, Yongzhi Liu
Summary: Understanding carbon allocation in plants is crucial for explaining growth strategies during environmental adaptation. Research in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau found that non-structural carbohydrates, especially soluble sugars, play a significant role in below-ground growth patterns in meadow ecosystems, with degraded meadows intensifying this process.
Article
Forestry
Marcin Pietrzykowski, Bartlomiej Wos, Pawel Tylek, Dariusz Kwasniewski, Tadeusz Juliszewski, Jozef Walczyk, Justyna Likus-Cieslik, Wojciech Ochal, Sylwester Tabor
Summary: The research shows that a 12-year-old willow coppice plantation near the Vistula River in southern Poland has high carbon sink potential and sequestration rates, indicating its ability to mitigate the effects of high CO2 concentrations over a short time span.
JOURNAL OF FORESTRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Chao Wang, Yanhui Hou, Yanxia Hu, Ruilun Zheng, Xiaona Li
Summary: Nitrogen enrichment has direct and indirect effects on plant functional traits and ecosystem functions, and the multidimensional characteristics of plant functional traits are important predictors of ecosystem functions. This study manipulated plant species richness under different nitrogen addition levels and found that nitrogen addition increased above-ground biomass but had no effect on below-ground biomass, while species richness was positively associated with both above- and below-ground biomass. Species richness increased biomass by increasing leaf trait diversity and network modularity, as well as root nitrogen concentration and network modularity for above- and below-ground biomass respectively.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Zafar Siddiq, Muhammad Umar Hayyat, Amin U. Khan, Rashid Mahmood, Laila Shahzad, Rabia Ghaffar, Kun-Fang Cao
Summary: This study assessed the carbon stocks and biomass allocation of two dominant species, Acacia modesta and Olea ferruginea, in a subtropical dry forest in Pakistan. The results showed higher biomass proportion in the above-ground parts of the harvested trees, and developed models for estimating carbon stocks.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tomas Bucha, Juraj Papco, Ivan Sackov, Jozef Pajtik, Maros Sedliak, Ivan Barka, Jan Feranec
Summary: This study validates the concept of satellite-based estimation of woody above-ground biomass in abandoned agricultural land in the Western Carpathian region. By creating integrated predictive models through radar and optical multi-temporal data, an improved AGB estimate was achieved.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiaofei Lu, Frank S. Gilliam, Xu Yue, Bin Wang, Yuanwen Kuang
Summary: Elevated atmospheric nitrogen deposition can increase terrestrial carbon sinks, but its persistence depends on how plant biomass and soil organic carbon respond to long-term nitrogen input.
GLOBAL BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Qian Wang, Xiao Pan Pang, Zheng Gang Guo
Summary: Small semi-fossorial herbivores, such as plateau pikas, can have significant impacts on the allocation of aboveground and belowground biomass in grasslands. The presence of plateau pikas led to lower belowground biomass and belowground biomass/aboveground biomass ratio. Soil properties, such as soil moisture and total nitrogen, were positively correlated with belowground biomass/aboveground biomass ratio in the absence of plateau pikas, while soil organic carbon, carbon/nitrogen ratio, and total phosphorus were positively correlated in their presence.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Haotian Li, Lu Li, Na Liu, Zimeng Liu, Yang Lu, Liwei Shao
Summary: Breeding cultivars that can maintain high production and water productivity under various growing conditions is important for mitigating freshwater shortage problems. This study assessed the changes in yield and water productivity of different winter wheat cultivars under different water levels. The results showed that the cultivar released in the 2010s had significantly improved yield and water productivity compared to that released in the 1970s. The improvement in yield was mainly attributed to higher photosynthetic capacity and greater above-ground biomass accumulation, while traits related to yield and water productivity improvements included increased harvest index and reduced root: shoot ratio.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Rudolf Petras, Julian Mecko, Jan Kukla, Margita Kuklova, Danica Krupova, Michal Pastor, Marcel Racek, Ivica Pivkova
Summary: This study investigated the energy stored in above-ground biomass fractions and model trees of the main coniferous woody plants in 22 forest stands in Slovakia. The results showed that the calorific values significantly depend on tree species, biomass fractions, and sampling points on tree. Therefore, these factors need to be taken into consideration when economically utilizing the energy stored in above-ground tree biomass fractions and whole trees.
Article
Plant Sciences
Monique Weemstra, Jenny Zambrano, David Allen, Maria Natalia Umana
Summary: This study indicates that resource economics cannot explain the relationships between leaf and root traits and tree growth rates. For trees with low or intermediate specific leaf area (SLA), thick roots may be considered acquisitive, associated with faster growth. Trees did not coordinate their leaf and root traits according to plant resource economics but enhanced their growth rates by combining thick roots with conservative leaves or vice versa.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Natalia de Aguiar-Campos, Fernanda Coelho de Souza, Vinicius Andrade Maia, Vanessa Leite Rezende, Cleber Rodrigo de Souza, Gabriela Gomes Pires de Paula, Paola Ferreira Santos, Gisele Cristina de Oliveira Menino, Wilder Bento da Silva, Rubens Manoel dos Santos
Summary: This study demonstrates that evolutionary constraints related to tree size significantly determine regional biomass stocks of seasonally dry tropical forests (SDTF), suggesting that even isolated SDTF fragments can play an important role in the global carbon cycle.
JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biophysics
K. K. Liyanage, Sehroon Khan, Sailesh Ranjitkar, Haiying Yu, Jianchu Xu, Siraprapa Brooks, Philip Beckschaefer, Kevin D. Hyde
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY
(2019)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sailesh Ranjitkar, Dengpan Bu, Mark Van Wijk, Ying Ma, Lu Ma, Lianshen Zhao, Jianmin Shi, Chousheng Liu, Jianchu Xu
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Santosh Kumar Rana, Hum Kala Rana, Sailesh Ranjitkar, Suresh Kumar Ghimire, Chandra Mohan Gurmachhan, Alexander Robert O'Neill, Hang Sun
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2020)
Article
Immunology
Saowaluck Tibpromma, Yang Dong, Sailesh Ranjitkar, Douglas A. Schaefer, Samantha C. Karunarathna, Kevin D. Hyde, Ruvishika S. Jayawardena, Ishara S. Manawasinghe, Daniel P. Bebber, Itthayakorn Promputtha, Jianchu Xu, Peter E. Mortimer, Jun Sheng
Summary: Climate change has a significant impact on tea cultivation and its associated fungal pathogens. By 2050, the suitable growing areas for Camellia sinensis will decrease, while new areas may become suitable for tea cultivation. However, new challenges will arise from existing and potentially new fungal pathogens in these areas, requiring innovative approaches to protect global tea cultivation.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Huizhao Yang, Sailesh Ranjitkar, Wenxuan Xu, Lei Han, Jianbo Yang, Liqing Wu, Jianchu Xu
Summary: Climate variability and changes pose a threat to agriculture, prompting farmers to adjust farming practices. This study found that planting dates have advanced, and the growing season has shortened. Temperature and water availability significantly impact crop yields, highlighting the need to adapt agricultural practices to climate change.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rong Yang, Yu Zhang, Sailesh Ranjitkar, Mingxiang Li, Yongjie Guo, Xiuxiang Yan, Chuanfa Wang, John Richard Stepp, Lixin Yang
Summary: The study highlights the potential of traditional dyeing techniques and recycling madder residue in enhancing dyeing properties and economic benefits.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Hom Nath Pathak, Dinesh Raj Bhuju, Bharat Babu Shrestha, Sailesh Ranjitkar
Summary: The study conducted stakeholder analysis in Ramsar sites in the Pokhara Valley, revealing that invasive alien plants have significant impacts on ecosystem services and economic value, including reducing important plant and fish production, affecting natural beauty, and tourism industry.
GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bayi Lang, Yanqiang Zhao, Rong Yang, Aizhong Liu, Sailesh Ranjitkar, Lixin Yang
Summary: The traditional fermented Rosa (TFR) is a popular food and medicinal product among the Dali Bai people, with studies revealing its medicinal benefits, traditional processing procedures, and functional food properties. Through field sample collection and lab synthesis, the dominant microbial strain TFR-1 in TFR was identified to enhance antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activities. TFR exhibited strong antioxidant and free-radical scavenging properties, suggesting its potential use in skincare and nutrition as a cosmetic or nutraceutical product.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nani Maiya Sujakhu, Sailesh Ranjitkar, Yufang Su, Jun He, Jianchu Xu
Summary: Climate change impacts are not evenly distributed and marginalized groups, particularly women, are more vulnerable. This paper focuses on gendered perspectives in climate change adaptation strategies in Yunnan Province, China. The study found that female- and male-headed households differ in their adoption of adaptation measures, influenced by different factors such as perception of drought events and access to loans.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Shahid Iqbal, Jianchu Xu, Sehroon Khan, Fiona Ruth Worthy, Haroon Zaman Khan, Sadia Nadir, Sailesh Ranjitkar
Summary: Cultivated drylands are significant sources of greenhouse gases (GHGs), but regenerative practices incorporating biochar could mitigate emissions and minimize global warming potential (GWP).
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Huizhao Yang, Deli Zhai, Sailesh Ranjitkar, Micai Zhong, Chang'an Guo, Xiong Zhang, Jianwei Yang, Weikang Yang, Jianchu Xu, Yuhua Wang
Summary: The study aimed to document and validate the effectiveness of a traditional ecological calendar-like management system in seasonal grazing in the eastern Pamir Mountains. through an ethno-ecological survey and analysis of satellite data. The findings highlighted the alignment between seasonal migration patterns, grazing activities, and vegetation phenology, and showed the high validity of the calendar system in local resource management.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Wanjie Zhang, Kaiwen Su, Qing Wang, Li Yang, Weina Sun, Sailesh Ranjitkar, Lixin Shen, Roeland Kindt, Yuman Ji, Peter Marshall, Pak Sngoun Pisey, Yousry A. El-Kassaby
Summary: Agroforestry plays a significant role in forest management and rehabilitation in the southeast Asia-Pacific Region (APR), where economic issues and deforestation are prevalent. This study analyzed the agroforestry literature and identified the species used in different economies within the region. The findings offer insights into the challenges and opportunities for agroforestry expansion in this region, providing guidance for species selection and sustainable practices.
Article
Plant Sciences
Fiona R. Worthy, Stefanie D. Goldberg, Sailesh Ranjitkar, Jian-Chu Xu
Summary: This study investigated the seed germination and seedling survival of two plant species, Saussurea glacialis and Plantago lessingii, in the Pamir Mountains of Xinjiang, China. The results showed that drought and grazing had negative effects on seedling recruitment, especially for younger seedlings. The two species also showed differences in their resilience to drought and grazing, suggesting the need for different conservation strategies.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yanfei Geng, Sailesh Ranjitkar, Qiaoshun Yan, Zhijun He, Baqi Su, Shengtao Gao, Junli Niu, Dengpan Bu, Jianchu Xu
Article
Environmental Studies
Nani Maiya Sujakhu, Sailesh Ranjitkar, Hua Yang, Yufang Su, Jianchu Xu, Jun He
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGIES AND MANAGEMENT
(2020)