Article
Environmental Sciences
Yue Dong, Jin-Ling Yang, Xiao-Rui Zhao, Shun-Hua Yang, Jan Mulder, Peter Dorsch, Gan-Lin Zhang
Summary: Nitrogen fertilization affects soil pH and nitrogen transformations, resulting in soil acidification during the growing season and pH recovery during the fallow period. The effect of parent material on soil acidification is minimal, with fertilization, environmental factors, and plant uptake playing a dominant role.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Kasaina Sitraka Andrianarisoa, Lydie Dufour, Severine Bienaime, Bernhard Zeller, Caroline Choma, Christian Dupraz
Summary: This study aimed to measure the soil potential net nitrogen mineralization and nitrification in deep soil layers and discuss factors controlling their variability. The results showed that both mineralization and nitrification occurred at all depths, with a significant increase in nitrate content in the black layer after 51 days of incubation at 25 degrees C. These findings highlight the importance of considering potential net nitrogen mineralization and nitrification in deep soil layers for improving model predictions.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Toky Ramananjatovo, Etienne Chantoiseau, Pascale Guillermin, Rene Guenon, Mickael Delaire, Gerhard Buck-Sorlin, Patrice Cannavo
Summary: Garden-orchard systems (GOS) involve intercropping fruit trees with vegetables, showing potential for reducing environmental impacts and improving yield and quality. Research revealed that vegetable beds near apple trees received less radiation, had lower air temperature and higher humidity, and improved soil properties. The primary limiting factors for radish growth were mineral N and bulk density, while lettuce growth was mainly affected by microclimate.
Article
Environmental Studies
Zehui Wang, Kangning Xiong, Chenxu Wu, Ding Luo, Jie Xiao, Chuhong Shen
Summary: This study was conducted in the buffer zone boundary of Shibing, a World Heritage site in the karst area. By monitoring rainfall and soil moisture, it was found that soil moisture varied in different land types. Overall, shallow soil moisture was more active in the wet season but tended to be stable in the dry season. The response level of soil moisture to rainfall was grassland > peach trees > flue-cured tobacco.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Md Shahariar Jaman, Taofeek O. Muraina, Quockhanh Dam, Xiang Zhang, Mahbuba Jamil, Sushma Bhattarai, Ferzana Islam
Summary: Variations in plant types and diversity impact soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil nitrogen (SN) dynamics in homesteads in northern Bangladesh. Mixed plant types (tree-shrub) homesteads showed higher SOC, SN and C:N ratio compared to single plant types (tree or shrub) homesteads. Plant diversity and density positively related with SOC and SN, with tree-shrub homesteads displaying the greatest promotion of SOC and SN.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lifeng Zhou, Wenlong Chang, Rong Yang, Hao Feng, Qiliang Yang
Summary: Straw return is a simple and economic method to improve soil structure. Slow decomposition rate in sandy fields is a challenge for straw return. Ammonification of straw accelerates decomposition but requires extra N fertilizer. A 3-year field experiment evaluated the effects of different N fertilizer proportions on straw ammonification and broadcasting in sandy farmlands. The results showed that proper N allocation between straw and soil can enhance soil structure and crop productivity.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Xiongyu Hu, Wei Fu, Shengzhi Wu, Yong Fang, Jun Wang, Chuan He
Summary: This study focuses on tunnel/ground stability during the construction phase before introducing the tunnel lining, and finds that the stability and failure mechanisms of tunnels are significantly influenced by soil density and relative tunnel depth, especially for relatively deep tunnels.
Article
Ecology
Ming-Hui Wu, Ting Li, Gao-Sen Zhang, Fa-Si Wu, Tuo Chen, Bing-Lin Zhang, Xiu-Kun Wu, Guang-Xiu Liu, Ke-Cun Zhang, Wei Zhang
Summary: Understanding how microbial communities adapt to environmental stresses is crucial for interpreting ecological patterns and microbial diversity. In this study, we investigated the hypolithic communities in the Gobi Desert and found that hypolithic colonization rates decreased with increasing drought gradient. We also observed different community compositions in the hot and cold seasons, with cold communities dominated by Cyanobacteria and hot communities dominated by Proteobacteria and Firmicutes. Cold communities had stronger functions in photosynthesis and carbon metabolism. Our findings suggest that the hypolithic communities in the Hexi Corridor of the Gobi Desert may follow a seasonal developmental cycle.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Tiange Zhang, Hongyu Feng, Lu Xia, Jinke Liu, Hui Zhao, Wen Yang, Yongqiang Zhao, Nasreen Jeelani, Shuqing An
Summary: This study investigated the seasonal effects of coastal embankments on nitrogen storage in Phragmites australis salt marshes. The results showed that the embankment significantly enhanced belowground nitrogen storage and decreased dead aboveground nitrogen storage during both the initial and vigorous stages of plant growth. Furthermore, the embankment increased soil total and labile organic nitrogen during the initial stage and total and recalcitrant organic nitrogen during the vigorous stage of plant growth. However, the embankment had little effect on soil soluble nitrogen and greatly stimulated microbial immobilization and mineralization capacity during the vigorous stage of plant growth.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Aline Martineli Batista, Marcio Renato Nunes, Thais Nascimento Pessoa, Paulo Leonel Libardi
Summary: Soil aggregation is a crucial process that affects soil structure and functions. The influence of root systems and mycorrhiza symbiosis on aggregate stability has been well-studied, but limited research has been conducted on various cropping systems in tropical environments. This study aimed to assess the response of aggregate stability in the rhizosphere and bulk soil to different cropping systems in different seasons.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lidong Li, Julie Konkel, Virginia L. Jin, Sean M. Schaeffer
Summary: This study found that moderate use of fertilizers and vetch cover crops can significantly increase soil nitrogen concentration and microbial nitrogen transformation rate, reducing nitrogen leaching. In addition, fertilizers and tillage practices have an impact on soil nitrogen transformation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Kenna E. Rewcastle, Jeremiah A. Henning, Quentin D. Read, Rebecca E. Irwin, Nathan J. Sanders, Aimee T. Classen
Summary: The study examined the impact of plant species loss on belowground function in ecosystems with different climatic conditions and soil properties. The results showed that plant removal decreased the variation in potential nitrogen mineralization rates and marginally reduced the magnitude of nitrogen mineralization rates, while carbon mineralization rates were sensitive to climatic and soil differences. Plant removal had little impact on soil enzyme activity.
Article
Engineering, Geological
Faisal S. Ahmed, L. Sebastian Bryson, Matthew M. Crawford
Summary: Rainfall-induced landslides pose serious threats to civil infrastructure and human life. Prediction of seasonal variation in hydrologic behavior is critical for landslides. Including evapotranspiration in prediction methods is a significant improvement for early warning systems.
ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ziwei Li, Zhiming Qi, Ward Smith, Elizabeth Pattey, Budong Qian
Summary: Accurate simulation of thermal and hydrological budgets for farmlands overwinter is crucial in northern climates. This study tested the hypothesis that reduced snow cover due to warmer winters might intensify soil freezing. The results showed that global warming-induced snow cover reduction can lead to increased soil frozen depth, as long as the energy lost through reduced snow cover outweighs the energy gained through warmer air temperature.
WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Christopher C. M. Baker, Amanda J. Barker, Thomas A. Douglas, Stacey J. Doherty, Robyn A. Barbato
Summary: Understanding microbial responses to permafrost thaw is crucial for predicting the impact of climate change on soil processes. This study demonstrates that bacterial and fungal communities differ in composition across depths and months, with surface communities showing the most variability. However, community variation is not explained by trace metal concentrations, soil nutrient content, pH, or soil condition, except in relation to depth. These findings emphasize the importance of collecting samples at multiple time points throughout the year to capture temporal variation and suggest that data from the annual freeze-thaw cycle might help predict microbial responses to permafrost thaw.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Kirtika Padalia, Surendra Singh Bargali, Kiran Bargali, Vijyeta Manral
Summary: Cultivation causes significant loss of soil nutrients and microbial population, with attention shifting towards the role of soil biodiversity in maintaining soil fertility and crop production. Tree based agriculture management practices are shown to enhance microbial diversity, activities, and soil quality in the Central Himalayan region.
Article
Ecology
Charu Shahi, Surendra Singh Bargali, Kiran Bargali, Vibhuti
Summary: This study assessed the ecological performance, biomass, carbon stock, and CO2 mitigation potential of the herbaceous layer in Central Himalayan agroecosystems of India. The results showed an inverse relationship between herb diversity and density, and different crop species dominated at different altitudes.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rachita Pandey, Surendra Singh Bargali, Kiran Bargali, Vimal Chandra Pandey
Summary: This study investigated the impacts of site characteristics, seasonal variation, soil depth, and tree girth size on fine root biomass, productivity, and turnover in a sub-tropical sal forest ecosystem. The results showed that fine root biomass was significantly affected by tree girth size, decreasing with increasing girth size. Seasonal variation had a significant impact on fine root biomass, with the highest biomass during the rainy season and the lowest during winter. Fine root biomass was highest in the top soil layer (0-20 cm) at a distance of 1.0 m from the tree bole, decreasing with increasing soil depth and distance from the tree bole.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Vijyeta Manral, Kiran Bargali, Surendra Singh Bargali, Himani Karki, Ravi Kant Chaturvedi
Summary: This study examined altitudinal and seasonal variations in microbial biomass carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in a temperate mixed oak-pine forest in the Central Himalayas, India. The results showed that microbial biomass decreased with increasing altitude, with the highest values during the rainy season and the lowest values during winter. The study also found correlations between microbial biomass and soil physico-chemical properties. The findings suggest that the forest ecosystem employs a nutrient conservation strategy during the rainy season.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Soni Bisht, G. S. Rawat, Surendra Singh Bargali, Y. S. Rawat, Abhinav Mehta
Summary: A detailed ecological study was conducted to assess the species composition and regeneration status of dominant tree species in temperate broadleaf forests in the Western Himalaya. The study revealed an increase in extractive pressures and a decline in forest area and regeneration of certain tree species. Urgent conservation measures are recommended for the region.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bhawna Negi, Kavita Khatri, Surendra S. Bargali, Kiran Bargali, Archana Fartyal, R. K. Chaturvedi
Summary: This study assessed the impacts of the invasive plant Ageratina adenophora on vegetational attributes and regeneration status in three forest types in the Kumaun region of the Central Himalaya. The results showed that the invaded sites had higher densities of cut stumps or felled trees compared to uninvaded sites, but fewer fire signs. Woody species richness and diversity were lower in invaded Oak and Pine forests. There were no significant differences in the regeneration of tree species between invaded and uninvaded sites. However, tree species with poor or no regeneration status require special attention and management strategies to control invasive species in forest ecosystems.
JOURNAL OF MOUNTAIN SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Bhawna Negi, Kavita Khatri, Surendra Singh Bargali, Kiran Bargali
Summary: Invasive plant species, such as Crofton weed, pose a significant threat to crop yield and the native agroecosystem. Timely management actions are crucial to maintaining the stability of the agricultural ecosystem.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kavita Khatri, Bhawna Negi, Kiran Bargali, Surendra Singh Bargali
Summary: This study investigated the effects of leaf residues from the invasive alien weed Ageratina adenophora on two dominant tree species in the Kumaun Himalaya region. Fresh, dry-senesced, and composted leaf materials were added to soil pots in different concentrations. The results showed that fresh and composted leaves had positive effects on Pinus roxburghii, while Quercus oblongata only responded positively to composted leaves. Dry-senesced leaves were highly suppressive. These findings highlight the inhibitory activity of A. adenophora and the potential for its management and utilization in the region.
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Kavita Khatri, Bhawna Negi, Kiran Bargali, Surendra Singh Bargali
Summary: The successful invasion of biological entities depends not only on the attributes of invaded regions but also on the traits of the invader species. This study analyzed the effects of different forest types on the growth and reproduction capacity of the invasive weed Ageratina adenophora. The results suggest that A. adenophora performs best in open-canopied Cypress forests and shade treatment before emergence may be an effective control measure.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Rachita Pandey, Surendra Singh Bargali, Kiran Bargali, Himani Karki, Munesh Kumar, U. K. Sahoo
Summary: This study investigates the dynamics of fine roots in transitional Sal forest ecosystems in the Central Himalayas. The results show that fine root biomass and production are influenced by location, seasons, and soil properties. The rainy season is the most productive, and the dominant tree species S. robusta has the highest fine root biomass and production. The study improves our understanding of fine root parameters and their role in carbon and nitrogen cycling in forests.
FRONTIERS IN FORESTS AND GLOBAL CHANGE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Ashish Kumar, Yogita Bisht, Kalpana Rautela, Arun K. Jugran, Indra D. Bhatt, Surendra Singh Bargali
Summary: This study assessed the morphological and genetic diversity of R. australe populations in the western Himalayas. Significant variations in morphological parameters and high genetic diversity were observed. The findings have important implications for conservation protocols, genetic improvement, and management of this species.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Kavita Khatri, Kiran Bargali, Surendra S. Bargali, Bhawna Negi
Summary: This study investigated the effects of Ageratina adenophora on wheat and lentil crops, finding that fresh and dry leaves inhibited plant growth while composted leaves promoted seed germination and crop yield.
ACTA ECOLOGICA SINICA
(2023)
Article
Biology
Kavita Khatri, Bhawna Negi, Kiran Bargali, Surendra Singh Bargali
Summary: This study examined the morphological and functional trait variations of the invasive weed Ageratina adenophora along an altitudinal gradient in the Kumaun Himalaya, India. The results showed that the plasticity of plant traits allowed A. adenophora to take advantage of available invasion windows, contributing to its success as an invasive species.
Article
Ecology
Pankaj Awasthi, Kiran Bargali, Surendra Singh Bargali, Kavita Khatri
Summary: This study investigated the biomass decomposition and nutrient release pattern of different plant parts of Coriaria nepalensis. The results showed that leaves decomposed the fastest and lateral roots decomposed the slowest. Nitrogen and phosphorus concentration increased during the decomposition cycle, while potassium concentration decreased. Rainfall pattern emerged as the most significant environmental driver. Leaves and reproductive parts were found to be important nutrient sources for C. nepalensis.
FRONTIERS IN FORESTS AND GLOBAL CHANGE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Pankaj Awasthi, Kiran Bargali, Surendra Singh Bargali, Kavita Khatri, Manoj Kumar Jhariya
Summary: This study investigates the nutrient dynamics of C. nepalensis shrublands in degraded hills of Kumaun Himalaya. The study reveals the order of nutrient concentration in different components of the shrub and the contribution of shrubs to total nutrient storage. It also explores the nutrient uptake and turnover time by vegetation. The findings provide valuable information for developing management plans to maintain soil fertility and productivity in degraded sites.
FRONTIERS IN FORESTS AND GLOBAL CHANGE
(2022)
