Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Tasya Vadya Sarira, Yiwen Zeng, Rachel Neugarten, Rebecca Chaplin-Kramer, Lian Pin Koh
Summary: This study provides a quantitative assessment of the multiple benefits from forest carbon projects across Southeast Asia, demonstrating that forest conservation can mitigate climate change and provide various other social benefits.
NATURE SUSTAINABILITY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yang Bai, Zhou Fang, Alice C. Hughes
Summary: Developing effective conservation targets is a global debate, with some proposing ambitious targets for a significant portion of the Earth's land surface. A framework based on China's ecological conservation redline has been put forward to determine ecological priorities in Mainland Southeast Asia, incorporating ecosystem services, ecological sensitivity, and biodiversity indicators. The study found that a certain percentage of the land in the region covers overlaps between biodiversity, service provision, and sensitivity hotspots, in alignment with post-2020 global biodiversity framework targets.
Article
Ecology
Alberto Gonzalez-Garcia, Marina Arias, Susana Garcia-Tiscar, Paloma Alcorlo, Fernando Santos-Martin
Summary: This study maps and assesses the current and future capacity of marine phanerogams in Spain to store and sequester blue carbon. The results show that a majority of carbon storage is currently managed within Natura 2000 areas, but there is a projected decline in carbon storage by 2050. The economic implications of these losses are substantial, equivalent to around 1.6% of the Spanish GDP. It is concluded that transformative management change is necessary to conserve marine phanerogams in Spain.
ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Stephen C. L. Watson, Adrian C. Newton, Lucy E. Ridding, Paul M. Evans, Steven Brand, Morag McCracken, Arjan S. Gosal, James M. Bullock
Summary: The study quantified and assessed the spatial dynamics of ecosystem service provision in a landscape undergoing agricultural intensification over an 85-year period. The results showed non-linear trends in ecosystem services and linear increase in economic activity, indicating the existence of potential thresholds or tipping points that need to be avoided in the future to ensure sustainable agricultural intensification. Further research into feedback mechanisms is required to fully understand the occurrence of tipping points in agricultural systems.
Article
Forestry
Sacha Amaruzaman, Do Trong Hoan, Delia Catacutan, Beria Leimona, Maimbo Malesu
Summary: This study illustrates the potential of a polycentric approach to environmental governance in achieving SDG 16, using case studies from Southeast Asia and Eastern Africa. The study emphasizes four key elements of polycentric governance and suggests the inclusion of indicators specifically directed on polycentric environment and natural resources governance in SDG 16.
Review
Ecology
Anh Nguyet Dang, Bethanna Marie Jackson, Rubianca Benavidez, Stephanie Anne Tomscha
Summary: Southeast Asia is rich in biodiversity but economic development and natural resource exploitation have led to degradation of ecosystem services and vulnerability to natural disasters. Scientific research and policies are increasingly focusing on ecosystem services assessments, but greater integration of different methodologies is needed to improve the reliability and policy uptake of future assessments.
ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Sam A. Reynolds, David C. Aldridge
Summary: It is increasingly recognized that invasive non-native species (INNS) can drive significant changes in shallow lake ecosystems, potentially leading to early ecosystem collapse or delaying ecosystem recovery.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Phillip J. Haubrock, Ross N. Cuthbert, Darren C. J. Yeo, Achyut Kumar Banerjee, Chunlong Liu, Christophe Diagne, Franck Courchamp
Summary: The study highlights the economic costs incurred from invasive species in Singapore and Southeast Asia, with a focus on the impact of invasive insects in the Culicidae family. Despite limited cost data available, the estimated total economic costs were substantial, indicating the need for improved evaluation and reporting to support effective mitigation and management strategies.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jia-Nan Meng, Hongwei Fang, Donald Scavia
Summary: This study compared the Traditional Comprehensive Assessment (TCA) with Ecosystem Stability Theory (EST) and Ecosystem Regime Shift Theory (RST) using Onondaga Lake and Poyang Lake as case studies. It was found that biological oxygen demand (BOD) could be a suitable variable for calculating temporal stability and variance indexes, as well as general trends in EST and RST. This recommendation to replace TCA with BOD as a key variable is preliminary and needs to be validated with data.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
F. Benra, A. De Frutos, Mattias Gaglio, C. Alvarez-Garreton, M. Felipe-Lucia, A. Bonn
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of the SWYM model in predicting water yield in 224 catchments in southern Chile, showing relatively low monthly correlations but good match between annual estimates and observed values, particularly in regions with high rainfall and in dry years. Predictions varied across regions and years, with improvements in SWYM performance observed.
ENVIRONMENTAL MODELLING & SOFTWARE
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Run Liu, Xiang Niu, Bing Wang, Qingfeng Song
Summary: The Zhangcheng District is responsible for protecting water resources, preserving sand sources, and improving the ecological environment in Beijing. The study found that there is spatial heterogeneity in ecosystem water supply in this area, with relatively small total supply and higher water supply on sunny slopes. High-value areas are mainly located at specific altitudes and latitudes.
Article
Environmental Studies
Laura Pereira Balaguer, Maria da Gloria Motta Garcia, Fernanda Coyado Reverte, Ligia Maria de Almeida Leite Ribeiro
Summary: This study aims to assess the ecosystem services provided by geodiversity in the Caraguatatuba county and Serra do Mar State Park on the Southeast coast of Brazil. The identification of Essential Geodiversity Variables and literature research identified 75 ecosystem services provided by geodiversity. The results indicate that the supporting and regulating functions require effective environmental impact mitigation measures. This approach contributes not only to academic research, but also to promoting sustainable development in different economic sectors.
Article
Ecology
Guangjing Qian, Lai Zhang, Yuxin Chen, Chi Xu
Summary: We investigate the cascading effects of microplastic ingestion by fish on both upper and lower trophic levels in a well-studied aquatic ecosystem model, and find that increasing microplastics in planktivorous fish can cause population structure effects and abrupt declines in fish biomass and reproduction, leading to an ecosystem-level tipping point.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Lyndre Nel, Ana Flavia Boeni, Viola Judit Prohaszka, Alfred Szilagyi, Eszter Tormane Kovacs, Laszlo Pasztor, Csaba Centeri
Summary: Soil carbon storage is crucial for the global chemical regulation of the atmosphere, and its measurement is used to assess landscapes as carbon sinks or sources. This study developed InVEST soil carbon stock models for two agricultural landscapes in Hungary using national carbon stock data and soil sample data. The models were evaluated to determine their usefulness in land-use management and policy development. The integration of soil sample data with national carbon stock data shows potential in assessing landscape-scale soil carbon storage.
Article
Geography
H. Manjari Jayathilake, Johanness Jamaludin, Jose Don T. De Alban, Edward L. Webb, L. Roman Carrasco
Summary: Rubber and oil palm cultivation in Southeast Asia is causing significant harm to biodiversity and natural habitats. The expansion of these crops is resulting in the destruction of forests and other croplands, with rubber plantations being converted to oil palm at an increasing rate. This slow readjustment of land use could have indirect impacts on tropical and sub-tropical environments. It is important to implement sustainable measures that address both oil palm and rubber cultivation to prevent further displacement and threats to natural habitats.
Article
Agronomy
Bayuh Belay Abera, Kalimuthu Senthilkumar, Marc Cotter, Folkard Asch
Summary: The study found that transplanting rice can increase yield to a certain extent and extend vegetative development stages by approximately 15%. By combining appropriate rice genotypes with targeted crop management, it is possible to improve and stabilize yields in high-altitude rainfed rice farming systems.
JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Forestry
Elmugheira M. I. Mohammed, Abbas M. E. Hammed, Tamera J. Minnick, Patrick A. Ndakidemi, Anna C. Treydte
Summary: The study revealed that goat browsing has a severe impact on the natural regeneration of Balanites aegyptiaca compared to other livestock species, resulting in higher mortality rates for seedlings and saplings. Seedlings recover better than saplings, and it is necessary to suppress goat browsing specifically to conserve vulnerable tree species.
JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Duy Hoang Vu, Sabine Stuerz, Folkard Asch
Summary: Implementation of water-saving irrigation practices in lowland rice results in increased availability of nitrate in the soil and favours germination of upland weeds. Changes in both soil nitrate concentration and weed flora may affect the competition between rice and weeds. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of nitrogen source on growth, nitrogen uptake, and competition between rice and different types of weeds. The results suggest that increased availability of nitrate in aerobic rice soils may be advantageous for the competitiveness of upland weeds, especially at high transpiration demand, but may be disadvantageous for common lowland weeds.
JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Shimul Mondal, Ebna Habib Md Shofiur Rahaman, Folkard Asch
Summary: Sweet potato production in Asia is being threatened by salinity, but little is known about the genotypic responses to salt. This study identified genotypic thresholds and correlates for salt tolerance in sweet potato, which could be used as a screening tool for breeding salt-tolerant genotypes and predicting potential yield level.
JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Ozgur Tatar, Holger Bruck, Folkard Asch
Summary: This study investigates the impact of soil drought and vapour pressure deficit on stomatal regulation in wheat genotypes and highlights the importance of root-born chemical and hydraulic signals. The findings suggest that xylem ABA content, leaf osmotic potential, and leaf ABA content were significantly affected by drought stress. Stomatal conductance also peaked during the early stress phase and remained high under high vapour deficit conditions.
JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Kristian Johnson, Thuong Ti Bach Vo, Duong Van Nha, Folkard Asch
Summary: A study on the effect of alternate wetting and drying (AWD) in rice production in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta (VMD) showed that AWD has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and freshwater use during the dry season. However, it also led to a significant yield reduction of 7% on average across all varieties. The study highlights the importance of adapting AWD to both environmental conditions and genotype for successful implementation.
JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Shimul Mondal, Susane Burgert, Julia Asch, Ebna Habib Md Shofiur Rahaman, Folkard Asch
Summary: Sweet potato production in coastal areas is often affected by salinity, and salt-tolerant clones are needed to maintain production. Little is known about salt tolerance traits in sweet potato, but excessive salt stress can lead to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage plant membranes and reduce photosynthesis and growth. Antioxidant enzymes play a role in scavenging ROS, and the activities of these enzymes can be used to identify salt-tolerant genotypes. Potassium appears to regulate leaf stress levels and the activities of antioxidant enzymes in sweet potato.
JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Tanja Weinand, Julia Asch, Folkard Asch
Summary: This study analyzed the effects of Bacillus inoculation on the tolerance of different rice cultivars to iron toxicity. The results showed that Bacillus inoculation can affect the tolerance of lowland rice to iron toxicity, and the effects strongly depend on the bacteria x cultivar combination.
JOURNAL OF PLANT NUTRITION AND SOIL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
F. Asch, K. Johnson, T. B. T. Vo, B. O. Sander, V. N. Duong, R. Wassmann
Summary: Choosing suitable rice varieties can reduce methane emissions and water use in paddy fields. However, reducing methane emissions during rainy seasons is challenging, and using low-emitting varieties may affect farmers' income. Field trials in Vietnam examine the potential methane savings through varietal choice and explore options for compensating farmers' mitigation efforts.
JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Van Hong Nguyen, Joern Germer, Folkard Asch
Summary: The study evaluates topsoil salinity in the Vietnam Mekong Delta and explores a potential link between topsoil salinity and rice production systems. The results highlight the usefulness of geophysical methods in assessing and monitoring soil salinity at an agricultural scale, providing valuable insights for agricultural production.
JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Shimul Mondal, Ebna Habib Md Shofiur Rahaman, Folkard Asch
Summary: This study investigated the mechanisms of sodium and potassium uptake and distribution under salt stress in two sweet potato genotypes. The results showed significant differences in the performance of the two genotypes under high vapor pressure deficit conditions. Additionally, the distribution of sodium and potassium between the petiole and leaf blade differed between the genotypes. The researchers suggest further studies on the HKT transporter activity in the petioles of sweet potato.
JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Thi Bach Thuong Vo, Kristian Johnson, Reiner Wassmann, Bjoern Ole Sander, Folkard Asch
Summary: Rice production contributes significantly to Vietnam's greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing emissions by changing farming practices, such as irrigating methods, is a potential solution. This study investigated the impact of different rice varieties on methane emissions and found that varietal variation had the largest effect under continuous flooding conditions. However, alternate wetting and drying irrigation generally reduced methane emissions. These findings highlight the importance of varietal selection and irrigation methods in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from rice production in Vietnam.
JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Julia Hoelle, Folkard Asch, Awais Khan, Merideth Bonierbale
Summary: This study explores the suitability of combining remote sensing data with stress severity index (SSI) as a screening tool for selecting drought-tolerant potato genotypes. The results show that Delta T, PRI, and NDVI can serve as good indicators of genotype performance under drought conditions.
JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Tanja Weinand, Abbas El-Hasan, Folkard Asch
Summary: The ability of microorganisms to promote plant growth and mitigate stresses makes them useful for sustainable agriculture. However, traditional culture-based methods may not effectively identify beneficial bacteria. This study investigated the role of plant-growth-promoting properties in bacteria-mediated stress mitigation and the limitations of common culture-based methods.
