Review
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yongxiang Yu, Yanxia Zhang, Mao Xiao, Chengyi Zhao, Huaiying Yao
Summary: The use of plastic film mulching in agriculture has various effects on soil carbon dynamics and greenhouse gas emissions, with different impacts observed in different agricultural systems. Overall, the practice can significantly increase crop yield, but may also lead to changes in methane and nitrous oxide emissions.
Article
Agronomy
Damian Fernandez-Rodriguez, David Paulo Fangueiro, David Pena Abades, Angel Albarran, Jose Manuel Rato-Nunes, Antonio Lopez-Pineiro
Summary: This study assessed the greenhouse gas emissions from rice fields amended with composted two-phase olive mill waste (C-TPOW) in Mediterranean conditions. The results showed that compost reduced CO2 emissions but increased CH4 and N2O emissions. However, there were no significant differences in global warming potential (GWP) and yield-scaled GWP between the compost and control treatments after three years.
Article
Soil Science
Chunli Wang, Wangmei Li, Ju Liu, Yakov Kuzyakov, Mingsheng Fan, Haiqing Chen
Summary: Though there is a lot of information about greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the soil surface, only a few studies have investigated the depth-related GHG concentration and production within the soil. In this study, GHG flux measurements were coupled with subsurface GHG concentration analysis at different depths in grassland and cropland soils. Results showed that CO2 and N2O concentrations increased with soil depth, while CH4 decreased. The grassland had higher CO2 flux but lower CH4 uptake compared to the cropland.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Qinsi He, De Li Liu, Bin Wang, Linchao Li, Annette Cowie, Aaron Simmons, Hongxu Zhou, Qi Tian, Sien Li, Yi Li, Ke Liu, Haoliang Yan, Matthew Tom Harrison, Puyu Feng, Cathy Waters, Guangdi D. Li, Peter de Voil, Qiang Yu
Summary: This study examines the impact of agronomic management on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing agricultural profitability under climate change. The results show that full residue retention can turn the soil into a carbon sink, but it also increases N2O emissions. The wheat-wheat-canola rotation with full residue retention is identified as an effective strategy for both GHG abatement and high gross margins.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ziqian Li, Lingwei Kong, Liping Hu, Jun Wei, Xinzhi Zhang, Weijie Guo, Wenqing Shi
Summary: In this study, a bibliometric review and global-scale analysis were conducted to explore the potential approaches for controlling greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in constructed wetlands (CWs). The research on CWs has evolved through three stages over the past 15 years: GHG emission level assessment, mechanisms, and control. It was found that the type of CWs is closely related to GHG emissions, with different types emitting different GHGs. Optimizing CW operation can synergistically reduce GHG emissions while enhancing pollutant removal.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anna Pytlak, Anna Szafranek-Nakonieczna, Weronika Goraj, Izabela Sniezynska, Aleksandra Krazala, Artur Banach, Ivica Ristovic, Miroslaw Slowakiewicz, Zofia Stepniewska
Summary: Changes in the energy market are causing a projected reduction in lignite excavation in the near future. The flooding of lignite mines left abandoned can potentially release greenhouse gases, which is a growing environmental concern. Research has shown that different types of lignite have varying greenhouse gas emissions, with lignite with shorter existence emitting the lowest amount of gases with global warming potential.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
V Amaral, T. Ortega, C. Romera-Castillo, J. Forja
Summary: The Guadalete estuary in Spain was found to be a source of CO2, CH4, and N2O to the atmosphere, with CH4 showing the strongest relationship with DOM composition. Terrestrial and microbial humic-like substances with increasing aromaticity were linked to higher pCO2 levels, while N2O was related to the protein-like fraction and humic-like material from anthropogenic activities. This indicates a possible coupling between benthic fluxes of GHGs and DOM in this estuarine system, highlighting the importance of considering DOM composition in studying GHGs distribution in estuaries for better understanding of their roles in response to climate change.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alexander J. Schmithausen, Hauke F. Deeken, Katrin Gerlach, Manfred Trimborn, Kirsten Weiss, Wolfgang Buescher, Gerd-Christian Maack
Summary: This study investigated the formation of greenhouse gases during the ensiling process, focusing on the variations in CO2, N2O, and CH4 concentrations in forage. Grass and lucerne were ensiled at different dry matter concentrations in laboratory-scale barrels, showing that low DM concentration led to faster CO2 production, while lucerne forage and higher DM concentrations resulted in increased N2O concentrations. The study also found that butyric acid formation by clostridia contributed to CH4 formation, with lucerne silage exhibiting significantly higher concentrations from day 13 of ensiling. These findings highlight the impact of malfermentation on greenhouse gas emissions during ensiling.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Riccardo Boiocchi, Paolo Viotti, Davide Lancione, Nicoletta Stracqualursi, Vincenzo Torretta, Marco Ragazzi, Gabriela Ionescu, Elena Cristina Rada
Summary: This study analyzes the carbon footprint of a large wastewater treatment plant in central Italy, finding that energy consumption, natural gas production and transport, and nitrous oxide emissions from effluent are the most significant contributors. These findings suggest that managers of wastewater treatment plants should prioritize these aspects when taking action to mitigate carbon footprint.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Alice F. Charteris, Paul Harris, Karina A. Marsden, Ian M. Harris, Ziwei Guo, Deborah A. Beaumont, Helena Taylor, Gianmarco Sanfratello, Davey L. Jones, Sarah C. M. Johnson, Mick J. Whelan, Nicholas Howden, Hadewij Sint, David R. Chadwick, Laura M. Cardenas
Summary: Greenhouse gas fluxes from livestock grazed pasture soils exhibit high variability, influenced by local conditions. Nitrogen, ammonia, soil moisture, etc. play significant roles in regulating fluxes on different pastures for various greenhouse gases.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mohammad Atif Khan, Sanjeev Kumar, Rajdeep Roy, Satya Prakash, Aneesh A. Lotliker, Sanjiba Kumar Baliarsingh
Summary: The potential effects of tidal and diel cycles on carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) concentrations and fluxes in tropical estuaries are poorly understood. This study conducted sampling for nine consecutive days in the Mahanadi estuary of India and found that tidal forcing affected CO2 and CH4 concentrations, with higher concentrations during low tide. CO2 concentrations increased with decrease in tidal height, possibly due to higher freshwater contribution. N2O showed no significant variability with tidal cycle or water level fluctuation. The study area was a source of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, except for the offshore region.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Carolina Fabbri, Anna Dalla Marta, Marco Napoli, Simone Orlandini, Leonardo Verdi
Summary: Precision fertilization, including variable-rate fertilization, is a promising approach to reduce the environmental impacts of nitrogen fertilization. This study evaluated the short-term response of greenhouse gas emissions following variable-rate fertilization on barley. The results showed that variable-rate fertilization can maintain high yields with a significant reduction in nitrogen application and improved nitrogen use efficiency. However, the sensor-based nitrogen application did not result in significantly different greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional fertilization, suggesting the need for further research.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Patricia Perondi Anchao Oliveira, Alexandre Berndt, Andre de Faria Pedroso, Teresa Cristina Alves, Amanda Prudencio Lemes, Bia Anchao Oliveira, Jose Ricardo Macedo Pezzopane, Paulo Henrique Mazza Rodrigues
Summary: Brazilian cattle production is mostly carried out in pastures, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact is crucial. This research evaluated the effects of different grazing systems and crossbred cow types on GHG mitigation. The results showed that planting trees and intensifying pastures can contribute to GHG reduction.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nicholas E. Ray, Robinson W. Fulweiler
Summary: In oyster habitats, the sediments show peak carbon dioxide production in spring and summer, as well as consistent methane release into the water column, while nitrous oxide is generally absorbed with occasional release in spring. The overall impact of oysters on sediment greenhouse gas cycling in temperate regions is considered negligible.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Nicholas E. Ray, Meredith A. Holgerson
Summary: Inland waters, especially small ponds, have a significant but poorly understood role in global greenhouse gas emissions. This study conducted high-resolution temporal sampling and found that temperate constructed ponds are a net source of greenhouse gases, with methane emissions being highly variable within seasons. The study suggests that building ponds to favor mixed conditions can help minimize the global greenhouse gas footprint of future pond construction.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Lily Leahy, Brett R. Scheffers, Stephen E. Williams, Alan N. Andersen
Summary: The study examines thermal traits of rainforest ants across different elevations and habitats, finding that lowland arboreal ants have the lowest warming tolerance and may be most vulnerable to climate change. Differential exposure to microclimates and environmental temperatures along the elevation gradient play key roles in driving thermal tolerance patterns.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Fernando A. O. Silveira, Carlos A. Ordonez-Parra, Livia C. Moura, Isabel B. Schmidt, Alan N. Andersen, William Bond, Elise Buisson, Giselda Durigan, Alessandra Fidelis, Rafael S. Oliveira, Catherine Parr, Lucy Rowland, Joseph W. Veldman, R. Toby Pennington
Summary: The study identified disparities in attention, action, and knowledge among different biomes in tropical restoration science, practice, and policy, with forests receiving more focus than open biomes. The findings suggest a need to increase awareness and recognition of the value of open biomes for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, climate change mitigation, and human livelihoods, in order to effectively achieve the goals of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Xavier Arnan, Carlos H. F. Silva, Daniela Q. A. Reis, Fernanda M. P. Oliveira, Talita Camara, Elaine M. S. Ribeiro, Alan N. Andersen, Inara R. Leal
Summary: The study reveals that in the Caatinga region of Brazil, plants with extrafloral nectaries exhibit significant interactive effects between increasing chronic anthropogenic disturbance and decreasing rainfall, impacting their species composition and functional diversity across different environmental gradients.
Article
Ecology
Tina Parkhurst, Rachel J. Standish, Alan N. Andersen, Suzanne M. Prober
Summary: This study in semi-arid southwestern Australia found that ant species composition and abundance in planted old fields diverged from fallow croplands towards reference woodlands, yet full convergence had not been achieved after 10 years. Tree-associated functional group Subordinate Camponotini had higher abundance and richness under trees, while differences were observed in the Hot Climate Specialists group between planted old fields and reference woodlands, suggesting that the impact of planted trees on microclimates may require further investigation. Further research on older plantings is needed to determine the long-term effects on ant assemblages.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Alan N. Andersen, Francois Brassard, Benjamin D. Hoffmann
Summary: This study documents the diversity and distribution of the Monomorium nigrius Forel group in the hyperdiverse Australian monsoonal tropics. The analysis reveals that monsoonal Australia is an unrecognized global centre of ant diversity, with high species turnover within and among bioregions. The study estimates that there are over 200 species in the M. nigrius group in monsoonal Australia and over 300 species overall.
Article
Ecology
Vagner Zanzarini, Alan N. Andersen, Alessandra Fidelis
Summary: This study describes the variation in flammability among different growth forms and seasons in Brazilian Cerrado, and finds that grasses are the most flammable growth form, with the highest flammability in the middle of the dry season. Dead biomass, moisture content, and specific leaf area are strongly correlated with flammability.
Article
Ecology
Alan N. Andersen, Luke D. Einoder, Alaric Fisher, Brydie Hill, Stefanie K. Oberprieler
Summary: Assessing faunal inclusion in ecosystem restoration is important but lacks a widely accepted framework. This study presents a framework that includes reference conditions, targeted taxa for assessment, attributes to be measured, acceptable similarity with reference conditions, and robust sampling methodologies. The application of this framework is illustrated with a case study of the restoration program at Ranger Uranium Mine in Australia.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Raquel L. Carvalho, Jesica Vieira, Celine Melo, Adriano M. Silva, Vitor C. M. Tolentino, Karen Neves, Fernando Vaz de Mello, Alan N. Andersen, Heraldo L. Vasconcelos
Summary: The response of different taxa to land-use change in terms of their diversity and composition varies greatly. The extent of impacts on biodiversity depends on the degree of habitat transformation, and a mix of land uses can reduce impacts at a landscape scale. Forest-associated fauna are more severely affected than savanna-associated fauna, and impacts on ant and bird fauna are greater than on dung beetle fauna. Intensive agriculture has a greater impact than pastoralism or plantation forestry. Understanding these patterns can help in selecting indicator taxa and interpreting their implications.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Richard M. Lucas, Sophia German, Graciela Metternicht, Rebecca K. Schmidt, Christopher J. Owers, Suzanne M. Prober, Anna E. Richards, Sally Tetreault-Campbell, Kristen J. Williams, Norman Mueller, Belle Tissott, Sean M. T. Chua, Alison Cowood, Terry Hills, Dayani Gunawardana, Alexis McIntyre, Sebastien Chognard, Clive Hurford, Carole Planque, Suvarna Punalekar, Daniel Clewley, Ruth Sonnenschein, Nicholas J. Murray, Ioannis Manakos, Palma Blonda, Kate Owers, Stephen Roxburgh, Heather Kay, Peter Bunting, Claire Horton
Summary: This study presents a globally relevant and standardized taxonomy and framework for consistently describing land cover change. It utilizes structured land cover taxonomies and is supported by the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework. The taxonomy and framework can be combined with various environmental descriptors to accurately describe land change processes and meet a wide range of international and local needs.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Gabriela B. Arcoverde, Samantha A. Setterfield, Inara R. Leal, Alan N. Andersen
Summary: Ant communities in the Australian savanna show high resilience to grazing, likely due to their evolutionary history of frequent fire. This finding is significant for insect conservation and can be applied to other fire-prone grassy ecosystems subject to livestock grazing.
JOURNAL OF INSECT CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jeremy B. Trombley, Kamaljit K. Sangha, Alan N. Andersen, Suresh N. Thennadil
Summary: We establish a framework to examine the feasibility of using local vegetation for bioenergy power systems in small-scale applications and remote settings. Our findings show that the direct combustion system is the most economical choice and has high techno-economic potential.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Alan N. Andersen, Francois Brassard, Benjamin D. Hoffmann
Summary: We have discovered unrecognized diversity within the Tetramorium spininode Bolton group in the Australian monsoonal tropics. Our study focused on the fauna in the Northern Territory, where we found 20 species among 124 CO1-sequenced specimens, and a total of 32 species in the region. Our findings suggest that at least 40 species of the T. spininode group may occur in the Northern Territory. Similar diversity is also observed in Western Australia, particularly in the Kimberley region. This highlights the unrecognised global significance of ant diversity in monsoonal Australia.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Benjamin D. Hoffmann, Alan N. Andersen
Summary: In this study, the researchers examined the similarities between European and North American ant diversity and functional composition. By comparing species distribution and behavioral dominance at multiple sites in France and Denmark, they found that the predictions and patterns observed in North America also applied to European ants. These findings provide a more comprehensive understanding of ant communities and suggest a functionally coherent ant fauna throughout the Holarctic.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Lindiwe R. Khoza, Alan N. Andersen, Thinandavha C. Munyai
Summary: The study found that ant communities in the grassland system are highly resilient to burning and mowing, with fire promoting diversity at the plot scale. Indicator and detector species identified in the study can be utilized for ongoing monitoring of biodiversity change in response to management practices.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Alan N. Andersen, Francois Brassard, Benjamin D. Hoffmann, Andrea Galimberti
Summary: Researchers conducted a morphological, genetic, and distributional analysis of the ant species Melophorus hirsutipes in Australia and found at least 30 different species with high variability. Additionally, they discovered that the monsoonal region of Australia may have thousands of ant species, making it one of the richest known regions for ant diversity in the world.