Article
Soil Science
YunFei Zhao, Xia Wang, Fei Chen, Jia Li, JinHong Wu, YuXin Sun, YuanYe Zhang, Tao Deng, SiLong Jiang, XiaoHe Zhou, HuiYing Liu
Summary: In this study, the link between aboveground biomass (AGB) and soil organic matter (SOM) across 209 alpine grassland sites on the Tibetan Plateau was evaluated. It was found that AGB decreased with increasing aridity severity above a threshold of 0.37. Additionally, a stronger positive relationship between AGB and SOM was observed in more arid conditions beyond an aridity threshold of 0.64. The results highlight the importance of soil carbon sequestration strategies for biomass production and climate change mitigation in arid areas.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Longwei Dong, Yuan Sun, Jinzhi Ran, Weigang Hu, Mingfei Ji, Qiajun Du, Junlan Xiong, Haiyang Gong, Shuran Yao, Muhammad Adnan Akram, Yahui Zhang, Qingqing Hou, Hailing Li, Ying Sun, Jingli Lu, Xiaoting Wang, Muhammad Aqeel, Jianxiao Zhu, Michael W. I. Schmidt, Karl J. Niklas, Jianming Deng
Summary: Earth's drylands store a significant amount of organic carbon, playing a crucial role in regulating atmospheric CO2 concentrations and mitigating climate change. However, our understanding of the magnitude and drivers of organic carbon stocks in these ecosystems, particularly in deserts, is limited. This study surveyed a large number of plots and collected soil samples from grassland and desert ecosystems in China's drylands, revealing the distribution and factors influencing organic carbon stocks. The findings provide valuable insights into the carbon cycle in drylands and complement our understanding of ecosystem carbon stocks in China.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dominic Kwadwo Anning, Zhilong Li, Huizhen Qiu, Delei Deng, Chunhong Zhang, Philip Ghanney, Qirong Shen
Summary: The study found that chronic N enrichment stimulated the accumulation of microbial residues and amino sugars over time. In the medium-N treatment, concentrations of various amino sugars and microbial residues increased compared to the control in 2018, and were comparable to the high-N treatment concentrations. Changes in the ratios of amino sugars over time were attributed to a larger increase in bacterial residues compared to fungal residues. Additionally, microbial residues and amino sugar components were positively correlated with microbial biomass, soil organic carbon, and aboveground plant biomass.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuehua Wang, Zhongwu Wang, Haigang Li, Tingting Shen, Xin Zhang, Jiangwen Li, Guodong Han
Summary: This study investigated the effects of stocking rates on plant communities and soils in a desert steppe and found that increasing stocking rates decreased plant input and increased wind erosion output, leading to reduced soil organic carbon retention. Therefore, decreasing grazing intensity is key to improving soil organic carbon retention in the desert steppe.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ninghui Xie, Tingting An, Jie Zhuang, Mark Radosevich, Sean Schaeffer, Shuangyi Li, Jingkuan Wang
Summary: In soils with high initial SOM levels, plant residue carbon is more efficiently utilized by microorganisms, potentially promoting soil organic matter formation. However, the addition of root residues may have negative impacts on soil organic matter in both low and high initial SOM level soils.
Article
Remote Sensing
Aleksi Rasanen, Julia Wagner, Gustaf Hugelius, Tarmo Virtanen
Summary: The study found significant differences in vegetation composition in treeless landscapes in the north, with remote sensing data able to detect biomass patterns, although regression performance varies between sites and important predictors differ.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REMOTE SENSING
(2021)
Article
Remote Sensing
Guo Zi-chen, Wang Tao, Liu Shu-lin, Kang Wen-ping, Chen Xiang, Feng Kun, Zhang Xue-qin, Zhi Ying
Summary: This study utilized UAV technology to collect data in sandy areas, and accurately extracted biomass and vegetation coverage information of shrub communities through object-based classification and vegetation index methods.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED EARTH OBSERVATION AND GEOINFORMATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dawei Xu, Cong Wang, Jin Chen, Miaogen Shen, Beibei Shen, Ruirui Yan, Zhenwang Li, Arnon Karnieli, Jiquan Chen, Yuchun Yan, Xu Wang, Baorui Chen, Dameng Yin, Xiaoping Xin
Summary: The study evaluated the AGB estimation model using the normalized difference phenology index (NDPI) and found it to be superior in model robustness, spatial, and temporal scalability, making it advantageous for monitoring AGB in large grasslands with significant spatial-temporal heterogeneity.
REMOTE SENSING OF ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Xin Wang, Weiwei Dai, Timothy R. Filley, Chao Wang, Edith Bai
Summary: This study found significant changes in biopolymers (lignin, substituted fatty acids, amino sugars) in soil after five years of aboveground litter addition or removal treatments in a temperate forest, suggesting potential impacts on soil organic carbon composition and stability. Although soil nitrogen and carbon contents were not affected, the presence or absence of aboveground litter had a selective effect on the chemical composition of soil organic carbon in different soil depths.
SOIL BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Yanji Wang, Xiangjin Shen, Shouzheng Tong, Mingye Zhang, Ming Jiang, Xianguo Lu
Summary: This study investigates the spatiotemporal dynamics of aboveground biomass (AGB) in a marsh wetland in the western Songnen Plain and its response to climate change using field measured AGB data and MODIS-derived vegetation index. The results reveal the relationship between AGB and vegetation index, as well as the influence of precipitation and temperature on AGB distribution. The findings can provide theoretical guidance for wetland vegetation restoration, protection, and adaptive management in the area.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Yu Qin, Shuhua Yi, Yongjian Ding, Yan Qin, Wei Zhang, Yi Sun, Xiumin Hou, Hongyan Yu, Baoping Meng, Huifang Zhang, Jianjun Chen, Zhiwei Wang
Summary: The study found that plateau pikas primarily affect vegetation biomass through foraging, with burrowing activity having a smaller impact. Additionally, the burrowing activity of pikas can lead to soil organic carbon loss, affecting vegetation growth.
Article
Soil Science
Carlos Ortiz, Maria Jose Fernandez-Alonso, Barbara Kitzler, Eugenio Diaz-Pines, Gustavo Saiz, Agustin Rubio, Marta Benito
Summary: The study investigated the impact of different vegetation types on the structure and activity of the soil microbial community and soil organic matter dynamics in a Mediterranean alpine ecotone. Results showed that expansion of woody vegetation negatively affected the stability of microaggregates while promoting soil macro-aggregation. This led to changes in soil organic carbon and total nitrogen values across different aggregate-size classes, as well as shifts in the soil microbial community structure.
Article
Plant Sciences
R. P. Zhang, J. H. Zhou, J. Guo, Y. H. Miao, L. L. Zhang
Summary: Grassland biomass monitoring is crucial for assessing health and carbon cycling, but satellite remote sensing in drylands poses challenges. Statistical and machine learning models have been used, but the predictive power for different grassland types remains unclear. Therefore, ground-truthed data points were analyzed to identify key variables using PCA. The accuracy of various models was evaluated for biomass inversion, and the RF model showed the highest accuracy for grassland biomass inversion in Xinjiang.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Remote Sensing
Yanji Wang, Xiangjin Shen, Ming Jiang, Shouzheng Tong, Xianguo Lu
Summary: This study found a significant increase in marsh AGB density from 2000 to 2019 over the Tibetan Plateau, mainly influenced by increased precipitation in July. The study also revealed an asymmetric impact of night and day temperature on AGB in the Tibetan Plateau marshes: warming day-time temperature has no-significant effect on marsh AGB, while night-time warming can significantly increase the AGB of marshes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED EARTH OBSERVATION AND GEOINFORMATION
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Junjun Wu, Hong Zhang, Yontai Pan, Xiaoli Cheng, Kerong Zhang, Guihua Liu
Summary: Soil organic carbon (SOC) consists of heterogeneous pools with different properties. This study explored the effects of nitrogen (N) addition on particulate organic carbon (POC) and mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC) in SOC. The results showed that N addition significantly increased POC by 20.6% and decreased MAOC by 4.5%, leading to a higher proportion of POC in bulk SOC and a lower proportion of MAOC. The response of POC to N addition was negatively correlated with pH and microbial biomass carbon, while the response of MAOC was positively correlated with these factors.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Sabine Stuerz, Folkard Asch
Summary: Investigated the effects of temperature and relative humidity on rice leaf growth, with daytime leaf elongation rates primarily temperature-dependent and nighttime rates influenced by both temperature and humidity. Nighttime leaf elongation rates were crucial for leaf area expansion, indicating a correlation between leaf elongation and leaf area expansion at the plant level.
Article
Agronomy
Sarah Glatzle, Sabine Stuerz, Marcus Giese, Mariana Pereira, Roberto Giolo de Almeida, Davi Jose Bungenstab, Manuel Claudio M. Macedo, Folkard Asch
Summary: ICLF systems are promoted as a sustainable intensification measure in agricultural production, but evidence regarding the system's resilience to water availability, especially in regions with pronounced wet and dry seasons and frequent droughts, is still lacking. Research found lower soil moisture near tree rows and significant differences in incident PAR across seasons, which could help improve management and design of ICLF systems.
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
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.