Search Results (29)

Hippophae rhamnoides (family Elaeagnaceae) is a deciduous shrub that has become a uniquely advantageous species in the arsenic sandstone area of Inner Mongolia due to its well-developed root system and strong tillering ability. This study, by taking 10-year-old H. rhamnoides in the arsenic sandstone area as the research object and analyzing the morphological traits of their fine roots and their coordination within soil under different stubble heights (0, 10, 15, and 20 cm) and non-stubble treatment, aims to select the optimal stubble height that is most conducive to the rejuvenation of H. rhamnoides and thus improve the decline in the productivity of H. rhamnoides in this region. The results reveal significant differences in fine root and soil properties under different stubble heights (p < 0.05). Among different traits, fine root area density shows the highest total coefficient of variation, making it the most sensitive trait. Principal component analysis results indicate that after stubble treatment, the traits of H. rhamnoides fine roots center on high specific surface area (0.316) + high specific root length (0.312), shifting toward a resource-acquisition ecological strategy with the best foraging efficiency observed under a stubble height of 15 cm. Soil N:P and C:P can explain 66% and 61% of the root morphological traits strategies deployed during stubble treatment, respectively. Fine roots exhibit high adaptability to the breaking of phosphorus limitation and fixation of carbon and nitrogen. Full article

The application of environmentally friendly technologies, such as phytoremediation, for contaminated soil remediation and biofuel generation should be one of the goals of sustainable development. Phytoremediation is based on the use of plants and their associated microorganisms to clean contaminated soils, resulting in a positive impact on the environment and the production of biomass that can be utilized for biofuel production. Combining phytoremediation with advanced thermochemical conversion technologies like thermo-catalytic reforming process (TCR) allows for the production of high-quality biochar, bio-oil comparable to fossil crude oil, and hydrogen-rich syngas. This study presents a full-scale phytoremediation experiment conducted at a former oil storage site using energy crops like Jerusalem artichokes (Helianthus tuberosus), where the biomass was later converted into biofuel and other by-products using lab-scale technology. Significant and promising results were obtained: (i) within two years, the initial total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) contamination level (698 mg/kg) was reduced to a permissible level (146 mg/kg); (ii) the yield of the harvested Jerusalem artichoke biomass reached 18.3 t/ha dry weight; (iii) the thermochemical conversion produced high-quality products, such as a thermally stable oil a higher heating value (HHV) of 33.85 MJ/kg; (iv) the two-year phytoremediation costs for the rejuvenated soil amounted to3.75 EUR/t. Full article

Tetracentron sinense is a tall deciduous tree and represents the only remaining species of Tetracentron. Currently, the spatial distribution pattern of T. sinense and its associated influencing factors remain unclear, thus hindering its protection and rational utilization. In this study, we employed the point pattern method to analyze the spatial distribution patterns of four representative populations of T. sinense distributed in Baima Snow Mountain, Dafengding, Leigong Mountain, and Foping in China. The results reveal that the T. sinense populations in Baima Snow Mountain, Dafengding, and Leigong Mountain exhibited an aggregated distribution on small (0–10 m) or specific scales, with their spatial distribution patterns shifting from aggregated to random as the scale increased. In contrast, the population of T. sinense in Foping showed a random distribution at all scales. In relation to the factors influencing the spatial distribution patterns of T. sinense, we found that young trees played a crucial role and had a substantial impact on their distribution. Furthermore, adult trees contributed to the aggregated distribution of T. sinense saplings on smaller scales (0–10 m). Additionally, we identified Acer erianthum, Prunus conradinae, and Rhododendron anthosphaerum as key associated species that influenced the formation of spatial distribution patterns of T. sinense. Finally, air humidity and soil moisture content were found to exert a significant effect on the spatial distribution patterns of T. sinense populations. For the protection of T. sinense in situ, it is necessary to increase the number of young trees, enhance the availability of microhabitat factors for its seedlings, and utilize key companion species to promote heterogeneity, which can optimize resource utilization and foster population rejuvenation. Full article

Rapid urbanization has exerted immense pressure on urban environments, severely constraining the growth of ancient trees. The growth of ancient trees is closely linked to the microbial communities in their rhizospheres, and studying their community characteristics may provide new insights into promoting the growth and rejuvenation of ancient trees. In this study, the rhizosphere soil and root systems of ancient Ginkgo biloba trees (approximately 200 years old) and adult G. biloba trees (approximately 50 years old) in Shanghai were selected as research subjects. Phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis and high-throughput sequencing were employed to investigate the diversity of microbial communities in the G. biloba rhizosphere. The results indicated that the 19 PLFA species selected to characterize the soil microbial community structure and biomass were present in the rhizosphere soil of both ancient and adult G. biloba trees. However, the total microbial biomass and the microbial biomass in the rhizosphere soil of ancient G. biloba were lower than the microbial biomass in the rhizosphere soil of adult G. biloba. The biomasses of Gram-negative bacteria (G⁻), arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), and protozoans (P) were significantly different. Total phosphorus, organic matter, and pH may be the key factors influencing the soil microbial community in the rhizosphere zone of ancient G. biloba. An in-depth study of AMF showed that the roots and rhizosphere soil of G. biloba contained abundant AMF resources, which were assigned to 224 virtual taxa using the MaarjAM reference database, belonging to four orders, ten families, and nineteen genera. The first and second most dominant genera were Glomus and Paraglomus, respectively. Archaeospora and Ambispora were more dominant in the rhizosphere than the roots. Furthermore, the abundance of live AMF was significantly higher in ancient G. biloba than in adult G. biloba. Therefore, future research should focus on the improvement of soil environmental characteristics and the identification and cultivation of indigenous dominant AMF in the rhizosphere of ancient G. biloba, aiming for their effective application in the rejuvenation of ancient trees. Full article

The integrity and resilience of our environment are confronted with unprecedented challenges, stemming from the escalating pressures of urban expansion and the need for ecological preservation. This study proposes an Improved Remote Sensing Ecological Index (IRSEI), which employs humidity (WET), the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Land Surface Temperature (LST), a standardized Building–Bare Soil Index (NDBSI), aerosol optical depth (AOD), and the comprehensive salinity index (CSI). The IRSEI model was utilized to assess the ecological quality of Hangzhou over the period from 2003 to 2023. Additionally, the random forest model was employed to analyze the factors driving ecological quality. Furthermore, the gradient effect in the horizontal direction away from the urban center was examined using the buffer zone method. Our analysis reveals the following: (1) approximately 95% of the alterations in ecological quality observed from 2003 to 2023 exhibited marginal improvements, declines, or were negligible; (2) the transformations in IRSEI during this period, including variations in surface temperature and transportation networks, exhibited strong correlations (0.85) with human activities. Moreover, the influence of AOD and the comprehensive salinity index on IRSEI demonstrated distinct spatial disparities; (3) the IRSEI remained generally stable up to 30 km outside the city center, indicating a trend of agglomeration in the center and significant areas in the surroundings. The IRSEI serves as a robust framework for bolstering the assessment of regional ecological health, facilitating ecological preservation and rejuvenation efforts, and fostering coordinated sustainable regional development. Full article

As an important ecosystem, the wild fruit forest in the Tianshan Mountains is one of the origins of many fruit trees in the world. The wild fruit forest in Emin County, Xinjiang, China, was taken as the research area, the spatial and temporal distribution of the wild fruit forest was inverted using random forest and PLUS models, and the 2027 distribution pattern of the wild fruit forest was simulated and predicted. From 2007 to 2013, damage to the wild fruit forest from tourism and overgrazing was very serious, and the area occupied by the wild fruit forest decreased rapidly from 9.59 km² to 7.66 km². From 2013 to 2020, suitable temperatures and reasonable tourism management provided strong conditions for the rejuvenation of wild fruit forests. The distance of the center of gravity of the wild fruit forest increased, and the density of distribution of the wild fruit forest in the northwest direction of the study area also increased. It is predicted that the wild fruit forest in the study area will show a steady and slowly increasing trend in places far away from tourist areas and with more complex terrain. It is suggested that non-permanent fences be set up as buffer zones between wild fruit forests, ensuring basic maintenance of wild fruit forests, limiting human disturbance such as overgrazing, and reducing the risk of soil erosion. Full article

This research tested whether mycorrhizae can rejuvenate the water quality and pollinator functions of degraded riparian forested buffers (RFBs) in agricultural landscapes while facilitating indigenous Abenaki access to ancestral lands. Two plots within a degraded RFB were restored with a multi-functional plant community, one plot inoculated with commercial mycorrhizae and the other without. A control plot remained in a degraded state dominated by the invasive shrub Rhamnus cathartica. The restoration palette of 32 plants included 28 species useful to the Abenaki, representing opportunities for phosphorus removal through harvesting. Monitoring data from 2020 to 2023 indicated consistently greater plant diversity in the restored plots, with 58 newcomers appearing. Although the total phosphorus (P) decreased over time in all the treatments, the greatest decrease was in the uninoculated plot, likely due to pathogenicity from the commercial inoculant or the spatial variability of soil and light. The biomass P of five plant species differed among the species but not among the treatment plots. Nonetheless, Abenaki harvesting removed P and can be an effective form of phytoremediation, phytoextraction. However, this research revealed trade-offs between P mitigation, indigenous use, and pollinator functions of the RFB. Fostering higher biodiversity, Indigenous land access, and P mitigation are important solution-oriented aims to balance when restoring degraded RFBs. Full article

This study investigated the agriculture risks and opportunities in a fragile watershed, the Lanyang River Watershed (LRW) in Northeastern Taiwan, under the current situation of climate change. Agriculture in the LRW is a traditional sector, highly vulnerable to climate change, and is a declining economic sector due to the trend of trade liberalization of agriculture. At present, the government of Taiwan encourages local farmers to transform towards recreational farm types. Leisure agriculture operators have successfully transitioned their tilling to a business model of recreational farming. A telephone survey of leisure agriculture operators was applied with a three-stage approach to obtain their opinions. The results showed that climate change may entail risks for agriculture in watersheds. Transformation to leisure agriculture can enhance farm adaptation and increase farm income. The long-term implementation of slope- and geology-based land classification and land use planning can protect the watershed, especially from extreme weather, while enhancing water and soil conservation efforts, and bolstering climate resilience. Innovative agricultural practices offer viable solutions, including greenhouse farming for high-economic-value crops, leisure agriculture, organic farming, and ecotourism. These strategies can rejuvenate the LRW’s agriculture industry, foster ecological tourism, and provide opportunities for traditional farmers to thrive in this highly climate-fragile area. The implications of this case study are that appropriate responses can improve local climate resilience, and that correspondingly well-designed adaptation measures can transform threats and risks into new opportunities. Full article

The Sundarban is the world’s largest contiguous mangrove forest and stores around 26.62 Tg of blue carbon. The present study reviewed the factors causing a decline in its blue carbon content and poses a challenge in enhancing the carbon stock of this region. This review emphasized that recurrent tropical cyclones, soil erosion, freshwater scarcity, reduced sediment load into the delta, nutrient deficiency, salt-stress-induced changes in species composition, mangrove clearing, and anthropogenic pollution are the fundamental drivers which can potentially reduce the total blue carbon stock of this region. The southern end of the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna Delta that shelters this forest has stopped its natural progradation due to inadequate sediment flow from the upper reaches. Growing population pressure from the north of the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve and severe erosion in the southern end accentuated by regional sea-level rise has left minimal options to enhance the blue carbon stock by extending the forest premises. This study collated the scholarly observations of the past decades from this region, indicating a carbon sequestration potential deterioration. By collecting the existing knowledge base, this review indicated the aspects that require immediate attention to stop this ecosystem’s draining of the valuable carbon sequestered and, at the same time, enhance the carbon stock, if possible. This review provided some key recommendations that can help sustain the blue carbon stock of the Indian Sundarban. This review stressed that characterizing the spatial variability of blue carbon with more sampling points, catering to the damaged trees after tropical cyclones, estuarine rejuvenation in the upper reaches, maintaining species diversity through afforestation programs, arresting coastal erosion through increasing sediment flow, and combating marine pollution have become urgent needs of the hour. The observations synthesized in this study can be helpful for academics, policy managers, and decision makers willing to uphold the sustainability of the blue carbon stock of this crucial ecosystem. Full article

The coffee by-product market represents a transformative paradigm in the coffee industry, capitalizing on previously overlooked resources and generating economic value through sustainable practices. We will explore the multifaceted opportunities and economic benefits stemming from the utilization of coffee by-products, and the diverse applications and industries that contribute to its economic significance. The economic value attributed to the coffee by-product market encompasses the overall sum of transactions and economic activities associated with the utilization, processing, and commercialization of coffee by-products. This encompasses the worth derived from diverse applications and industries that harness coffee by-products to generate products, services, and various economic opportunities. Coffee by-products, once considered waste, now serve as valuable feedstock for energy production, driving cost-saving initiatives. From coffee grounds powering biofuel generation to coffee husks fueling biomass energy plants, the industry is witnessing an impactful shift towards renewable and eco-friendly energy sources, mitigating operational expenses and bolstering financial resilience. The convergence of sustainability and innovation finds expression in the food and beverage sector, where coffee cherry pulp and cascara are harnessed for the production of functional food ingredients and nutraceuticals. Leveraging the rich antioxidants and nutritional benefits of coffee by-products, this burgeoning market segment presents lucrative opportunities, while also promoting health-conscious choices for consumers. Apart from its conventional applications, the coffee by-product market has a significant impact on sustainable infrastructure development. Coffee silverskin, renowned for its remarkable insulating properties, presents an opportunity to transform building materials, leading to energy-efficient construction and decreased long-term operational expenses. Furthermore, coffee silverskin offers opportunities for market diversification, particularly in niche segments like artisanal products. Through the transformation of coffee cherry pulp into biochar, agricultural practices experience a rejuvenation, benefiting from improved soil health and enhanced nutrient retention. In conclusion, coffee by-products play a crucial role in driving the coffee industry towards a sustainable future in line with circular economy principles. Coffee by-products possess immense potential to create significant economic opportunities for coffee-producing regions, fostering growth and prosperity within these communities. They can capitalize on their abundant availability of these products and explore various avenues for utilization. The economic value of the coffee by-product market represents a dynamic amalgamation of innovation, environmental consciousness, and sound economic principles. Regulatory support and consumer demand for sustainable practices further amplify the market’s potential, creating a compelling incentive for stakeholders to embrace the transformation from waste to wealth. Full article

Over the years, the practice of agriculture has transformed from the era of traditional to that of intensive agriculture in the bid to boost the production index that will satisfy the food needs of the globally growing population. However, the continuous and exaggerated use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has resulted in major adverse impacts on food and environmental safety, whereas most traditional techniques for reclamation of natural soil nutrients, including shifting cultivation and polyculture, are no longer attractive measures of land rejuvenation. There is, therefore, the need for urgent evaluation and adoption of innovative methods of replenishing the agricultural soils that conform to the current agricultural systems without exerting undesirable effects on the ecosystem. In this review, we elucidated the use of key bioresources, such as organic fertilizers, biofertilizers, and biopesticides, as alternatives to chemical-based products in attaining a safe and sustainable agricultural system. Bioresources are naturally available, safe, and easily accessible products. The potential of these biological products in fostering soil microbial growth, plants’ productivity, and induced host immunity to diseases, alongside the promotion of healthy soil–microbe–plant relationships and preservation of the ecosystem processes without disruption, are aspects that were also explored. Therefore, the productive use of bioresources is considered strategic as it pertains to attaining safe and sustainable food production. Full article

Earthworm invasions often reduce biodiversity and affect the ability of ecosystems to perform ecosystem functions. Over the past few decades, European lumbricid species have spread widely in natural habitats in Western Siberia, without completely displacing the native species. The aim of the present experiment is to study the survival, reproductive potential, vertical distribution, abundance, and biomass of Aporrectodea caliginosa and Lumbricus rubellus invasive species for the region and the native species Eisenia nordenskioldi and their influence on each other. For this purpose, winter and vegetation experiments were conducted in mesocosms simulating the real situation of invasions in the same communities on the same types of soils with the same amount and composition of litter. The authors found that the native species was significantly inferior to A. caliginosa in reproduction rate, number of offspring, and final biomass, but had an advantage over L. rubellus. The native species was positively influenced by the presence of A. caliginosa. In the experiment, there was a significant rejuvenation of the populations of the studied species, as well as an increase in abundance and relative mass under interaction conditions compared to mono variants. The native species had advantages over the invasive species in terms of winter survival. The natural volume of litter used in the experiment was insufficient for L. rubellus. According to the results of the experiment, it can be assumed that the spread of L. rubellus will continue to be limited to non-freezing biotopes rich in organic matter. A. caliginosa will spread in natural communities and agrocenoses of Western Siberia. Full article

Conventional farming practices can lead to soil degradation and a decline in productivity. Regenerative agriculture (RA) is purported by advocates as a solution to these issues that focuses on soil health and carbon sequestration. The fundamental principles of RA are to keep the soil covered, minimise soil disturbance, preserve living roots in the soil year round, increase species diversity, integrate livestock, and limit or eliminate the use of synthetic compounds (such as herbicides and fertilisers). The overall objectives are to rejuvenate the soil and land and provide environmental, economic, and social benefits to the wider community. Despite the purported benefits of RA, a vast majority of growers are reluctant to adopt these practices due to a lack of empirical evidence on the claimed benefits and profitability. We examined the reported benefits and mechanisms associated with RA against available scientific data. The literature suggests that agricultural practices such as minimum tillage, residue retention, and cover cropping can improve soil carbon, crop yield, and soil health in certain climatic zones and soil types. Excessive use of synthetic chemicals can lead to biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. Combining livestock with cropping and agroforestry in the same landscape can increase soil carbon and provide several co-benefits. However, the benefits of RA practices can vary among different agroecosystems and may not necessarily be applicable across multiple agroecological regions. Our recommendation is to implement rigorous long-term farming system trials to compare conventional and RA practices in order to build knowledge on the benefits and mechanisms associated with RA on regional scales. This will provide growers and policy-makers with an evidence base from which to make informed decisions about adopting RA practices to realise their social and economic benefits and achieve resilience against climate change. Full article

Plant secondary succession is a very effective approach for the rejuvenation of degraded ecosystems. In order to comprehend alterations and driving mechanisms of soil bacterial communities under secondary succession of old-field and reveal their subsequent impacts on the decomposition and accumulation of soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen (SON), we investigated changes in soil bacterial communities following ~160 years of old-field succession on the Loess Plateau of China through analyses of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Illumina MiSeq DNA sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. Our results revealed that subsequent to secondary succession of old-field, soil bacterial abundance progressively increased, while bacterial richness and diversity significantly decreased. Principal component analysis and Bray–Curtis similarity index showed that bacterial community composition gradually shifted following old-field succession. Specifically, the relative abundances of Proteobacteria, Rokubacteria, and Verrucomicrobia progressively increased, while Actinobacteria and Firmicutes slightly decreased following old-field succession. The most enriched of Proteobacteria (e.g., Rhizobiales, Xanthobacteraceae, Gammaproteobacteria, Bradyrhizobium, Rhizobiaceae, and Mesorhizobiur) were found in a climax forest, while Chloroflexi and Gemmatimonadetes had the lowest relative abundances. Further, the most enriched members of Actinobacteria, including Geodermatophilaceae, Frankiales, Blastococcus, Micrococcales, Micrococcacea, Propionibacteriales, Nocardioidaceae, Nocardioide, and Streptomycetaceae, were exhibited in the farmland stage. Our results suggested that secondary succession of old-field greatly modified soil bacterial communities via the transformation of soil nutrients levels, altering plant biomass and soil physiochemical properties. Soil bacterial community composition was transformed from oligotrophic groups to copiotrophic Proteobacteria following old-field succession, which may promote SOC and SON accumulation through increasing the utilization of labile organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N), while decreasing decomposition of recalcitrant organic C and N from the early- to late-successional stages. Full article

Desert riparian vegetation forms an ecological corridor in extremely arid environments, and ecological water conveyance is an important measure of vegetation restoration and biodiversity conservation in desert riparian zones. Studying the responses of vegetation to ecological water conveyance and changes in this process in arid desert riparian zones and assessing the comprehensive benefits of ecological water conveyance are highly significant for ecological conservation and restoration in addition to the formulation of water transfer policies. Previous studies mainly used a single indicator to evaluate the ecological restoration of the mainstream Tarim River in Northwest China; thus, systematic and comprehensive assessments based on multiple indicators have not been conducted. In the present study, remote sensing data and field surveys were used to analyze the ecological restoration status of the Tarim River during 2015–2021 in terms of hydrological responses, vegetation responses, and ecological water conveyance benefits. The results showed that groundwater levels and soil moisture in the mainstream area of the Tarim River increased significantly from 2015 to 2021. The amount of groundwater storage also increased. Ecological water conveyance has created good hydrological conditions for groundwater recharge and ecological restoration on both sides of the mainstream area of the Tarim River. Desert forest ecosystems, mainly comprising Populus euphratica and Tamarix ramosissima, have been saved and rejuvenated in water conveyance areas. After ecological water conveyance, the Simpson and Shannon–Wiener indices increased significantly, but the diversity level began to decline and then stabilize with the increase in water conveyance frequency. The overall habitat status improved and the quality of the ecological environment below the Wusiman section of the middle reaches of the Tarim River improved significantly. Full article