Search

Littoral plains in general and those of the Mediterranean rivers and ramblas, are highly vulnerable territories. Understanding the past and present conditions of these areas is the best strategy to design efficient land management plans to prevent degradation such as pollutants, soil sealing, erosion, etc. in the near and medium future. In this research, different mapping techniques (land-use changes in twelve different years using manually digitalisation and field observations, from 1956 to 2019, and pattern analysis using ecological landscape indexes), multivariate statistical analyses (Spearman rank coefficient and Principal Component Analysis), and predictive models (Markov chain) are combined to assess the past, current, and future status of the Vélez River delta (Málaga province, Southern Spain), a representative vulnerable territory situated in the popular touristic area of Costa del Sol. We also included a demographic analysis using annual population census data (current inhabitants and projections) and a climate trend analysis (Mann-Kendall test) considering temperatures, precipitations and wind data. Our results demonstrate that the drastic urbanization, including new settlements, roads, and ways, has negatively impacted the delta area, even the alluvial plain, beaches, and natural sand deposits. From 1956 to 2019, >70 ha of deltaic area have been lost. The largest category of land-use, cultivated fields, accounted for up to 72.4 % of the total delta area in 1984. However, this was reduced to 41.1 % by 2019. The alluvial plain and beaches/sand deposits started from 9.3 and 11.8 %, and decreased to 5.2 and 5.9 %, respectively. Also, climate change (especially in temperature) could affect some spatial patterns. Predictive models reveal that it is likely that abandoned spaces, sand deposits, and beaches, will be transformed into new urban areas and, to a lesser extent, into cultivated fields. We concluded that the conservation of the cultivated lands, although decreasing in the area over the studied period, obtained the highest correlation with the delta conservation. Therefore, we affirm that efficient plans, which promote specific changes in land use, would contribute to stopping the degradation of the delta such as pollution of natural areas or soil sealing. Specifically, a plan should be developed to preserve sustainable agriculture and control urban sprawl. • The Delta del Vélez situated in the popular touristic area of Costa del Sol was assessed. • Urbanization, including new settlements, roads, and ways, has negatively impacted. • Predictive models reveal that abandoned and sandy areas will be transformed into urban ones. • The conservation of the cultivated lands obtained the highest correlation with the delta size. • Plans, which promote specific changes in land use, would contribute to stopping the degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Design and build heat-pulse probe based on transient state technology to measure λ. • Positive correlations between λ and estimates from a pedotransfer function. • Conventional tillage increases temperature flow in soils because of decreasing ρb. • The proposed HPP is a low-cost and energy-efficient device with wide applicability. Accurate soil thermal conductivity (λ) measurements are needed in experimental agri-environmental research. This study design and build of new heat-pulse probe (HPP) based on transient state technology to measure λ. The HPP consists of three main components: an electronic control system, a measurement chamber, and sample rings. The performance of the new HPP for in-situ λ measurements is compared to estimates from measurable soil physical properties (pedotransfer function). Tests were conducted in clay loam and loam soils at three depths. λ measurements by the HPP were affected by tillage practice, fertilizer treatment, soil depth, and soil type. No significant differences in λ measurements by the HPP and estimates from a pedotransfer function were found between tillage practices. There were positive correlations between their values at three soil depths: R 2 = 0.92 at 0–5 cm depth, and R 2 = 0.88 at both 5–10 and 10–15 cm depths. The standard deviation from the HPP measurements were 0.061, 0.077, and 0.080 W·m−1·K−1 at 0–5, 5–10, and 10–15 cm depths, respectively. In contrast, the pedotransfer function estimates had standard deviations of 0.085, 0.660, and 0.083 W·m−1·K−1, respectively. It was found that conventional tillage increases temperature flow in soils compared to no-tillage because of decreasing soil bulk density (ρb) and consequently higher porosity. The proposed HPP is a low-cost and energy-efficient device, with wide applicability under a range of conditions. It is highly recommended for measuring λ clay loam and loam soils; however, more research is needed to determine its value with other soil types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El presente estudio analiza el fenómeno que hemos denominado con el concepto de "transnacionalismo localizado", que hace referencia al prolongado e intenso mantenimiento de vínculos a través de fronteras por migrantes cuya movilidad geográfica es muy limitada. Se trata de una realidad detectada en el marco de una investigación etnográfica realizada con migrantes senegaleses en el sur de España. El estudio contribuye al debate sobre el transnacionalismo aportando datos empíricos que demuestran que los migrantes pueden involucrarse en prácticas transnacionales, incluso cuando son excluidos, debido a obstáculos administrativos y económicos, de la movilidad transnacional. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores agronomic management (AM) effects on soil parameters under diverse conditions. Investigating tillage practices (TP), nutrient management (NM), crop rotation (CR), organic matter (OM), irrigation management (IM), and mulching (MS), it aims to reveal impacts on soil productivity, nutrient availability, microbial activity, and overall health. Varied TP affect soil quality through compaction, porosity, and erosion risk. Proper NM is vital for nutrient cycling, preventing imbalances and acidification. CR disrupts pest cycles, reduces weed pressure, and boosts nutrient recycling. OM management enhances soil quality by influencing organic carbon, nutrient availability, pH, fertility, and water retention. Optimizing IM regulates soil water content without inducing waterlogging. MS contributes to OM content, nutrient retention, soil structure, and temperature-moisture regulation, benefiting soil biota, aggregation, soil health and agricultural productivity. The review emphasizes integrated nutrient, CR, and OM management's positive impact on fertility and microbial activity. Different TP and IM variations impact soil health and crop production. Judicious implementation of these practices is essential for sustainable agriculture. This synthesis identifies uncertainties and proposes research directions for optimizing productivity while ensuring environmental sustainability. Ongoing inquiry can guide a balanced approach between yields and resilient soil stewardship for future generations. • Effects of agronomic practices on SCBPPs are evident across various dimensions. • Nutrient management averts acidification and ensures nutrient availability. • Crop rotation breaks pest and disease cycles and enhances soil health. • Mulching systems contribute to soil OM, nutrient cycling, soil structure, and soil biota. • Research gaps point to optimizing soil productivity and ensuring sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The appropriate planning of Areas of Public Space and Meeting (APSM) plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for citizens, particularly in developing countries where socio-economic disparities impact social and territorial cohesion. Engaging the local population in decision-making processes through public participation is crucial. This research endeavours to design and implement two geoinformatics tools aimed at streamlining data collection processes, thereby contributing to the democratization of urban planning and management. These tools, known as Field Geoform (FG) and Crowdsourcing Geoform (CG), have been successfully deployed in Comunne #9 of Monteria, Colombia. The collected data is presented systematically and in real-time through a web-based data visualization platform. FG offers a practical and efficient means of characterizing and assessing the physical and conservation status of APSM. On the other hand, CG empowers users of these areas to actively contribute valuable data. The trial to evaluate the functionality of CG confirms that the use of digital crowdsourcing tools, accessible to the community, gathers pertinent data regarding APSM. This mechanism greatly facilitates the efforts of those responsible for the restoration and maintenance of these infrastructures, as well as decision-makers within the realm of urban management. • Two geoinformatics tools designed and implemented: democratization of urban planning • Collected data in real-time through a web-based data visualization platform • Empowering of users: use of digital crowdsourcing tools • Mechanism greatly facilitates decision-making of urban management [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Hydrogel use resulted in the most leaves per plant and the highest dry leaf yield. • Under conditions of water deficit, hydrogel enhances various parameters. • The highest crop efficiency and water productivity were obtained under W2H1. • Notable percentage increase of crocin, safranal, and picrocrocin compounds. Water deficit regimes and techniques using moisture-absorbent materials are the main approaches to achieving the goals of sustainable agriculture and water resources conservation in arid and semi-arid areas. A field experiment as a split-plot based on randomized complete blocks design with three replications at the research farm of the Saffron Institute of the University of Torbat Heydarieh during three consecutive crop years (2015–16, 2016–17, and 2017–18). The main plots consisted of three irrigation regimes 20 (W1), 35 (W2), and 50-day irrigation interval (W3), and the sob-plots included without application (H0) and application of superabsorbent hydrogel (H1). The research findings showed that the highest values of the plant leaf number (19.3, 21.3, and 33.5, respectively) and the dry leaf yield (2291.9, 3837, 4979.5 kg ha−1, respectively) during the experiment years were achieved from the application of hydrogel under full irrigation condition (W1H1). The improvement in these crop parameters was significantly higher when the hydrogel was used under water deficit compared to well-watered conditions. Based on the three-year means, the highest increase in the leaf number (18.1 %) as a result of the hydrogel application was observed in the W3 treatment, while the highest increase in the dry leaf yield (24.8 %) was observed in the W2 treatment. The fresh flower yield also peaked in the W1H1 treatment (776.5, 1421.1, and 2074.8 kg ha−1, respectively). Similarly, dry stigma yield reached its highest values (6.3, 11.2, and 17.0 kg ha−1, respectively) in the W1H1 treatment. While the highest increase in the two mentioned traits due to hydrogel application in the experiment years (25.3 and 32.9 %, respectively) was obtained when the saffron plants were subjected to a 35-day irrigation interval. While the W1H1 treatment displayed the highest corm number (122.8, 252.8, and 341.4) and corm yield (19.8, 31.7, and 45.1 t ha−1), the effect of hydrogel in improving these parameters was greater under prolonged irrigation intervals, so that the highest increase in the corm number (19.6 %) was obtained under 35-day irrigation interval and in the corm yield (21.9 %) was observed under 50-day irrigation interval. The flower-to-stigma conversion factor and water productivity achieved their peak values in the W2H1 treatment (0.98, 1.1, and 1.0 %, and 0.0018, 0.0020, and 0.0043 kg m −3, respectively). Furthermore, the W2H1 treatment exhibited the highest concentrations of crocin (11.9 and 12.2 %), picrocrocin (6.7 and 5.8 %), and safranal (2.6 and 2.4 %) in the last two years of the experiment. This underscores the potential of hydrogel application in enhancing not only yield-related parameters but also the quality attributes of saffron. In summary, the findings highlight the positive influence of superabsorbent hydrogel in mitigating the impact of water deficit on saffron cultivation, offering a promising avenue for sustainable and efficient water management in arid agricultural regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid population growth and climate change are poised to significantly impact water resources and agriculture. Consequently, it becomes imperative to delve into the repercussions of climate change on agriculture and natural resources in developing nations. In this research, an economic–hydrological model was employed to assess the influence of climate change on water management and cropping patterns in the Eastern border catchment of Iran. The climatic data used in this study, spanning the years 1997–2022, encompassed daily rainfall and temperature records from the Khorasan and Sistan & Balouchestan meteorological organization, as well as the Iranian Statistical Center. Monthly water discharge data were obtained from the Khorasan and Sistan & Balouchestan regional water authority, while information on crop levels and agricultural inputs was collected from the Khorasan and Sistan & Balouchestan agricultural jihad organization. The findings reveal that areas dedicated to cultivating high-yield crops experienced a decrease when associated with high water consumption, whereas the cultivation areas of high-yield crops expanded when water consumption was reduced. The implementation of modern irrigation methods, such as pressurized irrigation, not only conserves valuable water resources but also enhances efficiency, ultimately resulting in decreased water consumption and increased production. Consequently, the provision of enhanced training programs aimed at educating farmers about these practices and facilitating their adoption can play a pivotal role in adapting to and mitigating the challenges posed by climate change. • Impact of Climate Change: Influence on water management and cropping patterns. • Data Sources: climatic data (1997–2022) from meteorological and water authorities. • Crop Area Dynamics: High-yield crop areas decreased with high water consumption while expanding with reduced consumption. • Irrigation Efficiency: to reduce water consumption and increase production. • Call for Action: Emphasis on farmer education and adoption of efficient practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural lands are sources and sinks of greenhouse gases (GHGs). The identification of the main drivers affecting GHGs is crucial for planning sustainable agronomic practices and mitigating global warming potential. The main aim of this research was to evaluate the impact of environmental drivers (soil temperature and water-filled pore space, WFPS) and crop residue rates on CO 2 , NO, and NO x fluxes under conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT) systems. The accuracy of Random Forest Regression (RFR), Multiple Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS), and General Linear Models (GLM) in predicting CO 2 , NO, and NO x fluxes were also assessed. In both CT and NT systems, CO 2 , NO, and NO x fluxes decreased with increasing WFPS. Increasing temperature resulted in higher CO 2 emissions and lower NO and NO x emissions. Higher residue rates resulted in significant increases in CO 2 emission, whereas the NO and NO x emissions increased by decreasing the ratio of residue. For CO 2 prediction, the RFR provided the largest R2 with the observed data. For NO–N and NO x -N prediction, RFR was the most efficient algorithm, but NO–N can be predicted with better accuracy. The output of this research highlights the importance of agronomic practices for climate mitigation, along with the possibility of using RFR to predict GHGs fluxes. • Increasing temperature increased CO 2 emissions and decreased NO and NO x emissions. • The highest NO and NO x emissions were observed in the residue removal treatment. • Increasing WFPS decreased CO 2 , NO, and NO x emissions. • The accuracy of the machine learning algorithm methods (RFR, MARS, and GLM) was evaluated. • RFR (among RFR, MARS, and GLM) had the highest accuracy in predicting emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the response of saffron to animal manure, and biological and chemical fertilizer in an arid climate, an experiment was performed as split plots based on a randomized complete blocks design with three replications during three consecutive crop growth seasons (2015–2018) at the Research Farm of University of Gonabad, Iran. The experimental treatments included application (60 t ha−1) and non-application (control) of manure as the main plot and the use of biosulfur (5 kg ha−1), biophosphate (3 L ha−1), nitroxin (3 L ha−1), chemical fertilizer (150, 100, and 100 kg ha−1 of urea, triple superphosphate, and potassium sulfate, respectively), and no fertilizer application (control) as the sub-plot. The results showed a highly significant response of the quantitative traits of saffron to the application of manure, which increased the leaf, flower, and corm indices of saffron by a mean of 15.1–35.7% than control. The interaction effect of manure with biological and chemical fertilizers for leaf, flower, and weeds indices of saffron was significant. There was no significant difference between the interaction treatments of manure and chemical fertilizer with nitroxin and biophosphorus fertilizers in most of the mentioned traits in the three experiment years. The simultaneous application of these fertilizers increased the average by about 60, 105, 135, 110, 165, and 55% of the leaf dry weight, the number of flowers, fresh flower yield, dry flower yield, dry stigma yield, and weed dry weight of saffron, respectively as compared to control. There was no significant difference between the chemical fertilizer with nitroxin or biophosphate in terms of the effect on the traits related to saffron corm so the use of these fertilizers, as compared to control, increased replacement corm weight, replacement corm size, and bud number per corm by, respectively, about 35, 60, and 40% on average. The chemical and biological fertilizers improved the content of crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal of saffron stigma. The best results were obtained from the use of chemical fertilizers, although no significant difference was observed between this treatment and the nitroxin and biophosphate treatments. Overall, the results of this three-year experiment show a very high response of the saffron plant to the simultaneous use of manure and biological fertilizers and, therefore, it is possible to replace chemical fertilizers with organic and biological fertilizers in saffron cultivation to implement organic agriculture and achieve acceptable quantitative and qualitative yields in areas similar to the experiment location. [Display omitted] • The effect of manure on the saffron traits was significantly positive. • The combination of manure and biological or chemical fertilizers improved saffron crop. • The combination of manure and chemical fertilizer or biophosphate improved saffron stigma quality. • Biophosphate and nitroxin biofertilizer improved saffron yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farmland shelterbelt system (FSS) in oasis desert ecotones can effectively improve ecosystem services, especially in fragile agricultural areas. However, the spatial-temporal heterogeneity of its ecological effects still needs further clarity, because the interactions are complex and multiple. Understanding this allows us to know the key practical significance of ecological construction and agricultural management. In this study, four typical patterns of FSS (i.e. two lines pattern, TWLP; four lines pattern, FOLP; five lines pattern, FILP; eight lines pattern, EILP) were selected in a desert oasis ecotone in northern China to assess the distributions at vertical (0–100 cm), horizontal (0–3 H) and temporal (May- October) scales of soil properties, vegetation attributes, microclimates and variations of soil moisture storage (SMS) and soil salt contents (C) during the three growing seasons. The results showed that the major difference in soil properties and vegetation attributes of FSSs are the soil particle composition and canopy size, respectively. In FOLP and EILP, the silt contents were 51.6% and 41.5% respectively. The canopy size ranked from the highest to lowest values as follows: FOLP (8.70 m2) > EILP (6.91 m2) > TWLP (4.64 m2) > FILP (4.47 m2). Compared to the control, all patterns of FSSs registered significant effects on microclimate improvement. The FOLP and FILP achieved the same effects as well as EILP, with less spatial costs. Moreover, the variations of SMS and C were mainly different at the vertical scale. As indicated by the Redundancy (RDA) and variation partitioning (VP) analyses, soil properties played a more important role in reserving soil water and controlling soil salinity than vegetation attributes and microclimates, which the independent influence can explain 48.5% of total influence among all factors. Our results provide an efficient theoretical basis for FSS construction and agricultural water management practices. • Farmland shelterbelt system (FSS) can improve ecosystem services. • A spatio-temporal heterogeneity of ecosystem functions in FSSs is observed. • Soil properties play a more important role in controlling soil water content and salinity. • Results provide an efficient theoretical basis for agricultural water management in deserts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appropriate management of crop residue plays a key role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. However, it has been inadequately implemented in general agricultural management practices. In a field investigation using static chambers, we evaluated the effects of crop residue at three different rates - 100 % (R 100), 50 % (R 50), and residue removal (R 0) - on carbon dioxide (CO 2) efflux. The field study was conducted in corn-wheat rotation under conventional (CT) and no-tillage (NT) systems in a semi-arid region. The main results showed that CO 2 efflux was positively correlated with higher soil temperature (0.43–0.79) and microbial biomass carbon (0.66–0.89). The crop residue treatments affected these traits. A strong positive relationship between CO 2 efflux and the crop residue (R2 = 0.96, CT and R2 = 0.9 for NT) was observed. In the CT system, significant increases were detected among residue rates on cumulative CO 2 efflux, where R 100 and R 50 resulted in 36 % and 25 % higher cumulative CO 2 efflux, respectively, than R 0. In contrast, there was no significant difference in cumulative CO 2 efflux among the crop residue retention (R 100 and R 50) and removal (R 0) treatments under the NT system. Our study revealed that crop residue retention led to increased CO 2 efflux under the CT system in semi-arid conditions during the first year of application, while under the NT system, CO 2 efflux was not impacted by crop residue. Our results indicate that there is considerable potential for improving soil management practices in the context of soil degradation, climate change, increasing crop productivity, and carbon (C) sequestration. • CO 2 emissions are correlated with soil temperature and microbial biomass carbon as well as with crop residue. The crop residue treatments affect these traits. • Full retention of crop residue mitigates CO 2 emissions under the no-tillage system. • The implementation of the results improves the conservation of soils' productivity, and fights climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]