Search

The degradation of pastures in tropical regions, particularly in sandy soils, poses significant challenges to sustainable agricultural practices. Crop–livestock integration (CLI) systems have emerged as a promising strategy to restore these degraded soils. This study evaluated the impact of land-use transitions on soil health in Western São Paulo, Brazil, focusing on the conversion from pasture (Urochloa brizantha) to CLI systems with U. brizantha (CLI-u) and M. maximum (CLI-m). A comprehensive set of chemicals (pH, phosphorus, potassium), physical (aggregate stability, bulk density), and biological (β-glucosidase activity, soil organic carbon) indicators were assessed across four land-use types: native vegetation (NV), pasture (PA), CLI-u, and CLI-m. The Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) was applied to calculate the Soil Health Index (SHI) across three soil depths (0–0.1 m, 0.1–0.2 m, 0.2–0.3 m). At the surface layer (0–0.1 m), PA and NV exhibited the highest SHI values (0.65 and 0.63, respectively), while CLI-m showed a lower SHI (0.56). In the subsurface layer (0.1–0.2 m), CLI-m and NV presented the highest SHI values (0.66 and 0.67, respectively), whereas PA and CLI-u had lower values (0.52 and 0.58). At the deepest layer (0.2–0.3 m), SHI values in CLI systems were comparable to NV (0.56), while PA recorded the lowest SHI (0.48). These results demonstrate that land-use transitions and management practices significantly affect soil health in sandy soils. The findings underscore the potential of CLI systems, particularly those incorporating M. maximum, to enhance biological and chemical soil health indicators in tropical agroecosystems. Further refinement of CLI management strategies is essential to optimize soil health recovery in sandy soil ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomonitoring of agriculturally important insects is increasingly vital given our need to understand: (a) the severity of impacts by pests and pathogens on crop yield and health and (b) the impact of environmental change and land management on insects, in line with sustainable development and global conservation targets.Traditional entomological traps remain an important part of the biomonitoring toolbox, but sample processing is laborious and introduces latency, and accuracy can be variable. The integration of molecular techniques such as environmental DNA and DNA metabarcoding into insect biomonitoring has gained increasing attention, but the advantages of doing so, the kind of data this can generate, and how easily and effectively molecular analyses can be integrated with the diverse types of entomological traps currently used remains relatively unclear.In this review, we examine how combining DNA metabarcoding with a range of conventional and unconventional entomological sampling techniques can advance biomonitoring in a way that is useful to researchers and practitioners. We highlight some of the key challenges and how to mitigate them, using examples of its integration with different sampling methods from the literature (e.g., interception, pitfall and sticky traps) to demonstrate efficacy and suitability.We discuss how metabarcoding data can be used to infer ecological networks, emphasizing the importance of this as a framework for understanding species interactions and ecosystem functioning for more effective and descriptive biomonitoring.Finally, future advances in biomonitoring are highlighted, alongside recommendations of best practice for researchers both new to and experienced in invertebrate biomonitoring with metabarcoding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cocoa agroforestry systems (AFS) provide multiple ecosystem services, which are influenced by features of the shade tree community. By strategically selecting and managing shade trees based on their functional traits, cocoa farmers can affect functional diversity of AFS and potentially enhance the benefits they deliver. In this research, we applied functional trait ecology to better understand the effect of functional diversity of cocoa AFS on three ecosystem services: carbon storage, soil fertility, and provisioning of cocoa and other products. To achieve this, we characterized 30 AFS across a gradient of ecological complexity and established relationships between functional diversityw indices and ecosystem services using ANOVA and multiple regression models. As a result, two contrasting ecological dynamics were observed: low-complexity AFS, dominated by resource-conservative traits (higher leaf dry matter content, higher stem specific density, and low leaf nitrogen concentration), were associated with lower carbon stocks and soil fertility, while high-complexity AFS, characterized by resource-acquisitive traits (low leaf dry matter content, low stem specific density, and high leaf nitrogen concentration), delivered greater ecosystem services. Through the multiple regression analysis, we found that AFS dominated by species with greater maximum potential height, greater leaf nitrogen concentration, lower leaf dry matter content, lower leaf mass per area, and lower leaf nitrogen-phosphorus ratio were associated with higher carbon storage (R2 = 0.84), soil fertility (R2 = 0.7 for soil nitrogen), and multiple ecosystem services (R2 = 0.78). Additionally, cocoa yields were negatively correlated with shade cover and the dominance of large-leaf shade trees, revealing a potential trade-off between maximizing yields and enhancing ecosystem services. Nevertheless, the models indicated that a win-win scenario can be achieved when shade trees are productive, generating additional benefits. Finally, our study highlights critical relationships between shade tree traits and delivery of key ecosystem services for farm sustainability and farmer livelihoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge co-creation (KCC) is imperative for agroecological development, yet the extent to which agroecological KCC processes balance scientific rigor, local relevance, and legitimacy, and the extent to which they connect to transformative agroecological farming remains poorly understood. Therefore, we systematically reviewed 58 peer-reviewed empirical studies that involved agroecological KCC. While we did not find a connection between the perceived credibility, salience, and legitimacy of the co-created knowledge and impacts on agroecological farming, we did find that KCC processes had mostly incremental, rather than transformative, impacts. We conclude that an increased focus on agroecological principles, going beyond agroecological practices, is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The study aimed to evaluate the mechanisms of interaction between soil microbiomes and leading crops to optimise yields and product quality in agricultural production. A comprehensive analysis of the physical and chemical properties of soils (chernozems, grey forest and podzolic soils) and the composition of the soil microbiome, including the number of nitrogen-fixing bacteria Rhizobium and Azotobacter, bacteria Bacillus spp, representatives of the genus Streptomyces, and fungi Glomus spp. The highest yields of Kalbex wheat (50 c/ha), Rhodes corn (80 c/ha), and Kingstone soybeans (30 c/ha) were recorded when these crops were grown on black soils. Grey forest soils and podzolic soils showed lower productivity and crop quality. The number of nitrogen-fixing bacteria Rhizobium and Azotobacter in chernozems reached 6 million colony-forming units (CFU) per gram of soil, while in podzolic soils it was the lowest -- 3 million CFU per gram of soil. The mycorrhizal fungi Glomus spp. were also most abundant in black soil, with 8 million spores per gram of soil. The study examined the impact of the soil microbiome on the yield of selected crops. A correlation analysis of the microbiome and yields was conducted. The impact of the soil microbiome on crop quality was analysed. The results confirmed that chernozems provide the best conditions for growing crops due to their high biological activity and optimal physical and chemical properties, making them an ideal choice for agronomic practice [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to evaluate the mechanisms of interaction between soil microbiomes and leading crops to optimise yields and product quality in agricultural production. A comprehensive analysis of the physical and chemical properties of soils (chernozems, grey forest and podzolic soils) and the composition of the soil microbiome, including the number of nitrogen-fixing bacteria Rhizobium and Azotobacter, bacteria Bacillus spp, representatives of the genus Streptomyces, and fungi Glomus spp. The highest yields of Kalbex wheat (50 c/ha), Rhodes corn (80 c/ha), and Kingstone soybeans (30 c/ha) were recorded when these crops were grown on black soils. Grey forest soils and podzolic soils showed lower productivity and crop quality. The number of nitrogen-fixing bacteria Rhizobium and Azotobacter in chernozems reached 6 million colony-forming units (CFU) per gram of soil, while in podzolic soils it was the lowest – 3 million CFU per gram of soil. The mycorrhizal fungi Glomus spp. were also most abundant in black soil, with 8 million spores per gram of soil. The study examined the impact of the soil microbiome on the yield of selected crops. A correlation analysis of the microbiome and yields was conducted. The impact of the soil microbiome on crop quality was analysed. The results confirmed that chernozems provide the best conditions for growing crops due to their high biological activity and optimal physical and chemical properties, making them an ideal choice for agronomic practice

Abstract Background Ants are a diverse and ecologically important group of insects that play vital roles in terrestrial ecosystems globally. In agricultural settings, they act as effective biocontrol agents against insect pests. Ants also serve as bioindicators of environmental health, reflecting changes in habitat and pollution. However, research on their diversity and population dynamics in cashew agroecosystems remains limited. Results The sampling was conducted using a pitfall trap that targeted three sampling zones viz., under African weaver ants colonised (AWAC) cashew trees, AWA-uncolonised (AWAUC) ones, and buffer zones (BZ). A total of 14,004 ants from six subfamilies, 18 genera, and 32 species were sampled, with 7,686 sampled during season one and 630 sampled during season two. The study found significant differences in ant populations across sampled zones, which were significantly different in season one (F(2.107) = 5.4; P = 0.01) and season two (F(2.107) = 3.32; P = 0.04). However, more ants were sampled under AWAUC cashew trees compared to AWAC cashew trees and the BZ (F(2.74) = 4.46; P = 0.02) at Nyamato during season one. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index yielded comparable results to Margalef’s species richness index for all three zones, which differed significantly in both seasons at Nyamato and season one at Chambezi. A SIMPER analysis showed an overall dissimilarity of 94.5% at Soga due to the presence of invasive species (Pheidole megacephala and Anoplolepis custodiens) and AWA, which was consistently observed across all the experimental sites. Conclusion The variety and number of ant species in cashew agroecosystems are influenced by several factors, including the presence of dominant ant species and weeding practices. Promoting biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems is crucial for supporting beneficial insect populations and mitigating the risks posed by invasive ant species. Currently, there is no effective bait available for controlling these invasive ant species, indicating a need for further research to develop such bait. This would facilitate the foraging activities of other ant species, including beneficial ones.

Abstract Mediterranean agroecosystems are under increasing pressures by extreme weather events, which together with poor livestock grazing management bring the already degraded lands closer to desertification. To address these challenges, we develop a decision support manual for sustainable management of degraded lands based on local plant and animal resources. We present a conceptual approach to quantify the quality attributes of current pasture-based livestock and mixed farming systems to increase their added value. Most approaches focus on lowland areas, we propose building a system to assess and quantify the quality and management of grazing lands as well as the small ruminant farming practices in Less Favoured Areas (LFAs) areas of the Mediterranean. The interventions have been proposed by 17 researchers from different disciplines ranging from animal science and animal husbandry, nutrition and genetics, pasture management, plant breeding and soil science to regional development and environmental science and agricultural economics. They are based on technical and socio-economic information, to foster the development of business models towards sustainable management of regenerative grazing. These models are also expected to be used as evidence for motivating farmers and stakeholders in reinforcing grazing as a practice that, when properly used and implemented using local knowledge, reduces land degradation and contributes to the conservation of the local resources. The economic analysis showing the costs and benefits of the applied systems is important to foster the integration and implementation of the recommended schemes and leads to more efficient planning through better decision making. The proposed interventions are designed to stimulate farmers to learn or rediscover grazing techniques, and to stimulate a re-think of priorities on the multi-faceted contribution of grazing agro-ecosystems, among others, on soil health, land degradation, sustainable grazing management and population conservation in LFAs, acknowledging the importance of pastureland regeneration. In the long term the introduction of the decision support manual and the business model will benefit the quality and management of grazing agroecosystems. Furthermore, it is essential to adjust the agricultural policies to implenent the proposed measures.

The evolution and ecomorphology of rodent craniomandibular apparatus have been extensively studied at a broad spatial scale. However, the question of how phenotypes and developmental instability interact with ecological pressures in human‐modified landscapes has been less explored. In this study, we test the influence of evolutionary history, diet, and habitat use on skull and mandible shape variation within a rodent community composed of eight cricetid species from an agroecosystem in central Argentina. We used geometric morphometrics, phylogenetic relationships, and ecological specializations in diet and habitat use to test the interplay between these factors. Our results indicated a strong phylogenetic signal for the symmetric components of the skull shape, but not for the mandible or asymmetric shapes. The strict insectivorous Oxymycterus rufus was the most phenotypically diverged within the rodent community. In general, more generalist species, both in terms of diet and habitat use, presented more phenotypic disparity (diversity) than specialists (e.g., strict insectivorous and natural and semi‐natural specialists) in craniomandibular shape variation. Dietary generalists and non‐strict granivores presented a tendency to show more skull asymmetric variation than non‐strict insectivores. These results suggest that generalist species exhibit higher levels of variation compared to specialist species, likely due to their wider range of responses to environmental stress. In cricetid species with similar ecological preferences, coexistence may thus be facilitated by morphological partitioning and developmental instability canalization based on dietary differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in land use affect the ecosystems integrity by modifying a wide variety of physical-chemical and biological aspects. The objective of this study was to compare physicochemical parameters and taxonomic and functional diversity of benthic macroinvertebrate communities between sites located in the plains of Tucuman province, in territories with agricultural use and reference sites with a greater forested area. Four sampling sites were selected: Río Chico and Río Marapa (forest use), and Río Balderrama and Río Seco (agricultural use). Between October and November 2017, physical and chemical variables of the water were measured with a multiparametric probe in the field, and the concentration of nutrients and ions was determined at the laboratory. Quantitative samples of benthic macroinvertebrates were collected with a D-net. For the functionality analysis, a table of four biological traits with their respective modalities, information that was coded using fuzzy methodology. The structure and composition of the assemblages were evaluated according to range-abundance curves. Environmental and biological data between sites were compared using multivariate analysis techniques. The sites subjected to agricultural use were characterized by higher nutrient values (phosphate, ammonium, and nitrate), lower dissolved oxygen values, less uniformity, Oligochaeta dominance and uniformity of biological traits. The reference sites reflected higher levels of dissolved oxygen and conductivity, greater evenness and greater variety of functional traits. The species richness was similar between the two types of cover. Replacement of forest cover by agriculture could affect the ecological diversity of rivers, even from a relatively low difference in coverage percentages. Due to the evidenced relationship between the types of cover, physical-chemical parameters of the water and the taxonomic and functional diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates, these organisms stand out as bioindicators of environmental quality of rivers in Tucumán plain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The history of weeds is closely intertwined with the development of agriculture. As early farmers began to select crops, weeds emerged as formidable competitors, evolving alongside them in a continuous struggle for survival. Over the past 23,000 years, while crops have been bred for human purposes, weeds have continuously adapted, thriving despite rigorous weed management practices. This coevolution highlights the remarkable ability of weeds to evolve rapidly, establishing them as true champions of adaptation. Herbicide resistance, in particular, exemplifies this phenomenon, with weeds developing both target-site resistance (TSR) through genetic mutations and non-target-site resistance (NTSR) through metabolic changes. Often, these mechanisms combine, resulting in heightened levels of resistance, especially within herbicide-resistant crop systems. The evolutionary success of weeds not only underscores their adaptability but also emphasizes their critical role in supporting biodiversity and ecosystem resilience, particularly in simplified agricultural landscapes. This chapter focuses on the evolution of weed management strategies and emphasizes the urgent need to transition to ecologically based weed management (E-bWM) approaches that balance productivity with sustainability, recognizing the ecological value of weeds in fostering resilient agricultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the diversity and functions of microbiomes in ancient agroecosystems of the Mixteca Alta Geopark (MAG). Microbiome analysis could provide insights into soil bacterial communities and their role in enhancing soil fertility, nutrient cycling, and plant growth. We used 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to identify key features in the composition of the microbiota of the Lama-bordo, Valley, and Terrace agroecosystems in MAG. Analysis of agroecosystem soils revealed 21 bacterial phyla, with Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Chloroflexi dominating. These microbial communities contribute to soil health, carbon cycling, and disease suppression. The study identified specific phylogroups and metabolic pathways associated with nutrient-rich environments like Lama-bordo and Valley, and nutrient-poor, sandy soils like Terrace. Soils from Lama-bordo and Valley were grouped due to microbiome similarity despite geographic separation, whereas Terrace soils differed. Nutrient-rich Lama-bordo and Valley soils host copiotrophic bacteria, while nutrient-poor Terrace soils favor oligotrophic species like Acidobacteria. Functional analysis of microbiomes reveals distinct metabolic pathways, including antibiotic biosynthesis (streptomycin, vancomycin) suggesting a role in plant disease resistance, amino acid pathways indicating active nitrogen cycling, and vitamin B5 and lipoic acid pathways contributing to energy metabolism and antioxidant functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural landscapes significantly impact biodiversity, particularly within vineyard ecosystems where the configuration of native vegetation and vineyard edges plays a pivotal role. This study investigated the structure of bird communities across vineyards, their edges, and adjacent native vegetation, utilizing generalized linear mixed models to analyze the influence of surrounding land covers at varying scales of 100 m and 1000 m radii across these three landscape types on bird richness and abundance and functional groups. The results highlight that native vegetation is crucial for supporting endemic bird species, with 41% of all observed species found across all three habitat types and a significant 66.7% shared between native vegetation and edge habitats. In particular, insectivores and carnivores, key to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem service provision, showed higher abundances in areas with extensive native vegetation, underscoring its vital role in maintaining ecological functions. Edges not only enhanced the general bird richness and abundance but also served as crucial habitats for granivores and omnivores, influencing ecosystem dynamics through changes in the trophic guild community structure. These findings underscore the importance of conserving native vegetation within vineyard landscapes to foster a diverse avian community that contributes to enhancing ecosystem services. These results provide an opportunity to intensify restoration initiatives on vineyard edges and enhance our understanding of how certain species adapt to agriculture. This can be considered a vital nature-based solution for sustainable agriculture, promoting biodiversity conservation alongside productive agroecological practices in vineyard ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In southern Tunisia, oases represent a central component of the landscape. Different types of habitats make up this agroecosystem, hence the importance of investigating their value for local avifauna. In this study, we collected data on bird occurrence and vegetation structure and composition in 1398 plots within 53 oases. The principal component analysis showed significant differences in vegetation structure and composition among the studied oases. Two axes (PC1 and PC2) were identified: one (PC1) represents a gradient of fruit tree dominance, and the other (PC2) characterizes the nature and representation of the herbaceous stratum. High PC1 scores are associated with oases dominated by date palm trees, while low PC1 scores indicate oases dominated by fruit trees other than date palms. High PC2 scores describe oases with a natural herbaceous layer, while low PC2 scores embody those with a cultivated herbaceous layer. Then, using the generalized linear mixed model, we assessed the effects of PC1 and PC2 on the occurrence of 17 breeding bird species. Four groups of bird species with contrasted ecological affinities were thus identified. The first group (represented by two species) was exclusively affected by the PC1 axis. The second group (eight species) was affected by the additive effect of PC1 and PC2. The third group (five species) depended on the interactive effect of PC1 and PC2, and finally, two species (fourth group) were neither dependent on PC1 nor PC2. Overall, our results highlight the pertinence of oasis habitat composition for predicting breeding bird occurrence that should be considered by oasis managers to promote biodiversity conservation in these Mediterranean agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrient circularity is an emerging concept that seeks to address the environmental problems and nutrient losses caused by agriculture and food consumption. The implementation of circular nutrient technologies and practices (CNTPs), that recover, reuse, and recycle nutrients from agricultural and urban waste is an important policy objective. Yet, which policies govern the adoption of CNTPs is not well defined. This study presents the first systematic review of impact evaluations of policy measures that aim to improve nutrient circularity regulating components of the biological cycle of the circular economy, particularly focusing on bioaccessible nutrients. The key CNTPs that were subject to existing impact evaluations were identified. CNTPs were categorized into nutrient circularity themes, with manure management emerging as a prominent focus. The reviewed studies implemented several methods to assess the impacts of policies on various dependent variables, associated with nutrient circularity. Economic simulation models and linear programming were the most prevalent methods for impact evaluation. Policy measures were labeled as either enabling or not-enabling nutrient circularity based on whether they sufficiently promoted nutrient circularity through facilitating the adoption of CNTPs, and controlling for soil, water and air health, preventing its contamination. It is concluded that incentive policies, harmonizing market support, tax incentives, and technological advancements, as well as coherence of local, national and cross-country legislation prove indispensable in steering the economic feasibility and sustainability of CNTPs, offering a promising avenue for progress and a transformative shift towards nutrient circularity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ants are a diverse and ecologically important group of insects that play vital roles in terrestrial ecosystems globally. In agricultural settings, they act as effective biocontrol agents against insect pests. Ants also serve as bioindicators of environmental health, reflecting changes in habitat and pollution. However, research on their diversity and population dynamics in cashew agroecosystems remains limited. Results: The sampling was conducted using a pitfall trap that targeted three sampling zones viz., under African weaver ants colonised (AWAC) cashew trees, AWA-uncolonised (AWAUC) ones, and buffer zones (BZ). A total of 14,004 ants from six subfamilies, 18 genera, and 32 species were sampled, with 7,686 sampled during season one and 630 sampled during season two. The study found significant differences in ant populations across sampled zones, which were significantly different in season one (F(2.107) = 5.4; P = 0.01) and season two (F(2.107) = 3.32; P = 0.04). However, more ants were sampled under AWAUC cashew trees compared to AWAC cashew trees and the BZ (F(2.74) = 4.46; P = 0.02) at Nyamato during season one. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index yielded comparable results to Margalef's species richness index for all three zones, which differed significantly in both seasons at Nyamato and season one at Chambezi. A SIMPER analysis showed an overall dissimilarity of 94.5% at Soga due to the presence of invasive species (Pheidole megacephala and Anoplolepis custodiens) and AWA, which was consistently observed across all the experimental sites. Conclusion: The variety and number of ant species in cashew agroecosystems are influenced by several factors, including the presence of dominant ant species and weeding practices. Promoting biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems is crucial for supporting beneficial insect populations and mitigating the risks posed by invasive ant species. Currently, there is no effective bait available for controlling these invasive ant species, indicating a need for further research to develop such bait. This would facilitate the foraging activities of other ant species, including beneficial ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on the riverbanks can improve our ability to monitor water quality and generate adequate management strategies. This research seeks insights into the riverbanks of eight Colastiné River Basin (Argentina) streams, which have been influenced by intensive agricultural land use for decades. We aim to (a) describe the temporal and spatial distribution patterns of riparian vegetation, (b) assess their current riparian quality through riverbank quality indices, and (c) estimate whether the riparian quality is linked to the water quality. Results of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) showed an increasing trend in the vegetation cover with seasonal periodicities during the last 22 years in only 2 streams. Overall, 41% of plant species registered were exotic although native species dominated in most streams. The overall riverbank quality, based on the mean values of four riverbank quality indexes, was regular-to-bad. The overall water quality of the streams was low and significantly correlated to the Riparian Quality Index, suggesting a link between both compartments. More studies are needed to determine the main variables that establish this connection. Further effort is also needed to generate appropriate indices for this region, as no current ones are still developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analysed basidiomycetous yeasts isolated from the phylloplane of crops and spontaneous plants in Italian agroecosystems. A total of 25 species belonging to 17 genera were recognized by analysing 83 isolates from vineyards and orchards, that are not treated with synthetic fungicides, and adjacent natural areas. Rhodotorula graminis and Filobasidium magnum were the most frequent species but 13 others were represented by a single isolate (e.g., Buckleyzyma salicina, Pseudozyma prolifica, and Moniliella megachiliensis). Preliminary analysis of (GTG)5-PCR fingerprinting revealed high genetic intraspecific heterogeneity. All isolates were characterized by their production of extracellular hydrolytic enzymes and their sensitivity to six commercial fungicides used in Italy. The isolates displayed great variability in these phenotypic traits, which play an important role in the survival of yeast populations in agroecosystems. Most of them exhibited lipolytic, proteolytic, β-glucosidase and pectinolytic activities, but only three (F. magnum, Kwoniella mangroviensis and Ps. prolifica) also had cellulolytic and amylolytic activity. Most isolates were sensitive to four fungicides, and one R. graminis isolate was resistant to all six. This heterogeneity was not related to the geographical origin of the isolates. The lack of selective factors (i.e. pesticide treatments) in the sampling fields and the presence of adjacent natural areas may have favored the maintenance of an elevated level of strain diversity. This study provides new information on phylloplane basidiomycetous yeasts in agroecosystems and opens the way to further investigations into the impact of agricultural practices on the microbial diversity of these natural habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastewater irrigation is often practiced in arid regions, which can increase the chance of heavy metals contaminating the agricultural system. This contamination poses risks to both the environment and human health. This research looked into how cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) move through a food chain involving soil, plants, and arthropods. The study was conducted in El-Gabal El-Asfar, Egypt, comparing treated and untreated wastewater irrigation areas. Six soil-irrigated sites and one reference site were sampled for soil, alfalfa (Medicago sativa), two grasshopper species (Aiolopus thalassinus and Calephorus compressicornis), and a wolf spider (Hogna ferox). The samples were analyzed for their heavy metal content. Metal concentrations in all components of the wastewater irrigated system were significantly higher compared to the reference site. The wolf spider and the soil contained the highest levels of Cd, Pb, and Cu, while the greatest concentrations of Zn were found in the spider and grasshoppers. Despite limited transfer from soil to plant, trace elements biomagnified within the terrestrial food chain, specifically from grasshoppers to wolf spiders. The correlation analysis of metal levels between soils, plants, and arthropods in the present study reflects its transfer across the trophic levels. It suggests that dietary intake is the main source of metal accumulation in arthropods. The present study, therefore, quite clearly indicated the possibility of heavy metal biomagnification in terrestrial food chains of wastewater-irrigated agroecosystems. Continuous monitoring and management of such systems are advocated to avoid environmental and public health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The debate over the best agricultural practices for biological conservation often focuses on the degree to which agricultural lands should be interspersed with desirable habitat versus protecting lands entirely from production. It is important to understand the benefits agriculture provides for wildlife because it is consuming an increasing proportion of the landscape. We evaluated the nesting ecology of breeding ducks within a mosaic of flood‐irrigated conservation areas and agricultural lands in hay production. We assessed how habitat features at two spatial scales across these lands were related to nest site selection, nest density, and nest survival of multiple duck species. Birds selected nest sites with higher visual obstruction, a higher proportion of shrubs around the nest, and less bare ground, but we did not detect evidence of selection per se at larger spatial scales. Nest density was marginally higher along linear features, including irrigation ditches and riparian stretches, but nest survival remained similar across land‐use types and habitats features. This system is representative of many agricultural landscapes around the globe and highlights the ways agroecosystems can be managed to maintain habitat suitability for wildlife on working lands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Simplified agricultural land with high chemical input is increasingly replacing natural habitats in many parts of the world. This loss and fragmentation of natural areas may have profound impacts on an array of wildlife, including predatory arthropods that provide natural biocontrol of agricultural pests. There is increasing interest in utilising short‐term seminatural habitat restoration in agricultural systems to support populations of beneficial organisms. We assessed the impact of two types of short‐term set‐asides on the diversity and abundance/activity density of phytophagous and predatory arthropods. We found that flower‐enhanced set‐asides supported higher abundances of both phytophagous and predatory arthropods compared to control crop fields. In addition, we found that both set‐aside types (flower enhanced and traditional) supported a more active and diverse community of beneficial predatory carabid beetles, with particularly strong trends in set‐asides supplemented with flowering plants. These results suggest that small‐scale, temporary, seminatural habitats in agricultural systems provide support for a diverse and abundant community of both beneficial and phytophagous arthropods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis study compared the weed suppression ability of a native cover crop species phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia), an introduced cover crop species rye (Secale cereale L.), and a no cover crop (herbicide‑managed) system in a vineyard. Cover crops were sown in the interrow spaces of the grapevine rows. Percent weed cover after the cover crop termination was lower in the interrow of the phacelia than the no cover crop plots. During the cover crop growing season, phacelia suppressed weeds more than rye. However, the weed seedbank of the cover crop plots was greater than that of the no cover crop plots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land degradation poses a significant global challenge, adversely affecting soil quality and diminishing the productivity of arable land, which, in turn, impacts food production and ecosystem services. This degradation manifests in various forms, including soil compaction, salinity, nutrient depletion, loss of biodiversity, and contamination, ultimately rendering soil unproductive and exacerbating climate change. Given the challenges arising from conventional farming practices and climate change, there is an urgent necessity to develop agricultural systems that not only enhance agronomic efficiency but also improve environmental performance. This study focuses on addressing food security in Africa by investigating the role of land restoration and biodiversity in sustainable food systems through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis for documents between 2010 to 2023, identifying 64 relevant documents. The analysis reveals insights into the most-cited documents and thematic evolution, underscoring the significant contributions from Ethiopia and advocating for collaborative efforts among African nations. Key themes identified include "climate change", "food security", "biodiversity conservation", and "agroecosystems", all highlighting the importance of sustainable agricultural practices. The study anticipates a continued prioritization of agroecosystems, smart agriculture, and biodiversity conservation to tackle food security challenges in the face of climate change. Collaboration, investment in research, and practical initiatives emerge as essential components for achieving sustainable food security and mitigating climate change impacts in Africa. This research provides valuable insights into the current landscape and future trends regarding the contributions of land restoration and biodiversity to food systems in Africa, emphasizing the critical need for concerted efforts to address these pressing issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trade-offs between soil functions hamper maximizing soil multifunctionality in agroecosystems. Taking soil microbial functional trade-offs into consideration in agricultural management is crucial for optimizing the impacts of changes in soil microbial communities on soil health in agroecosystems. Interactions within soil microbial communities influence functional trade-offs. Manipulating soil microbial diversity and interactions through soil health-improving management can alleviate functional trade-offs and improve soil health and agricultural sustainability. Better mechanistic understanding of the interdependencies between soil-induced functions is essential to improve soil health and agricultural sustainability. Soil microbial communities play pivotal roles in maintaining soil health in agroecosystems. However, how the delivery of multiple microbial functions in agroecosystems is maintained remains poorly understood. This may put us at risk of incurring unexpected trade-offs between soil functions. We elucidate how interactions between soil microbes can lead to trade-offs in the functioning of agricultural soils. Interactions within soil microbial communities can result in not only positive but also neutral and negative relationships among soil functions. Altering soil conditions through soil health-improving agricultural management can alleviate these functional trade-offs by promoting the diversity and interrelationships of soil microbes, which can help to achieve more productive and sustainable agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Huasteca region of Mexico, certain food plant species have been neglected due to public policies that have reduced support for family agriculture and favored the commercialization of processed and ultra-processed foods. It is important to identify and characterize these underutilized food plant species in the context of climate change and food and nutritional poverty. A survey was conducted among 45 participants in four rural localities, and field visits were carried out. The data obtained were analyzed thematically and through descriptive statistics. The study area is experiencing a progressive abandonment of species, resulting in a loss of germplasm and the traditional knowledge that underlies it. The reintroduction of these species into agroecosystems can be achieved by incorporating them into the local culinary practices. This will promote the resilience of agroecosystems and contribute to the food and nutritional security of society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity plays an essential role in vegetable agroecosystems, providing multiple benefits for soil health, natural pest control, and climate change adaptation. This article examines the role of biodiversity in vegetable cultivation and the impact of diversified agricultural practices on the sustainability and health of agroecosystems. The research methods were represented by: studying specialized and scientific literature, structuring the references on the topics of interest, critical evaluation of the ideas belonging to different authors, exposing our own ideas and drawing the main conclusions on the role played by biodiversity in vegetable culture in the sustainability of agroecosystems. The study shows that diversifying vegetable crops through species rotation, intercropping, the use of cover crops, and applying organic mulch is essential for maintaining biodiversity in agroecosystems. These methods contribute to soil health, reduce the need for chemical inputs, and enhance ecological stability. Thus, they represent effective solutions for promoting sustainable agriculture and a healthier, more balanced agricultural environment, offering a solid foundation for resilient and adaptable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey bees play a crucial role in agricultural production. Farmers rely on commercial bee pollination to obtain optimal yields, and beekeepers on the income from pollination fees. However, commercial pollination confronts honey bees with pests and pathogens, pesticides, and low-quality food, which in many cases do not fulfill the minimal nutritional requirements of honey bees. In this work, we evaluated honey bee nutrition in avocado and blueberry plantations under organic and conventional management, by assessing the nutritional quality of pollen and bee bread based on their protein, fatty acid, and microbial content, and by analyzing honey bee health through the examination of abdominal fatty acid profiles and head protein content. Low protein content in honey bee hemolymph was evident under conventional management. Regardless of management, avocado pollen showed higher protein levels, which were translated into higher honey bee head protein levels being 60% higher in avocado under conventional management when compared to blueberry under the same management. However, higher protein levels in avocado pollen were also translated into lower amounts of fatty acids in bee bread and in honey bee fat. In particular, the total amount of fatty acids in bee bread from conventional management was 50% lower than that from organic management. Additionally, the saturated fatty acids in conventional blueberries were lower compared to that of organic blueberries. Crop system and bee bread microbial composition altered the plant-honey bee nutrition cascades transforming pollen to bee bread with increased amount of saturated, unsaturated, and total fatty acids. In conclusion, both crop species and crop systems determine honey bee nutrition through alterations in the pollen transformation, affecting protein and fatty acid assimilation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nativa is the property of Revista Nativa and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Soil is a key component of the ecosystem, providing a number of useful services to humans. Many driving factors threaten the sustainable functioning of soils, and therefore the entire agroecosystem. This article discusses soil indicators for studying the state of agroecosystems. A list of methods and the course of work are given in detail. Soil research allows for rational use of the sowing area, makes it possible to observe changes in the composition and properties of the soil, obtain data on the amount of nutrients available to the plant and its fertility, and helps to choose suitable seeds and fertilizers. The results of the analysis and recommendations of a specialist allow you to determine the best time for sowing and get a larger harvest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The “Future_Global_AI_PET Database” provides high-resolution (30 arc-seconds) average annual and monthly global estimates of potential evapotranspiration (PET) and aridity index (AI) for 22 CMIP6 Earth System Models for two future (2021–2041; 2041–2060) and two historical (1960–1990; 1970–2000) time periods, for each of four shared socio-economic pathways (SSP). Three multimodel ensemble averages are also provided (All; Majority Consensus, High Risk) with different level of risks linked to climate model uncertainty. An overview of the methodological approach, geospatial implementation and a technical evaluation of the results is provided. Historical results were compared for technical validation with weather station data (PET: r 2 = 0.72; AI: r 2 = 0.91) and the CRU_TS v 4.04 dataset (PET: r 2 = 0.67; AI: r 2 = 0.80). Within the context of projected significant change in the near- and medium-term, the “Future_Global_AI_PET Database” provides a set of data projections and tools available for a variety of scientific and practical applications, illustrating trends and magnitude of predicted climatic and eco-hydrological impacts on terrestrial ecosystems. The Future_Global_AI_PET Database is archived in the ScienceDB repository and available online at: https://doi.org/10.57760/sciencedb.nbsdc.00086

Abstract Bats are acknowledged as suppliers of essential ecosystem services such as insect pest control in agroecosystems. Little is known, however, on how bat assemblages respond to the gradients imposed by anthropogenic landscapes and farming practices and how these environmental effects translate into changes in bat foraging. In this study, we use cider apple crop in northern Spain as a model to address the filtering effects of landscape composition and orchard management on, simultaneously, quantitative and qualitative characteristics of bat local assemblages and their foraging activity. For that, we carried out acoustic monitoring of bats and sampled pest moth abundance across a wider range of apple orchards covering different landscape contexts and local management conditions. We found that bat assemblages markedly varied across orchards, according mostly to landscape composition gradients but with contrasting landscape effects on different assemblage characteristics. Namely, higher levels of rural urbanization and lower cover of seminatural woody habitats around orchards promoted bat total activity and the number of bat species/species complexes. However, this also altered bat assemblage composition, increasing dominance by the most abundant species, and decreased bat functional diversity. Additionally, a greater cover of apple tree canopy within the orchards decreased bat total activity. Landscape gradients led into predictable variations of bat foraging activity, suggesting a potential persistence of pest control services even in landscapes with limited seminatural habitat cover. The present study highlights the differential responses of bat assemblages to apple crop landscape and orchard‐scale conditions, hindering the establishment of straightforward management guidelines. Further analysis on the relationship between bat assemblage characteristics and pest control is necessary to understand how ecosystem services can be promoted through management in the apple agroecosystem.

Cocoa agroforestry systems (AFS) provide multiple ecosystem services, which are influenced by features of the shade tree community. By strategically selecting and managing shade trees based on their functional traits, cocoa farmers can affect functional diversity of AFS and potentially enhance the benefits they deliver. In this research, we applied functional trait ecology to better understand the effect of functional diversity of cocoa AFS on three ecosystem services: carbon storage, soil fertility, and provisioning of cocoa and other products. To achieve this, we characterized 30 AFS across a gradient of ecological complexity and established relationships between functional diversityw indices and ecosystem services using ANOVA and multiple regression models. As a result, two contrasting ecological dynamics were observed: low-complexity AFS, dominated by resource-conservative traits (higher leaf dry matter content, higher stem specific density, and low leaf nitrogen concentration), were associated with lower carbon stocks and soil fertility, while high-complexity AFS, characterized by resource-acquisitive traits (low leaf dry matter content, low stem specific density, and high leaf nitrogen concentration), delivered greater ecosystem services. Through the multiple regression analysis, we found that AFS dominated by species with greater maximum potential height, greater leaf nitrogen concentration, lower leaf dry matter content, lower leaf mass per area, and lower leaf nitrogen-phosphorus ratio were associated with higher carbon storage (R2 = 0.84), soil fertility (R2 = 0.7 for soil nitrogen), and multiple ecosystem services (R2 = 0.78). Additionally, cocoa yields were negatively correlated with shade cover and the dominance of large-leaf shade trees, revealing a potential trade-off between maximizing yields and enhancing ecosystem services. Nevertheless, the models indicated that a win-win scenario can be achieved when shade trees are productive, generating additional benefits. Finally, our study highlights critical relationships between shade tree traits and delivery of key ecosystem services for farm sustainability and farmer livelihoods.

Soil mesofauna plays a key role in maintaining soil health by supporting the decomposition of organic matter, nutrient cycling and the maintenance of soil structure. In this study of Slovenian agricultural ecosystems, we used four modifications of the QBS index, a soil biological quality index based on soil mesofauna. We compared diversity in arable fields under different tillage intensities, a strawberry field and an orchard, managed with either organic or integrated pest management methods (IPM). The results show significant differences in the mesofaunal communities in the soil. Minimum tillage promoted higher biodiversity, especially of Collembola, compared to conventional tillage. In fruit production systems, the ratio of Collembola to Acarina differed from that of arable fields, skewing in favour of Collembola, possibly related to the use of copper-containing pesticides in organic orchards and systemic herbicides in IPM systems. The QBS index values for soil health varied considerably between systems. Only QBS modifications considering the abundances of organisms (QBS-ab and QBS-a) were able to distinguish between different system-management groups. This study provides insights into the limitations of the originally proposed QBS-ar index to discern the effects of farming intensity on the soil mesofaunal community. Results suggest that minimum tillage and organic management practices can promote healthier soil ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of sustainable soil management for the promotion of soil biodiversity. Future research should aim to incorporate a broader range of agricultural practices and assign fauna to a higher taxonomic rank to further explain the effects on soil mesofauna diversity.