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Research on mammals provides the evidence base for their conservation, management and related policy. We assess the effect of study choices on the composition of this evidence base. We derived species h-index ( SHI) for 67 breeding terrestrial mammals from 2305 publications based on field research carried out in England, Scotland and Wales. Native species had higher SHI than introduced species, but SHI was not related to the level of species conservation concern. SHI was positively related to geographical range and/or population size and to functional group: large herbivores had higher SHI, then carnivores, rodents, small herbivores, bats and insectivores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EU, UK, US, and other nations consider wood to be a carbon neutral fuel, ignoring the carbon dioxide emitted from wood combustion in their greenhouse gas accounting. Many countries subsidize wood energy – often by burning wood pellets in place of coal for electric power – to meet their renewable energy targets. But can wood bioenergy help cut greenhouse emissions in time to limit the worst damage from climate change? The argument in favor seems obvious: wood, a renewable resource, must be better than burning fossil fuels. But wood emits more carbon dioxide per kilowatt-hour than coal – and far more than other fossil fuels. Therefore, the first impact of wood bioenergy is to increase the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, worsening climate change. Forest regrowth might eventually remove that extra carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but regrowth is uncertain and takes time – decades to a century or more, depending on forest composition and climatic zone – time we do not have to cut emissions enough to avoid the worst harms from climate change. More effective ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions are already available and affordable now, allowing forests to continue to serve as carbon sinks and moderate climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the UK government emphasizes the pivotal role of sustainable bioenergy in electricity, transportation, and heating. However, challenges persist in handling biomass particulate solids in production facilities, leading to economic impacts. This study investigates the flow characteristics of stemwood chips from four tree species using a novel drum chipper. Experimental analyses include bulk density measurements, silo discharge studies, biomass flow property assessments, and wall friction measurements. Comparative analyses are performed using Jenike's procedure for building wedge-shaped silos, with a focus on predicting the critical opening size to prevent arching. Additionally, the paper delves into the creation of statistical models aimed at identifying key factors influencing the flow behaviour during silo discharge. Emphasis is placed on understanding potential discrepancies between theoretical predictions and experimental results concerning critical silo openings for arch-free discharge. The results contribute to understanding the factors influencing the flow behaviour of wood chips, informing silo design considerations. Our findings suggest limitations in applying traditional silo design methods, urging further research for more accurate predictions. [Display omitted] • A novel drum chipper was utilised to generate wood chips from several tree species. • Wood chips' flow characteristics were tested with a biomass-specific shear tester. • Critical arching conditions were experimentally measured with a wedge-shaped hopper. • Based on statistical model, chips property cause Jenike and experiment disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detecting biodiversity change and identifying its causes is challenging because biodiversity is multifaceted and temporal data often contain bias. Here, we model temporal change in species' abundance and biomass by using extensive data describing the population sizes and trends of native breeding birds in the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU). In addition, we explore how species' population trends vary with species' traits. We demonstrate significant change in the bird assemblages of the UK and EU, with substantial reductions in overall bird abundance and losses concentrated in a relatively small number of abundant and smaller sized species. By contrast, rarer and larger birds had generally fared better. Simultaneously, overall avian biomass had increased very slightly in the UK and was stable in the EU, indicating a change in community structure. Abundance trends across species were positively correlated with species' body mass and with trends in climate suitability, and varied with species' abundance, migration strategy and niche associations linked to diet. Our work highlights how changes in biodiversity cannot be captured easily by a single number; care is required when measuring and interpreting biodiversity change given that different metrics can provide very different insights. This article is part of the theme issue 'Detecting and attributing the causes of biodiversity change: needs, gaps and solutions'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A pioneering, quantitative study published in Journal of Animal Ecology in 1966 on freshwater mussel populations in the River Thames, UK, continues to be cited extensively as evidence of the major contribution that mussels make to benthic biomass and ecosystem functioning in global river ecosystems.Ecological alteration, as well as declines in freshwater mussel populations elsewhere, suggest that changes to mussel populations in the River Thames are likely to have occurred over the half century since this study.We resurveyed the site reported in Negus (1966) and quantified the changes in mussel population density, species composition, growth patterns and productivity.We found large declines in population density for all unionid species. The duck mussel Anodonta anatina decreased to 1.1% of 1964 density. The painter's mussel Unio pictorum fell to 3.2% of 1964 density. The swollen river mussel Unio tumidus showed statistically nonsignificant declines. In contrast to 1964, in 2020 we found no living specimens of the depressed river mussel Pseudanodonta complanata (classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List) but found new records of the invasive, nonnative zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha and Asian clam Corbicula fluminea. Additionally, we found strong decreases in size‐at‐age for all species, which now grow to 65–90% of maximum lengths in 1964. As a result of reduced density and size, estimated annual biomass production fell to 7.5% of 1964 levels.Since mussels can be important to ecosystem functioning, providing key regulating and provisioning services, the declines we found imply substantial degradation of freshwater ecosystem services in the River Thames, one of the UK's largest rivers. Our study also highlights the importance to conservationists and ecologists of updating and validating assumptions and data about wild populations, which in the present era of anthropogenic ecosystem alteration are undergoing significant and rapid changes. Regular population surveys of key species are essential to maintain an accurate picture of ecosystem health and to guide management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic digestion (AD) presence is emerging in the UK because it has numerous environmental benefits as a waste management strategy and produces valuable biogas. This work shows that up to 5.5% of UK primary energy could be met by biogas, representing 14.4% of gas consumption. Fuel cells (FCs) are the most efficient and environmentally benign energy convertor of any device of equivalent scale and in addition are well suited for biogas utilization, which has worldwide led to the emergence of numerous integrated commercial applications. Thus, biogas coupling with fuel cells is proposed as a unique and virtuous AD scheme. A techno-economic model has been developed for the two types of AD plants with the highest development prospects in the UK, namely livestock and food waste plants, whose performance and feasibility at different scales are scrutinized under several policy scenarios, some of which incorporate supportive mechanisms for the introduction of FCs. Results confirm that conventional AD projects can already be profitable in the current market environment, while projects involving FCs proved environmentally superior, virtually suppressing harmful pollutant emissions and decreasing the CO2 emissions from using grid electricity and natural gas, at a reasonable avoided carbon cost in the best suited cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To help meet greenhouse gas mitigation targets perennial biomass crops will need to be planted at large scales and at a much greater pace over the coming decades. Miscanthus is a leading biomass crop but rapid upscaling is technically challenging due to costly and time‐consuming clonal propagation. Seed‐based hybrids are considered a viable route to rapid upscaling, but direct sowing has not been found feasible under temperate climate conditions due to high thermal requirements for germination and slow early plant development compared with larger seeded annuals. Seed‐based plug plants, initially propagated in greenhouses, provide a suitable route to improve field establishment. Here, we describe an input optimization experiment for seeded Miscanthus plugs raised for spring planting in a naturally lit greenhouse with the following treatments: supplemental heat to maintain a minimum of 15°C, supplemental predawn light from modern LEDs at PPFD 300–400 μmol m−2 s−1, two proprietary types of compost (known as 50k and 70k), and two compost volumes (35 and 15 cm3). Our results showed that variations in all four factors had significant effects on above‐ and belowground biomass: (i) supplemental heat increased root‐to‐shoot ratio, (ii) supplemental light increased total biomass and root‐to‐shoot ratio, (iii) compost type affected total biomass and (iv) compost volume was positively correlated with total biomass and stem base diameter. No factor had a significant effect on axillary shoot formation. We recommend nurseries in the United Kingdom use LEDs as predawn supplemental light but no supplemental heat, compost that has both good water‐holding capacity and aeration, and a larger compost volume, which provided optimized cost‐plug resilience for spring‐sown, seed‐based Miscanthus plug production. Miscanthus is a leading biomass crop for greenhouse gas mitigation, but upscaling is challenging due to costly clonal propagation. Seed‐based plug plants provide a suitable alternative. Here, we describe an input optimization experiment for seeded Miscanthus plugs raised for spring planting in a naturally lit greenhouse with the following treatments: supplemental heat, supplemental predawn light, two proprietary types of compost, and two compost volumes. We recommend UK nurseries use LEDs as predawn supplemental light, no supplemental heat, compost with good water‐holding capacity and aeration, and a larger compost volume towards optimized costs for Miscanthus plug production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoplankton biomass data often involve zero outcomes preventing a description by continuous distributions with positive support such as the lognormal distribution commonly used to describe ecological data. Two usual solutions: ignoring the zeroes and adding a small positive number to all outcomes, induce bias and reduce predictive power. To address these shortcomings, we design a Bayesian two-part model with a binary component for presence or absence and a continuous component involving a lognormal model for non-zero biomass. We specify two equations relating species-specific occurrence probabilities and expected log-biomasses when present to potential covariates, with spike-and-slab priors imposed on linear effects to selectively discard the irrelevant predictors. We analyze the biomass data of 74 phytoplankton (57 diatoms and 17 dinoflagellates) recorded weekly at Station L4 (Western English Channel, UK) between April 2003 and December 2009, along with measurements of abiotic covariates. Our results disclose different combinations of environmental predictors for the occurrence and the biomass of individual species. Overall, the occurrence of dinoflagellates is associated with higher temperature and irradiance levels compared to diatoms, with virtually no dependence on nutrient concentrations. Irradiance emerges as the key predictor of biomass when species are present. Optimum temperatures for biomass accumulation and temperature sensitivities vary widely among and within functional types. Compared to one-stage models based on usual zero-handling approaches, our two-part model stands out with higher prediction accuracy. The two-part modeling approach provides a valuable framework for decoupling the predictors of species occurrence and abundance from observational data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents an investigation into combustion gas composition and deposit formation obtained by co-firing mixtures of cereal co-product (CCP) with a UK coal (Daw Mill) in a 100kWth pilot-scale pulverised fuel (PF) combustion test rig operating at a feed rate of ∼7.5–11.2kg/h. The biomass additions to the coal were at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100wt.%. A high resolution multi-component Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) gas analyser was used to monitor the combustion gas stream for CO2, O2, H2O, SO2, CO, NO, NO2, N2O and HCl. It was observed that increasing the share of CCP in the fuel mixtures resulted in a reduction of SOx and HCl, due to the lower sulphur and chlorine contents of the biomass. Deposit formation in co-firing conditions was also studied on air-cooled probes (with surface temperatures of ∼500, 600 and 700°C) to simulate the superheater/reheater surface conditions in a conventional pulverised fuel boiler. The deposition flux on the upsteam, sidestream and downstream of the probes were measured. The deposition flux on the upstream surfaces showed a decrease with an increasing biomass content in the fuel. Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterise the deposits. Chlorine was found in all three probes when the CCP was fired without any coal addition, suggesting formation of alkali chlorides through condensation on cooler surfaces (also confirmed by XRD analysis). The study highlights the complex relationship between the fuel mixtures and compositions of the combustion gas streams, as well as deposition fluxes and deposit compositions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: There has been a growing interest in liquid biofuels during the recent years due to concerns about security of energy supply and global climate change. Targets have been set throughout the globe for blending biofuels into conventional petroleum fuels. In this paper, an optimisation framework for the strategic design of a hybrid first/second generation ethanol supply chain is presented. The model seeks to address sustainability issues such as the use of food crops, land use requirements of second generation crops and competition for biomass with other sectors. The applicability of the model is demonstrated with a case study of ethanol production in the UK. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper is concerned with the biomechanical properties of the emergent aquatic macrophyte, Sparganium erectum. We present observations of adjustments in the physical characteristics and biomechanical properties of S. erectum during the growing season (April–November) from the River Blackwater, UK. When a pulling device is attached to plant stems to measure their resistance to uprooting, individual plants show remarkable strength in their above- and below-ground biomass (median stem strength when stems break away from the underground biomass, 78N, median rhizome strength, 39N) and high resistance to uprooting (median uprooting resistance when entire plants uproot, 114N). This provides the potential for the species to protect and reinforce the generally soft, silty sediments that it often retains and within which its rhizomes and roots develop in lower energy river environments. There is a propensity for plant stems to break before the plant is uprooted at the beginning and end of the growth season, but for the stems to have sufficient strength in mid season for plant uprooting to dominate. This ensures that rhizome and root systems remain relatively undisturbed at times when the silty sediments in which they grow are poorly protected by above-ground biomass. In contrast, rhizome strength remains comparatively invariant through the growing season, supporting the plant''s potential to have a protective/reinforcing effect on fine sediments through the winter when above ground biomass is absent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Biomass from lignocellulosic energy crops can contribute to primary energy supply in the short term in heat and electricity applications and in the longer term in transport fuel applications. This paper estimates the optimal feedstock allocation of herbaceous and woody lignocellulosic energy crops for England and Wales based on empirical productivity models. Yield maps for Miscanthus, willow and poplar, constrained by climatic, soil and land use factors, are used to estimate the potential resource. An energy crop supply–cost curve is estimated based on the resource distribution and associated production costs. The spatial resource model is then used to inform the supply of biomass to geographically distributed demand centres, with co-firing plants used as an illustration. Finally, the potential contribution of energy crops to UK primary energy and renewable energy targets is discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper reports an integrated appraisal of options for utilising solid recovered fuels (SRF) (derived from municipal solid waste, MSW) in energy intensive industries within the United Kingdom (UK). Four potential co-combustion scenarios have been identified following discussions with industry stakeholders. These scenarios have been evaluated using (a) an existing energy and mass flow framework model, (b) a semi-quantitative risk analysis, (c) an environmental assessment and (d) a financial assessment. A summary of results from these evaluations for the four different scenarios is presented. For the given ranges of assumptions; SRF co-combustion with coal in cement kilns was found to be the optimal scenario followed by co-combustion of SRF in coal-fired power plants. The biogenic fraction in SRF (ca. 70%) reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions significantly (∼2500g CO2 eqvt./kg DS SRF in co-fired cement kilns and ∼1500g CO2 eqvt./kg DS SRF in co-fired power plants). Potential reductions in electricity or heat production occurred through using a lower calorific value (CV) fuel. This could be compensated for by savings in fuel costs (from SRF having a gate fee) and grants aimed at reducing GHG emission to encourage the use of fuels with high biomass fractions. Total revenues generated from coal-fired power plants appear to be the highest (£95/t SRF) from the four scenarios. However overall, cement kilns appear to be the best option due to the low technological risks, environmental emissions and fuel cost. Additionally, cement kiln operators have good experience of handling waste derived fuels. The scenarios involving co-combustion of SRF with MSW and biomass were less favourable due to higher environmental risks and technical issues. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper compares conditions and costs for RES-E grid connection in selected European countries. These are Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Austria, Lithuania and Slovenia. Country specific case studies are presented for wind onshore and offshore, biomass and photovoltaic power systems, as based on literature reviews and stakeholder interviews. It is shown that, especially for wind offshore, the allocation of grid connection costs can form a significant barrier for the installation of new RES-E generation if the developer has to bear all such costs. If energy policy makers want to reduce the barriers for new large-scale RES-E deployment, then it is concluded that the grid connection costs should be covered by the respective grid operator. These costs may then be recouped by increasing consumer tariffs for the use of the grid. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Apart from the major health impact, Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) has impacted almost all sectors across the world. One of them is food, Fruit and Vegetable Markets (FVM). Lockdown implementation had different impacts in different countries, like Canada and the United Kingdom (UK) where they have logistics and supply chain of food, fruits and vegetable items and noted a shift in supply from food service to the retail channel, although the fresh food supply remains unaffected. A similar trend was seen in the metro cities of India, where online shopping has increased. In the food supply sector, both retailers and farmers had to face difficulty in storing, transporting, and selling of the goods and had to bear losses due to increased wastage. Although with an increased demand, organic farming has increased but still increased expenditure, less yield, and selling of the products are the major challenges in front of them. Food, fruit and vegetable wastes have considerably reduced at the food supply due to the obvious impact of lockdown on food supplies, however, a shortage of cold storages and supply chain at the farmer level in developing countries has resulted in more wastage. Developed countries reported increased illegal dumping of wastes in the rural areas and the stoppage of the recycling services due to the lockdown. Also, a shift in the habits of the consumer due to health and food-related issues has been seen throughout the world resulting in reduced waste generation at the consumer level. Despite all this, agricultural producer and the retail industry appears to be best placed to weather the storm. The major challenges related to the industry are sustainability in the food chain and maintaining smooth logistics and necessary precautionary measures in the event of health crises in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most European countries have committed to ambitious emissions reduction goals. Energy generation in particular is responsible for more than 30% of global emissions, where significant focus has been placed on renewable energy generation, including biomass. On the one hand, there are countries, like the UK, where the biomass stock is insufficient to meet the demand; on the other hand, there are countries, like Brazil, where the stock significantly exceeds the demand. To promote a natural symbiosis, it is necessary to take on the challenge of transporting biomass through long distances in an environmentally and economically efficient manner. This paper aims to assess the efficiency of alternative pathways of international biomass supply-chains. The alternatives involve different biomass origin regions, transportation modes, export ports and processing technologies, including torrefaction. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) has been used for the first time to assess the efficiency of the alternative biomass supply chain pathways in a Latin American context, considering multiple-criteria relating to economic and environmental performance simultaneously, such as the biomass delivered cost, the environmental impact and the fossil energy consumption. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis was performed to analyse the robustness of the results under uncertainty in parameter values. The DEA approach presented can assist the process of planning biomass sourcing and improve decision-making under multiple decision criteria. The results can support medium- and long-term strategic decisions for decision- and policy-makers. • Efficiency assessment of biomass supply chain pathways between Brazil and the UK. • 56 alternative pathways considered with different supply chain structure. • Data Envelopment Analysis used for multi-criteria efficiency assessment. • Results can support decision and policy making. • Trade-offs between different criteria identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eucalyptus has been identified as a genus with potential for short rotation forestry in the UK. This article assesses the suitability of Eucalyptus for biomass production. The first part of the article compares Eucalyptus nitens and Eucalyptus gunnii against short rotation forestry (SRF) species proposed by Hardcastle (A review of the impacts of short-rotation forestry, LTS International, Edinburgh, 2006), while the second part discusses limitations to the growing of eucalypts in the UK and how they may be overcome. Eucalypts compare favourably with other tree species in the UK in terms of rapid growth (up to 30 m3 ha−1 y−1) over short rotations of 10–15 years. The only genus that is potentially as productive in the UK is Nothofagus. Furthermore, most species will readily coppice, enabling regeneration after damage and avoiding the costs of replanting. The wood characteristics compare positively with other SRF species, exhibiting a moderate wood density, but limitations are a relatively high moisture and chlorine content. Many of the SRF species listed in Hardcastle (2006) are now damaged or under threat from damage by exotic pests or diseases. Eucalypts are currently relatively free from such damage. It is cold temperatures that most limits the use of eucalypts in the UK. Eucalypts, particularly when young are vulnerable to damage from cold weather events, particularly when temperatures drop rapidly. However, the risk can be reduced by planting appropriate species and provenances, facilitating rapid growth as smaller trees are more vulnerable and by focusing on species that coppice following damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land-use change can have significant impacts on soil and aboveground carbon (C) stocks and there is a clear need to identify sustainable land uses which maximize C mitigation potential. Land-use transitions from agricultural to bioenergy crops are increasingly common in Europe with one option being Short Rotation Forestry ( SRF). Research on the impact on C stocks of the establishment of SRF is limited, but given the potential for this bioenergy crop in temperate climates, there is an evident knowledge gap. Here, we examine changes in soil C stock following the establishment of SRF using combined short (30 cm depth) and deep (1 m depth) soil cores at 11 sites representing 29 transitions from agriculture to SRF. We compare the effects of tree species including 9 coniferous, 16 broadleaved and 4 Eucalyptus transitions. SRF aboveground and root biomass were also estimated in 15 of the transitions using tree mensuration data allowing assessments of changes in total ecosystem C stock. Planting coniferous SRF, compared to broadleaved and Eucalyptus SRF, resulted in greater accumulation of litter and overall increased soil C stock relative to agricultural controls. Though broadleaved SRF had no overall effect on soil C stock, it showed the most variable response suggesting species-specific effects and interactions with soil types. While Eucalyptus transitions induced a reduction in soil C stocks, this was not significant unless considered on a soil mass basis. Given the relatively young age and limited number of Eucalyptus plantations, it is not possible to say whether this reduction will persist in older stands. Combining estimates of C stocks from different ecosystem components (e.g., soil, aboveground biomass) reinforced the accumulation of C under coniferous SRF, and indicates generally positive effects of SRF on whole-ecosystem C. These results fill an important knowledge gap and provide data for modelling of future scenarios of LUC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benthic biomass size spectra (BSS) and normalized biomass size spectra were constructed, and benthic secondary production was estimated by a size spectrum equation in the shallow waters in the East China Sea, ranging latitudinally from 40°N to 29°N. The BSS patterns were bimodal, two biomass peaks corresponding to meiofauna and macrofauna, respectively, separated by a trough of low biomass at 8-256 μg individual dry weight which varied in position with median sediment particle size. The BSS also displayed bimodality within meiofauna size ranges, which in most stations was due to the relative proportions of nematodes and other meiofauna taxa. Re-analysis of data from sites in the UK, South Africa, and Antarctic showed a similar bimodality in the adult species body size distribution within the meiofauna size range. Macrofaunal production estimated by the size spectrum equation was very similar to the results of Brey90 empirical equation. However, these production values were much lower than those calculated by Brey01. Different individual dry-to-wet conversion ratios, temperature deviation, and macrofauna taxonomic composition might be responsible for the between-model differences. The macrofaunal P/ B ratios calculated by this equation ranged from 0.3 to 3.4 which were in accordance with values from Northern Hemisphere mid-latitudes. Meiofaunal production estimates will need further empirical support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A typical way to quantify aboveground carbon in forests is to measure tree diameters and use species-specific allometric equations to estimate biomass and carbon stocks. Using "citizen scientists" to collect data that are usually time-consuming and labor-intensive can play a valuable role in ecological research. However, data validation, such as establishing the sampling error in volunteer measurements, is a crucial, but little studied, part of utilizing citizen science data. The aims of this study were to (1) evaluate the quality of tree diameter and height measurements carried out by volunteers compared to expert scientists and (2) estimate how sensitive carbon stock estimates are to these measurement sampling errors. Using all diameter data measured with a diameter tape, the volunteer mean sampling error (difference between repeated measurements of the same stem) was 9.9 mm, and the expert sampling error was 1.8 mm. Excluding those sampling errors >1 cm, the mean sampling errors were 2.3 mm (volunteers) and 1.4 mm (experts) (this excluded 14% [volunteer] and 3% [expert] of the data). The sampling error in diameter measurements had a small effect on the biomass estimates of the plots: a volunteer (expert) diameter sampling error of 2.3 mm (1.4 mm) translated into 1.7% (0.9%) change in the biomass estimates calculated from species-specific allometric equations based upon diameter. Height sampling error had a dependent relationship with tree height. Including height measurements in biomass calculations compounded the sampling error markedly; the impact of volunteer sampling error on biomass estimates was ±15%, and the expert range was ±9%. Using dendrometer bands, used to measure growth rates, we calculated that the volunteer (vs. expert) sampling error was 0.6 mm (vs. 0.3 mm), which is equivalent to a difference in carbon storage of ±0.011 kg C/yr (vs. ±0.002 kg C/yr) per stem. Using a citizen science model for monitoring carbon stocks not only has benefits in educating and engaging the public in science, but as demonstrated here, can also provide accurate estimates of biomass or forest carbon stocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of nitrogen (N) fertilization (0-150 kg N ha year since 1865) and pH (3.3-7.4) on fungal and bacterial growth, biomass and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) composition were investigated in grassland soils from the 'Park Grass Experiment', Rothamsted Research, UK. Bacterial growth decreased and fungal growth increased with lower pH, resulting in a 50-fold increase in the relative importance of fungi between pH 7.4 and 3.3. The PLFA-based fungal : bacterial biomass ratio was unchanged between pH 4.5 and 7.4, and decreased only below pH 4.5. Respiration and substrate-induced respiration biomass both decreased three- to fourfold with lower pH, but biomass concentrations estimated using PLFAs were unaffected by pH. N fertilization did not affect bacterial growth and marginally affected fungal growth while PLFA biomass marker concentrations were all reduced by higher N additions. Respiration decreased with higher N application, suggesting a reduced quality of the soil organic carbon. The PLFA composition was strongly affected by both pH and N. A comparison with a pH gradient in arable soil allowed us to generalize the pH effect between systems. There are 30-50-fold increases in the relative importance of fungi between high (7.4-8.3) and low (3.3-4.5) pH with concomitant reductions of respiration by 30-70%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The atmospheric component of the United Kingdom’s new High-resolution Global Environmental Model (HiGEM) has been run with interactive aerosol schemes that include biomass burning and mineral dust. Dust emission, transport, and deposition are parameterized within the model using six particle size divisions, which are treated independently. The biomass is modeled in three nonindependent modes, and emissions are prescribed from an external dataset. The model is shown to produce realistic horizontal and vertical distributions of these aerosols for each season when compared with available satellite- and ground-based observations and with other models. Combined aerosol optical depths off the coast of North Africa exceed 0.5 both in boreal winter, when biomass is the main contributor, and also in summer, when the dust dominates. The model is capable of resolving smaller-scale features, such as dust storms emanating from the Bodélé and Saharan regions of North Africa and the wintertime Bodélé low-level jet. This is illustrated by February and July case studies, in which the diurnal cycles of model variables in relation to dust emission and transport are examined. The top-of-atmosphere annual mean radiative forcing of the dust is calculated and found to be globally quite small but locally very large, exceeding 20 W m−2 over the Sahara, where inclusion of dust aerosol is shown to improve the model radiative balance. This work extends previous aerosol studies by combining complexity with increased global resolution and represents a step toward the next generation of models to investigate aerosol–climate interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. For the first time, long-term changes in total aerial insect biomass have been estimated for a wide area of Southern Britain. 2. Various indices of biomass were created for standardised samples from four of the Rothamsted Insect Survey 12.2 m tall suction traps for the 30 years from 1973 to 2002. 3. There was a significant decline in total biomass at Hereford but not at three other sites: Rothamsted, Starcross and Wye. 4. For the Hereford samples, many insects were identified at least to order level, some to family or species level. These samples were then used to investigate the taxa involved in the decline in biomass at Hereford. 5. The Hereford samples were dominated by large Diptera, particularly Dilophus febrilis, which showed a significant decline in abundance. 6. Changes in agricultural practice that could have contributed to the observed declines are discussed, as are potential implications for farmland birds, with suggestions for further work to investigate both cause and effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to monitor and relate seasonal Al, Si and transition metal (Mn, Fe, Ni and Cu) concentrations in lake water and phytoplankton within an unpolluted lake. Lake water concentrations of Al and Mn showed seasonal (high winter–low summer) variation. The clear annual correlation pattern had significant links among transition metals, but not Si–Al. Within phytoplankton biomass, separate analyses of acid (soluble) and carbonate (insoluble) constituents showed that most elements (Si, Ni, Cu and Fe) occurred in bound form, but insoluble Al and Mn concentrations were <50% total. Diatom abundance was characterised by high Si and low Al biomass concentration, with substantial amounts of Si also occurring during phases of blue-green dominance. The elemental correlation pattern of phytoplankton acid digests (soluble material) was different from carbonate digests, which had significant correlations among the three transition metals (Mn, Ni, and Cu)—but no relationships involving Si, Al and Fe. Data show that phytoplankton biomass accumulates high levels of Al, Si and transition metals, irrespective of taxonomic composition. The different correlation patterns seen for aquatic, soluble biomass and insoluble biomass elemental concentrations indicate that external availability, soluble uptake and insoluble deposition are distinct aspects of the pelagic ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, natural ecosystems are being lost to agricultural land at an unprecedented rate. This land-use often results in significant reductions in abundance and diversity of the flora and fauna as well as alterations in their composition. Despite this, there is little public perception of which taxa are most important in terms of their total biomass, biodiversity or the ecosystem services they perform. Such awareness is important for conservation, as without appreciation of their value and conservation status, species are unlikely to receive adequate conservation protection. We investigated children's perceptions of rainforest biodiversity by asking primary-age children, visiting the University Museum of Zoology, Cambridge to draw their ideal rainforest. By recording the frequency at which children drew different climatic, structural, vegetative and faunal components of the rainforest, we were able to quantify children's understanding of a rainforest environment. We investigated children's perceptions of rainforest biodiversity by comparing the relative numbers of the taxa drawn with the actual contributions made by these taxa to total rainforest biomass and global biodiversity. We found that children have a sophisticated view of the rainforest, incorporating many habitat features and a diverse range of animals. However, some taxa were over-represented (particularly mammals, birds and reptiles) and others under-represented (particularly insects and annelids) relative to their contribution to total biomass and species richness. Scientists and naturalists must continue to emphasise the diversity and functional importance of lesser-known taxa through public communication and outdoor events to aid invertebrate conservation and to ensure that future generations are inspired to become naturalists themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Limited information on likely supply and spatial yield of bioenergy crops exists for the UK. Here, productivities are reported of poplar ( Populus spp.) and willow ( Salix spp.) grown as short-rotation coppice (SRC), using data from a large 49-site yield trial network. • A partial least-squares regression technique was used to upscale actual field trial observations across England and Wales. Spatial productivity was then assessed under different land-use scenarios. • Mean modelled yields ranged between 4.9 and 10.7 oven-dry tonnes (odt) ha−1 yr−1. Yields were generally higher in willow than in poplar, reflecting the susceptibility of older poplar genotypes to rust and their tendency for single stem dominance. Replacing 10% of arable land, 20% of improved grassland and 100% of set-aside grassland in England and Wales with the three most productive genotypes would yield 13 Modt of biomass annually (supplying 7% of UK electricity production or 48% of UK combined heat and power (CHP) production). • Results show existing SRC genotypes have the immediate potential to be an important component of a mixed portfolio of renewables and that, in future, as new and improved genotypes become available, higher yields could extend this potential further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the EU Waste Directive and the implications of recent European case law for its implementation at national level. In particular, we consider how the directive has been implemented in the United Kingdom and the potential effects this may have on the use of forestry by-products as a bio-energy source. The analysis reveals that it is still unclear whether bio-energy materials derived from sawmill operations are ‘waste’ according to EU and consequently UK law. This uncertainty may pose a barrier to the uptake of biomass of renewable energy. However, a new Framework Directive on Waste has now been proposed, which, if adopted, will resolve much of this uncertainty. Most importantly, the proposed directive provides for automatic classification of certain materials as ‘by-products’, rather than waste, a reform that is likely to lead to exemption of woodchips, sawdust, bark and other forestry products from waste-related obligations. © Crown copyright 2006. Reproduced with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines biomass energy in Great Britain. The main potential biomass sources, processing methods and end-products that could be developed and produced within Great Britain and other parts of Europe are discussed. Some of the major effects of such developments on biodiversity are taken into account. According to the author, the ultimate driver for the development of biomass energy should be the reduction of carbon emissions. Biodiversity effects can differ greatly according to the biomass feedstock utilized and the location and the method of its production.

A simple girth band for automatic measurement of short-term changes in stem diameter was developed and tested. Laboratory tests showed that the girth band is thermal insensitive and it can be used for measuring changes of the magnitude of 0.03 mm. Thus, daily swelling and shrinking of the stem can be monitored, as well as cumulative stem diameter increment. Year-round field tests showed that the girth bands were resistant against weather variations and mechanical damage, even though the measurement bias slightly increased in the long run. The durability, low price and automatic data collection make the instrument suitable for applications in growth studies. Online data transfer from the field to the office can be done using wireless telemetric techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The objective of the study was to describe the annual and seasonal production of live biomass of six plant species or communities of the uplands of the UK –Calluna vulgaris , Vaccinium myrtillus , Nardus stricta , Molinia caerulea , Eriophorum vaginatum and Agrostis–Festuca grassland. The species or communities are important for the management of the uplands to meet both biodiversity and agriculture objectives. The annual and seasonal production of live biomass was determined for sites within six regions of England and Wales in 1995, 1996 and 1997. The six regions were North-east England, North-west England, North Pennines, South Pennines, South-west England and Wales. In each region, the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology's Land Classification Scheme was used to select three or four 2 km × 2 km squares that contained a mosaic of C. vulgaris and upland grassland plant species. Uniform plots of 1 ha were selected from each 2 km × 2 km square, within which three measurements were made on each sampling occasion. Biomass of each species or community was measured within 1·0 × 0·5-m quadrats using the same standard procedures. Measurements of annual production of current season's shoots of the pioneer, building, mature and degenerate phases of C. vulgaris and of V. myrtillus were made in October, and of the annual production of live biomass of N. stricta , M. caerulea and E. vaginatum in August. A simulated grazing regime was imposed for the Agrostis–Festuca grassland with cuts being made to a height of 4 cm at 8-week intervals. The annual production of live biomass produced was estimated as the sum of four harvests taken during the growing season. Seasonal measurements of the amount of live biomass of all the species were also made in April, June, August and October. For C. vulgaris , there were significant (P = 0·05) differences between the pioneer, building, mature and degenerate phases in the annual... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between community diversity and invasion resistance in a grassland was examined using experimental plant assemblages that varied in species richness and composition. The assemblages were weeded for three seasons to remove unsown species and we used the number of weeded seedlings, their total biomass and the number of species removed as indicators of community resistance and susceptibility to invasion. In general, we found a positive relationship between invasion resistance and increasing community diversity. Similar patterns of establishment were observed at the end of the fourth field season after several months without weeding. Increased invasion resistance with higher diversity appears to come through reduced levels of several above- and belowground resources, although these did not fully explain the effects of species richness in the study’s analyses. Experimental increases and reductions of litter biomass within the study’s experimental plant assemblages did not modify these patterns significantly. A review of comparable studies of invasion across directly manipulated diversity gradients revealed similar patterns. Positive effects of species diversity on invasion resistance were found in experimental manipulations of plant diversity conducted in the field and in the glasshouse, from studies with aquatic microcosms and in a marine system. Although some exceptions to this pattern were found in both terrestrial plant systems and aquatic microcosms, it was concluded that in biodiversity manipulation experiments more diverse communities are generally more resistant to invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design and analysis of field experiments have figured prominently in the current debate about biodiversity and ecosystem function. These debates have identified important issues about species traits, functional groups, and community assembly, but a broader debate needs to include discussions about the scale (grain and extent) of experiments relative to natural spatial and temporal heterogeneity. In addition, alternative statistical analyses need to be explored that focus on comparison among several statistical models rather than simple hypothesis testing. Analyses of the first 2 years of data from a new biodiversity field experiment are used to illustrate these concepts. A traditional one-way ANOVA demonstrates the expected increase in aboveground biomass with higher levels of vascular plant diversity. Further analysis demonstrates that this relationship is absent when the community contains either Arrhenatherum elatius or Holcus lanatus , two dominant species of grass. Variance in biomass is also a function of diversity and both spatial and temporal heterogeneity are significant factors in the analysis despite precautions taken to minimize them. These examples illustrate the degree to which the analysis of a field experiment influences the interpretation of the observed results. Ultimately, results from field experiments must be validated through continued comparisons among field experiments, mathematical models, laboratory trials, and mesocosm experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Native upland species, Nardus stricta, Eriophorum vaginatum, Erica cinerea and Vaccinium vitis-idaea were given 3 or 60 kg N ha 1 yr1 over 2 yr, applied as a mist (NH4NO3). The high N treatment increased above-ground biomass in all four species, but only significantly in E. cinerea, E. vaginatum and N. stricta. Biomass increases in E. vaginatum and N. stricta resulted from enhanced tiller production rather than shoot elongation. Root growth increased in N ,stricta, so that root: shoot ratio in this species was unchanged by N. Root growth in E. vaginatum, E. cinerea and V. vitis-idaea did not respond to N and their root: shoot ratios decreased. Tissue N concentrations increased in both shoots and roots of all species in response to N. The accumulated foliar N did not increase the proportion of N allocated to Rubicon and the photosynthetic capacities of N. stricta, E. vaginatum and V.vitisdaea were unchanged. Thus growth responses to N were due to altered allocation rather than increased rate of photosynthesis per unit leaf area. The high N treatment increased flower production significantly in F. cinerea but not in the other species. Although in this experiment dwarf shrubs were more responsive than graminoids to N, in the field at current N inputs the enhanced tillering of the graminoids may he more competitively advantageous, especially where gaps develop in the canopy. Thus increasing N deposition may lead to increased grassiness of upland heath, and in particular, a spread of N. stricta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A mechanistic, physiological model has been developed to describe the yearly growth cycle of bracken, and it has been adapted to run using nationally available meteorological data. The model {COBRA-X) predicts the equilibrium biomass of bracken stands under mean climatic conditions for Great Britain based on a grid of 40-km squares. Estimates from the model were similar to data collected in the field, although at present it is not known whether discrepancies can be attributed to limitations of the model, differences caused by the scale of available meteorological data or deviations of the stands from equilibrium values. The model predicts that bracken biomass is limited by different environmental factors in different regions of Great Britain. It can also be used to predict the effects of changing climate on bracken stands. Likely scenarios of climate change result in a large increase in bracken biomass in the north, especially in the highlands of central Scotland, but little change in England and Wales. Certain difficulties in extrapolating predictions from the stand scale to the countrywide scale are outlined. Some solutions are put forward for bracken which may provide a methodology for other species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Brazilian territory contains approximately 160 million hectares of pastures, and it is necessary to develop techniques to automate their management and increase their production. This technical note has two objectives: First, to estimate the canopy height using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry; second, to propose an equation for the estimation of biomass of Brazilian savanna (Cerrado) pastures based on UAV canopy height. Four experimental units of Panicum maximum cv. BRS Tamani were evaluated. Herbage mass sampling, height measurements, and UAV image collection were simultaneously performed. The UAVs were flown at a height of 50 m, and images were generated with a mean ground sample distance (GSD) of approximately 1.55 cm. The forage canopy height estimated by UAVs was calculated as the difference between the digital surface model (DSM) and the digital terrain model (DTM). The R2 between ruler height and UAV height was 0.80; between biomass (kg ha−1 GB—green biomass) and ruler height, 0.81; and between biomass (kg ha−1 GB) and UAV height, 0.74. UAV photogrammetry proved to be a potential technique to estimate height and biomass in Brazilian Panicum maximum cv. BRS Tamani pastures located in the endangered Brazilian savanna (Cerrado) biome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After just more than 100 years of history of industrial acetone–butanol–ethanol (ABE) fermentation, patented by Weizmann in the UK in 1915, butanol is again today considered a promising biofuel alternative based on several advantages compared to the more established biofuels ethanol and methanol. Large-scale fermentative production of butanol, however, still suffers from high substrate cost and low product titers and selectivity. There have been great advances the last decades to tackle these problems. However, understanding the fermentation process variables and their interconnectedness with a holistic view of the current scientific state-of-the-art is lacking to a great extent. To illustrate the benefits of such a comprehensive approach, we have developed a dataset by collecting data from 175 fermentations of lignocellulosic biomass and mixed sugars to produce butanol that reported during the past three decades of scientific literature and performed an exploratory data analysis to map current trends and bottlenecks. This review presents the results of this exploratory data analysis as well as main features of fermentative butanol production from lignocellulosic biomass with a focus on performance indicators as a useful tool to guide further research and development in the field towards more profitable butanol manufacturing for biofuel applications in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]