Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integrating SEBAL with in-Field Crop Water Status Measurement for Precision Irrigation Applications - A Case Study

The surface energy balance algorithm for land (SEBAL) has been demonstrated to provide accurate estimates of crop evapotranspiration (ET) and yield at different spatial scales even under highly heterogeneous conditions. However, validation of the SEBAL using in-field direct and indirect measurements of plant water status is a necessary step before deploying the algorithm as an irrigation scheduling tool. To this end, a study was conducted in a maize field located near the Venice Lagoon area in Italy. The experimental area was irrigated using a 274 m long variable rate irrigation (VRI) system with 25-m sections. Three irrigation management zones (IMZs; high, medium and low irrigation requirement zones) were defined combining soil texture and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data. Soil moisture sensors were installed in the different IMZs and used to schedule irrigation. In addition, SEBAL-based actual evapotranspiration (ETr) and biomass estimates were calculated throughout the season. VRI management allowed crop water demand to be matched, saving up to 42 mm (−16%) of water when compared to uniform irrigation rates. The high irrigation amounts applied during the growing season to avoid water stress resulted in no significant differences among the IMZs. SEBAL-based biomass estimates agreed with in-season measurements at 72, 105 and 112 days after planting (DAP; r2 = 0.87). Seasonal ET matched the spatial variability observed in the measured yield map at harvest. Moreover, the SEBAL-derived yield map largely agreed with the measured yield map with relative errors of 0.3% among the IMZs and of 1% (0.21 t ha-1) for the whole field. While the FAO method-based stress coefficient (Ks) never dropped below the optimum condition (Ks = 1) for all the IMZs and the uniform zone, SEBAL Ks was sensitive to changes in water status and remained below 1 during most of the growing season. Using SEBAL to capture the daily spatial variation in crop water needs and growth would enable the definition of transient, dynamic IMZs. This allows farmers to apply proper irrigation amounts increasing water use efficiency.
Preliminary Assessment of Teknologi Lake Quality Status at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) Campus in Parit Raja, Johor, Malaysia

A study was carried out to determine the status of the water quality condition in UTHM campus area located in Teknologi Lake, Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia. Sampling was conducted in two different times; the first sampling was in 22 March 2018 and the second sampling in 13 September 2018. A total of ten water quality parameters was selected, analyzed in-situ and exsitu, and classified based on NWQS Classifications. The status of lakes were determined by using Water Quality Index (WQI). Results for in-situ water quality parameters are: pH contents ranged from 6.42 to 6.61; DO from 9.0 to 9.8 mg/L; temperature from 28.7 to 28.9°C. Ex-situ water quality parameters are; BOD was ranged from 105.2 to 106.0 mg/L, COD was ranged from 1 to 19 mg/L, TSS was ranged from 19 to 20 mg/L, turbidity was ranged from 12 to 13 NTU, ammoniacal nitrogen from was ranged 3.6 to 4.3 mg/L, nitrite was ranged from 0.13 to 0.11 mg/L and nitrate was ranged from 1.4 to 1.5 mg/L. The observed values for seven parameters in both sampling period of Teknologi Lake were classified as IIA/B. The results of the lake can be used for recreational purposes and suitable for sensitive aquatic species. However, based on WQI calculated value, the status of the lake during the study period was indicated as slightly polluted for Teknologi Lake. Overall, Teknologi Lake was classified as class IV due to agricultural activites and the water suitable for irrigation uses only.
Brightness Temperature Sensitivity to Whitecap Fraction at Millimeter Wavelengths

Accurate representation of the ocean-atmosphere coupling in weather, wave and climate models requires reliable estimates of air-sea surface fluxes of momentum, heat and mass. Whitecap fraction (W) usually quantifies the enhancement of the surface fluxes due to wave breaking. Satellite-based passive remote sensing of W from ocean surface brightness temperatures ( T B s) observes open ocean surface fluxes at low spatial resolution. Radiometric surface observations at higher resolution are necessary to monitor the complex environment in the coastal zone and in polar regions. We assess the feasibility of using the millimeter-wave frequencies (89 to 150 GHz) to observe whitecaps. We evaluate the derivative of the T B with respect to W as a measure for the observation of W. We describe the models and data used to evaluate the T B sensitivity to W for different instrumental and environmental conditions. Atmospheric absorption limits the ability to observe the surface at millimeter-wave frequencies. We find that the T B sensitivity to W at 89 GHz may be sufficient to support limited W retrieval from observations at altitudes below 1 km and that the T B sensitivity at 113 and 150 GHz is not sufficient. Clear skies, and low to moderate atmospheric humidity favor whitecap observations.
Insights on nitrogen and phosphorus co-limitation in global croplands from theoretical and modelling fertilization experiments

Abstract. Crossed fertilization additions are a common tool to assess nutrient interaction in a given ecosystem. Such fertilization experiments lead to the definition of nutrient interaction categories: e.g. simultaneous co-limitation, single resource response, etc. (Harpole et al., 2011). However, the implications of such categories in terms of nutrient interaction modeling are not clear. To this end, we developed a theoretical analysis of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization experiments based on the computation of ratios between plant demand and soil supply for each nutrient. The theoretical analysis is developed following two mathematical formalisms of interaction: Liebig's law of minimum and multiple limitation hypothesis. As results of the theoretical framework, we defined the corresponding between most Harpole categories and the values of the limitation by each nutrient when considered alone in the control experiment (i.e. without additional nutrient supply). We showed that synergistic co-limitation could occur even using Liebig's formalism under certain conditions as a function of the amount of N and P added in fertilization experiments. We then applied our framework with global maps of soil supply and plant demand for croplands to achieve their potential yield. This allowed us to estimate the global occurrence of each limitation category, for each of the possible interaction formalism. We found that a true co-limitation could affect a large proportion of the global crop area (e.g. ~ 42 % for maize) if multiple limitation hypothesis is assumed. Our work clarifies the conditions required to achieve N and P co-limitation as function of the interaction formalism. Combined with compilation of field trials in cropland, our study would improve our understanding of nutrient limitation in cropland at the global scale.
Observed Northward Migration of Agro‐Climate Zones in Europe Will Further Accelerate Under Climate Change

This study focuses on the northward shift of homogeneous agro‐climate zones in Europe analyzed for the observed past and projected climate conditions for the next decades. Statistical cluster analysis is used to derive eight main agro‐climatic zones driven by two agro‐meteorological indicators, namely, active temperature sum and thermal growing season length. The northward shift of homogeneous agro‐climate zones and the corresponding change of crop growth suitability are analyzed together with the change of exposure of crops to temperature‐related climate extremes during the growing season. Gradual warming over Europe has contributed to a lengthening of the growing season and an increased active temperature accumulation, accompanied by more frequent occurrence of warm extreme climate events. Using a set of five high‐resolution regional climate scenarios, we calculate that a major part of Europe will be affected by further northward climate zone migration. In the next decades, the migration of agro‐climatic zones in Eastern Europe may reach twice the velocity observed during the period 1975–2016. Several regions of the Mediterranean may lose suitability to grow specific crops in favor of northern European regions. This indicator‐based assessment suggests that the potential advantages of the lengthening of the thermal growing season in northern and eastern Europe are often outbalanced by the risk of late frost and increased risk of early spring and summer heat waves.
An integrated methodology for surface soil moisture estimating using remote sensing data approach

Abstract The present study aimed to propose an operational approach for estimating surface soil moisture from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data by considering diverse environmental variables such as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), land surface temperature (Ts), evapotranspiration, topographic parameters (elevation and aspect) and soil texture (clay, loam and silt). A soil moisture index (SMI) derived from NDVI-Ts space is combined to all other variables, based on stepwise multiple regression, to develop a new SSMC model. Performance of this model was assessed using field-measured data of SSM. Accuracy was performed by the k-fold cross validation method, it showed a R2 (coefficients of determination) of 0.70, RMSE of 1.58% and unRMSE of 0.5%. In addition, the results of the developed model were compared with another soil moisture model SMM proposed in the irrigated perimeter of Tadla (Morocco), and revealed that the established model provided effectiveness results in the study areas.
Geotechnical properties and microstructural characteristics of Northeast Indian peats.

Peat is a unique type of soil whose properties vary widely, making it a very poor foundation material for construction purposes. Therefore, before starting any construction on ground that overlies a peat layer, it is essential to understand the properties of the peat. The purpose of this study was to investigate the properties of different peats that occur in Northeast India. Peat samples were collected from four sites located in the states of Assam, Tripura and Manipur. The names of the sites were: National Highway 39 (NH 39), Kalinagar Tea Estate (KTE), Indo-Bangladesh border (IBB) and National Institute of Technology, Manipur (NITM). The upper surfaces of the peat layers studied were 1–2 m below ground level and their average thickness was 3–9 m. Field and laboratory investigations were conducted to determine degree of decomposition, together with physicochemical and engineering properties of the peat. Microstructural and thermal analyses were also carried out. We found that high organic matter content and slight peat decomposition increased water retention capacity and acidity while simultaneously reducing specific gravity and bulk density. Furthermore, high organic matter content reduced strength and increased compressibility. Microstructural and thermal analyses helped to elucidate the morphological, mineralogical and thermal decomposition characteristics of the peats, and these results largely supported the outcomes of the field and laboratory tests. Overall, the engineering properties of peat soils from IBB and NITM were inferior to those of the soils from NH39 and KTE.
Layer‐Wise Formation Mechanisms of an Entire‐Troposphere‐Thick Extratropical Cyclone That Induces a Record‐Breaking Catastrophic Rainstorm in Beijing

A rarely seen entire‐troposphere‐thick (ETT) extratropical cyclone that induced a record‐breaking catastrophic rainstorm in Beijing (the largest since 1963) on 20 July 2016 was reproduced reasonably by a convection‐permitting Weather Research and Forecasting Model. This cyclone was the result of a vertical coupling of a lower, a middle, and an upper tropospheric cyclone, which formed at different times and locations. Dry air descending from the stratosphere through a tropopause folding process capped moist air to the middle and lower troposphere, making convection associated with the cyclone relatively shallow. Overall, cyclonic vorticity associated with the ETT cyclone enhanced much rapider than its wind kinetic energy (KE), and formation mechanisms of the ETT cyclone were characterized by layer‐wise features: (i) The formation of the middle and upper tropospheric cyclones was dominated by cyclonic vorticity transport, instead of cyclonic vorticity production, whereas the lower tropospheric cyclone was generated through both cyclonic vorticity transport and convergence‐related cyclonic vorticity production. (ii) Consistent with the cyclonic vorticity intensification, the formation of the lower and middle tropospheric cyclones featured an enhancement of rotational wind KE (in western section of the cyclone, this was mainly due to the work done by the pressure gradient force, but in eastern section, it was mainly due to the inward transport of wind KE by rotational wind), whereas the formation of the upper tropospheric cyclone featured a decrease in the rotational wind KE (particularly in its eastern section), which was in contrast to its increasing cyclonic vorticity. The export of wind KE by a southwesterly wind within the eastern section of the cyclone governed the rotational wind attenuation.
Thinning shock and response to fertilizer less than expected in young Douglas-fir stand at Wind River Experimental Forest.

DeBell, Dean S. ; Harrington, Constance, A. ; Shumway, John. 2002. Thinning shock and response to fertilizer less than expected in young Douglas-fir stand at Wind River Experimental Forest. Res. Pap. PNW-RP-547. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 20 p. Three thinning treatments (thinned to 3.7 by 3.7 m, thinned to 4.3 by 4.3 m, and an unthinned control treatment with nominal spacing averaging 2.6 by 2.6 m) were installed in a 10-year-old Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) planta­ tion growing on a low-quality site at the Wind River Experimental Forest in southwest Washington. Two years after thinning, two fertilizer treatments were superimposed on the design (0 and 224 kg per ha of nitrogen applied as ammonium nitrate). Diameter growth increased with increasing spacing throughout the 6-year study period, and it was also increased by fertilizer in both the thinned and unthinned (control) treat­ ments. Thinning shock, a reduction in height growth after thinning, was expected at this study site because severe thinning shock had been documented in earlier nearby trials. Height growth was initially reduced slightly by thinning, but by the third 2-year period after thinning, height growth in thinned, unfertilized treatments was equal to or greater than height growth in the unthinned, unfertilized treatment. Fertilizer applica­ tion increased height growth on average by 13 percent in the first 2 years after fertil­ ization. In the third and fourth years after fertilization, however, fertilizer increased average height growth by 9 percent, but the increase was substantial (16 percent) only in the unthinned control treatment. The mild, ephemeral nature of thinning shock in our study was in contrast to the severe, long-lasting shock in earlier studies at Wind River. The milder shock in our study could be related to one or more of the following: (1) thinning was done at an early age, (2) impacts of fire (natural or pre­ scribed) preceding planting were minor, and (3) seed source of the planted stock was appropriate for the location. Based on comparisons with other studies at Wind River and elsewhere, we suspect that use of nonlocal, maladapted seed sources in the earlier studies may have predisposed those trees to thinning shock. Furthermore, we suspect that the much higher responses to fertilizer application reported in the earlier studies may be associated with intense natural fires prior to planting, and the reduced nutritional status of those sites may have been further exacerbated by the use of maladapted seed sources.
Lunar Tide in the F Region Ionosphere

In this paper the magnetic latitude (±50°) and longitude, local solar time (LST), and month‐to‐month variability of the M2 lunar semidiurnal tide in the ionosphere is revealed through analysis of topside F region electron density measurements by the Planar Langmuir Probe instrument on the CHAMP satellite during the two 5‐year periods 2001–2005 and 2005–2009. The local time precession rate of CHAMP is such that 5 years is required to obtain full LST coverage for every month of the year at each latitude of interest. Thus, each 5‐year period is compressed into one equivalent year. M2 amplitudes, expressed in terms of percent residuals from a background value, range between about 3% and 20% and vary considerably with LST and magnetic longitude. Longitude variations in principle arise from zonal asymmetries in lunar tidal forcing due to Earth and ocean tides, as well as magnitude of Earth's magnetic field. The O1 diurnal tide is also discussed in the context of CHAMP and other measurements of the F region ionosphere.
Rapid plant colonization of the forelands of a vanishing glacier is strongly associated with species traits

ABSTRACT Recently developed glacier forelands provide valuable insights into vegetation dynamics. We studied the vascular plants in the glacier forelands of the Ålmajallojekna glacier in comparison to the plants in the surrounding area. The glacier is retreating rapidly at an average rate of 0.17 km2 per year from 1898 to 2012. In the newly emerged glacier forelands, we found that 32 percent of the 381 plant taxa occurred in the surrounding region. Sixty-eight plant species were present on the youngest terrain (0–31 y), an additional thirteen species occurred on terrain aged 32–53 years, and an additional forty-two species were detected on terrain aged 54–114 years. Of the surrounding species pool, plant species that had successfully established in recently deglaciated terrains were characterized by high regional abundance and low seed weight, and they were more likely to be members of the plant families Saxifragaceae, Salicaceae, and Asteraceae. Woody plant species with a preference for well-drained soils were more likely to be present in the youngest terrain. Our results show that the vegetation of glacier forelands is developing rapidly depending on the plant species in the surrounding area and the species’ life-history traits.
Doing more with the core: Proceedings of the 2017 Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Science Stakeholder Meeting; 2017 October 24- 26; Park City, UT

The Forest Service’s Forest Inventory and Analysis Program (FIA) is the primary source of information about our forests’ status and trends. A network of nationally consistent field observations forms FIA’s core, and active collaboration with clients and peer organizations ensures that the resulting inventory remains agile, comprehensive, and relevant. An FIA Science Stakeholder Meeting was held October 24-26th, 2017, to bring key FIA personnel together with important partners and peers. The theme for this meeting, “Doing More with the Core,” targeted innovation around how FIA analyzes, augments, and delivers information derived from its central data collection operations. Meeting topics included: 1) maximizing the value of the “annual” sample design adopted by the Program approximately 15 years ago; 2) developing better delivery tools that meet client needs and that take advantage of ever-expanding options for data visualization and communication; 3) assuring data continuity that supports a variety of land manager needs; 4) integrating more powerful and efficient monitoring technologies and statistical techniques into established analysis lines; and 5) supporting FIA’s expansion in areas targeted by the most recent Farm Bill. This proceedings document includes details from selected papers presented at the meeting.
A STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF CONTINUOUS INHALATION OF HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF OXYGEN AT AMBIENT PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE

Abstract : INVESTIGATIONS WERE CARRIED OUT TO DETERMINE THE TIMES OF OCCURRENCE AND PROGRESSION OF TOXIC EFFECTS IN RAT, AND THE TIMES TO DEATH FOR VARIOUS ANIMAL SPECIES EXPOSED CONTINUOUSLY TO RELATIVELY PURE OXYGEN AT CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND AMBIENT PRESSURES AND TEMPERATURES. Mice, rats, guinea pigs, dogs, and monkeys were exposed continuously to oxygen (95-99%) for 240 hours, unless interrupted by death. The initial toxic effects of exposure were labored breathing and lethargy which occurred after 15 to 20 hours in the rodents and 36 to 42 hours in the dogs. In the monkeys, these effects occurred considerably later, 72 to 96 hours. Most animals dying during exposure showed extensive bilateral pleural effusions and pulmonary edema. Animals surviving 240 hours of oxygen exposure showed severe organ and tissue damage, including pulmonary edema, but did not show pleural effusion.
Equations for Predicting Diameter, Height, Crown Width, and Leaf Area of San Joaquin Valley Street Trees

Although the modeling of energy-use reduction, air pollution uptake, rainfall interception, and microclimate modification associated with urban trees depends on data relating diameter at breast height (dbh), crown height, crown diameter, and leaf area to tree age or dbh, scant information is available for common municipal tree species. In this study, tree height, crown width, crown height, dbh, and leaf area were measured for 12 common street tree species in the San Joaquin Valley city of Modesto, California, U.S. The randomly sampled trees were planted from 2 to 89 years ago. Using age or dbh as explanatory variables, parameters such as dbh, tree height, crown width, crown height, and leaf area responses were modeled using two equations. There was strong correlation (adjusted R2 > 0.70) for total height, crown diameter, and leaf area with dbh. Correlations for dbh with age and crown height for several species were weaker. The equations for predicting tree sizes and leaf area are presented and applied to compare size and growth for all species 15 and 30 years after planting. Tree height, crown diameter, and dbh growth rates tended to slow during the second 15 years, but the leaf area growth rate increased for most species. Comparisons of predicted sizes for three species common to Modesto and Santa Monica trees suggest that pruning has a significant impact on tree size and leaf area, potentially more than climate and soil characteristics.
URBANISATION BEYOND ITS CORE BOUNDARY AND ITS IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITIES IN GEORGE TOWN CONURBATION, MALAYSIA

Rapid urbanisation has raised major issues, especially in cities in developing nations. In Malaysia, for example, the urbanisation rate is at 74%, but the size of urban land is less than 10%. This phenomenon has caused urban expansion to encroach on to its fringe areas. At present, although much has been said about the economic benefits of urban expansion to the fringe areas, yet little is known about its impact on the local communities. This paper aims to highlight the spatial expansion of George Town Conurbation and to investigate how local inhabitants perceive urban development. This study used satellite images and GIS techniques to identify the spatial expansion of urbanisation in George Town. Quantitative and qualitative approaches of data collection were employed to investigate the impact of urbanisation on the communities. The findings indicated that the inhabitants in less urbanized states welcome urban expansion, as they perceive that urban growth generates more jobs and brings economic opportunities. On the contrary, those who have experienced a longer period of urban development did not fully welcome urbanisation. Therefore, inclusive development policies are required to ensure that urban growth will benefit dwellers in the urban area as well as in its surroundings. In addition, they are required to safeguard the environment.