pinecone/core-2020-05-10-deduplication huggingface dataset:
Short-term impact of Coppice management on soil in a Quercus ilex l. stand of Sardinia

The short-term impact of coppice-with-standards management on soil in a Mediterranean holm oak forest was assessed to contribute to address appropriate recommendations to minimize possible negative effects of the silvicultural practices. For this purpose, soil surface features and topsoil properties were investigated in two representative areas located in a public forest in southwest Sardinia (Italy) and coppiced in the periods November 2012-March 2013 and November 2011-March 2012, respectively. Regardless of differences in soils and slope gradient, the same management, in terms of final density of trees standing after the clear-cut and accumulation of brushwood in strips along the maximum slope gradient, was applied in both areas. Field observations and laboratory data highlighted the disturbances caused to the soil by the silvicultural practices in the stands when compared with the undisturbed stands. These disturbances involved the almost complete removal of organic horizons, with consequent negative impact on organic carbon content, and the activation of erosion processes, mostly related to rainsplash erosion. Although soil mobilization locally largely exceeded the tolerable erosion rates, no extreme rainfall events occurred after the coppicing to produce critical situations at the catchment level. The adjustment of the final density of trees standing after the clear-cut in relation to soil properties, slope gradient and the possibility of extreme rainfall events, a different brushwood management and the restriction to the passage of wild animals would have strongly reduced the negative impacts on soils
A New Assessment of Soil Loss Due to Wind Erosion in European Agricultural Soils Using a Quantitative Spatially Distributed Modelling Approach

Field measurements and observations have shown that wind erosion is a threat for numerous arable lands in the European Union (EU). Wind erosion affects both the semi-arid areas of the Mediterranean region as well as the temperate climate areas of the northern European countries. Yet, there is still a lack of knowledge, which limits the understanding about where, when and how heavily wind erosion is affecting European arable lands. Currently, the challenge is to integrate the insights gained by recent pan-European assessments, local measurements, observations and field-scale model exercises into a new generation of regional-scale wind erosion models. This is an important step to make the complex matter of wind erosion dynamics more tangible for decision-makers and to support further research on a field-scale level. A geographic information system version of the Revised Wind Erosion Equation was developed to (i) move a step forward into the large-scale wind erosion modelling; (ii) evaluate the soil loss potential due to wind erosion in the arable land of the EU; and (iii) provide a tool useful to support field-based observations of wind erosion. The model was designed to predict the daily soil loss potential at a ca. 1 km2 spatial resolution. The average annual soil loss predicted by geographic information system Revised Wind Erosion Equation in the EU arable land totalled 0·53 Mg ha−1 y−1, with the second quantile and the fourth quantile equal to 0·3 and 1·9 Mg ha−1 y−1, respectively. The cross-validation shows a high consistency with local measurements reported in literature
Farmer perceptions and responses to soil degradation in Swaziland

Soil degradation is globally concerning due to its adverse effects on the environment and agricultural production. Much of Swaziland is at risk from degradation. This paper assesses farmer perceptions and responses to soil degradation in 2002 and 2014, focusing on two land uses that underpin rural livelihoods: arable land and rangeland areas. It uses repeat household surveys and semi-structured interviews, in two case study chiefdoms in the country’s middleveld (KaBhudla and Engcayini) in the first longitudinal study of its kind. We find that observations of land degradation are perceived mainly through changes in land productivity, with chemical degradation occurring predominantly on arable land and physical degradation and erosion mainly in rangeland areas. Changes in rainfall are particularly important in determining responses. While perceptions of the causes and impacts of degradation largely concur with the scientific literature, responses were constrained by poor land availability, shorter and more unpredictable cropping seasons because of changing rains and low awareness, access to or knowledge of agricultural inputs. We suggest that sustainable arable land management can be enhanced through improved access to alternative sources of water, use of management practices that retain soil and moisture and greater access to agricultural inputs and capacity building to ensure their appropriate use. We suggest collaborative management for settlement planning that integrates soil conservation and livestock management strategies such as controlled stocking levels and rotational grazing could improve land quality in rangeland areas. Together, these approaches can help land users to better manage change
Dynamics of Agrarian Systems and Land Use Change in North Vietnam

During the period of socio-economic transformation initiated in the late 1980s by the political reform (Doi Moi) in Vietnam, the agrarian systems evolved considerably. In the region around the capital, where the process of industrialization, urbanization, and international integration has been accelerating, a number of questions about the sustainability of those agrarian systems have been raised. By diagnosing and analysing the dynamics of the agricultural systems in Vietnam from 1980 to 2010, this study aims to provide decision-makers with some sectorial and territorial policy options that are able to authorize the sustainable development of agriculture and rural society in the new socio-economic context. By applying a systematic approach, including the historical and adaptive approaches, this study shows how well farmers in the Hai Duong province have adapted to socio-economic and institutional changes, notably by transforming part of their paddy farms into other agricultural land use purposes, such as fish ponds, animal buildings, vegetable fields, and fruit orchards. These rapid changes, however, do not move in a direction that improves the sustainability of agrarian systems. The results revealed that farm holders are now facing many technical and economic contradictions, whereas issues that arise from the land no longer are only related to agricultural purposes. Competition for different functions of land use are now emerging, along with the fragmentation of plots, an imperfect land market, and rising property values ​​are all emerging. The prospect of the sustainability of agricultural systems was also analysed under different scenarios, highlighting the complexity of policy options.Peer reviewe
Pyrogenic Carbon Contributes Substantially to Carbon Storage in Intact and Degraded Northern Peatlands

Pyrogenic carbon (PyC) derives from incomplete combustion of organic matter and is ubiquitous in terrestrial and aquatic systems. Most PyC is inherently more stable against decomposition than plant residues, and PyC therefore forms an important component of the global carbon (C) cycle. During the Holocene, about 436 Pg organic C accumulated in northern peatlands, and we hypothesize that PyC may contribute substantially to that C stock. We studied 70 samples from 19 intact and degraded European peatland sites and analyzed their PyC content by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and molecular modeling and peat age and accumulation by radiocarbon dating. Classification of a peatland as either intact or degraded was based on the comparison between apparent and expected long-term C accumulation rates. On average, PyC amounted for 13·5% of soil C across sites, and accounted for up to 50% at single sites. The amount of PyC increased significantly with peat age. Degraded peatlands had lost approximately 56 kg C m−2, half of their former C stock. However, degraded peat had higher PyC contents than intact one. Selective enrichment of PyC during both peat build-up and decomposition seems to be an important factor fostering PyC accumulation. Assignment of our results to peatlands of the northern hemisphere, stratified by age, revealed an estimated PyC stock of 62 (±22) Pg. Our estimate indicates a substantial and hitherto unquantified contribution of northern peatlands to global PyC storage
Large-scale soil organic carbon mapping based on multivariate modelling: The case of grasslands on the Loess Plateau

The Loess Plateau is considered one of the world&#39;s regions with severe soil erosion. Grasslands are widely distributed on the Loess Plateau, accounting for approximately 40% of the total area. Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays an important role in the terrestrial carbon cycle in this region. We compiled more than 1,000 measurements of plant biomass and SOC content derived from 223 field studies of grasslands on the Loess Plateau. Combined with meteorological factors (precipitation and air temperature) and the photosynthetically active radiation factor, the topsoil SOC contents of grasslands were predicted using the random forest (RF) regression algorithm. Predicted grassland SOC content (1.70-40.34gkg(-1)) decreased from the southeast to the northwest of the Loess Plateau, with approximately 1/5 of the grassland exhibiting values lower than 4gkg(-1). Observed SOC content was positively correlated with observed plant biomass, and for predicted values, this correlation was strong in the desert steppe and the steppe desert of rocky mountains. Air temperature was the most important factor affecting SOC contents in the RF model. Moreover, the residual error of observations and predictions increased as the grazing intensity varied from none to very severe in the temperate desert steppe, and this RF model may not perform well in plains. The use of the RF model for SOC prediction in Loess Plateau grasslands provides a reference for C storage studies in arid and semi-arid regions, and aboveground biomass and temperature should receive more attention due to increasing C sequestration
Communicating risks to infrastructure due to soil erosion : a bottom-up approach.

Soil erosion is a major problem worldwide, affecting natural, agricultural and urban environments through its impact on flood risk, water quality, loss of topsoil, eutrophication of water bodies, sedimentation of waterways and damage to infrastructure such as roads, buildings and utility supply networks. Thus there is a need to identify risks to infrastructure associated with erosion and interventions needed to reduce those risks. Further, inclusive ways of communicating about mitigation strategies with stakeholders such as farmers, land managers and policy-makers are essential if interventions are to be implemented. Applying the Decision-Support Matrix approach, which combines hydrologic and geomorphic principles with Participatory Action Research, a tool for Communicating and Visualising Erosion-associated Risks to Infrastructure (CAVERTI) was developed in collaboration with a variety of stakeholders including farmers, private landowners, asset owners and environmental organisations, focusing on a case-study area in northern England. The CAVERTI tool synthesises process understanding gained from modelling with knowledge and experience of stakeholders to address the sediment transport problem. Tool development was collaborative, ensuring that the problems and solutions presented are easily recognised by practitioners and decision-makers. The tool helps to assess, manage and improve understanding of risk from a multi-stakeholder perspective and presents mitigation options. We argue that visualisation and communication tools co-developed by researchers and stakeholders are the best means of influencing decision-makers to invest in mitigation. The CAVERTI tool is designed to encourage farmers, land and asset owners to act to reduce erosion, providing multiple benefits from protecting local infrastructure to reducing pollution of waterways
The influence of trees, shrubs, and grasses on microclimate, soil carbon, nitrogen, and CO2 efflux: Potential implications of shrub encroachment for Kalahari rangelands.

Shrub encroachment is a well‐documented phenomenon affecting many of the world's drylands. The alteration of vegetation structure and species composition can lead to changes in local microclimate and soil properties which in turn affect carbon cycling. The objectives of this paper were to quantify differences in air temperatures, soil carbon, nitrogen, and CO2 efflux under trees (Vachellia erioloba), shrubs (Grewia flava), and annual and perennial grasses (Schmidtia kalahariensis and Eragrostis lehmanniana) collected over three seasons at a site in Kgalagadi District, Botswana, in order to determine the vegetation‐soil feedback mechanism affecting the carbon cycle. Air temperatures were logged continuously, and soil CO2 efflux was determined throughout the day and evening using closed respiration chambers and an infrared gas analyser. There were significant differences in soil carbon, total nitrogen, CO2 efflux, light, and temperatures beneath the canopies of trees, shrubs, and grasses. Daytime air temperatures beneath shrubs and trees were cooler compared with grass sites, particularly in summer months. Night‐time air temperatures under shrubs and trees were, however, warmer than at the grass sites. There was also significantly more soil carbon, nitrogen, and CO2 efflux under shrubs and trees compared with grasses. Although the differences observed in soils and microclimate may reinforce the competitive dominance of shrubs and present challenges to strategies designed to manage encroachment, they should not be viewed as entirely negative. Our findings highlight some of the dichotomies and challenges to be addressed before interventions aiming to bring about more sustainable land management can be implemented
Impacts of climate change adaptation options on soil functions: A review of European case‐studies

Soils are vital for supporting food security and other ecosystem services. Climate change can affect soil functions both directly and indirectly. Direct effects include temperature, precipitation, and moisture regime changes. Indirect effects include those that are induced by adaptations such as irrigation, crop rotation changes, and tillage practices. Although extensive knowledge is available on the direct effects, an understanding of the indirect effects of agricultural adaptation options is less complete. A review of 20 agricultural adaptation case‐studies across Europe was conducted to assess implications to soil threats and soil functions and the link to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The major findings are as follows: (a) adaptation options  reflect local conditions; (b) reduced soil erosion threats and increased soil organic carbon are expected, although compaction may increase in some areas; (c) most adaptation options are anticipated to improve the soil functions of food and biomass production, soil organic carbon storage, and storing, filtering, transforming, and recycling capacities, whereas possible implications for soil biodiversity are largely unknown; and (d) the linkage between soil functions and the SDGs implies improvements to SDG 2 (achieving food security and promoting sustainable agriculture) and SDG 13 (taking action on climate change), whereas the relationship to SDG 15 (using terrestrial ecosystems sustainably) is largely unknown. The conclusion is drawn that agricultural adaptation options, even when focused on increasing yields, have the potential to outweigh the negative direct effects of climate change on soil degradation in many European regions
A framework for scaling sustainable land management options

Improvements in land use and management are needed at a global scale to tackle interconnected global challenges of population growth, poverty, migration, climate change, biodiversity loss, and degrading land and water resources. There are hundreds of technical options for improving the sustainability of land management and preventing or reversing degradation, but there are many sociocultural, institutional, economic, and policy barriers hindering their adoption at large scale. To tackle this challenge, the Dryland Systems Program of the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification convened an expert group to consider barriers and incentives to scaling technologies, processes, policies, or institutional arrangements. The group reviewed existing frameworks for scaling sustainable land management (SLM) interventions across a range of contexts and identified eight critical actions for success: (a) plan iteratively; (b) consistently fund; (c) select SLM options for scaling based on best available evidence; (d) identify and engage with stakeholders at all scales; (e) build capacity for scaling; (f) foster institutional leadership and policy change to support scaling; (g) achieve early benefits and incentives for as many stakeholders as possible; and (h) monitor, evaluate, and communicate. Incentives for scaling were identified for the private sector, farmers and their communities, and policy makers. Based on these findings, a new action framework for scaling is presented that analyses the contexts where specific SLM interventions can be scaled, so that SLM options can be screened and adapted to these contexts, piloted and disseminated. The framework can help countries achieve land degradation neutrality
Dealing with soil variability: some insights from land degradation research in Central Spain

Soil variability is often seen as problematic in land degradation studies in terms of sampling effort, data interpretation and for the extrapolation of results to other areas or time periods. Examples are given from land degradation research undertaken in central Spain which demonstrate some of these problems associated with soil variability. Geostatistics is presented as a useful tool for quantifying soil variability and in particular the variogram for interpreting and understanding spatial patterns. Soil variability is also seen to complicate the issues surrounding management strategies and makes monospecific management strategies less likely to be successful. In recent years several studies have suggested that variability in soil properties and vegetation cover may reduce the risk of land degradation by minimizing the spatial extent of runoff and erosion. These studies suggest that increasing soil variability may prove to be an effective strategy for reducing the runoff and erosion risk. This paper discusses these ideas and highlights the importance of increasing thresholds above which runoff and erosion occurs for the success of such strategies. This in particular applies to many semiarid environments where thresholds are deemed to be extremely low. Finally, these concepts are placed in the context of scale where soil variability may be viewed as existing at a multitude of nested levels varying from the micro- to the macro-scale
Mapping soil erosion risk in Rondônia, Brazilian Amazonia: using rusle, remote sensing and GIS.

This article discusses research in which the authors applied the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), remote sensing, and geographical information system (GIS) to the maping of soil erosion risk in Brazilian Amazonia. Soil map and soil survey data were used to develop the soil erodibility factor (K), and a digital elevation model image was used to generate the topographic factor (LS). The cover-management factor (C) was developed based on vegetation, shade, and soil fraction images derived from spectral mixture analysis of a Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus image. Assuming the same climatic conditions and no support practice in the study area, the rainfall?runoff erosivity (R) and the support practice (P) factors were not used. The majority of the study area has K values of less than 0.2, LS values of less than 2.5, and C values of less than 0.25. A soil erosion risk map with five classes (very low, low, medium, medium-high, and high) was produced based on the simplified RUSLE within the GIS environment, and was linked to land use and land cover (LULC) image to explore relationships between soil erosion risk and LULC distribution. The results indicate that most successional and mature forests are in very low and low erosion risk areas, while agroforestry and pasture are usually associated with medium to high risk areas. This research implies that remote sensing and GIS provide promising tools for evaluating and mapping soil erosion risk in Amazonia.200
Routing runoff and soil particles in a distributed model with GIS: implications for soil protection in mountain agricultural landscapes

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http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/6175/homeSoil erosion by water is a serious threat to crop sustainability and one of the main causes of landscape degradation in Mediterranean environments. The accurate assessment of soil erosion is a first requirement to face the problem of soil loss in highly fragile mountain environments. In this work, simple flow (D8), multiple flow (MD) and combined flow (MDD8) algorithms are used to compute cumulative runoff. Effective runoff is estimated after accounting infiltration and soil surface properties and added to the revised Morgan, Morgan and Finney (RMMF) model of soil erosion at the “Laguna Grande de Estaña” catchment (Spanish pre-Pyrenees). The combined flow algorithm explicitly associated to the gullies (MDD8-G) leads to a more realistic assessment of runoff pathways. The MD algorithm generates unrealistic maps of concentrated runoff in gullies and overestimates soil erosion rates (average rate of 75 Mg ha-1 yr-1). The D8 and MDD8-G algorithms estimate similar values of soil erosion (average rates at catchment scale of 37 and 44 Mg ha-1 yr-1, respectively). Paths, crops on steep slopes, open Mediterranean forest and sparse scrublands have the highest values of soil erosion (more than 50 Mg ha-1 yr-1). The estimated rates with the MDD8-G algorithm in control points in crops, forest and scrublands fit better with available data from 137Cs than those obtained with the D8 algorithm. Therefore, the MDD8-G algorithm improves the quality predictions of soil erosion and is of interest to study processes of overland flow in Mediterranean environments with presence of gullies.This research was funded by the CICYT Project CGL2005-02009/BTE.Peer reviewe
Does Mendeley provide evidence of the educational value of journal articles?

Research articles seem to have direct value for students in some subject areas, even though scholars may be their target audience. If this can be proven to be true, then subject areas with this type of educational impact could justify claims for enhanced funding. To seek evidence of disciplinary differences in the direct educational uptake of journal articles, but ignoring books, conference papers, and other scholarly outputs, this paper assesses the total number and proportions of student readers of academic articles in Mendeley across 12 different subjects. The results suggest that whilst few students read mathematics research articles, in other areas, the number of student readers is broadly proportional to the number of research readers. Although the differences in the average numbers of undergraduate readers of articles varies by up to 50 times between subjects, this could be explained by the differing levels of uptake of Mendeley rather than the differing educational value of disciplinary research. Overall, then, the results do not support the claim that journal articles in some areas have substantially more educational value than average for academia, compared with their research value