Recreation shapes a “landscape of fear” for a threatened forest bird species in Central Europe

Predators can create a “landscape of fear” that influences the spatial distribution of their prey. Understanding whether human activity similarly affects the distribution of species beyond habitat suitability is crucial but difficult to assess for conservation managers. Here, we assessed the effect of recreation and forestry activity on a threatened forest-dwelling umbrella species, the Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus). We followed the citizen science approach on the landscape scale in the Bohemian Forest. We analyzed species data non-invasively collected through intensive fieldwork by volunteers and assessed human activity in the entire study area by analyzing expert questionnaires. The study area extends over 119,000 ha and harbors one of the largest relict populations of this grouse species in Central European low mountain ranges. Our statistical models revealed a negative impact of recreational activities on the intensity of habitat use of the birds within suitable habitats, thereby pointing toward a landscape of fear. The influence of forestry activity, in contrast, was not clear. In comparison to existing regional tourism impact studies, we were able to elevate the examination to the landscape scale. Our results underlined the relevance of recreation in limiting the species’ habitat on an entire landscape and allow us to conclude that habitat managers should set aside well-defined zones without recreational activities to preserve the refuge of this umbrella species.     

Biochar composites: Emerging trends,field successes and sustainability implications

Engineered biochars are promising candidates in a wide range of environmental applications, including soil fertility improvement, contaminant immobilization, wastewater treatment and in situ carbon sequestration. This review provides a systematic classification of these novel biochar composites and identifies the promising future trends in composite research and application. It is proposed that metals, minerals, layered double hydroxides, carbonaceous nanomaterials and microorganisms enhance the performances of biochars via distinct mechanisms. In this review, four novel trends are identified and assessed critically. Firstly, facile synthesis methods, in particular ball milling and co-pyrolysis, have emerged as popular composite fabrication strategies that are suitable for large-scale applications. Secondly, biochar modification with green materials, such as natural clay minerals and microorganisms, align well with the on-going green and sustainable remediation (GSR) movement. Furthermore, new applications in soil health improvement and climate change mitigation support the realization of United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Finally, the importance of field studies is getting more attention, since evidence of field success is critically needed before large-scale applications.     

聚合物包膜控释肥料膜壳累积、降解及对土壤质量影响的研究进展

聚合物包膜控释肥料是实现化肥提质增效的新型肥料之一,其控释效果依赖于包膜材料。控释肥料养分释放后的残留膜壳是农业土地上微塑料的重要来源,膜壳及其降解产物是否对土壤质量安全造成影响尚不清楚。本文综合了国内外膜壳残留及其降解的研究进展,从聚合物包膜控释肥料残留膜壳在农田中的累积现状、降解性能研究及其对土壤物理–化学–生物学效应等土壤质量参数的影响进行了阐述,包括:1)现有文献指出,控释肥料膜壳在农田中的累积量与施用量基本相同,其在不同类型农田土壤及不同土层中的赋存、分布和累积现状不同;2)不同类型控释肥料膜壳在土壤中的降解过程主要与聚合物材质相关,降解率可通过聚合物材料改性来提高,其降解过程、产物及机制值得探索;3)控释肥料膜壳降解产物对土壤物理、化学、生物学性状及作物生长的影响程度取决于聚合物材料类型、累积量及土壤类型。短期内低浓度的膜壳累积对土壤理化性质、土壤生物及作物生长无不良影响,长期累积或高浓度下膜壳影响土壤质量变化的阈值亟需明确。据此,进一步提出,1)应广泛开展不同种类控释肥料膜壳在农田中的赋存、分布和累积的现场监测评估工作;2)开发控释肥料膜壳及其次级降解物分离提取、鉴定和定量表征的分析技术和方法,建立健全标准化方法;3)了解控释肥料膜壳及其降解产物在土壤中的去向和迁移过程及其对不同类型土壤及不同作物品种的影响,探寻膜壳残留量与效应之间的关系及其影响机制;4)研制开发天然、生物及可降解控释肥料膜材,研究膜壳降解与养分释放之间的相互关系,构建新型可生物降解控释肥料膜壳降解与养分释放关系数据模型,以期为聚合物包膜控释肥料的应用、开发及标准的制定提供科学依据。     

The impact of initial concentration of selected pharmaceuticals on their early stage of dissipation in soils

Journal of Soils and Sediments - Dissipation of pharmaceutical compounds entered into the natural environment is an important process minimizing the adverse effects on the living organisms. The aim...     

Flowering estimation in apple orchards by image analysis

Tree-specific management practice related to individual tree physiological condition is necessary for higher quality and quantity in apple fruit production. Detection of apple flowering abundance based on analysis of HSL (hue, saturation, luminance) images was used to estimate the number of flower clusters (FC) of individual trees in a high density apple orchard. The image acquisition was performed with a still camera and an industrial color camera during the day and night. The FC estimation algorithm included HSL thresholding with parameter optimization. Three hypothetical, tree-specific management practices (sprayings) were assumed, using >25, >50 and >100 FC thresholds to carry out the practice. When an industrial camera was used for image acquisition during the daytime and hypothetical spraying was done by on/off criterion >100 FC per tree, 10 % incorrect executions were identified. Comparable FC counting performance was achieved by using a still camera or an industrial camera.     

不同苹果矮化中间砧组合适宜栽植密度试验

[目的]确定不同苹果矮化中间砧组合宽行密植栽培模式的合理栽植密度.[方法]选用2010年的定植天红2号/SH40/八棱海棠、烟富3/M9/八棱海棠、烟富3/M26/八棱海棠为试材,进行不同栽植密度试验,调查分析树体发育情况、枝类组成、果实品质、产量.其中,栽培密度：天红2号/SH40/八棱海棠0.75 m×4.00m、1.50m×4.00m、1.00m×4.00m、1.25 m ×4.00m;烟富3/M9/八棱海棠1.25m×4.00m、1.00m×4.00m、0.75 m×4.00m;烟富3/M26/八棱海棠1.50m×4.00m、1.25 m ×4.00 m、1.00 m ×4.00 m、0.75 m ×4.00m.[结果]3种砧穗组合所有处理树高均小于行距,行间均无交接现象,果胎枝所占比例0.75 m×4.00m和1.00m×4.00m处理较高.天红2号/SH40/八棱海棠以栽植密度0.75 m ×4.00 m处理产量最高,1.00m×4.00m处理果实硬度最高,1.25m×4.00m处理干截面积产量最低;烟富3/M9/八棱海棠以栽植密度0.75 m×4.00 m处理产量最高,并且果实品质优于其他处理;烟富3/M26/八棱海棠以1.25 m ×4.00 m处理干截面积产量较高,0.75 m×4.00m处理产量最高,并且果实品质优于1.25m×4.00m和1.50 m ×4.00 m处理.另外,0.75 m×4.00m栽植密度下,烟富3/M9/八棱海棠产量最高,烟富3/M26/八棱海棠次之,红2号/SH40/八棱海棠最低.[结论]烟富3/M26/八棱海棠和烟富3/M9/八棱海棠进行宽行密植栽培株行距选择0.75 m×4.00m为宜,天红2号/SH40/八棱海棠应选择0.75m ×4.00 m或1.00 m ×4.00 m.     

黄芪ISSR-PCR反应体系的建立及优化

为获得最优黄芪ISSR-PCR反应体系,以山西省浑源县官儿乡蒙古黄芪为试验材料,利用单因素试验法对反应体系中的4个因素(模板DNA,dNTPs,Taq DNA聚合酶,ISSR引物)分别设置浓度梯度进行体系优化。结果表明,20μL黄芪ISSR-PCR最优体系为:模板DNA质量浓度6.0 ng/μL,dNTPs浓度0.03 mmol/L,Taq DNA聚合酶浓度0.05 U/μL,引物浓度0.80 mmol/L。最后用不同产地的黄芪检测该体系,结果发现,PCR产物多态性良好。优化体系的确立为今后黄芪种质资源的分子评价奠定了技术基础。     

Bioaccumulation and Effects of Heavy Metals in Crayfish: A Review

Metal pollution is a global problem which represents a growing threat to the environment. Because of bioaccumulation and negative effects of heavy metals, their bioavailability needs to be monitored. Many studies showed accumulation of metals in crayfish tissues as dose- and time-dependent without significant differences in tissue concentration levels comparing males and females. Muscles and exoskeleton were considered as specific for accumulation of mercury and nickel, respectively. Cadmium, zinc, copper, lead, and chromium accumulated mainly in hepatopancreas. By analyzing these specific tissues, it is possible to deduce the bioavailability and, by presumption, the level of environmental pollution by specific metals. However, in the case of zinc and copper, their utility is limited to assessing bioavailability because rapid depuration of these metals renders them less useful for long-term environmental monitoring programs. The literature reporting heavy metal impacts on freshwater crayfish, with reference to accumulation levels, is reviewed and summarized with respect to their suitability as bioindicators. Summarized published data from unpolluted or control localities can be used as referential values in crayfish, and consequently help with evaluation of monitored sites.     

Phytotoxic Effect of the Uranium on the Growing Up and Development the Plant of Corn

The aim of this article is the determination of uranium accumulation in plants tissue in shoots and roots of corn—maize (Zea mays), grown on two types of soils, pseudogley and chernozem, together with its phytotoxic effect on the plant growth and development. The soils was contaminated with different rates (10 to 1,000 mg U(VI) kg^?1) of uranyl nitrate (UO₂(NO₃)₂·6H₂O). Vegetative tests performed with maize indicated uranium phytotoxic effect on plant height, yield, and germination of seeds. This effect was stronger on the plants grown on pseudogley in comparison with those grown on chernozem. Soil properties determined the tolerance and accumulation of U in plants. A linear dependence between the content of uranium in soil and in plants tissue, including maximal content of 1,000 mg U?kg^?1, indicates that maize could be used for phytoremediation of uranium-contaminated soils.     

Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus Tranformations are Related to Age of a Constructe Wetland

Two horizontal constructed wetlands with subsurface flow (CWs) of different age were monitored in a 2-year study. One of the CWs was new, while the second one had been in operation for 5 years in the first year of study. Transformations of C, P, and N were measured in each CW in the substrate of the vegetated bed under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, and their rates were compared. C was mineralized in both CWs under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, but mineralization rates differed between the CWs; they were cca ten times higher in the established CW compared to the new CW. Dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) was immobilized under aerobic conditions but was mobilized under anaerobic conditions. DRP transformation was cca five times faster in the established CW. Nitrification occurred under aerobic conditions at similar rates in both CWs. NH₄ ⁺ concentration decreased under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions, but there was large variability. The age of the CW affected C mineralization rates and DRP immobilization rates under aerobic conditions and mobilization rates under anaerobic conditions; they increased as the CWs maturated, while no effect of CW age was observed on nitrogen removal rates.