Wavelet analysis of soil variation at nanometre‐ to micrometre‐scales: an example of organic carbon content in a micro‐aggregate

This paper demonstrates the potential of wavelet analysis to investigate fine‐scale spatial variation in soil without statistical assumptions that are generally implausible. We analysed the optical densities of different forms of carbon which were measured at intervals of 50 nm along a 16‐µm transect on a soil micro‐aggregate using near‐edge X‐ray fine‐structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS). We found different patterns of scale‐dependent variation between the carbon forms, which could be represented by pair‐wise wavelet correlations at the different scales, and by principal components analysis of all the correlations at each scale. These results represent only one small soil micro‐aggregate and are not presented as general findings about soil carbon, but they do indicate that fine‐scale variation of soil carbon can be complex in ways that the wavelet analysis can accommodate but alternative spatial statistics such as variograms cannot. Among the patterns of variation that the analysis could identify were scale‐dependent correlations of the different forms of carbon. In some cases, positive correlations were found at coarser scales and negative at the finest scales, suggesting a multi‐scale pattern in which contrasting forms of carbon are deposited in common clumps but at finer scales either one or the other form dominates. Aromatic and carboxylic carbon varied jointly in this way. Other forms of carbon, such as carboxylic and aliphatic carbon, were strongly correlated at the finest scales but not the coarser scales. We found evidence for changes in the variance and correlation of forms of carbon along the transect, indicating that the spatial distribution of carbon at these fine scales may be very complex in ways that are inconsistent with the assumptions of geostatistics. This quantitative analysis of the spatial patterns of different soil components at micro‐scales offers a basis for formulating and testing specific hypotheses on replicated samples.     

A probability-based approach to match species with reserves when data are at different resolutions

Gap analysis is a protocol for assessing the extent to which valued biodiversity attributes are represented within protected areas. Such analysis involves overlaying the distribution of biodiversity features (e.g. species) with protected areas, but the protocol entails arbitrary assumptions that affect the outcome of the assessments. In particular, since species’ distributions are usually mapped at a coarser resolution than protected areas, rules have to be defined to match the two data layers. Typically, a grid cell is considered protected if a given proportion is covered by protected areas. Because the effectiveness of protected areas is dependent on the definition of such arbitrary proportions (i.e., thresholds), errors of commission and omission in the level of species’ representation are bound to exist. We propose an alternative approach whereby the contribution of a cell for the representation of species is defined as the expected value of a hyper-geometric random variable. We compare the conventional approach based on fixed thresholds with this new probability-based approach for both static and dynamic conservation scenarios, using a virtual dataset and a 100-plant-species’ dataset for Iberian Peninsula. Results support the view that traditional fixed thresholds yield inconsistent results. Because species present different distributional patterns coinciding differently with protected areas, species-specific and time-specific thresholds should be used. Our approach enables to easily obtain these more adequate threshold values, thus offering a promising method for gap analyses. Future studies should seek to evaluate the performance of this method empirically in different conservation planning contexts.     

基于主成分与聚类分析的苹果加工品质评价

为了探讨苹果品种间理化品质的差异,给选育新品种和苹果合理加工利用提供理论支持,采集了30个苹果品种为试材进行模式识别分析。该试验所用苹果在2011年8-10月份按照苹果可采成熟度(九成熟)在辽宁省兴城市国家种质资源圃进行采集。试验测定了单果质量、体积、密度、果皮颜色、硬度、糖酸比、维生素C等20项理化品质指标,采用描述性统计、主成分和聚类分析方法对苹果品种和品质关系进行了分析。结果显示,30个品种苹果的密度、果型指数和含水率3项指标未表现出差异。对剩余17项品质指标进行了主成分分析,依据主成分解释总变量和碎石图提取了6个主成分反映原变量的82.3%的信息。第一主成分主要综合了可滴定酸、糖酸比及固酸比的信息即口尝品质因子;第二主成分主要综合了L值,a值和b值的信息,命名为颜色因子;其余主成分依次为甜度因子、质构因子、内在品质因子和果个大小因子。结合主成分得分图直观地显示了苹果品种和理化指标间关系:辽伏、理想、早金冠和瑞光分布在PC1和PC2的正向区间,糖酸比和固酸比值较大、口感好,但是果皮颜色较绿,是品质较好的早熟苹果;寒富、赤阳和红富士依次落在PC1和PC2第四区间,食用品质好、果皮颜色较红,是较为常见的晚熟苹果。分布在第二区间的普利阿姆,白星,Pvma果皮颜色绿且口感酸涩,不适宜鲜食,这些品种可能较为适宜进行加工。第三区间品种固酸比、甜酸比取值较小但是果皮颜色红,为选育果皮颜色受消费者喜爱且内在品质好的早熟品种提供了理论支持。聚类分析将30个品种苹果分为5类,聚类结果与主成分得分图结果基本一致,该试验初步判定30个品种苹果是否适宜鲜食,为苹果品种选育和加工应用利用提供理论依据。     

Changes in attitudes toward wolves in Croatia

Against a background of an evolving wolf policy process we carried out personal structured interviews with residents of three regions within Croatian wolf range in 1999 (n = 1209) and repeated the study, using the same methodology in 2003 (n = 1172). We documented a change in public support for wolf conservation and support for control of wolves. The change was a result of a real change in attitudes and not of a change in the age structure of the sampled population. The changes were documented in the two southern regions, Lika and Dalmatia, with attitudes shifting towards a more neutral viewpoint, as there was a decrease in support for wolf conservation and a decrease in support to control wolves. It seems that different birth cohorts react differently to conservation activities. In 1999, the younger cohort groups may have been influenced more by the legal protection campaign. The older cohorts reacted more sympathetically to livestock concerns and thus held stronger negative attitudes toward wolves. Using human dimensions research as an evaluative tool can help large carnivore managers be more adaptive and thus effective in their management solutions.     

Social perceptions of the impacts and benefits of invasive alien species: Implications for management

Research on biological invasions has traditionally focused on the ecological component of invasive alien species, either without considering or by considering in a restricted way, the knowledge of the social component. An understanding of the human dimension of invasions is critical to effectively tackle the problems associated with invasive alien species. We distributed questionnaires to evaluate the social perceptions and attitudes of different stakeholder groups affected by invasive alien species in the Doñana social-ecological system (SW Spain). Our analysis served to characterize respondents based on their knowledge and perceptions of the impacts of invasive alien species, and the attitudes toward their introduction and eradication. Hierarchical cluster and principal component analyses identified five categories of respondents, and potential support of eradication programs was assessed using a contingent valuation approach. The five stakeholder groups differed in their degree of knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and willingness to pay for eradication. The fact that different stakeholders have remarkably different perceptions about the impacts and benefits caused by invasive alien species, and different attitudes toward their introduction or eradication should be considered in any decision-making process regarding their management, particularly when developing appropriate educational and informative programs. Consultation with different stakeholders should also be encouraged from the onset of any decision-making process. In this way, trade-offs involved in IAS management are directly addressed and successful implementation of management practices is facilitated.     

稻壳和木粉在内循环流化床气化炉中气化实验研究

本文主要以稻壳和木粉为原料在内循环流化床气化炉中进行气化实验的研究,测试了温度对当量比的反影响,及对气体成分、气体热值等的影响,并比较内循环流化床气化炉中气化效率与碳转化率的影响。结果表明:在一定温度范围内,温度与当量比呈一定的线性关系,且床温中密相区温度对当量比的影响最大,是其它两温度的斜率的2倍;一旦内循环流化床结构固定,同一高度温度将在一定范围内变化,而不随着当量比的变化而变化;床层密相区温度影响着一氧化碳、氢气、甲烷等气体的组成,同时影响着气体的热值。稻壳与木粉在内循环流化床气化炉中的气化效率最大值相近,接近60%,但木粉的相对稳定。     

广西地方食用木薯种质资源遗传多样性分析

为研究广西地方食用木薯材料的遗传多样性,以48份广西地方食用木薯为试验材料,分析其变异系数、遗传多样指数、聚类分析、多态性和遗传相似性系数。结果表明,收集的木薯材料的平均表型变异系数为37.9%,平均遗传多样性指数为0.807,其中主茎分叉角度的变异系数最大,为86.7%,块根内皮颜色的遗传多样性指数最大,为1.842。13对SSR引物共扩增出118个条带,其中多态性条带为106个,多态性比率为86.23%;分子标记聚类结果发现,遗传相似性系数在0.415~1.000之间;通过对比发现表型聚类和分子聚类结果不一致,其中表型聚类发现类群划分与地理来源之间没有关联,但与株型性状有一定的关联;在遗传相似系数为0.62时,SSR分子标记聚类为两类材料,第一类材料地理分布无规律,第二类材料大多分布在桂南。本研究结果表明,广西地方食用木薯资源遗传多样性具有一定的丰富度,可为创制优异食用木薯种质资源和新品种选育奠定基础。     

Simple,Robust Method for Quantifying Silicon in Plant Tissue

Low silicon (Si) content in rice, sugarcane and other Si-accumulating crops can adversely affect crop performance because it creates reduced tolerance to both abiotic and biotic stresses. Assessing the Si status of a crop typically depends upon accurately measuring Si accumulation in plant tissue. Methods involving wet digestion of plant tissue followed by colorimetric determination of Si have proven attractive because they are both rapid and do not require costly, specialized instrumentation. Some popular wet-digestion methods are reported to provide highly variable and inconsistent results. A systematic study to identify and address the sources of variability associated with wet digestion for Si analysis found that modifications that reduce excessive foaming during wet digestion of plant tissue in strong alkali and peroxide significantly reduce variability. Unstable and variable color development associated with the molybdenum blue reaction is a concern in the colorimetric determination of Si in digests. Experiments showed that the inclusion of ammonium fluoride to facilitate the release of polysilicic acid prior to colorimetric determination results in reproducible readings that stabilize within 60 min and remain stable for at least 5 h. With this modification, the accuracy and precision of values obtained colorimetrically are comparable or superior to those obtained by inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) analysis. A two-phase wet-digestion procedure is described for Si tissue analysis that is robust, accurate, and precise and requires equipment commonly found in most agricultural laboratories.     

中国经济增长与耕地资源变化计量分析

经济发展与耕地保护一直是决策者两难的选择,其传统假说大都建立在发展与保护矛盾不断激化的基础之上,该文基于国内外耕地变化轨迹的判断,提出新的研究假说:经济增长与耕地变化存在Logistic曲线关系,并选择全国数据进行实证检验。结果表明:国外(区域)经济发展在工业化、城市化由初级阶段过渡到高级阶段过程中,对建设占用耕地需求的强烈程度先增强后减弱,整个过程类似于Logistic曲线假说。中国不同阶段对比发现,1988-2003年间中国人均经济增长与耕地资源变化具有较为一致波动特征致,2003年以后两者波动出现明显脱钩或分歧。1988-2008年间的全国各省实证结果显示,除上海、广西等8省份无法通过F检验外,其余省份均能验证研究假说,在2002年全国人均国内生产总值8759.2元,是耕地变化加速减少向减速减少的拐点,2009年后数年耕地规模总量不应小于121.7万km2,不同区域耕地变化拐点和规模下限差别较大。研究结论能够为中国耕地保护和公共政策调整提供科学依据和直接参考。     

Population management of threatened taxa in captivity within their natural ranges: Lessons from Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus) in Venezuela

Populations of threatened taxa in captivity within their natural ranges can make important contributions to conservation, but these may be compromised by the inappropriate application of population management goals developed in other contexts. We conducted demographic, genetic, and population viability analyses on the captive population of Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus) in Venezuela to investigate the management of within-range captive populations in general, and to better integrate this population into the conservation of Andean bears in particular. We found that although the present population is very small and not internally self-sustaining, incorporation of confiscated wild individuals has resulted in a low average number of generations in captivity and low inbreeding, with moderate gene diversity and a high probability of future population persistence. However, past imports from extra-range populations have been from over-represented lineages of unknown origin, which have mixed with under-represented Venezuelan ones, reducing the future value of the Venezuelan population as a source for founder stock. Our analyses indicate that the rate of incorporation of wild recruits is a major factor influencing proxy measures of conservation value, and distinguishing within- from extra-range populations. This implies that, contrary to conventional wisdom, internal self-sustainability can be a misguided goal in within-range populations, which furthermore may not be suitable destinations for surplus animals from captive populations elsewhere.     

Soil health – What should the doctor order?

The concept of soil health has been extensively reviewed in the scientific literature, but there is only patchy and inconsistent information available to farmers and growers who are concerned about the declining condition of their soils and are looking for appropriate test methods and management interventions to help reverse it. Although there are well‐established laboratory methods for soil chemical analysis, and a range of laboratory and field methods for measuring soil physical properties, only now are methods starting to emerge for soil biological analysis. This study provides an overview of the methods that are currently available commercially (or are close to commercialization) for farmers and growers in the UK. We examine the science underpinning the methods, the value of the information provided and how farmers and advisors can use results from such assessments for informed decision‐making in relation to soil management.     

Policies for saving a rare Australian glider: economics and ecology

This paper considers the economics of conserving a species with mainly non-use value, the endangered mahogany glider. Three serial surveys of Brisbane residents provide data on the knowledge of respondents about the mahogany glider. The results supply information about the attitudes of respondents to the mahogany glider, to its conservation and relevant public policies, and about variations in these factors as the knowledge of participants of the mahogany glider alters. Similarly, data are provided and analysed about the willingness to pay of respondents to conserve the mahogany glider and how it changes. Population viability analysis is applied to estimate the required habitat area for a minimum viable population of the mahogany glider to ensure at least a 95% probability of its survival for 100 years. Places are identified in Queensland where the requisite minimum area of critical habitat can be conserved. Using the survey results as a basis, the likely willingness of groups of Australians to pay for the conservation of the mahogany glider is estimated and consequently their willingness to pay for the minimum required area of its habitat. Methods for estimating the cost of protecting this habitat are outlined. Australia-wide benefits are estimated to exceed the costs. Establishing a national park containing the minimum viable population of the mahogany glider is an appealing management option. This would also be beneficial in conserving other endangered wildlife species and ecosystems. Therefore, additional economic benefits to those estimated on account of the mahogany glider itself can be obtained.     

生物多样性保护的区域生态安全格局评价手段--GAP分析

GAP分析是用来判别生物多样性保护的空白、遗漏区域(“gaps”)和需要采取保护行动的地区(conservation gap),它是一种评估区域生物多样性所有成分所处保护地位、被保护程度等的科学方法。强调最大限度地保护生物多样性的先决条件是通过构建保护区网络,不仅仅考虑生物多样性最高地区,应该使本地种和生态系统都得到保护。区域生态安全格局的评价不仅要考虑生物及其生境的保护,而且,更要考虑受损生态系统和破坏景观的恢复,即不仅考虑Conservation G ap,也要考虑R estoration G ap。因而,改进GAP方法可用于生态安全格局的分析与评价,且有望成为重要的研究手段。     

Invasive plant suppresses charismatic seabird - the construction of attitudes towards biodiversity management options

Public attitudes towards biodiversity issues and the value judgments underlying biodiversity management and conservation are still poorly understood. This has raised serious concerns regarding the effective use of public participation in biodiversity policy making. We conducted quantitative face-to-face interviews with members of the general public in southeast Scotland to assess attitudes towards biodiversity management and examine attitude formation. For this, we applied social psychological attitude-behaviour theories to a case study investigating biodiversity management options for an island ecosystem in which the abundance of a charismatic seabird, the Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica) is compromised by the expansion of a tall invasive plant, tree mallow (Lavatera arborea). We found that attitudes as expressed by members of the public are informed by both value- and knowledge-based elements. Our research provides clear support for the notion that, in a conservation context, value-based principles matter to the public. Out of a set of seven conservation-related values, ‘balance’ and ‘naturalness’ were important factors that related strongly to the respondents’ attitudes. These relationships were even stronger for individuals emotionally involved with the topic. Other value-based principles such as uniqueness, autochthony and endangeredness of the species involved appeared to be of lesser relevance. The findings provide evidence that attitudes can be considered as distinct constructs that offer valuable and meaningful information to biodiversity policymakers and managers, and allow empirical insights into the way value judgments influence biodiversity management and conservation.     

基于Fisher判别法则的小麦品质多指标分级

小麦生理生化指标对研究其储藏品质具有重要的作用,但由于各指标间关系的复杂性,所表达的信息存在较大差别,这给小麦储藏品质分析带来很大的不便。针对该问题,该文提出了一种小麦储藏品质多指标分析模型,选取降落数值、发芽率、过氧化物酶、脂肪酸值、电导率、还原糖值、丙二醛7个生理生化指标作为分析的关键因素,通过相似性和主成分法对各指标进行分析计算,发现脂肪酸值最具代表性;基于脂肪酸值数据分布变化趋势,采用聚类分析方法对小麦分类;使用Fisher判别法对小麦数据进行训练,得到2类判别函数,其中判别函数1的贡献率达到89.7%,在该函数下,计算获得3种类别小麦的中心值为–5.699、1.316和3.945,从而为判断小麦的品质状况提供计算依据。试验计算结果表明,在18批储藏小麦中,该文判别模型对小麦的分类结果与实际参考标准分类结果的一致性达到88.9%,验证了本模型的合理性,研究结果可为小麦品质评价分类提供参考。     

精准农业经济效益分析方法探讨

用部分预算法与投资分析法分析水稻精准变量施N肥结果表明,自购价格昂贵的大型联合收割机不可行,如改为租赁则部分预算法结果显示该项目每年增加4.8228万元净收益,投资分析法结果显示项目运行10年可盈利27.8135万元,内部收益率为24％。部分预算法需较多生产方面的技术数据,因而更适宜于已实施项目;而无论项目实施与否均可用投资分析法分析,并作进一步的敏感性分析或全面反映项目经济、社会和环境效益的国民经济分析。     

Will the Conventional Soil-Plant Analysis Pass into Oblivion? Rapid and Low-Cost Determination Using Spectroscopy

Is it time for replacing the traditional soil-plant analysis methods by spectroscopy? Traditional analytical methods are subject to significant sources of errors that commonly result in compromise of soil characteristics and gross underestimation of chemical concentrations in soil-plant for a wide range of analyses. Given the magnitude of the decisions that are made based on these data, the technical and economic impacts of using traditional methods can be significant. Therefore, it is now time for soil-plant spectroscopy to enter an operational phase. Spectroscopy has opened a new era in which traditional analyses are being left behind. Spectroscopy can be used to accurately predict certain soil and plant properties, making it a valuable tool in precision farming. Soil spectra contain much information relevant to soil-plant properties. Multivariate regressions of spectra can accurately predict several soil properties. Spectroscopy requires only a few seconds to analyze a soil sample, but the relevant information needs to be mathematically extracted from the spectra so that it can be correlated with soil properties. Therefore, the successful application of spectroscopy to quantify and evaluate the relationships between soil reflectance and soil properties depends largely on the development of accurate and robust calibration models. These procedures appear to be sufficiently accurate and precise to enable their use in soil and plant analysis. There are many advantages to using this technique.     

Nitrogen concentrations in spring wheat at several growth stages

Abstract

Diagnosis of N deficiency in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is important in the North Central region because it is the principal grain crop and N is the nutrient most often limiting its growth. Plant analysis may provide a means by which this objective can be realized. This study was undertaken to establish N levels of sufficiency and deficiency in spring wheat at several growth stages. Five cultivars of spring wheat were grown in the field at rates of 0, 40, 80, and 160 kg/ha of N on a Maddock sandy loam (sandy, mixed Udorthentic Haploborolls) for two years. Plant samples were collected at Feekes growth stages 3, 5–6, 9–10, and 10.5–10.5.1. Nitrogen concentration trends in the plant tissue showed a rapid drop between stages 3 and 10.5–10.5.1. Nitrogen concentration growth curves exhibited a curvilinear pattern at stages 5–6, 9–10 and 10.5–10.5.1, and a linear relationship at stage 3. For the whole plant samples N concentrations of 5.2–5.6%, 4.2–5.1%, 2.4–3.5% and 1.8–2.6% at stages 3, 5–6, 9–10 and 10.5–10.5.1 were sufficient. For leaf blade samples N concentrations of 4.1–5.0% and 3.6–4.5% at stages 9–10 and 10.5–10.5.1 were sufficient. Cultivar effects on N concentration were sometimes significant but the effects were inconsistent between two seasons or within a given season.     

Effects of grinding and storage for one month on retention of vitamin A in premixes and mineral supplements

Tested standardized procedures for handling premixes and mineral supplements from time of sampling to time of analysis for vitamin A have not been developed, which could account for some unexplained inconsistent and low analytical results. Grinding premix samples and storing them in a freezer for one month had little effect on amount of vitamin A found, but there was a significant loss (about 10%) after storage for one month at room temperature. Results on replicated determinations of vitamin A in unground and ground mineral supplements and on effect of storage were somewhat more variable than for premixes, but only the loss (about 12%) during storage for one month at room temperature was significant.     

Human-wildlife conflicts influence attitudes but not necessarily behaviors: Factors driving the poaching of bears in China

Human-wildlife conflicts often spur retaliatory killing, which may be a major threat to some wildlife species. Asiatic black bears depredate crops and livestock and also attack humans. We investigated whether human–bear conflicts in Sichuan Province, southwestern China, resulted in increased bear poaching. We conducted semi-structured interviews within 429 15 × 15-km cells across the province, asking villagers about bear occurrence, population trends, attitudes toward bears, human–bear conflicts, responses to bear damage, and bear poaching. Bears raided crops (n = 174 cells), killed livestock (n = 114 cells), and attacked people (n = 49 cells). Fifty percent and 43% of villagers held negative and neutral attitudes toward bears, respectively; attitudes were more negative among people who had previous interactions with bears or lived where bear encounters were more likely. Although killing bears was illegal, villagers in 117 cells (38%) indicated that bear poaching occurred around their villages. However, killing bears was not significantly linked to damage: indeed, killing was more common in areas without human–bear conflicts. Poachers killed bears mainly for trade of their valuable parts (gall bladder and paws, 78.5%). Tibetan people experienced bear damage and also had negative attitudes toward bears, but reported less poaching than Han or Yi people, due to their religious beliefs. Our study indicated that human-wildlife conflicts shaped people’s attitudes toward bears, but strong economic incentives, not attitudes, prompted illegal killing. Whereas mitigation of human–bear conflicts could help foster more positive attitudes toward bears and the nature reserves that protect bears, this strategy will not remove the primary threat against this species.