A biochemical model of photosynthesis for mango leaves: evidence for the effect of fruit on photosynthetic capacity of nearby leaves

Variations in leaf nitrogen concentration per unit mass (Nm) and per unit area (Na), mass-to-area ratio (Ma), total nonstructural carbohydrates (Ta), and photosynthetic capacity (maximum carboxylation rate, electron transport capacity, rate of phosphate release in triose phosphate utilization and dark respiration rate) were studied within the digitized crowns of two 3-year-old mango trees (Mangifera indica L.) on La Réunion Island. Additional measurements of Nm, Na, Ma, Ta and photosynthetic capacities were performed on young, fully expanded leaves of 11-year-old mango trees. Leaves of similar gap fractions were taken far from and close to developing fruits. Unlike Nm, both Na and Ta were linearly correlated to gap fraction. Similar relationships were found for all leaves whatever their age and origin, except for Ta, for which we found a significant tree effect. Photosynthetic capacity was nonlinearly correlated to Na, and a unique relationship was obtained for all types of leaves. Photosynthetic acclimation to light was mainly driven by changes in Ma, but allocation of total leaf N between the different photosynthetic functions also played a substantial role in acclimation to the lowest irradiances. Leaves close to developing fruits exhibited a higher photosynthetic capacity than other leaves, but similar Ta. Our data suggest that Ta does not control photosynthetic capacity in mango leaves. We used the data to parameterize a biochemically based model of photosynthesis and an empirical stomatal conductance model, allowing accurate predictions of net photosynthesis of leaves in field-grown mango trees.     

Nitrate dynamics after clear felling monitored by in vivo nitrate reductase activity (NRA) and natural N abundance of Deschampsia flexuosa (L.) Trin.

The N dynamics following clear felling, focusing on NO₃⁻ turnover, were studied at four forested sites in southern Sweden. Two different methods were used to study N availability: (i) an in vivo nitrate reductase activity (NRA) bioassay and (ii) measurements of natural abundance of stable N isotopes in leaves of the grass species Deschampsia flexuosa, and in organic soil horizons. At each of the four sites, six plots were established and each year, for 5 consecutive years (1989–1993), one plot per site was felled. Thus, in 1993 there were five plots with different ages since clear felling and one control (closed forest) plot at each site. NRA was analyzed three times annually during the years 1989–1993. Samples for grass and soil analysis of δ¹⁵N, total N and soil pH were taken in 1993 only. NRA rapidly increased after the felling and remained high throughout the studied period. This suggests that there was an increased pool of plant-available soil NO₃⁻ more than 5 years after clear felling. Despite differences in site productivity and N deposition between the four sites, no significant differences in NRA were found between the sites. There were also rapid changes in δ¹⁵N in leaves of D. flexuosa, coinciding with the increases in NRA, during the first 3 years after felling. In contrast to NRA, shoot δ¹⁵N decreased 3–4 years after the felling at three out of four sites. Variations in the δ¹⁵N figures between sites may have been largely due to between-site differences in field-layer retention of N. At two of the sites, where NO₃⁻ leaching was also measured, a correlation was found between the NO₃⁻ concentration in the water and the difference in δ¹⁵N between D. flexuosa leaves from felled and closed forest plots. The data presented here suggest that NO₃⁻ leakage after clear felling is a rapid process, which is influenced by the development of field-layer biomass after the felling. Furthermore, losses of NO₃⁻ through leaching rapidly change the natural abundance of the plant available N pools in the soil.     

Internationalization of SMEs in the Baltic Sea Region: Barriers of cross-national collaboration considering regional innovation strategies for smart specialization

This paper provides new evidence on barriers that hamper small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) to establish international collaboration. Our analysis makes use of collected data concerning internationalization of SMEs in seven BSR countries. Our logistic multivariate regression model, which we applied after selecting relevant variables using the LASSO method, indicates a significant positive effect for the entities´ demand in support to acquire clients as well as the absence of foreign markets operations. A significant adverse effect is found for cooperation agreements as a support tool for internationalization as well as the interest to participate in an innovation and internationalization system. SMEs rather desire their internationalization capacity building than direct support in acquiring clients. Overall, our results support the hypothesis that strengthening cross-national collaborations and establishing appropriate support programs are important toward innovativeness and competitiveness among SMEs in the BSR. Smart Specialization Strategies (S3) could provide a framework for building cross-national collaborations.     

Relationship between Norway Spruce Status and Soil Water Base Cations/Aluminum Ratios in the Czech Republic

There is a concern that soil acidification by acidic deposition, along with the resulting depletion of the labile pool of nutrient cations (e.g. Ca, Mg) and enhanced leaching of Al from soil may contribute to forest dieback. The molar ratios of Ca/Al or (Ca+Mg+K)/Al in the soil solution have been widely used as a criterion for risk of tree damage due to acidification. Intensity and quality of the crown and branch structure transformation due to formation of secondary shoots in successive series is a very sensitive indicator of long-term tree damage, and the subsequent regenerative processes. Soil water chemistry and crown structure transformation of Norway spruce were observed at 16 forest plots within the Czech Republic with the following results: parameters, expressing degradation processes in the crown (defoliation of primary structure), regeneration processes (percentage of secondary shoots) or synthetic stages of crown structure transformation showed high correlation with soil water (Ca+Mg+K)/Al ratio in organic horizons. No relationships were found for mineral horizons. The correlations between soil water and crown status parameters were considerably stronger when using the (Ca+Mg+K)/Al ratio rather than the Ca/Al ratio.     

Comparison of approaches towards ecotoxicity evaluation for the application of dredged sediment on soil

Purpose

The toxicity of 36 dredged sediments from the Czech Republic was investigated using a large battery of bioassays. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of ecotoxicity testing in general and of individual bioassays more specific and to investigate how the results of bioassays are determined by the physicochemical properties of sediment samples and/or sediment contamination.

Material and methods

In 2008 and 2010, 36 sediment samples were collected from rivers and ponds and from sediment heaps in different parts of the Czech Republic. Both their physicochemical properties and their levels of contamination with POPs and heavy metals were analyzed. The ecotoxicities of the sediments were evaluated using the four bioassays from the new Czech directive 257/2009 Coll. concerning the application of dredged sediments on agricultural land (Enchytraeus crypticus reproduction, Folsomia candida reproduction, Lactuca sativa root elongation, and potential ammonium oxidation). The results of the four directive bioassays were compared with the results of other soil bioassays (Caenorhabditis elegans mortality, Eisenia fetida avoidance and reproduction) and eluate bioassays (Daphnia magna immobilization, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata growth inhibition test, and Vibrio fischeri luminescence).

Results and discussion

We demonstrate that the battery suggested in Czech directive 257/2009 Coll. is highly effective in identifying toxic samples; these bioassays clearly revealing different types of toxicity and different exposure routes. Shorter alternative bioassays may be added especially when fast toxicity identification is needed. Eluate bioassays identified samples potentially hazardous to aquatic ecosystems. Their inclusion into the assessment scheme should be considered if the goal of assessment is also the protection of aquatic ecosystems. The results of our multivariate analysis show that specific physicochemical properties and contamination may affect bioassay responses. C. elegans was the most sensitive bioassay to physicochemical properties and also to organic contamination, while eluate bioassays were sensitive to heavy metal pollution.

Conclusions

Most effects detected by the bioassays could not be explained by the levels of toxicants measured or by the natural characteristics of sediments. Our results show that bioassays are irreplaceable in dredged sediment risk assessment because they complement information provided by chemical analyses.     

Humic acid and biochar as specific sorbents of pesticides

Purpose

The aim of the research was to compare the effect of two types of organic sorbents—humic acid (HA) and biochar (BC)—in sorption-desorption processes of different polar pesticides, which residues are commonly present in arable soils and are potentially harmful for the environment. It also aims to advance the understanding of behavior of both ionizable and nonionizable pesticides in the presence of BC and HA in soils.

Materials and methods

Three different classes of pesticides were investigated: carbamates (carbaryl and carbofuran), phenoxyacetic acids (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid (MCPA)), and aniline derivatives (metolachlor). Investigated humic acid was extracted by Shnitzer’s method from topsoil horizon of arable Gleyic Phaeozem. Biochar was produced from wheat straw in gasification process at 550 °C, remaining 30 s in the reactor. To obtain the experimental goal structural properties of both sorbents were determined and sorption-desorption experiments conducted. To the investigated organic matter samples (HA or BC), 10 or 15 mg L^?1 pesticide solutions in 10 mM CaCl₂ were added and the mixtures were shaken for 24 h. Afterwards, the samples were centrifuged and supernatants analyzed by LC-MS/MS for the pesticide content. Analogous experiment was performed for desorption studies (samples refilled with 10 mM CaCl₂).

Results and discussion

Humic acids exhibited strong affinity for the ionic substances, for which high-percentage uptake (74.6 and 67.9% initial dose of 2,4-D and MCPA, respectively) was obtained. Retention of nonionic carbamates on HA was much weaker (35.4% of carbofuran and 10.2% of carbaryl sorbed). Sorption of carbamates to BC was significantly reduced (76.4–84.3%) by the alkaline hydrolysis. Metolachlor was bound comparably strong both by HA (72.9%) and BC (70.2%), although different mechanisms governed its sorption. Noticeable desorption occurred only in the case of 2,4-D bound to HA (over 50%), whereas other studied compounds were released from HA within the range of 4.4–10.8% of the dose sorbed. Oppositely to HA, desorption of all studied pesticides from BC was completely inhibited, except for 2,4-D (3.7% desorbed).

Conclusions

Investigated humic acid has high affinity to polar, ionic pesticides of high water solubility, which are sorbed via specific interactions with HA functional groups. Studied biochar, due to its moderately hydrophobic character, preferentially attracts nonionic pesticides of relatively high logP values and low water solubility. Hydrophobic bonding is postulated as a main mechanism of their attraction to BC. Besides sorbent structural properties, pH is the main factor governing sorption equilibria in the studied mixtures.

     

Restoration of Vegetation in Relation to Soil Properties of Spoil Heap Heavily Contaminated with Heavy Metals

The main objectives of our study were to evaluate soil contamination on a zinc-lead spoil heap in the Upper Silesian Industrial Region in southern Poland using pollution indices, and to investigate the relation between soil properties and the natural succession of vegetation. Organic carbon and nitrogen, pH, soil texture, base cations, and heavy metal content were analyzed in soil samples at depths of 0–15 cm below the organic horizon over a regular grid of 14 sampling plots. The contents of Zn, Pb, and Cd exceeded by several times the acceptable thresholds. Measurements of soil enzyme activity were used to evaluate the progress of vegetation development in relation to soil chemical properties. The results indicate that heavy metals had a significant impact on soil enzyme activity and the development of vegetation cover. High contents of Pb and Cd reduced enzyme activity, while this activity increased with increasing amounts of soil organic matter. Further, the accumulative capacities of heavy metals in needles of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and aboveground biomass of bladder campion (Silene vulgaris (Moench) Garcke) were examined. A high accumulation of Zn, Pb, and Cd in the aboveground tissues of S. vulgaris indicated an unusual tolerance of this species to heavy metals and the possibility of using this species in phytoremediation of post-industrial sites.     

Magic Modeling of Long-Term Lake Water and Soil Chemistry at Abborrträsket, Northern Sweden

The geochemical model MAGIC has been applied to the Abborrträsket lake catchment in northern Sweden for the period 1843-2000. The two objectives were to 1.) simulate historical biogeochemical fluxes and pools and 2.) test whether the MAGIC model of biogeochemical cycling contradicts the published diatom record of a relatively stable pH (around 6) during the last two centuries in this weakly buffered, acid sensitive lake. Abborrträsket has received elevated sulfur and nitrogen deposition in the second half of the 20th Century and had a large part of its catchment clearcut in 1975. The MAGIC simulation of very small pH decline from 6.1 to 5.9 between 1843 and 1987 was comparable to the published diatom reconstructions of almost stable lake water pH up until the lake was limed in 1988. MAGIC also simulated the modern soil and water chemistry, including lake liming. Thus the diatom indication of stable pH cannot be dismissed as necessarily incorrect.     

Stand density and fertilization effects on aboveground allocation patterns and stem form of Pinus sylvestris in young stands

The increasing demand for forest biomass for energy generation could be partially met by growing denser stands and use of fertilizer. Before this is done at large scale, more knowledge of the effects of stand density and fertilization on aboveground allocation patterns and stem form is needed. Therefore, effects of pre-commercial thinning (PCT) to 3000 stems ha^?1, an unthinned dense control (C), and PCT combined with two levels of fertilization (100 kg ha^?1 of nitrogen applied either during the establishment of the field experiment (F1) or annually (F2)) were examined in 23- to 26-year-old Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands six years after the establishment of the field experiment. In total, 114 sample trees were harvested using destructive biomass sampling. The growth allocation and stem form of trees with diameter at breast height (DBH; 1.3 m height) >5.0 cm were not affected by either the PCT or fertilization. Small trees (DBH < 5 cm) in denser, unthinned control plots had more slender stems (lower DBH/height ratios) and allocated less growth to branches and foliage than trees in PCT plots. Fertilization had little effect on the stem form and growth allocation of the smallest trees. Therefore, effects of stem density and fertilization on stem form and growth allocation to foliage were only found for small suppressed trees, and the treatments had very little influence on dominant and codominant trees.