Light scatterometry combined with chemometrics can be a practical approach for the analysis of size and concentration of microplastics in water.
Earthworms are a key faunal group in agricultural soils, but little is known on how farming systems affect their communities across wide climatic gradients and how farming system choice might mediate earthworms' exposure to climate conditions. Here, we studied arable soil earthworm communities on wheat fields across a European climatic gradient, covering nine pedo\uffe2\uff80\uff90climatic zones, from Mediterranean to Boreal (S to N) and from Lusitanian to Pannonian (W to E). In each zone, 20\uffe2\uff80\uff9325 wheat fields under conventional or organic farming were sampled. Community metrics (total abundance, fresh mass, and species richness and composition) were combined with data on climate conditions, soil properties, and field management and analyzed with mixed models. There were no statistically discernible differences between organic and conventional farming for any of the community metrics. The effects of refined arable management factors were also not detected, except for an elevated proportion of subsurface\uffe2\uff80\uff90feeding earthworms when crop residues were incorporated. Soil properties were not significantly associated with earthworm community variations, which in the case of soil texture was likely due to low variation in the data. Pedo\uffe2\uff80\uff90climatic zone was an overridingly important factor in explaining the variation in community metrics. The Boreal zone had the highest mean total abundance (179\uffe2\uff80\uff89individuals\uffe2\uff80\uff89m\uffe2\uff88\uff922) and fresh mass (86\uffe2\uff80\uff89g\uffe2\uff80\uff89m\uffe2\uff88\uff922) of earthworms while the southernmost Mediterranean zones had the lowest metrics (<1\uffe2\uff80\uff89individual\uffe2\uff80\uff89m\uffe2\uff88\uff922 and <1\uffe2\uff80\uff89g\uffe2\uff80\uff89m\uffe2\uff88\uff922). Within each field, species richness was low across the zones, with the highest values being recorded at the Nemoral and North Atlantic zones (mean of 2\uffe2\uff80\uff933 species per field) and declining from there toward north and south. No litter\uffe2\uff80\uff90dwelling species were found in the southernmost, Mediterranean zones. These regional trends were discernibly related to climate, with the community metrics declining with the increasing mean annual temperature. The current continent\uffe2\uff80\uff90wide warming of Europe and related increase of severe and rapid onsetting droughts will likely deteriorate the living conditions of earthworms, particularly in southern Europe. The lack of interaction between the pedo\uffe2\uff80\uff90climatic zone and the farming system in our data for any of the earthworm community metrics may indicate limited opportunities for alleviating the negative effects of a warming climate in cereal field soils of Europe.A new diagnostic metric based on soil moisture bimodality is developed in order to examine and compare soil moisture from satellite observations and Earth System Models. The methodology to derive this diagnostic is based on maximum likelihood estimator encoded into an iterative algorithm, which is applied to the soil moisture probability density function. This metric is applied to satellite data from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for the Earth Observing System and global climate models data from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5). Results show high soil moisture bimodality in transitional climate areas and high latitudes, potentially associated with land\uffe2\uff80\uff90atmosphere feedback processes. When comparing satellite versus climate models, a clear difference in their soil moisture bimodality is observed, with systematically higher values in the case of CMIP5 models. These differences appear related to areas where land\uffe2\uff80\uff90atmospheric feedback may be overestimated in current climate models.
", "keywords": ["PREFERENTIAL STATES", "IMPACT", "MIXTURE", "SCHEME", "0207 environmental engineering", "NORMAL-DISTRIBUTIONS", "02 engineering and technology", "15. Life on land", "01 natural sciences", "PART I", "satellite soil moisture", "climate models", "13. Climate action", "Earth and Environmental Sciences", "LAND-SURFACE MODEL", "PRECIPITATION", "SDG 13 - Climate Action", "CMIP5", "ATMOSPHERE COUPLING EXPERIMENT", "land-atmosphere interactions", "soil moisture", "bimodality", "SYSTEM", "0105 earth and related environmental sciences"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/2016JD026099"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.1002/2016JD026099"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Journal%20of%20Geophysical%20Research%3A%20Atmospheres", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1002/2016JD026099", "name": "item", "description": "10.1002/2016JD026099", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1002/2016JD026099"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2017-04-27T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1002/2017JB015210", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-30T16:14:25Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2018-03-12", "title": "Dynamic Fragmentation of Jointed Rock Blocks During Rockslide-Avalanches: Insights From Discrete Element Analyses", "description": "AbstractThe dynamic fragmentation of jointed rock blocks during rockslide avalanches has been investigated by discrete element method simulations for a multiple arrangement of a rock block sliding over a simple slope geometry. The rock blocks are released along an inclined sliding plane and subsequently collide onto a flat horizontal plane at a sharp kink point. The contact force chains generated by the impact appear initially at the bottom frontal corner of the rock block and then propagate radially upward to the top rear part of the block. The jointed rock blocks exhibit evident contact force concentration and discontinuity of force wave propagation near the joint, associating with high energy dissipation of granular dynamics. The corresponding force wave propagation velocity can be less than 200\uffc2\uffa0m/s, which is much smaller than that of an intact rock (1,316\uffc2\uffa0m/s). The concentration of contact forces at the bottom leads to high rock fragmentation intensity and momentum boosts, facilitating the spreading of many fine fragments to the distal ends. However, the upper rock block exhibits very low rock fragmentation intensity but high energy dissipation due to intensive friction and damping, resulting in the deposition of large fragments near the slope toe. The size and shape of large fragments are closely related to the orientation and distribution of the block joints. The cumulative fragment size distribution can be well fitted by the Weibull's distribution function, with very gentle and steep curvatures at the fine and coarse size ranges, respectively. The numerical results of fragment size distribution can match well some experimental and field observations.
", "keywords": ["discrete element method; dynamic fragmentation; force wave; fragment size distribution; jointed rock; rockslide avalanche;", "discrete element method; dynamic fragmentation; force wave; fragment size distribution; jointed rock; rockslide avalanche", "0211 other engineering and technologies", "02 engineering and technology", "551", "530", "01 natural sciences", "0105 earth and related environmental sciences"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/2017JB015210"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.1002/2017JB015210"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Journal%20of%20Geophysical%20Research%3A%20Solid%20Earth", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1002/2017JB015210", "name": "item", "description": "10.1002/2017JB015210", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1002/2017JB015210"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2018-04-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1002/ece3.6547", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-30T16:14:28Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2020-07-09", "title": "The distribution of herbivores between leaves matches their performance only in the absence of competitors", "description": "AbstractFew studies have tested how plant quality and the presence of competitors interact in determining how herbivores choose between different leaves within a plant. We investigated this in two herbivorous spider mites sharing tomato plants: Tetranychus urticae, which generally induces plant defenses, and Tetranychus evansi, which suppresses them, creating asymmetrical effects on coinfesting competitors. On uninfested plants, both herbivore species preferred young leaves, coinciding with increased mite performance. On plants with heterospecifics, the mites did not prefer leaves on which they had a better performance. In particular, T.\uffc2\uffa0urticae avoided leaves infested with T.\uffc2\uffa0evansi, which is in agreement with T.\uffc2\uffa0urticae being outcompeted by T.\uffc2\uffa0evansi. In contrast, T.\uffc2\uffa0evansi did not avoid leaves with the other species, but distributed itself evenly over plants infested with heterospecifics. We hypothesize that this behavior of T.\uffc2\uffa0evansi may prevent further spread of T.\uffc2\uffa0urticae over the shared plant. Our results indicate that leaf age determines within\uffe2\uff80\uff90plant distribution of herbivores only in absence of competitors. Moreover, they show that this distribution depends on the order of arrival of competitors and on their effects on each other, with herbivores showing differences in behavior within the plant as a possible response to the outcome of those interactions.Conservation agriculture practices have been proposed as a set of techniques for improving soil structure properties and related ecosystem services. This study compared conservation agriculture (CA) practices (no\uffe2\uff80\uff90tillage, cover crop and residue retention) and conventional intensive tillage system in order to evaluate their effects on total porosity, pore size distribution, pore architecture and morphology. The experiment was set up in 2010 on four farms of the low\uffe2\uff80\uff90lying Veneto Region plain characterized by silty soils. Almost hundred soil samples were collected in 2015 at four depths down to 50\uffe2\uff80\uff90cm layer and investigated for porosity from micrometre (0\uffc2\uffb70074\uffc2\uffa0\uffce\uffbcm) to macrometre (2\uffc2\uffb75\uffc2\uffa0mm) by coupling mercury intrusion porosimetry and X\uffe2\uff80\uff90ray computed microtomography (\uffce\uffbcCT). Indices of soil morphology and architecture were derived by analysing 3D images and mercury intrusion porosimetry pore size curves. Results suggested that silty soils of Veneto plain are microstructured because much (82%) of the porosity ranged between 0\uffc2\uffb70074 and 30\uffc2\uffa0\uffce\uffbcm. CA practices positively influenced the ultramicroporosity class (0\uffc2\uffb71\uffe2\uff80\uff935\uffc2\uffa0\uffce\uffbcm) (1\uffc2\uffb786E\uffe2\uff80\uff9001 vs 1\uffc2\uffb767E\uffe2\uff80\uff9001\uffc2\uffa0\uffce\uffbcm3\uffc2\uffa0\uffce\uffbcm\uffe2\uff88\uff923) that is strictly linked to soil organic carbon stabilization while no effects were observed in X\uffe2\uff80\uff90ray \uffce\uffbcCT porosity domain (> 26\uffc2\uffa0\uffce\uffbcm). Silty soils of Veneto plain showed a slow reaction to CA because of the poor aggregate stability and low soil organic carbon. However, the positive response of the ultramicropore fraction indicates that a virtuous cycle was initiated between soil organic carbon and porosity, hopefully leading to well\uffe2\uff80\uff90developed macropore systems and, in turn, enhanced soil functions and ecosystem services. Copyright \uffc2\uffa9 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
", "keywords": ["2. Zero hunger", "Conservation agriculture; Mercury intrusion porosimetry; Pore morphology and architecture; Pore size distribution; X-ray computed microtomography; Environmental Chemistry; Development3304 Education; 2300; Soil Science", "13. Climate action", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "15. Life on land"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.2726"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Land%20Degradation%20%26amp%3B%20Development", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1002/ldr.2726", "name": "item", "description": "10.1002/ldr.2726", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1002/ldr.2726"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2017-05-12T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1039/d2ay01215d", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-30T16:18:28Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2022-09-23", "title": "Batch analysis of microplastics in water using multi-angle static light scattering and chemometric methods", "description": "Light scatterometry combined with chemometrics can be a practical approach for the analysis of size and concentration of microplastics in water.
We collated and synthesized previous studies that reported the impacts of microplastics on soil parameters. The data were classified and integrated to screen for the proportion of significant effects, then we suggest several directions to alleviate the current data limitation in future experiments. We compiled 106 datasets capturing significant effects, which were analyzed in detail. We found that polyethylene and pellets (or powders) were the most frequently used microplastic composition and shape for soil experiments. The significant effects mainly occurred in broad size ranges (0.1\uffe2\uff80\uff931 mm) at test concentrations of 0.1%\uffe2\uff80\uff9310% based on soil dry weight. Polyvinyl chloride and film induced significant effects at lower concentrations compared to other compositions and shapes, respectively. We adopted a species sensitivity distribution (SSD) and soil property effect distribution (SPED) method using available data from soil biota, and for soil properties and enzymes deemed relevant for microplastic management. The predicted-no-effect-concentration (PNEC)-like values needed to protect 95% of soil biota and soil properties was estimated to be between 520 and 655 mg kg\uffe2\uff88\uff921. This study was the first to screen microplastic levels with a view toward protecting the soil system. Our results should be regularly updated (e.g., quarterly) with additional data as they become available.
", "keywords": ["Significant effect", "2. Zero hunger", "570", "Soil", "Species sensitivity distribution", "0211 other engineering and technologies", "Soil ; Significant effect ; Soil properties ; Microplastics in agroecosystems ; Species sensitivity distribution ; Research Article", "Soil properties", "500 Naturwissenschaften und Mathematik::570 Biowissenschaften; Biologie::570 Biowissenschaften; Biologie", "02 engineering and technology", "15. Life on land", "01 natural sciences", "0105 earth and related environmental sciences"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s42832-021-0077-3.pdf"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.1007/s42832-021-0077-3"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Soil%20Ecology%20Letters", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1007/s42832-021-0077-3", "name": "item", "description": "10.1007/s42832-021-0077-3", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1007/s42832-021-0077-3"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2021-03-13T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.5194/we-19-39-2019", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-30T16:22:54Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2019-06-06", "title": "Unassisted establishment of biological soil crusts on dryland road slopes", "description": "Abstract. Understanding patterns of habitat natural recovery after human-made disturbances is critical for the conservation of ecosystems under high environmental stress, such as drylands. In particular, the unassisted establishment of nonvascular plants such as biological soil crusts or biocrust communities (e.g., soil lichens, mosses and cyanobacteria) in newly formed habitats is not yet fully understood. However, the potential of biocrusts to improve soil structure and function at the early stages of succession and promote ecosystem recovery is enormous. In this study, we evaluated the capacity of lichen biocrusts to spontaneously establish and develop on road slopes in a Mediterranean shrubland. We also compared taxonomic and functional diversity of biocrusts between road slopes and natural habitats in the surroundings. Biocrust richness and cover, species composition, and functional structure were measured in 17 road slopes (nine roadcuts and eight embankments) along a 13\u2009km highway stretch. Topography, soil properties and vascular plant communities of road slopes were also characterized. We used Kruskal\u2013Wallis tests and applied redundancy analysis (RDA) to test the effect of environmental scenario (road slopes vs.\u00a0natural habitat) and other local factors on biocrust features. We found that biocrusts were common in road slopes after \u223c20\u00a0years of construction with no human assistance needed. However, species richness and cover were still lower than in natural remnants. Also, functional structure was quite similar between roadcuts (i.e., after soil excavation) and natural remnants, and topography and soil properties influenced species composition while environmental scenario type and vascular plant cover did not. These findings further support the idea of biocrusts as promising restoration tools in drylands and confirm the critical role of edaphic factors in biocrust establishment and development in land-use change scenarios.
Dust emission fluxes during wind soil erosion are usually estimated using a dust concentration vertical gradient, by assuming a constant dust flux layer between the surface and the dust measurement levels. Here, we investigate the existence of this layer during erosion events recorded in Iceland and Jordan. Size\uffe2\uff80\uff90resolved dust fluxes were estimated at three levels between 2 and 4\uffc2\uffa0m using the eddy\uffe2\uff80\uff90covariance method. Dust fluxes were found mainly constant only between the two upper levels in Iceland, the lower dust flux being often stronger and richer in coarse particles, while dust fluxes in Jordan were nearly constant across all levels. The wind dynamics could not explain the absence of a constant dust flux layer in Iceland. We show that the presence of stationary dust source patches in Iceland, related to surface humidity, created a non\uffe2\uff80\uff90uniform dust layer near the surface, named dust roughness sublayer (DRSL), where individual plumes behind each patch interact but do not fully mix. The lowest dust measurement level was probably located within this sublayer while the upper ones were located above, such that there the emitted dust became spatially well\uffe2\uff80\uff90mixed. This explains near the surface in Iceland, the more intermittent dust concentration, its low correlation with the dust concentrations above, and the richer dust flux in coarse particles due to their lower deposition contribution. Our findings highlight the importance of estimating dust fluxes above a dust blending height whose characteristics depend on the dust source patchiness caused by surface humidity or the presence of sparse non\uffe2\uff80\uff90erosive elements.The accumulation of soiling on photovoltaic (PV) modules affects PV systems worldwide. Soiling consists of mineral dust, soot particles, aerosols, pollen, fungi and/or other contaminants that deposit on the surface of PV modules. Soiling absorbs, scatters, and reflects a fraction of the incoming sunlight, reducing the intensity that reaches the active part of the solar cell. Here, we report on the comparison of naturally accumulated soiling on coupons of PV glass soiled at seven locations worldwide. The spectral hemispherical transmittance was measured. It was found that natural soiling disproportionately impacts the blue and ultraviolet (UV) portions of the spectrum compared to the visible and infrared (IR). Also, the general shape of the transmittance spectra was similar at all the studied sites and could adequately be described by a modified form of the \uffc3\uff85ngstr\uffc3\uffb6m turbidity equation. In addition, the distribution of particles sizes was found to follow the IEST-STD-CC 1246E cleanliness standard. The fractional coverage of the glass surface by particles could be determined directly or indirectly and, as expected, has a linear correlation with the transmittance. It thus becomes feasible to estimate the optical consequences of the soiling of PV modules from the particle size distribution and the cleanliness value.
", "keywords": ["Photovoltaic Arrays", "Cleanliness", "Particle", "PV", "02 engineering and technology", "Oceanography", "7. Clean energy", "soiling; experimental; transmittance; spectrum", "Turbidity", "Size", "Materials Science and Engineering", "\u00c5ngstr\u00f6m turbidity equation", "Transmittance", "0202 electrical engineering", " electronic engineering", " information engineering", "Photovoltaic system", "Ultraviolet", "Microscopy", "Soiling", "Energy", "Ecology", "Physics", "Q", "R", "Imaging and sensing", "Geology", "Particle size", "6. Clean water", "Photovoltaic Efficiency", "Chemistry", "Physical chemistry", "Particle (ecology)", "Physical Sciences", "Sunlight", "Medicine", "Infrared", "570", "Particle-size distribution", "PV System", "Energy science and technology", "Science", "Optical spectroscopy", "Partial Shading", "530", "Modelling", "Article", "Environmental science", "Techniques and instrumentation", "Optical physics", "Meteorology", "Artificial Intelligence", "Machine Learning Methods for Solar Radiation Forecasting", "Optical techniques", "Optoelectronics", "Aerosol", "Biology", "Renewable Energy", " Sustainability and the Environment", "Electronics", " photonics and device physics", "Building Integrated Photovoltaics", "Optics", "Photovoltaic Maximum Power Point Tracking Techniques", "FOS: Earth and related environmental sciences", "Materials science", "Photovoltaics", "Optics and photonics", "13. Climate action", "FOS: Biological sciences", "Computer Science", "Solar Thermal Energy Technologies"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://iris.uniroma1.it/bitstream/11573/1625670/2/Smestad_Modelling_2020.pdf"}, {"href": "https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-56868-z.pdf"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-56868-z"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Scientific%20Reports", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1038/s41598-019-56868-z", "name": "item", "description": "10.1038/s41598-019-56868-z", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1038/s41598-019-56868-z"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2020-01-09T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1039/c9en00261h", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-30T16:18:27Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2019-04-24", "title": "Dietary exposure to silver nitrate compared to two forms of silver nanoparticles in rainbow trout: bioaccumulation potential with minimal physiological effects", "description": "Overall, fish showed more Ag accumulation from AgNO3 and Ag NP exposures compared to the Ag2S NP treatment.
", "keywords": ["Total silver concentration", "Toxicity", "Silver sulphide", "0211 other engineering and technologies", "Translocation", "Biopersistence", "02 engineering and technology", "In chemico digestiblity", "01 natural sciences", "Chronic exposure", "6. Clean water", "Silver body distribution", "Sub-lethal toxicity", "Biodistribution", "Retention", "Clearance", "In chemico digestibility assay", "In vitro digestibility", "0105 earth and related environmental sciences"]}, "links": [{"href": "http://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2019/EN/C9EN00261H"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.1039/c9en00261h"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Environmental%20Science%3A%20Nano", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1039/c9en00261h", "name": "item", "description": "10.1039/c9en00261h", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1039/c9en00261h"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2019-01-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1051/forest:2004062", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-30T16:18:35Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2004-12-08", "title": "Fine Root Distribution, Seasonal Pattern And Production In Four Plantations Compared With A Natural Forest In Subtropical China", "description": "Open AccessR\u00e9partition et production de radicelles et \u00e9volutions saisonni\u00e8res dans quatre plantations en comparaison avec une for\u00eat naturelle, en Chine tropicale. La r\u00e9partition, l'\u00e9volution selon les saisons et la production nette de radicelles (< 2 mm en diam\u00e8tre) ont \u00e9t\u00e9 \u00e9tudi\u00e9es de 1999 \u00e0 2001 dans deux plantations \u00e2g\u00e9es de 33 ans de deux conif\u00e8res, le sapin de Chine (Cunninghamia lancolata, CF) et Fokienia hodginsii (FH) ainsi que dans deux plantations de feuillus, Ormosia xylocarpa (OX) et Castanopsis kawakamii (CK). Celles-ci ont \u00e9t\u00e9 compar\u00e9es \u00e0 une for\u00eat naturelle voisine de Castanopsis kawakamii (NF, 150 ans) \u00e0 Samming, Fujian, Chine. La biomasse et la n\u00e9cromasse de radicelles ont \u00e9t\u00e9 obtenues par carottage dans le sol effectu\u00e9 deux fois par mois. Les carottes de sol ont \u00e9t\u00e9 divis\u00e9es en 10 \u00e9l\u00e9ments selon la profondeur\u00a0: 0 ~ 10, 10 ~ 20, 20 ~ 30, 30 ~ 40, 40 ~ 50, 50 ~ 60, 60 ~ 70, 70 ~ 80, 80 ~ 90, et 90 ~ 100 cm. On a utilis\u00e9 des sacs \u00e0 liti\u00e8re (18 \u00d7 18 cm2, maille de 0,25 mm) pour d\u00e9terminer le taux de d\u00e9composition des radicelles (< 0,5 mm, 0,5-1 mm, 1-2 mm). Les taux de production moyenne annuelle, de mortalit\u00e9, de d\u00e9composition et de turnover des radicelles ont \u00e9t\u00e9 calcul\u00e9s par la m\u00e9thode de '\u00a0compartment flow\u00a0'. La biomasse moyenne de radicelles va de 1,49 Mg/ha dans le CF \u00e0 4,94 Mg/ha pour le NF\u00a0; elle d\u00e9cro\u00eet dans l'ordre suivant\u00a0: NF > CK > FH > OX > CF. On a enregistr\u00e9 des diff\u00e9rences significatives de biomasse et n\u00e9cromasse, selon les saisons dans tous les peuplements (P < 0,05), tandis qu'aucune fluctuation n'a pu \u00eatre mise en \u00e9vidence entre ann\u00e9es (P > 0,05). Pour tous les peuplements, on enregistre un pic de biomasse de radicelles au d\u00e9but du printemps (mars), les valeurs minimum intervenant au cours d'\u00e9t\u00e9s secs ou d'hivers froids. Pour le NF, 59,8 % de la biomasse de radicelles se situe dans la zone superficielle du sol (0-10 cm) o\u00f9 les diff\u00e9rences de biomasse de radicelles entre peuplements sont les plus marqu\u00e9es, les valeurs pour NF \u00e9tant respectivement 2,37 fois, 3,55 fois, 8,12 fois et 17,12 fois plus \u00e9lev\u00e9es que celles de CK, FH, CF, et OX. Les pourcentages de la biomasse d'origine, perdue pendant la premi\u00e8re ann\u00e9e de d\u00e9composition, vont de 43 % \u00e0 56 % pour FH, de 68 \u00e0 80 % pour NF. Les moyennes annuelles de d\u00e9composition, mortalit\u00e9 et production des racines s'\u00e9tagent entre 8,47 Mg ha-1 a-1, 8,63\u00a0Mg\u00a0ha-1\u00a0a-1 et 9,5 Mg ha-1 a-1 dans le NF \u00e0 2,50, 2,49 et 2,51 Mg ha-1 a-1 pour le CF, avec par ordre d\u00e9croissant, NF > CK > FH > OX > CF. Le taux de turnover de racines va de 1,48 a-1 pour FH \u00e0 1,78 a-1 pour NF.", "keywords": ["monoculture plantationWe revise the Merodon constans species group of the genus Merodon Meigen, 1803 (Diptera: Syrphidae), provide morphological diagnosesand descriptions, as well as an illustrated key and a discussion on the different taxonomic characters used. In total, 15 species were studied, their geographic distributions are presented on maps, and nine new species are described. Two species are redefined and neotypes are designated, lectotypes are designated for five species, and onespeciesis reinstated as valid. Following a detailed study of type material in different entomological collections, the status of several species is revised and three new synonymies are proposed. The M. constans species group was resolved as being monophyletic within the M. albifrons lineage based on molecular analyses using COI and 28S rRNA gene sequences. Three species morphologically similar to M. constans (Rossi, 1794) but occurring outside its distributional rangewere supported as being valid and distinct species on the basis of molecular data, but they were not distinguishable based on morphological characters. By contrast, continental populations of M. analis Meigen, 1822 could not be separated from Mediterranean M. constans based on differences in COI or 28S rRNA genes. The same molecular markers could not discriminate between two other species pairs. We conclude that these molecular markers only partially resolve species within the M. constans group. Geometric morphometry of wing shape successfully separated M. analis and M. constans, as well as M. spineus Vuji\uffc4\uff87, \uffc5\uffa0a\uffc5\uffa1i\uffc4\uff87 Zori\uffc4\uff87 & Likov, sp. nov. in both species and population analyses.
", "keywords": ["0106 biological sciences", "28S rRNA gene", "neotype", "Merodon chrysotrichos sp. nov.", "Merodon chrysurus sp. nov.", "Merodon solitarius sp. nov.", "distributional data", "15. Life on land", "Merodon triangulum sp. nov.", "01 natural sciences", "Merodon spinosus sp. nov.", "Merodon confinium sp. nov.", "3. Good health", "COI gene", "new synonyms", "Merodon mishustini sp. nov.", "lectotype designation", "Merodon spineus sp. nov.", "Merodon nitens sp. nov.", "10. No inequality"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://www.publish.csiro.au/IS/pdf/IS19047"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.1071/is19047"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Invertebrate%20Systematics", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1071/is19047", "name": "item", "description": "10.1071/is19047", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1071/is19047"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2020-01-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1071/sr18271", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"license": "Open Access", "updated": "2026-05-30T16:18:41Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2019-08-26", "title": "Impacts of land use on hydrodynamic properties and pore architecture of volcanic soils from the Mexican Highlands", "description": "Volcanic soils are important resources because of their unique mineralogical and physical characteristics, and allophanic Andosols represent some of the world\u2019s most fertile soils. However, their unique properties can be lost when cultivated. Most soils in the Central Valley, Mexico, are derived from volcanic materials. This valley encompasses one of the largest water supply systems in the world by volume, but is affected by soil degradation and deforestation. Sustainably managing volcanic soils requires understanding how land use affects their hydrodynamic properties. Gas adsorption and mercury intrusion porosimetry, water retention curves, tension infiltrometry and X-ray tomography were used to describe pore structure characteristics. Two volcanic soils (one Andosol and one derived from indurated tuff \u2013 Tepetates), three land uses (maize monoculture, maize\u2013wheat rotation and fallow) and two horizons (Ap and A2 for maize monoculture and maize\u2013wheat rotation) were studied. Tillage affected topsoil by increasing the sand fraction by 38% and decreasing total porosity and macroporosity by 23% and 40% respectively. Macropore size was reduced and the number of isolated macropores was higher in the tilled layer under maize, compared with untilled subsoil. The plot under maize\u2013wheat rotation had lower allophane content, and saturated hydraulic conductivity was reduced by nearly an order of magnitude and water retention by half, compared with maize and fallow plots. Compared with Andosols, Tepetates showed differences in mineralogical composition with lower contents of amorphous compounds and in its porous network characteristics with twice the total and percolating macroporosity compared with the maize plot. Its high content of organic carbon (3.5%) seemed beneficial for its hydrodynamic properties. Sustainable agricultural management of these volcanic soils requires reducing mechanised tillage, avoiding periods when soil is bare, not applying maize\u2013wheat rotation and applying maize\u2013fallow rotation allowing natural vegetation growth.
The quickly rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2)\uffe2\uff80\uff90levels, justify the need to explore all carbon (C) sequestration possibilities that might mitigate the current CO2increase. Here, we report the likely impact of future increases in atmospheric CO2on woody biomass production of three poplar species (Populus albaL. clone 2AS\uffe2\uff80\uff9011,Populus nigraL. clone Jean Pourtet andPopulus\uffc3\uff97euramericanaclone I\uffe2\uff80\uff90214). Trees were growing in a high\uffe2\uff80\uff90density coppice plantation during the second rotation (i.e., regrowth after coppice; 2002\uffe2\uff80\uff932004; POPFACE/EUROFACE). Six plots were studied, half of which were continuously fumigated with CO2(FACE; free air carbon dioxide enrichment of 550\uffe2\uff80\uff83ppm). Half of each plot was fertilized to study the interaction between CO2and nutrient fertilization. At the end of the second rotation, selective above\uffe2\uff80\uff90 and belowground harvests were performed to estimate the productivity of this bio\uffe2\uff80\uff90energy plantation. Fertilization did not affect growth of the poplar trees, which was likely because of the high rates of fertilization during the previous agricultural land use. In contrast, elevated CO2enhanced biomass production by up to 29%, and this stimulation did not differ between above\uffe2\uff80\uff90 and belowground parts. The increased initial stump size resulting from elevated CO2during the first rotation (1999\uffe2\uff80\uff932001) could not solely explain the observed final biomass increase. The larger leaf area index after canopy closure and the absence of any major photosynthetic acclimation after 6 years of fumigation caused the sustained CO2\uffe2\uff80\uff90induced biomass increase after coppice. These results suggest that, under future CO2concentrations, managed poplar coppice systems may exhibit higher potential for C sequestration and, thus, help mitigate climate change when used as a source of C\uffe2\uff80\uff90neutral energy.
", "keywords": ["2. Zero hunger", "580", "0106 biological sciences", "570", "atmospheric co2", "elevated co2", "n-fertilization", "Global and Planetary Change", "Ecology", "growth", "enrichment face", "hybrid poplar", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "15. Life on land", "7. Clean energy", "01 natural sciences", "pinus-taeda", "poplar plantation", "Bio-energy; Biomass distribution; EUROFACE; FACE; Fertilization; Leaf area index; Photosynthesis; Populus; Short rotation coppice; Woody biomass", "13. Climate action", "no3 availability", "Environmental Chemistry", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "water-stress", "General Environmental Science"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2486.2006.01118.x"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Global%20Change%20Biology", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1111/j.1365-2486.2006.01118.x", "name": "item", "description": "10.1111/j.1365-2486.2006.01118.x", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1111/j.1365-2486.2006.01118.x"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2006-04-13T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1093/toxsci/kfae051", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-30T16:19:03Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2024-04-18", "title": "Parameter grouping and co-estimation in physiologically based kinetic models using genetic algorithms", "description": "AbstractPhysiologically based kinetic (PBK) models are widely used in pharmacology and toxicology for predicting the internal disposition of substances upon exposure, voluntarily or not. Due to their complexity, a large number of model parameters need to be estimated, either through in silico tools, in vitro experiments, or by fitting the model to in vivo data. In the latter case, fitting complex structural models on in vivo data can result in overparameterization and produce unrealistic parameter estimates. To address these issues, we propose a novel parameter grouping approach, which reduces the parametric space by co-estimating groups of parameters across compartments. Grouping of parameters is performed using genetic algorithms and is fully automated, based on a novel goodness-of-fit metric. To illustrate the practical application of the proposed methodology, two case studies were conducted. The first case study demonstrates the development of a new PBK model, while the second focuses on model refinement. In the first case study, a PBK model was developed to elucidate the biodistribution of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles in rats following intravenous injection. A variety of parameter estimation schemes were employed. Comparative analysis based on goodness-of-fit metrics demonstrated that the proposed methodology yields models that outperform standard estimation approaches, while utilizing a reduced number of parameters. In the second case study, an existing PBK model for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in rats was extended to incorporate additional tissues, providing a more comprehensive portrayal of PFOA biodistribution. Both models were validated through independent in vivo studies to ensure their reliability.Climate change is expected to cause mountain species to shift their ranges to higher elevations. Due to the decreasing amounts of habitats with increasing elevation, such shifts are likely to increase their extinction risk. Heterogeneous mountain topography, however, may reduce this risk by providing microclimatic conditions that can buffer macroclimatic warming or provide nearby refugia. As aspect strongly influences the local microclimate, we here assess whether shifts from warm south\uffe2\uff80\uff90exposed aspects to cool north\uffe2\uff80\uff90exposed aspects in response to climate change can compensate for an upward shift into cooler elevations.
LocationSwitzerland, Swiss Alps.
MethodsWe built ensemble distribution models using high\uffe2\uff80\uff90resolution climate data for two mountain\uffe2\uff80\uff90dwelling viviparous ectotherms, the Alpine salamander and the Common lizard, and projected them into various future scenarios to gain insights into distributional changes. We further compared elevation and aspect (northness) of current and predicted future locations to analyse preferences and future shifts.
ResultsFuture ranges were consistently decreasing for the lizard, but for the salamander they were highly variable, depending on the climate scenario and threshold rule. Aspect preferences were elevation\uffe2\uff80\uff90dependent: warmer, south\uffe2\uff80\uff90exposed microclimates were clearly preferred at higher compared to lower elevations. In terms of presence and future locations, we observed both elevational upward shifts and northward shifts in aspect. Under future conditions, the shift to cooler north\uffe2\uff80\uff90exposed aspects was particularly pronounced at already warmer lower elevations.
Main conclusionsFor our study species, shifts in aspect and elevation are complementary strategies to mitigate climatic warming in the complex mountain topography. This complements the long\uffe2\uff80\uff90standing view of elevational upward shift being their only option to move into areas with suitable future climate. High\uffe2\uff80\uff90resolution climate data are critical in heterogeneous environments to identify microrefugia and thereby improving future impact assessments of climate change.
", "keywords": ["0106 biological sciences", "0301 basic medicine", "570", "4290733-0", "elevation", "aspect", "Modellierung", "4077275-5", "ddc:900", "01 natural sciences", "4128128-7", "10127 Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies", "03 medical and health sciences", "4170297-9", "Schweizer Alpen", "Anthropogene Klima\u00e4nderung", "Wechselwarme", "aspect; climate change; ectotherms; microrefugia; mountain topography; Salamandra atra; species distribution modelling; Switzerland; thresholds; Zootoca vivipara", "4189352-9", "shift", "15. Life on land", "reptile", "1105 Ecology", " Evolution", " Behavior and Systematics", "climate change", "Geschichte und Geografie", "900", "13. Climate action", "Anpassung", "570 Life sciences; biology", "590 Animals (Zoology)", "amphibian", "[SDE.BE]Environmental Sciences/Biodiversity and Ecology"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://air.unimi.it/bitstream/2434/785568/2/feldmeier%202020%20divers%20distrib.pdf"}, {"href": "https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/ddi.13146"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13146"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Diversity%20and%20Distributions", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1111/ddi.13146", "name": "item", "description": "10.1111/ddi.13146", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1111/ddi.13146"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2020-08-26T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1111/gcb.14739", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-30T16:19:24Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2019-06-20", "title": "Continental\u2010scale determinants of population trends in European amphibians and reptiles", "description": "AbstractThe continuous decline of biodiversity is determined by the complex and joint effects of multiple environmental drivers. Still, a large part of past global change studies reporting and explaining biodiversity trends have focused on a single driver. Therefore, we are often unable to attribute biodiversity changes to different drivers, since a multivariable design is required to disentangle joint effects and interactions. In this work, we used a meta\uffe2\uff80\uff90regression within a Bayesian framework to analyze 843 time series of population abundance from 17 European amphibian and reptile species over the last 45\uffc2\uffa0years. We investigated the relative effects of climate change, alien species, habitat availability, and habitat change in driving trends of population abundance over time, and evaluated how the importance of these factors differs across species. A large number of populations (54%) declined, but differences between species were strong, with some species showing positive trends. Populations declined more often in areas with a high number of alien species, and in areas where climate change has caused loss of suitability. Habitat features showed small variation over the last 25\uffc2\uffa0years, with an average loss of suitable habitat of 0.1%/year per population. Still, a strong interaction between habitat availability and the richness of alien species indicated that the negative impact of alien species was particularly strong for populations living in landscapes with less suitable habitat. Furthermore, when excluding the two commonest species, habitat loss was the main correlate of negative population trends for the remaining species. By analyzing trends for multiple species across a broad spatial scale, we identify alien species, climate change, and habitat changes as the major drivers of European amphibian and reptile decline.
", "keywords": ["0106 biological sciences", "570", "[SDE.MCG]Environmental Sciences/Global Changes", "Climate Change", "Reptiles", "Bayes Theorem", "Biodiversity", "15. Life on land", "01 natural sciences", "Amphibians", "13. Climate action", "Animals", "14. Life underwater", "[SDE.BE]Environmental Sciences/Biodiversity and Ecology", "alien species; climate change; demography; land-cover change; meta-analysis; population trends; species distribution models", "Ecosystem"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://air.unimi.it/bitstream/2434/652580/2/Falaschi_etal_pnlinefirst_2019.pdf"}, {"href": "https://air.unimi.it/bitstream/2434/652580/5/Falaschi_et_al-2019-Global_Change_Biology%20%281%29.pdf"}, {"href": "https://air.unimi.it/bitstream/2434/652580/7/Falaschi%20et%20al%202019%20Global%20Change%20Biology%20submitted.pdf"}, {"href": "https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/gcb.14739"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.14739"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Global%20Change%20Biology", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1111/gcb.14739", "name": "item", "description": "10.1111/gcb.14739", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1111/gcb.14739"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2019-07-19T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1111/jzo.12832", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"license": "Open Access", "updated": "2026-05-30T16:19:48Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2020-09-20", "title": "A hole in the nematosphere: tardigrades and rotifers dominate the cryoconite hole environment, whereas nematodes are missing", "description": "AbstractThe worldwide distribution of microinvertebrates on glaciers, the coldest biome, is poorly known. Owing to their tolerance to hostile conditions, small size and dispersal abilities, nematodes, tardigrades and rotifers are considered cosmopolitan and together inhabit various ecosystems. In this study, we investigated their global distribution in cryoconite holes \uffe2\uff80\uff93 a type of freshwater reservoir forming directly in the glacial ice that creates biodiversity hotspots on glaciers. We analysed cryoconite samples (using classical microscopic observations and environmental DNA metabarcoding) from 42 glaciers located around the world (the Arctic, Subarctic, Scandinavia, the Alps, the Caucasus, Siberia, Central Asia, Africa, South America and Antarctica), as well as using literature data. Samples from Antarctic, Karakoram and the Alps were analysed using next\uffe2\uff80\uff90generation sequencing (NGS) and classical observations under microscopes, while all other samples were analysed by microscope alone. Three general outcomes were found: (1) tardigrades and rotifers represented the most common invertebrates in cryoconite holes; (2) tardigrades and rotifers often coexisted together, with one or the other dominating, but the dominant taxon varied by region or by glacier; (3) nematodes \uffe2\uff80\uff93 the most abundant, hyperdiverse and widespread metazoans on Earth, including in environments surrounding and seeding glacial surfaces \uffe2\uff80\uff93 were consistently absent from cryoconite holes. Despite the general similarity of environmental conditions in cryoconite holes, the distribution of tardigrades and rotifers differed among glaciers, but not in any predictable way, suggesting that their distribution mostly depended on the random dispersal, extreme changes of supraglacial zone or competition. Although nematodes have been found in supraglacial habitats, cryoconite hole environments seem not to provide the necessary conditions for their growth and reproduction. Lack of physiological adaptations to permanently low temperatures (~0\uffc2\uffb0C) and competition for different food resources in the cryoconite hole environment may explain the absence of nematodes in cryoconite holes.
", "keywords": ["0301 basic medicine", "0303 health sciences", "03 medical and health sciences", "550", "13. Climate action", "[SDE]Environmental Sciences", "500", "distribution; ecological selection; extremophiles; glaciers; Nematoda; psychrophiles; Rotifera; Tardigrada;", "15. Life on land", "ecological selection; extremophiles; distribution; glaciers; Nematoda; psychrophiles; Rotifera; Tardigrada"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://air.unimi.it/bitstream/2434/793600/4/Zawierucha%202020%20J%20Zool%20submitted%20manuscript.pdf"}, {"href": "https://air.unimi.it/bitstream/2434/793600/5/jzo.12832.pdf"}, {"href": "https://zslpublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jzo.12832"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.1111/jzo.12832"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Journal%20of%20Zoology", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1111/jzo.12832", "name": "item", "description": "10.1111/jzo.12832", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1111/jzo.12832"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2020-09-19T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1126/sciadv.adj8016", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-30T16:19:54Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2023-11-29", "title": "Connecting the multiple dimensions of global soil fungal diversity", "description": "How the multiple facets of soil fungal diversity vary worldwide remains virtually unknown, hindering the management of this essential species-rich group. By sequencing high-resolution DNA markers in over 4000 topsoil samples from natural and human-altered ecosystems across all continents, we illustrate the distributions and drivers of different levels of taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity of fungi and their ecological groups. We show the impact of precipitation and temperature interactions on local fungal species richness (alpha diversity) across different climates. Our findings reveal how temperature drives fungal compositional turnover (beta diversity) and phylogenetic diversity, linking them with regional species richness (gamma diversity). We integrate fungi into the principles of global biodiversity distribution and present detailed maps for biodiversity conservation and modeling of global ecological processes.
Cultivar mixtures have the potential to mitigate abiotic stress and stabilize crop yields, but their belowground dynamics remain poorly understood. We evaluated phosphorus (P) uptake by two contrasting spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars (\uffe2\uff80\uff9cAnneli\uffe2\uff80\uff9d and \uffe2\uff80\uff9cFeedway\uffe2\uff80\uff9d), grown either in 50:50 mixture or as pure stand. The cultivars were grown in mesocosms under four P fertilization treatments: low\uffe2\uff80\uff90P, homogeneous high\uffe2\uff80\uff90P (90\uffe2\uff80\uff89mg P/kg), and localized P hotspots (100\uffe2\uff80\uff89mg P) placed either in the topsoil (5\uffe2\uff80\uff89cm) or subsoil (35\uffe2\uff80\uff89cm). To trace P uptake pathways, the hotspots were labeled with 33P and enclosed in mesh bags allowing only mycorrhizal hyphae (25\uffe2\uff80\uff89\uffce\uffbcm) or both roots and hyphae (2\uffe2\uff80\uff89mm) to access the hotspot. After 35\uffe2\uff80\uff89days, we measured aboveground biomass, total P content, 33P specific activity, and root biomass, length, diameter, and arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) root colonization. In the mixture, reduced P uptake by \uffe2\uff80\uff9cFeedway\uffe2\uff80\uff9d led to lower overall performance compared to pure stand. Root modifications in the mixture did not enhance biomass or P acquisition, potentially due to decreased AMF colonization. Although different P placements altered P uptake patterns, they did not increase total P uptake. Roots accessed the P hotspots and acquired 33P without notable proliferation in the enriched zones. Our findings underscore the complexity of belowground interactions involving root distribution, competition for P, and AMF, and highlight the need for future research to optimize nutrient acquisition and performance in cultivar mixtures. We studied the dominant protists found in soils across the globe and their contributions to belowground food webs. Due to the importance of soil organic carbon (SOC) in supporting ecosystem services, accurate SOC assessment is vital for scientific research and decision making. However, most previous studies focused on single soil depth, leading to a poor understanding of SOC in multiple depths. To better understand the spatial distribution pattern of SOC in Northeast and North China Plain, we compared three machine learning algorithms (i.e., Cubist, Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) and Random Forest (RF)) within the digital soil mapping framework. A total of 386 sampling sites (1584 samples) following specific criteria covering all dryland districts and counties and soil types in four depths (i.e., 0\u201310, 10\u201320, 20\u201330 and 30\u201340 cm) were collected in 2017. After feature selection from 249 environmental covariates by the Genetic Algorithm, 29 variables were used to fit models. The results showed SOC increased from southern to northern regions in the spatial scale and decreased with soil depths. From the result of independent verification (validation dataset: 80 sampling sites), RF (R2: 0.58, 0.71, 0.73, 0.74 and RMSE: 3.49, 3.49, 2.95, 2.80 g kg\u22121 in four depths) performed better than Cubist (R2: 0.46, 0.63, 0.67, 0.71 and RMSE: 3.83, 3.60, 3.03, 2.72 g kg\u22121) and XGBoost (R2: 0.53, 0.67, 0.70, 0.71 and RMSE: 3.60, 3.60, 3.00, 2.83 g kg\u22121) in terms of prediction accuracy and robustness. Soil, parent material and organism were the most important covariates in SOC prediction. This study provides the up-to-date spatial distribution of dryland SOC in Northeast and North China Plain, which is of great value for evaluating dynamics of soil quality after long-term cultivation.