This article presents an interdisciplinary programme for research on historic landscapes that has emerged since 2020 in the framework of the project Terraces as Sustainable Agricultural Environments (\uffe2\uff80\uff98TerraSAgE\uffe2\uff80\uff99). While the methodology has been tested in specific Mediterranean case studies, it is also applicable in other locations and regions. Our integrated approach provides new insights into the development of terraced agrarian landscapes and the changing dynamics in land management. It can provide knowledge of the extent to which past change has influenced present\uffe2\uff80\uff90day landscapes and has implications for the development of sustainable landscape practices. The research framework proposed here has been tested through case studies in different landscape types across southern Europe, including small\uffe2\uff80\uff90scale mixed farming landscapes of the Aegean islands (Naxos, Greece); terraces for vines and olives (Pelje\uffc5\uffa1ac, Croatia); a landscape of dairy production (northern Apennines, Italy), which was until quite recently agroforestry; modern cereal cultivation (around Els Prats de Rei, Catalonia, Spain); upland irrigated landscapes on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada (Andalucia, Spain) and mixed farming in a wooded Atlantic environment (Galicia, Spain).Successfully managing invasive plants in natural systems is extremely difficult. Recently however, progress has been made with an approach focused on changing ecosystem processes through the disturbance regime. We performed a large-scale (3 ha) full-factorial field experiment in densely invaded woodland in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, a savanna reserve in South Africa, to study the effect of fire on the control of the pan-tropical invasive exotic shrub Chromolaena odorata in combination with the conventional method, i.e. manual clearing and herbicide application. We show how fire interacted with the conventional clearing of C. odorata and induced an intense canopy fire that caused a shift from woodland to grassland. After 2.5 years of monitoring, grasses were still dominant and re-invasion minimal. It is important to note that fire without prior clearing did not have the same effect and was not successful in reducing densities of C. odorata. An integrated control practice targeting the species with mechanical and chemical methods, while simultaneously targeting its habitat through fire, effectively controlled dense C. odorata thickets during the course of the experiment. However, this approach transformed regular surface fires into high-intensity canopy fires that are rare in savannas. We discuss how this altered fire regime may threaten native habitats, including fire-sensitive forest patches and riverine woodlands within the savanna mozaic. This is an important dilemma for managers that should not be overlooked and asks for long-term data on the impact of control programs on the native vegetation.
", "keywords": ["ALIEN PLANTS", "0106 biological sciences", "570", "BURN AGRICULTURE", "Ecology", "Conservation", "15. Life on land", "Fire", "ECOLOGY", "01 natural sciences", "Integrative management", "Tree-grass dynamics", "Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park", "BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS", "EUPATORIUM-ODORATUM", "NATURE RESERVES", "ECOSYSTEMS", "Biological invasions", "NATIONAL-PARK", "ENVIRONMENTS FOLLOWING SLASH", "Ecology", " Evolution", " Behavior and Systematics", "TROPICAL SAVANNAS"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-011-0102-z"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Biological%20Invasions", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1007/s10530-011-0102-z", "name": "item", "description": "10.1007/s10530-011-0102-z", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1007/s10530-011-0102-z"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2011-09-16T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1007/s11104-024-06756-x", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-25T16:14:54Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2024-06-01", "title": "CH4 transport in wetland plants under controlled environmental conditions \u2013 separating the impacts of phenology from environmental variables", "description": "Abstract Background and AimsMethane (CH4) fluxes at peatland plant surfaces are net results of transport of soil-produced CH4 and within-plant CH4 production and consumption, yet factors and processes controlling these fluxes remain unclear. We aimed to assess the effects of seasonality, environmental variables, and CH4 cycling microbes on CH4 fluxes from characteristic fen species.
MethodsFour species (Carex rostrata, Menyanthes trifoliata, Betula nana, Salix lapponum) were selected, and their CH4 fluxes determined in climate-controlled environments with three mesocosms per growing season per species. Microbial genes for CH4 cycling were analysed to check the potential for within-plant CH4 production and oxidation. Two extra experiments were conducted: removal of C. rostrata leaves to identify how leaves constrain CH4 transport, and a labelling experiment with S. lapponum to distinguish between plant-produced and soil-produced CH4 in the plant flux.
ResultsAll species showed seasonal variability in CH4 fluxes. Higher porewater CH4 concentration increased fluxes from C. rostrata and M. trifoliata, decreased fluxes from S. lapponum, and did not affect fluxes from B. nana. Air temperature only and negatively affected CH4 flux from C. rostrata. Light level did not impact CH4 fluxes. Both methanogens and methanotrophs were detected in shoots of S. lapponum and M. trifoliata, methanotrophs in B. nana, and neither in C. rostrata.
ConclusionOur study demonstrates that the seasonal phase of the plants regulates the CH4 fluxes they mediate across species. The detection of methanogens and methanotrophs in herbs and shrubs suggests that microbial processes may contribute to their CH4 fluxes.
", "keywords": ["0301 basic medicine", "570", "0303 health sciences", "metanotrofit", "varvut", "Herbs", "11831 Plant biology", "metaani", "Environmental sciences", "Controlled environments", "Microbes", "03 medical and health sciences", "Phenology", "suot", "Plant-mediated CH fluxes", "suokasvillisuus", "Shrubs", "metanogeenit", "sarat"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-024-06756-x"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Plant%20and%20Soil", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1007/s11104-024-06756-x", "name": "item", "description": "10.1007/s11104-024-06756-x", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1007/s11104-024-06756-x"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2024-06-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1007/s13225-024-00533-y", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-25T16:15:04Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2024-02-26", "title": "Class-wide genomic tendency throughout specific extremes in black fungi", "description": "Open AccessPeer reviewed", "keywords": ["570", "Black Fungi", "Plant Biology", "Mycology & Parasitology", "Evolutionary biology", "Microbiology", "Genetics", "Black fungi \u00b7 Stress resistance \u00b7 Comparative genomics \u00b7 Extreme environments", "14. Life underwater", "Plant biology", "2. Zero hunger", "Evolutionary Biology", "Black fungi", "Comparative genomics", "Human Genome", "500", "Extreme environments", "Biological Sciences", "15. Life on land", "3. Good health", "Health Disparities", "13. Climate action", "8. Economic growth", "Stress resistance", "Settore BIO/19 - MICROBIOLOGIA GENERALE", "Biotechnology"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://iris.unitn.it/bitstream/11572/450837/1/FUDI_Coleine%20et%20al%20v2..pdf"}, {"href": "https://iris.unitn.it/bitstream/11572/450837/3/s13225-024-00533-y.pdf"}, {"href": "https://escholarship.org/content/qt86f967px/qt86f967px.pdf"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.1007/s13225-024-00533-y"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Fungal%20Diversity", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1007/s13225-024-00533-y", "name": "item", "description": "10.1007/s13225-024-00533-y", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1007/s13225-024-00533-y"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2024-02-26T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1016/j.foodres.2024.114342", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-25T16:16:03Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2024-04-23", "title": "Microplastics in seafood: Consumer preferences and valuation for mitigation technologies", "description": "AbstractMicroplastics, an emerging pollutant, have garnered widespread attention due to potential repercussions on human health and the environment. Given the critical role of seafood in food security, growing concerns about microplastics might be detrimental to meeting future global food demand. This study employs a discrete choice experiment to investigate Chilean consumers' preferences for technology aimed at mitigating microplastic levels in mussels. Using a between-subjects design with information treatments, we examined the impact of informing consumers about potential human health and environmental effects linked to microplastics pollution on their valuation for the technology. We found that the information treatments increased consumers\uffe2\uff80\uff99 willingness to pay for them. Specifically, consumers\uffe2\uff80\uff99 willingness to pay for mussels with a 90% depuration efficiency certification is around US$ 4. The provision of health impact information increased the price premium by 56%, while the provision of environmental information increased it by 21%. Furthermore, combined health and environmental information significantly increased the probability of non-purchasing behavior by 22.8% and the risk perception of microplastics for human health by 5.8%. These results emphasize the critical role of information in shaping consumer preferences and provide evidence for validating investment in research and development related to microplastic pollution mitigation measures.Gypsum soils are amongst the most widespread extreme substrates of the world, occurring in 112 countries. This type of hypercalcic substrate has a suite of extreme physical and chemical properties that make it stressful for plant establishment and growth. Extreme chemical properties include low plant-available nitrogen and phosphorus and high plant-available sulphur and calcium, which impose strong nutritional imbalances on plants. In spite of these edaphic barriers, gypsum soils harbour rich endemic floras that have evolved independently on five continents, with highly specialized species. Plants that only grow on gypsum are considered soil specialists, and they have a foliar elemental composition similar to the elemental availability of gypsum soils, with high calcium, sulphur and magnesium accumulation. However, the physiological and ecological role of the unique foliar elemental composition of gypsum specialists remains poorly understood, and it is unknown whether it provides an ecological advantage over other generalist species on gypsum soils. This article reviews available literature on the impact of gypsum soil features on plant life and the mechanisms underlying plant adaptation to gypsum environments. We conclude with a hypothesis on the potential role of the nutritional strategy underlying plant specialization to gypsum soils: Gypsum specialists primarily use SO42\uffe2\uff80\uff93 as a counter anion to tolerate high Ca2+ concentrations in cells and avoid phosphorus depletion, which is one of the most limiting nutrients in gypsum soils.For over three decades, low\uffe2\uff80\uff90intensity grazing has been used to maintain or increase plant species richness in European natural areas, but the effects are highly variable. Thus far, good predictors of whether grazing will have positive effects on plant species richness are limited. How does the interplay between low\uffe2\uff80\uff90intensity grazing and topographic heterogeneity affect plant species richness at different spatial scales?
LocationLong\uffe2\uff80\uff90term grazed and ungrazed salt marshes of the Dutch Wadden Sea island of Schiermonnikoog.
MethodsWe selected ten plots of 2200\uffc2\uffa0m2 in grazed and ungrazed areas of our study sites, and recorded and compared plant species richness in 0.1, 1, 10, 100 and 1000\uffc2\uffa0m2 subplots. Topographic heterogeneity was quantified at the plot scale using the standard deviation of the elevation derived from a high\uffe2\uff80\uff90resolution (5\uffc2\uffa0m\uffc2\uffa0\uffc3\uff97\uffc2\uffa05\uffc2\uffa0m) digital elevation model. We calculated species\uffe2\uff80\uff93area relationships to analyse our data.
ResultsWe found that large\uffe2\uff80\uff90scale topographic heterogeneity (based on the whole plot of 2200\uffc2\uffa0m2) positively affects plant species richness at all scales (even at the smallest 0.1\uffe2\uff80\uff90m2 scale), and that grazing has a positive additive effect at the small scales (0.1 and 10\uffc2\uffa0m2). While grazing also had a positive effect on species richness at larger scales (1000\uffc2\uffa0m2), the strength of the effect was dependent on the topographic heterogeneity at that scale. The effectiveness of grazing for increased plant species richness was highest at low topographic heterogeneity, and lowest at intermediate topographic heterogeneity. Effects of intermediate heterogeneity were probably counterbalanced by the effects of grazing.
ConclusionsOur results suggest that the variation in elevation is an important predictor of whether low\uffe2\uff80\uff90intensity grazing has positive effects on plant species richness or not. Grazing appears most beneficial at low topographic heterogeneity, but whether these findings hold for other grazed ecosystems will depend on several factors, most importantly, the relationship between topographic and abiotic heterogeneity. Results of our study are highly relevant for the application of low\uffe2\uff80\uff90intensity grazing as tool for conservation management in salt marshes and other natural areas.
", "keywords": ["0106 biological sciences", "2. Zero hunger", "Topography", "Livestock", "IMPACT", "Vascular plants", "Spatial scale", "DIVERSITY", "Nature management", "Biodiversity", "Conservation", "15. Life on land", "01 natural sciences", "SOIL", "Grazing lawns", "HERBIVORES", "BIODIVERSITY", "Herbivory", "VEGETATION", "14. Life underwater", "Plant-herbivore interactions", "GRASSLANDS", "RESTORATION", "RESPONSES", "ENVIRONMENTS"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1111/avsc.12107"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Applied%20Vegetation%20Science", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1111/avsc.12107", "name": "item", "description": "10.1111/avsc.12107", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1111/avsc.12107"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2014-05-02T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1186/s40168-021-01131-9", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-25T16:19:18Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2021-10-14", "title": "Microbial colonization and resistome dynamics in food processing environments of a newly opened pork cutting industry during 1.5 years of activity", "description": "AbstractBackgroundThe microorganisms that inhabit food processing environments (FPE) can strongly influence the associated food quality and safety. In particular, the possibility that FPE may act as a reservoir of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, and a hotspot for the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is a concern in meat processing plants. Here, we monitor microbial succession and resistome dynamics relating to FPE through a detailed analysis of a newly opened pork cutting plant over 1.5 years of activity.
ResultsWe identified a relatively restricted principal microbiota dominated byPseudomonasduring the first 2 months, while a higher taxonomic diversity, an increased representation of other taxa (e.g.,Acinetobacter,Psychrobacter), and a certain degree of microbiome specialization on different surfaces was recorded later on. An increase in total abundance, alpha diversity, and \uffce\uffb2-dispersion of ARGs, which were predominantly assigned toAcinetobacterand associated with resistance to certain antimicrobials frequently used on pig farms of the region, was detected over time. Moreover, a sharp increase in the occurrence of extended-spectrum \uffce\uffb2-lactamase-producingEnterobacteriaceaeand vancomycin-resistantEnterococcaceaewas observed when cutting activities started. ARGs associated with resistance to \uffce\uffb2-lactams, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, and sulphonamides frequently co-occurred, and mobile genetic elements (i.e., plasmids, integrons) and lateral gene transfer events were mainly detected at the later sampling times in drains.
ConclusionsThe observations made suggest that pig carcasses were a source of resistant bacteria that then colonized FPE and that drains, together with some food-contact surfaces, such as equipment and table surfaces, represented a reservoir for the spread of ARGs in the meat processing facility.
", "keywords": ["0301 basic medicine", "2. Zero hunger", "0303 health sciences", "Bacteria", "Food Handling", "Swine", "Tecnolog\u00eda de los alimentos", "Research", "QR100-130", "610", "Food processing environments", "Antimicrobial resistance", "Gen\u00e9tica", "630", "Anti-Bacterial Agents", "Microbial ecology", "Red Meat", "03 medical and health sciences", "Genes", " Bacterial", "Pork Meat", "Animals", "Metagenomics"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s40168-021-01131-9.pdf"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.1186/s40168-021-01131-9"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Microbiome", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1186/s40168-021-01131-9", "name": "item", "description": "10.1186/s40168-021-01131-9", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1186/s40168-021-01131-9"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2021-10-14T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.2307/3237009", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-25T16:20:28Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2007-02-03", "title": "Effects Of Nutrients And Shade On Tree-Grass Interactions In An East African Savanna", "description": "Abstract. Savanna trees have a multitude of positive and negative effects on understorey grass production, but little is known about how these effects interact. We report on a fertilization and shading experiment carried out in a Tanzanian tropical dry savanna around Acacia tortilis trees. In two years of study there was no difference in grass production under tree canopies or in open grassland. Fertilization, however, indicate that trees do affect the nutrient limitation of the grass layer with an N\uffe2\uff80\uff90limited system in open grassland to a P\uffe2\uff80\uff90limited system under the trees. The N:P ratios of grass gave a reliable indication of the nature of nutrient limitation, but only when assessed at the end of the wet season. Mid\uffe2\uff80\uff90wet season nutrient concentrations of grasses were higher under than outside the tree canopy, suggesting that factors other than nutrients limit grass production. A shading experiment indicated that light may be such a limiting factor during the wet season when water and nutrients are sufficiently available. However, in the dry season when water is scarce, the effect of shade on plant production became positive. We conclude that whether trees increase or decrease production of the herbaceous layer depends on how positive effects (increased soil fertility) and negative effects (shade and soil water availability) interact and that these interactions may significantly change between wet and dry seasons.
", "keywords": ["2. Zero hunger", "0106 biological sciences", "productivity", "growth", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "15. Life on land", "herbivores", "01 natural sciences", "nitrogen", "kenya", "vegetation", "limitation", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "light-intensity", "competition", "environments"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.2307/3237009"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Journal%20of%20Vegetation%20Science", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.2307/3237009", "name": "item", "description": "10.2307/3237009", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.2307/3237009"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2001-02-24T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10023/31652", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-25T16:24:22Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2025-03-15", "title": "Unearthing the Histories of Agrarian Landscapes: A Research Framework for Terraces as Sustainable Environments", "description": "ABSTRACTThis article presents an interdisciplinary programme for research on historic landscapes that has emerged since 2020 in the framework of the project Terraces as Sustainable Agricultural Environments (\uffe2\uff80\uff98TerraSAgE\uffe2\uff80\uff99). While the methodology has been tested in specific Mediterranean case studies, it is also applicable in other locations and regions. Our integrated approach provides new insights into the development of terraced agrarian landscapes and the changing dynamics in land management. It can provide knowledge of the extent to which past change has influenced present\uffe2\uff80\uff90day landscapes and has implications for the development of sustainable landscape practices. The research framework proposed here has been tested through case studies in different landscape types across southern Europe, including small\uffe2\uff80\uff90scale mixed farming landscapes of the Aegean islands (Naxos, Greece); terraces for vines and olives (Pelje\uffc5\uffa1ac, Croatia); a landscape of dairy production (northern Apennines, Italy), which was until quite recently agroforestry; modern cereal cultivation (around Els Prats de Rei, Catalonia, Spain); upland irrigated landscapes on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada (Andalucia, Spain) and mixed farming in a wooded Atlantic environment (Galicia, Spain).Methane (CH4) fluxes at peatland plant surfaces are net results of transport of soil-produced CH4 and within-plant CH4 production and consumption, yet factors and processes controlling these fluxes remain unclear. We aimed to assess the effects of seasonality, environmental variables, and CH4 cycling microbes on CH4 fluxes from characteristic fen species.
MethodsFour species (Carex rostrata, Menyanthes trifoliata, Betula nana, Salix lapponum) were selected, and their CH4 fluxes determined in climate-controlled environments with three mesocosms per growing season per species. Microbial genes for CH4 cycling were analysed to check the potential for within-plant CH4 production and oxidation. Two extra experiments were conducted: removal of C. rostrata leaves to identify how leaves constrain CH4 transport, and a labelling experiment with S. lapponum to distinguish between plant-produced and soil-produced CH4 in the plant flux.
ResultsAll species showed seasonal variability in CH4 fluxes. Higher porewater CH4 concentration increased fluxes from C. rostrata and M. trifoliata, decreased fluxes from S. lapponum, and did not affect fluxes from B. nana. Air temperature only and negatively affected CH4 flux from C. rostrata. Light level did not impact CH4 fluxes. Both methanogens and methanotrophs were detected in shoots of S. lapponum and M. trifoliata, methanotrophs in B. nana, and neither in C. rostrata.
ConclusionOur study demonstrates that the seasonal phase of the plants regulates the CH4 fluxes they mediate across species. The detection of methanogens and methanotrophs in herbs and shrubs suggests that microbial processes may contribute to their CH4 fluxes.
", "keywords": ["0301 basic medicine", "570", "0303 health sciences", "metanotrofit", "varvut", "Herbs", "11831 Plant biology", "metaani", "Environmental sciences", "Controlled environments", "Microbes", "03 medical and health sciences", "Phenology", "suot", "Plant-mediated CH fluxes", "suokasvillisuus", "Shrubs", "metanogeenit", "sarat"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10138/577327"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Plant%20and%20Soil", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10138/577327", "name": "item", "description": "10138/577327", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10138/577327"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2024-06-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10261/345561", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-25T16:24:32Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2023-06-29", "title": "Nutritional strategy underlying plant specialization to gypsum soils", "description": "AbstractGypsum soils are amongst the most widespread extreme substrates of the world, occurring in 112 countries. This type of hypercalcic substrate has a suite of extreme physical and chemical properties that make it stressful for plant establishment and growth. Extreme chemical properties include low plant-available nitrogen and phosphorus and high plant-available sulphur and calcium, which impose strong nutritional imbalances on plants. In spite of these edaphic barriers, gypsum soils harbour rich endemic floras that have evolved independently on five continents, with highly specialized species. Plants that only grow on gypsum are considered soil specialists, and they have a foliar elemental composition similar to the elemental availability of gypsum soils, with high calcium, sulphur and magnesium accumulation. However, the physiological and ecological role of the unique foliar elemental composition of gypsum specialists remains poorly understood, and it is unknown whether it provides an ecological advantage over other generalist species on gypsum soils. This article reviews available literature on the impact of gypsum soil features on plant life and the mechanisms underlying plant adaptation to gypsum environments. We conclude with a hypothesis on the potential role of the nutritional strategy underlying plant specialization to gypsum soils: Gypsum specialists primarily use SO42\uffe2\uff80\uff93 as a counter anion to tolerate high Ca2+ concentrations in cells and avoid phosphorus depletion, which is one of the most limiting nutrients in gypsum soils.Microplastics, an emerging pollutant, have garnered widespread attention due to potential repercussions on human health and the environment. Given the critical role of seafood in food security, growing concerns about microplastics might be detrimental to meeting future global food demand. This study employs a discrete choice experiment to investigate Chilean consumers' preferences for technology aimed at mitigating microplastic levels in mussels. Using a between-subjects design with information treatments, we examined the impact of informing consumers about potential human health and environmental effects linked to microplastics pollution on their valuation for the technology. We found that the information treatments increased consumers\uffe2\uff80\uff99 willingness to pay for them. Specifically, consumers\uffe2\uff80\uff99 willingness to pay for mussels with a 90% depuration efficiency certification is around US$ 4. The provision of health impact information increased the price premium by 56%, while the provision of environmental information increased it by 21%. Furthermore, combined health and environmental information significantly increased the probability of non-purchasing behavior by 22.8% and the risk perception of microplastics for human health by 5.8%. These results emphasize the critical role of information in shaping consumer preferences and provide evidence for validating investment in research and development related to microplastic pollution mitigation measures.