Subtropical high-montane forest climate refuges in Brazil

Climate change represents one of the greatest threats to global biodiversity. We investigate how climate change will affect the future potential distribution of tree species in subtropical high montane habitats in the Atlantic Forest and identify potential climate refuges for these species. The most frequent and exclusive species in this ecosystem were selected and geographic coordinates were compiled. The maximum entropy algorithm was used for climatic niche modeling. Two scenarios for 2061-2080 were considered for future predictions, one low impact (RCP 4.5) and one high impact (RCP 8.5). Isothermality, mean temperature in the driest quarter, mean temperature in the hottest quarter, rainfall in the driest month, and rainfall in the hottest quarter were the variables that best explained the climatic niche of the majority of species. The areas of potential species occurrence were reduced by 48.37 % (± 13.63 %) (RCP 4.5) and 62.49 % (± 21.87 %) (RCP 8.5) on average. The potential area of Crinodendron brasilense Reitz & L.B.Sm. decreased the most, by 82.11 % (RCP 4.5) and 90.06 % (RCP 8.5), respectively. High elevation areas in the south of Brazil were identified as priorities for conservation to ensure that climate refuges for high montane forest species are maintained in the future. Climate change events may significantly affect the species evaluated in this study.(AU)

Impact of water stress on adaptation and performance of sheep and goat in dryland regions under climate change scenarios: a systematic review

Climate change is shifting rainfall patterns, air temperature, river flows, and sea levels globally, resulting in changes in ground and surface water quality due to salinization, especially in arid and semiarid regions. During dry periods, the main water quality issue is a high quantity of salt in the water. Whilst water with fewer than 3,000 mg/L total salts is beneficial to all livestock species, tolerances vary greatly based on conditions and circumstances. Understanding the normal salt tolerance of animals without harming their production and health is important for sustainable livestock production, especially in dry areas. Understanding the normal salt tolerance of animals without harming their production and health is important for sustainable livestock production, especially in dry areas. Thus, this review examined the physiological, behavioral, hematological, and biochemical responses of sheep and goats in dryland areas under climate change scenarios. Despite changes in physiological, blood, biochemical, feed and water intake, sheep and goats adapt to salinity levels to drinking water in arid environments. Adaptable and native breeds are known to be more tolerant of saline water than selected exotic breeds. Small ruminants experience a decrease in food intake and weight, a decrease in breathing rate, and an increase in blood metabolite concentration when the salt in their drinking water increases. The concept that native and adapted small ruminant breeds can withstand high water salinity is gaining popularity in scientific research worldwide. More research is needed to investigate the water tolerance capabilities of adapted breeds, especially in dry and water-saline regions affected by climate change.

Coffee crops adaptation to climate change in agroforestry systems with rubber trees in southern Brazil

Adaptation to climate change is a strategy for crops to cope with the scenario of rising temperatures worldwide. In the case of Coffea arabica L., the use of agroforestry systems (AFS) with woody species is a promising practice to reduce excessive heat during the day. This study aimed to 1) evaluate air temperature changes that occur in an AFS of coffee and double alleys of rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis Müell. Arg.) and 2) carry out an analysis of future warming scenarios by comparing the cultivation of Arabic coffee in full sun and in an AFS of double alleys of rubber trees. The microclimatic variables were measured between two rows of coffee trees at 1.0 m of height from June 2016 to June 2018. The results indicate that the AFS with double alleys of rubber trees spaced 16 m apart had an average temperature reduction from 1.4 to 2.5 °C from 10h00 to 16h00. The study also simulated temperature increases of 1.7, 2.6, 3.1, and 4.8 °C from 2018 to 2099, according to scenarios predicted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and the impact in coffee production in Paraná State, Brazil. Using the climatic generator PGECLIMA_R, simulations suggest a progressive reduction of traditional areas suitable for open-grown coffee in the state. Production conditions can be maintained through the AFS, since the systems attenuate mean temperatures by 1-2 °C. We conclude that the AFS of coffee and rubber trees contribute to coffee crop adaptations to a future warmer environment.

The Siberian pine growth dynamics in Altai Mountains, China / A dinâmica de crescimento do pinheiro siberiano nas montanhas de Altai, China

Climatic factors play an essential role in the growth of tree ring width. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the correlation between climatic variables and tree-ring growth characteristics of Pinus sibirica in Altai mountains, northwestern China. This study being is first of its kind on climate growth analysis of Pinus sibirica in northwestern China. The study showed great potential to understand the species growing under the specific climatic conditions. Total of 70 tree cores collected from three sites in the sampling area, out of which 63 tree cores considered for this study. The effect of climatic variables which was studied include precipitation, temperature and PDSI. Our results showed that Tree Ring Width chronology has a significantly positive correlation with the late winter (March) temperature and significant negative correlation with the July temperatures. A significant correlation was observed with the late summer precipitation whereas no significant relation found with the Palmer Drought Severity Index. These significant correlations with temperature and precipitation suggested that this tree species had the potential for the reconstruction of the past climate in the area.

Fatores climáticos desempenham papel essencial no crescimento da largura dos anéis das árvores. Neste estudo, objetivou-se avaliar a correlação entre variáveis climáticas e características de crescimento de anéis de árvores de Pinus sibirica nas montanhas de Altai, noroeste da China. Este estudo é o primeiro desse tipo na análise do crescimento climático de Pinus sibirica no noroeste da China. O estudo mostrou grande potencial para entender as espécies que crescem sob as condições climáticas específicas. Total de 70 testemunhos coletados em três locais na área de amostragem, dos quais 63 testemunhos considerados para este estudo. O efeito das variáveis climáticas estudadas incluem precipitação, temperatura e PDSI. Nossos resultados mostraram que a cronologia da Largura do Anel da Árvore tem uma correlação significativamente positiva com a temperatura do final do inverno (março) e uma correlação negativa significativa com as temperaturas de julho. Uma correlação significativa foi observada com a precipitação do final do verão, enquanto nenhuma relação significativa foi encontrada com o Índice de Severidade de Seca de Palmer. Essas correlações significativas com a temperatura e precipitação sugeriram que esta espécie de árvore tinha o potencial para a reconstrução do clima passado na área.

The Siberian pine growth dynamics in Altai Mountains, China / A dinâmica de crescimento do pinheiro siberiano nas montanhas de Altai, China

Climatic factors play an essential role in the growth of tree ring width. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the correlation between climatic variables and tree-ring growth characteristics of Pinus sibirica in Altai mountains, northwestern China. This study being is first of its kind on climate growth analysis of Pinus sibirica in northwestern China. The study showed great potential to understand the species growing under the specific climatic conditions. Total of 70 tree cores collected from three sites in the sampling area, out of which 63 tree cores considered for this study. The effect of climatic variables which was studied include precipitation, temperature and PDSI. Our results showed that Tree Ring Width chronology has a significantly positive correlation with the late winter (March) temperature and significant negative correlation with the July temperatures. A significant correlation was observed with the late summer precipitation whereas no significant relation found with the Palmer Drought Severity Index. These significant correlations with temperature and precipitation suggested that this tree species had the potential for the reconstruction of the past climate in the area.(AU)

Fatores climáticos desempenham papel essencial no crescimento da largura dos anéis das árvores. Neste estudo, objetivou-se avaliar a correlação entre variáveis climáticas e características de crescimento de anéis de árvores de Pinus sibirica nas montanhas de Altai, noroeste da China. Este estudo é o primeiro desse tipo na análise do crescimento climático de Pinus sibirica no noroeste da China. O estudo mostrou grande potencial para entender as espécies que crescem sob as condições climáticas específicas. Total de 70 testemunhos coletados em três locais na área de amostragem, dos quais 63 testemunhos considerados para este estudo. O efeito das variáveis climáticas estudadas incluem precipitação, temperatura e PDSI. Nossos resultados mostraram que a cronologia da Largura do Anel da Árvore tem uma correlação significativamente positiva com a temperatura do final do inverno (março) e uma correlação negativa significativa com as temperaturas de julho. Uma correlação significativa foi observada com a precipitação do final do verão, enquanto nenhuma relação significativa foi encontrada com o Índice de Severidade de Seca de Palmer. Essas correlações significativas com a temperatura e precipitação sugeriram que esta espécie de árvore tinha o potencial para a reconstrução do clima passado na área.(AU)

Impacts of scenarios RCP4. 5 and RCP8. 5 on plant physiology in Tapajos National Forest in the Brazilian Amazon using the ED2. 2 model / Impactos dos cenários RCP4. 5 e RCP8. 5 na fisiologia vegetal na Floresta Nacional do Tapajós, na Amazônia brasileira, através do modelo ED2. 2

Models that simulate the process of stomatal conductance (gs) for a given set of environmental conditions are important, as this process is the main mechanism that controls the gas exchange of terrestrial plants absorbing atmospheric CO2 in tropical forests. Simulations were performed for the Tapajós National Forest, in the western Brazilian Amazon, observing the gs process under the current climate scenario (control) and under the scenarios RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 (2071 - 2100), using the ED2.2 ecosystem demography model. The results showed that the lower availability of soil water for the plants reduced photosynthesis due to the closing of the stomata. The model results for gross primary productivity (GPP) are similar to those observed in the field, varying about ≈24 MgC ha-1 year-1 for the rainy season and ≈23 MgC ha-1 year-1 for the dry season (average 2002 to 2010) in the control scenario. In the RCP4.5 scenario, simulated GPP was 30.7 and 30 MgC ha-1year-1 for the rainy and dry season, respectively (30.5 and 25 MgC ha-1year-1, respectively, for the RCP8.5 scenario). Our results also show that there may be a limitation on the increase in biomass carbon with the concentration of CO2, as GPP was lower in RCP8.5, despite this scenario having a higher value of atmospheric CO2 relative to RCP4.5.(AU)

Modelos que simulam o processo de condutância estomática (gs) para um determinado conjunto de condições ambientais são importantes, pois esse processo é o principal mecanismo que controla as trocas gasosas das plantas terrestres ao absorver o CO2 atmosférico em florestas tropicais. Realizamos simulações para a Floresta Nacional do Tapajós, na Amazônia Ocidental brasileira, observando o processo da gs sob o cenário climático atual (controle) e sob os cenários RCP4.5 e RCP8.5 (2071 - 2100) usando o modelo demográfico de ecossistema ED2.2. Os resultados mostraram que a menor disponibilidade de água no solo para as plantas reduziu a fotossíntese devido ao fechamento dos estômatos. Os resultados do modelo para produtividade primária bruta (PPB) foram semelhantes aos observados em campo, variando cerca de ≈24 MgC ha-1 ano-1 para a estação chuvosa e ≈23 MgC ha-1 ano-1 para a estação seca (média 2002 a 2010) no cenário controle. No cenário RCP4.5, o resultado da PPB simulado foi de 30,7 e 30 MgC ha-1ano-1 para as estações chuvosa e seca, respectivamente (30,5 e 25 MgC ha-1 ano-1, respectivamente, para o cenário RCP8.5). Nossos resultados mostram que pode haver uma limitação no aumento do carbono da biomassa com a concentração de CO2, uma vez que a PPB foi menor no RCP8.5, apesar deste cenário ter um valor maior de CO2 atmosférico em relação ao RCP4.5.(AU)

Regional climate modeling in the Amazon basin to evaluate fire risk / Modelagem climática regional na bacia Amazônica para avaliação do risco de fogo

Studies regarding deforestation, the hydrological cycle, climate change and fire weather can benefit from the detailed simulations provided by regional climate models (RCM). While much attention has been given to fire activity in the Amazon, few studies have used RCM runs to assess fire risk and variables associated to fire occurrence. We evaluated precipitation, temperature and a fire risk index from the ensemble of Eta model simulations coupled with three different global climate models for the Amazon basin. The RCM runs were compared to reanalysis data for the dry season from 1979 to 2005. The maximum and 2-m temperature fields were underestimated over the entire region, but showed a statistically significant spatial correlation with the reference data. Precipitation was overestimated over the Amazon, in accordance with the major sources of moisture analyzed. The Keetch-Byram drought index (KBDI) was not significantly affected by the bias found in temperature and precipitation, and the ensemble improved relative to the individual member simulations. KBDI estimations performed better with the ensemble of the three evaluated members, however the Eta model showed some limitations. The validation of modeled fire risk could benefit from the use of satellite hotspot data. Furthermore, the KBDI can also be used in the assessment of how climate change interacts with fire activity in the Amazon region.(AU)

Estudos sobre desmatamento, ciclo hidrológico, mudanças climáticas e fogo podem se beneficiar de simulações mais detalhadas provenientes de modelos climáticos regionais (RCM). Apesar de que a atividade do fogo na Amazônia tenha recebido grande atenção, poucos estudos usaram simulações de RCM para avaliar o risco de fogo e variáveis associadas às condições climáticas favoráveis à ocorrência de fogo. Aqui avaliamos precipitação, temperatura e um índice de risco de fogo do conjunto de simulações do modelo Eta forçado para três modelos climáticos globais diferentes para a bacia Amazônica. As simulações de RCM foram comparadas com dados de reanálise para a estação seca de 1979 a 2005. Os campos de temperatura máxima e de 2 m foram subestimados em toda a região, porém mostraram uma correlação espacial estatisticamente significativa com os dados de referência. A precipitação foi superestimada para toda a Amazônia, em acordo com as principais fontes de umidade analisadas. O índice de seca de Keetch-Byram (KBDI) não foi significativamente afetado pelo viés observado na temperatura e na precipitação, e o conjunto apresentou resultados melhores em comparação com as simulações dos membros individuais. As simulações de KBDI tiveram melhor resultado com o conjunto das três variáveis avaliadas, porém o modelo Eta mostrou algumas limitações. A validação dos modelos de risco de fogo poderia se beneficiar do uso de dados de hotspot satelitais. Além disso, o KBDI pode ser usado na avaliação de como as mudanças climáticas interagem com o fogo na região amazônica.(AU)

Fast-growing forest management to regulate the balance between wood production and water supply

ABSTRACT: Increasingly, fast-growing forest plantations are able to support the wood supply but may simultaneously reduce water availability. The trade-off between wood production and water supply is more evident in areas with low water availability, high seasonal variation, or high water demand from local communities. The management regime adopted in forest plantations can either increase or reduce this trade-off. Thus, we assess herein the water and wood supply under different fast-growing forest plantation management regimes to understand how forest management practices can balance the provision of these services. The study was conducted at two catchments with a predominance of fast-growing forest plantations, namely, the mosaic management catchment (MMC) and the intensive management catchment (IMC). Rainfall and streamflow were monitored for three water years. Hydrological indexes were calculated to assess the hydrological regime of both catchments, and make inventories of the forest to assess forest growth rates. MMC had streamflow coefficients, baseflow index and baseflow stability higher than those of IMC. Mean annual wood increment was 32.73 m3 ha-1 yr-1 in MMC, with a mean age of 15 years, and 44.40 m3 ha-1 yr-1 in IMC at coppice in the second year. MMC hydrological indexes remained stable over the period studied, while in IMC the hydrological indexes were affected by climatic variations, mainly in drier years. MMC showed potential for supplying both water and wood. However, in IMC there was a trade-off between wood supply at the expense of the water supply. Thus, the intensity of fast-growing management can be adjusted to achieve a balance between water and wood supply on a catchment scale.

An estimation of ecosystem services provided by urban and peri-urban forests: a case study in Juiz de Fora, Brazil / Uma estimativa dos serviços ecossistêmicos fornecidos pelas florestas urbanas e peri-urbanas: um estudo de caso em Juiz de Fora, Brasil

ABSTRACT: Urban expansion has led to the replacement of natural landscapes and environmental degradation, making cities and their urban and peri-urban forests (UPFs) vulnerable to climate change, especially on the formation of heat islands. Using i-Tree Canopy program (v. 7.0), we estimate the ecosystem services provided by UPFs in Juiz de Fora (Minas Gerais State, Southeastern Brazil), through the analysis of the (1) annual removal of atmospheric pollutants, (2) annual removal of atmospheric carbon, (3) total carbon stock in vegetation, and (4) the monetary benefits of sequestered and stocked carbon, based on Future Carbon Credit (CFI2Z1) as a monetary proxy. The results showed an average total amount of removal of 4.45 thousand tons of air pollution annually. The average annual total carbon storage was 158 thousand tons and the equivalent CO2 was 580 thousand tons, with an estimated total value of R$ 173 million per year. Significant values of the gross carbon stock (3.98 million tons) and equivalent CO2 (14.59 million tons) were found, being valued at R$ 4.35 billion. We concluded that the Juiz de Fora UPFs have a great potential for socio-environmental and economic benefits.

RESUMO: A expansão urbana levou à substituição de paisagens naturais por paisagens urbanas e à degradação ambiental, tornando cidades e suas florestas urbanas e peri-urbanas (FUPs) vulneráveis às mudanças climáticas, especialmente à formação de ilhas de calor. Utilizando o software i-Tree Canopy (v.7.0), estimamos os serviços ecossistêmicos promovidos pelas UPFs em Juiz de Fora (Minas Gerais, Sudeste do Brasil), por meio da análise de (1) remoção anual de poluentes atmosféricos, (2) remoção anual de carbono atmosférico, (3) estoque de carbono na vegetação e (4) os benefícios monetários do carbono sequestrado anualmente e estocado, utilizando o Mercado de Crédito de Carbono Futuro (CFI2Z1) como um proxy monetário. Os resultados apresentam uma quantidade total média de remoção de 4,45 mil toneladas de poluentes do ar, anualmente. O armazenamento médio anual de carbono total foi de 158 mil toneladas e o de CO2 equivalente foi de 580 mil toneladas, com um valor total estimado anual de R$ 173 milhões. Foram encontrados expressivos valores do estoque bruto de carbono (3,98 milhões de toneladas) e CO2 equivalente (14,59 milhões de toneladas), sendo avaliado em R$ 4,35 bilhões. Concluímos que as FUPs de Juiz de Fora possuem um grande potencial para benefícios socioambientais e econômicos.

Seasonal variation of thyroxine concentration in Karagouniko and Chios rams in temperate environmental conditions

It is well known that the concentration of the thyroid hormone thyroxine increases as day length increases, and the other way around, in Karagouniko and Chios ewes but based on openly international English literature, nothing is known about this hormone on the rams of the breeds mentioned above concerning a meticulous analysis of their aerial environment. So from this perspective, the current research was conducted to investigate the thyroxine concentrations of Karagouniko and Chios rams, taking into account two periods, January-June and July-November, when the day length was increasing and decreasing, respectively. Apart from photoperiod, the meteorological variables air temperature, relative humidity, and sunshine were taken into consideration in the farm of the Artificial Insemination Center of Karditsa (39021΄18΄΄N, 21054΄19΄΄E), Greece (temperate climate zone), where the experimental animals raised. The possible change of thyroxine concentration in both sheep breeds and the possible changes of the abovementioned meteorological variables between the examined periods were detected using t-tests. Higher thyroxine values (P < 0.05) were confirmed in JanuaryJune (55.11 ng/ml in Karagouniko and 47.72 ng/ml in Chios rams), in comparison to July-November (49.03 ng/ml in Karagouniko and 44.14 ng/ml in Chios rams). Air temperature and sunshine followed a reverse course (P < 0.05). In both periods, Karagouniko rams were characterized by higher concentrations of thyroxine than Chios rams (P < 0.01). Our results add more insight into the physiology of Karagouniko and Chios sheep related to thyroxine and temperate aerial environment.

Seasonality effect on the physiological and productive responses of crossbred dairy cows to the equatorial Amazon climate / Efeito da sazonalidade sobre as respostas fisiológicas e produtivas de vacas leiteiras mestiças ao clima amazônico equatorial

The objective of this study was to evaluate the seasonal effect of months of the year upon the physiological and productive responses of crossbred dairy cows raised in an Amazonian climate. Twenty lactating cows were evaluated, fed on Brachiaria decumbens pasture, with free access to water and mineral supplementation. Data from climate variables air temperature (AT), relative humidity (RH), rainfall (RA) and temperature and humidity index (THI) were recorded dur ing the months of January to April 2019. The physiological data collected were: respiratory rate (RR, mov/min), heart rate (HR, beats/min), rectal temperature (RT, ºC), udder surface temperature (UST, ºC), body surface temperature (BST, ºC), dorsum surface temperature (DST, ºC), front surface temperature (FST, ºC) and rear shin temperature (RST). Milk production (MP) was also measured. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) of RST and RR with values ranging from 34.8 to 35.5°C and 32.0 to 36.2 mov/min, respectively. There were no significant difference (P>0.05) for BST, and the values for MP and THI were 3.8; 3.8; 4.6; 4.1 kg and 77.7; 79.7; 80.6; 80.1, respectively. It was concluded that there was a seasonal effect of the months of the year evaluated on the respiratory rate of animals, however, it did not change the MP and the THI. The Amazon environment is conducive to causing thermal stress in lactating cows raised on pasture, requiring the use of shading to facilitate the ability of these animals to dissipate heat.(AU)

O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar os efeitos sazonais dos meses do ano sobre as respostas fisiológicas e produtivas de vacas leiteiras mestiças criadas em clima amazônico. Foram avaliadas 20 vacas lactantes, alimentadas com pasto de Brachiaria decumbens, com acesso livre a água e suplementação mineral. Foram registrados dados das variáveis climáticas temperatura do ar (TA), umidade relativa do ar (UR), precipitação pluviométrica (PP) e índice de temperatura e Umidade (ITU) durante os meses de janeiro a abril de 2019. Os dados fisiológicos coletados foram: frequência respiratória (FR, mov/min), frequência cardíaca (FC, bat./min), temperatura retal (TR, ºC), temperatura superficial do úbere (TSU, ºC), temperatura superfície corporal (TSC, ºC), temperatura superficial do dorso (TSD, ºC), temperatura superficial da fronte (TSF, ºC) e temperatura superficial da canela (TSCA, °C). Também foi mensurada a produção de leite (PL, kg). Houve diferença significativa (P<0,05) da TSCA e FR com valores variando de 34,8 a 35,5°C e 32,0 a 36,2 mov/min, respectivamente. Não houve diferença significativa (P>0,05) para TSC e os valores observados para PL e ITU foram 3,8; 3,8; 4,6; 4,1 kg e 77,7; 79,7; 80,6; 80,1, respectivamente. Houve efeito sazonal dos meses avaliados sobre a taxa respiratória dos animais, no entanto, isso não alterou a PL nem o ITU. O ambiente amazônico é propício a causar estresse térmico em vacas lactantes mantidas a pasto, sendo necessário o uso de sombreamento para facilitar a capacidade de dissipação de calor corporal desses animais.(AU)

Biobanks, offspring fitness and the influence of developmental plasticity in conservation biology

Mitigation of the widely known threats to the world's biodiversity is difficult, despite the strategies and actions proposed by international agreements such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Nevertheless, many scientists devote their time and effort to finding and implementing various solutions to the problem. One potential way forward that is gaining popularity involves the establishment of biobank programs aimed at preserving and storing germplasm from threatened species, and then using it to support the future viability and health of threatened populations. This involves developing and using assisted reproductive technologies to achieve their goals. Despite considerable advances in the effectiveness of reproductive technologies, differences between the reproductive behavior and physiology of widely differing taxonomic groups mean that this approach cannot be applied with equal success to many species. Moreover, evidence that epigenetic influences and developmental plasticity, whereby it is now understood that embryonic development, and subsequent health in later life, can be affected by peri-conceptional environmental conditions, is raising the possibility that cryopreservation methods themselves may have to be reviewed and revised when planning the biobanks. Here, I describe the benefits and problems associated with germplasm biobanking across various species, but also offer some realistic assessments of current progress and applications.(AU)

Mammal prevalence after the fire catastrophe in northeastern Pantanal, Brazil

Fire might occur under natural conditions in the Pantanal of Brazil; however, with climate change, severe periods of drought potentiated the devasting fires in 2020, resulting in substantial wildlife loss. Considering that mammal communities are strongly affected by fire and habitat alterations, the aim of this study was to evaluate possible differences in mammal diversity and the number of records before and one year after the fire in one region of the Pantanal of Mato Grosso, Brazil (Parque SESC Baía das Pedras - PSBP). The data collection was performed using camera trapping between 2015 and 2017 and 2021, together with visual field observations in PSBP. We observed that the mammal assemblage composition was similar before and one year after the fire. Four species were more or less frequent in burned areas than in unburned ones. Since the fire was controlled in this area, avoiding its total destruction, and the species that fled from the surrounding areas, which were completely burnt, might be using PSBP as a refuge while the vegetation recovers elsewhere. Therefore, the PSBP might have contributed to protecting mammal species after the fire and maintaining and conserving biodiversity on a regional scale in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso, Brazil.

Precision irrigation trends and perspectives: a review / Tendências e perspectivas da irrigação de precisão: uma revisão

In recent decades, research on precision irrigation driven by climate change has developed a multitude of strategies, methods and technologies to reduce water consumption in irrigation projects and to adapt to the increasing occurrence of water scarcity, agricultural droughts and competition between agricultural and industrial sectors for the use of water. In this context, the adoption of water-saving and application practices implies a multidisciplinary approach to accurately quantify the water needs of crops under different water availability and management practices. Thus, this review article presented a review of technologies and new trends in the context of precision irrigation, future perspectives and critically analyze notions and means to maintain high levels of land and water productivity, which minimize irrational water consumption at the field level.

Nas últimas décadas pesquisas voltadas à irrigação de precisão, impulsionadas pelas mudanças climáticas, desenvolveram uma infinidade de estratégias, métodos e tecnologias para reduzir o consumo de água em projetos de irrigação, para adaptação à crescente ocorrência de escassez de água, secas agrícolas e competição entre os setores agrícolas e industriais pelo uso da água. Nesta conjuntura, a adoção de práticas de economia e aplicação de água, implica em uma abordagem multidisciplinar para a quantificação precisa das necessidades de água das culturas, sob diversas práticas de disponibilidade e manejo da água. Dessa forma, este artigo de revisão tem como objetivo apresentar uma revisão sobre as tecnologias e novas tendências no contexto da irrigação de precisão, as perspectivas futuras e analisar criticamente noções e meios para manter altos índices de produtividade da terra e da água, que minimizem o consumo de água irracional a nível de campo.

Fast-growing forest management to regulate the balance between wood production and water supply

Increasingly, fast-growing forest plantations are able to support the wood supply but may simultaneously reduce water availability. The trade-off between wood production and water supply is more evident in areas with low water availability, high seasonal variation, or high water demand from local communities. The management regime adopted in forest plantations can either increase or reduce this trade-off. Thus, we assess herein the water and wood supply under different fast-growing forest plantation management regimes to understand how forest management practices can balance the provision of these services. The study was conducted at two catchments with a predominance of fast-growing forest plantations, namely, the mosaic management catchment (MMC) and the intensive management catchment (IMC). Rainfall and streamflow were monitored for three water years. Hydrological indexes were calculated to assess the hydrological regime of both catchments, and make inventories of the forest to assess forest growth rates. MMC had streamflow coefficients, baseflow index and baseflow stability higher than those of IMC. Mean annual wood increment was 32.73 m³ ha-¹ yr-¹ in MMC, with a mean age of 15 years, and 44.40 m³ ha-¹ yr-¹ in IMC at coppice in the second year. MMC hydrological indexes remained stable over the period studied, while in IMC the hydrological indexes were affected by climatic variations, mainly in drier years. MMC showed potential for supplying both water and wood. However, in IMC there was a trade-off between wood supply at the expense of the water supply. Thus, the intensity of fast-growing management can be adjusted to achieve a balance between water and wood supply on a catchment scale.

Community-Based Approach for Agricultural Water Management of Summer Crops / Abordagem comunitária para gestão de águasvoltada para culturas agrícolas de verão

Globalization, population change, and rural-to-urban movement are the main causes of the enormous issues faced by rural communities. Every growing nation, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), has a sizable proportion of rural farmers among its populace. This study was done in the Sulaimani Governorate, which was divided into six main districts namely; Garmian, Penjwin, Halabja, Chamchamal, Sharazur, and Raniya, and aimed to compare the groundwater level with summer crop water demand. The weighted Sum Method (WSM) and a Normalized Difference Vegetation Index map (NDVI) were used to analyze and illustrate the current water demand status for summer crops. The study employed a participatory research design, utilizing a purposive sampling method to select 60representative farmers, 25key decision-makers, representatives from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and experts in the field of water management. Data was collected through the use of focus group discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) to gather information from the selected participants. This study is innovative in its attempt to establish a correlation between the yield of summer crops and the availability of groundwater. As a conclusion for this study, the results suggest that thelevel of groundwater playsa significant role in determining the production of summer crops. Additionally, the sustainable development of various regions within the Sulaimani Governorate is influenced by a complex interplay of environmental, economic, andsocial factors. Future work will be focus on doing a detail research regarding time series for ground water level (GWL) vs.crop production vs.NDVI.(AU)

A globalização, a transição demográfica e o êxodo rural são as principais problemas enfrentados pelas comunidades rurais. Cada nação em crescimento, incluindo a região do Curdistão do Sul no Iraque, ainda mantém uma proporção considerável de agricultores em propriedades rurais. Este estudo foi feito na província de Sulaimani, que foi dividida em seis distritos principais, a saber; Garmian, Penjwin, Halabja, Chamchamal, Sharazur e Raniya, e teve como objetivo comparar o nível das águas subterrâneas com a demanda de água das culturas de verão existentes. O Método da Soma Ponderada e o índice de vegetação de diferença normalizada (IVDN) foram usados para analisar e ilustrar o estado atual da demanda de água para as culturas de verão da região. Oestudo empregou um projetode pesquisa participativa, utilizando um método de amostragem intencional para selecionar 60 agricultores representativos, 25 tomadores de decisão, representantes de organizações não governamentais e especialistas na área de gestão de recursoshídricos. Os dados foram coletados por meio do uso de discussões de grupos focais e entrevistas com pessoas-chave para coletar informações dos participantes selecionados. Este estudo é inovador em sua tentativa de estabelecer uma correlação entre o rendimento das culturas de verão e a disponibilidade de água subterrânea. Como conclusão para este estudo, os resultados sugerem que o nível das águas subterrâneas desempenha um papel significativo na determinação da produção de culturas de verão. Além disso, odesenvolvimento sustentável de várias regiões da província de Sulaimani é influenciado por uma complexa interação de fatores ambientais, econômicos e sociais. O trabalho futuro será focado em fazer uma pesquisa detalhada sobre séries temporais para nível de água subterrânea vs. produção agrícola vs. IVDN.(AU)

An estimation of ecosystem services provided by urban and peri-urban forests: a case study in Juiz de Fora, Brazil / Uma estimativa dos serviços ecossistêmicos fornecidos pelas florestas urbanas e peri-urbanas: um estudo de caso em Juiz de Fora, Brasil

Urban expansion has led to the replacement of natural landscapes and environmental degradation, making cities and their urban and peri-urban forests (UPFs) vulnerable to climate change, especially on the formation of heat islands. Using i-Tree Canopy program (v. 7.0), we estimate the ecosystem services provided by UPFs in Juiz de Fora (Minas Gerais State, Southeastern Brazil), through the analysis of the (1) annual removal of atmospheric pollutants, (2) annual removal of atmospheric carbon, (3) total carbon stock in vegetation, and (4) the monetary benefits of sequestered and stocked carbon, based on Future Carbon Credit (CFI2Z1) as a monetary proxy. The results showed an average total amount of removal of 4.45 thousand tons of air pollution annually. The average annual total carbon storage was 158 thousand tons and the equivalent CO2 was 580 thousand tons, with an estimated total value of R$ 173 million per year. Significant values of the gross carbon stock (3.98 million tons) and equivalent CO2 (14.59 million tons) were found, being valued at R$ 4.35 billion. We concluded that the Juiz de Fora UPFs have a great potential for socio-environmental and economic benefits.

A expansão urbana levou à substituição de paisagens naturais por paisagens urbanas e à degradação ambiental, tornando cidades e suas florestas urbanas e peri-urbanas (FUPs) vulneráveis às mudanças climáticas, especialmente à formação de ilhas de calor. Utilizando o software i-Tree Canopy (v.7.0), estimamos os serviços ecossistêmicos promovidos pelas UPFs em Juiz de Fora (Minas Gerais, Sudeste do Brasil), por meio da análise de (1) remoção anual de poluentes atmosféricos, (2) remoção anual de carbono atmosférico, (3) estoque de carbono na vegetação e (4) os benefícios monetários do carbono sequestrado anualmente e estocado, utilizando o Mercado de Crédito de Carbono Futuro (CFI2Z1) como um proxy monetário. Os resultados apresentam uma quantidade total média de remoção de 4,45 mil toneladas de poluentes do ar, anualmente. O armazenamento médio anual de carbono total foi de 158 mil toneladas e o de CO2 equivalente foi de 580 mil toneladas, com um valor total estimado anual de R$ 173 milhões. Foram encontrados expressivos valores do estoque bruto de carbono (3,98 milhões de toneladas) e CO2 equivalente (14,59 milhões de toneladas), sendo avaliado em R$ 4,35 bilhões. Concluímos que as FUPs de Juiz de Fora possuem um grande potencial para benefícios socioambientais e econômicos.

Avaliação de tolerância a baixas temperaturas em genótipos de arroz irrigado (Oryza sativa L) na fase reprodutiva em experimento a campo, durante evento climático espontâneo na safra 2019/2020 / Evaluation of low temperature tolerance in irrigated rice (Oryza sativaL) genotypes at reproductive phase in a field experiment, during a spontaneous climatic event in the 2019/2020 cropseason

Aproveitando-se a ocorrência de um evento espontâneo de baixas temperaturas (<17oC) em experimento de campo de arroz irrigado, coincidente com a fase reprodutiva da cultura, foram avaliados a produtividade, a porcentagem de esterilidade de espiguetas e o número de panículas por metro quadrado. O experimento foi conduzido no sul de Santa Catarina, na safra 2019/2020, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso com trêsrepetições no sistema pré-germinado. Do total de genótipos que compunham o experimento, 13 foram selecionados para comporem a análise principal, de esterilidade.Baseado numa série de estudos anteriores para estresse por baixas e altas temperaturas, a hipótese era de que a linhagem SC 806 se destacaria como resiliente. De fato, a SC 806 apresentou níveis de esterilidade significativamente menores que as testemunhas comerciais SCS116 Satoru, SCS122 Miura e SC 790 (SCS125), ao mesmo tempo que foi competitiva com as mesmas no tocante à produtividade. Assim, a SC 806 foi validada como resiliente abaixastemperaturas, confirmando o bom desempenho verificado em experimentos anteriores, e com isso demonstrando ser promissora como linhagem candidata à lançamento na forma de variedade.(AU)

Concerning the occurrence of a spontaneous event of low temperatures (<17oC), in an irrigated rice field experiment, during the reproductive phase of the crop, yield was evaluated as well as percentage of grain sterility and number of panicles. The experiment was conducted in the southof Santa Catarina, in the 2019/2020 crop season, having been water-seeded in randomized blocks with threereplications. Of the total number of genotypes that made up the experiment, 13 were selected to make up the main analysis, of sterility. Based on a series of previous studies for stress due to low and high temperatures, the hypothesis was that the SC 806 line would stand out as resilient. Based on a series of previous studies for low and high temperature stress, the hypothesiswas that the SC 806 inbreed line would stand out as resilient. In fact, SC 806 showed significantly lower sterility levels than the commercial controls, SCS116 Satoru, SCS122 Miura and SC 790 (SCS125), while remaining competitive in terms of yield. Thus, SC 806 confirmed its resilience to low temperatures, what was a behavior showed in previous experiments, proving to be promising as a candidate for release as cultivar soon.(AU)

How does reproduction account for dairy farm sustainability?

Sustainability - the new hype of the 21st century has brought discomfort for the government and society. Sustainable agriculture is essential to face our most concerning challenges: climate change, food security, and the environmental footprint, all of which add to consumers' opinions and choices. Improvements in reproductive indexes can enhance animal production and efficiency, guaranteeing profit and sustainability. Estrus detection, artificial insemination (AI), embryo transfer (ET), estrus synchronization (ES), and multiple ovulations are some strategies used to improve animal reproduction. This review highlights how reproductive strategies and genetic selection can contribute to sustainable ruminant production. Improved reproductive indices can reduce the number of nonproductive cows in the herd, reducing methane emissions and land use for production while preserving natural resources.(AU)

Climate impacts on reproductive performance of Romanov sheep in the moderate climate

This study aimed to investigate the climatological impacts of air temperature, sunshine duration, and rain precipitation, in a moderate climate, on the reproductive performance of Romanov sheep in the continental part of Croatia, during two consecutive years (2019-2020). Our study included 549 matings with 520 successful conceptions at 5 Romanov sheep farms, and the fertility rate was 94.72%. The percentage of lambs delivered in winter was 53.27% (n = 277), in spring 20.19% (n = 105), in summer 14.23% (n = 74) and 12.31% in autumn (n = 64). According to percentile ranks and classification ratings, thermal conditions have been described as very warm (during 2019-2020), while precipitation conditions, expressed in percentiles, were wet (during 2019) but dry (during 2020) for this region. The peak of sexual activity was from mid-August until October in 2019 and from the end of August to November in 2020 for Romanov sheep in northwestern (NW) Croatia. A Kruskal-Wallis test showed a statistically significant difference in the number of pregnant ewes during the different mating seasons in the year (p < 0.001). Therefore, we can assume that air temperature, precipitation volume, and sunshine duration during the different seasons could impact the reproductive performance of Romanov sheep in a moderate climate.