Changes In Microclimate Research Articles

Spiders Community Patterns in Native and Invaded Desert Habitats

The rate of afforestation is increasing worldwide and has represented a common land use and a very important resource for centuries. The use of exotic species in the afforestation process may have a negative impact on ecosystem function and structure, including changes in shading, microclimate, nutrient cycles, and water balance, which may, in turn, affect biodiversity. The objective of this paper was to document and investigate the impact of forest plantations that use alien plants on the native ground-dwelling fauna, specifically using spiders as bioindicators. Spider species showed a great difference in both univariate measurements (diversity indices, richness and evenness) and multivariate analysis (species composition and indicator species). Five spider species were newly recorded in Egypt during this study; four of them were found in the forest habitat (Micaria dives, Odontodrassus aravaensis, Pholcus opilionoides and Scytodes univittata) while Halodromus patellidens was recorded in the control area. The experimental nature of this study confirmed that assessing the risks of forest plantation activities is urgently needed before introducing any species. It highlights the fact that the use of endemic trees is preferred in order to avoid altering native diversity.

Experimental manipulation of cavity temperature produces differential effects on parasite abundances in blue tit nests at two different latitudes.

Although different predictive models forecast that climate change will alter the distribution and incidence of parasitic diseases, few studies have investigated how microclimatic changes may affect host-parasite relationships. In this study, we experimentally increased the temperature inside nest boxes of the blue tit Cyanistes caeruleus during the nestling period at two different latitudes (central Spain and central Germany) to determine its effect on parasite abundance. The two localities have contrasting climate conditions: the southern one in Spain is warmer and drier than the northern one in Germany. Consistent with this, we observed that the parasitic fauna in nests at the two localities differs. The flea species Ceratophyllus gallinae was more abundant in the northern locality, while the blowfly species Protocalliphora azurea and biting midge species of the genus Culicoides were more abundant in the southern one, as were blood parasites. Moreover, dermanyssid mites and blackflies (Simuliidae) were observed only in the southern locality. The temperature inside nest boxes was increased using heat mats placed underneath the nest material during the nestling period (day 3 to day13 post-hatching). Compared with control nests, the average temperature in heated nests increased by 2.24 °C and 1.35 °C at night in Spain and Germany, respectively. Consequently, the average relative humidity in heated versus control nests decreased 4.93 and 0.82 units in Spain and Germany, respectively. The abundance of blowfly pupae in the heated nests was significantly lower than that of control nests at both localities. The abundance of larval fleas was also lower in the heated nests, but only at the Spanish locality. Infection by the blood parasites Haemoproteus/Plasmodium was higher in males attending the heated nests in Germany, and the control nests in Spain. Moreover, both male body mass and nestling wing length were negatively related to the abundance of larval fleas. In conclusion, our results indicate that increased temperature at the nestling stage may affect the fitness of blue tits by altering parasite prevalence rates.

Comparison of Fenugreek Crop Evapotranspiration Measured by a Micro-lysimeter, Field Water Balance Method and Automatic Closed Canopy Chamber

The attempt was to design and develop an automatic closed canopy chamber (ACCC) having dimension of 1.2 m×1.2 m× 1.2 m for crop evapotranspiration measurement by using transparent acrylic sheet of 4 mm thickness. Between two small fans a temperature and relative humidity sensor was used to measure vapor density. The intermediate circuit was developed for making automation system in ACCC. The arduino based coding was developed as per desired logic operation. The top lead of chamber was automatically closed for 2 minutes when inside and outside temperature and relative humidity of ambient air were similar. During measurement mode of ACCC, the two fans were started automatically. After measurement mode, fans were automatically stopped and top lead was opened. The ACCC was calibrated by evaporating mass of water from water filled tray which was placed inside the automatic closed canopy chamber. The validation of the developed ACCC were made using micro-lysimeters (MLS) having size of 0.2 m × 0.2 m × 0.2 m by growing shallow rooted crop like fenugreek. The depth of irrigation was computed based on soil moisture content before irrigation and field capacity. The field testing of ACCC was made by placing chamber in plots of fenugreek crop. The irrigation was applied by drip irrigation as per crop water consumption. The sensor sensed and recorded the instantaneous temperature and relative humidity at 1 second interval for 24 hours. Two sample t-tests were done to compare the data pair of crop evapotranspiration obtained by the MLS inside the ACCC with that of outside the ACCC to ascertain whether there is any effect of the change in micro-climate for a short period of 2 minute on the crop growth physiological processes. Also, the data pair of crop evapotranspiration measured by the MLs, ACCC using the sensor data of temperature-relative humidity were compared and statistically analyzed through t-test. Similarly, the data pair of ETC measured by the FWB (Field Water Balance Method) and ACCC using the sensor data of temperature-relative humidity were also compared and statistically analyzed through t-test. The calibration factor of the ACCC was found as 1.666. The results revealed that there was no significant difference in the crop evapotranspiration measured by the MLs inside and outside ACCC. Also in case of validation and field testing of ACCC, there were no significant difference between the ETC measured by the ACCC, MLs and FWB at 95 percent confidence level. This implies that there are no effects of the change in micro-climate for a short period of 2 minutes in the chamber, on the plant physiological processes. The ETc rate of fenugreek increases as sun rises and reaches the peak after one to two hour from mid-day and then continuously decreases with time. During validation and field testing of ACCC, the fenugreek crop coefficients varied from 0.72 to 1.04 and 0.69 to 1.02 respectively. The developed ACCC is portable as well as more comfortable and cost effective compared to the lysimeter for the measurement of the actual crop evapotranspiration and the crop coefficient.

Underground salt weathering of heritage stone: lithological and environmental constraints on the formation of sulfate efflorescences and crusts

• Salt weathering of tuff was investigated in underground cultural heritage. • Efflorescences and crusts are made of mixed sulfates, mostly hydrated, in part rare. • Salt source and variation are related to lithological variability and stone decay. • Salt occurrence and seasonality depend on microclimate changes in time and space. Salt weathering is one of the most damaging processes affecting stone conservation and represents an extensively debated topic in heritage science. The main subject of previous research is the built heritage, whereas other types of assets are often neglected, such as underground cultural heritage. This paper introduces an investigation of stone decay in the subterranean environment focused on salt weathering, its patterns, compositional features, and variability in time and space, aiming at finding its driving forces in the rock properties and environmental setting. Field explorations and the mineralogical analysis of salt efflorescences and crusts were integrated by the petrographic, geochemical, and petrophysical characterization of the rock substrates, a microclimate monitoring, and the chemical analysis of groundwater and rainwater. The subject of study is the underground archaeological-historical site of Yoshimi Hyaku Ana in Japan, a complex of Kofun tombs of the 6th–7th century and galleries of the WWII era. The site is affected by intense salt weathering, involving efflorescences and crusts composed of mixed soluble sulfates, mostly hydrated: gypsum, alunogen, alum-(Na), halotrichite, epsomite, polyhalite, tamarugite, thenardite, and mirabilite. They derive principally from the dissolution of rock-forming minerals and components (pyrite, glass, feldspars, etc.) from the Miocene volcanic tuffs into which the site is excavated. The tuffs show a certain lithological diversity (e.g., glass amount and chemico-mineralogical composition) that controls the space variability of salt composition. Another major influencing factor is the underground microclimate, which also affects the time variability and seasonality of salt weathering. The innermost underground areas have an extremely high relative humidity (~100%) and are essentially salt-free, whereas, nearby the site entrances, the wider fluctuations of air temperature and humidity create conditions for salt crystallization in the dry winter season and deliquescence in summer. Depending on the solubility of each salt phase, cycles of crystallization/dissolution and hydration/dehydration can occur both seasonally and in the short-term, causing severe stresses to the stone and damage.

Quantification of the Outdoor Thermal Comfort within Different Oases Urban Fabrics

Oases settlements are common entities of human agglomerations throughout desert regions. Oases settlements face several environmental challenges such as climate change, which can render them insufferably hot and unlivable within decades. Therefore, this study aims to assess the outdoor thermal comfort variation within three different oases urban fabrics of Tolga Oases Complex in Algeria. The overarching aim is to quantify thermal comfort and guide landscape, and urban designers improve outdoor thermal comfort. The methodology relies on microclimatic measurements and weather datasets (TMY2, TMY3, TMYx), combining observations and numerical simulations. A total of 648 Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) values were calculated in three different urban fabrics in Tolga Oases Complex, Algeria. Between 2003 and 2017, a remarkable microclimatic change was found, causing a high and accelerated heat stress level of 76%. The study results inform architects, urban planners and climatologists about climate change effects and urban sprawl impact on the oases lands. Moreover, urban strategies should seek mitigation and adaptation benefiting from the existing green infrastructure of palm groves.

Brief intermittent pressure off-loading on skin microclimate in healthy adults – A descriptive-correlational pilot study

AimThis study examined microclimate changes to the skin as a result of pressure over a 1 h period. The results were compared to skin parameter results following brief consecutive off-loading of pressure-prone areas. DesignA descriptive-correlational pilot study was undertaken. MethodA convenience sample of 41 healthy adults aged 18–60 years was recruited. Participants engaged in four 1 h data collection sessions. The sessions were conducted in both semi-recumbent and supine positions. Measures of erythema, melanin, stratum corneum hydration, and skin temperature were taken at pressure-prone areas at baseline and after 1 h in an uninterrupted method (continuous pressure-loading) and every 10 min in an interrupted method (brief off-loading). The Corneometer and Mexameter (Courage + Khazaka Electronics GMbH, 2013) and Exergen DermaTemp DT-1001 RS Infrared Thermographic Scanner (Exergen Corporation, 2008) provided a digital appraisal of skin parameters. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to indicate test-retest reliability and absolute agreement of results between the two methods. ResultsStrong agreement between the interrupted and uninterrupted method was observed with ICCs ranging from 0.72 to 0.99 (supine) and 0.62–0.99 (semi-recumbent). Endpoint measures tended to be higher compared to baseline measures for all skin parameters. Differences in skin parameters results by anatomical location were evident particularly for erythema and stratum corneum hydration; the elbows and heels yielded lower scores compared to the sacrum. Erythema had the most variation across methods. The supine and semi-recumbent positions had negligible effect on measured skin parameters. ConclusionsMinimal variation between skin parameter results indicates that brief off-loading in the interrupted method did not significantly change the outcomes; minor shifts in positioning do not alter changes to the skin from pressure. Skin parameters varied by anatomical location and changed over a 1 h period of pressure-loading. Relevance to clinical practiceBiophysical techniques may be able to assist accurate assessment of skin microclimate and skin colour. As brief off-loading (interruptions) to enable skin parameter measurement does not alter skin readings, researchers can proceed with some confidence regarding the use of this protocol in future studies assessing skin parameters. This study data provides a library of cutaneous changes at pressure-prone areas of healthy adults and is expected to inform innovative approaches to pressure injury risk assessment.

Effects of Thermal Water Upwelling on Microclimate Change in the High Geo-Temperature Roadway

Deep-circling thermal water upwelling and trickling to high geo-temperature roadway obviously alter the microclimate in mines, which brings difficulty to the prediction of airflow temperature and humidity. This is the basis of air-conditioning cooling load calculation. The heat and mass transfer between trickling water and airflow is rather complicated. Moreover, humid air exhibits the accumulation effect of heat and humidity in the long-distance flow process. In this paper, an apparatus was designed and developed to explore the influence of thermal water trickling on the airflow thermal parameters of a section of roadway (1L–39L, in which 1L–9L is the trickling section). The results show the following (1) With the rise of trickling water temperature, the total enthalpy difference of dry air in the roadway increases within a small range and that of humid air goes up nonlinearly. Besides, the increase of trickling water flow rate has an insignificant effect on the sensible heat of the airflow, while it plays a notable role in increasing the latent heat of the airflow. (2) High trickling water temperature results in a higher growth rate of humidity ratio at 19L than those at 29L and 39L in the early stage of thermal water trickling. Meanwhile, sensible heat exchange, which becomes strong after thermal water trickles for over 30 min, complicates the enthalpy difference variation rates of wet air at the three measuring points. (3) The three measuring points in the 19L–39L section all display a process of enthalpy growth with time. In the case of point 39L, the enthalpy difference of humid air surges sharply when the trickling water temperature is 80 ° C or the flow rate is 200 ml/min. The research results boast some reference value for thermal water management and microclimate change forecasting after the airflow passes through a trickling roadway.

Development of a Prediction Model for NVOC Concentration with Changing Microclimate in Camellia Japonica Temple Forest

Development of a Prediction Model for NVOC Concentration with Changing Microclimate in Camellia Japonica Temple Forest

Effect of seasonality and microclimate on the variation in bat-fly load (Diptera: Streblidae) in a cave bat assemblage in a dry forest

Abstract Seasonality causes fluctuations in the availability of resources, affecting the presence and abundance of animal species. These fluctuations can have an impact on parasite-host relationships, which in turn can be exacerbated by microclimatic changes to which bat-flies are exposed. We characterized the bat-fly load and evaluated the effect of seasonality on five bat species in a dry forest. We evaluated variations in microclimatic conditions inside the cave Cerro Huatulco between seasons and the response of the bat-fly load. We collected 1165 bat-fly specimens belonging to 16 species from 688 bats. The obtained results indicate that the mean abundance and infestation intensity exhibited changes between seasons in Artibeus jamaicensis, Desmodus rotundus, Glossophaga soricina, and Pteronotus parnellii. In the case of the effect of microclimate conditions, we observed that prevalence is negatively correlated with temperature in G. soricina, while mean abundance and mean infestation intensity were negatively related to temperature in A. jamaicensis and G. soricina. The present study provides significant information about host-parasite relationships in a dry forest and discusses the relevance of abiotic and biotic factors that could affect host-parasite interactions, as well as the importance of each parasite load parameter for the understanding of this interaction.

The Pennsylvanian System in the Sacramento Mountains, New Mexico, USA

Pennsylvanian sedimentary rocks in the Sacramento Mountains, New Mexico, comprise an ~1 km thick stratigraphic section. The Morrowan-Desmoinesian Gobbler Formation was deposited by shallow marine processes in and near the Alamo clastic trough. In this trough, the Desmoinesian-Missourian Gray Mesa Formation (Bug Scuffle Member, Gobbler Formation) is a relatively thin unit (Space History Member) representing the glacioeustatic Amado event. The Missourian-Virgilian Beeman Formation includes the lower, siliciclastic Indian Wells Canyon Member and overlying, carbonate-rich Horse Ridge Member. The Virgilian Holder Formation consists of algal bioherms (Little Dry Canyon Member) overlain by the mixed carbonate-siliciclastic Mill Ridge Member. The Virgilian-Wolfcampian Bursum Formation is mixed siliciclastic-carbonate strata that represent shallow marine and nonmarine paleoenvironments. Animal and plant remains occur throughout the section. Unit age determinations are primarily based on conodont faunas recovered from the Gobbler, Gray Mesa, and Beeman Formations. Many conodont faunas correlate with Midcontinent cyclothems. Extensive algal and foraminiferal fossils also were identified in limestones from the section and contributed to age determinations. The Beeman Formation in particular contains an extensive Missourian macroflora. The macroflora is of “mixed” composition, containing typical wetland elements intimately intermixed with taxa indicative of seasonally dry habitats. A seasonally wet-dry background climate is indicated. It is unlikely that droughttolerant plants were transported exclusively from “uplands.” Some plant remains have arthropod-feeding evidence. Previous analyses identified late Paleozoic ice-age glacioeustasy as the primary depositional driver of Pennsylvanian sedimentation in the Sacramento Mountains. We question this because of problems with those analyses and because of ample evidence of local tectonics and microclimate changes as important drivers of sedimentation in this area. Three Pennsylvanian Ancestral Rocky Mountain orogeny tectonic pulses can be identified in the Sacramento Mountains: Morrowan-Atokan, Missourian, and late Virgilian-Wolfcampian.

The Effects of Management (Tillage, Fertilization, Plant Density) on Soybean Yield and Quality in a Three-Year Experiment under Transylvanian Plain Climate Conditions

The regional agroecological conditions, specific to the Transylvanian Plain, are favorable to soybean crops, but microclimate changes related to global warming have imposed the need for agrotechnical adaptive measures in order to maintain the level of soybean yield. In this study, we consider the effect of two soil tillage systems, the seeding rate, as well as the fertilizer dosage and time of application on the yield and quality of soybean crops. A multifactorial experiment was carried out through the A × B × C × D − R: 3 × 2 × 3 × 3 − 2 formula, where A represents the year (a1, 2017; a2, 2018; and a3, 2019); B represents the soil tillage system (b1, conventional tillage with mouldboard plough; b2, reduced tillage with chisel cultivator); C represents the fertilizer variants (c1, unfertilized; c2, one single rate of fertilization: 40 kg ha−1 of nitrogen + 40 kg ha−1 of phosphorus; and c3, two rates of fertilization: 40 kg ha−1 of nitrogen + 40 kg ha−1 of phosphorus (at sowing) + 46 kg ha−1 of nitrogen at V3 stage); D represents the seeding rate (1 = 45 germinating grains (gg) m−2; d2 = 55 gg m−2; and d3 = 65 gg m−2); and R represents the replicates (r1 = the first and r2 = the second). Tillage had no effect, the climate specific of the years and fertilization affected the yield and the quality parameters. Regarding the soybean yield, it reacted favorably to a higher seeding rate (55–65 gg m−2) and two rates of fertilization. The qualitative characteristics of soybeans are affected by the fertilization rates applied to the crop, which influence the protein and fiber content in the soybean grains. Higher values of protein content were recorded with a reduced tillage system, i.e., 38.90 g kg−1 DM in the variant with one single rate of fertilization at a seeding rate of 45 gg per m−2 and 38.72 g kg−1 DM in the variant with two fertilizations at a seeding rate of 65 gg m−2.

Are running socks beneficial for comfort? The role of the sock and sock fiber type on shoe microclimate and subjective evaluations

This study evaluated the effect of socks (different in fiber type) and the effect of not wearing a sock on perceptions of thermal comfort in relation to changes in foot skin temperature and shoe microclimate (temperature and humidity) during rest and exercise. Ten females completed five trials on separate occasions. Four socks (cotton, wool, polyester, Coolmax) and no sock were evaluated. Trials were conducted at 23°C, 50% relative humidity and consisted of rest (10 min seated), treadmill running (40 min, 7.5 km·h−1) and recovery (15 min seated). Foot skin temperature and shoe microclimate were measured at seven sites on the right foot. Foot skin hydration was measured at nine foot sites. Perceptual responses were recorded. Foot thermo-physiological and foot perceptual responses were similar for all sock conditions ( p > 0.05). Similar foot thermo-physiological responses were also observed between the sock and no sock conditions ( p > 0.05). Interestingly, however, not wearing a sock resulted in greater perceptions of foot wetness, stickiness and discomfort ( p < 0.05). As tactile interactions caused by foot movement within the shoe are strong predictors of foot wetness perception (a key contributor to wear discomfort), socks are important in reducing the tactile cues generated. The sock is therefore an important area for development and relevant for overall improvements in footwear comfort.

Influence of Urban Sprawl on Microclimate of Abbottabad, Pakistan

Urban centers are expanding rapidly due to quickly-increasing population which results in microclimate change due to lack of urban planning. Factors like degradation of green areas, trees, and vegetation are defining a new regime of urban environment giving rise to a lack of drinking water and lowering water tables. Consequently, unplanned urban sprawl with all its varied facets is having adverse impacts on the environment. Rapid variations in some of its climatic factors in the immediate vicinity are alarming and need to redress at war footings. This paper is an endeavor to present a hypothesis that urban sprawl plays a vital role in impacting and the influencing the microclimate of the city or the area. In this research, geospatial approaches were adopted to identify urban sprawl. Rise in land surface temperature (LST) for the last 25 years (from 1990 to 2016) has been highlighted using Landsat (5 TM, 7 ETM+ and 8 TIRS) satellite images. Weather data collected from Meteorological Department is used to identify temperature rising trends. Result of the research clearly indicates that rapid urban sprawl has adverse impacts on microclimate by increasing LST. Built-up area has been changed from 178 to 477 sq. km within the years of 1990 to 2016. Vegetated area has decreased from 770 to 602 sq. km. Water areas have been decreased from 524 to 360 sq. km within the span of last 26 years. The bare land has increased from 494 sq. km to 742 sq. km. LST in winters has risen from 17 °C to 23 °C and at times shot up to 31 °C, which is alarming. Annual mean air temperature increased by 3 °C to 4 °C from the 1980s to 2016. During summers, the average air temperature rose to a startling 33 °C from 28 °C and LST has had a steady rise from 28.4 °C to 35 °C. The alarming urban sprawl in relation to temperature rise warrants measures which are required to plan the urban planning, forestation, and ecological measures to mitigate the disastrous trends which may result in flash floods, landslides, soil erosion and sediment transport endangering downstream reservoirs, water quality and depletion in ground water table in the valley.

Localised climate change defines ant communities in human‐modified tropical landscapes

Abstract Logging and habitat conversion create hotter microclimates in tropical forest landscapes, representing a powerful form of localised anthropogenic climate change. It is widely believed that these emergent conditions are responsible for driving changes in communities of organisms found in modified tropical forests, although the empirical evidence base for this is lacking. Here we investigated how interactions between the physiological traits of genera and the environmental temperatures they experience lead to functional and compositional changes in communities of ants, a key organism in tropical forest ecosystems. We found that the abundance and activity of ant genera along a gradient of forest disturbance in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, was defined by an interaction between their thermal tolerance (CTmax) and environmental temperature. In more disturbed, warmer habitats, genera with high CTmax had increased relative abundance and functional activity, and those with low CTmax had decreased relative abundance and functional activity. This interaction determined abundance changes between primary and logged forest that differed in daily maximum temperature by a modest 1.1°C, and strengthened as the change in microclimate increased with disturbance. Between habitats that differed by 5.6°C (primary forest to oil palm) and 4.5°C (logged forest to oil palm), a 1°C difference in CTmax among genera led to a 23% and 16% change in relative abundance, and a 22% and 17% difference in functional activity. CTmax was negatively correlated with body size and trophic position, with ants becoming significantly smaller and less predatory as microclimate temperatures increased. Our results provide evidence to support the widely held, but never directly tested, assumption that physiological tolerances underpin the influence of disturbance‐induced microclimate change on the abundance and function of invertebrates in tropical landscapes. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.

Деякі можливості застосування супутникових даних при моніторингу впливу на довкілля видобування титанових руд відкритим способом (на прикладі родовища Межирічне)

The development process of titanium ore deposits is always accompanied by anthropogenic changes in natural landscapes, which, in turn, leads to several negative environmental impacts. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor mining areas. This paper presents the results of satellite monitoring of the Mezhyrichne deposit territory of the Irshansk placers group, which has been developed for over 20 years. The assessment of the ecological state includes assessment of forests condition, factors impacting the microclimate and the level of pollution by iron oxides and hydroxides. Spectral indices NDVI, NDWI and leaf area index (LAI) were used to assess the condition of forests. Among the factors impacting the microclimate, values of surface temperature distribution and evapotranspiration according to the Sebal model were calculated. As a result of the study, water loss in trees was detected within adjacent areas to the mining concessions due to the groundwater flow into cones of depression, formed under the influence of quarrying. The analysis of surface temperature distribution and evapotranspiration showed a simultaneous increase in the first one and a decrease in the second one, which is a signal of negative changes in microclimate. No significant contamination of the earth’s surface with iron oxides was detected. The maximum values of the iron oxide index (IOR) are associated with the mining concession objects especially the tailings. In general, the impact of open-pit mining of ilmenite on the environment is not critical, which is due to the use of mechanical methods of ore enrichment. The main changes of the environment take place within the mining concessions, which territory is subject to mandatory restoration after exploitation is stopped. Further research is planned to involve new modern multispectral satellite data and new methods of digital information processing in combination with ground truth measurements.

Hydraulic performance of existing drip irrigation system and effect of used plastic based mulching system on Rabi onion (Allium cepa)

Polythene mulches have been practiced for soil solarisation during winter months in various vegetable crops and have been found superior over other types of mulches, but plastics is create environmental problems. With this in view the present study has be undertaken on clay loam soil at Raipur, Chhattisgarh for Rabi onion. The aim of the experiment was to study the hydraulic performance of existing drip irrigation system under different operating pressure and prepare used plastic based mulching sheet to evaluate their performance in terms of change in micro-climate. In this study eight different types of mulching conditions were considered viz. black plastic mulch (BPM), silver plastic mulch (SPM), used reddish rice bag mulch (RBM), used whitish wheat flour bag mulch (WFBM), used yellowish cement bag mulch (CBM), Paddy straw mulch (PSM), soil mulch (SM) and without mulch (WM) (control) and comparison was done among them in micro-climatic condition. The main micro-climatic parameters like soil temperature, soil moisture content, soil moisture depletion were studied with randomized block designed in three replications. In Hydraulic performances of drip irrigation system were studied for 2.4 l h-1 inline emitters at 1, 1.2 and 1.5 kg cm-2 pressures, discharges from drippers were found to be 1.99 l h-1, 2.22 l h-1 and 2.33 l h-1, coefficient of variation 0.061, 0.044 and 0.029 were found and emission uniformity 95.59%, 96.54% and 96.69% were found, respectively. Also, from this study, it was found that during forenoon soil temperature increases with increasing soil depth but in afternoon the trend was vice-versa. The maximum soil moisture content (27.89%) was found under BPM and minimum soil moisture content (21.52%) was found under used WM. Similarly soil moisture depletion was found minimum in BPM (0.31 mm) and maximum under WM (3.08 mm) under all eight types of mulches. The study concludes that the hydraulic performance of drip irrigation system was found good and needs to be operated at 1.2-1.5 kg cm-2 pressure for 2.4 lh-1 inline emitter. At a particular spacing, the emission uniformity, uniformity coefficient and irrigation efficiencies increases when operating pressure is increased but coefficient of variation and emitter flow variation decreases when operating pressure is increased. Mulching roll can be prepared from used plastic bags which are available with the farmers in plenty and can be reused as mulching material satisfactorily by small and marginal farmers.

Поиск водопадов Эфиопии по данным дистанционного зондирования

Waterfalls are specific hydrological and hydrobiological objects that often serve as the natural obstacles for spreading of aquatic animal species, resulting as discontinuous range of these species. Waterfalls and rapids create special habitats for riverine aquatic organisms and cause microclimatic changes along the coast. The areas of the largest waterfalls in Ethiopia, high-mountainous Jinbar Waterfall and low-mountainous Blue Nile Falls (Tis Abay,Tis Issat), were considered as model. Up-to-date remote sensing and GIS for processing and storing satellite and field data makes it possible to identify new waterfalls and rapids, to correct and to supply the existing literature and cartographic data. ERS data obtained from the modern satellite Sentinel-2, designed to monitor the state of the environment, as well as data from radar satellite imagery (SRTM) were used mainly. Based on the results of the analysis of cartographic materials and remote sensing data, the localization of a number of large waterfalls and rapids on the rivers of the Ethiopian Highlands was determined and the parameters for the selection of remote sensing data were established. Images with a spatial resolution of 10–15 m/pixel and higher are suitable for detecting significant waterfalls (more than 30-m wide). According to the present study, the identifying the waterfall zones by the methods of GIS analysis of topographic maps at a scale of 1:200000 and larger, as well as from satellite topographic data is possible.

Solar-Assisted Microwave Convective Dryer for Coffee Cherries

Microclimate changes can affect the drying stage of coffee, which is one of the important stages of coffee flavour formation. Therefore, controlled coffee drying systems, particularly those equipped with microwave convective dryers, are necessary. This research examines the effect of a microwave drying machine combined with solar panel power. Then, a thin-layer drying model that can describe the drying process in coffee is used. The models used in this study are the Newton, Henderson and Pabis, Page, Midilli, Wang and Singh models and other logarithmic models. The initial moisture contents of coffee cherries are 55% (wet basis). Drying is carried out until water content is equal to 12% (wet basis). Wang and Singh’s model is an empirical model that can describe the drying process with small errors and an R 2 which is close to unity. The effective diffusivity values obtained show uniform drying quality with improved quality, indicating the advantages of microwave convective dryer systems compared with hybrid system and airflow dryers.

喀斯特地区土壤温度变化特征及其与环境因子的关系

喀斯特地区土壤温度变化特征对研究该区土壤活性及小气候变化具有重要意义。为探明喀斯特地区土壤温度变化特征及其与环境因子的关系，以喀斯特高原峡谷区四种典型土地类型（花椒地、金银花地、火龙果地、荒地）为研究对象，采用土壤含水量监测系统（ECH2O）对各样地土壤温度变化进行连续定点监测，分析土壤温度的动态变化特征及其与环境因子的关系。结果表明：10 cm处土壤温度日变幅最大，土层越深日变幅越小；土壤温度日变幅为夏季较大，秋、冬季较小。火龙果地、金银花地土壤温度日变幅明显大于花椒地、荒地；随着土层加深，土壤温度日变化出现滞后现象；不同季节土壤温度均为火龙果地 > 荒地 > 花椒地 > 金银花地。夏季土层越深，土壤温度越低；秋、冬季土层越深，土壤温度越高；土壤垂直温度变异系数表现为冬季大于夏季。相关分析表明，土壤温度与气温、太阳辐射及土壤含水量均呈显著正相关（P<0.05），土壤温度变化与容重、孔隙度、土壤质地、有机碳等土壤理化性质相关性显著。花椒地土壤温度日变幅最小，与其较高的土壤含水量和总孔隙度、容重小、土壤持水性强密切相关。综上，花椒地对土壤温度的调节效果较好，因此，在喀斯特地区生态恢复的过程中，种植花椒能在一定程度上改善土壤性质，提升土壤肥力。本研究为喀斯特地区的生态恢复提供了科学依据，为植被生态效益评价提供一定参考。;Characteristics of soil temperature variation in karst area are of great significance to the study of soil activity and microclimate change. To verify the variation characteristics of soil temperature in karst areas and its relationship with environmental factors, four typical land types including Zanthoxylum bungeanum (HJ), Hylocereus undulates (HLG), Lonicera japonica (JYH) and wasteland (HD) in the Karst plateau canyon were taken as research objects. Soil moisture monitoring system (ECH2O) was used for continuous fixed-point monitoring of different sites. The dynamic change characteristics of soil temperature at different time scales and its relationship with environmental factors were analyzed. The results showed that the daily variation of soil temperature was characterized by the sharpest diurnal variation of soil temperature appeared at 10 cm, and the deeper the soil depth, the smaller the diurnal variation. There was a great diurnal variation of soil temperature in summer but a smaller in autumn and winter. The diurnal variation of soil temperature in HL and JYH were significantly greater than that in HJ and HD as the soil depth deepens. There was a hysteresis effect in the diurnal variation of soil temperature. The daily variation of soil temperature at 10 cm and 25 cm of different land types showed a cubic function. The variation of soil temperature in different seasons was as follows:HLG > HD > HJ > JYH. The vertical variation characteristics of soil temperature was that the deeper the soil layer in summer, the lower the soil temperature was. The deeper the soil layer in autumn and winter, the higher the soil temperature. The vertical variation coefficient of soil temperature was greater in winter than in summer. There was significantly positive correlation between soil temperature with atmospheric temperature, solar radiation and soil moisture content (P<0.05). There was also a significantly close correlation between soil temperature variation with soil properties such as soil bulk density, porosity, soil texture, and organic carbon. The diurnal variation of soil temperature in HJ was the smallest, which has a close relationship with the higher soil moisture content and porosity, the better soil water holding capacity and the smaller bulk density. The soil temperature regulation capacity of HJ was the best among the four land types, therefore, the land type of HJ can improve soil properties and soil fertility to a great extent in the process of ecological restoration in karst areas. This study provides a scientific basis for ecological restoration and some reference for ecological benefits evaluation of vegetation in karst areas.

Analysis of landscape microclimate and green space transformation strategy for old residential areas——case: Luoliu community

As an old community, Luoliu community is representative in Shanghai. Traditional infrastructure is not combined with public space and green space layout, which makes the climate resilience of the old residential area urgently need to be improved. Through questionnaire survey, field measurement, combined with Envi-met to simulate microclimate changes and formulated green space resilience transformation strategies. Microclimate factors such as temperature, humidity, wind speed and wind direction change with the spatial distribution and vegetation structure. First, the walls of buildings are most vulnerable to the shadow of buildings. The microclimate of the building enclosed green space is stable, but its toughness is poor. Parallel green space can restrain the temperature rise to a certain extent, it has strong space toughness. Green enclosure space is also closed, usually covered with green plants. Although it can reduce the impact of solar radiation, overgrown and untrimmed trees will become an obstacle to air ducts. Ventilation should be the priority. Second, the canopy and vertical structure of green plants should be reasonable. Third, the combination layout of the dominant wind direction and the residential complex shall be considered comprehensively to plan the public facilities and sidewalks.