Farm Site Research Articles

Identifying an Understudied Interface: Preliminary Evaluation of the Use of Retention Ponds on Commercial Poultry Farms by Wild Waterfowl

While the recent incursion of highly pathogenic avian influenza into North America has resulted in notable losses to the commercial poultry industry, the mechanism by which virus enters commercial poultry houses is still not understood. One theorized mechanism is that waterfowl shed virus into the environment surrounding poultry farms, such as into retention ponds, and is then transmitted into poultry houses via bridge species. Little is known about if and when wild waterfowl use these retention ponds, leading to uncertainty regarding the potential significance of this interface. To quantify the use of retention ponds on commercial poultry farms by wild waterfowl, we surveyed 12 such ponds across Somerset and Dorchester counties, Maryland, USA. This region was chosen due to the high level of poultry production and its importance for migratory waterfowl. Surveys consisted of recording waterfowl visible on the retention ponds from public roadways at least once per week from 20 September 2022–31 March 2023. Throughout the course of this study, we observed a total of nine species of waterfowl using retention ponds on commercial poultry farms at nine of 12 sites. The number of waterfowl observed at retention ponds varied notably throughout the course of our survey period, with values generally following trends of fall migration within each species indicating that resident birds were not the only individuals to utilize these habitats. Additionally, waterfowl use was highest at sites with little vegetation immediately surrounding the pond, and lowest when ponds were surrounded by trees. Our data suggest that retention ponds on commercial poultry farms present a notable interface for waterfowl to introduce avian influenza viruses to farm sites. However, additional testing and surveys could provide further insight into whether it may be possible to reduce the use of these habitats by wild waterfowl through vegetative management as preliminarily reported here.

Developed analytic hierarchy process and multi criteria decision support system for wind farm site selection using GIS: A regional-scale application with environmental responsibility

As determined by empirical analysis, renewable energy sources account for less than 1.73 percent of the developing countries energy market. The western region of Iran, or province of Kermanshah, presents significant opportunities for power exports to neighboring country (Iraq). In this research, an appropriate location for wind farms in Western Iran is determined with the assistance of a combined method of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) description. Electrical, techno-economic, environmental, and geo-infrastructure aspects, as well as their respective sub-criteria, were subjected to a comprehensive analysis and weighting in this study. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was utilized to achieve this result. The aforementioned conclusions were reached through an extensive examination of insightful interviews conducted with esteemed experts in the domain of wind energy. Significant suitability for the potential installation of large-scale wind turbines or wind farms is evident in six critical areas, encompassing more than 20 % of the evaluated region, according to the findings of this paper. Conversely, it was deduced that precisely 80 % of the areas examined were deemed inappropriate for such endeavors. The assessment yielded four locations that were deemed suitable, denoted as A, B, C, and D. The southern, western, and central regions of the province contain these locations. The proposed total capacity is 216 MW, which is determined by the combined surface areas of these regions (19 km2, 55 km2, 64 km2, and 40 km2, respectively). An anticipated reduction of 1,262,471 tons in greenhouse gas emissions is anticipated as a result of the implementation and substitution of the proposed wind farms for the gas turbine power plants that presently predominate in Iran's thermal power plant sector. The method used in this article can be extended to all cases of other faculties to measure the potential of wind farm resources.

Comprehensive onshore wind energy assessment in Malawi based on the WRF downscaling with ERA5 reanalysis data, optimal site selection, and energy production

Malawi, despite its minimal CO2 emissions, faces huge climate impacts and a low electrification rate. Recognizing these challenges, this study presents a comprehensive and nationwide assessment of Malawi's wind energy potential, leveraging the high-resolution capabilities of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. Unlike most site-specific studies, this study covers the entire country, factoring in different turbine hub heights. Through sensitivity analysis, the optimal configuration for the WRF model in Malawi was determined and ERA5 reanalysis data was used for initial and boundary conditions. The study's findings were validated using MERRA-2 reanalysis and actual observational datasets. A combination of GIS and the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was employed, integrating key factors like land use and topographical complexity to determine optimal wind farm sites. Notably, the wind suitability map uncovered significant potential for wind farm development. Furthermore, in the evaluation of a 50 MW wind farm, 80 m hub heights consistently outperformed 100 m elevations, both technically and economically. An 80 m wind farm at Site A can potentially power up to 32,931 urban and 84,475 rural households. Economically, 80 m hub heights showcased lower levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) values and faster payback periods than 100 m ones. Furthermore, these proposed wind projects can markedly reduce CO2 emissions, positioning Malawi in tandem with global sustainability aspirations. Overall, this study provides a key foundation for Malawi's renewable energy strategies, highlighting the potential for improved electrification and better climate change mitigation outcomes.

Climatic events and disease occurrence in intensive Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp farming in the Mekong area of Vietnam

As recurrent disease outbreaks impart economic adversity across the global shrimp farming sector in general, and in Asia in particular, clarifying determinants of outbreak susceptibility carries significance for sustainability in economic growth and social and environmental prospects. This study employs logistic regression to assess the probability of disease occurrence in intensive white leg shrimp (WLS) (Litopenaeus vannamei) aquaculture under the impact of explanatory factors grouped in (1) farmers' perceptions of climatic events, (2) adaptation measures (3) farmer biodata, (4) farm site characteristics, (5) biosecurity measures, and (6) culture method. The analysis was performed using a survey of 267 Vietnamese small-scale intensive shrimp farms in the Mekong region. Significant contributors to lowering the chance of shrimp disease occurrence include (1) regularly carrying out feed conversion ratio calculations, (2) increasing participation in training programs and extension services, (3) implementing adaptive measures related to changes in feeding schedules, and (4) increasing stocking density. The main risk factors increasing the chance of shrimp disease are the duration of the crop and more years in operation. This quantitative evidence contributes to identifying important focal points for policymakers and intensive shrimp farmers in monitoring and managing the shrimp industry under the potential impacts of climate change.

Analysis of heavy metals and pathogen levels in vegetables cultivated using selected water bodies in urban areas of the Greater Accra Metropolis of Ghana

Open-surfaced water sources have been used to irrigate vegetable farms in cities. Open-surface water often contains unmonitored concentrations of health-threatening contaminants that pose health risks, especially when used to produce vegetables for human consumption. However, information on levels of heavy metals and faecal coliform bacteria in such vegetables in selected sites, especially in Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA) of Ghana is rare. This study examines the levels of heavy metals and faecal coliform in two vegetables-lettuce and bell pepper - that were cultivated using open-surface wastewater from drains and constructed reservoirs at different locations of the GAMA. Using concurrent mixed methods, questionnaires were administered to 67 vegetable farmers, followed by the collection of vegetable samples from three urban farm sites, Haatso and Dzorwulu and Weija irrigation scheme site (WISS) for laboratory analysis. The concentrations of Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg) and Cadmium (Cd) were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy after microwave digestion of the vegetables while total faecal coliform was quantified using MacConkey-Endo broth method. The results from all three sites showed that the concentrations of Cd (=0.001 μg/mg) and Pb (=0.005 μg/mg) in lettuce were within the World Health Organization's (WHO) permissible levels. However, the Hg (≥0.309 μg/mg) and faecal coliform (>5 count/100 ml) in the vegetables from all three sites exceeded the WHO permissible limits. Therefore, consumers of vegetables from such urban farms are exposed to health risks associated with Hg and faecal coliforms. There is the need to intensify education on the health risks of consuming vegetables produced from open-surface water sources from the observed sites. The enforcement of existing phytosanitary standards to enhance food safety and the quality of urban vegetables is also recommended.

Offshore wind energy and fisheries: Sustainable development goals, enterprise practices, and fishermen's perspectives

AbstractThis study comprises two essential components: a scoping review and interviews with fishermen, both aimed at understanding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their relevance to Offshore Wind Energy (OWE) enterprises, particularly in mitigating impacts on local fisheries. Key findings from the scoping review indicate a scarcity of research explicitly dedicated to OWE enterprises' practices concerning. The review's findings emphasize the need for further research to understand the rationale behind these decisions and to explore how OWE enterprises can optimize their practices to address SDG 2. The second part of the study involves interviews with fishermen near proposed offshore wind farm sites in Taiwan. These interviews revealed that fishermen's primary concerns revolve around SDGs 2, 8, 14, and 17. However, OWE enterprises do not prioritize SDG 2, even though fishermen express concerns related to food security, proposing the adoption of marine ranching to enhance seafood supply. Moreover, SDG 17 stands out as a priority for fishermen, while OWE enterprises overlook connections with fisheries associations and fishermen. In conclusion, this study highlights the complexity of the SDG‐related issues surrounding OWE enterprises and their impact on local fisheries.

Rain erosion atlas for wind turbine blades based on ERA5 and NORA3 for Scandinavia

Leading edge erosion on wind turbine blades is a common issue, particularly for wind turbines placed in regions characterized by high wind speeds and precipitation. This study presents the development of a rain erosion atlas for Scandinavia and Finland, based on ERA5 reanalysis and NORA3 mesoscale model data on rainfall intensity and wind speed over five years. The IEA 15 MW reference wind turbine is used as an example to evaluate impingement water impact and erosion onset time for a commercial coating material. The damage progression is modeled by combining the wind speed and rainfall data with an empirical damage model that relates impinged water (H) as a function of impact velocity to the time of erosion onset. Comparative analyses at two weather station locations show that NORA3 data more accurately aligns with measurements in terms of power spectral density, mean wind speed, rainfall, and erosion prediction than ERA5. NORA3-based atlas layers offer finer spatial detail and predict shorter erosion onset times over land compared to ERA5, particularly in complex terrain. Conversely, the ERA5-based atlas suggests a shorter onset of erosion offshore. Based on NORA3 data, erosion onset time is estimated at 5 years on average for Baltic Sea wind farm sites and 3.2 years for sites in the North Sea.

Selection of fast-growing seaweed cultivars in Palawan, Philippines

Seaweed farming in Palawan currently involves different local cultivars. At least 12 of these cultivars were successfully grown in an indoor facility employing the branch culture techniques and were sea-out planted in Puerto Princesa Bay since 2015. Six of these cultivars yielded relatively high daily growth rates and were selected for the year-round field-testing experiment to compare the growth rates among cultivars and species, between farming sites, and across seasons from 01 July 2021 until 15 August 2022. Monitoring of cultivars’ daily growth rates (DGRs) was conducted in 100 m2 experimental floating monoline plots in Green Island and Sitio Amogues of the municipalities of Roxas and Taytay, Palawan, respectively. Findings revealed that seaweed DGRs significantly varied among cultivars and species (p = 0.001; p = 0.008). The “spinosum” brown from Puerto Princesa and “sacol” green from Green Island, Roxas had higher DGRs, 4.28% and 4.10%, respectively. Grouping the cultivars per species, the cultivars of Eucheuma denticulatum (L. Burmann) Collins & Hervey had higher DGRs compared to Kappaphycus striatus (F. Schmitz) L. M. Liao and Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) L. M. Liao. Spatial and seasonal variabilities in cultivar DGRs were also evident. Four cultivars obtained significantly different DGRs between planting sites. The “tambalang” (p = 0.010) and “magnolia” (p = 0.006) with DGRs of 3.26% and 4.08%, respectively in Green Island Roxas, while the “spinosum” brown from Puerto Princesa (p < 0.001; 4.86% DGR) and San Vicente (p < 0.001; 4.45% DGR) in Amogues, Taytay. Three cultivars in Green Island, Roxas, obtained significantly higher DGRs during the wet season. These were the “tambalang” (p = 0.000; 3.98% DGR), “magnolia” (p = 0.000; 4.57% DGR), and “spinosum”-brown from Puerto Princesa (p = 0.006; 5.23% DGR). In Amogues, Taytay, all six cultivars obtained significantly higher DGRs during the wet season: “tambalang” (p = 0.210; 3.17% DGR); “lakatan” (p = 0.004; 2.69% DGR); “spinosum” brown from Puerto Princesa (p = 0.00; 3.97% DGR); and San Vicente (p = 0.00; 3.39% DGR). A cropping calendar that indicates the fast-growing cultivars to be planted at a particular site and season is provided in this study. This information shall aid local farmers in cultivar selection towards a sustainable seaweed farm management in Palawan.

Effect of Deficit Irrigation and Mulch on Field and Water Productivity of Tomato Under Drip Irrigation at Ambo Agricultural Research Center, West Shewa, Ethiopia

Ethiopia produces far fewer tomatoes than the world average due to poor management techniques. It was found that the soil moisture and agroclimatic conditions affected how tomatoes reacted to water management during irrigation. In order to assess the impacts of irrigation level and mulch types on the yield, yield components, water productivity, and economic return of drip irrigated tomato production, a field experiment was carried out at the Ambo Agricultural Research Center Farm Site in 2021–2023. The experiment was a two-factor factorial experiment arranged in a randomized complete block design. The two factors were the four irrigation levels (55%ETc, 85%Etc, 70%ETc and 100%ETc) and three mulch types (no mulch, wheat straw mulch, and white plastic mulch). The two-year data on fruit yield, yield components, and water productivity were subjected to analysis of variance using SAS 9.4 software with a significance level (p≤ 0.05). least significant difference test was applied for statistically significant parameters to compare means among the treatments. The best soil moisture depletion levels, as determined by statistical analysis, are 100% ETc, 85% ETc, and 70% ETc, with marketable fruit yields of 56,405 kg/ha, 45,331 kg/ha, and 41,769 kg/ha, respectively. As for mulch types, the best practices are wheat straw mulch and white plastic mulch, with marketable fruit yields of 45,721 kg/ha and 44,514 kg/ha, respectively, for the study area. However, the results of the partial budget analysis results showed that, with net incomes for onion production in the research region of 1,350,930 ETB/ha and 1,367,071 ETB/ha, respectively, 85% ETc and wheat straw mulch are the economically optimal methods.

Shellfish aquaculture farms as foraging habitat for nearshore fishes and crabs

AbstractObjectiveOyster reefs across North America have declined precipitously over the past 140 years. In Washington State, Olympia oyster Ostrea lurida reefs historically provided water filtration and nearshore structural habitat for fishes and invertebrates, but this species is now functionally extinct across its historical range. In place of these naturally occurring reefs, shellfish farms consisting mainly of nonnative Pacific oysters Magallana gigas now occupy patches of nearshore habitat across Washington. These farms modify intertidal substrate by adding structural habitat via suspended oyster grow bags, predator exclusion nets, loose oyster beds, and other shellfish grow‐out gear. As interest and investment in shellfish aquaculture have expanded both locally and globally, so has interest in how these farms modify intertidal habitat and whether the complex structure created by the shellfish and shellfish growing gear provides ecosystem services that are comparable to those of unfarmed areas, such as mudflats and eelgrass meadows.MethodsIn this study, we sought to quantify how shellfish farms are used as foraging habitat for several common nearshore species of fish and crabs in Puget Sound, Washington. We used direct observations of species‐specific behaviors from underwater video to model how habitat type affected observed foraging rates.ResultWe obtained a total of 393 crab observations, 431 demersal fish observations, and 1856 pelagic fish observations across all seven farm sites. Several common species of pelagic fish (e.g., surfperch [Embiotocidae]) used aquaculture‐growing gear more frequently than unfarmed areas as foraging habitat, but Metacarcinus spp. crabs displayed higher foraging frequency in unfarmed mudflats. Species groups such as sculpins (Cottidae) and small flatfish (Pleuronectidae) clearly used specific aquaculture‐growing gear and mudflats in roughly equal proportion.ConclusionOur results indicate that shellfish farms within a larger nearshore habitat mosaic of eelgrass meadows, mudflats, bivalve aquaculture gear, and edge habitat can provide foraging habitat for several species of nearshore fish.

Freshwater history influences farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) performance in seawater

The quality of smolts is one of the key factors for successful salmon production. We compared growth performance, physiological traits, and environmental adaptation in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) after transfer into a sea cages farm site from recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) to a similar sized group of the same genetic linage and produced in the same husbandry facility but under flow through system (FTS) conditions. Fish vertical distribution within the sea cages and water environment were continuously recorded, while biometry data and biological samples were collected monthly. No significant difference in size and smolt development between the FTS and RAS-produced fish were observed at the end of the freshwater phase. However, after transfer into seawater, the RAS fish showed an array of physiological and molecular differences that were maintained and resulted in significantly increased mortality and lower growth over the full production cycle. The RAS smolts were characterized by lower body weight, length, K factor, HSI (indicator of energy reserve), NKA activity, plasma levels of lactate, triacylglycerol, sodium, calcium, and phosphorus than FTS fish in seawater. This implicated osmoregulatory and allostatic maladaptation for the RAS fish during the first months in seawater. Both FTS and RAS fish showed physiological and behavioral adjustments during the seawater production linked with predictable (e.g., seasonal, diurnal) and short-term unpredictable variation in water temperature and oxygen. However, the RAS fish were characterized by lower physiological response to stressful effects of unpredictable environmental variability.Based on our data, the freshwater history sets the basis for the performance success of the FTS and RAS smolts in seawater. FTS fish showed faster adaptation to the seawater environment, with higher osmoregulatory capacity, and higher physiological robustness to seasonal changes than RAS fish, which reflected in their difference in growth and harvest size. We emphasize the crucial role of the freshwater rearing conditions as the foundation for successful physiological adaptation to seawater, growth, and the success of salmon farming production.

Overcoming Shrimp Farming Problems: Developing Effective Strategies for Boosting Business Competitiveness and Productivity - a Case Study of Company X Shrimp Farming Site, Lamongan

This study aims to identify critical issues and formulate effective strategies to enhance competitiveness and productivity while developing a sustainable shrimp aquaculture framework. The methodology employed includes both qualitative and quantitative approaches, involving a comprehensive literature review, analysis of current industry practices, and a case study of Company X's operations. Stakeholder interviews, field observations, and data analysis form the basis of this empirical research. The study also explores technological innovations and best industry practices, evaluated against existing practices at Company X. The findings of this research indicate that although the company has adopted several best practices, there is still room for improvement in disease management and operational efficiency. Consequently, this study proposes a series of specific strategies, including technology integration, process optimization, and market expansion, to enhance productivity and business competitiveness. The implications of these findings are that the implementation of these strategies can assist Company X and similar entities in improving their operational performance, supporting the development of sustainable shrimp aquaculture, and addressing competitiveness challenges in the industry.

A novel two-stage multicriteria decision-making approach for selecting solar farm sites: A case study

The Baltic region relies heavily on imported fossil fuels and strongly emphasizes renewable energy development. However, certain obstacles, such as site selection, hinder solar energy development in this region. Therefore, major energy stakeholders must identify optimal solar photovoltaic construction locations. The present study endeavored to conduct a comprehensive and meticulous review of pertinent literature published from 2013 to 2023 to identify critical factors that influence site selection and look into various methodologies employed in this domain. Later, a two-stage approach was used for the first time to identify the most suitable locations among 39 potential cities in the Baltic region for constructing solar PV farms. In the first stage, Data envelopment analysis (DEA) models were used to filter out the areas with the highest potential by measuring their efficiency indices using temperature, wind speed, humidity, precipitation, and air pressure as inputs and sunshine hours, elevation, and irradiation as outputs. Subsequently, six selected evaluation criteria were used to prioritize the locations with solar energy potential. In the second stage, CRiteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC)-Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was used to determine the criteria's objective weights and rank potential sites for the research case study. The results indicate that 25 locations in the Baltic region are suitable for building solar farms, with specific photovoltaic power output being the most significant criterion that impacts solar site selection. Furthermore, by excluding Gross domestic product (GDP) and labor force from the analysis, the results can align with the Global Solar Atlas's reports.

A novel socio-techno-environmental GIS approach to assess the contribution of ground-mounted photovoltaics to achieve climate neutrality in Germany

The German government’s goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2045 and increasing the use of renewable energy, particularly wind and solar power, has public support. However, the local siting of wind and solar farms is highly controversial due to land-use conflicts. We have developed a comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS) model that integrates criteria from the literature to identify optimal locations for ground-mounted photovoltaic (GM-PV). The model is based on a holistic approach considering energy-related factors and broader environmental and climate aspects. The unique feature of the model is its integration of socio-technical and environmental criteria, including a novel approach to achieving a dual land-use climate benefit by protecting erosion-prone soils and conserving soil carbon in areas prone to organic matter decomposition and associated CO2 release. Our multi-criteria GM-PV model includes 12 restrictions and five suitability criteria representing key socio-technical, economic and environmental aspects. Scenario analysis highlights the sensitivity of Germany’s GM-PV potential to defined criteria. In Scenario 1, with minimal constraint, 14.2 % of Germany’s land is available for GM-PV, decreasing to 1.9 % in the highly constrained Scenario 12. Suitable areas (>10 ha) account for 0.4 % of Germany’s land area, which could cover 8.1 % of Germany’s electricity consumption in 2045 in the highly restricted scenario. The spatial distribution results show that the innovative approach of the model changes the preference of GM-PV locations based on factors such as solar radiation in the south and soil carbon storage in the north of Germany. The application of restriction and suitability criteria significantly reduces the potential for GM-PV in Germany but also potential pitfalls for decision-makers. The GIS model can be applied in regional context to integrate stakeholder values and generate region-specific scenarios, as criteria and thresholds can be easily adapted to regional characteristics, preferences, and concerns, including those related to agriculture, biodiversity, and social acceptance.

Short-term carbon cycling at a Sphagnum farming site under drought stress

Paludiculture is a new land use option for degraded peatlands, producing biomass under wet and peat preserving conditions. While previous studies indicate a significant greenhouse gas mitigation potential, the impact of bryophyte and vascular plant species on carbon cycling is not yet fully understood, especially under drought stress and climate warming conditions. In July 2018, we conducted a pulse labelling experiment at a Sphagnum farming area in Northwestern Germany to trace sequestered carbon dioxide (13CO2) in above-ground biomasses of peat mosses (Sphagnum) and dominant vascular plant species purple moor grass (Molinia caerulea), soil microbial biomass (Cmic), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), as well as dissolved and emitted CO2 and methane under drought stress induced by summer drought and simulated climate warming using Open Top Chambers (OTCs). We observed fast label allocation to all investigated carbon pools with the exception of DOC. Although label uptake was clearly higher in Molinia compared to Sphagnum, most carbon was lost via respiration within a few days and the percentage of stored carbon after 140 days was clearly higher in Sphagnum and Cmic. Differences between warmed and control plots were small, presumably due to the already hot and dry conditions. Our results highlight that carbon uptake and storage processes are maintained even under extreme drought conditions, while further experimental warming using OTCs was less influential. The presented findings confirm the important role of Sphagnum in carbon retention and the risk of methane emissions even at low water levels via plant-mediated transport. Consequently, an elaborate irrigation management and control of vascular plants are the key to successful Sphagnum farming and GHG mitigation.

Soil quality and vegetation cover characteristics as influenced by diverse grazing regimes and soil disturbance histories in a semi-arid rangeland (Iran)

This study investigates the soil functioning and regeneration processes in a semi-arid rangeland subject to an eleven-year conservation grazing (CG) program within the Gonbad paired watershed in Hamadan, Iran. Five distinct sites with varying rangeland vegetation cover were selected based on differences in grazing regimes and soil disturbance histories. These sites include: CG site with Astragalus-Artemisia vegetation (CG(A-A)); CG site with Astragalus-Bromus vegetation (CG(A-B)); CG site, easily accessible to grazing livestock, with Astragalus-Lactuca vegetation (CG(EA)); CG site with a history of past rainfed farming and Centaurea-Grasses vegetation (CG(PRF)); and free grazing (FG) site with Astragalus-Euphorbia vegetation. In addition, a long-term rainfed farming site (RF) was studied as the dominant land use. Rangeland management practices had a discernible impact on nearly all soil quality (SQ) indicators. However, due to their strong interdependence, only soil aggregate stability, carbohydrates, and phosphatase activity proved to be critical indicators representing soil functioning in the area. The general SQ index illustrated a decline in soil functioning at RF (58%), CG(PRF) (55%), FG (42%), and CG(EA) (22%) sites compared to sites classified as "good" (CG(A-A) and CG(A-B)). Total organic carbon and carbon stock were only recovered in well-restored sites, characterized by a predominance of shrubs and perennial grasses. Meanwhile, active carbon and carbohydrates revealed the positive effects of conservation grazing in moderately and poorly restored sites, characterized by a predominance of forbs and annual grasses. Our findings suggest that soil disturbance history and grazing accessibility are critical factors for successfully implementing conservation grazing management in the area.

A review of data collection methods used to monitor the associations of wild species with marine aquaculture sites

AbstractAquaculture contributes a significant portion of the global aquatic biomass destined for human consumption. Bivalve and marine finfish aquaculture operations require sea‐based farm sites that result in considerable interactions with the natural environment. The addition of feed waste and physical structures (e.g., net pens and longline mussel culture) can provide an attractive artificial reef for many species and studies have shown both positive and negative effects on the surrounding ecosystem due to wild species interactions with aquaculture sites. Assessing these interactions can be complex, depending on the local ecosystem, and several monitoring techniques have been used to accurately determine associations of wild finfish and decapods to marine farms. In this review, we assessed the main methods used to monitor aquaculture‐ecosystem interactions. The advantages and disadvantages of each technique are discussed and suggestions to mitigate shortfalls for future studies are outlined. It was evident that combining methodologies should be prioritised to lessen the impact of identified weaknesses of any given approach. Designing studies with complementary approaches may help attain robust data that can be used to further understand aquaculture‐ecosystem interactions and the underlying proximate mechanisms.

Spatial cross-correlation of surface soil physicochemical properties with soil erosion estimated by fallout radionuclides in croplands in a semi-humid region of Iran

Most attempts to correlate soil erosion rates with soil physiochemical properties have not fully succeeded. We employed 137Cs and 210Pbex tracers to understand the interactive impacts of medium- to long-term soil erosion rates on soil texture, structure, and composition in different cropping management systems and slope gradients. To do so, cultivated areas of a sub-watershed were subdivided into three iso-sectors based on slope gradient and typical cropping systems in the region: dry farming with slopes of 10–30 and < 10 % and irrigated farming with a slope of < 10 %. Some soil physiochemical properties were assessed, including particle size distribution, organic carbon (OC), aggregate percolation stability (PS), sealing index (SI), and semi-quantitative XRD of clays. The weighted average net erosion rates in cultivated lands estimated by 137Cs and 210Pbex methods were 26.3 and 31.4 Mg ha−1 yr−1, respectively. Among studied iso-sectors, the dry farming site with a slope of < 10 % had the highest net soil erosion rates and the lowest values for PS and SI, highlighting that land management is a more influential factor on soil erosion than the slope gradient. Both Pearson coefficient and spatial cross-correlation index (SCI) showed a negative correlation between clay content, aggregate stability and soil erosion due to the abundance of expandable clays in the region. However, unlike the Pearson coefficient, SCI showed that the soil loss rates had the strongest association with PS in space, but very weak ones with OC and SI, highlighting PS as a promising indicator of soil quality. SCI proved a superior analysis, which provides the spatial causality between the two variables in space. Findings suggest that to ensure food security in the face of future climate change, careful management practices should be implemented in dry farming lands with high amounts of expandable clays, making them prone to aggregate breakdown and soil erosion.

Wind farm site selection using GIS-based multicriteria analysis with Life cycle assessment integration

The sustainability of wind power plants depends on the selection of suitable installation locations, which should consider not only economic and technical factors including manufacturing and raw materials, but also issues pertaining to the environment. In the present study, a novel methodology is proposed to determine the suitable locations for wind turbine farms by analyzing from the environmental perspective. In the methodology, the life cycle assessment (LCA) of wind turbines is incorporated into the decision process. The criteria are ranked using analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The study area is chosen as the western region of Türkiye. The obtained suitability map reveals that wind speed is not the sole criterion for selecting a site for wind turbine farms; other factors, such as bird migration paths, distance from urban areas and land use, are also crucial. The results also reveal that constructing wind power plants in the vicinity of İzmir, Çanakkale, Istanbul, and Balıkesir in Türkiye can lead to a reduction in emissions. İzmir and its surrounding area show the best environmental performance with the lowest CO2 per kilowatt-hour (7.14 g CO2 eq/kWh), to install a wind turbine due to its proximity to the harbor and steel factory across the study area. Çanakkale and the northwest region of Türkiye, despite having high wind speeds, are less environmentally favorable than İzmir, Balıkesir, and Istanbul. The findings of LCA reveal that the nacelle and rotor components of the wind turbine contribute significantly (43–97%) to the environmental impact categories studied, while the tower component (0–36%) also has an impact.

Evolution of the European offshore renewable energy resource under multiple climate change scenarios and forecasting horizons via CMIP6

The design of the different offshore renewable energy (ORE) technologies depends on the characteristics of wind/wave resources. However, these characteristics are not stationary under climate change. In this study the evolution of European offshore wave/wind resources is assessed under mid- and high-emissions scenarios based on the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5) and three forecasting horizons including the near (2023–2032), mid (2041–2050) and long term (2091–2100). The novelties lie in: (i) the concurrent analysis of wind and wave resources, (ii) the use of data with a 3-hour temporal resolution, and (iii) the local-scale statistical analysis. Results show significant variations along the 21st century, with an overall decline in average wind and wave conditions. Importantly, and somewhat counter-intuitively, much of the Atlantic coast of continental Europe experiences increasing extremes in the high-emissions scenario. For the local-scale statistical analysis, the focus is on five wind farm sites, commissioned or in planning. In the high-emissions scenario, the 99th and 99.99th percentiles decrease in three of them and increase in the other two. The combination of decreasing averages and increasing extremes presents the worst-case scenario for ORE technology developers.