Favorable Microclimate Research Articles

Multilayer External Enclosing Wall Structures with Air Gaps or Channels

Precise meanings of thermophysical processes taking place in air gaps have decisive importance in composite cladding structure systems’ calculation and modeling. The climatic load conditions in Kazakhstan can significantly affect the microclimate of premises in general. In this work, a review study is carried out to obtain the relevant scientific literature on enclosing structures with air gaps under various climatic conditions. The review mainly covers research institutes from Sweden, Norway, France, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and China. On the issue of the air gap parameter’s influence on thermophysical processes, 16 papers were analyzed, and on the issue of air infiltration, 12 papers were analyzed. However, the review shows a lack of research in this area under various climatic conditions. At the same time, experience has shown that the principle of multilayer protection from climatic influences creates a favorable microclimate in buildings, but due to a possible temperature drop, wall structures made of composite building materials can be quite favorable under some conditions, and under others they may be less favorable. Therefore, working out a new energy-saving design with air gaps for climatic conditions with large temperature fluctuations during summer and winter is an urgent task.

Prescribed burning may produce refugia for invasive forb, Oncosiphon pilulifer

Prescribed burning is a common management technique to reduce non‐native grass cover and seed availability in temperate forests and grasslands; however, its effectiveness in reducing non‐native forbs is unclear. Litter of invasive forbs like Oncosiphon pilulifer are not consumed by fire like invasive grass litter is, resulting in residual singed stands and high heterogeneity in the postburn landscape. We investigated the potential for this incomplete burning to alter postfire establishment of native and non‐native plant species by conducting a field experiment in a prescribed burn in Lake Perris State Park, CA. We investigated the role of microclimate and seed availability on establishment for 2 years following a prescribed burn in both singed stands and completely burned patches by adding or removing litter and adding native seed in a factorial design. Litter presence reduced soil temperatures and light availability, while singed stands had lower soil moisture and temperature. Litter present treatments had 5.6 ± 5.9% (mean ± SE) greater Oncosiphon cover yet doubled Oncosiphon viable seeds in the seedbank. Singed stands had 22.6 ± 4.9% greater Oncosiphon cover and more than doubled Oncosiphon viable seeds. Native seed addition did not influence native or Oncosiphon cover. These results suggest that residual singed stands within the prescribed burn landscape can create a favorable microclimate and allow Oncosiphon to retain seed, increasing reinvasion. Our experiment suggests that litter increased establishment of non‐native species as these species may better utilize postburn establishment opportunities impacting overall community recovery. Management of invasive forbs with prescribed burns may require secondary treatments to reduce reinvasion.

ECOLOGIZATION OF THE HOTEL AND RESTAURANT SECTOR, IN THE CONTEXT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN UKRAINE

The paper examines the problems and prospects of greening as an innovative concept of hotel-restaurant development. The current state and trends in the development of greening of tourist infrastructure facilities in Ukraine and the world are analyzed. The criteria and legal principles of eco-hotels have been studied. The main causes and consequences of the negative impact of the hotel-restaurant sector on the environment have been established. The Ukrainian and world experience of existing eco-hotels are characterized, their problems are analyzed and recommendations are made for solving them and for the successful development of eco-hotels in Ukraine. The main tasks that determine effective activity in the eco-hotel business are formulated, in particular: the selection of the most promising target segments of the eco-hotel market and the development of a strategy focused on them; development and formation of ecological style, its correct use in internal and external premises of hotels and restaurants; development of a clear and, in accordance with the requirements of the market, program for the positioning of the eco-hotel; informing consumers through advertising and mass media about the positioning indicators of the eco-hotel and restaurant; development of proposals for the formation and correction of a positive image of the eco-hotel and restaurant in the minds of consumers. It is substantiated that the reorientation of existing hotel enterprises to “environmental” ones can solve several multi-faceted and multi-level tasks at the same time: ensure resource savings at the enterprise level; improve economic indicators due to compliance with the current trend; promote the development of the tourist cluster and the formation of ecological infrastructure in the region; promote the ideas of a “green” way of life in society; to form the market of ecological products and services; improve the image of the region and the country. Based on the results of the research, the following advantages of eco-hotels are highlighted: conservation of natural resources; reduction of water consumption; saving electricity; reduction of costs for energy resources; reduction of costs for materials undergoing secondary processing; attracting new customers due to a favorable environmental situation; positive positioning of the services market; additional opportunity to advertise the hotel; creating a reputation for the brand and the hotel as a socially responsible company. Positioning the hotel as an eco-hotel gives its owner a number of competitive advantages, among which the possibility of using this status for advertising purposes, creating a favorable microclimate for staff and guests, and increasing occupancy rates should be highlighted. It is well-founded that eco-hotels are promising hotels that are designed to maintain the state of the natural environment, raise environmental awareness and responsibility in society, and their guests can enjoy a healthy vacation in harmony with nature.

Soil Surface Treatments and Precipitation Timing Determine Seedling Development Across Southwestern US Restoration Sites

Photo 1. RestoreNet site at the Canyonlands Research Center tests seeding with pits (small depressions), ConMods (artificial nurse plants), and mulch. Photo credit: Katherine Laushman, US Geological Survey. Photo 2. Connectivity modifiers (ConMods) at RestoreNet sites serve as artificial nurse plants that create a favorable microclimate for developing seedings. Photo credit: Katherine Laushman, US Geological Survey. Photo 3. Katherine Laushman monitors seedling emergence, survival, and growth inside RestoreNet pit and seeding treatments. Photo credit: Molly McCormick, US Geological Survey. These photographs illustrate the article “Soil surface treatments and precipitation timing determine seedling development across southwestern US restoration sites” by Farrell, H.L., Munson, S.M., Butterfield, B.J., Duniway, M.C., Faist, A.M., Gornish, E.S., Havrilla, C.A., Larios, L., Reed, S.C., Rowe, H.I. and Laushman, K.M published in Ecological Applications. https://doi.org/10.1002/eap.2834

Physio-Morphology Of Soybean In Various Population Proportions Of Intercropping With Corn

Soybean is Indonesia’s important food crop, generally grown in monoculture. Global climate change can affect unfavourable environmental conditions and reduce soybean yields. Soybean yields can be increased by intercropping, which can improve the plant’s environmental conditions. One of the crops that can be intercropped with soybeans is corn because planting corn between soybeans can create a favourable microclimate for soybeans. This study aims to obtain the right population proportion in soybean and corn intercropping based on physio-morphological responses. This research was conducted in Kasihan, Bantul, Yogyakarta Special Region, in July-November 2021, with a single-factor experimental method arranged in a single plot design. The treatment was the proportion of soybean and corn population, consisting of 4 proportions, i.e. 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, and monoculture soybean and corn as controls. The variables observed were leaf area, dry weight, chlorophyll content, stomatal density, number of pods, seed weight, and soybean yield. The results showed that the proportion of soybeans and corn intercropping population did not affect chlorophyll content and stomata density. A population proportion of 3:1 produces the number of leaves and specific leaf area, the number of pods, and pod weight per plant higher than monoculture soybeans and other intercropping population proportions.

Biodiversity of Phototrophs and Culturable Fungi in Gobustan Caves.

Unique natural objects, such as the caves of the Gobustan National Historical and Artistic Preserve, are also of great cultural and historical value due to rock art and sites of ancient people. A favorable microclimate makes these habitats convenient for colonization by microbiota, including phototrophs. In arid regions with intense seasonal fluctuations of microclimatic parameters, the conditions for survival are the least favorable; therefore, it becomes especially important to determine the composition of communities that are the most adapted to specific conditions. This work aimed to identify the biodiversity of communities of caves and grottoes of the Gobustan Reserve. The studies were carried out in July 2019. Samples were analyzed for cyanobacteria and algae by microscopy and cultivation methods, microfungi were isolated by soil dilution, and the fouling glass method was also used. In total, 29 taxa of cyanobacteria and algae, 18 taxa of fungi, and 3 species of mosses were identified. The studied habitats were dominated by the algae Chlorella vulgaris, Aphanocapsa sp., and Stichococcus bacillaris; the subdominants were Jaaginema subtilissimum, Leptolyngbya tenuis, Chlorococcum minutum, and Humidophila contenta. Microfungi had the highest occurrence of Aspergillus niger, Aureobasidium pullulans, Alternaria alternata, and Talaromyces ruber. It was noted that cyanobacteria dominated in morphologically differentiated biofilms and green algae on the rocks. The greatest number of microfungi was found in the aphotic zone and bryophyte tufts. The dominance of green algae is atypical for most caves of other regions and may be associated with intense lighting of habitats. The absence of protonema is a consequence of the aridity and low moisture content of the substrates.

Long-Term Changes in Organic Matter Content and Soil Moisture Determine the Degree of Root and Soil Respiration.

Carbon in soil is one of the most important indicators of soil fertility. Part of the carbon stored in them is returned to the atmosphere during soil respiration. Climate change and inappropriate land use can accelerate these processes. Our work aimed to determine how soil CO2 emissions change over ten years as a result of litter manipulation treatments. Plots at the Síkfőkút DIRT (Detritus Input and Removal Treatments) experimental site include doubling either leaf litter or wood, and removing all aboveground litter, all root inputs, or removing all litter inputs. With the help of this, we were able to examine not only the effects of the different organic matter intake but also the effects of the different microclimates that occur as a result of the treatments. Total soil respiration (root and microbial respiration) is a result of a persistent lack or excess of soil organic matter relative to soil moisture. Based on our studies, the increase in the intensity of root respiration on wetter soils was only half of the increase in respiration associated with decomposition activity. The sustained growth of leaf litter significantly increases soil respiration, which can be partly explained by the more favorable supply of nutrients to the decomposing organisms, and partly by the more favorable microclimatic conditions, however, these effects were only valid in the case of wetter soils. In the dry summer environment, we experienced higher CO2 emissions during litter removal treatments. In the first period between 2002 and 2004, even wetter root removal treatments showed a significantly higher CO2 emission, while in the period 2010-2012, surface litter removal treatments. The permanent removal of surface litter in the drier summer period resulted in the formation of a dense crack network, which increased the CO2 emission of these soils, which increases the soil organic carbon loss of the soil. Our study proves the advantages of mulching in terms of a more favorable microclimate of the soil surface and a balanced carbon balance of the soil-plant system.

Floristic survey of Karaginskii Island (southwest Bering Sea) revealed predictably high diversity of aquatic plants and unexpectedly overlooked terrestrial species

Given the high diversity of aquatic habitats with favorable microclimate, surprisingly low number of aquatic vascular species was reported from Karaginskii Island. Therefore, we conducted its extensive field inventory. Terrestrial and bog plant species were also registered on the island whenever possible to check for general completeness of floristic knowledge. We also performed preliminary survey of aquatic flora of adjacent mainland as a reference. We revealed 26 aquatic vascular taxa, new for the flora of Karaginskii Island among which 17 were new to the Karaginskii District. Ten of them were also found on the adjacent mainland; 6 taxa revealed only on the mainland were new for the Karaginskii District. We found 27 terrestrial and bog vascular species, new for the island flora (14 new for the Karaginskii District). The documented deficiency of data on northern Kamchatka (Koryakia) flora hampers informed protection of endangered species and prevents sound biogeographic zonation of Kamchatka.

Gala apple production benefits from high shading levels and water limitation, under exclusion netting

The application of exclusion nets is gaining interest for apple modern production, since it can limit the use of pesticides. From the physiological point of view, information related to final fruit harvest is missing. This two-year study compared a classical anti-hail net (A, 20% shading) with an exclusion net (E, 40% shading), and their effects on Gala apple trees, under two irrigation treatments each. Physiology, production and quality parameters were tested. In both years, midday stem water potentials and leaf gas exchanges were unaffected. The higher shading properties of E created a more favourable microclimate for the trees, allowing them to improve marketable fruit weight, compared to the A net. Fruit quality was influenced by different shading and water treatments, visual red color especially in 2021; however, the other quality traits did not have similar trends over the two years. A remarkable commercial impact was gained, since higher shading provided by exclusion netting lowered water requirements. Fruit productivity was sustained or, even elevated, under water limitations when exclusion netting was used. These results are promising in the view of the increasing demand for sustainability in fruit production.

Seasonal variation of paddy straw mushroom performance under different microclimate environments

Maize is an important base crop in intensive irrigated cereal based cropping system because of its wider climatic acclimatization. In contrast, a certain microclimate is needed for commercial mushroom production. Favourable microclimatic condition that prevails in maize field created a greater opportunity to grow the warm loving Paddy Straw Mushroom “Volvariella volvacea” as intercrop. In this context, a comparative study was taken up at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University to determine the performance of paddy straw mushroom as intercrop under different microclimate created in irrigated maize and polyhouse during summer and kharif 2022. Study concluded that the microclimate variables during kharif season was more favourable for obtaining higher straw mushroom yield as maize intercrop, but the summer season was also an economically viable one. The study found that the most ideal limits of microclimate variables such as morning and afternoon temperature, morning and afternoon RH for paddy straw mushroom was 26 to 29oC, 29 to 33oC, 80 to 98 per cent and 66 to 88 per cent, respectively. The polyhouse showed its superiority in providing controlled favourable microclimate for paddy straw mushroom than the fluctuating microclimate under maize canopy, however the higher infrastructural investment in polyhouse farming is not affordable for the small and marginal farmers. The microclimate prevailed in between maize rows could support paddy straw mushroom intercropping as a viable system, which had Land Equivalent Ratio of more than 1.6 and double the time of Crop Equivalent Yield when compare to sole cropped maize.

Strawberry Cultivar Evaluation for Fall-planted High Tunnel System

Locally produced strawberries (Fragaria ×ananassa) have outstanding market potential. But strawberry production has been decreasing in the north-central United States, partly because of high production risks associated with the traditional matted-row system. The annual plasticulture system attracts attention but its low yield limits the wide adoption of the production system in the north-central United States. High tunnels are widely used to extend strawberry seasons worldwide, but the system was not fully explored in the United States. Although the benefits of growing strawberries in high tunnels were recognized, information on suitable strawberry cultivars specific for the fall-planted high tunnel production system is limited. A wide range of short-day and day-neutral strawberry cultivars, including recently released cultivars, were evaluated in the fall-planted annual plasticulture high tunnel systems for three seasons. Averaged among cultivars, the marketable yields were 1.96, 1.35, and 2.27 lb/plant for 2015–16, 2019–20, and 2020–21 seasons, respectively. The combined use of high tunnels and floating rowcovers created favorable microclimate conditions that led to high yields. Florida Radiance, San Andreas, Chandler, and Rocco were the top-yielding cultivars. Besides Chandler, the other top-yielding cultivars entered peak harvest in the second half of April. Harvests ended at the end of May or early June. All cultivars reached the US Department of Agriculture standard for total soluble solids in all three seasons, although Camino Real, FL Radiance, and Sweet Sensation consistently had relatively lower sugar content. Considering a warm-season crop could grow in high tunnels before or after strawberry, a diversified cropping system involving strawberry and other vegetables is highly valuable for high tunnel production systems in the north-central United States. This study did not compare cultivars’ resistance to diseases, but it should be a critical factor in selecting cultivars. Future studies are also warranted to evaluate the effects of incorporating soil treatments and cover cropping for suppressing diseases in the soil-based high tunnel system. Sustainable management strategies to control two-spotted spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) are also crucial in successfully using the system in the north-central United States.

Effect of Microclimate Modulation on the Growth and Yield of Straw Mushroom as a Intercrop in Maize Field during Summer

A field experiment was carried out during the summer season to study the effect of microclimate modification on growth and yield of paddy straw mushroom under outdoor cultivation as maize intercrop. A Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with eight treatments comprising the combination of spacing (60 x 25 cm, 45 x 25 cm, paired row 45/75 x 25 cm, and paired row 30/60 x 25 cm) and mulching (with or without application), in three replications was used for this study. The study concluded that maximum average yield was obtained in normal spacing 45x25 cm coupled with mulching (578 g bed-1) with high biological efficiency of 19.3 per cent. The results inferred that both the afternoon (14.22 hours) microclimate variables viz., temperature (low) and relative humidity (high) had played major role for higher yield and Biological Efficiency (BE) of paddy straw mushroom as maize intercrop. Normal row spacing (45 x 25 cm) with or without mulch and paired row spacing (30/60 x 25 cm) with mulch provided favourable microclimate during summer for faster growth, higher yield and biological efficiency for paddy straw mushroom intercropped maize which in turn might be adopted by the farmers for the outdoor cultivation of paddy straw mushroom.

Vegetation cover and spatial distribution of small mammals in the conditions of woodland large city park (Nizhny Novgorod)

The paper is devoted to the study of ecological connectivity vegetation cover and microtine rodents spatial distribution in the conditions of the Nizhny Novgorod woodland park. The oak forest of National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod Botanical Garden with partial anthropogenic transformation was chosen as a site of the study. We used five various plant communities represented by linden trees. The dominant in all ecosystems on the test areas is the red vole (73%), the codominant is the pygmy wood mouse (21%). The yellow-necked mouse has been observed only in several communities. It has been revealed that a decrease in the biodiversity of plant communities due to an increase in the degree of individual species dominance marked by BergerParker index doesnt entail significant negative consequences for small mammals. It is possible that the dominants in vegetation cover create a favorable microclimate for small mammals. The PCA analysis shows the presence of two significant factors for the distribution of microtine rodents. The first factor is associated with the balance of humidity and illumination, the second with nitrogen availability in combination with low illumination. The ecological divergence of niches in two species of mice (pygmy wood mouse and yellow-necked mouse) was observed. In relation to the projective cover, the bank vole occurs both at very high (90%) and low (30%) values, which confirms the ecological plasticity of that species. For yellow-necked and pygmy wood mice, the optimal values of projective cover in studied communities range from 70 to 90%. However, yellow-necked mice can also live in plant communities with a plant cover index about 4050%.

Drivers of Native Species Regeneration in the Process of Restoring a Dry Evergreen Forest from Exotic Tree Plantations in Northeastern Thailand

Establishment of exotic plantations is one of the most effective ways to induce natural regeneration for the restoration of degraded lands, as it has the potential to improve soil properties and creates favorable microclimates. This study aims to determine the effects of stand structure and composition as well as environmental factors under the canopies of three exotic plantations in northeastern Thailand on the regeneration of native species. For each plantation, we conducted three 10 m × 150 m transect lines with fifteen 10 m × 10 m subplots along a forest remnant gradient. The canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was used to identify the environmental factors responsible for the differences in natural regeneration among these stands. Three exotic plantations had different stand structure in terms of number of tree species, basal area, and tree density but similar dominant native tree species. Across all stands, 74 native tree species, 60 genera, and 30 families were observed. Some physical and chemical properties in the topsoil were significantly different between species but similar among stands within a species. On the other hand, differences in environmental factors such as RLI were significant among species and stands within a species. The CCA ordination identified that the soil particles, soil pH, and light intensity were key factors influencing the native species composition, which could be categorized into three groups: drought-tolerant pioneer species; light-demanding pioneer species; and shade-tolerant climax species. However, most of the climax species were incapable of regenerating and maturing along the forest edge gradient to plantation stands. To accelerate the restoration process by converting these old exotic plantations to a dry evergreen forest, further research is required to determine the appropriate canopy management and/or dominant climax species for planting beneath their canopies.

Estimation of the potential geographical distribution of a new potato pest (Schrankia costaestrigalis) in China under climate change

Global food security is threatened by the impacts of the spread of crop pests and changes in the complex interactions between crops and pests under climate change. Schrankia costaestrigalis is a newly-reported potato pest in southern China. Early-warning monitoring of this insect pest could protect domestic agriculture as it has already caused regional yield reduction and/or quality decline in potato production. Our research aimed to confirm the potential geographical distributions (PGDs) of S. costaestrigalis in China under different climate scenarios using an optimal MaxEnt model, and to provide baseline data for preventing agricultural damage by S. costaestrigalis. Our findings indicated that the accuracy of the optimal MaxEnt model was better than the default-setting model, and the minimum temperature of the coldest month, precipitation of the driest month, precipitation of the coldest quarter, and the human influence index were the variables significantly affecting the PGDs of S. costaestrigalis. The highly- and moderately-suitable habitats of S. costaestrigalis were mainly located in eastern and southern China. The PGDs of S. costaestrigalis in China will decrease under climate change. The conversion of the highly- to moderately-suitable habitat will also be significant under climate change. The centroid of the suitable habitat area of S. costaestrigalis under the current climate showed a general tendency to move northeast and to the middle-high latitudes in the 2030s. The agricultural practice of plastic film mulching in potato fields will provide a favorable microclimate for S. costaestrigalis in the suitable areas. More attention should be paid to the early warning and monitoring of S. costaestrigalis in order to prevent its further spread in the main areas in China’s winter potato planting regions.

Palaeoecological evidence of pollen morphological changes: A climate change adaptation strategy?

Pollen records have been used to reconstruct changes in climate, based on the presence of taxa as proxies for environmental conditions. Pollen grains have morphological features that allow for the identification of different species, genera, and families of flowering plants. However, ecologically distinct species share similar pollen types that may make biogeographic and climate reconstructions problematic. Also, the responses of populations and species to climate changes adjusted through either plasticity or adaptation have been overlooked. Such adjustments are most probably the product of long-lasting in situ persistence in local refugia under favourable microclimates despite hostile regional climate. In southern South America three species of the dominant tree cover of the subgenus Nothofagus are present, two deciduous (N. antarctica and N. pumilio) and one evergreen (N. betuloides), identified in the pollen group Nothofagus dombeyi type. Here we present a pollen record from Punta Arenas (~53°S) that documents significant changes in pollen size that took place during the Late glacial and Early Holocene. The occurrence of smaller Nothofagus dombeyi type pollen grains during the Late glacial may indicate rapid local adaptation to colder and possibly wetter conditions. Our findings are supported by Ecological niche modelling which suggests limited availability of Nothofagus refugia during the Last Glacial Maximum. The local refugia may also have fostered interbreeding between congeneric species that led to unique morphological features that increased the fitness of the recipient pool. We postulate that such modifications were due to the potential transient hybridization between species that later diverged by backcrossing with each deciduous and evergreen taxa.

Toward a Beech-Dominated Alternative Stable State in Dinaric Mixed Montane Forests: A Long-Term Study of the Pecka Old-Growth Forest

In the last century, a synchronous beech expansion has been observed for many mixed mountain forests in southeastern Europe. This change is associated with the interaction of various disturbances. We analyzed structural changes in the Pecka old-growth forest in Slovenia during the last century, using several inventories of the tree layer, regeneration, and site factors. Throughout the observation period, the density of silver fir in the regeneration layer and in the overstory steadily decreased. In 1893, silver fir accounted for about 60% of the growing stock, whereas in 2013 it accounted for less than 13%. This is likely because of silver fir’s decline in the canopy layer due to air pollution, successive windthrows, and overbrowsing. However, climate change may also have played an important role, as silver fir also declined in southeastern European old-growth forests where air pollution was less pronounced and ungulate densities were low. A gradual decline of silver fir in the overstory resulted in a decrease of overall tree density to 231 trees ha–1, while growing stock remained relatively high at 712 m3 ha–1. Median diffuse light at 1.3 m was 3.7% and regeneration density was 19,954 ha–1. Beech was dominant (94%), followed by silver fir (4%), and sycamore maple (2%). No silver fir seedlings larger than 0.2 m were recorded. Silver fir, sycamore maple, and beech regeneration showed 87, 76, and 45% browsing damage, respectively. Regression models indicated some evidence of niche partitioning between silver fir and beech. However, many processes may be masked by the silver fir’s avoidance strategy. Given current red deer densities, climate change, and existing forest structure, the Pecka old-growth forest will likely reach an alternative stable state dominated by beech in a few decades. This calls for immediate reduction of ungulate populations. Despite the interaction of multiple disturbances, the Pecka old-growth forest has maintained a relatively high overall growing stock, a favorable microclimate, and succession pathway with shade-tolerant beech. This indicates the intrinsic resilience of natural forests. The mechanisms discussed here can be applied to the future governance of old-growth and managed montane mixed forests.

Thermal comfort and behavior of beef cattle in pasture-based systems monitored by visual observation and electronic device

Understanding how the bioclimatic factors influence the animals homeothermy and behavior is essential to implement good practices for tropical livestock. Thus, the objective of this work was to study the effect of the incorporation of the arboreal component in pasture production systems in a tropical environment on thermal comfort and to analyze the influence of the integrated crop-livestock-forestry system on the behavior of beef cattle. The study was carried out in São Carlos-SP, Brazil, region of tropical altitude subtype, for 13 months. Sixty-four Nelore (Bos indicus) and Canchim (5/8 Bos taurus x 3/8 Bos indicus) non-castrated males (26 months; 358 kg LW) were allocated to production systems with pastures in full sun (Group FS; n = 32) or with forested pastures (Group ICLF; n = 32). The microclimate of the pastures was permanently monitored by weather stations. The behavior of the animals was assessed through an observational method in monthly campaigns and a continuous electronic monitoring method based on the use of an accelerometer and acoustic sensor coupled to collars. Higher means of the black globe temperature index were registered in the morning and the afternoon, with a very challenging condition for the animals during the spring and summers, especially for the Group FS. The observational results showed that animals in the Group FS grazed longer in the morning than animals in the Group ICL, mainly in the warmer seasons (P < 0.05). The animals in FS remained lying down longer than the animals kept in the ICLF system, during rumination or resting (P < 0.05). The animals in the Group ICLF preferred the use of shaded areas within the forested system and their frequency of visits to the drinking fountain was reduced in the morning (−55 %) and afternoon (−26 %) shifts. Electronic monitoring showed that animals, regardless of the production system, spent 38.4 % of their time resting, 32.6 % in displacement, and 29.0 % in rumination. The animals in FS had a higher displacement time at night and dawn, and less time resting at night (22:00 h and 23:00 h) and dawn (2:00 h to 6:00 h), which affected their circadian rhythm and restricted the time devoted to restorative effects of rest. Therefore, the use of the arboreal component proved to be beneficial for obtaining a more favorable microclimate for raising cattle on pasture, being useful for increasing animal thermal comfort and for the expression of behavioral attitudes favorable to the maintenance of homeothermy in a tropical environment.

Toward Identifying Alternatives to Fencing for Forest Restoration: Tube Shelters Outperform Mesh Shelters for Deer Browse Protection of Live Oak, Quercus virginiana

Herbivory is a common forest regeneration challenge across ecosystems. While fencing effectively reduces animal browse damage, it can be impractical. Tree shelters are an alternative forest restoration tool to protect seedlings from herbivory that may also provide a favorable microclimate. Yet, regeneration responses to tree shelters often vary among tree species, environmental conditions, and shelter specifications. To restore the once dominant Quercus virginiana (live oak) and its associated conservation values to subtropical U.S. maritime forests, control of animal browsing is critical. We evaluated the effects of tube and mesh tree shelters to exclude animal browse, combined with the use of controlled-release fertilizer to promote Q. virginiana seedling growth. After two growing seasons, mean seedling survival was 83% for protected seedlings, either from tube or mesh shelters, compared to 68% with non-sheltered seedlings. Seedlings in solid-wall tube shelters had significantly less browse incidence compared to both seedlings in mesh shelters and non-sheltered seedlings. Seedlings in tube shelters had greater height and diameter, followed by mesh shelters, and lastly, the no shelter treatment. Fertilizer resulted in higher browsing incidence and greater seedling height and diameter after the first growing season only, with no shelter treatment interactions. Our findings illustrate the efficacy of tree shelters to improve early regeneration success of Q. virginiana and may have application to the restoration of other forest ecosystems.

Comparison of the interest of four types of organic mulches to reclaim degraded areas (Part 2): Microbial activities and abiotic factors

A field experimentation conducted in a wooded degraded area and contaminated by metals, aimed to compare the effectiveness of four types of organic mulches: Ramial Chipped Wood (RCW), crushed Miscanthus, dead leaves and wheat straw regarding the ecosystem's functionality. We likewise tested the plastic sheeting regularly used to forestall weed development in green spaces as well as a negative control which consisted in soil without mulch. For this purpose, microbial activities (Fluorescein diacetate hydrolyzing activity, Laccases and Urease) and abiotic factors (moisture, temperature, metal concentrations, C/N rate and organic carbon content) were monitored in the organo-mineral horizon of soil surface for 13 months. The degradation rate of the different mulches has also been taken into account. The results revealed that the organic mulching technique could provide habitats for many organisms and micro-organisms of soil with favorable microclimate and/or alternative food source (fungi) in peri-urban and planted area, not only in agricultural areas. In the current context of climate change, the mulching technique could limit desiccation stress in terrestrial ecosystems by offering more favorable temperature conditions (≈2 °C lower on average than a surface soil without mulching) and this from the very first cm of the soil. In view of the indicators followed (high temperatures, low microbial activity and low biodiversity), the plastic sheeting present the most hostile reception conditions to the soil organisms. Every one of the organic mulch examined has its advantages and limitations and the decision of the kind of mulch to be utilized requires thinking as indicated by the fixed goals. However, Miscanthus seemed to be the most suitable compromise obtaining the higher score according to our evaluation criteria: it degraded slowly, it has low metal content and fungi were very active which is favorable to functionality of the ecosystem and to the soil organisms.