Humidity Regimes Research Articles

Гидротермические особенности биотопов степной и лесной растительности Приокско-Террасного заповедника

The growth of steppe plant species (so called “Oka flora” in the Prioksko-Terrasny Reserve) in the forest zone is a botanical phenomenon. To understand the mechanisms of such biogeographic anomalies’ formation, comparative studies of steppe communities’ habitats and zonal forest vegetation are important. In the article, for the first time on the original experimental material, an assessment of the humidity and hydrothermal regime of steppe communities’ habitat, its difference from biotopes of neighboring meadow and forest ecosystems, within the alien zone has been carried out. It is shown that the biotope of steppe vegetation has distinct differences from biotopes of other vegetation types of the reserve. The humid regime of meadow-steppe associations and the neighboring pine forest during the growing season is determined only by atmospheric precipitation, in contrast to the biotopes of other types of vegetation, in which the influence of upper water is noticeable. The most significant influence of the upper water was observed on the middle terraces of the Oka River (Rodnikovaya Polyana). Steppe vegetation of the Doly tract is formed in conditions of a “temperature trap” and lack of moisture during critical periods of spring and early autumn. The increase in summer temperatures and the duration of the summer period in the Moscow oblast’s southern part, as well as repeated droughts in the second half of summer and early autumn contribute to the preservation and expansion of the steppe area in the south of Moscow oblast.

ЭКОЛОГО-ЦЕНОТИЧЕСКИЙ АНАЛИЗ ВИДОВ ПТЕРИДОФЛОРЫ АБХАЗСКОГО ФЛОРИСТИЧЕСКОГО РАЙОНА КАВКАЗА

The geographical, ecological and cenotic analysis of pteridoflora species registered on the territory of the Abkhazian floristic region of the Caucasus is carried out. In this region Polypodiopsida is represented by 4 monophyletic orders, 8 families, 25 genera and 55 species. Fourteen types of geoelements are identified there. Five endemic species grow within the region, local endemics include Asplenium woronowii Christ., Polystichum woronowii Fomin, Asplenium hermanii-christii Fomin and Dryopteris alexeenkoana Fomin. In environmental terms, humidity regime is the limiting factor for pteridoflora. Mesomorphic structure is typical for 44 species, of which 31 species belong to mesophytes, 13 – to hygromesophytes. According to the phenorhythmotype, 12 species of ferns are evergreen, 27 species are summer-green, 9 are winter-green. Forty-three species were recorded in the forest. The second place is taken by rocky ecotopes: 21 species grow in forest edges, meadows, highlands. The largest number of pteridoflora was observed in mixed (24 species), oak-hornbeam (23 species), beech (22 species), alpine zone (19 species) and dark coniferous (14 species) forests. Rock substrates are found in all types of vegetation and mountain belts, where several types can be distinguished: Moraenapetrophyton, Schistopetrophyton, Petrophyton, Pratopetrophyton and Sylvapetrophyton. Coenotic variability and distribution in altitudinal belts of the types of pteridoflora is considered.

ЙМОВІРНІ ЗМІНИ КЛІМАТИЧНИХ УМОВ УКРАЇНИ ДО СЕРЕДИНИ ХХІ СТ.

In Ukraine, as in the world, substantial climatic changes have happened throughout past decades. It is a fact that they are manifested in changing of parameters of the thermal regime, regimes of wind and humidity. It is expected that they will be observed also in future that will lead to aggravation of negative effects and risks due to climate change. That determines the relevance of the problem of forecasting such changes in future both globally and regionally. After all, knowledge of climate’s behavior in future is very important in the development of strategies, program and measures to adapt to climate change. The article is devoted to assessing spatio-temporal distribution main climatic indicators (air temperature, wind speed and relative humidity) in Ukraine, their variability and the probable values to the middle of the 21st century (2021-2050). Projection of changes in meteorological conditions was made for A1B scenario of SRES family using data of the regional climate model REMO and data from the hydrometeorological observation network of Ukraine (175 stations). Estimated data obtained from the European FP-6 ENSEMBLES project with a resolution of 25 km. For spatial distribution (mapping) we used open-source Geographic Information System QGIS, type of geographic coordinate system for project is WGS84. In the middle of the XXI century, if A1B scenario is released, it is expected a significant changes of climatic parameters regarding the 1981-2010 climatic norm: air temperature is rise by 1,5 °C, average wind speed is decrease by 5-8%, relative humidity in winter probably drop by 2%, but in summer it rises by 1,5%. The unidirectionality of the changes is characteristic only of air temperature, for wind speed and relative humidity the changes are in different directions. The intensity of changes is also not uniform across the country for all climatic parameters, has its regional and seasonal features. Statistical likelihood for most of highlighted changes for all climatic parameters is 66 % and more, the air temperature change is virtually certain (p-level <0.001).

Influence of climatic conditions on productivity and adaptability of Camelina sativa

The purpose of the research is to assess the productivity and adaptability of Camelina sativa depending on the natural and climatic conditions of the forest-steppe zone of the Middle Volga region and the steppe Crimea. The researches were conducted in two regions (Penza and Crimea) with contrasting hydrothermal conditions in 2015–2019 years. Climate conditions in the years of researches were characterized by significant variability in both the degree of humidity and temperature regime in both regions. The hydrothermal coefficient in the Crimea varied in the range of 0.23–1.11, in the conditions of Penza - from 0.45 to 1.10. The index of environmental conditions varied from -0.58 to 1.28 units depending on the natural and climatic zone. On average, in 2015–2019, the productivity of Camelina changed from 1.45 to 1.79 t/ha in Penza and from 0.56 to 1.66 t/ha in Crimea. The highest yield of Camelina sativa was recorded in 2016 in Penza and in 2017 in the Crimea and amounted to 1.79 and 1.66 t/ha, respectively. The value of the index of environmental conditions is 1.17 and 1.28 with hydrothermal coefficient of 0.82 and 0.61, respectively. Depending on the conditions of the year and the region, the oil content varied from 33.9 to 43.9 %. At the same time, there is a tendency to decrease the amount of oil for all years of study in the direction from the Crimea to the zone of the Penza region. Camelina sativa is characterized by a high level of resistance to stressful conditions (0.49– 1.10), differs in environmental adaptability (bi=1.15–1.17), has a high fitness criterion, 41.2–41.5 g/m2, depending on the region.

Impact of Variegated Temperature, CO<SUB>2</SUB> and Relative Humidity on Survival and Development of Beet Armyworm <i>Spodoptera exigua</i> (Hubner) under Controlled Growth Chamber

Climate change will have a noteworthy bearing on survival, development, and population dynamics of insect pests. Therefore, we contemplated the survival and development of beet army worm, Spodoptera exigua under different temperatures, (15˚C, 25˚C, 35˚C, and 45˚C), CO2 (350, 550, 750 ppm) and relative humidity (55%, 65%, 75% and 85%) regimes. Maximum larval and pupal weights were recorded in insects reared at 25˚C. The growth of S. exigua was faster at 35˚C (larval period 7.4 days and pupal period 4.5 days) than at lower temperatures. At 15˚C, the larval period was extended for 61.4 days and there was no adult emergence from the pupae till 90 days. The S. exigua hatchling was absent at 45˚C. The larval survival ranged from 31.6% - 57.2%, maximum survival was recorded at 25˚C, and minimum at 45˚C. The maximum (84.27%) and minimum adult emergence were recorded in insects reared at 25˚C and 35˚C respectively. Maximum fecundity (384.3 eggs/female) and egg viability (51.97%) were recorded in insects reared at 25˚C. Larval and pupal periods increased with an increase in CO2 concentration. The highest pupal weights (128.6 mg/larva) were recorded at 550 ppm. The highest larval survival (73.50%) was recorded at 550 ppm and minimum (37.00%) at 750 ppm CO2. Fecundity was the highest in insects reared at 550 ppm CO2 (657.4 eggs/female), and the lowest at 750 ppm. Maximum larval and pupal weights were recorded in insects reared at 75% relative humidity (RH). The growth rate of S. exigua was faster at 85% RH than at lower RH. The larval survival ranged between 40.0% - 58.5%. Maximum adult emergence (88.91%) was recorded in insects reared at 75% RH and minimum at 85% RH. Maximum fecundity (447.6 eggs/female) and the highest egg viability (72.95%) were recorded in insects reared at 75% and 65% RH respectively. Elevated temperatures and relative moistness will diminish the life cycle, while hoisted CO2 will drag the life expectancy. Therefore, there is a need for thorough assessment of the impact of climatic factors on the population dynamics of insect pests, crop losses, and sustainability of crop production.

Innovation building materials in energy-saving wall systems of historical buildings in Saint Petersburg

The article notes that the main heat losses during major repairs of buildings of historical development are associated with low thermal resistance of external wall fences, due to the lack of thermal insulation of balcony doors. The purpose of the study: to show a significant reduction in costs in the capital reconstruction of former apartment buildings, of which there are more than one and a half thousand in St. Petersburg, due to the use of innovative thermal insulation materials. Methods: thermal imaging, laboratory research. Results: as a result of studying the humidity regime, the experimental section of the wall, determining the dew point, resistance to vapor permeability, air permeability, and construction properties of historical bricks, the authors suggest that buildings of historical development follow the rule that provides for insulation of the external walls of these buildings from the inside.

МИКРОКЛИМАТИЧЕСКИЙ МОНИТОРИНГ В ГОРНО-КОТЛОВИННЫХ ЛАНДШАФТАХ

Monitoring is a continuous process of observing and registering the parameters of an object, in comparison with specified criteria. In recent decades, questions related to changes in climatic characteristics have been of great interest. Since 2007, microclimatic observations have been carried out automatically in the mountain-depression landscapes of the Baikal region. The correctness of the use of atmospheric-soil measuring systems is shown by comparing the data of automatic measurements and the data of standard meteorological instruments used at the weather stations of Roshydromet. Estimates of the temperature and humidity regime of air and soils were obtained at 72 sites located in different landscapes in the altitude range of 450–2300 m above sea level. The influence of landscape characteristics, primarily altitudinal zonality, is manifested in the monthly and annual values of meteorological characteristics. Calculations of the vertical gradient of air temperature on the slopes of the mountains are carried out. As a result, an assessment was made of the characteristics of temperature inversions, a phenomenon unique in its power in Eastern Siberia. Their intensity, duration, and frequency were estimated. A comparison is made of the temperature regime of soils under natural and anthropogenically disturbed conditions. The obtained measurement data are used to validate the results of climate modeling and remote sensing (satellite images). The best convergence of rows is observed in open, moderately humid areas. Microclimatic observation data make it possible to study in detail the temperature and humidity regime of landscapes, taking into account the altitudinal zonality, exposure and steepness of slopes throughout the year. The observational data obtained make it possible to clarify the climatic description of the study area, which is currently based mainly on the data of weather stations, the network of which does not cover mountainous regions.

Metabolic reduction after long-duration flight is not related to fat-free mass loss or flight duration in a migratory passerine.

Migratory birds catabolize large quantities of protein during long flights, resulting in dramatic reductions in organ and muscle mass. One of the many hypotheses to explain this phenomenon is that decrease in lean mass is associated with reduced resting metabolism, saving energy after flight during refueling. However, the relationship between lean body mass and resting metabolic rate remains unclear. Furthermore, the coupling of lean mass with resting metabolic rate and with peak metabolic rate before and after long-duration flight have not previously been explored. We flew migratory yellow-rumped warblers (Setophaga coronata) in a wind tunnel under one of two humidity regimes to manipulate the rate of lean mass loss in flight, decoupling flight duration from total lean mass loss. Before and after long-duration flights, we measured resting and peak metabolism, and also measured fat mass and lean body mass using quantitative magnetic resonance. Flight duration ranged from 28 min to 600 min, and birds flying under dehydrating conditions lost more fat-free mass than those flying under humid conditions. After flight, there was a 14% reduction in resting metabolism but no change in peak metabolism. Interestingly, the reduction in resting metabolism was unrelated to flight duration or to change in fat-free body mass, indicating that protein metabolism in flight is unlikely to have evolved as an energy-saving measure to aid stopover refueling, but metabolic reduction itself is likely to be beneficial to migratory birds arriving in novel habitats.

ОБОСНОВАНИЕ РЕЖИМА ВЛАЖНОСТИ ДЕРНОВО-ПОДЗОЛИСТОЙ ПОЧВЫ ПРИ ВЫРАЩИВАНИИ МНОГОЛЕТНИХ ТРАВ НА ОРОШАЕМЫХ ЗЕМЛЯХ

The purpose of the research is to establish the humidity regime of sod-podzolic soil when growing perennial grasses. Experiments were conducted at the experimental site in 2012-2014. When conducting scientific research on the water regime of sod-podzolic soils for irrigation of perennial grasses, the method developed at the department of land reclamation and recultivation of the Russian state agrarian University-Moscow state agricultural Academy named after C.A. Timiryazev was used. Studies were conducted on experimental plots and in lysimeters. Experimental data obtained on plots are presented. Based on the results of research, using the formula of V.V. Shabanov,a graph of the relationship between the relative yield (Yi /Ymax) of perennial grasses and the relative humidity of sod-podzolic soil (in a layer of 50 cm) during sprinkling was constructed. In the formula of V.V. Shabanov for the conditions under consideration, the value of the coefficient Yi was obtained equal to 4.263. It was found that the humidity of the sod-podzolic soil of watershed territories. must be maintained in the optimal range taking into account the requirements of plants during the entire vegetation period. The best range of humidity of sod-podzolic soil of watershed territories according to scientific research data is for perennial grasses (0.61-0.78) PV. The correlation coefficient of this relationship is 0.96 ± 0.089 which indicates a close relationship between the considered features. At optimal humidity of sod-podzolic soils (0.61-0.78) of PV and a groundwater depth of 1.60 m or deeper (the territory of watersheds) there is a leaching regime.

Investigating the mechanical behaviour of the lining system for Raphael's Cartoon “The School of Athens”

Lining of canvases and paper artworks is a diffused conservation methodology developed to ensure the safe and long-term preservation of weakened supports. Lining systems are generally constituted by a new supporting material or a package of new materials glued to the original artefact. This paper reports on the study of the mechanical behaviour of four multi-layered paper and canvas composites, proposed as lining systems for a large drawing on paper: the “School of Athens” by Raffaello Sanzio, dated 1508. This masterpiece is the 1:1 preparatory cartoon for the wall-painting in the Vatican rooms. Uniaxial tensile testing has been employed in this study to characterize both the single layer materials and the overall mechanical behaviour of the composites. The mechanical tests have been performed before and after artificial ageing with high humidity regime. The complex testing protocol allowed selecting the best performing composite for the final lining, and to assess a safety threshold in terms of stress value for the framing and display of the restored artwork in the new showcase. The results constitute a quantitative evaluation of the different systems, and therefore they can effectively support the conservators’ activity and methodological choices.

Feed productivity of sainfoin in the conditions of the right-bank Forest-Steppe

The purpose of the research was to study the effect of planting time on the formation of productivity of Hungarian sainfoin when grown for green forage. Methods are field, laboratory, statistical, correlation and regression relationships. Research results. It is established that under uneven humidity and high temperature regime in the year of sowing, Hungarian sainfoin formed two yields under spring planting date and one yield under summer planting date. In the second and third years of growth, no significant effect of the planting date on the stages of organogenesis of Hungarian sainfoin was found, where the maturity of the herbage was reached simultaneously. Productivity of Hungarian sainfoin was only conditioned by hydrothermal conditions, where the yield of green mass averaged 45.9—49.6 t/ha with crude protein content of 1.58—1.73 t/ha. At the same time, the highest dry matter yield of 10.25 t/ha and crude protein of 1.73 t/ha was provided by agrophytocenosis when sown on April 12. The productivity index of Hungarian sainfoin in the first year of life was determined, where the highest indicator was obtained during the early spring sowing period (29.04) – 7.85 kg/ha of dry matter per 1 hour of light day, whereas for the recommended summer sowing period was 1.13 kg/ha, or 6.9 times lower. The correlation equation between dry matter output, duration of daylight and the sum of precipitation from full shoots to the beginning of flowering in the first year of life is described. It is found that with increase of precipitation by 1 mm the dry matter output increases by 1.53 % and there is a tendency increase with increasing the length of daylight by 1 minute. Conclusions. It has been established that on gray forest soils of the right-bank Forest-Steppe, over two years of intensive use of the grass stand, regardless of hydrothermal conditions, Hungarian saifoin provided a stable forage productivity when sown in spring. Thus, dry matter yield was 9.38—10.25 t/ha with crude protein content of 1.58—1.73 t/ha. In particular, as for summer planting date, July 20 appeared to be the most effective planting date, which provided dry matter yield of 9.78 t/ha with crude protein content of 1.61 t/ha.

ДОЛГОПЕРИОДНАЯ ИЗМЕНЧИВОСТЬ ГИДРОМЕТЕОРОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ПАРАМЕТРОВ В АКВАТОРИИ КАСПИЙСКОГО МОРЯ. ЧАСТЬ 1: ОПИСАНИЕ ДАННЫХ

NSEP/NCAR reanalysis data for the period of 1948–2017 were used for description of the long-term variability of the hydro-meteorological parameters in the Caspian Sea (surface air temperature, sea surface temperature, wind, relative and specific humidity, precipitation rate, precipitable water). Linear trends and polynomial approximations of these parameters are presented. The latter show the nonlinear nature and periodicity of the parameters’ variability. Three time spans of 10–25 years duration with multidirectional trends of hydrometeorological parameters have been identified. The switch of wind regimes occurred 10–12 years earlier than the change of thermal and humidity regimes, which suggests the leading role of the long-term variations of the large-scale atmospheric forcing in the variability of hydrometeorological parameters in the Caspian Sea.

Activity of Metarhizium brunneum and Beauveria bassiana against early developmental stages of the false codling moth Thaumatotibia leucotreta

This study evaluated the efficacy of two entomopathogenic Hypocrealean fungi, Metarhizium brunneum (laboratory isolate) and Beauveria bassiana (the commercial product Botanigard), for preventative control of the false codling moth, Thaumatotibia leucotreta. The mortality of eggs and first instar larvae was studied in three different assays. First, fungal virulence was examined under optimal laboratory conditions (25 °C, 85% RH) by placing T. leucotreta eggs on conidia-impregnated filter paper. One-day-old eggs and first instar larvae were susceptible to both fungi. In contrast, 5-day-old eggs (advanced embryo development) were susceptible to M. brunneum, but not to B. bassiana. The activity of both fungi against eggs was assessed under two humidity regimes: 85% RH—optimal for fungal germination, and 60% RH—the average humidity in the laboratory. Pieces of parchment paper serving as oviposition surfaces were treated with each of the fungi and introduced to gravid females at different time points after inoculation (0, 2, 7 and 14 days). Although the tested fungal species differed in their virulence to T. leucotreta eggs, both reduced hatching rate under both humidity regimes to 8.3–58.3%, compared to 71.7–83.3% in the control treatments. To evaluate reduction of T. leucotreta infestation of fruit, ‘Ori’ citrus fruit (easy peeler Citrus sinensis) were treated with each of the fungi. Eggs were placed on the fruit peels and the fruit were maintained under room conditions (25 °C, 60% RH). Between 41.7% and 54.1% of fruit in control groups were infested by the T. leucotreta larvae. Treatments with either of the fungi resulted in about 16% infestation of the fruit with larvae, a marked (3.3-fold) reduction.

Heat stress risk in European dairy cattle husbandry under different climate change scenarios – uncertainties and potential impacts

Abstract. In the last decades, a global warming trend was observed. Along with the temperature increase, modifications in the humidity and wind regime amplify the regional and local impacts on livestock husbandry. Direct impacts include the occurrence of climatic stress conditions. In Europe, cows are economically highly relevant and are mainly kept in naturally ventilated buildings that are most susceptible to climate change. The high-yielding cows are particularly vulnerable to heat stress. Modifications in housing management are the main measures taken to improve the ability of livestock to cope with these conditions. Measures are typically taken in direct reaction to uncomfortable conditions instead of in anticipation of a long-term risk for climatic stress. Measures that balance welfare, environmental and economic issues are barely investigated in the context of climate change and are thus almost not available for commercial farms. Quantitative analysis of the climate change impacts on animal welfare and linked economic and environmental factors is rare. Therefore, we used a numerical modeling approach to estimate the future heat stress risk in such dairy cattle husbandry systems. The indoor climate was monitored inside three reference barns in central Europe and the Mediterranean regions. An artificial neuronal network (ANN) was trained to relate the outdoor weather conditions provided by official meteorological weather stations to the measured indoor microclimate. Subsequently, this ANN model was driven by an ensemble of regional climate model projections with three different greenhouse gas concentration scenarios. For the evaluation of the heat stress risk, we considered the number and duration of heat stress events. Based on the changes in the heat stress events, various economic and environmental impacts were estimated. The impacts of the projected increase in heat stress risk varied among the barns due to different locations and designs as well as the anticipated climate change (considering different climate models and future greenhouse gas concentrations). There was an overall increasing trend in number and duration of heat stress events. At the end of the century, the number of annual stress events can be expected to increase by up to 2000, while the average duration of the events increases by up to 22 h compared to the end of the last century. This implies strong impacts on economics, environment and animal welfare and an urgent need for mid-term adaptation strategies. We anticipated that up to one-tenth of all hours of a year, correspondingly one-third of all days, will be classified as critical heat stress conditions. Due to heat stress, milk yield may decrease by about 2.8 % relative to the present European milk yield, and farmers may expect financial losses in the summer season of about 5.4 % of their monthly income. In addition, an increasing demand for emission reduction measures must be expected, as an emission increase of about 16 Gg of ammonia and 0.1 Gg of methane per year can be expected under the anticipated heat stress conditions. The cattle respiration rate increases by up to 60 %, and the standing time may be prolonged by 1 h. This causes health issues and increases the probability of medical treatments. The various impacts imply feedback loops in the climate system which are presently underexplored. Hence, future in-depth studies on the different impacts and adaptation options at different stress levels are highly recommended.

Environment features and protective behavior of chortobionts and dendrobionts species of leaf beetles (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae)

During 19742016, the protective behavior of 14 background species of leaf beetles (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) was studied within the Central and North-Eastern areas of the Samara Region: 7 inhabitants of open areas and 7 dendrobionts. During the 40-year period of the research, fine measurements of the microclimate of the grassland of steppes, meadows, ruderal vegetation and agrocoenoses, as well as forest stands, stakes and forest belts on 18 similar parameters were carried out. The qualitative microclimatic components of the boundaries of motor activity of insects in the environment of their typical habitats are determined; the rhythm and dependence of leaf eaters on the weather conditions of the natural environment are estimated; the types of protective adaptations, series of behavioral manifestations under the action of abiotic and biotic (mainly predators) agents of the environment are elucidated. The modes of the dominant effects on the body the level of illumination, humidity regime, the strength of wind flows are revealed. Adaptations, passive and active motor protective reactions of leaf beetles in response to the action of 3 types of influences are considered. It has been found that for species existing in a certain climatic continuum there is a significant degree of tolerance to environmental factors prevailing in this biotope. In addition to the real protective motor reactions in the active phases of leaf beetles there is a whole system of congenital morphological and physiological adaptations that allow insects to experience many negative environmental influences.

Maternal effect determines drought resistance of eggs in the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis

The ability of an organism to adapt to short-term environmental changes within its lifetime is of fundamental importance. This adaptation may occur through phenotypic plasticity. Insects and mites, in particular, are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, especially during the juvenile stages. We studied the role of phenotypic plasticity in the adaptation of eggs to different relative humidity conditions, in the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis, used worldwide as a biological control agent of the spider mite Tetranychus urticae. The biocontrol efficacy of P. persimilis decreases under dry conditions, partly because P. persimilis eggs are sensitive to drought. We exposed P. persimilis adult females from two different strains to constant and variable humidity regimes and evaluated the hatching rate of their eggs in dry conditions, as well as the survival and oviposition rates of these females. Whereas the eggs laid by P. persimilis females exposed to constant high humidity did not survive in dry conditions, females exposed to constant low humidity started laying drought-resistant eggs after 24 h of exposure. Survival and oviposition rates of the females were affected by humidity: females laid fewer eggs under constant low humidity and had a shorter lifespan under constant high and constant low humidity. The humidity regimes tested had similar effects across the two P. persimilis strains. Our results demonstrate that transgenerational phenotypic plasticity, called maternal effect, allows P. persimilis females to prepare their offspring for dry conditions.

Responses of Rice Growth to Day and Night Temperature and Relative Air Humidity-Dry Matter, Leaf Area, and Partitioning.

Asymmetric changes of day and night temperature have already been observed because of Climate Change. However, knowledge on environmental conditions either during day or night serving as trigger for growth processes is scarce. In this study, one rice (Oryza sativa) variety (IR64) was examined to assess the impact of varying temperatures and relative air humidities during day and night periods on biomass, leaf area, and dry matter partitioning between organs. Three different day and night temperature (30/20 °C, 25/25 °C, 20/30 °C) and relative air humidity (40/90%, 65/65%, 90/40%) regimes were established. The effect of relative air humidity on both plant dry matter and leaf area was larger than the effect of temperature, in particular low humidity had a strong negative impact during the night. With high day temperature, the shoot mass fraction increased, whereas the root mass fraction decreased. Specific leaf area increased at high night temperatures and led, along with the high leaf mass fraction at high night humidities, to higher growth rates. The results emphasize the importance of considering relative air humidity when focusing on plant responses to temperature, and strongly suggest that under asymmetric day and night temperature increases in the future, biomass partitioning rather than biomass itself will be affected.

Landscape and climatic conditions of the depressions of the southwestern part of the Baikal rift zone

The article presents data on continuous monitoring of the characteristics of the climate system with high spatial-temporal resolution. The study area is the Tunkinskaya rift system of depressions, in particular, the Tunkinskaya and the Mondinskaya depressions. Five cross sections characterizing the typical conditions of mountain-depression landscapes of the South Baikal region were selected. At each point of a cross section, a description of the landscape, laying of the soil section, its description, sampling for subsequent laboratory analyses to clarify the genesis and name were carried out. Meteorological parameters were monitored using stand-alone programmable thermographs. It was shown that the influence of individual and contrasting morphometric characteristics of depressions on the climate is reflected in the characteristics of the temperature and humidity regime as a whole, as well as in the features of the cold and warm period. There is a high spatial heterogeneity of temperatures and precipitation with a noticeable gradient between the peripheral and central parts of depressions. It is also shown that the territory is characterized by the high contrast of geological, geomorphological, phytocenotic and soil conditions, which creates a unique landscape diversity both between different depressions and within each depression.

Land Suitability Evaluation of Jati Plus Perhutani: Study Case in Ngawi and Surakarta Forest Management Unit

Soil is one of the land resources that serves as a medium for plant growth, habitat for soil organisms, recycling systems for nutrient and organic matter and water supply mechanism. Soil qualities and characteristics will determine their ability as a land resource that could change at any time. Soil suitability evaluation conducted by soil survey, aimed to assess the characteristics of the soil, determine the limitation factors of land suitability, and alternatives cultivation to improve its productivity. This research aimed to determine land characteristics, land suitability classification, limitation factors of land suitability, and providing strategic directives for JPP teak cultivation on the research location at Ngawi and Surakarta FMU. The result of land evaluations are clay land texture, relief: flat (<3-8%) to mountainous (30-40%). Low soil infiltration rate, high water restrain ability, difficult to cultivate and high run-off potential in slope area. Soil acidity: slightly acid (6.11) to alkaline (7.81), C-organic: low (0.58) to high (3.49), N-Total: very low (0.07) to moderate (0.22), P2O5: very low (3.78) to very high (32,0), K2O: moderate (0.58) to very high (1.40), which were formed from 2,039.71 – 2,072.01 mm year-1 rainfall rate with isohypothermic soil temperature and ustic soil humidity regime. Current Land Suitability on sites is not suitable permanently (N2) due to rooting condition as limiting factor (soil effective depth). The potential land suitability to be improved is disassembling the land mechanically, application of organic substances and soil conservation implementation.

Elucidating key biological parameters of Tuta absoluta on different host plants and under various temperature and relative humidity regimes

Elucidating key biological parameters of Tuta absoluta on different host plants and under various temperature and relative humidity regimes