Implementation Of Conservation Practices Research Articles

How Does Irrigation with Wastewater Affect the Physical Soil Properties and the Root Growth of Sugarcane under Subsurface Drip?

Studies on the development of the root system can provide important information about responses to different management strategies, such as the use of lower quality water, also evaluating the interaction between plants and the physical properties of the soil. This study tested the hypothesis that irrigation with treated sewage effluent (TSE) supplies the water needs of sugarcane plants, increasing root growth and improving the physical properties of the soil. We evaluated the effects of subsurface dripping with TSE or surface reservoir water (SRW) on the root development of first ratoon cane (Saccharum officinarum L.) and the physical properties of dystrophic red latosol. Irrigation treatments were applied at 20 and 40 cm and soil properties were evaluated at soil depth layers of 0–20, 20–40, 40–60, and 60–80 cm. We verified that under irrigation with TSE and SRW, shallower soil layers present better porosity, soil aggregation, and aggregate stability conditions, parameters that improve the root system development and plant growth. On the other hand, deeper soil layers have lower macroporosity and higher total clay volume, indicating the possibility of compaction and greater limitations for sugarcane root growth. These results are important for understanding soil quality and provide significant information for agricultural management and for the implementation of sustainable soil conservation practices. This study shows the efficiency of TSE as an alternative water source for sugarcane crops.

How much do conservation cropping practices mitigate runoff and soil erosion under Western European conditions: A focus on conservation tillage, tied ridging and winter cover crops

AbstractConservation farming practices are known for their capacity to mitigate runoff and erosion, but the magnitude of their effectiveness is highly variable across studies. In order to better understand the contribution of environmental and management factors to their effectiveness, up to 37 studies reporting 271 individual trials were collated for a quantitative review regarding 3 common conservation agriculture‐related practices, at the plot scale and in a Western European context. Two different methods suitable for hierarchically structured data sets were used for the meta‐analyses—hierarchical nonparametric bootstrapping and linear random effects models—, yielding nearly identical average outcomes but differing in terms of confidence intervals. We found that, on average, winter cover crops reduce cumulative seasonal (autumn‐winter) runoff by 68% and soil losses by 72% compared with a bare soil. The occurrence and intensity of stubble tillage on the control plot is a key explanatory variable for the mitigation effect of winter cover crops. In potato crops, tied ridging reduces cumulative seasonal (spring–summer) runoff by a mean of 70% and soil erosion by 92%. Conservation (non‐inversion) tillage techniques alleviate cumulative seasonal overland flow by 27% and associated sediments losses by 66%, but strong evidence of publication bias was detected for this farming practice, probably leading to an overestimation of its effectiveness. These mitigation effects are shown to be much greater for spring crops than for winter crops, and to increase with time since ploughing was stopped. The type of conservation tillage scheme strongly affects the ability to attenuate surface flows. Intensive non‐inversion tillage systems relying on repeated use of (powered) tillage operations appear to be the least effective for reducing both water and sediment losses. The best performing scheme against runoff would be a deep (non‐inversion) tillage (−61%), while against erosion it would be a no‐till system (−82%). Although several explanatory factors were identified, there remains a high (unexplained) variability between trials effect sizes, thus not attributable to pure sampling variability. Meanwhile, this review provides farm advisors or policy makers with guidance on the contexts in which implementation of such conservation practices should be supported so as to maximize expected benefits.

NEEDS ANALYSIS OF DEVELOPING INSTRUCTIONAL TEACHING PLAN IN WATER CONSERVATION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL

This study utilizes a qualitative methodology to explore the development needs of instructional teaching plans to improve knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to water conservation among primary school students. Through semi-structured interviews and drawing analysis, participants are selected from three primary schools in Penang’s north district using purposive sampling. This approach ensures the gathering of detailed and pertinent data by involving four science teachers and five students who offer insights into the instructional requirements and obstacles encountered in teaching water conservation. The primary objective is to grasp the specific needs, perspectives, and learning preferences of both students and teachers. It facilitates the creation of instructional materials that resonate with the target audience, leading to increased engagement and effectiveness. The research is motivated by the critical role of needs analysis in guiding educational content development, underscoring the significance of aligning instructional materials with the distinct demands of the educational setting. By manually analyzing interview data thematically, the study sheds light on issues such as time constraints, resource shortages, student readiness, teaching methodologies, and student needs. Additionally, drawing analysis reveals prevalent misconceptions, indicating a limited understanding of pollution causes/effects and conservation concepts. This investigation adds to educational research and seeks to enhance the implementation and impact of water conservation practices in primary education.

Assessment of the impact of conservation measures by modeling soil loss in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Gullies are significant contributors to soil degradation in several regions of Brazil, including Minas Gerais, where erosion processes have caused soil loss. The characterization of erosion processes is crucial for the application of measures for recovering degraded areas and reducing erosion impacts. This study models soil loss with the use of InVEST software and assesses the impact of three different scenarios, namely (1) implementation of soil conservation practices and replacement of pasture areas for temporary agriculture, (2) reforestation of pasture areas, and (3) preservation of ciliary forests. Soil loss, sediment exportation, retention, and deposition for the present scenario (2019), as well as the three aforementioned hypothetical scenarios, were estimated. In the present scenario, the estimated mean annual soil loss was 2.75 t/ha year, with 1,449.54 t/year sediment exportation, 9,042.13 t/year retention, and 1,449.54 t/year deposition. The model predicted scenario 1 would result in 2.23 t/ha year mean annual soil loss, 1,300.59 t/year sediment exportation, 9,191.08 t/year retention, and 11,755.76 t/year deposition. Scenario 2 showed 1.92 t/ha year mean annual soil loss, 1,046.69 t/year sediment exportation, 9,444.98 t/year retention, and 10,229.77 t/year deposition, whereas the results for scenario 3 were 2.36 t/ha year, 616.65 t/year, 9,862.06 t/year, and 13,206.47 t/year, respectively. Reforestation and preservation of ciliary forests, along with soil conservation practices, were effective measures for reducing soil loss. Such findings are valuable for the management of areas degraded by erosion processes.

Short-Term Contribution of Conservation Practice Implementation to Water Quality Impairments in Small Streams

Voluntary conservation practice adoption is a key strategy to reduce the transport of non-point source pollutants from agricultural lands to downstream ecosystems. This study assessed the short-term (1 year) efficacy of conservation practices to reduce non-point source sediment, nutrient, and fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) transport from working agricultural lands on the Mississippi State University campus, Mississippi State, MS, USA. Water quality was monitored at three treatment sites downstream of the critical resource areas, two of which had paired reference locations. All five sites were monitored for one year pre- and post-conservation practice implementation. Downstream treatment sites generally had higher nutrient and sediment concentrations than upstream reference sites. The results confirmed that the total nitrogen (TN) concentration was reduced post implementation at only the treatment site with the smallest catchment area (p < 0.01). Water quality impairments from FIB were observed across all sites, while treatment locations with livestock presence were found to have significantly elevated staphylococci and E. coli levels following the conservation practice implementation during the winter period. The results of this study showed minimal improvements to TN transport, and in some cases declines in water quality evidenced by increases in FIB, one year after conservation practice implementation. The implementation of conservation practices did not improve the overall water quality to reference levels in the short-term, despite anticipated long-term benefits.

A new window for conservation biogeography

<p>Classic biogeography provides the context for understanding why large-scale patterns of biodiversity occur where they do. However, over the past half century, human activities have greatly changed biogeographic patterns and caused accelerating loss of biodiversity on the earth. In spite of the Launch of Conservation Biogeography a couple of decades ago, there has been no concerted effort to implement conservation practices for regional biodiversity by integrating ecology and evolution over geographical space and time. This paper presents lessons and experiences from biodiversity protection of the Yangtze River, demonstrating an urgent need for biogeography-based solutions that cannot be easily deduced from current conservation biogeography. We aim to open a new window for conservation biogeography by providing a new cross-level paradigm and a new definition, seeking for biogeographic strategies for the long-lasting preservation of regional biodiversity. We believe that this paper makes a concise conceptual advance in conservation biogeography.</p>

Application of Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model for the estimation of soil erosion and prioritization of erosion-prone areas in Majuli Island, Assam, India

Soil erosion is a serious issue, causing loss of agricultural productivity, increase in sediment deposit in the riverbeds, and damage to the ecological balance of the affected areas. Proper assessment of the soil erosion rate is essential for managing natural resources. The present study employs a GIS-based RUSLE (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation) model to estimate annual soil loss in Majuli River Island of Assam, India. Annual average rainfall, soil properties, topographic characteristics, and LULC were taken as inputs to identify the soil erosion susceptible areas. The result revealed that annual soil loss of the study area ranges between 0 to 711 t ha−1 yr−1, with a mean annual soil loss of 23.02 t ha−1 yr−1. The entire region was classified into six soil loss severity classes, around 90 % of the area was found to be very slightly affected (< 5 t ha−1 yr−1) by soil erosion, around 5 % slightly affected (5 – 10 t ha−1 yr−1), roughly 3% moderately affected (10 – 20 t ha−1 yr−1), around 1% moderate high (20 – 40 t ha−1 yr−1), nearly 0.3 % area affected severely (40 -80 t ha−1 yr−1) and very severely affected areas (> 80 t ha−1 yr−1) contributes 0.1 %. A total of six priority levels of conservation were demarcated village-wise; priority level I requires immediate attention, and so on. The research outcome can help effectively implement conservation and management practices to check soil erosion in the study area.

Factores relacionados con la variabilidad espacial del carbono orgánico del suelo en una microcuenca mexicana

Understanding the stocks of Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) and elucidating the variables influencing its spatial distribution within a small watershed are imperative for advancing targeted climate change mitigation strategies, specifically directed toward soil and water conservation. The selection of this watershed is predicated upon its three-decade-long implementation of diverse soil and water conservation practices. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze land use, vegetation cover, slope and soil and water conservation practices (SCWP) as factors that influence the variability and spatial distribution of soil organic carbon in a small basin in the Mixteca Alta region of the state of Oaxaca. Mexico. Soil samples (77) were collected to determine SOC storage. These samples were interpolated using the QGIS Smart-Map plugin to obtain a spatial COS predictive model. Thematic maps were generated for each factor. Areal statistics, Pearson’s correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed to explain COS variability. The results in the variability of SOC with respect to vegetation cover and land use, showed adult pine plantations with the highest value of SOC with 36.8 t.ha-1, followed by seasonal agriculture with 28.8 t.ha-1. The most effective management practice for storing COS was the stone terrace with 35.0 t.ha-1. Our results indicate that vegetation cover and land use complemented by soil and water conservation practices are the main drivers of SOC storage in small watersheds.

Implementation of Conservation Ideas and Practices in Kampus Mengajar Program in Indonesia

Implementation of Conservation Ideas and Practices in Kampus Mengajar Program in Indonesia

Study on the spatial changes in land use and landscape patterns and their effects on ecosystem services in Ghana, West Africa

Changes in land use significantly affect the environment by disrupting the natural landscape patterns. These changes may alter the ecological processes that affect the flow and provision of ecosystem services. In this study, we quantified land-use changes and the effects of landscape patterns on estimated Ecosystem Service Values (ESVs) at spatial and temporal scales in Ghana for four different years: 1995, 2005, 2015, and 2020. Using Fragstats spatial software, we computed landscape metrics to calculate the landscape patterns of the study area. We established a relationship between ecosystem services and landscape patterns by using correlation and regression analyses. The dominant land use in Ghana found in decreasing order were agriculture, forest, and savannah. The proportions covered by settlement and bare land were relatively small. The estimated ESVs for the study periods were US$172.11 billion in 1995, US$166.38 billion in 2005, US$166.07 billion in 2015 and US$166.59 in 2020. The entire decline observed was very significant (US$5.52 billion) because of the huge reduction in wetlands during this period. Linear multiple regression and correlation analyses revealed the relationships between ecosystem services and landscape patterns. According to the regression models, the landscape metrics of landscape composition and configuration had a net effect on the individual ecosystem services. This study provides useful reference material for land use policy makers, managers, and institutions involved in the implementation of policies and conservation practices to enhance the provision of ecosystem services.

Effects of forest management on private lands in West Virginia on Cerulean Warblers (Setophaga cerulea) and the avian community

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) supports private lands conservation projects across the United States to benefit imperiled focal wildlife species using conservation practices to restore habitat. The Cerulean Warbler Appalachian Forestland Enhancement Project (CWAFEP) was initiated in 2015 to help stabilize or reverse Cerulean Warbler population declines by using forest management to create or enhance breeding habitat on private lands in Appalachian focal areas. We evaluated Cerulean Warbler occupancy on CWAFEP sites treated using NRCS conservation practices to inform adaptive management strategies. We also assessed associated forest focal species’ occupancy and species richness of avian guilds to evaluate the effects of conservation practice implementation on the avian community. We conducted point count surveys at 194 locations on 21 private properties enrolled in the CWAFEP in West Virginia during May – July 2019 and 2020. We compared occupancy among four treatments: reference, pre-treatment, 1-year post-treatment, and 2 – 4 years post-treatment sites. To examine how vegetation structure changes among treatments affected occupancy, we also collected and included vegetation variables. Cerulean Warbler occupancy estimates were not different among treatments, suggesting that post-treatment study sites surveyed did not achieve their goal of increasing Cerulean Warbler occupancy. Cerulean Warbler occupancy decreased by 91 % as elevation increased from 200 to 800 m and increased by 397 % as sapling cover increased from 0 to 100 %. Occupancy for three forest focal species (Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Wood-pewee, and Scarlet Tanager) and species richness of four avian guilds also were not different among treatments. Thus, Cerulean Warbler occupancy and selected avian community demographics were not related to recent conservation practice implementation in the short-term (1 – 4 years post-treatment), but there are opportunities to improve NRCS conservation practice implementation for more effective Cerulean Warbler conservation. We suspect that the lack of differences in occupancy and species richness estimates was due to site selection related to ecoregion, small treatment areas, and challenges associated with private lands conservation efforts resulting in insufficient reduction in basal area. If NRCS conservation practices implemented through CWAFEP are going to help reverse Cerulean Warbler population declines, CWAFEP sites need to achieve the recommended basal area range of ∼ 9.2 – 20.7 m 2/ha (40 – 90 ft2/ac) during contract implementation. Our conclusions are critical to updating our knowledge for Cerulean Warbler best management practices and informing future regional conservation implementation.

Soil health, microbial communities, and annual ryegrass yield under contrasting management practices

AbstractBiological indicators are often used to evaluate the effect of management practices on soil health. However, determining which indicators can detect changes in soil health after implementation of conservation practices and how these indicators relate to plant growth in grass seed production systems remains unclear. The goal of this study was to explore the relationships between management practice history, soil health metrics, plant growth, and soil microbial communities in annual ryegrass grown under greenhouse conditions. Soils were collected from 12 annual ryegrass [Lolium multiflorum (L.) Husnot] fields managed under conventional (till/bale) or conservation (no‐till/full straw) management practices, with three silt loams and three silty clay loams collected for each practice. Annual ryegrass was grown for 5 months on each of the 12 soils in a greenhouse. Soils with a history of conservation management improved the majority of the carbon cycling‐related metrics for the silt loam soils. Management practices had no effect on seed yield, however, conservation management significantly improved aboveground biomass in silty clay loam soils. Contrasting management practices resulted in distinct microbial communities, making them sensitive indicators of changes in soil conditions. Soil health and plant metrics were positively associated with the microbial communities in soils under conservation management. Total C and organic matter were positively correlated to plant parameters in silt loams, while few indicators were correlated to plant metrics in silty clay loams. These results highlight the complex interplay between microbial communities, soil health, and plant growth and the importance of considering inherent soil properties like texture.

Adoption of Energy Conservation Practices and their Effects on the Performance of Kenyan Lodges and Camps

Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess energy conservation practices implemented by lodges and camps in Kenya and to determine their effect on performance of Kenyan lodges and camps. 
 Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive correlation research design where data was collected from 294 lodge and camp managers in Kenya using self-administered questionnaires. Sample selection was through multistage sampling technique consisting of stratification, proportionate and simple random sampling. The data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics and linear regression analysis in SPSS. 
 Findings: Lodges and camps in Kenya mainly implemented energy conservation practices related to daylighting (M = 4.06, SD =.88) and use of renewable sources of energy (M = 4.02, SD =.87). Further results indicate that energy conservation practices (F [1, 292] = 124.76, p < .001, R2 = .30) significantly effected performance of Kenyan lodges and camps (β = .55, t = 11.17, p < .01). the findings imply that energy conservation practices accounts for 30% of the variation in performance of Kenyan lodges and camps.
 Recommendations: The current study makes theoretical and empirical contributions to eco-friendly practices and the performance of lodging facilities by providing insights into implementation of energy conservation practices, which seems to be lacking in the Kenyan context. As a result, the study recommends that lodging facilities should focus on implementing energy conservation practices, such as use of renewable sources of energy and installation of energy efficient systems in order to achieve positive performance ratings by stakeholders in the industry.

Assessing sustainable management practices of expert-introduced physical soil and water conservation measures

Soil erosion is a significant environmental and socio-economic concern. Soil and water conservation methods, guided by experts, have been developed and implemented through various channels such as government initiatives, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and public campaigns. These efforts aim to mitigate the adverse effects of erosion. The effective maintenance of soil and water conservation measures by farmers is of paramount importance in ensuring the sustainable utilization of such measures over an extended period of time. The objective of this study was to evaluate the attitude of farmers and their implementation of sustainable management techniques regarding physical soil and water conservation measures provided by experts. Field data were obtained through the process of conducting interviews with a total of 92 households residing within a watershed that is predominantly engaged in agricultural activities. To enhance and organize home responses, the research team included key informant interviews and focus group discussions. The results of the study indicated that a significant majority of farmers (97.8%) held the perception that soil erosion was a prevailing issue. The causes of erosion were identified as frequently cultivation (21.3%), inadequate implementation of physical soil and water conservation practices (19.6%), excessive precipitation (17.9%), degradation of conservation structures (16.7%), unregulated grazing (15.3%), and deforestation (9.2%). Indigenous conservation strategies, such as the utilization of traditional diversion ditches, as well as the adoption of introduced soil and water conservation techniques like Fanya juu and soil bunds, were employed with the aim of mitigating the adverse effects of erosion. While a majority of farmers, specifically 65.2%, have adopted the improved conservation measures on their agricultural land, it is noteworthy that a significant proportion, approximately 79.3%, have not adequately maintained or repaired these imposed conservation measures. The majority of the cropland has seen substantial damage to the designed measures as a result of inadequate upkeep. The scarcity of labor and insufficient knowledge and skills provide significant constraints for farmers in effectively implementing designed conservation measures. Nevertheless, it seems that farmers are not inclined to invest their labor and financial resources in order to maintain the introduced structures, as they are mostly established through public campaigns or government/NGO incentives. Hence, it is imperative for the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to allocate resources towards the promotion of awareness, policy execution, and other pertinent matters that support the long-term viability of the introduced conservation measures.

Soil Erosion Estimation of Kunthippuzha Watershed Using GIS and RUSLE Model

Soil erosion is an environmental crisis in the world today that threatens the natural environment and also agriculture. Erosion removes the top fertile soil, degrades soil fertility, water quality and soil productivity. The soil erosion risk assessment is helpful for land evaluation in the regions where soil erosion is a major threat for sustainable agriculture. Modelling can provide a quantitative and consistent approach to estimate soil erosion and sediment yield under a wide range of conditions. The soil erosion and erosion prone areas in the Kunthippuzha sub-watershed of Bharathapuzha river basin, Kerala, India was estimated using RUSLE. The study area is having a drainage area of 950 km2 up to the gauging station. The estimation was done for 1990 to 2021. The estimated rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, Slope length and slope steepness factor and crop management factors range from 929.36 and 980.38 MJ mm ha-1 h-1 yr-1, 0.01387 to 0.0385 t ha h ha−1 MJ−1 mm−1, 0 to 9.77 and 0.057796 to 1.0999. The results indicate that the estimated total annual potential soil loss of about 842175 t/y is comparable with the measured sediment of 845500 t/yr during the years 1990-2021. The soil erosion rate categorized into six classes based on the erosion severity, the major portion (60%) of the study area comes under very slight erosion zone and only a small portion (14%) comes under severe and very severe erosion zone. Result suggests the area of the north-eastern part suffers from a high soil erosion risk due to steep slope. The results can certainly aid in implementation of soil management and conservation practices to reduce the soil erosion in the Kunthippuzha sub-watershed.

Insights into agroecological farming practice implementation by conservation-minded farmers in North America

IntroductionThe transformation of our food system towards a more resilient agroecological framework is one of the most pressing needs faced by our global community. Understanding the use of multiple conservation practices is important in the development of research, education, and policy to accelerate their more widespread integration of into farming systems.MethodsThe aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary investigation of the trends regarding multiple practice adoption of conservation farming practices by conventional and organic farmers engaging with sustainable farming methods. Forty farmers were interviewed regarding their use of conservation practices, as well as their motivations, barriers, and future plans for new implementation and expansion of current practices.ResultsFarmers spontaneously identified cover crops and vegetation strips as the most frequently used conservation practices; however, upon more specific inquiry, we found that more than 50% of farmers used additional agroecological conservation practices including local crop varieties, intercropping, managed grazing, crop rotations, and no-till, with many farmers using multiple practices. Overall, we found no correlation of organic certification with the number of conservation practices implemented by farmers. The major motivations towards the adoption of practices included improved soil quality and profitability. Main identified barriers included financial means and risk, lack of knowledge, and access to resources. Farmers showed interest in further implementation of additional conservation practices, including expanded use of cover crops, tree plantings, and no-till practices.DiscussionFurther understanding complementarities, as well as differences in barriers and motivations, can contribute to the design of effective education strategies and financial incentives to promote the simultaneous implementation of agroecological conservation practices.

Assessment of Soil Erosion by RUSLE Model using remote sensing and QGIS: A Case Study on Sina River Basin

Soil erosion is a significant environmental problem that affects river basins globally, leading to the loss of fertile topsoil, degradation of agricultural lands, and water pollution. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model is commonly used to assess soil erosion by considering various factors such as rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, slope length and steepness, vegetation cover, and conservation practices. To obtain the necessary data for accurate predictions, remote sensing techniques and Quantum Geographic Information Systems (QGIS), specifically QGIS software, are utilized. The objectives of this research are to determine to estimate soil loss using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model for the Sina River watershed using QGIS. This research paper focuses on assessing soil erosion in the Sina River Basin located in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India, using the RUSLE model and QGIS, having a drainage area of 12,372 km2 . The parameters of the RUSLE model were estimated using remote sensing data and the erosion was determined using QGIS. The estimated rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, topographic and crop management factors range from 83 to 84 MJ/mm·ha−1hr−1/year, 0 to 0.25t ha−1·MJ−1·mm−and 0 to 957.083, 0 to 0.19 respectively. The results indicate that the estimated total annual potential soil loss of about 14.37 t/yr. The predicted soil erosion rate due to the increase in a barren area is about 9.76 t/yr. The results can certainly aid in the implementation of soil management and conservation practices to reduce soil erosion in the Sina River Basin.

Herpetofauna of Piuaí state, northeastern Brazil

Piauí State houses a relevant biological diversity, but, simultaneously, its growing economy has sped up the use of natural resources in the region, oftentimes in an unorganized way, a fact that affects amphibians and reptiles’ diversity. Knowledge on local fauna provides subsidies to elaborate strategies aimed at implementing conservation practices. Accordingly, the aim of the present study is to screen the herpetofauna of Piauí State to help better understanding the composition and richness of species registered in previously developed scientific studies. In order to do so, a systematic review was carried out; it included the largest number possible of publications about the distribution of amphibian and reptile species in the state. In total, 181 species (60 amphibian and 121 reptile species) were recorded in 73 scientific studies developed in 38 of the 224 municipalities of Piauí State - Parnaíba, Ilha Grande and Piracuruca were the municipalities recording the largest number of publications. Most herpetofauna known in Piauí State is distributed in conservation units (CU). Seven species in these units are endangered, namely: Amphisbaena frontalis, Caretta caretta, Chelonia mydas, Eretmochelys imbricate, Lepidochelys olivacea, Dermochelys coriácea and Trachemys adiutrix. This finding reinforces the need of actions to conserve and preserve the state’s herpetofauna.

Substantially Enhanced Landscape Carbon Sink Due To Reduced Terrestrial‐Aquatic Carbon Transfer Through Soil Conservation in the Chinese Loess Plateau

AbstractSoil conservation is of global importance, as accelerated soil erosion by human activity is a primary threat to ecosystem viability. However, the significance and role of soil conservation in reshaping landscape carbon (C) accounting has not been comprehensively integrated in the terrestrial C sink. Here, we present the first integrated assessment of the modified terrestrial C sink and aquatic C transport due to soil conservation for the semiarid Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP), the world's most vulnerable region to soil erosion. We show a surprisingly low terrestrial‐aquatic C transfer that offset the terrestrial net ecosystem productivity by only 7.5%, which we attribute to the effective implementation of soil conservation practices. Despite the highest soil erosion, the semiarid CLP acts as effective C sink at 43.2 ± 22.6 g C m−2 year−1, which is comparable to temperate forest in absorbing atmospheric CO2. Moreover, C burial in reservoirs has created an additional anthropogenic C sink of 2.9 ± 1.1 g C m−2 year−1. Our findings indicate that effective soil conservation can significantly increase landscape C sequestration capacity. The co‐benefits of soil conservation in erosion control and C sequestration have important implications for policy makers in other regions undergoing increasing erosion intensity to pursue environmental sustainability.

Simulated Ecosystem and Farm-Level Economic Impacts of Conservation Tillage in a Northeastern Iowa County

While the ecological benefits of no-till are largely indisputable, the economic impacts are less certain, and the latter may be partly to blame for lower-than-expected adoption of no-till. In this study, we contribute to a better understanding of the ecosystem and farm-level economic impacts of no-till, with Buchanan County in the northeastern region of the U.S. State of Iowa as the backdrop due to previously established data and model validation efforts in that region. Using the Agricultural Policy Environmental eXtender (APEX) and Farm Economic Model (FEM), we simulated two tillage scenarios—a conservation tillage baseline and no-till—for continuous corn and corn–soybean rotations in Buchanan County using gridded historical climate data. We find that no-till provides clear ecosystem benefits, except that soluble nutrient losses might actually rise. We also find that under current commodity prices for corn and soybeans, no-till is not as profitable as the conservation tillage baseline. For no-till to be at least as profitable as the baseline under current commodity prices, the yield penalty associated with no-till cannot be higher than 1.5% for corn and 0.8% for soybeans, or similar combinations that entail a revenue penalty of about $24,000 for an 809-hectare continuous corn or corn–soybean operation. Given the simulated yield penalties associated with no-till, corn and soybean prices would have to be substantially lower in order for no-till to break even. Consequently, incentives for conservation practice implementation may need to be tied to commodity prices and yield penalties in order to elicit greater adoption rates.