Post-harvest Seasons Research Articles

Eicosane: An antifungal compound derived from Streptomyces sp. KF15 exhibits inhibitory potential against major phytopathogenic fungi of crops

In the present scenario, food security is of major concern due to exponentially increasing population and depleted crop production. The fungal diseases have contributed majorly to the scarcity of staple food products and economic loss worldwide. This problem could be tackled by preventing the crop loss during both pre and post-harvest seasons. During the current investigation, the bioactive compound eicosane was extracted from Streptomyces sp. KF15, subjected to purification and identified based on mass spectrometry and NMR analysis. The evaluation of in-vitro antifungal activity was done by poisoned food method, SEM analysis and growth pattern analysis. The bioactive compound eicosane with molecular weight of 282.5475 g/mol was purified by column chromatography and the straight chain hydrocarbon structure of CH3CH2(18)CH3 was elucidated by NMR analysis. In poisoned food assay, eicosane effectively inhibited the radial growth of all tested fungal pathogens; F. oxysporum was found to be the most sensitive with 24.2%, 33.3%, 42.4%, and 63.6% inhibition at 25–100 μg/ml concentrations. The SEM micrograph established clear differences in the morphology of eicosane treated fungi with damaged hyphae, flaccid mycelium and collapsed spores as compared to the tubular, turgid and entire fungi in control sample. Finally, the growth curve assay depicted the right side shift in the pattern of eicosane treated fungi indicating the delay in adapting to the conditions of growth and multiplication. The findings of this study encourage further research and development towards the novel antifungal drugs that can act against major phytopathogens.

Influence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids on the colour and antioxidant activity of Melipona beecheii honey from deciduous forest of Yucatan, Mexico

The Melipona beecheii honey has bioactive compounds with high antioxidant activity that influence its colour. This research evaluated the influence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids on the colour and antioxidant activity of M. beecheii honeys. Forty-three honey samples from different site located in the low deciduous forest of Yucatan, Mexico, were extracted during the harvest and post-harvest seasons (2020 – 2021). The Pfund method was used to measure colour, Folin-Ciocalteu method for phenols measurement, aluminum chloride method for flavonoids determination, and ABTS and DPPH IC50 assay to determine antioxidants. The predominant colour of the honey was extra light amber and light amber at both seasons. Phenols ranged from 780 to 1317 mg/kg GAE; flavonoids from 36 to 55 mg/kg CE and antioxidant were 675 to 1161 µmol/kg TEAC by the ABTS and 361.8 to 173.0 mg/mL by the DPPH IC50. Phenols and flavonoids were correlated with colour and radical scavenging activity, indicating the influence of these compounds with the darker colour and higher antioxidant activity of honey. The statistically significant difference (P<0.05) between seasons could be associated with the botanical origin with great diversity of melliferous flora present in the low deciduous forest of the Yucatan Peninsula.
 
 Keywords: Antioxidant; colour; flavonoids; honey; Melipona beecheii.

Polyphenol galangin induces the ROS and ER stress-mediated intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways towards human colon carcinoma HCT-116 cells

The Melipona beecheii honey has bioactive compounds with high antioxidant activity that influence its colour. This research evaluated the influence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids on the colour and antioxidant activity of M. beecheii honeys. Forty-three honey samples from different site located in the low deciduous forest of Yucatan, Mexico, were extracted during the harvest and post-harvest seasons (2020 – 2021). The Pfund method was used to measure colour, Folin-Ciocalteu method for phenols measurement, aluminum chloride method for flavonoids determination, and ABTS and DPPH IC50 assay to determine antioxidants. The predominant colour of the honey was extra light amber and light amber at both seasons. Phenols ranged from 780 to 1317 mg/kg GAE; flavonoids from 36 to 55 mg/kg CE and antioxidant were 675 to 1161 µmol/kg TEAC by the ABTS and 361.8 to 173.0 mg/mL by the DPPH IC50. Phenols and flavonoids were correlated with colour and radical scavenging activity, indicating the influence of these compounds with the darker colour and higher antioxidant activity of honey. The statistically significant difference (P<0.05) between seasons could be associated with the botanical origin with great diversity of melliferous flora present in the low deciduous forest of the Yucatan Peninsula.
 Keywords: Antioxidant; colour; flavonoids; honey; Melipona beecheii.

The seasonality of nutrition status in Shawi Indigenous children in the Peruvian Amazon

Research on the impact of seasonal and climatic variability on childhood nutritional status in the Amazon is limited. We examined how the nutritional status of Shawi children under five years changed seasonally and explored parental participation in food system activities (fishing, livestock, agriculture, hunting) as a potential influence. Using a community-based research approach with Indigenous Shawi Peoples, we conducted cross-sectional surveys in pre-harvest (July-August 2014) and post-harvest (November-December 2015) seasons. Sociodemographic data, parental participation, weight, height, and hemoglobin concentration were collected for childhood nutritional assessment. We employed bivariable linear regression to analyze associations between seasonal variations in children’s nutrition and parental food system engagement. The study took place across eleven Indigenous Shawi communities in Loreto, Peruvian Amazon. In total, 74 Shawi children and their parents were analyzed. Results indicated a decrease in childhood wasting (4.9% to 0.0%) and persistent anemia (66.2% to 66.2%), while stunting increased (39.2% to 41.9%) from pre-harvest to post-harvest. Parental participation in food activities varied seasonally, but its impact on childhood nutritional status was not statistically significant. Our findings highlight significant levels of undernutrition in Indigenous Shawi children, with slight seasonal variation. Future interventions must consider seasonal dynamics, and further exploration of parental roles in children’s diets is warranted.

Cover Crop Yield, Nutrient Storage and Release under Different Cropping Technologies in the Sustainable Agrosystems.

Due to short post-harvest seasons, it is not always possible to grow worthy cover crops (CCs). This research aims to clarify the impact of undersown red clover (Trifolium pratense L., RC) and post-sown white mustard (Sinapis alba L., WM) management on their biomass, accumulated nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) content and the nutrient release to subsequent main crops. During the study period, RC mass yields varied from 220 to 6590 kg ha-1 DM and those of WM from 210 to 5119 kg ha-1 DM. WM shoot biomass increased with the increase in rainfall in August and the average daily temperature of the post-harvest period. CC productivity and efficiency were higher when growing short-season spring barley than winter wheat. In the warm and rainy post-harvest period, undersown WM after winter wheat increased the biomass by 34.1% compared to post-harvest sowing. The application of straw (+N) increased the accumulation of nutrients in WM biomass. The intensive fertilization of the main crop had a negative effect on RC yield and NPK accumulation. RC shoot biomass was characterized by a higher N content and WM by a higher P concentration. Well-developed CCs could reduce soil mineral nitrogen content by 28.5-58.8% compared to a plot without CCs. Nutrient transfer to spring barley was dependent on the N content of CC biomass and the carbon and nitrogen ratio (C:N < 20). We conclude that CC growth and efficiency were enhanced by the investigated measures, and in interaction with meteorological conditions.

Marked rebound of agricultural fire emissions in Asia after the outbreak of COVID-19

East and South Asia are major hotspots of crop straw burning worldwide, with profound impacts on air quality and climate change. The Northeast China Plain (NECP) and Punjab, India, are two of the most fertile areas for crop production, which have large-scale agricultural fires during post-harvest seasons. Leveraging established fire-emission databases and satellite-retrieved agricultural fire spots, we show that, while the years 2018 and 2019 recorded low agricultural fire emissions in both the NECP and Punjab, probably due to the implementation of crop straw sustainable management, fire emissions markedly rebounded in 2020, reaching about 190% and 150% of 2019 levels, respectively. The COVID-19 lockdown measures somewhat disrupted eco-friendly crop straw management through restrictions on labor and transportation availability, such that farmers may have had to burn off crop wastes to clear up the land. We further demonstrate that the increased fire emissions in the NECP resulted in serious particulate matter pollution during the fire season in spring 2020, as opposed to considerable decreases in particles from fossil fuel emissions caused by the COVID-19 lockdown. This study suggests the unintended impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the agricultural sector and human health.

Dietary Diversity of Women across Agricultural Seasons in the Kapchorwa District, Uganda: Results from a Cohort Study.

Small-holder farm households in developing countries mainly depend on rain-fed agriculture activities, thus seasonality affects eating habits and contributes to micronutrient deficiencies. This study assessed women’s dietary diversity score (WDDS) across three agricultural seasons in the Kapchorwa District, Uganda. In each season, 445 women with under five-year-old children from small-holder farm households were interviewed on socio-demographic characteristics as well as dietary practices between May 2016 and January 2017. Linear regression models estimated differences in WDDS across seasons. The mean WDDS at the lean, harvest and post-harvest seasons was 4.33 ± 1.21, 4.63 ± 1.30 and 4.36 ± 1.21, respectively. Mean WDDS was higher in urban regions across all seasons. Women in urban regions generated more income through off-farm activities, had better access to markets and consumed significantly more ‘meat, poultry and fish’ (p < 0.001), dairy products (p < 0.05), ‘vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables’ (p < 0.001) and ‘other vegetables’ (p < 0.001) during the lean season, whilst rural women ate more dark green leafy vegetables (p < 0.001) during the same period. Poorer households in the rural setting were more likely to be affected by seasonally limited food availability and accessibility. Hence, strengthening the linkages between market participation, agricultural activities, improved food storage and preservation techniques and dietary intake is recommended.

Seasonal Variations in Dietary Diversity and Nutrient Intakes of Women and Their Children (6–23 Months) in Western Kenya

Seasonal variations in food availability and access contributes to inadequate nutrient intakes, particularly in low income countries. This study assessed the effect of seasonality on dietary diversity (DD) and nutrient intakes of women and children aged 6–23 months in a rural setting in Western Kenya. A longitudinal study was conducted among 426 mother-child pairs during the harvest and post-harvest seasons in 2012. Dietary intakes were assessed using 24-h dietary recalls and dietary diversity scores (DDS) and nutrient intakes calculated for both seasons. Effect of seasonality on women dietary diversity scores (WDDS) and children's dietary diversity scores (CDDS) were assessed using generalised linear mixed models (GLMM). The proportion of women consuming diets with high DDS (>4 out of 9 food groups) increased from 36.4 to 52.4% between the two seasons, with mean WDDS being significantly higher in November compared to July/August (4.62 ± 1.43 vs. 4.16 ± 1.14, P < 0.001). A significantly higher proportion of children consumed foods from ≥4 out of 7 food groups in November compared to July/August (62.4 vs. 52.6%, P = 0.004). Mean CDDS (3.91 vs. 3.61, P = 0.004) was low but significantly higher in November compared to July/August. Estimated marginal mean WDDS increased from 4.17 to 4.38, and decreased for CDDS from 3.73 to 3.60 between the seasons. Seasonality had a small but significant effect on WDDS, P = 0.008 but not on CDDS, P = 0.293. Increase in CDDS in November was due to age and not seasonal effect. Higher women education and household food security were associated with higher WDDS and CDDS. Intakes of iron, calcium and vitamin E were higher among women in November and significantly different between the seasons. Agro-ecological zone, ethnic group and home gardening influenced nutrient intakes of the women. Seasonality had an effect on the DD of women but not of children, thus other factors apart from food availability influence the quality of children's diets during the complementary feeding period. With increasing age and transition to family foods, children's DD is expected to be affected by seasonality. Integrated interventions to alleviate seasonal food insecurity and strengthen rural households' resilience against seasonal deterioration in diet quality are recommended.

Exposure to aflatoxins and fumonisins and linear growth of children in rural Ethiopia: a longitudinal study.

We hypothesise that exposure to aflatoxins and fumonisins, measured in serum, alters protein synthesis, reducing serum protein and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), increasing inflammation and infection, leading to child's linear growth failure. Children 6-35 months, stratified by baseline stunting, were subsampled from an intervention trial on quality protein maize consumption and evaluated at two time-points. Blood samples and anthropometric data were collected in the pre-harvest (August-September 2015) and post-harvest (February 2016) seasons in rural Ethiopia. 102 children (50 stunted and 52 non-stunted). Proportions of children exposed to aflatoxin G1, aflatoxin G2 and aflatoxin M1 were higher in the pre-harvest (8, 33 and 7, respectively) compared to post-harvest season (4, 28 and 4, respectively). The proportion of children exposed to any aflatoxin was higher in the pre-harvest than post-harvest season (51 % v. 41 %). Fumonisin exposure ranged from 0 % to 11 %. In joint statistical tests, aflatoxin exposure was associated with serum biomarkers of inflammation (C-reactive protein, α-1-glycoprotein) and protein status (transthyretin, lysine, tryptophan), IGF-1 and linear growth (all P < 0·01). However, exposure to specific aflatoxins was not significantly associated with any biomarkers or outcomes (all P > 0·05). Aflatoxin exposure among rural Ethiopian children was high, with large variation between seasons and individual aflatoxins. Fumonisin exposure was low. There was no clear association between aflatoxin exposure and protein status, inflammation or linear growth. A larger study may be needed to examine the potential biological interactions, and the assessment of aflatoxins in food is needed to determine sources of high exposure.

Household food insecurity and hunger in Babile district, Ethiopia

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine household food gap and food insecurity in Eastern Ethiopia. Differences in food gap and food insecurity were also examined in terms of gender of the household head and location.Design/methodology/approachA combination of quantitative and qualitative methods such as household survey, key informant interview and focused group discussion were utilized for this study. Households were drawn randomly from the study area.FindingsIn terms of food availability, more than half of the households experienced a food gap during the year, especially during the months of July and August. In terms of gender, female-headed households had more months of food shortage compared to their male counterparts. This disparity was also reflected in poorer food access among female-headed households as shown by the higher HFIAS. Differences in food insecurity were obtained in terms of gender of the household head and location. Livestock ownership, cereal crop production, extension contact and household size significantly influenced household food access.Research limitations/implicationsFindings are valid only for low-land agroecologiesOriginality/valueThis study contributes to the existing literature by examining household food gap and food insecurity using a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods. It adds value in examining disparities between male-headed and female-headed households. Literature related to seasonal household food insecurity is limited in Ethiopia. This study contributes in this regard by examining seasonal food insecurity between post-harvest and pre-harvest seasons.

Seasonal variations in export of antibiotic resistance genes and bacteria in runoff from an agricultural watershed in Iowa

Seasonal variations of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) indicators in runoff water can help improve our understanding of AMR sources and transport within an agricultural watershed. This study aimed to monitor multiple areas throughout the Black Hawk Lake (BHL) watershed (5324 ha) in central Iowa during 2017 and 2018 that consists of both swine and cattle feeding operations as well as known areas with manure application. The measured indicators included plate counts for fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) E. coli, Enterococcus, antibiotic resistant fecal indicator bacteria (ARBs) tylosin resistant Enterococcus, tetracycline resistant Enterococcus, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs): ermB, ermF (macrolide), tetA, tetM, tetO, tetW (tetracycline), sul1, sul2 (sulfonamide), aadA2 (aminoglycoside), vgaA, and vgaB (pleuromutilin). Both the plate count and the ARG analyses showed seasonal trends. Plate counts were significantly greater during the growing season, while the ARGs were greater in the pre-planting and post-harvest seasons (Wilcoxon Rank-Sum Test p < 0.05). The ermB gene concentration was significantly correlated (p < 0.05) with E. coli and Enterococcus concentrations in 2017, suggesting a potential use of this ARG as an indicator of environmental AMR and human health risk. Flow rate was not a significant contributor to annual variations in bacteria and AMR indicators. Based on observed seasonal patterns, we concluded that manure application was the likely contributor to elevated ARG indicators observed in the BHL watershed, while the driver of elevated ARB indictors in the growing season can only be speculated. Understanding AMR export patterns in agricultural watersheds provides public health officials knowledge of seasonal periods of higher AMR load to recreational waters.

The contribution of agriculture to household dietary diversity: evidence from smallholders in East Hararghe, Ethiopia

This study explores the impact of agriculture production on food consumption amongst rural households in Babille district, East Hararghe, Ethiopia. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods was used to analyse information on production, consumption and income in two consecutive seasons. Diets in the area are dominated by cereals, while consumption of high-value foods such as meat, eggs, fruits, vitamin A-rich vegetables and dark green leafy vegetables was found to be extremely limited, indicating a risk of nutrient deficiencies. Food consumption was assessed in terms of dietary diversity and frequency of consumption, expressed in terms of the household Food Consumption Score (FCS). Important differences were found between households in the same area, and between pre-harvest and post-harvest seasons. Households with adequate food consumption tended to produce greater numbers of crops, own more livestock and earn more cash income compared to households in lower food consumption categories. Nutritionally important foods such as groundnut, eggs and fruit tend to be sold via local markets, and production of a particular food type was no guarantee that household would consume that food. Households depend heavily on the market to supplement their own food production, with most household expenditure going towards the purchase of cereals. Regression analysis indicated that food consumption is positively associated with agriculture output, but also with other factors such as size of landholding and farm income. The paper concludes with recommendations for improving the dietary outcomes for farm households in developing areas such as Babille, including a reconsideration of the balance between consumption and sale of agricultural outputs, and the need for more, and better targeted, agricultural support services.

An Occupational Heat Stress and Hydration Assessment of Agricultural Workers in North Mexico.

Expanding agribusiness in Northern Mexico has increased demand for workers from Southern Mexico, with hundreds of thousands migrating for work annually. Extreme temperatures, physical labor, and low fluid consumption place workers at risk for heat strain and dehydration, commonly underreported hazards in the agricultural industry. The objectives of this pilot study were to assess heat exposure and hydration status of a population of migratory agricultural workers in Northern Mexico throughout the grape harvest season. In addition to demographic information, environmental conditions, hydration status, and core body temperatures were collected. The majority listed Chiapas as their home state, nearly half spoke an Indigenous language, and none had completed high school. The wet-bulb globe temperature was significantly higher during the harvest and post-harvest seasons compared to the pre-harvest season. Across the different seasons, the majority were dehydrated post-shift, and mean core body temperature of workers was not significantly different. This project highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve hydration and prevent heat stress in this region. As the number of warm days is expected to rise each year worldwide, it will be increasingly important to engage in practices to protect vulnerable populations, such as migratory agriculture workers.

Responses of boreal ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) to different logging regimes during ten years of secondary succession

Many biological responses may develop over long periods of time, and annual community variation should therefore be controlled in ecological research. We sampled carabid beetles over ten years in Norway spruce dominated forests in Southern Finland, harvested using replicated logging treatments of different intensities. We collected carabids in 1995 (prior to logging) and during four post-harvest seasons, 1996-98 and in 2006. The treatments were clear-cutting (no retained trees), modified clear-cutting (retention of three groups of 20-30 trees within one-hectare core) and gap cutting (three 0.16-ha openings within a one-hectare core), and control (mature unharvested forest). Carabids showed remarkable annual and regional variation at assemblage, ecological-group and species levels, such that was independent of treatments. The total species richness, and that of open-habitat carabids, were higher in cleared sites of all treatments than in control stands in 1997-1998 but not in 2006, suggesting that the logging response was ephemeral by many species. The abundances of forest and generalist carabids were little affected by logging. Open-habitat carabids were more abundant in clear-cuts and modified clear-cuts than in gap cuts, which was still detectable in 2006, suggesting a long-term effect. Open-habitat carabids were less abundant in retention sites of modified clear-cuts and gap cuts than in cleared sites, suggesting that retention attenuates assemblage change. Carabid assemblages of logged stands did not differ from control stands in 1996 but they did in 1997-1998, suggesting a one-year delay in logging response. Carabids showed remarkable annual and regional variation at assemblage, ecological-group and species levels, such that was independent of treatments. The total species richness, and that of open-habitat carabids, were higher in cleared sites of all treatments than in control stands in 1997-1998 but not in 2006, suggesting that the logging response was ephemeral by many species. The abundances of forest and generalist carabids were little affected by logging. Open-habitat carabids were more abundant in clear-cuts and modified clear-cuts than in gap cuts, which was still detectable in 2006, suggesting a long-term effect. Open-habitat carabids were less abundant in retention sites of modified clear-cuts and gap cuts than in cleared sites, suggesting that retention attenuates assemblage change. Carabid assemblages of logged stands did not differ from control stands in 1996 but they did in 1997-1998, suggesting a one-year delay in logging response. In 2006, logged and control stands hosted relatively similar assemblages which, together with the above results, suggests a partial faunal recovery. We conclude that even modest retention provides long-term support for forest carabids, but also that their full assemblage recovery takes longer than 10 years.

Seasonal variations in household food insecurity and dietary diversity and their association with maternal and child nutritional status in rural Ethiopia

Food availability and access are strongly affected by seasonality in rural households in Ethiopia. However, relationships between household food insecurity indicators and dietary diversity and nutritional status of reproductive age mothers and their young children are unclear. A longitudinal study was conducted among 800 farming households in lowland and midland agro-ecological zones of rural Ethiopia in pre and post-harvest seasons. A structured interview, which included measures of three food access indicators − household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS), household dietary diversity score (HDDS) and household food consumption score (HFCS) − was conducted. Additionally, a subset of 183 households was selected for assessment of indicators of nutritional status including maternal and child dietary diversity and anthropometric measurements for children 6–23 months of age. Magnitudes of household food insecurity indices were high by international standards, particularly during the lean season (pre-harvest). Using correlation, Chi square and multivariable regression models, HFCS in both seasons was related to maternal body mass index and haemoglobin, and weight-for-length of their children. HDDS was associated in the post-harvest season with haemoglobin level of the mothers, and weight-for-length of their children. HFCS was a better predictor of nutritional status of mothers and children in both the food surplus and lean seasons, while HDDS was a better predictor of maternal and child nutritional status post-harvest. It is recommended that nutritional interventions should therefore focus on household food insecurity as well as targeting the individual nutritional status of mothers and children.

Seasonality in associations between dietary diversity scores and nutrient adequacy ratios among pregnant women in rural Malawi - a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundDietary diversity scores (DDS) are simple indicators often used as proxies for nutrient adequacy. A 10-food group indicator is proposed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations as a global standard for measuring dietary diversity among women in low-resource settings. However, its validity as a proxy for nutrient adequacy across different agricultural seasons for pregnant women has not been determined.ObjectiveWe studied associations between DDS and nutrient adequacy ratios (NAR) across two different agricultural seasons (pre- and post-harvest seasons) for pregnant women in rural Malawi and assessed whether a 1-day DDS or a 3-day DDS would be the best indicator of nutrient adequacy.DesignDietary intakes of 330 pregnant women were assessed between gestational weeks 28 and 35. Intakes of energy, macronutrients, and 11 micronutrients were estimated using three repeated interactive 24-h diet recalls, and DDS were also calculated from these days. Correlation coefficients (r) between DDS, NAR, and mean adequacy ratio (MAR) of the 11 micronutrients were determined.ResultsAfter energy adjustments, we found significant correlations between DDS and MAR with both DDS indicators in the preharvest season (r = 0.22–0.23; p < 0.001) but not in the post-harvest season (p > 0.05). For individual energy-adjusted NARs, correlations were not consistently significant across the two seasons and the two DDS indicators.ConclusionsOur results suggest that DDS could be used to predict overall nutrient adequacy during the preharvest season. As similar correlations were found using both the 1- and 3-day indicators, we recommend using a 1-day DDS, for simplicity. However, as the indicators are sensitive to seasonality they should be used with care in this study setting.

Responses of boreal ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) to different logging regimes ten years post harvest

Most investigations of human impacts on biodiversity have been conducted within 1–3 years post-disturbance, although many biological responses develop over a longer period of time and annual community variation cannot be fully controlled. We therefore conducted a follow-up of carabid beetles over ten years in Norway spruce (Picea abies) dominated forests in Southern Finland, harvested using replicated logging treatments of different intensities. We collected carabids using pitfall traps in 1995 (prior to logging) and during four post-harvest seasons, 1996–98 (three first post-harvest summers) and 2006 (ten years after harvesting). The treatments were clear-cutting (no retained trees), modified clear-cutting (retention of three groups of 20–30 trees within a one-hectare plot) and gap cutting (three 0.16-ha openings within a one-hectare plot), and control (mature unharvested forest). (1) Total species richness and open-habitat carabids increased in gaps and in the two clear-cutting treatments, whereas forest carabids were slightly less abundant in clear-cuts than in the other treatments in 1997. These patterns were most evident in the second and third post-harvest summers. (2) Open-habitat carabids were less abundant and less speciose in both cleared and retained patches of gap cuts than in clear-cuts, Pterostichus adstrictus was more abundant in clear-cuts than in retained patches of modified clear-cuts or gap cuts, and carabid assemblage was more altered in both types of clear-cut than in gap cuts. (3) Ten years after logging, open-habitat carabid numbers were still elevated, whereas Calathus micropterus was less abundant, in the two types of clear-cut than in gap cuts or control stands. (4) We also found remarkable annual variation in carabid assemblages, such that was independent of logging. We conclude that even modest retention provides long-term support for forest carabids, but also that their full assemblage recovery takes longer than 10 years.

Effects of forest harvesting, logging debris, and herbicides on the composition, diversity and assembly of a western Washington, USA plant community

Abstract We examined plant community organization over the first five growing seasons after clearcut harvesting with retention of two levels of logging debris (light and heavy) and application of four vegetation control treatments (non-sprayed control, aminopyralid (A), triclopyr (T), and A + T). Our study site was 44 km northwest of Olympia, WA., USA, and before forest harvesting it was dominated by Pseudotsuga menziesii. We used a randomized split plot experimental design replicated in 6 blocks (each debris-treatment main plot had four herbicide-treatment split plots). We estimated percent canopy cover by species before forest harvesting and in post-harvest seasons 1–3 and 5 on 100 m2 plots centered in each split plot. We analyzed species composition and diversity and report the response of 10 species groups and several major species to the treatments over five seasons. We used ANOVA to examine annual treatment effects on abundance of major species and species groups as well as ordination and graphical methods to examine succession. Abundance of ruderal species, especially exotics and graminoids, was lower but abundance of native woody shrubs and vines was higher in heavy debris than in light debris. The vines developed higher cover in heavy debris where they used debris as a scaffold to gain a competitive advantage over other species. Heavy debris controlled Cytisus scoparius better than the herbicide treatments. Triclopyr reduced woody dicot, vine and native herb covers, while aminopyralid reduced these groups and Cytisus scoparius, but aminopyralid had less effect on total canopy cover. The combination herbicide treatment reduced woody dicots, vines and Cytisus scoparius, and had the biggest impact on total canopy cover. By year 5 there was little difference in total canopy cover among the herbicide treatments; however, for some species, both debris and herbicide treatment effects were still apparent. The ordination indicated that, by the fifth season, the floristic characteristics distinguishing the debris treatments were still distinct, but not for the herbicide treatments. We conclude that heavy debris is a viable treatment alternative to prevent aggressive exotic species from competing with planted conifers and the native plant community on edaphically dry western Washington sites.

Seasonality and determinants of child growth velocity and growth deficit in rural southwest Ethiopia

BackgroundEthiopia faces cyclic food insecurity that alternates between pre- and post- harvest seasons. Whether seasonal variation in access to food is associated with child growth has not been assessed empirically. Understanding seasonality of child growth velocity and growth deficit helps to improve efforts to track population interventions against malnutrition. The aim of this study was assess child growth velocity, growth deficit, and their determinants in rural southwest Ethiopia.MethodData were obtained from four rounds of a longitudinal household survey conducted in ten districts in Oromiya Region and Southern Nations, Nationality and Peoples Region of Ethiopia, in which 1200 households were selected using multi-stage cluster sampling. Households with a child under 5 years were included in the present analyses (round 1 n = 579, round 2 n = 674, round 3 n = 674 and round 4 n = 680). The hierarchical nature of the data was taken into account during the statistical analyses by fitting a linear mixed effects model. A restricted maximum likelihood estimation method was employed in the analyses.ResultCompared to the post-harvest season, a higher length and weight velocity were observed in pre-harvest season with an average difference of 6.4 cm/year and 0.6 kg/year compared to the post-harvest season. The mean height of children in post-harvest seasons was 5.7 cm below the WHO median reference height. The mean height of children increased an additional 3.3 cm [95% CI (2.94, 3.73)] per year in pre-harvest season compared to the post-harvest season. Similarly, the mean weight of children increased 1.0 kg [95% CI (0.91, 1.11)] per year more in the pre-harvest season compared to the post-harvest season. Children who had a low dietary diversity and were born during the lean season in both seasons had a higher linear growth deficit. Being member of a highly food insecure household was negatively associated with higher weight gain. Having experienced no illness during the previous 2 weeks was positively associated with linear growth and weight gain.ConclusionChild growth velocities and child growth deficits were higher in the pre-harvest season and post- harvest season respectively. Low dietary diversity and being part of a highly food insecure household were significantly risk factors for decreased linear growth and weight gain respectively.

Considering Residual Soil Mineral Nitrogen in Corn Fertilizer Recommendations in an Irrigated Mediterranean Area

ABSTRACTManagement of nitrogen (N) fertilization for economic crop production in water-stressed areas relies heavily on irrigation. The objectives were to determine the depth distribution of mineral N (Nmin) at pre-plant and post-harvest seasons and assess the residual mineral N pool as a potential source of plant-available N for irrigated corn (Zea mays L.) in southern Turkey. Pre-plant and post-harvest composite soil samples were collected randomly from farmer’s fields at 0–30, 30–60 and 60–90 cm depths, respectively, analyzed for nitrate (NO3) and ammonium (NH4) concentrations, and the Nmin values were correlated with corn yields and N uptake. Results showed that substantial amounts of pre-plant (76 to 94 kg Nmin/ha) and post-harvest (70–78 kg Nmin/ha) Nmin accumulation at different soil depths. However, the Nmin did not correlate with crop yields and N uptake. Results suggested that residual Nmin could be the ​basis for recommending N fertilization to support crop production.