Climatic Zones Research Articles

Community composition of the entomopathogenic fungal genus Metarhizium in soils of tropical and temperate conventional and organic strawberry fields

Studies on community composition and population structure of entomopathogenic fungi are imperative to link ecosystem functions to conservation biological control. We studied the diversity and abundance of Metarhizium spp. from soil of conventionally and organically farmed strawberry crops and from the adjacent field margins in two different climatic zones: Brazil (tropical) and Denmark (temperate), using the same isolating methods. In Brazilian strawberry soil, Metarhizium robertsii (n = 129 isolates) was the most abundant species, followed by M. humberi (n = 16); M. anisopliae (n = 6); one new taxonomically unassigned lineage Metarhizium sp. indet. 5 (n = 4); M. pingshaense (n = 1) and M. brunneum (n = 1). In Denmark, species composition was very different, with M. brunneum (n = 33) being isolated most commonly, followed by M. flavoviride (n = 6) and M. pemphigi (n = 5), described for the first time in Denmark. In total, 17 haplotypes were determined based on MzFG543igs sequences, four representing Danish isolates and 13 representing Brazilian isolates. No overall difference between the two climatic regimes was detected regarding the abundance of Metarhizium spp. in the soil in strawberry fields and the field margins. However, we found a higher Shannon's diversity index in organically managed soils, confirming a more diverse Metarhizium community than in soils of conventionally managed agroecosystems in both countries. These findings contribute to the knowledge of the indigenous diversity of Metarhizium in agricultural field margins with the potential to contribute to pest regulation in strawberry cropping systems.

Distribution patterns and origins of organophosphate esters in soils from different climate systems on the Tibetan Plateau

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are extensively applied in various materials as flame retardants and plasticizers, and have high biological toxicity. OPEs are detected worldwide, even in distant polar regions and the Tibetan Plateau (TP). However, few studies have been performed to evaluate the distribution patterns and origins of OPEs in different climate systems on the TP. This study investigated the distribution characteristics, possible sources, and ecological risks of OPEs in soils from the different climate systems on the TP and its surroundings. The total concentrations of OPEs in soil varied from 468 to 17,451 pg g-1 dry weight, with greater concentrations in southeast Tibet (monsoon zone), followed by Qinghai (transition zone) and, finally, southern Xingjiang (westerly zone). OPE composition profiles also differed among the three areas with tri-n-butyl phosphate dominant in the westerly zone and tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate dominant in the Indian monsoon zone. Correlations between different compounds and altitude, soil organic carbon, or longitude varied in different climate zones, indicating that OPE distribution originates from both long-range atmospheric transport and local emissions. Ecological risk assessment showed that tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate and tri-phenyl phosphate exhibited medium risks in soil at several sites in southeast Tibet. Considering the sensitivity and vulnerability of TP ecosystems to anthropogenic pollutants, the ecological risks potentially caused by OPEs in this region should be further assessed.

Assessment of Urban Thermal Environments Using a Combination of the Local Climate Zone and Landscape Ecological Metrics in Taipei City

Assessment of Urban Thermal Environments Using a Combination of the Local Climate Zone and Landscape Ecological Metrics in Taipei City

Fundamental LCZ Mapping with ArcGIS-Based Spatial and Correlational Analyses to Study the Impacts of Infrastructural Area- Maximum Volume (A-MV) Attributes on OTC – An Urban Aw Summer Case

The aim of this study is to map the study location stretches into 100mx100m local climate zones (LCZs) on the basis of primary observations and secondary photographic data for spatial analysis of various urban infrastructural elements (grey(G)-built structures, blue(B)-water bodies and green (Gr)-natural vegetation) and impact assessment of their estimated area (EA) and maximum volume (EMV)) on the air temperature (Ta) that characterizes the outdoor thermal comfort (OTC). Climate Modification by Urban Infrastructure, Fundamental Concepts of Urban Infrastructure Mensuration Parameters, Fundamental Concepts of Urban Grey Blue Green Infrastructure (UGBGI) and Concepts Of OTC, Koppen Classification and LCZs are the linked areas. Study locations are based on socio-economic and geophysical attributes. Initial 200 pilot survey responses regarding thermal sensation votes and other subjective details were used. Preferred values of Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) and optimum Ta have been used. After the mapping in ArcGIS and polygonal delineation of the areas, EA values were compiled in tabular format. Based on primary measurements and secondary studies, a maximum height (hmax) value was assigned to each sub-category for EMV evaluation. Statistically, the EA and estimated perimeter (EP) values were analyzed using QQ, scatter plots, histogram and generate near table tools in ArcGIS. EA and EMV values were correlated with mean Ta values by linear regression. The R-square values generated gave a clear idea about the extent of their impacts on Ta. From the established relationships and preferred PET and optimum Ta values, optimum EA, EMV and hmax values of the broader categories(G,B,Gr) required for preferred OTC levels were finally evaluated.

Fuzzy Logic-Based Dynamic Thermal Rating Assessment for Adaptive Grid Operations

Abstract: In recent times, there has been a notable increase in electricity demand, which is expected to continue rising. This uptick in demand has led to transmission lines operating at higher capacities, exposing them to greater thermal and mechanical stress and affecting the reliability of the transmission network. This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the static thermal rating (STR) and dynamic thermal rating (DTR) of power lines across various climatic conditions. The study investigates the thermal behavior of power lines during both summer and winter seasons over a 24-hour period. Through computational simulations and empirical data collection, the study determines the STR and DTR profiles to evaluate the real-time capacity of power lines under changing environmental conditions. Additionally, the research introduces a novel approach using fuzzy logic to model the dynamic thermal rating (FDTR) based on the IEEE 738 standard, particularly in regions with diverse climatic patterns. By integrating fuzzy logic with meteorological data, the FDTR model improves accuracy in predicting the thermal performance of power lines, considering factors like ambient temperature, wind speed, and solar radiation. This methodology aims to offer utilities and grid operators a reliable tool for optimizing power transmission capacity, reducing the risk of overheating, and ensuring grid reliability in areas with complex and fluctuating weather conditions. The study contributes to the advancement of smart grid technology and facilitates efficient energy management in diverse climate zones.

РЕКУЛЬТИВАЦИЯ НАРУШЕННЫХ ЗЕМЕЛЬ ПРИ СТРОИТЕЛЬСТВЕ ОБЪЕКТОВ НЕФТЕГАЗОВОГО КОМПЛЕКСА

The article deals with topical issues of reclamation of disturbed lands during the construction of subsurface use facilities, lists the main trends in land restoration, reveals the main activities of the technical and biological stages of reclamation. The choice of the direction of land reclamation is carried out taking into account the nature of the disturbed areas, location in relation to the natural and climatic zone and assumes a technical and biological stage of reclamation. The paper presents specific measures for the reclamation of the land under consideration at the technical and biological stages. The biological stage of reclamation of disturbed lands is carried out by the method of creating forest crops of the main breed of economically valuable forest species, in this case, pine.

Impact of insulation on energy consumption and CO2 emissions in high-rise commercial buildings at various climate zones

Abstract This study investigates the impact of insulation on energy consumption and CO2 emissions in high-rise commercial buildings across various climate zones. Through a simulation-based approach using the Hourly Analysis Program (HAP), the effectiveness of insulation in reducing energy demand and carbon emissions are evaluated. The research includes multiple climatic regions of Afghanistan, including arid, semi-arid, and mountainous zones. Methodologically, detailed building characteristics, climatic data, and insulation materials are considered, with energy modeling techniques applied to assess the performance of insulation measures. Results indicate varying degrees of energy savings and CO2 emissions reduction associated with insulation across different climate zones, in cities such as Kabul, Herat, Mazar, and Kandahar. Furthermore, the study calculates CO2 emissions reduction resulting from insulation addition, emphasizing the importance of sustainable building practices in mitigating environmental impacts. By underscoring the scientific value of this research in addressing a pressing global challenge and providing actionable insights for building design and energy policy, this study contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field of sustainable construction and environmental engineering.

Botanical Gardens in the U. S. S. R.

In the system of Scientific Botanical Gardens of the Soviet Union, there are 91 Gardens located in different climatic zones. These Gardens are important centres of research for scientific studies of plant introduction, acclimatisation, drought and frost resistance and other problems and are provided with well equipped laboratories. The Gardens are also recognised post-graduate training centres. The impressions gathered by the author during a recent visit to some of these well known Gardens of the Soviet Union are briefly recorded in this paper.

Carbon emission reduction in public buildings of extreme cold regions: A study on enclosure structure and HVAC system parameter optimization

AbstractThe implementation of strategies aimed at curtailing energy consumption and carbon emissions in buildings is of paramount importance. Priority should be accorded to the reduction of embodied carbon emissions from construction materials and operational carbon emissions during the usage phase. A public building situated in an extremely cold region is chosen as the subject of this study. An initial investigation is conducted into the impact of various enclosure structure materials on embodied carbon. The impact of different heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems on the total carbon emissions of public buildings are studied as well. The findings indicate that the amalgamation of W3 + R + G4 + H4 culminates in the least total carbon emissions. Upon establishing the foundational scheme for the public building, an optimization (nondominated sorting genetic algorithm II [NSGA II] and Criteria Importance Through Intercrieria Correlation [CRITIC]) of the enclosure structure parameters is initiated to examine the optimal parameters of the public building's enclosure structure. The findings reveal that a decrease in the heat transfer coefficient could trigger an increase in total carbon emissions. This is attributed to the fact that the carbon emissions embodied in the production process of these materials could potentially outweigh the reduction observed in operational carbon emissions. Further adjustments were also made to the parameters of the HVAC system in the buildings. The findings indicate that within the context of public buildings, given the presence of optimal parameters and an HVAC system that utilizes solar energy for both heating and cooling in the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air‐Conditioning Engineers, Inc. 6 A climatic zone, the efficiency of the cooling system can exert a significant influence on the operations carbon emissions reduction.

Research on service life prediction and decorative properties of acrylic paint in Vietnam's marine atmosphere by acceleration test

Vietnam is located in a tropical climate zone, especially coastal climates that quickly destroy coating materials that protect steel structures. Therefore, the service life of coatings is always of concern to manufacturers and users. This article presents the results of surveying changes in gloss, color and service life prediction of acrylic paint by accelerated tests, that have simulated according to marine tropical conditions, which are correlated with the atmosphere at Dam Bay station (Hon Tre Island, Nha Trang city, Khanh Hoa province, Vietnam). Gloss is determined according to ISO 2813:2014, and color change is determined according to standard ASTM E308-12. The service life of the acrylic paint system is determined according to standard GOST 9.401-2018. Calculation results based on accelerated test data show that the corrosion time of the acrylic paint system reaches Ri 3 (according to ISO 4628-3:2016 assessment), the service life of acrylic paint Tar 5366 is 2.91 years, and acrylic paint AR-752 is 2.66 years.

Contribution of Recycled and External Advected Moisture to Precipitation and Its Inter‐Annual Variation Over the Tibetan Plateau

AbstractIn this study, we performed a high‐resolution simulation using the Weather Research and Forecasting model, integrated with water vapor tracers, covering the years 2005–2019. Our objective was to obtain deeper insights into the spatiotemporal dynamics of external advected and local evaporative water vapor, and to elucidate their impact on precipitation patterns across the Tibetan Plateau (TP). Our findings underscore that a significant proportion of TP's precipitation originates from external advected water vapor, primarily entering through the western and southern boundaries. During summer, stronger zonal and meridional water vapor transport, driven by prevailing westerly winds and the Asian monsoon, significantly influences seasonal and spatial precipitation variations. Additionally, we observed that the inter‐annual variation of precipitation is intricately linked to changes in the net water vapor influx, modulated by alterations in atmospheric circulation. We also analyze the Precipitation Recycling Ratio (PRR) which refers to the proportion of precipitation originated from local evaporative water vapor to the total precipitation, revealing distinctive elevation‐dependent variations aligned with grassland distribution. Notably, PRR exhibits asynchronous shifts with precipitation at different timescales, potentially linked to soil moisture‐precipitation feedback at intra‐annual scales. Moreover, the investigation highlights that inter‐annual variations in PRR are primarily linked to the inflow and outflow of water vapor as well as wind strength at 500 hPa, particularly prominent during colder seasons, while thermal factors carry comparable weight to dynamical factors in warmer seasons.

Validation of satellite-derived solar irradiance datasets: a case study in Saudi Arabia

A robust dataset of Surface Solar Irradiance is essential for secure competitive financing for solar energy projects. Rating agencies and lenders alike require verification of the solar-resource dataset for utilizing each solar energy project, as this can be translated directly into expected electrical energy and revenues. The accuracy of the dataset and the variability of solar radiation, as recorded by historical solar data, play a significant role in estimating the future performance of the project and its budget. The historical observed solar irradiance datasets by local stations are the best and most reliable for a specific site, but they are not always available for long and continuous periods in any location, especially in arid areas. So, the importance of historical solar radiation datasets derived from satellite-based models arises here. This paper validates the historical modeled datasets of the three most famous satellite-based commercial prediction models (SolarGIS, SUNY, and Solcast) against the observed dataset by six ground stations in Saudi Arabia under different climatic zones. The validation method has been implemented using the standard error metrics: Maximum Absolute Error (MAE) and relative Maximum Bias Error (rMBE). The validation process showed that, in the case of GHI, the discrepancy between observed and predicted values is narrow, while in the case of DNI, the discrepancy is wide. Also, the predicted GHI values are more accurate than predicted DNI values, and -in general- the values predicted by the SUNY model are less accurate than those predicted by SolarGIS and Solcast models for both GHI and DNI. The resultant of this validation process could be accepted not for the six locations under study only but, also for deserts and arid areas across Saudi Arabia and might be extended to similar arid areas around the world.

Using setpoint temperatures based on adaptive thermal comfort models: The case of an Australian model considering climate change

It has recently become clear that using adaptive thermal comfort models to determine setpoint temperatures is a successful energy-saving method. Global models like ASHRAE 55 and EN16798-1 have been used in recent experiments using adaptive setpoint temperatures. This work, however, has taken a different route by concentrating on a region-specific Australian adaptive comfort model. The goal is to compare the energy implications of the use of setpoint temperatures based on the Australian local comfort model compared to the worldwide adaptive ASHRAE 55 model to highlight the significance of choosing the most fitting comfort model for making accurate predictions. All of Australia's climate zones are taken into account, as well as mixed-mode building operation scenarios, current and future scenarios, namely the years 2050 and 2100 for Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5. It has been found that the Australian-model-based adaptive setpoint temperatures taking into account mixed-mode significantly lowers energy demand when compared to the ASHRAE 55 adaptive model (average energy-saving value of 63 %). Considering climate change, the Australian model has an average energy demand of 13–26 kW h/m2·year, and an average increase of 1–13 kW h/m2·year. In the case of ASHRAE 55 model, energy demand decreases in future scenarios and average values range between 3 and 11 kW h/m2·year. Therefore, setting setpoint temperatures in accordance with the Australian regional adaptive comfort model is a very efficient method for energy conservation. These differences raise awareness on the importance of the selection of the appropriate adaptive thermal comfort model.

The Effect of Green Stormwater Infrastructures on Urban-Tier Human Thermal Comfort—A Case Study in High-Density Urban Blocks

Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) is a key approach to greening and cooling high-density blocks. Previous studies have focused on the impact of a single GSI on thermal comfort on sunny days, ignoring rainwater’s role and GSI combinations. Therefore, based on measured data of a real urban area in Nanjing, China, this study utilized 45 single-GSI and combination simulation scenarios, as well as three local climate zone (LCZ) baseline scenarios to compare and analyze three high-density blocks within the city. Among the 32 simulations specifically conducted in LCZ1 and LCZ2, 2 of them were dedicated to baseline scenario simulations, whereas the remaining 30 simulations were evenly distributed across LCZ1 and LCZ2, with 15 simulations allocated to each zone. The physiological equivalent temperature (PET) was calculated using the ENVI-met specification to evaluate outdoor thermal comfort. The objective of this research was to determine the optimal GSI combinations for different LCZs, their impact on pedestrian thermal comfort, GSI response to rainwater, and the effect of GSI on pedestrian recreation areas. Results showed that GSI combinations are crucial for improving thermal comfort in compact high-rise and mid-rise areas, while a single GSI suffices in low-rise areas. In extreme heat, rainfall is vital for GSI’s effectiveness, and complex GSI can extend the thermal comfort improvement time following rainfall by more than 1 h. Adding shading and trees to GSI combinations maximizes thermal comfort in potential crowd activity areas, achieving up to 54.23% improvement. Future GSI construction in high-density blocks should focus on different combinations of GSI based on different LCZs, offering insights for GSI planning in Southeast Asia.

Leaf wax n-alkane distribution and hydrogen isotopic fractionation in fen plant communities of two Mediterranean wetlands (Tenaghi Philippon, Nisí fen—Greece)

Many continental paleoclimate archives originate from wetland sedimentary sequences. While several studies have investigated biomarkers derived from peat-generating vegetation typical of temperate/boreal bogs (e.g., Sphagnum), only scant information is available on emergent plants predominant in temperate/subtropical coastal marshlands, peri-lacustrine and fen environments. Here, we address this gap, focusing on two wetlands in the Mediterranean (Nisí fen and Tenaghi Philippon, Greece). We examined the concentration, homologue distribution, and hydrogen stable isotopic composition (δ2H) of leaf wax n-alkanes in 13 fen plant species, their surrounding soil, and surface water during the wet growing season (spring) and the declining water table period (summer). Our findings indicate that local graminoid species primarily contribute to the soil n-alkane signal, with a lesser influence from forbs, likely owing to differences in morphology and vegetation structure. The δ2H values of surface and soil water align with local average annual precipitation δ2H, reflecting winter-spring precipitation. Consistently, the average δ2H of local surface, soil, and lower stem water showed negligible evaporative enrichment, confirming minimal 2H-fractionation during water uptake. We find that δ2H values of source water for wax compound synthesis in local fen plants accurately mirror local annual precipitation. Furthermore, despite differences between leaves and lower stems in n-alkane production rates, their δ2H values exhibit remarkable similarity, indicating a shared metabolic substrate, likely originating in leaves. Our net 2H-fractionation values (i.e., precipitation to leaf n-alkanes) align with those in Chinese highlands and other similar environments, suggesting consistency across diverse climatic zones. Notably, our data reveal a seasonal decrease in the carbon preference index (CPI) in plant samples, indicating wax lipid synthesis changes associated with increased aridity. Additionally, we introduce a new parity isotopic difference index (PID) based on the consistent δ2H difference between odd and even n-alkane homologues. The PID demonstrates a strong anticorrelation with plant CPI, suggesting a potential avenue to trace long-term aridity shifts through δ2H analysis of odd and even n-alkane homologues in sedimentary archives. While further development of the PID is necessary for broad application, these findings highlight the intricate interplay between plant physiology, environmental parameters, and sedimentary n-alkanes in unravelling past climatic conditions.

Glacier Changes from 1990 to 2022 in the Aksu River Basin, Western Tien Shan

Mountain glaciers are considered natural indicators of warming and a device for climatic change. In addition, it is also a solid reservoir of freshwater resources. Along with climate change, clarifying the dynamic changes of glacier in the Aksu River Basin (ARB) are important for hydrological processes. The study examined the variations in glacier area, elevation, and their reaction to climate change in the ARB between 1990 and 2022. The glacier melt on the runoff is explored from 2003 to 2020. This investigation utilized Landsat and Sentinal-2 images, ICESat, CryoSat, meteorological and hydrological data. The findings suggest that: (1) The glacier area in the ARB retreated by 309.40 km2 (9.37%, 0.29%·a−1) from 1990 to 2022. From 2003 to 2021, the ARB glacier surface elevation retreat rate of 0.38 ± 0.12 m·a−1 (0.32 ± 0.10 m w.e.a−1). Comparison with 2003–2009, the retreat rate is faster from 2010 to 2021. (2) From 1990 to 2022, the Toxkan and the Kumalak River Basin’s glacier area decreases between 61.28 km2 (0.28%·a−1) and 248.13 km2 (0.30%·a−1). Additionally, the rate of glacier surface elevation declined by −0.34 ± 0.11 m·a−1, −0.42 ± 0.14 m·a−1 from 2003 to 2021. (3) The mass balance sensitivities to cold season precipitation and ablation-phase accumulated temperatures are +0.27 ± 0.08 m w.e.a−1(10%)−1 and −0.33 ± 0.10 m w.e.a−1 °C−1, respectively. The mass loss is (962.55 ± 0.57) × 106 m3 w.e.a−1, (1087.50 ± 0.68) × 106 m3 w.e.a−1 during 2003–2009, 2010–2021 respectively. Warmer ablation-phase accumulated temperatures dominate glacier retreat in the ARB. (4) Glacier meltwater accounted for 34.57% and 41.56% of the Aksu River’s runoff during the ablation-phase of 2003–2009 and 2010–2020, respectively. The research has important implications for maintaining the stability of water resource systems based on glacier meltwater.

Evapotranspiration in the Amazon Basin: Couplings, hydrological memory and water feedback

The hydrological cycle of the Amazon Basin is characterized by a multitude of interactions between the atmosphere and surface processes, involving several temporal and spatial scales. Evapotranspiration is a key variable in the water and energy balance, particularly in this watershed that is home to the world largest rainforest. This study analyzed evapotranspiration in the Amazon Basin using the concepts of Coupling (one way relationship between two variables), Memory (temporal permanence of a state or anomaly in the behavior of one variable) and Feedback (two way relationships between two variables), during a 62-year period (12/1959–11/2021). This study found that the seasonality of precipitation, mainly due to the South American Monsoon, determines when evapotranspiration is mainly driven by (or coupled with) net radiation at the surface or soil moisture. Moreover, in the regions where seasonality of precipitation is strong, the previous hydroclimatic conditions due to hydrological memory (reaching just over 90 days in shallow soils) influences the evapotranspiration during the relatively dry season. Regarding water feedback, this study found that the dependence of seasonal precipitation of the Amazon Basin from their hydrobiological processes (fraction of precipitation recycled by Amazonian evapotranspiration) increases with the distance from the Atlantic Ocean, mainly during the non-monsoonal circulation. This process is particularly remarkable in the Amazon-Andes transition zone. However, the spatial pattern and height of water recycled in this watershed is mainly determined by the dominant circulation pattern of atmospheric fluxes in each season.

Phylogenetic diversity and regionalization in the temperate arid zone

AbstractAstragalus (Fabaceae) is astoundingly diverse in temperate, cold arid regions of Earth, positioning this group as a model clade for investigating the distribution of plant diversity in the face of environmental challenges. Here, we identify the spatial distribution of diversity and endemism in Astragalus using species distribution models for 752 species and a phylogenetic tree comprising 847 species. We integrated these to map centers of species richness (SR) and relative phylogenetic diversity (RPD) and used randomization approaches to investigate centers of endemism. We also used clustering methods to identify phylogenetic regionalizations. We then assembled predictor variables of current climate conditions to test environmental factors predicting these phylogenetic diversity results, especially temperature and precipitation seasonality. We find that SR centers are distributed globally at temperate middle latitudes in arid regions, but the Mediterranean Basin is the most important center of RPD. Endemism centers also occur globally, but Iran represents a key endemic area with a concentration of both paleo‐ and neoendemism. Phylogenetic regionalization recovered an east‐west gradient in Eurasia and an amphitropical disjunction across North and South America; American phyloregions are overall most closely related to east and central Asia. SR, RPD, and lineage turnover are driven mostly by precipitation and seasonality, but endemism is driven primarily by diurnal temperature variation. Endemism and regionalization results point to western Asia and especially Iran as a biogeographic gateway between Europe and Asia. RPD and endemism highlight the importance of temperature and drought stress in determining plant diversity and endemism centers.

Вегетационный период сортов яровой мягкой пшеницы разных групп спелости в земледельческих зонах Красноярского края

The purpose of the study is to analyze the effect of cultivation point and meteorological factors on the duration of the growing season of spring wheat varieties of different ripeness groups. We used data from the State Variety Commission of the Krasnoyarsk Region on the yield and duration of the growing season of spring soft wheat varieties for 1999–2020. Statistical data processing was performed for varieties of four ripeness groups: early ripening, mid-early, mid-ripening and mid-late, undergoing variety testing in 6 natural zones of the Krasnoyarsk Region at 10 state variety plots: Zone III (lowland subtaiga, Kazachinsky state cultivating plot), IV (foothill subtaiga, Dzerzhinsky, Sayansky) , V (Kansk-Krasnoyarsk forest-steppe, Sukhobuzimsky, Uyarsky), VI (forest-steppe of the Chulym District, Nazarovsky, Uzhursky), VII (southern forest-steppe, Karatuzsky), VIII (foothill steppe on ordinary and southern chernozems, Krasnoturansky, Minusinsky). A significant range of variability in the studied period between variety plots was revealed for mid-ripening varieties (22 days), early-ripening (20 days), mid-early (17 days), mid-ripening varieties (12 days). A shorter growing season for all ripeness groups is shown by varieties in the Kazachinsky variety plot, a longer one – in the Sayansky and Uyarsky variety plots. A significant amplitude of variability in the duration of the growing season for all ripeness groups is observed in the Nazarovsky, Karatuzsky, and in mid-ripening and mid-late varieties – Uyarsky, Uzhursky, Minusinsky variety plots. The phenotypic varia-bility of the period under study is determined primarily by the contribution of the factor “varietal plots” (34.0–48.1 %) and the interaction “years × varietal plots” (36.0–53.2 %). The variety plots are located in different natural and climatic zones of the region and have their own characteristics according to the complex of natural conditions, which is shown by different correlations between the duration of the growing season and meteorological factors. They differ in variety areas, which represent the natural zones of the region. It has been proven that to form the duration of the growing season of mid-late varieties at the Dzerzhinsky, Sayansky, Uyarsky and Nazarovsky variety plots, average daily air temperatures are more ne¬cessary; Sayansky, Dzerzhinsky, Sukhobuzimsky – precipitation; Sayan, Dzerzhinsky, Sukhobuzimsky, Uyarsky, Nazarovsky, Uzhursky variety plots – relative air humidity than for varieties of other ripeness groups. Reliable correlations between average daily air temperature, precipitation and relative air humidity with the duration of the growing season were obtained for all ripeness groups at the Karatuz and Krasnoturan variety plots.

Application of resource-environmental-economic perspective for optimal water and nitrogen rate under high-low seedbed cultivation in winter wheat

High-low seedbed cultivation (HLSC), a targeted agricultural method for increasing land utilization efficiency in North China Plain, has emerged as a key practice in enhancing sustainable agriculture, particularly in the context of the region’s unique ecological challenges and water scarcity. However, comprehensive analysis of resource-environment-economy for water and nitrogen strategy in HLSC-cultivated wheat was limited. A three-year field experiment with four nitrogen rates (360, 300, 240, and 180 kg ha−1, denoted as N1, N2, N3, and N4) and three irrigation quotas (120, 90, and 60 mm, referred to as W1, W2, and W3) was conducted to investigate effects of water and nitrogen rate on water productivity (WP), agronomic efficiency of nitrogen (AEN), energy use efficiency (EUE), carbon footprint (CF), water footprint (WF), nitrogen footprint (NF), and net benefits of HLSC-cultivated wheat. Results showed that the total energy output in moderate water and nitrogen input (i.e., N3W2) was 328.0×103 MJ ha−1, which was significantly increased by 31.8% compared with lower input (i.e., N4W3) but was decreased by 17.1% compared with higher input (i.e., N1W1). The total energy input, water consumption and grain yield in N3W2 was decreased by 22.3%, 14.4 and 4.1%, relative to N1W1, respectively, and increased by 18.2%, 20.8% and 42.2% relative to N4W3, respectively. This may lead to significant increase in EUE, WP, AEN and net income in N3W2. Furthermore, the CF, WF, and NF increased as the water and nitrogen input increased, whereas minimum CF, WF and NF per unit of yield was obtained N3/N4 or W1/W2 level. 240 kg N ha−1 coupled with 90–120 mm irrigation quota was recommended by TOPSIS for the HLSC-cultivated wheat to best trade-off resource use efficiencies, environmental footprints, and net benefits. Future studies are needed to further assess the scalability and adaptability of HLSC-cultivated wheat across different climatic zones and soil types.