Agricultural History Research Articles

Fishing or farming? Isotopic evidence of human subsistence strategies at the Dashuitian site during the middle Neolithic in the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, China

The Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, with its deep canyons, abundant freshwater resources, and unique geographic location at the crossroads in the spread of rice-millet agriculture in the Middle Neolithic, is of great significance for understanding the interaction between fishing-hunting-gathering and farming in inland freshwater environments. However, few direct evidence for human subsistence strategies had been published in this region. This study presents results of carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analyses on human bones, animal and millet remains from the Dashuitian site (c. 6000–5500 BP) in the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, China, to investigate the diet and subsistence and intrapopulation dietary variations in this region. The results indicate that the humans at the site consumed mostly freshwater fish foods and supplemented by terrestrial animals, with no discernable input from millets. They had consistently relied on a fishing, hunting, and gathering economy during the occupation of the site in the Middle Neolithic (c. 6000–5500 BP), differing from humans in other areas especially along the rivers and coasts of the lower Yangtze River valley for the roughly same period, further showing the extensive utilization of and adaptation to the available environmental resources. In addition, intrapopulation dietary variations based on burial style and sex provide evidence that differentiation and inequality, at least regarding to food consumption, existed at the Three Gorges region during the Middle Neolithic. Here, our findings provide isotopic evidence about the Middle Neolithic human subsistence strategies in the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, providing a glimpse into the complexity related to inequality in food access among fisher-hunter-gatherers in inland areas, and new insights into understanding past human-environment interactions.

Exploring the Origins of Hexaploid Wheats: Typification of Archaeological Triticum vulgare var. antiquorum and Description of Modern Triticum sphaerococcum subsp. antiquorum (Poaceae: Triticeae)

This study addresses a critical issue in plant taxonomy and phylogeny: the relationship between archaeological materials and potentially analogous living populations. Given the current limitations in definitively establishing the identity between archaeological and contemporary materials, we propose an intermediate approach. This approach serves as a useful framework while scientific methods advance towards definitively assessing whether an archaeological wheat sample, approximately 5000 years old from Central Europe, belongs to the same species as a modern wheat currently endemic to Central Asia. This approach consolidates the taxonomic validity of both archaeological and living materials, allowing them to be treated as distinct taxa while preserving the possibility of future identification convergence. Triticum vulgare var. antiquorum, an archaeobotanical small-grained, free-threshing wheat, was originally described in 1865. The 1982 discovery of morphologically similar living wheat in Tajikistan raised questions about their taxonomic relationship. Our study reviews the nomenclature of both taxa, designating an illustration from the original description of T. vulgare var. antiquorum as the lectotype to align with the traditional concept of the name. We address the ambiguity surrounding “Triticum antiquorum” as used by Russian agronomists and botanists, proposing a more precise circumscription within the current systematic framework of the genus based on cytogenetic data. Consequently, we describe a new taxon, Triticum sphaerococcum subsp. antiquorum. The holotype, selected from material with available cytogenetic data and grown from Professor Udachin’s original Pamir (Tajikistan) collection, is preserved in the N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (WIR) collection. It is deposited at the I.M. Krasnoborov Herbarium of Central Siberian Botanical Garden SB RAS (NS), with an isotype at the WIR. This taxonomic revision and new subspecies designation provide a robust framework for reconciling archaeological and contemporary wheat diversity, advancing our understanding of wheat evolution and agricultural history.

Chronic brucellosis with sacroiliitis: A case report.

Brucellosis, especially with osteoarticular involvement, is uncommon and difficult to diagnose, but it should be considered in a case presenting with prolonged fever, joint pain, and back pain. The diagnosis requires a combination of history, serological examinations, and radiographic studies. When the condition is detected and treated early, the prognosis is good. Brucella exploits host immune defenses to establish the chronic infection brucellosis, an endemic zoonotic disease. While human brucellosis affects multiple organs, osteo articular involvement is rare. We report the case of a 41-year-old woman with a history of goat farming who presented with fewer associated with low back pain and multiple joint pain for 4 months. Brucellosis was documented by positive serological tests (ELISA). Radiological findings suggested of right sacroiliitis and fracture line on the right sacral ala though had no history of trauma. Treatment consisted of NSAIDs and multiple antibiotic therapy. At follow-up, her low back pain, joint pain, and fever had subsided. After 4 weeks of follow-up, her symptoms were completely relieved with no recurrence. Brucellosis with atypical localization should be considered with a high index of suspicion based on detailed history and physical examination to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.

Climatic and environmental changes since last deglaciation in the steppe region of northern China and their impact on early population survival patterns

The northern Chinese steppe is situated in the periphery of the East Asian Summer Monsoon and exhibits high sensitivity to variations in monsoon intensity and global climate change. Therefore, comprehending the climatic evolution history of this region is pivotal for elucidating early human civilization development. The research focuses on a fully enclosed crater lake located in the northern Chinese steppe by utilizing n-alkanes, total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN) in lake sediments, based on AMS-14C dating analysis, the climatic and environmental evolution history of this region from the last deglaciation to the middle Holocene has been reconstructed, and the impact of climate change on the evolution of early human civilization is elucidated. The findings indicate that the EASM driven by summer solar radiation, exerts control over the climate and hydrology in the steppe region of northern China. Since the last deglaciation, the gradual warming and humidification of the climate environment have significantly enhanced the animal and plant resources, thereby establishing a solid foundation for the transition of early human populations in northern Chinese steppe from high-mobility hunter-gatherers to settled communities. Additionally, this climatic shift has provided an optimal backdrop for the emergence of primitive agriculture. The changes of stone tool assemblages unearthed at related sites also confirm the above views. However, the climate model underwent rapid changes during the period of 7.2–6.4 cal kyr BP, leading to the occurrence of extreme arid climate events. Consequently, regional precipitation decreased, lake ecology became imbalanced, woody plants retreated in the basin, and vegetation coverage was greatly reduced. The aforementioned factor may have played a pivotal role in the disappearance of early populations within the region. Consequently, climate and environmental change not only serve as the primary driving force behind human civilization’s development but also act as an inexorable catalyst for its decline.

Diverse prehistoric cattle husbandry strategies in the forests of Central Europe.

During the sixth millennium BCE, the first farmers of Central Europe rapidly expanded across a varied mosaic of forested environments. Such environments would have offered important sources of mineral-rich animal feed and shelter, prompting the question: to what extent did early farmers exploit forests to raise their herds? Here, to resolve this, we have assembled multi-regional datasets, comprising bulk and compound-specific stable isotope values from zooarchaeological remains and pottery, and conducted cross-correlation analyses within a palaeo-environmental framework. Our findings reveal a diversity of pasturing strategies for cattle employed by early farmers, with a notable emphasis on intensive utilization of forests for grazing and seasonal foddering in some regions. This experimentation with forest-based animal feeds by early farmers would have enhanced animal fertility and milk yields for human consumption, concurrently contributing to the expansion of prehistoric farming settlements and the transformation of forest ecosystems. Our study emphasizes the intricate relationship that existed between early farmers and forested landscapes, shedding light on the adaptive dynamics that shaped humans, animals and environments in the past.

A 3D-Printable smartphone accessory for plant leaf chlorophyll measurement

Plant health and nutrition are universally inferred from leaf chlorophyll content. This research developed a 3D-printed accessory which attaches to the ambient light sensor in a smartphone to estimate leaf chlorophyll content in five tropical plant species. It unveils 3D printing files and assembling details to freely built the accessory anywhere. It is made from a 3D-printed body, a lighting circuit and common spare parts to measure a 663 nm LED band transmission through intact plant leaves. This chlorophyll absorbing light band allows to measure its concentration. The device was tested by comparing its readings to the universal spectrophotometric test or by leaf parallel measurements with a standard SPAD 502™ meter, and it performed as well as these universal standard methods. Due to well-studied relationships between chlorophyll concentration and nutritional status of plants, and the ubiquitous presence of other sensors in smartphones today, the independent improvement and adoption of this smartphone-connected system would ease the spread of precision farming and digital agronomy practices throughout the different scales of agriculture.

Agent-Based Geosimulation of Yayoi Period Population Dynamics in Kyushu, Japan

Current scholarship in Japanese archaeology recognizes the people and culture of the Yayoi period as being descended from both continental migrants (Toraijin) and the native inhabitants (Jomon people). However, the number of migrants that came to Japan and the degree to which they were directly responsible for the development of Yayoi culture is a topic of debate. Using northern Kyushu as a case study, the author employs an agent-based simulation based on geospatial data to model the spread of population, rice agriculture, and continental genetics during the Early Yayoi period. Multiple simulations are performed with varying parameters related to migrant population size, marriage customs, and the ratio of men to women amongst migrants to test their effect on the demographics of the Yayoi period. Simulation results were compared to population estimates and the distribution of mitochondrial DNA in order to determine their validity. Experiment 1 showed that the average number of continental migrants was likely in the order of magnitude of 10s of people per year (approx. 40 to 50) during the first 500 years of the Yayoi period. Experiment 2 demonstrated that polygyny can lead to increased population growth and aids in the spread of continental genetics, but without more rigorous evaluation criteria it is difficult to conclude whether it was practiced during the period. The methods used in this study demonstrate how agent-based simulations can model realistically sized populations moving through geographic space by basing simulation inputs on geospatial data and population estimates.

Markov Chain Analysis of Land-use Changes in India and Maharashtra

Dynamics of Agriculture resembles the history of agriculture in India which examines the emphasizing significance to the nation's legacy, culture and civilization. India's agriculture changed after independence from a food-scarce nation to one that exports food this comes true primarily due to the result of scientific advancements. The present study is based on secondary data with the use of Markov Chain analysis to ascertain land-use changes in India and Maharashtra state. Changes in land use brought on by agriculture, urbanization and environmental factors significantly impact resource management and sustainability. We build a Markov Chain model with secondary land utilization data from government reports to measure the transition probabilities between various land use categories over time. The Markov chain model is easy to understand and communicate. It effectively captures transitions between land-use changes over time. The model works with limited data as compared to other complex models, making it accessible for studies. The results of the study emphasize dynamic interactions between various land-use patterns in India and Maharashtra. There we have concluded a stable land-use changing pattern. A trend towards intensive cropping has been observed during this study. This study reveals important trends in land conversion, most notably the growth of urban areas at the expense of forested and agricultural areas. The predictive abilities of model highlight the significance of well-informed policy-making for sustainable land management by offering insights into potential future land use scenarios.

The impact of agriculture on tropical mountain soils in the western Peruvian Andes: a pedo-geoarchaeological study of terrace agricultural systems in the Laramate region (14.5° S)

Abstract. This integrated pedo-geoarchaeological study focuses on three abandoned pre-Hispanic terrace agricultural systems near Laramate in the southern Andes of Peru (14.5° S), aiming to unravel the pedological and land-use history of the region, which served as a significant agricultural hub during pre-Hispanic times. The key objectives of the investigation involved contextualizing the former agricultural management system within its geomorphological and palaeoecological framework and assessing the impact of agricultural practices on soil development and quality by comparing non-irrigated agricultural terrace soils with their undisturbed palaeo-pedological counterparts. The Laramate terrace complex, with its diverse terrace systems and varied geomorphological and geological settings, provided an ideal setting for the investigation. This comprehensive examination integrated a range of methodologies, including field surveys, digital mapping, and geomorphological analysis based on GIS and remote sensing applications, soil analysis (e.g. grain size, bulk chemistry, nutrient budget), plant microfossils (phytoliths and starch), and radiocarbon dating. In the Laramate region, the geomorphological setting of terrace agricultural systems promotes their optimal functioning. The terraces are often located in sun-sheltered areas with western exposure on middle and lower slopes or valley bottoms, which mitigate intense solar radiation, reduce evapotranspiration, increase soil moisture, and minimize erosion. The study identifies three soil groups in the Laramate region: Phaeozems, Andosols, and Anthrosols. Unique characteristics of Phaeozems challenge typical descriptions, influenced by factors such as climatic seasonality, vegetation, fauna, lithology, and aeolian inputs. The terrace soils in the Laramate region are classified as Terric Anthrosols, showing no significant degradation even after long-term use. Their balanced acidity and nutrient levels support Andean crop cultivation. Traditional non-mechanized tools, such as the chaquitaclla and rucana, likely minimized soil disruption. The terrace tillage horizons have high organic matter, indicating intentional organic manuring. Phytolith concentrations suggest intensive agricultural activity, particularly maize cultivation, with varying patterns suggesting changes in cultivation, fertilization, or mulching practices over time. Starch grain identification aligns with phytolith analyses, reinforcing maize's significance in the region. Although the use of animal-origin fertilizers requires further investigation, there is no evidence of nutrient maintenance through seasonal burning. Irrigation was minimal, and the abandonment of the pre-Hispanic cultivation system was unlikely due to soil exhaustion or terrace instability. Overall, the pre-Hispanic history of terrace agriculture in the Laramate region extends over four development phases, reflecting dynamic interactions between environmental, cultural, and agricultural factors. The initial phase, from the Formative Paracas period to the Early Nasca period (800 BCE–200 CE), witnessed the establishment of agricultural terraces with simple terrace architecture, while the Middle Horizon (600–1000 CE) saw systematic areal expansion influenced by the Wari culture. Adaptations to drier conditions included terrace agriculture on volcanic soils. The Late Intermediate period (1000–1450 CE) witnessed hydrological variability and further terrace expansion to lower altitudes and less agriculturally suitable locations. The final phase, marked by the onset of the Hispanic colonial period in 1535 CE, saw the gradual abandonment of terrace agricultural systems due to demographic shifts and reorganization of production systems. Despite this, the historical trajectory underscores the adaptability and resilience of pre-Hispanic communities in the Laramate region, showcasing innovative terrace agriculture as a means of coping with changing environmental conditions across diverse landscape units.

Human activities, early farming and natural environment in the north-western Kanto Plain (Central Japan) during the Final Jomon–Early Kofun period (990 cal BCE–330 cal CE) inferred from palynological and archaeobotanical records

The emergence, spread and intensification of agriculture, the impact of early agriculture on the natural environment and the possible role of climate on subsistence economies and population dynamics are important research questions in Japanese geoarchaeology. New directly dated archaeobotanical records of the Middle Yayoi (390–200 cal BCE, 1σ error) and Early Kofun (210–330 cal CE) periods from the Ikegami archaeological site and a 1300-year palynological record from the nearby Morinji Marsh help address these questions in the Kanto Plain of Central Japan. The pollen record suggests that management of chestnut and horse-chestnut by Final Jomon people in the study region declined around 750 cal BCE. The microcharcoal record indicates that human-induced fire activity decreased after 990 cal BCE and reached a minimum 500 years later, which coincides with the hemispheric-scale Iron Age Cold Epoch and late Bond event 2. Increasing use of fire from ca. 500 cal BCE is contemporaneous with the earliest evidence of millet-rice cultivation from south-western Kanto and the Central Highlands. This and pollen-based indicators of crop cultivation around Morinji Marsh ca. 200 cal BCE are consistent with the 14C-dated arrival of the first full-scale rice farmers at Ikegami. Their food economy still had a noticeable wild plant component (e.g. beans, walnut, horse-chestnut and acorn), however, the archaeobotanical assemblages from the Early Kofun period show a higher focus on rice cultivation and no evidence of a wild plant component. Variations in the charcoal concentrations and archaeobotanical data from the study region help postulate three phases of farming intensification related to cultural diffusion and/or migration. These phases, dated to ca. 500–300, 300–100 cal BCE and 100 cal BCE–250 cal CE, correspond to the pottery typologically defined late Early–early Middle Yayoi, middle–late Middle Yayoi and Late Yayoi periods, respectively.

Interpreting the demic diffusion of early farming in Europe with a three-population model

In 1971, Ammerman and Cavalli-Sforza demonstrated that reaction-diffusion equations could be usefully applied to the archaeological question of the spread of early farming in Europe. Their basic premise was demic diffusion, i.e., the iterative short-range colonization of virgin land by the descendants of the original Near Eastern farmers. This hypothesis has been vindicated by ancient DNA studies, which show limited acculturation of the autochthonous hunter-gatherers, who when converted to farming were apparently assimilated into preexisting farming communities. In this brief report, I describe a reaction-diffusion model incorporating various interactions among the Near Eastern farmers, converted farmers, and hunter-gatherers. Predictions, derived in terms of the model parameters, are examined vis-à-vis the ancient DNA and archaeological evidence. Of particular interest is the theoretical requirement that the hunter-gatherers behaved more competitively toward the converted farmers than the Near Eastern (specifically Anatolian) famers. Based on “Ammerman AJ, Cavalli-Sforza LL. Measuring the rate of spread of early farming in Europe. Man 1971; 6: 674-688.”

Research on the Spatial–Temporal Distribution and Morphological Characteristics of Ancient Settlements in the Sichuan Basin

An investigation into the spatial–temporal distribution characteristics of ancient settlements and their relationship with the environment in the Sichuan Basin can enhance our understanding of the evolution of the regional human–land relationship. Utilizing kernel density analysis by GIS, this paper obtained the spatial distribution characteristics of 1100 settlements in the Neolithic, Shang–Zhou, and Qin to Southern Dynasties periods. Subsequently, a GIS spatial analysis was performed to examine the distribution of these settlements in relation to the natural environment, focusing on four aspects: elevation, slope, aspect, and water buffer zone. The results demonstrate that: (1) The distribution of settlements from the Neolithic to the Southern Dynasties has expanded from the Chengdu Plain in the west and the Xiajiang Area in the east to the hilly areas in the center. (2) The settlements in the Neolithic and Shang–Zhou periods are predominantly located at elevations between 300–600 m, slopes between 0–3°, aspects between 135–225°, distances to rivers between 0–1000 m, and soil choice on Luvisols, Cambisols, Regosols, and Anthrosols. The influence of aspect on settlements during the Qin–Southern Dynasties period was notably reduced. The settlements mainly grow in the Chengdu Plain and the smaller plains along the river from the Neolithic to the Southern Dynasties in the Sichuan Basin. (3) The emergence and advancement of primitive agriculture, the construction of early water conservancy facilities, commercial and trade exchanges, and the establishment of regimes led to a shift from a double core to a more dispersed distribution in the Sichuan Basin from the Neolithic to the Southern Dynasties periods. The evolution of settlements reflects the adaption and competition of the residents to the natural environment in the Sichuan Basin. Furthermore, it provides insights into the complex social development in the region, ranging from the formation of early states to the establishment of the Qin and Han Empires.

Integrated rather than organic farming history facilitates soil nitrogen turnover and N2O reduction in a green rye – silage maize cropping sequence

AbstractSoil gross mineral N production and consumption processes are crucial regulators of plant productivity and N loss from croplands. Substituting synthetic fertilizers by integrating legumes in cultivation systems is common in organic farming, but research on its long-term impact on dynamics of gross soil N transformation and associated environmental N loss is scarce. In particular, studies at a temporal resolution that allows for a mechanistic understanding of long-term effects of organic farming are missing. Therefore, we determined gross N turnover rates of ammonification, nitrification, and ammonium and nitrate immobilization at monthly temporal resolution during a full green rye-maize cropping sequence. Measurements were carried out at sites with same pedo-climatic background but organic farming (OF) and integrated farming (IF) history. During green rye growing, N turnover rates for OF and IF were low and not significantly different, likely owing to low temperatures. During silage maize growing, IF exhibited significantly higher average N turnover rates of 1.86, 4.46, and 5.57 mg N kg⁻1 dry soil d⁻1 for gross ammonification, ammonium immobilization, and nitrate immobilization, respectively, compared to OF values of 1.11, 1.80, and 2.90 mg N kg⁻1 dry soil d⁻1. The significantly higher N turnover rates were likely due to higher soil organic C, N and microbial biomass which result from different long-term management practices. Especially the increased immobilization potential on the IF site contributed to significantly lower area-scaled N₂O emissions (1.45 vs. 4.36 kg N ha⁻1) during periods of high nitrification. This shows that for low SOC soils, integrated farming history with high C return enhances soil N cycling and reduces the risk of N losses in the form of N2O emission.

Feasibility study of floating solar photovoltaic systems using techno-economic assessment and multi-criteria decision-making method: A case study of Bangladesh

Many developing countries with abundant solar resources and rich history of agriculture, face overpopulation and land shortage issues. Floating solar photovoltaics (FSPVs) do not compete with agriculture for land and offer higher energy potential than land-based photovoltaics (LBPVs). For feasibility and site suitability evaluation of FSPVs, this study proposes an integrated approach of techno-economic assessment (TEA) and multi-criteria decision making (MCDM), based on a case study of Bangladesh. The system advisor model (SAM) was used to conduct TEA, evaluating the potential of nine FSPV sites on a regional scale using ten criteria. Combined compromise solution (CoCoSo) was implemented to determine the optimum site. Bergobindopur lake was ranked top, with the highest energy yield and lowest cost of energy of 1564 kWh/kW and $0.055/kWh respectively. Case study of Bergobindopur revealed buy-all-sell-all electricity tariff was more profitable than net billing and net metering. Energy generation was found to be influenced by tilt angle and soiling. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated the superiority of FSPVs over LBPVs for varying electricity prices, degradation and discount rates, project durations, and investor's equities. Longer project durations and lower equities resulted in higher profits for investors. The proposed approach contributes to the expansion of FSPV in land-constrained areas.

Productivity of Certain Varieties of Apples and Importance of Their Gene Formation

Due to the diversity of its natural and historical conditions, Azerbaijan is one of the centers of the initial formation of many plants, having a great genetic richness of the plant world. A large number of valuable varieties and forms of food and agricultural plants have been created through folk selection and scientific selection, with the history of agriculture covering several millennia. However, massive and anthropogenic disturbances of all these natural and cultural heritage ecosystems, which are the irreplaceable wealth of the people, created a large number of valuable varieties and forms of ecological and agricultural plants. However, all this natural and cultural heritage, which is the irreplaceable wealth of the people, is threatened with destruction as a result of mass and anthropogenic disturbances of ecosystems, ecological and agricultural changes, and the wide application of modern breeding achievements. In addition to all this, the study, protection, and effective use of the gene pool of the apple plant in the country is one of the main factors. In this regard, based on our long-term research, with the efficient use of the gene pool of the apple plant in Azerbaijan, new “spur”-type selection varieties (Nigar, Ziya, Zirva, Marfa, Sulh, Gobustan, Zumrud, Kyzyld Taj, Khazar, Eldar, Ulvi, Nübar, Vatan, Makhmari, Nuran, Sarvan, Chiraggala, Davamli, Emil, Elvin, Paizliq Guba, Zizliq Guba, Shabran, Sadaf and Sevinj) were created by us. In the article, the parental pairs of those cultivars are reflected in the ripening period, ripening, fruiting periods, tree parameters (height, diameter of the umbel, circumference of the stem), productivity indicators, leaf surface, infection rates of scab disease, average mass of fruits and tasting prices. At the same time, the article contains the introduction, research conditions, methodology, material, results, discussion, recommendations, and used literature sources.

Ancient Genome of Broomcorn Millet from Northwest China in Seventh Century CE: Shedding New Light to Its Origin and Dispersal Patterns

Broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum) is among the earliest domesticated staple crops in the world’s agricultural history and facilitated the development of several early agrarian cultures, particularly those originating in northern China. However, the propagation route of broomcorn millet in China from the Middle Ages to the present remains unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the genetic affinity between ancient and modern millet samples, trace the genetic origins and diffusion pathways of broomcorn millet, and provide insights into its domestication and spread. To achieve this, we sequence ancient DNA from broomcorn millet remains excavated from the Chashan Village cemetery (AD 691) in Gansu Province, China. Phylogenetic and population genetic analyses, integrating ancient and modern millet genomes, reveal a close genetic relationship between ancient millet and contemporary millet from Ningxia Province (445 km away from Chashan Village), suggesting a potential origin for the Chashan millet. This finding aligns with the tomb’s epitaph, which documents the reburial of the tomb’s owner, who was originally buried in Ningxia, and provides important archaeological evidence for understanding the interaction between geopolitical dynamics and the natural environment in northwest China during the late seventh century. Furthermore, outgroup-f3 and D statistics evidence suggests substantial genetic interactions between ancient millet and modern varieties from the Loess Plateau, Huang-Huai-Hai Plain, and Northeast Plain, indicating the dispersal route of broomcorn millet, along with human migration routes, from the northwest to northern China and ultimately to the northeast region, starting from the Middle Ages onward. This study enhances our understanding of millet’s genetic history, offers a novel perspective on burial archaeology, and provides valuable insights into the origins, domestication, and diffusion of broomcorn millet.

Environmental role of different‐aged pine and oak stands growing on post‐agricultural and forest lands in forming the Mesostigmata mites communities

AbstractReclamation of agricultural soil and forest succession after afforestation proceeds slowly and at many levels. Therefore, the history of land use is recorded in the soil's physical, chemical and ecological parameters for many decades. This process depends on time and the form of afforestation, which primarily includes tree species. In our study, we analyzed differences in the physical and chemical characteristics of pine and oak stands on forest and post‐agricultural land at 22, 42 and 62 y/o. Our study revealed that 14 of 24 examined parameters (litter pH, soil pH, litter thickness, soil organic matter, Corg, bulk density, C/N ratio, soil moisture, soil K, Mg and Mn content, N and Ca litter content, Mg litter content) differed significantly among examined habitats (land use, stand age and tree species). We calculated the abundance, species richness and diversity of the mite communities (Acari, Mesostigmata) for each habitat type. In total, 6730 mites were classified into 72 taxa (60 species, 11 genera and one taxon as family). The highest abundance was recorded in 42 y/o. oak stands on post‐agricultural land, while the lowest is in 22 y/o. pine and oak stands on post‐agricultural land. The highest species richness and diversity were recorded in the oldest oak stand on post‐agricultural land. In contrast, the lowest diversity was recorded in the youngest oak and pine stands on post‐agricultural land. Our results demonstrate that the negative impact of the agricultural history of land use weakens over time and provides a better understanding of land use history on the relations between the soil environment and soil fauna, including mesostigmatid mite assemblages.

Research Progress and Biosynthetic Mechanisms of Nutritional Compounds Obtained from Various Organs During the Developmental Stages of a Medicinal Plant (Chinese Jujube).

The fruit of the jujube tree is high in nutrients and has various health benefits. China is a major producer of jujube, and it is now cultivated all around the world. Numerous studies have demonstrated the nutritional value and potential health advantages of bioactive compounds found in the jujube tree. Furthermore, the jujube tree has a remarkable 7000-year agricultural history. The jujube plant has developed a rich gene pool, making it a valuable resource for germplasm. Different studies have focused on the developmental stages of jujube fruits to identify the optimal time for harvest and to assess the changes in their bioactive natural compounds or products during the process of development but the molecular mechanism underlying the production of bioactive natural products in Z. jujuba is still poorly understood. Moreover, the potential differential expressed genes (DEGs) identified as responsible for the synthesis of these compounds should be further functionally verified. It has been noticed that the contents of total flavonoids, total phenolic, and vitamin C increase significantly during the ripening process, while the contents of soluble sugars and organic acids decrease gradually. In this review, we have also scrutinized the challenges that hinder the utilization of jujube fruit resources and suggested potential areas for further research. As such, our review serves as a valuable resource for the future development of jujube-based nutritional compounds and the incorporation of their nutritional elements into the functional foods industry.

Mastrick

Material culture, Farming history, Archaeology, Archives, Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen Doctors, Episcopalianism, religious history, Alexander Stewart, Mastrick, Scottish culture, Ethnology, Folklore, Folk life, Rural life, Local Studies, Regional Studies

Biogeography and Conservation in the Arabian Peninsula: A Present Perspective.

The Arabian Peninsula, with its rugged mountains, wadis, alluvial plains, sand dune deserts, and diverse coastlines, spans over 3 million km2. The Peninsula is situated at the crossroads of Africa and Asia and is a meeting point for diverse biogeographic realms, including the Palearctic, Afrotropical, and Indomalayan regions. This convergence of biogeographic zones has resulted in a remarkably diverse flora and fauna, which is adapted to the harsh and varied climates found throughout the Peninsula. Each of the countries of the Arabian Peninsula are biologically diverse and unique in their own right, but Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and Oman are the most diverse in terms of their landforms and biological diversity. The mountainous regions support a cooler and more moderate climate compared to the surrounding lowlands, thus forming unique ecosystems that function as refugia for plant and animal species, and have a high endemism of plant species. The desert ecosystems support a variety of lifeforms that are specially adapted to an extreme arid climate. Due to its long history of human habitation and subsistence agriculture, particularly in the mountainous areas, the Arabian Peninsula possesses unique crop varieties adapted to extreme arid climates, making them important genetic resources for the future in the face of climate change. The Arabian Peninsula, though rich and diverse in its biological diversity, has been greatly affected by human activities, especially in the last 50 years, including urbanization, habitat destruction, overgrazing, and climate change, which pose significant threats to the biodiversity of the region. This review presents the biogeography and background of conservation efforts made in the countries in the Arabian Peninsula and gives the progress made in botanical research and conservation practices throughout the Peninsula.