Use Of Food Resources Research Articles

Seasonal variation in the use of food resources by sperm whales in a submarine canyon

Understanding the food and habitat requirements of apex predators relies on characterising the food web structure and carbon sources that support them. We examined the food web of sperm whales (parāoa, Physeter macrocephalus) foraging in the submarine canyon of Kaikōura (Aotearoa New Zealand) by measuring bulk stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in sperm whale skin, potential prey and two candidate primary producers. To determine the underlying drivers of variability in bulk ratios, we measured δ13C and δ15N from individual amino acids (AAs) in a subset of whale samples. Mixing models and food web δ13C:δ15N correlations strongly suggest a food web sustained mostly by pelagic production, with a marginal contribution from coastal macroalgae. In contrast to the cephalopod-based diet recorded in most populations, the sperm whales' diet at Kaikōura appeared to be a mixture of squid and demersal fish, which may be related to the extremely high benthic productivity of the canyon. Combined with evidence from studies of habitat use, differences in the whales’ stable isotope values between summer and winter suggested seasonal variability in targeted prey, and ultimately different utilisation of organic carbon sources at the base of the food web. In summer, sperm whales appear to depend mostly on mesopelagic squid, with an increased contribution from demersal fish in winter, consistent with patterns in diving behaviour and spatial distribution. This seasonal shift in food resources suggests that submarine canyons offer a temporally dynamic range of foraging opportunities for this apex predator. Our results provide new insights into the structure of food webs supporting sperm whales, and advance our understanding of the seasonal dynamics in the use of food resources by apex predators in submarine canyons.

Образ жизни детей и взрослых варварской округи Херсонеса (по материалам могильников Фронтовое 3 и Киль-Дере 1)

The necropolises Frontovoe 3 and Kil-Dere 1 from the environ of Chersonesos are interesting and important for the reconstruction of the cultural and historical situation on the borders of the Roman Empire. Data on the isotopic composition of bone collagen and tooth enamel provide new opportunities to discuss the nutrition, economy, and mobility of societies. The isotope composition of carbon and nitrogen informs about the average dietary intake of an individual over the last few years of life (7—10), while the ratio of strontium isotopes in tooth enamel characterizes the habitat of the child during the formation of the crown of the teeth (in this case, from 1 to 6 years). Thus, we obtain information about local natives and migrants of the first generation, whose childhood, probably, passed outside the environ of Chersonesos. The isotopic composition of carbon and nitrogen in 67 samples of bone tissue and the composition of strontium in 35 samples of tooth enamel were studied. The life support system of these societies was based on the use of local terrestrial food resources. Few individuals have been found who can be named first-generation migrants. The low variability of the isotope ratios of strontium and carbon indicates a clear localization of this population group on the given territory. We also discuss the factors behind the differences in the isotopic markers of groups from Kil-Dere 1 and Frontovoye 3. These can be both environmental factors and cultural differences. The questions addressed here can be answered by studying a broader base of the compared materials.

Assessing the suitability of traditional food crops and resource use efficiency in kalmegh [Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F.) Wall ex. Nees] based intercropping systems

Kalmegh [Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F.) Wall ex. Nees] has industrial potential due to the presence of bioactive substances, which always upsurges its demands in the pharmaceutical industry. The purpose of the present study was to identify the suitable companion crops (cereal crops: maize, pearl millet, and sorghum; vegetable crops: okra, cluster bean, tomato, and brinjal; oilseed crops: sunflower and sesame; and pulses crop: pigeon pea) in kalmegh based intercropping system. To accomplish this goal, a field experiment was conducted at the experimental research farm of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP) Lucknow, India, for three successive years. The results of the experiment revealed that among all the treatments of intercrops, T10 (Kalmegh + Pigeon pea), T4 (Kalmegh + Okra) in vegetables, T2 (Kalmegh + Pearl millet) in cereals had significantly higher kalmegh dry herbage yield (increased by 30.55%, 29.32%, and 16.53%, respectively), and andrographolide yield (increased by 87%, 49.09%, and 53.17%, respectively) in comparison to kalmegh sole-crop, this is likely related to the sciophytic behavior of kalmegh. Although, kalmegh shows strong competitiveness with all the treatments except T6 (Kalmegh + Tomato), T7 (Kalmegh + Brinjal), and T9 (Kalmegh + Sesame). In a similar manner, the land equivalent ratio ranged from 1.37 to 2.19 and the area time equivalent ratio ranged from 1.25 to 2.0, demonstrating that the kalmegh based intercropping system is a beneficial approach to maximize resource use efficiency. Consequently, in a world facing limited land resources, our research outcomes could help smallholder’s in improving their agricultural systems to achieve greater production efficiency.

Потенциал пищевых ресурсов леса в развитии агролесоводства Архангельской области

The problem of food security is always relevant for society, but it is even more acute for the inhabitants of northern territories due to unfavorable agricultural conditions. The use of forest food resources, which are abundant in northern regions, and the development of agroforestry help to solve this problem. Agroforestry in this context is seen as an intensive system of sustainable forest management that has a goal-oriented concept tailored to local ecological and socio-economic conditions and integrates both agricultural and forestry practices. This article aims to explore the potential and role of forest food resources in achieving self-sufficiency for the inhabitants of the Arkhangelsk region, as well as the feasibility of implementing agroforestry practices in forestry. The following objectives were pursued and addressed to achieve the research goal: reviewing journal articles, research results, and statistical data on the use of wild plants; conducting original research to understand and evaluate the role and place of wild plants in the dietary habits of the Arkhangelsk region’s population, as well as the goals and characteristics of plant harvesting; assessing the potential of berry cultivation in the region; identifying challenges and prospects associated with the use and development of forest food resources. The study employed a combination of theoretical, empirical, and comprehensive research methods, including document analysis, marketing research in the form of a survey of Arkhangelsk region residents, and SWOT analysis. The comprehensive study generated conclusions and recommendations regarding the utilization of forest food resources in agroforestry, as well as the need for further research on predictive models for berry yields and interactive maps showcasing the locations of wild plants accessible to the local population. A practical innovation proposed in this study is the development of interactive GIS maps to be used by the region’s inhabitants that display the localization of wild plants based on a network of fixed testing sites. This approach aims to foster sustainable and multifaceted forest management development.

Whole metagenome sequencing reveals host plant influences microbial community associated with larvae ofAnastrepha obliqua

AbstractThe interactions between phytophagous insects and microorganisms allow the former to take advantage of plant tissue as a food resource, despite being nutritionally deficient and abundant in toxic metabolites. The West Indian fruit fly,Anastrepha obliqua(Macquart) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a polyphagous species that feeds, as a larva, on the fruits of plants of various families. In Colombia, some of its hosts are red mombin (Spondias purpureaL.), mango (Mangifera indicaL.) (both Anacardiaceae), and star fruit (Averrhoa carambolaL.) (Oxalidaceae). We used whole metagenome sequencing (WMS) to characterize and compare the microbiota and microbiomes ofA. obliqualarvae when they fed on these three fruits. The microbiota constituted of bacteria, fungi, and, to a lesser extent, archaea, and the number of microorganisms in each of these groups varied among host plants. On mango, the main group was Firmicutes; on star fruit and red mombin, Proteobacteria. In addition, on red mombin, fungal groups were more represented than on the other two fruits. For four dominant microbial species,Acetobacter persiciIino et al.,Gluconobacter sphaericus(Ameyama) Malimas et al.,Tatumella ptyseosHollis et al., andWeissella confusa(Holzapfel & Kandler) Collins et al., the genomes were reconstructed. The annotation of these genomes allowed us to determine thatA. persici,G. sphaericus, andT. ptyseoscontain a large number of genes involved in amino acid metabolism pathways, whereasW. confusacontains many genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism pathways. These genes are important for the use of food resources, considering the poor nutritional composition of plant material. Our results form a starting point for understanding the contribution of microorganisms to the ability ofA. obliquato utilize its host plants, the evolutionary implications, and possible applications for the control of this pest insect.

Sustainable strategies of industrial tourism in the agri-food business: an exploratory approach

PurposeThis study aims to analyze the opportunities and potential of industrial tourism for the agri-food industry in the current post-pandemic scenario. Industrial tourism can favor appropriate behaviors by companies and tourists to address emerging challenges in the post-pandemic era, such as responsible production and consumption and the containment of waste production.Design/methodology/approachThe adopted research method is a case study with exploratory purposes, applied to an industrial tourism experiment called “Make it in Puglia” (Apulia Region, Italy). The case study was based on participant observation and semi-structured interviews.FindingsThis study analyzes how industrial tourism in active agri-businesses allows local areas to be enhanced while simultaneously improving and strengthening sustainable strategies and choices for organizations and customers, especially in the changing context of the post-pandemic era.Research limitations/implicationsThe country specificity of this project and the limited duration of the investigation in the post-pandemic period were the main limitations of this study.Practical implicationsIndustrial tourism in the agri-food business can contribute to a sustainable strategy for destination management based on new elements of attractiveness. Moreover, industrial tourism represents an opportunity for agri-food businesses, through the promotion of “business tours,” to respond to requests for more sustainable practices, especially considering that food waste and resource use efficiency have become a topic of growing concern.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the first studies that considers industrial tourism as a strategy for achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the agribusiness sector, as it analyzes industrial tourism as an instrument in the construction of a cohesive ecosystem where tourism, agri-food business and local communities together pursue preservation and safeguarding of the environment, heritage and territory.

Scientific basics to develop functional meat pâtés

The problems of providing consumers with healthy nutrition in sufficient quantities are typical for the entire modern world, and specialists are working hard to solve them, trying to harmonize the priorities of nutritional value with the basics of thrifty use of food resources. In this regard, it is important to develop functional food products, the composition and production technology of which rationally correspond to the nutritional needs of certain categories of consumers. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the use of the indicated vegetable raw materials in functional pâté products and to determine the quantitative parameters of their inclusion in formulations. To study the swelling and hydration of the samples, conventional laboratory methods were used, the water-retaining and fat-retaining capacities were determined by the Schoch method, the amino acid composition – by using the High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. The research has confirmed the feasibility of using plant flour and oils as sources of protein and fat to impart functional properties to meat products and to save valuable meat raw materials. Studies of the physical, chemical and functional-technological properties of flaxseed, rice, corn, sunflower flour showed that flaxseed and rice flour are the most suitable for creating formulations of functional meat products. The determination of the amino acid composition of these two types of flour showed a higher content of essential amino acids, including lysine, in flaxseed flour, which is very valuable for ensuring the proper functioning of the child's brain. For the rational conduct of research, a generalized scheme for planning formulations of functional pâté products was proposed, based on the properties of the used plant materials and the desired functional properties of these products. The practical value of the studies performed is that they made it possible to determine the necessary ratios of vegetable raw materials in the formulations of meat pâtés, which determine their functional properties

Assessment and Principles of Environmentally Sustainable Food and Agriculture Systems

Feeding the world depends on protecting our valuable ecosystems and biodiversity. Currently, increasing public awareness of the problems posed by the current industrialized food system has resulted in increased support for the creative market for economically, socially, and ecologically sustainable food production systems and enhanced demands for variations in agricultural policies and regulations. In food production, the restoration and protection of ecosystems and sustainable food systems must be given priority, which requires a forward-looking rational management strategy and fundamental changes in patterns and practices of economic development, product, and production. Food systems should be redesigned to have a neutral and positive environmental impact, as well as ensure healthy nutrition and food safety, and low environmental impact strategies should become a priority. This review paper aims to discuss, build, guide and evaluate sustainable food systems, principles, and transition strategies such as agroecological, organic, biodynamic, regenerative, urban, and precision agriculture, which are imperative visions for the management of agriculture and food production. To this end, we analyzed the evolution of the established strategies to develop sustainable agriculture and food systems, and we created assessment of key sustainability issues related to food, environment, climate, and rural development priorities and resource use practices.

Diet and Habitat Use of Proceratophrys ararype (Anura: Odontophrynidae), an Endemic Frog from the Chapada do Araripe, Northeastern Brazil

Information on the use of food resources and habitat are important tools for understanding trophic niche and ecological relationships. Many factors can influence the diet and eating habits of anurans. Species of the genus Proceratophrys are important components of the leaf litter frog communities in the Neotropical forests, including P. ararype, a species with restricted distribution in northeast Brazil. Therefore, we describe aspects of habitat use and evaluate the diet of P. ararype and compare these results with information on other Proceratophrys species. We collected, dissected, and examined the gastrointestinal tracts of 40 individuals, among which 55% contained food items, with 11 prey categories identified. We also tested the relationship between prey item categories and sampling sites, differences between males and females, and the relationship between frog size and prey. The species can be characterized as generalist, and the volume of prey ingested was not related to the average size of the individuals. Additionally, the habitat most used by the anuran was leaf litter; thus, it was inferred that this frog species uses the environment horizontally. The data found and comparisons with the literature suggest that the diet composition of P. ararype is determined by the availability of arthropods in the environment. This study demonstrates the importance of understanding habitat use, highlighting opportunistic behavior, such as the pattern found for anuran amphibians, contributing to elucidate the biology of anurans with relictual distribution, especially in semi-arid regions.

Assessments on the Impacts of Climate Change on Food Production, Nutrition, Quality, and Resource Use Efficiency: A Review

Nowadays, climate change is a hot issue all over the world which mainly affects crop production and productivity. Thus, it causes food insecurity all over the globe mainly in Sub-Saharan African countries like Ethiopia. This paper provides a comprehensive overview bonded to the appraisal of climate change impacts on nutrition, quality, and resource use, effectiveness using climate, water, and crop yield models. The studies present that climate change models with advanced spatial resolution can be a way forward for coming climate protrusions. The variability of downfall and the adding temperature was a cause of frequent failure and shortage and had a disastrous impact on the livelihood of the people. Climate change exacerbates the enormous being burden of undernutrition. It affects food and nutrition security and undermines current sweats to reduce hunger and promote nutrition. Undernutrition in turn undermines climate adaptability and the managing strategies of vulnerable populations. Climate change is now a global miracle with growth, poverty, food security, and stability counteraccusations. Because of significant dependence on the agrarian sector for product, employment, and import earnings, Ethiopia is seriously hovered by climate change, which contributes to frequent failure, flooding, and rising average temperatures. The most vulnerable sectors to climate variability and change in the country are husbandry, water, and mortal health. Agricultural sectors are severely affected by Climate change; thus, it causes the production and productivity of animals and plants. To enhance productivity, biotechnology in breeding is therefore essential; nonetheless, optimization is needed for every crop and circumstance. While some newly released crop varieties can increase yield and improve resource use efficiency, others can produce crops on marginal land that are sufficient.

The Behavioral Diversity of Domestic Cats Living in Gampong Meurandeh and Gampong Teungoh

Family felidae, the order of carnivores, includes Felis Domestica. Domestic cats can be kept as pets, wild domestic cats typically cluster in close proximity to human settlements. Feral domestic cats typically make use of human food resources that have been left over. As a result, the purpose of this research is to determine the variety of domestic cat behaviors in the area of Gampong Meurandeh and Gampong Teungoh in the Langsa Lama District of Langsa City in Aceh. The method used to observe the average daily behavior of domestic cats is by using survey methods and scan sampling carried out at 15 minute intervals. There were three categories of the observed cat's daily behavior: affiliative behavior, self-preservation, and negative behavior. Based on the study's findings, differences in daily behavior based on Gampong differences and time differences were dominated by self-care behavior, then affiliative behavior and then negative behavior. The morning and afternoon feeding times of the cats and humans in the two villages were not significantly different.

Feeding Strategies and Trophic Niche Divergence of Three Groups of Dosidicus gigas off Peru: Based on Stable Carbon and Nitrogen Isotopes and Morphology of Feeding Apparatuses

Dosidicus gigas (D. gigas) is a pelagic cephalopod of ecological and economic importance widely distributed in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Generally, small-, medium-, and large-sized groups of the squids have been respectively identified on the basis of the mantle length (ML) of adults. Intraspecific feeding variability maximizes the utilization of available food resources by D. gigas. However, the coexistence mechanism of three groups has not been fully understood yet. In our study, based on the analyses of beak morphology and stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes, the feeding strategies and coexistence patterns of large-, medium-, and small-sized groups of D. gigas were investigated. D. gigas had a wide range of 13C/12C (δ13C) and 15N/14N (δ15N) values in muscle tissue, variable feeding behaviors, and wide food sources. The δ13C or δ15N values showed no significant difference between the small- and medium-sized groups, which shared the same habitats and fed on preys with the similar trophic level. Compared to small- and medium-sized groups, the large-sized group had a smaller range of habitats and consumed more nearshore foods. Both isotopes and feeding apparatus morphology indicated a high degree of niche overlap between the small- and medium-sized groups, whereas the large-sized group differed significantly from other groups. In addition, the niche width of the female was larger than that of the male in all three groups. We inferred that the sex differences in body length and reproductive behavior led to the difference in niche width. The isotopic niche overlap between female and male samples was the most significant in large-sized group and the least significant in the small-sized group, indicating that different feeding strategies were adopted by the three groups. These findings proved that the three groups of D. gigas off Peruvian waters adopted a feeding strategy with inter- and intra-group regulation. This feeding strategy maximizes the use of food and habitat resources and ensures that different size groups can coexist in the same waters.

Upaya Pencegahan Stunting melalui Kegiatan Posyandu Desa Sungai Manau, Kecamatan Kuantan Mudik, Provinsi Riau

Children aged five and under are included in the high-risk category for experiencing impaired growth and physical development if nutritional problems occur. Malnutrition and health problems that commonly occur in children include malnutrition, obesity, and below normal body posture or stunting. One of the efforts that can be made in early detection and prevention of stunting is through Posyandu activities. The University of Riau real work team took part in community service through routine toddler posyandu activities and conducted research to determine the level of knowledge of mothers of toddlers regarding stunting in Sungai Manau village. This service activity is in line with research which aims to find out and increase mother's knowledge about stunting. This activity uses the health education method for mothers with toddlers on August 9, 2022 at the Posyandu in Sungai Manau village. Through this activity it was found that the majority of mothers' knowledge regarding stunting was in the medium category (57%). During the evaluation, it was found that the majority of mothers could answer questions about stunting correctly. We hope that this service activity could be continued with different interventions such as the use of local food resources to overcome stunting in children.

Examining food security among minority student groups, with particular attention on diversity and inclusion

Objective: To identify signs of food insecurity (FI) and coping strategies among university students from three minority groups. Participants: Participants consisted of 3155 university students: 25.58% first-generation, 16.86% nonwhite, and 4.63% international. Methods: Students answered a questionnaire composed of the 2-item Hunger Vital Sign for food security, and questions about demographics, food campus resources, and coping strategies. Results: Among the three minorities, most students (53-57%) reported being food insecure. The food insecurity status was associated with being a senior, or graduate student, having participated in high school food programs, and use of university food resources in all minority groups. Also, a variation in the use of coping strategies to obtain food was reported among minority groups. Conclusion: There is a need to articulate minorities’ awareness and use of the university’s nutritional resources to face the high rates of FI. Campus initiatives should focus on the reality of underserved populations.

A Distinct Saponin Profile Drives an Olfactory-Mediated Aggregation in the Aquacultivated Sea Cucumber Holothuria scabra

Intraspecific chemical communication between echinoderms has often been limited to prespawning aggregation. However, sea cucumber farmers have long observed year-round adult aggregation as a potential source of disease propagation and the suboptimal use of available sea pen acreage and food resources. In this study, through spatial distribution statistics, we demonstrated the significant aggregation of the aquacultivated sea cucumber Holothuria scabra both as adults in large sea-based pens and as juveniles in laboratory-based aquaria, proving that aggregation in these animals is not only observed during spawning. The role of chemical communication in aggregation was investigated using olfactory experimental assays. Our study established that the sediment that H. scabra feeds on as well as the water preconditioned by conspecifics induced positive chemotaxis in juvenile individuals. More specifically, through comparative mass spectrometry, a distinct triterpenoid saponin profile/mixture was identified to be a pheromone allowing sea cucumber intraspecific recognition and aggregation. This "attractive" profile was characterized as containing disaccharide saponins. This "attractive" aggregation-inducing saponin profile was, however, not conserved in starved individuals that were no longer attractive to other conspecifics. In summary, this study sheds new light on the pheromones in echinoderms. It highlights the complexity of the chemical signals detected by sea cucumbers and suggests a role of saponins well beyond that of a simple toxin.

Resource Use among Six Commercial Fish Species from the South-Eastern Gill Net Fisheries, Korea

Dietary habits and inter-specific differences in resource use among six commercial fish species, Chelidonichthys spinosus, Cleisthenes pinetorum, Glyptocephalus stelleri, Hexagrammos otakii, Lophius litulon, and Sebastes schlegelii, collected from the southern coast of the East Sea, Korea, were analyzed using stomach content and stable isotope analyses. Teleosts were the main prey items for C. pinetorum and L. litulon, while both crabs and teleosts contributed to the diets of C. spinosus and S. schlegelii. Glyptocephalus stelleri mainly consumed polycheates and carid shrimps, and H. otakii mostly ingested crabs. The composition of prey items was significantly different in the diets of the six fish species. Further, carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope values were significantly different among the six species, indicating different trophic positions. L. litulon, C. pinetorum, and S. schlegelii had narrow niches, whereas C. spinosus, G. stelleri, and H. otakii had relatively wider niches. This study demonstrated differences in patterns of food resource use among the six fish species that were categorized into two patterns of resource use according to their main prey items: diet diversity, trophic niche width, and trophic position. These results could contribute to the understanding of trophic relationships among fish species inhabiting the East Sea, Korea.

Can citrus production in China become carbon-neutral? A historical retrospect and prospect

Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and increasing carbon sequestration (CS) in agricultural systems are critical to realize carbon neutrality, and slowdown global climate change. However, a comprehensive analysis of GHG emissions, CS and the ways to achieve carbon neutrality of citrus production systems in China has not been reported. In this study, a NUFER-Citrus-LCA (citrus nutrient flows in food chains, environment, and resource use model combined with life cycle assessment) combined model was used to quantify the spatial and temporal characteristics of GHG emissions and CS from citrus production in China from 2004 to 2018 to determine the potential and the means to achieve carbon neutrality. The results showed that the GHG emissions varied remarkably among major citrus-producing provinces, with a decreasing trend in the last decade except for Guangdong province. However, the estimated emission for 2014–2018 (12,261 kg CO2-eq ha−1 yr−1) was 2–3 times greater than that of other countries, with Guangdong province recording the highest GHG emissions (24,403 kg CO2-eq ha−1 yr−1). Nitrogen fertilizer accounted for 71.5% of the total GHG emissions. The total carbon sequestration (TCS) during 2014–2018 was 24.1–74.5% of the total greenhouse gas (TGHG) emissions, depending on the province, indicating a net positive carbon emission in China’s citrus production system. The scenario analysis showed considerable potential for transforming the Chinese citrus production system from a carbon source to a carbon sink. This will, however, require a crop management system that combines optimized nitrogen fertilizer management, 50% replacement of chemical fertilizer with organic fertilizer and use of cover crops, resulting in a total net carbon sequestration of 15.2 Mt CO2-eq yr−1 nationally. Implementation of this crop management model is imperative for transitioning the Chinese citrus production toward carbon neutrality.

A multi-isotope approach reveals seasonal variation in the reliance on marine resources, production of metabolic water, and ingestion of seawater by two species of coastal passerine to maintain water balance

Tracing how free-ranging organisms interact with their environment to maintain water balance is a difficult topic to study for logistical and methodological reasons. We use a novel combination of triple-oxygen stable isotope analyses of water extracted from plasma (δ16O, δ17O, δ18O) and bulk tissue carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes of feathers and blood to estimate the proportional contribution of marine resources, seawater, and metabolic water used by two species of unique songbirds (genus Cinclodes) to maintain their water balance in a seasonal coastal environment. We also assessed the physiological adjustments that these birds use to maintain their water balance. In agreement with previous work on these species, δ13C and δ15N data show that the coastal resident and invertivore C. nigrofumosus consumes a diet rich in marine resources, while the diet of migratory C. oustaleti shifts seasonally between marine (winter) to freshwater aquatic resources (summer). Triple-oxygen isotope analysis (Δ17O) of blood plasma, basal metabolic rate (BMR), and total evaporative water loss (TEWL) revealed that ~25% of the body water pool of both species originated from metabolic water, while the rest originated from a mix of seawater and fresh water. Δ17O measurements suggest that the contribution of metabolic water tends to increase in summer in C. nigrofumosus, which is coupled with a significant increase in BMR and TEWL. The two species had similar BMR and TEWL during the austral winter when they occur sympatrically in coastal environments. We also found a positive and significant association between the use of marine resources as measured by δ13C and δ15N values and the estimated δ18O values of ingested (pre-formed) water in both species, which indicates that Cinclodes do not directly drink seawater but rather passively ingest when consuming marine invertebrates. Finally, results obtained from physiological parameters and the isotope-based estimates of marine (food and water) resource use are consistent, supporting the use of the triple-oxygen isotopes to quantify the contribution of water sources to the total water balance of free-ranging birds.

Adaptation Strategy Can Ensure Seed and Food Production With Improving Water and Nitrogen Use Efficiency Under Climate Change

AbstractAdaptation strategies can reduce the negative impacts of climate change on food security. As an important part of food security, more attention should be paid to seed security, as it determines the crop planting area and ultimately affects food production, especially in major seed production locations, such as the Hexi Corridor in China. This region is an important production base of grain (including field maize and wheat) and maize seed, but the shortage of water resources and low use efficiency of water and nitrogen (N) seriously constrain the sustainable development of agriculture. Formulating an adaptation strategy to balance the seed and food production and resource use efficiency is an important way to maintain regional as well as national food production. We established an optimization‐simulation framework, which consists of a novel crop production function and a grid‐based crop model, APSIM. This framework was used to optimize agricultural management and evaluate its performance considering the spatio‐temporal variability of climate and soil properties, actual crop water consumption and N uptake during each growth stage, and interactive sensitivity coefficients of water and N at different growth stages under climate change. We show that the proposed adaptation strategy could save 0.31 km³ of irrigation water and 22 thousand tonnes of N fertilizer, and increase seed and food production by 33 thousand tonnes, compared with traditional practices. Significant increases in irrigation water productivity and N use efficiency can be expected by using the adaptation supporting the sustainable development of agriculture.

Food production and resource use of urban farms and gardens: a five-country study

There is a lack of data on resources used and food produced at urban farms. This hampers attempts to quantify the environmental impacts of urban agriculture or craft policies for sustainable food production in cities. To address this gap, we used a citizen science approach to collect data from 72 urban agriculture sites, representing three types of spaces (urban farms, collective gardens, individual gardens), in five countries (France, Germany, Poland, United Kingdom, and United States). We answered three key questions about urban agriculture with this unprecedented dataset: (1) What are its land, water, nutrient, and energy demands? (2) How productive is it relative to conventional agriculture and across types of farms? and (3) What are its contributions to local biodiversity? We found that participant farms used dozens of inputs, most of which were organic (e.g., manure for fertilizers). Farms required on average 71.6 L of irrigation water, 5.5 L of compost, and 0.53 m2 of land per kilogram of harvested food. Irrigation was lower in individual gardens and higher in sites using drip irrigation. While extremely variable, yields at well-managed urban farms can exceed those of conventional counterparts. Although farm type did not predict yield, our cluster analysis demonstrated that individually managed leisure gardens had lower yields than other farms and gardens. Farms in our sample contributed significantly to local biodiversity, with an average of 20 different crops per farm not including ornamental plants. Aside from clarifying important trends in resource use at urban farms using a robust and open dataset, this study also raises numerous questions about how crop selection and growing practices influence the environmental impacts of growing food in cities. We conclude with a research agenda to tackle these and other pressing questions on resource use at urban farms.