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Burning slash piles is common in the Mediterranean regions to manage the unwanted biomass. This work aims to study the effect of two experimental pile burns ((moderate (MS) and high severity (HS)) conducted in Croatia on vegetation and soil compared to an unburned treatment (UB). We studied vegetation cover (VC), soil water repellency (SWR), mean weight diameter (MWD), water-stable aggregates (WSA), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic matter (SOM), the total content of calcium (Ca), aluminium (Al), silicon (Si), and iron (Fe), available phosphorus (P2O5) and potassium (K2O). The impacts of the burn were studied 5 days after burning (DAB), 3, 8, 12, and 15 months after burn (MAB). The results showed that VC was significantly higher in UB than in MS 5 DAB-15MAB. SWR was significantly higher in the smallest soil fractions (<0.25 mm) in burn treatments than in the UB on 5 DAB and 3 MAB. Also, 3 MAB, MWD and WSA were significantly lower in the burned treatments than in UB. pH was significantly higher in HS than in UB 3, 12 and 15 MAB, while EC was significantly higher in HS than in UB, 5 DAB, 3 and 15 MAB. MS and HS did not significantly affect SOM content. Total Ca was significantly higher in burn treatments than in UB 5 DAB-12 MAB. Total Al and Si were significantly higher in UB than in HS (5 DAB-15MAB), while total Fe was significantly higher in UB than in HS 5 DAB, and 8–15 MAB. P2O5 was significantly higher in HS than in UB from 3 to 15 MAB, while K2O was significantly higher in MS and HS than in UB 5 DAB. Soils need more time to recover from pile burning disturbance, likely due to the soil poor natural conditions, therefore this type of management is detrimental.
Domina Delač; Ivica Kisić; Igor Bogunović; Paulo Pereira. Temporal impacts of pile burning on vegetation regrowth and soil properties in a Mediterranean environment (Croatia). Science of The Total Environment 2021, 799, 149318 .
AMA StyleDomina Delač, Ivica Kisić, Igor Bogunović, Paulo Pereira. Temporal impacts of pile burning on vegetation regrowth and soil properties in a Mediterranean environment (Croatia). Science of The Total Environment. 2021; 799 ():149318.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDomina Delač; Ivica Kisić; Igor Bogunović; Paulo Pereira. 2021. "Temporal impacts of pile burning on vegetation regrowth and soil properties in a Mediterranean environment (Croatia)." Science of The Total Environment 799, no. : 149318.
Among the greatest challenges facing Ukraine as well as other countries with significant agrarian production are sustainable land management, precision farming, soil erosion, and fertility identification. Soil magnetic susceptibility (MS, χ), as well as other magnetic mineralogical parameters, can be a useful indicator of cropland degradation, soil erosion, and pollution assessment. The objective of this work is to study soil magnetic properties in an agricultural land area located in Pechenigy (Kharkiv region, Ukraine). To study the soil magnetic properties distribution, we performed three soil sections (cuts) in different genetic soil horizons. The sections were developed according to the landscape position. The samples were collected from each horizon, and a total of 39 soil samples were taken for laboratory analysis. The laboratory studies included the measurements and calculation of the MS, frequency dependence of the MS (χfd), anhysteretic MS (χARM), isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM), hysteresis, and thermomagnetic parameters. The results showed that MS differs depending on the depth (genetic horizon) and landscape position (section). The average values for topsoil were 70–80 × 10–8 m3/kg. We observed a decrease in MS for Sections 1 and 3 of the deeper soil layer. In the C horizon, the MS was 3–4 times lower than in the A horizon. The MS values for Section 2 were substantially different from those for Sections 1 and 3. In Section 2, we registered the maximum at a depth of 60–90 cm in the B horizon (80–90 × 10–8 m3/kg). Results of magnetic mineralogical analyses suggested that the origin of magnetite, maghemite, and paramagnetic minerals was mostly associated with the pedogenic process. The magnetic minerals were predominantly in superparamagnetic (SP) and single-domain (SD) state with a grain size of less than 0.2 microns.
Oleksandr Menshov; Oleksandr Kruglov; Sergiy Vyzhva; Lidiia Horoshkova; Paulo Pereira; Tatiana Pastushenko; Turgay Dindaroglu. Landscape Position Effects on Magnetic Properties of Soils in the Agricultural Land Pechenigy, Ukraine. Earth Systems and Environment 2021, 1 -12.
AMA StyleOleksandr Menshov, Oleksandr Kruglov, Sergiy Vyzhva, Lidiia Horoshkova, Paulo Pereira, Tatiana Pastushenko, Turgay Dindaroglu. Landscape Position Effects on Magnetic Properties of Soils in the Agricultural Land Pechenigy, Ukraine. Earth Systems and Environment. 2021; ():1-12.
Chicago/Turabian StyleOleksandr Menshov; Oleksandr Kruglov; Sergiy Vyzhva; Lidiia Horoshkova; Paulo Pereira; Tatiana Pastushenko; Turgay Dindaroglu. 2021. "Landscape Position Effects on Magnetic Properties of Soils in the Agricultural Land Pechenigy, Ukraine." Earth Systems and Environment , no. : 1-12.
Higher education institutions have an essential role in sustainability. They are key agents in the education of future leaders that will contribute to the successful United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) implementation. The geography of SDGs this implementation is very heterogeneous, but it is clear that higher education institutions contribute decisively to creating a mindset that facilitates the dissemination of SDGs principle. This perspective paper analyses the impacts of higher education on sustainability and the challenges and barriers associated with this process. Higher education contributes decisively to the SDGs implementation, but especially to Goal 1 (end poverty in all its forms everywhere), Goal 3 (ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages), Goal 5 (gender equality), Goal 8 (decent work and economic growth), Goal 12 (responsible consumption and production), Goal 13 (climate change) and Goal 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions). As a transformational agent, the higher education sector has a tremendous impact on students' habit and contribution to a prosperous society. However, to establish the required change in education, sustainability principles need to be at the heart of higher institutions strategy (e.g., curricula, modus operandi) and is key to be incorporated in the organisational culture. Only by leading by example, the external influence in the society will be possible (e.g., implementing SDGs key aspects such as gender quality, reduce waste reduction and energy consumption). For this to be a reality, different communication methods with students are needed (e.g., different student academic levels). Nevertheless, critical challenges need to be tackled in the institutions inside and outside the institution environment, such as incorporating sustainability principles, political environment and stakeholders' interest.
Inga Žalėnienė; Paulo Pereira. Higher Education For Sustainability: A Global Perspective. Geography and Sustainability 2021, 2, 99 -106.
AMA StyleInga Žalėnienė, Paulo Pereira. Higher Education For Sustainability: A Global Perspective. Geography and Sustainability. 2021; 2 (2):99-106.
Chicago/Turabian StyleInga Žalėnienė; Paulo Pereira. 2021. "Higher Education For Sustainability: A Global Perspective." Geography and Sustainability 2, no. 2: 99-106.
Fire is a natural element of the environment that can have pervasive and beneficial impacts on the ecosystems. Wildfires can induce dramatic socio-economic and environmental impacts, while prescribed fires can have several benefits. Therefore ‘fire is a good servant but a bad master’. Depending on the way, it is used can be advantageous or detrimental. Here, we study the short-term effect of wildfires and prescribed fires on regulating, provisioning and cultural ecosystem services. Wildfires occurrence have a detrimental effect on all ecosystem services, except Pest and Diseases Control and Knowledge Systems. On the other hand, prescribed fires use has a positive/neutral impact on most ecosystem services studied. The trade-offs observed using this practice are related to negative impacts related to greenhouse gases and pollution emission (regulating) and decreasing biomass availability for energy and timber value (provisioning).
Paulo Pereira; Igor Bogunovic; Wenwu Zhao; Damia Barcelo. Short-term effect of wildfires and prescribed fires on ecosystem services. Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health 2021, 22, 100266 .
AMA StylePaulo Pereira, Igor Bogunovic, Wenwu Zhao, Damia Barcelo. Short-term effect of wildfires and prescribed fires on ecosystem services. Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health. 2021; 22 ():100266.
Chicago/Turabian StylePaulo Pereira; Igor Bogunovic; Wenwu Zhao; Damia Barcelo. 2021. "Short-term effect of wildfires and prescribed fires on ecosystem services." Current Opinion in Environmental Science & Health 22, no. : 100266.
Soil degradation in vineyards is a global problem, indicating the need for the adoption of sustainable practices. Studies on the seasonal and long-term management impacts on soil properties and hydrological responses in vineyards are needed. Rainfall simulation experiments (60 mm h−1 for 30 min) and soil sampling were conducted on Cambisols in eastern Croatia during the dry and wet seasons in long-term grass-covered and tilled vineyards. The results show that bulk density (BD), soil organic matter (SOM), available phosphorous (P2O5), soil water content (SWC), mean weight diameter (MWD), and water-stable aggregates (WSA) were significantly higher in grass-covered plots than in tilled plots. WSA was significantly lower in the wet period, whereas the opposite trend was observed for SWC and MWD. The time to ponding (PT) and time to runoff (RT) were high (p < 0.05) in the tilled plot in the dry season and low in the wet season. The sediment concentration (SC), soil loss (SL), carbon loss (C loss), and P2O5 loss were significantly higher in the tilled plot than in the grass-covered plot. Runoff, SC, SL, C loss, and P2O5 loss were significantly lower in the dry period. Although the grass-covered plots exhibited high compaction, the stable structure reduced SL by 91% and 94% in the dry and wet seasons, respectively. The tilled plots increased disaggregation and the availability of sediments for transport, enhancing C loss (4.5 times higher) and P2O5 loss (6.4 times higher) compared with the values in the grass-covered plots. Tillage as an unsustainable practice was more pronounced in the wet season with 16.4, 10.1, and 11.1 times higher sediment, P2O5, and C losses, respectively, than those in the grass-covered plots. More sustainable practices are needed to decrease soil degradation and reverse these processes.
Leon Josip Telak; Paulo Pereira; Igor Bogunovic. Management and seasonal impacts on vineyard soil properties and the hydrological response in continental Croatia. CATENA 2021, 202, 105267 .
AMA StyleLeon Josip Telak, Paulo Pereira, Igor Bogunovic. Management and seasonal impacts on vineyard soil properties and the hydrological response in continental Croatia. CATENA. 2021; 202 ():105267.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLeon Josip Telak; Paulo Pereira; Igor Bogunovic. 2021. "Management and seasonal impacts on vineyard soil properties and the hydrological response in continental Croatia." CATENA 202, no. : 105267.
The soil available water content (AWC) has a strong ability to indicate the soil water conditions under different land cover types. Although the AWC has long been calculated, soil water characteristic curve estimation models and the distribution of AWC, as well as the impact factors, have rarely been evaluated in the Loess Plateau of China. In this study, four typical land cover types were selected: introduced shrubland, introduced grassland, natural restored shrubland and natural restored grassland. Four widely used models were compared with the van Genuchten (VG) model, including the Arya and Paris (AP) model, Mohammadi and Vanclooster (MV) model, Tyler and Wheatcraft (TW) model, and linear fitting (LF) model to estimate the wilting point. The distribution of AWC and the relationships with environmental factors were measured and analyzed. The results showed the following: (1) the MV model was the most suitable model to estimate the soil water characteristic curve in the Loess Plateau; (2) the factors impacting the AWC varied under different precipitation gradients, and the area with a mean annual precipitation of 440-510 mm was the most sensitive zone to environmental and vegetation factors; and (3) the soil water deficit was more severe when considering AWC than when considering soil water content (SWC), and the water deficits were different under introduced grassland and introduced shrubland. Consequently, the construction of vegetation restoration should be more cautious and consider the trade-off between soil conservation and water conservation. During restoration, policy makers should focus on the AWC in addition to the SWC to better assess the soil moisture status.
Xiao Zhang; Wenwu Zhao; Lixin Wang; Paulo Pereira. Aggravated water deficit in the Loess Plateau of China as indicated by the soil available water content. 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleXiao Zhang, Wenwu Zhao, Lixin Wang, Paulo Pereira. Aggravated water deficit in the Loess Plateau of China as indicated by the soil available water content. . 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleXiao Zhang; Wenwu Zhao; Lixin Wang; Paulo Pereira. 2021. "Aggravated water deficit in the Loess Plateau of China as indicated by the soil available water content." , no. : 1.
Abstract
Human activity is directly responsible for land use and land cover changes, affecting different ecosystem services. Thus, from the perspective of land use management is critical to project potential future land-use changes. This study aimed: (i) to detect possible changes in land-use structure in response to different four scenarios, namely: business as usual, urbanization, afforestation and land abandonment, and agricultural intensification scenario; and (ii) to measure the landscape habitat quality (an ecosystem services proxy) according to those projected futures. We selected as case study Lithuania due to the potential future increased human pressures on the landscape, and due to the high landscape value of this territory. The projected year was 2050, and we used the Cellular Automata method (applying the Dinamica EGO software) to project future land-use changes, and the InVEST model to assess the habitat quality. The land-use scenarios outcomes were validated using a fuzzy comparison function, and 80% of accuracy was achieved (comparing a simulated land use map of 2018, and the observed map for the same year). The results showed that the agricultural intensification scenario represents the greatest predicted landscape deterioration (from 0.71 in 2018 to 0.64). In the urbanization scenario, the highest landscape degradation prediction is identified around the most important cities (Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda). In the opposite direction, the afforestation and land abandonment scenario show the highest improvement on the habitat quality, from 0.71 in 2018 to 0.74.
Acknowledgements
“Lithuanian National Ecosystem Services Assessment and Mapping (LINESAM)” No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-01-0104 is funded by the European Social Fund according to the activity “Improvement of researchers’ qualification by implementing world-class R&D projects” of Measure No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712.
Paulo Pereira; Eduardo Gomes; Miguel Inacio; Katarzyna Bogdzevič; Donalda Karnauskaite; Marius Kalinauskas. Mapping and assessment of future land use change impacts on habitat quality in Lithuania. 2021, 1 .
AMA StylePaulo Pereira, Eduardo Gomes, Miguel Inacio, Katarzyna Bogdzevič, Donalda Karnauskaite, Marius Kalinauskas. Mapping and assessment of future land use change impacts on habitat quality in Lithuania. . 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StylePaulo Pereira; Eduardo Gomes; Miguel Inacio; Katarzyna Bogdzevič; Donalda Karnauskaite; Marius Kalinauskas. 2021. "Mapping and assessment of future land use change impacts on habitat quality in Lithuania." , no. : 1.
In the Mediterranean part of Croatia, wildfires have increased in recent decades raising concerns about soil degradation. Post-wildfire stabilization treatments are used in fire affected areas due to their easy application and possible beneficial effects on soil quality. On 28 July 2019, a moderate to high severity wildfire affected about 900 ha in the central part of Mediterranean, Croatia (43°45'N 15°56'E; 105 m a.s.l.). Wildfire mostly affected abandoned grassing with a dominant culture Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis), and olive groves (Olea europaea). The effects of wildfire (control (C); uncovered burned soil), and two post-wildfire stabilization treatments (mulches); pine needles (PM) and olive leaves (OM) were evaluated on soil samples (0–5 cm depth) taken during 5 sampling campaigns; 25 days after fire (DAF), 3 months after fire (MAF), 6 MAF, 9 MAF, and 12 MAF. One treatment covered 10 m2, and mulches were applied in 0.5 kg m-2. The non-destructive analytic method, X-ray fluorescence (pXRF), was used to determine the behavior of total concentrations of nutrients and pollutants in all soil samples. The results showed that Al and P were significantly lowest at PM 12 MAF compared to other dates. The P was also significantly lowest at C 3 MAF than other dates. The Ti was significantly lowest at PM 12 MAF then C treatment, while the Zn was significantly different between PM and OM treatments 12 MAF, with highest values at PM. The Si didn’t vary significantly under mulch treatments, but in C was significantly highest 12 MAF in regard to 25 DAF. The K was significantly highest at both mulch treatments 3 MAF, regard to other dates and C treatment. The Pb showed significant changes only in PM between 3 and 12 MAF, with highest concentrations 12 MAF. The S showed significant difference in C between 25 DAF and 12 MAF with the highest 25 DAF. The effects of fire and mulches during the first post-fire year didn’t show significant change of Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, As, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, and Th concentrations. These results show that PM had a more notable impact on the concentrations of major and minor topsoil elements in comparison to OM. However, it is concluded that more time is required to complete mulch decomposition and possible increment in soil quality.
Acknowledgments: The work was supported by Croatian science foundation under the project “Influence of Summer Fire on Soil and Water Quality” (IP-2018-01-1645).
Domina Delač; Paulo Pereira; Ivica Kisić. Impact of post-wildfire stabilization treatments on major and minor topsoil elements in a Mediterranean environment (Croatia): first-year study. 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleDomina Delač, Paulo Pereira, Ivica Kisić. Impact of post-wildfire stabilization treatments on major and minor topsoil elements in a Mediterranean environment (Croatia): first-year study. . 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDomina Delač; Paulo Pereira; Ivica Kisić. 2021. "Impact of post-wildfire stabilization treatments on major and minor topsoil elements in a Mediterranean environment (Croatia): first-year study." , no. : 1.
Mapping and assessing landscape aesthetic quality (LAQ) at the national level can provide valuable insights to scientists and policymakers about the general condition of targeted cultural ecosystem service (CES). A generalised view based on unified methodological standards allows comparing LAQ between countries, thus facilitating international environmental management policies. LAQ can be assessed by combining subjective and objective metrics. This approach makes it challenging to map and assess the LAQ at national scale since it requires consensus-based methodologies to be reliably applicable in a broader geographic region. The national-scale studies related to LAQ are not common since they require high computational resources and differ in data accessibility. However, it is crucial to conduct broader LAQ studies to reveal the more general picture of LAQ condition and support (adjust) policy implementation at the national scale. More studies are needed to assess LAQ at the national level. This study aims to map and assess LAQ in Lithuania on the national scale. To achieve this aim, we adapted a LAQ mapping and assessment approach previously applied in Germany at the national scale. Based on previous work, we tested the methodology's transferability by applying it in a different geographical region by using local datasets. In this study, we partially modified sub-indicators calculation methods and performed an additional in-depth analysis to gather more information on LAQ accessibility and condition in Lithuania. Geographic Information Systems modeling and spatial statistics analysis allowed for achieving this aim. The results revealed that agricultural and urban areas had the lowest landscape diversity, naturalness, uniqueness, and LAQ in general, while areas with high ruggedness, forests, protected areas, natural monuments, and heritage sites had the highest LAQ scores. Viewshed analysis showed that a significant part of Lithuanian territory with the highest LAQ values have limited visibility due to terrain energy and undulation. Curonian spit and Nemunas riverbanks are few of high LAQ areas with high visual accessibility potential. The patches with high LAQ were clustered in protected areas, while the lowest LAQ values were observed in agricultural lands and urbanised areas. LAQ CES assessment is critical for higher quality environmental management regulation practices. High LAQ areas may need a better protection and provide wellbeing for the population, while low LAQ areas may require additional restoration effort. It also provides a better understanding of the LAQ condition and contributes to achieve national, European, and global goals related to landscape planning, management, and sustainable development.
Marius Kalinauskas; Katažyna Mikša; Miguel Inácio; Eduardo Gomes; Paulo Pereira. Mapping and assessment of landscape aesthetic quality in Lithuania. Journal of Environmental Management 2021, 286, 112239 .
AMA StyleMarius Kalinauskas, Katažyna Mikša, Miguel Inácio, Eduardo Gomes, Paulo Pereira. Mapping and assessment of landscape aesthetic quality in Lithuania. Journal of Environmental Management. 2021; 286 ():112239.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarius Kalinauskas; Katažyna Mikša; Miguel Inácio; Eduardo Gomes; Paulo Pereira. 2021. "Mapping and assessment of landscape aesthetic quality in Lithuania." Journal of Environmental Management 286, no. : 112239.
Fire is a natural element that has important effects on society, economy and environment. It is a critical element of many ecosystems, but when uncontrolled is the cause of the destruction of many socio-economic systems. These uncontrolled fires (wildfires) have temporal effects on soils, depending on the wildfire severity. The impacts can be direct (heating) or indirect (ash). The most important response occurs in the immediate period post-fire (e.g., window of disturbance) and decreases with vegetation cover increases. Several models were created and used to estimate post-fire erosion rates. Nevertheless, there are still significant challenges ahead since the estimations are not accurate. Also, certain practices (e.g., salvage logging) have a pervasive effect on soils, in some cases more detrimental than the wildfire risk, mainly if carried out in the immediate period after the wildfire. This special issue comprises 17 articles from diverse geographies and covers many topics and aspects related to fire impacts on soils (e.g., modelling, fertility, organic matter, microbiology, smouldering).
Lea Wittenberg; Paulo Pereira. Fire and soils: Measurements, modelling, management and challenges. Science of The Total Environment 2021, 776, 145964 .
AMA StyleLea Wittenberg, Paulo Pereira. Fire and soils: Measurements, modelling, management and challenges. Science of The Total Environment. 2021; 776 ():145964.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLea Wittenberg; Paulo Pereira. 2021. "Fire and soils: Measurements, modelling, management and challenges." Science of The Total Environment 776, no. : 145964.
During development glial cell are crucially important for the establishment of neuronal networks. Proliferation and migration of glial cells can be modulated by neurons, and in turn glial cells can differentiate to assume key roles such as axonal wrapping and targeting. To explore the roles of actin cytoskeletal rearrangements in glial cells, we studied the function of Rho1 in Drosophila developing visual system. We show that the Pebble (RhoGEF)/Rho1/Anillin pathway is required for glia proliferation and to prevent the formation of large polyploid perineurial glial cells, which can still migrate into the eye disc if generated. Surprisingly, this Rho1 pathway is not necessary to establish the total glial membrane area or for the differentiation of the polyploid perineurial cells. The resulting polyploid wrapping glial cells are able to initiate wrapping of axons in the basal eye disc, however the arrangement and density of glia nuclei and membrane processes in the optic stalk are altered and the ensheathing of the photoreceptor axonal fascicles is reduced.
Lígia Tavares; Patrícia Grácio; Raquel Ramos; Rui Traquete; Joao Relvas; Paulo S. Pereira. The Pebble/Rho1/Anillin pathway controls polyploidization and axonal wrapping activity in the glial cells of the Drosophila eye. Developmental Biology 2021, 473, 90 -96.
AMA StyleLígia Tavares, Patrícia Grácio, Raquel Ramos, Rui Traquete, Joao Relvas, Paulo S. Pereira. The Pebble/Rho1/Anillin pathway controls polyploidization and axonal wrapping activity in the glial cells of the Drosophila eye. Developmental Biology. 2021; 473 ():90-96.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLígia Tavares; Patrícia Grácio; Raquel Ramos; Rui Traquete; Joao Relvas; Paulo S. Pereira. 2021. "The Pebble/Rho1/Anillin pathway controls polyploidization and axonal wrapping activity in the glial cells of the Drosophila eye." Developmental Biology 473, no. : 90-96.
Tillage is well known to have impacts on soil properties and hydrological responses. This work aims to study the short-term impacts of tillage (0–3 months) on soil and hydrological responses in fig orchards located in Croatia. Understanding the soil hydrological response in the study area is crucial for soil management due to frequent autumn floods. The hydrological response was investigated using rainfall simulation experiments (58 mm h−1, for 30 min, over 0.785 m2 plots). The results show that the bulk density was significantly higher 3 months after tillage than at 0 and 1 months. The water holding capacity and amount of soil organic matter decreased with time. The water runoff and phosphorous loss (P loss) increased over time. The sediment concentration (SC) was significantly higher 3 months after tillage than in the previous monitoring periods, while sediment loss (SL) and carbon loss (C loss) were significantly lower 0 months after tillage than 3 months after tillage. Overall, there was an increase in soil erodibility with time (high SC, SL, C loss, and P loss), attributed to the precipitation patterns that increase the soil water content and therefore the hydrological response. Therefore, sustainable agricultural practices are needed to avoid sediment translocation and to mitigate floods and land degradation.
Leon Josip Telak; Paulo Pereira; Carla S. S. Ferreira; Vilim Filipovic; Lana Filipovic; Igor Bogunovic. Short-Term Impact of Tillage on Soil and the Hydrological Response within a Fig (Ficus Carica) Orchard in Croatia. Water 2020, 12, 3295 .
AMA StyleLeon Josip Telak, Paulo Pereira, Carla S. S. Ferreira, Vilim Filipovic, Lana Filipovic, Igor Bogunovic. Short-Term Impact of Tillage on Soil and the Hydrological Response within a Fig (Ficus Carica) Orchard in Croatia. Water. 2020; 12 (11):3295.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLeon Josip Telak; Paulo Pereira; Carla S. S. Ferreira; Vilim Filipovic; Lana Filipovic; Igor Bogunovic. 2020. "Short-Term Impact of Tillage on Soil and the Hydrological Response within a Fig (Ficus Carica) Orchard in Croatia." Water 12, no. 11: 3295.
The Baltic Sea is essential for marine ecosystem services (MES) provision and the region's socio-economic dynamics. It is considered one of the busiest and most polluted regional seas in Europe. In recent years a collective effort in enforcing European and regional environmental policies and directives (e.g., Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC, 2000; Marine Strategy Framework Directive 2008/56/EC, 2008; Maritime Spatial Planning Directive Directive 2014/89/EU, 2014) has been carried out. ES assessment and mapping is integrated into these directives. An increasing number of scientific studies, projects, and other works were developed in this context, generating a vast body of knowledge. Despite all efforts to improve the Baltic Sea's environmental status, the targets established were not fulfilled. It is also important to analyze if current methodological approaches for assessing and mapping MES are robust enough to provide the needed results. This perspective paper analyses the status of assessment and mapping methodologies. The results showed that most of the studies were focused on qualitative assessments, with limited validation and reliability. Although the number of robust and quantitative works is increasing, more are needed. It is vital to carry out quantitative methodologies to inform decision-makers better and standardize MES practices across the Baltic Sea.
Miguel Inácio; Donalda Karnauskaitė; Eglė Baltranaitė; Marius Kalinauskas; Katarzyna Bogdzevič; Eduardo Gomes; Paulo Pereira. Ecosystem services of the Baltic Sea: An assessment and mapping perspective. Geography and Sustainability 2020, 1, 256 -265.
AMA StyleMiguel Inácio, Donalda Karnauskaitė, Eglė Baltranaitė, Marius Kalinauskas, Katarzyna Bogdzevič, Eduardo Gomes, Paulo Pereira. Ecosystem services of the Baltic Sea: An assessment and mapping perspective. Geography and Sustainability. 2020; 1 (4):256-265.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMiguel Inácio; Donalda Karnauskaitė; Eglė Baltranaitė; Marius Kalinauskas; Katarzyna Bogdzevič; Eduardo Gomes; Paulo Pereira. 2020. "Ecosystem services of the Baltic Sea: An assessment and mapping perspective." Geography and Sustainability 1, no. 4: 256-265.
Despite its importance in supporting the global economy and to accommodate an ever-growing population at the coast, many of the coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, reefs, seagrass meadows, salt marshes and dunes had in the recent years an accentuated decrease in their coverage. The loss of coastal ecosystems, among other problems, leads to the loss of natural capacity for flood mitigation and coastal erosion. Since a considerable share of the coastal population is living in flood-prone areas, the loss of capacity of the ecosystems to mitigate the impacts of floods and coastal erosion can increase the vulnerability to natural hazards such as storm surges, hurricanes and typhoons. This is especially relevant in a context of increasing sea-level rise and intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, both increasing the risk to lose lives and assets. Coastal flood mitigation has been done primarily through the use of hard grey infrastructures. However, these types of structures can have long-term impacts on coastal ecosystems, require continuous maintenance and, in the face of extreme events, may represent an inefficient way to prevent coastal degradation. This called the attention of scientists and decision-makers towards the role of nature to mitigate the impacts of coastal floods through nature-based solutions (NBS). NBS, under the framework of ecosystem-based management, are interventions that aim to reduce the impacts of coastal flooding and erosion and simultaneously enhance ecosystems, biodiversity and natural resources. NBS can use (1) natural solutions (e.g. marine protected areas), (2) soft engineering and ecological restoration (e.g. beach nourishment) and (3) hybrid solutions, which integrate natural and grey infrastructures. Recently, NBS are gaining popularity and are part of coastal management strategies in many countries. Despite their efficiency, it is still a new practice, and therefore concerns are raised regarding their environmental and anthropogenic impacts. Also, there are some drawbacks and pitfalls that need to be overcome to increase NBS implementation. In this chapter we make an overview on the need for NBS for coastal flood mitigation, its implementation in a worldwide context, their impacts on the coastal social ecological economics systems, drawbacks and opportunities to improve their acceptance.
Miguel Inácio; Donalda Karnauskaitė; Katažyna Mikša; Eduardo Gomes; Marius Kalinauskas; Paulo Pereira. Nature-Based Solutions to Mitigate Coastal Floods and Associated Socioecological Impacts. The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry 2020, 1 -24.
AMA StyleMiguel Inácio, Donalda Karnauskaitė, Katažyna Mikša, Eduardo Gomes, Marius Kalinauskas, Paulo Pereira. Nature-Based Solutions to Mitigate Coastal Floods and Associated Socioecological Impacts. The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry. 2020; ():1-24.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMiguel Inácio; Donalda Karnauskaitė; Katažyna Mikša; Eduardo Gomes; Marius Kalinauskas; Paulo Pereira. 2020. "Nature-Based Solutions to Mitigate Coastal Floods and Associated Socioecological Impacts." The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry , no. : 1-24.
Carla Ferreira; Zahra Kalantari; Paulo Pereira. Liveable cities: Current environmental challenges and paths to urban sustainability. Journal of Environmental Management 2020, 277, 111458 .
AMA StyleCarla Ferreira, Zahra Kalantari, Paulo Pereira. Liveable cities: Current environmental challenges and paths to urban sustainability. Journal of Environmental Management. 2020; 277 ():111458.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCarla Ferreira; Zahra Kalantari; Paulo Pereira. 2020. "Liveable cities: Current environmental challenges and paths to urban sustainability." Journal of Environmental Management 277, no. : 111458.
There is a lack of information in the rural Mediterranean area about agricultural pile burning impacts on soil nitrogen (N) dynamic and the N loss. Therefore, this research aims to study the impacts of moderate (MS), and high (HS) severity burn on N transformation and N losses, compared to an unburned (C) during the first year. The experimental plots (10 m2) were established in Croatia (43°58′ N 15°31′ E), in a slope ~18°, with a southwest exposition. Five days after the burn, C treatment had a significantly higher total N (TN) than MS and HS. Generally, the runoff was significantly different between burned and C treatments. Sediment yield, concentrations, and TN loss were significantly higher in MS than in C treatment. The concentrations of ammonium (NH4-N) and nitrate (NO3-N) in the runoff, and their losses were higher in burn treatments than in C treatment. These values were high in the first three months after burn, although the peaks in later periods correspond to extreme rainfall events. Principal component analysis showed that sediment yield was associated with sediment concentration, runoff, and TN loss (Factor 1). In addition, rainfall amount and intensity were inversely related to NH4-N concentration and losses (Factor 2). The NO3-N concentration was positively related to NO3-N losses. Overall, MS treatment had severe effects on N loss and, sediment yield can be used as an indicator of soil degradation after pile burns.
Domina Delač; Paulo Pereira; Igor Bogunović; Ivica Kisić. Short-Term Effects of Pile Burn on N Dynamic and N Loss in Mediterranean Croatia. Agronomy 2020, 10, 1340 .
AMA StyleDomina Delač, Paulo Pereira, Igor Bogunović, Ivica Kisić. Short-Term Effects of Pile Burn on N Dynamic and N Loss in Mediterranean Croatia. Agronomy. 2020; 10 (9):1340.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDomina Delač; Paulo Pereira; Igor Bogunović; Ivica Kisić. 2020. "Short-Term Effects of Pile Burn on N Dynamic and N Loss in Mediterranean Croatia." Agronomy 10, no. 9: 1340.
In urban areas, land use usually increases soil degradation. However, there are areas occupied by agriculture and woodlands with an essential role in provisioning food and other services such as water and climate regulation. The objective of this work was to assess the effect of long-term land use and soil management practices on peri-urban soils in Zagreb (Croatia). Samples were collected at depth 0–10 cm within intensively tilled cropland (CROP) and vineyard (VINE), traditional grass-covered orchard (ORCH), and forest (FOR). The results showed that bulk density was significantly higher in VINE and CROP than in ORCH and FOR. The opposite dynamic was observed in water-holding capacity, air-filled porosity, aggregate stability, organic matter, and soil organic matter stocks (SOCS). Soil water infiltration was higher in FOR plot compared to the other plots. Overall, land-use change had a substantial impact on soil properties and SOCS, especially in CROP and VINE soils. Tillage, pesticides, and fertilizer applications were presumably the reasons for altered soil quality properties. Intensively used areas (VINE and CROPS) may reduce soil ecosystems services such as the capacity for flood retention and C sequestration.
Igor Bogunovic; Antonio Viduka; Ivan Magdic; Leon Josip Telak; Marcos Francos; Paulo Pereira. Agricultural and Forest Land-Use Impact on Soil Properties in Zagreb Periurban Area (Croatia). Agronomy 2020, 10, 1331 .
AMA StyleIgor Bogunovic, Antonio Viduka, Ivan Magdic, Leon Josip Telak, Marcos Francos, Paulo Pereira. Agricultural and Forest Land-Use Impact on Soil Properties in Zagreb Periurban Area (Croatia). Agronomy. 2020; 10 (9):1331.
Chicago/Turabian StyleIgor Bogunovic; Antonio Viduka; Ivan Magdic; Leon Josip Telak; Marcos Francos; Paulo Pereira. 2020. "Agricultural and Forest Land-Use Impact on Soil Properties in Zagreb Periurban Area (Croatia)." Agronomy 10, no. 9: 1331.
Ecosystem services (ES) delivery in quantity and quality are essential to improve human wellbeing. Nevertheless, often a considerable part of ES provisioning depends on the use of private land (e.g., flood retention, carbon sequestration, water purification). In this context, the operationalization and implementation of ES concept may collide with legal property rights. Therefore, it is essential to find constructive mechanisms to engage and encourage private owners to implement sustainable land uses to reduce onsite and offsite. This paper aims to identify if ES delivery can be constrained by legal private land and how it can be tackled. It is undeniable that land-use changes (e.g., urbanization, agriculture intensification, and land abandonment) affect the territory's capacity to deliver ES in quality and quantity. These changes, especially land abandonment, are increasing the tradeoffs among ES (e.g., between carbon sequestration and water yield). Land-use planning should consider these aspects. Therefore, incorporating ES into spatial plans is crucial for stakeholders to understand the impacts of land-use change in the loss of ES value. This information can be transmitted through maps that communicate the message in a simplified way. Private owners can easily perceive the ES relevance that their land can provide if an understandable message is delivered. Although this can be a good solution, conflicts can appear even with the implementation of schemes such as Payment for ES (PES). PES is not always effective and can impose losses to farmers, disregard their cultural traditions, or prevent poverty alleviation. In this context, it is crucial to consider local specificities to safeguard PES's success, create a “win-win” and transform a problem into a solution. Private owners' active participation in implementing sustainable practices or a determined land-use in their properties is vital to achieving global targets such as sustainable development goals.
Katažyna Mikša; Marius Kalinauskas; Miguel Inácio; Eduardo Gomes; Paulo Pereira. Ecosystem services and legal protection of private property. Problem or solution? Geography and Sustainability 2020, 1, 173 -180.
AMA StyleKatažyna Mikša, Marius Kalinauskas, Miguel Inácio, Eduardo Gomes, Paulo Pereira. Ecosystem services and legal protection of private property. Problem or solution? Geography and Sustainability. 2020; 1 (3):173-180.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKatažyna Mikša; Marius Kalinauskas; Miguel Inácio; Eduardo Gomes; Paulo Pereira. 2020. "Ecosystem services and legal protection of private property. Problem or solution?" Geography and Sustainability 1, no. 3: 173-180.
Soil salinization poses an important threat to terrestrial ecosystems and is expected to increase as a consequence of climate change and anthropogenic pressures. Conventional methods such as salt-leaching or application of soil amendments, or nature-based solutions (NBSs) such as phytoremediation, have been widely adopted with contrasting results. The use of cyanobacteria for improving soil conditions has emerged as a novel biotechnological tool for ecosystem restoration due to the unique features of these organisms, e.g., ability to fix carbon and nitrogen and promote soil stabilisation. Cyanobacteria distribute over a wide range of salt concentrations and several species can adapt to fluctuating salinity conditions. Their application in agricultural saline soil remediation has been demonstrated, mostly in laboratory studies, but there is a lack of research regarding their use in natural ecosystems restoration. In this article, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on cyanobacteria in the context of ecosystem restoration. Examples of the application of cyanobacteria in alleviating salt-stress in plants and soils are presented. Furthermore, we acknowledge gaps regarding the extensive application of cyanobacteria in salt-affected soils remediation and discuss the challenges of NBSs in salt-affected soils restoration.
Francisco Rocha; Manuel Esteban Lucas-Borja; Paulo Pereira; Miriam Muñoz-Rojas. Cyanobacteria as a Nature-Based Biotechnological Tool for Restoring Salt-Affected Soils. Agronomy 2020, 10, 1321 .
AMA StyleFrancisco Rocha, Manuel Esteban Lucas-Borja, Paulo Pereira, Miriam Muñoz-Rojas. Cyanobacteria as a Nature-Based Biotechnological Tool for Restoring Salt-Affected Soils. Agronomy. 2020; 10 (9):1321.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancisco Rocha; Manuel Esteban Lucas-Borja; Paulo Pereira; Miriam Muñoz-Rojas. 2020. "Cyanobacteria as a Nature-Based Biotechnological Tool for Restoring Salt-Affected Soils." Agronomy 10, no. 9: 1321.
Vegetation recovery and poverty alleviation are critical problems in the karst national designed poor counties (NPDC) in southwest China. However, little information is available about the relationship between poverty and vegetation dynamics in these areas. In this study, we used remote sensing and statistical datasets from 2000 to 2015 to identify the relations between vegetation dynamics and poverty among the NPDC in southwest rocky desertification areas. We estimated the vegetation dynamics using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and poverty with the rural per capita net income. Local indicator of spatial association and the space-time transition type of poverty were applied to identify spatial patterns of the poverty spatial distribution relationship and transition. Also, poverty, natural and ecological governance factors were assessed using the Geo-detector method to uncover the driving factors of karst vegetation. The results showed vegetation increased significantly (p < 0.05) in karst NPDC (82.82%) and rocky desertification control counties (78.77%). The karst NPDC was significantly clustered. The hot spots of rural per capita net income changed from west and north (2000) to only north (2015) and cold spots changed from east and south (2000) to only south (2015). The rural per capita net income spatiotemporal transition was higher in 2000 than in 2015. We found a weak synergy between vegetation change and poverty type transition in 42.86% of the browning counties, 45.45% in the slowly greening counties, and 43.65% in stable greening counties. However, 57.50% of counties in the quick greening counties showed a tradeoff relationship with the poverty type transition. The rocky desertification rate and ecological engineering measures affected vegetation dynamics importantly. Poverty affected vegetation recovery considering the social data. The results will help decision-makers to understand the interdependence between vegetation and poverty. This will contribute to better policies formulation to tackle poverty in the karst rocky desertification area.
Sen Zhao; Xiuqin Wu; Jinxing Zhou; Paulo Pereira. Spatiotemporal tradeoffs and synergies in vegetation vitality and poverty transition in rocky desertification area. Science of The Total Environment 2020, 752, 141770 .
AMA StyleSen Zhao, Xiuqin Wu, Jinxing Zhou, Paulo Pereira. Spatiotemporal tradeoffs and synergies in vegetation vitality and poverty transition in rocky desertification area. Science of The Total Environment. 2020; 752 ():141770.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSen Zhao; Xiuqin Wu; Jinxing Zhou; Paulo Pereira. 2020. "Spatiotemporal tradeoffs and synergies in vegetation vitality and poverty transition in rocky desertification area." Science of The Total Environment 752, no. : 141770.