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Dr. Taimoor Hassan Farooq
College of Life Science and Technology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha, 410004, China

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0 Agroforestry
0 Environmental Science
0 Forest Ecology
0 Soil Science
0 forest cultivation

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Short Biography

I am working on a project “Nutrient cycling, Isotopic C and N dynamics in subtropical forest ecosystems''. During my doctoral degree, I have worked on biochemical, physiological and morphological characteristics, along with root structural development, soil quality assessment and soil microbial diversity in mono-culture plantations.

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Journal article
Published: 21 July 2021 in Plants
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Natural isotopic abundance in soil and foliar can provide integrated information related to the long-term alterations of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycles in forest ecosystems. We evaluated total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), and isotopic natural abundance of C (δ13C) and N (δ15N) in soil and foliar of coniferous plantation (CPF), natural broadleaved forest (NBF), and mixed forest stands at three different soil depths (i.e., 0–10, 10–20, and 20–40 cm). This study also explored how soil available nutrients are affected by different forest types. Lutou forest research station, located in Hunan Province, central China, was used as the study area. Results demonstrated that the topsoil layer had higher TC and TN content in the mixed forest stand, resulting in a better quality of organic materials in the topsoil layer in the mixed forest than NBF and CPF. In general, soil TC, TN, and δ15N varied significantly in different soil depths and forest types. However, the forest type did not exhibit any significant effect on δ13C. Overall, soil δ13C was significantly enriched in CPF, and δ15N values were enriched in mixed forest. Foliar C content varied significantly among forest types, whereas foliar N content was not significantly different. No big differences were observed for foliar δ15N and δ13C across forest types. However, foliar δ13C and δ15N were positively related to soil δ13C and δ15N, respectively. Foliar N, soil and foliar C:N ratio, soil moisture content (SMC), and forest type were observed as the major influential factors affecting isotopic natural abundance, whereas soil pH was not significantly correlated. In addition, forest type change and soil depth increment had a significant effect on soil nutrient availability. In general, soil nutrient availability was higher in mixed forest. Our findings implied that forest type and soil depth alter TC, TN, and soil δ15N, whereas δ13C was only driven by soil depth. Moreover, plantations led to a decline in soil available nutrient content compared with NBF and mixed forest stands.

ACS Style

Taimoor Farooq; Xiaoyong Chen; Awais Shakoor; Yong Li; Jun Wang; Muhammad Rashid; Uttam Kumar; Wende Yan. Unraveling the Influence of Land-Use Change on δ13C, δ15N, and Soil Nutritional Status in Coniferous, Broadleaved, and Mixed Forests in Southern China: A Field Investigation. Plants 2021, 10, 1499 .

AMA Style

Taimoor Farooq, Xiaoyong Chen, Awais Shakoor, Yong Li, Jun Wang, Muhammad Rashid, Uttam Kumar, Wende Yan. Unraveling the Influence of Land-Use Change on δ13C, δ15N, and Soil Nutritional Status in Coniferous, Broadleaved, and Mixed Forests in Southern China: A Field Investigation. Plants. 2021; 10 (8):1499.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Taimoor Farooq; Xiaoyong Chen; Awais Shakoor; Yong Li; Jun Wang; Muhammad Rashid; Uttam Kumar; Wende Yan. 2021. "Unraveling the Influence of Land-Use Change on δ13C, δ15N, and Soil Nutritional Status in Coniferous, Broadleaved, and Mixed Forests in Southern China: A Field Investigation." Plants 10, no. 8: 1499.

Journal article
Published: 19 July 2021 in Sustainability
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Salinity is a major constraint in improving agricultural productivity due to its adverse impact on various physiological and biochemical attributes of plants, and its effect on reducing nitrogen (N) use efficiency due to ion toxicity. To understand the relationship between sodium chloride (NaCl) and increased N application rates, a pot study was performed in which the ammonical (NH4+) form of N was applied as urea to maize crops at different rates (control, 160, 186, 240, 267, 293, and 320 kg N ha−1) using two salinity levels (control and 10 dS m−1 NaCl). The results indicate that all biochemical and physiological attributes of the maize plant improved with increased concentration of N up to 293 kg ha−1, compared to those in the control treatment. Similarly, the optimal N concentration regulated the activities of antioxidant enzymes, i.e., catalase activity (CAT), peroxidase activity (POD), and superoxide dismutases (SOD), and also increased the N use efficiencies of the maize crop up to 293 kg N ha−1. Overall, our results show that the optimum level of N (293 kg ha−1) improved the salinity tolerance in the maize plant by activating stress coping physiological and biochemical mechanisms. This may have been due to the major role of N in the metabolic activity of plants and N assimilation enzymes activity such as nitrate reductase (NR) and nitrite reductase (NiR).

ACS Style

Syed Javed; Muhammad Arif; Sher Shahzad; Muhammad Ashraf; Rizwana Kausar; Taimoor Farooq; M. Hussain; Awais Shakoor. Can Different Salt Formulations Revert the Depressing Effect of Salinity on Maize by Modulating Plant Biochemical Attributes and Activating Stress Regulators through Improved N Supply? Sustainability 2021, 13, 8022 .

AMA Style

Syed Javed, Muhammad Arif, Sher Shahzad, Muhammad Ashraf, Rizwana Kausar, Taimoor Farooq, M. Hussain, Awais Shakoor. Can Different Salt Formulations Revert the Depressing Effect of Salinity on Maize by Modulating Plant Biochemical Attributes and Activating Stress Regulators through Improved N Supply? Sustainability. 2021; 13 (14):8022.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Syed Javed; Muhammad Arif; Sher Shahzad; Muhammad Ashraf; Rizwana Kausar; Taimoor Farooq; M. Hussain; Awais Shakoor. 2021. "Can Different Salt Formulations Revert the Depressing Effect of Salinity on Maize by Modulating Plant Biochemical Attributes and Activating Stress Regulators through Improved N Supply?" Sustainability 13, no. 14: 8022.

Journal article
Published: 10 July 2021 in Journal of Cleaner Production
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Pollution from potentially toxic metals (PTMs) is one of the most pressing global environmental challenge with soaring human health concerns. It is now critical to seek out effective remediation technologies to control PTMs in the terrestrial environment. Biochar has piqued the interest of researchers due to its ability to immobilize PTMs, particularly in soil, with the assumption that biochar having unique physico-chemical properties may influence PTM mobility. A meta-analysis was performed using 1503 observations extracted from 80 peer-reviewed articles to determine: (a) the effects of various physico-chemical properties of biochar on the bioavailability of PTMs (As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) in soil and plants, and (b) the best specification of physico-chemical properties of biochar for effective remediation of these PTMs. The findings revealed that the reduction rate of PTM bioavailability is heavily influenced by the physico-chemical properties of both biochar and soil. The physico-chemical parameters of biochar that have effective response to PTMs immobilization were as; 101–500 m2 g−1 surface area, neutral to alkaline pH, pyrolysis temperature > 500 °C, with best application rate of 1.1–3%. However, overall results indicate that the biochar, with given specification of physico-chemical attributes, can decrease the bioavailability of PTMs by 40% in soil and 22% in plants. Moreover, edaphic factors such as soil pH, texture, and crop type can also influence the biochar mediated PTMs adsorption and transformation under field or pot conditions. Furthermore, research gaps remain to be filled in order to investigate the efficiency, high specificity, and secondary pollution aspects of biochar, particularly on large-scale applications as an amendment for PTM remediation.

ACS Style

Abdul Rehman; Muhammad Saleem Arif; Muhammad Aammar Tufail; Sher Muhammad Shahzad; Taimoor Hassan Farooq; Waqas Ahmed; Tariq Mehmood; Muhammad Raza Farooq; Zeeshan Javed; Awais Shakoor. Biochar potential to relegate metal toxicity effects is more soil driven than plant system: A global meta-analysis. Journal of Cleaner Production 2021, 316, 128276 .

AMA Style

Abdul Rehman, Muhammad Saleem Arif, Muhammad Aammar Tufail, Sher Muhammad Shahzad, Taimoor Hassan Farooq, Waqas Ahmed, Tariq Mehmood, Muhammad Raza Farooq, Zeeshan Javed, Awais Shakoor. Biochar potential to relegate metal toxicity effects is more soil driven than plant system: A global meta-analysis. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2021; 316 ():128276.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Abdul Rehman; Muhammad Saleem Arif; Muhammad Aammar Tufail; Sher Muhammad Shahzad; Taimoor Hassan Farooq; Waqas Ahmed; Tariq Mehmood; Muhammad Raza Farooq; Zeeshan Javed; Awais Shakoor. 2021. "Biochar potential to relegate metal toxicity effects is more soil driven than plant system: A global meta-analysis." Journal of Cleaner Production 316, no. : 128276.

Commentary
Published: 20 May 2021 in Environmental Sustainability
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Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has emerged as a major global challenge since 2019. With the fast rise in the infected cases and deaths worldwide, many environmental and climate-related myths and fallacies spreaded fast. These fallacies include virus cannot spread in hot and humid conditions, cold weather can inhibit the virus, drinking hot water and sunlight can help cure the COVID-19, ultraviolet (UV) disinfectant lamps and UV rays from sunlight can kill the virus, use of hairdryers and hot showers for virus prevention, etc. Social norms and mindset of the people in the world towards a pandemic are quite similar. The primary purpose of this article is to enlighten the readers regarding these climatological misconceptions and social fallacies, helping spread proper knowledge and manage the outbreak of this deadly pandemic.

ACS Style

Ambar Farooq; Uttam Kumar; Junaite Bin Gais Uddin; Muhammad Haroon U. Rashid; Matoor Mohsin Gilani; Taimoor Hassan Farooq; Awais Shakoor; Matloob Ahmad. Climatological and social fallacies about COVID-19 pandemic. Environmental Sustainability 2021, 1 -6.

AMA Style

Ambar Farooq, Uttam Kumar, Junaite Bin Gais Uddin, Muhammad Haroon U. Rashid, Matoor Mohsin Gilani, Taimoor Hassan Farooq, Awais Shakoor, Matloob Ahmad. Climatological and social fallacies about COVID-19 pandemic. Environmental Sustainability. 2021; ():1-6.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ambar Farooq; Uttam Kumar; Junaite Bin Gais Uddin; Muhammad Haroon U. Rashid; Matoor Mohsin Gilani; Taimoor Hassan Farooq; Awais Shakoor; Matloob Ahmad. 2021. "Climatological and social fallacies about COVID-19 pandemic." Environmental Sustainability , no. : 1-6.

Journal article
Published: 27 April 2021 in Plants
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Intercropping is one of the most widely used agroforestry techniques, reducing the harmful impacts of external inputs such as fertilizers. It also controls soil erosion, increases soil nutrients availability, and reduces weed growth. In this study, the intercropping of peanut (Arachishypogaea L.) was done with tea plants (Camellia oleifera), and it was compared with the mono-cropping of tea and peanut. Soil health and fertility were examined by analyzing the variability in soil enzymatic activity and soil nutrients availability at different soil depths (0–10 cm, 10–20 cm, 20–30 cm, and 30–40 cm). Results showed that the peanut–tea intercropping considerably impacted the soil organic carbon (SOC), soil nutrient availability, and soil enzymatic responses at different soil depths. The activity of protease, sucrase, and acid phosphatase was higher in intercropping, while the activity of urease and catalase was higher in peanut monoculture. In intercropping, total phosphorus (TP) was 14.2%, 34.2%, 77.7%, 61.9%; total potassium (TK) was 13.4%, 20%, 27.4%, 20%; available phosphorus (AP) was 52.9%, 26.56%, 61.1%; 146.15% and available potassium (AK) was 11.1%, 43.06%, 46.79% higher than the mono-cropping of tea in respective soil layers. Additionally, available nitrogen (AN) was 51.78%, 5.92%, and 15.32% lower in the 10–20 cm, 20–30 cm, and 30–40 cm layers of the intercropping system than in the mono-cropping system of peanut. Moreover, the soil enzymatic activity was significantly correlated with SOC and total nitrogen (TN) content across all soil depths and cropping systems. The depth and path analysis effect revealed that SOC directly affected sucrase, protease, urease, and catalase enzymes in an intercropping system. It was concluded that an increase in the soil enzymatic activity in the intercropping pattern improved the reaction rate at which organic matter decomposed and released nutrients into the soil environment. Enzyme activity in the decomposition process plays a vital role in forest soil morphology and function. For efficient land use in the cropping system, it is necessary to develop coherent agroforestry practices. The results in this study revealed that intercropping certainly enhance soil nutrients status and positively impacts soil conservation.

ACS Style

Taimoor Farooq; Uttam Kumar; Jing Mo; Awais Shakoor; Jun Wang; Muhammad Rashid; Muhammad Tufail; Xiaoyong Chen; Wende Yan. Intercropping of Peanut–Tea Enhances Soil Enzymatic Activity and Soil Nutrient Status at Different Soil Profiles in Subtropical Southern China. Plants 2021, 10, 881 .

AMA Style

Taimoor Farooq, Uttam Kumar, Jing Mo, Awais Shakoor, Jun Wang, Muhammad Rashid, Muhammad Tufail, Xiaoyong Chen, Wende Yan. Intercropping of Peanut–Tea Enhances Soil Enzymatic Activity and Soil Nutrient Status at Different Soil Profiles in Subtropical Southern China. Plants. 2021; 10 (5):881.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Taimoor Farooq; Uttam Kumar; Jing Mo; Awais Shakoor; Jun Wang; Muhammad Rashid; Muhammad Tufail; Xiaoyong Chen; Wende Yan. 2021. "Intercropping of Peanut–Tea Enhances Soil Enzymatic Activity and Soil Nutrient Status at Different Soil Profiles in Subtropical Southern China." Plants 10, no. 5: 881.

Journal article
Published: 22 October 2020 in Environmental Research
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Different root exudations can modify the bioavailability of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Among these exudations, the low molecular weight organic acids play an imperative role in this process. The study was conducted to analyze the effect of phenanthrene (PHE) stress on root exudation variations and changes in its chemical composition in ten urban greening tree species, namely Loropetalum chinense, Gardenia ellis, Photinia fraseri, Ligustrum japonicum, Rhododendron simsii, Osmanthus fragrans, Gardenia jasminoides, Buxus sinica, Camellia sasanqua, and Euonymus japonicas. The experiment was carried out in three PHE concentration treatments (0 mg kg−1 (CK), 200 mg kg−1 (PHEL), 2000 mg kg−1 (PHEH)). The root exudates were collected and analyzed by GC-MS method. In total, 673 compounds were identified either with high or low abundance among all species and treatments. Compounds identified in CK, PHEL, and PHEH were 240, 180, and 256, respectively. The results illustrated that carbohydrates, phenols, and esters were the dominant compounds, accounted for more than 92%. Principal component analysis depicted that tree species grown in PHEH showed obvious alteration in compounds of root exudation, whereas little difference was noticed between PHEL and CK. Phenols (80%) were the most abundant, while nitriles contributed a small portion. Moreover, among all species, R. simsii released the maximum number of compounds, and L. japonicum released the least number of compounds accounting for 89 and 46, respectively. The results achieved here to illustrate that plant type, and PHE stress can significantly change the concentrations and species of root exudates. This study provides the scientific reference for understanding the phenanthrene responsive changes in root exudates and phytoremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as well as a screening of urban greening tree species.

ACS Style

Jiaolong Wang; Taimoor Hassan Farooq; Ali Aslam; Awais Shakoor; Xiaoyong Chen; Wende Yan. Non-targeted metabolomics reveal the impact of phenanthrene stress on root exudates of ten urban greening tree species. Environmental Research 2020, 196, 110370 .

AMA Style

Jiaolong Wang, Taimoor Hassan Farooq, Ali Aslam, Awais Shakoor, Xiaoyong Chen, Wende Yan. Non-targeted metabolomics reveal the impact of phenanthrene stress on root exudates of ten urban greening tree species. Environmental Research. 2020; 196 ():110370.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Jiaolong Wang; Taimoor Hassan Farooq; Ali Aslam; Awais Shakoor; Xiaoyong Chen; Wende Yan. 2020. "Non-targeted metabolomics reveal the impact of phenanthrene stress on root exudates of ten urban greening tree species." Environmental Research 196, no. : 110370.

Short communication
Published: 07 September 2020 in Environmental Pollution
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ACS Style

Awais Shakoor; Sher Muhammad Shahzad; Taimoor Hassan Farooq; Fatima Ashraf. Future of ammonium nitrate after Beirut (Lebanon) explosion. Environmental Pollution 2020, 267, 115615 .

AMA Style

Awais Shakoor, Sher Muhammad Shahzad, Taimoor Hassan Farooq, Fatima Ashraf. Future of ammonium nitrate after Beirut (Lebanon) explosion. Environmental Pollution. 2020; 267 ():115615.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Awais Shakoor; Sher Muhammad Shahzad; Taimoor Hassan Farooq; Fatima Ashraf. 2020. "Future of ammonium nitrate after Beirut (Lebanon) explosion." Environmental Pollution 267, no. : 115615.

Review article
Published: 04 September 2020 in Journal of Cleaner Production
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Agricultural lands, because of their large area and exhaustive management practices, have a substantial impact on the earth's carbon and nitrogen cycles, and agricultural activities consequence in discharges of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Globally, greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions especially carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) from the agricultural sector are increasing due to anthropogenic activities. Although, the application of animal manure to the agricultural soil as an organic fertilizer not only improves soil health and agricultural production but also has a significant impact on GHGs emissions. But the extent of GHGs emissions in response to manure application under diverse environmental conditions is still uncertain. Here, a meta-analysis study was conducted using field data (48 peer-reviewed publications) published from 1989 to 2019. Meta-analysis results showed that poultry manure considerably increased CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions than pig and cattle manure. Furthermore, application of poultry manure also increased (lnRR¯ = 0.141, 95% CI = 0.526–0.356) GWP (global warming potential) of total soil GHGs emissions. While, the significant effects on CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions also occurred at manure rate >320 kg N ha−1 and >60% water filled pore space. The maximum concentrations of CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions were observed in neutral soils (lnRR¯ = 3.375, 95% CI = 3.323–3.428), alkaline soils (lnRR¯ = 1.468, 95% CI = 1.403–1.532), and acidic soils (lnRR¯ = 2.355, 95% CI = 2.390–2.400), respectively. Soil texture, climate zone and crop type were also found significant factors to increase GHGs emissions. Thus, this meta-analysis revealed a knowledge gap concerning the consequences of animal manure application and rate, climate zone, and physicochemical properties of soil on GHGs emissions from agricultural soils.

ACS Style

Awais Shakoor; Saba Shakoor; Abdul Rehman; Fatima Ashraf; Muhammad Abdullah; Sher Muhammad Shahzad; Taimoor Hassan Farooq; Muhammad Ashraf; Muhammad Aamir Manzoor; Muhammad Mohsin Altaf. Effect of animal manure, crop type, climate zone, and soil attributes on greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural soils—A global meta-analysis. Journal of Cleaner Production 2020, 278, 124019 .

AMA Style

Awais Shakoor, Saba Shakoor, Abdul Rehman, Fatima Ashraf, Muhammad Abdullah, Sher Muhammad Shahzad, Taimoor Hassan Farooq, Muhammad Ashraf, Muhammad Aamir Manzoor, Muhammad Mohsin Altaf. Effect of animal manure, crop type, climate zone, and soil attributes on greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural soils—A global meta-analysis. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2020; 278 ():124019.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Awais Shakoor; Saba Shakoor; Abdul Rehman; Fatima Ashraf; Muhammad Abdullah; Sher Muhammad Shahzad; Taimoor Hassan Farooq; Muhammad Ashraf; Muhammad Aamir Manzoor; Muhammad Mohsin Altaf. 2020. "Effect of animal manure, crop type, climate zone, and soil attributes on greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural soils—A global meta-analysis." Journal of Cleaner Production 278, no. : 124019.

Journal article
Published: 30 August 2020 in Environmental Research
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This research aims to explore the correlation between meteorological parameters and COVID-19 pandemic in New Jersey, United States. The authors employ extensive correlation analysis including Pearson correlation, Spearman correlation, Kendall’s rank correlation and auto regressive distributed lag (ARDL) to check the effects of meteorological parameters on the COVID new cases of New Jersey. In doing so, PM 2.5, air quality index, temperature (°C), humidity (%), health security index, human development index, and population density are considered as crucial meteorological and non-meteorological factors. This research work used the maximum available data of all variables from 1st March to 7th July 2020. Among the weather indicators, temperature (°C) was found to have a negative correlation, while humidity and air quality highlighted a positive correlation with daily new cases of COVID-19 in New Jersey. The empirical findings illustrated that there is a strong positive association of lagged humidity, air quality, PM 2.5, and previous infections with daily new cases. Similarly, the ARDL findings suggest that air quality, humidity and infections have lagged effects with the COVID-19 spread across New Jersey. The empirical conclusions of this research might serve as a key input to mitigate the rapid spread of COVID-19 across the United States.

ACS Style

Buhari Doğan; Mehdi Ben Jebli; Khurram Shahzad; Taimoor Hassan Farooq; Umer Shahzad. Investigating the Effects of Meteorological Parameters on COVID-19: Case Study of New Jersey, United States. Environmental Research 2020, 191, 110148 -110148.

AMA Style

Buhari Doğan, Mehdi Ben Jebli, Khurram Shahzad, Taimoor Hassan Farooq, Umer Shahzad. Investigating the Effects of Meteorological Parameters on COVID-19: Case Study of New Jersey, United States. Environmental Research. 2020; 191 ():110148-110148.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Buhari Doğan; Mehdi Ben Jebli; Khurram Shahzad; Taimoor Hassan Farooq; Umer Shahzad. 2020. "Investigating the Effects of Meteorological Parameters on COVID-19: Case Study of New Jersey, United States." Environmental Research 191, no. : 110148-110148.

Journal article
Published: 09 August 2020 in Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health
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ACS Style

Awais Shakoor; Xiaoyong Chen; Taimoor Hassan Farooq; Umer Shahzad; Fatima Ashraf; Abdul Rehman; Najam E Sahar; Wende Yan. Fluctuations in environmental pollutants and air quality during the lockdown in the USA and China: two sides of COVID-19 pandemic. Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health 2020, 1 .

AMA Style

Awais Shakoor, Xiaoyong Chen, Taimoor Hassan Farooq, Umer Shahzad, Fatima Ashraf, Abdul Rehman, Najam E Sahar, Wende Yan. Fluctuations in environmental pollutants and air quality during the lockdown in the USA and China: two sides of COVID-19 pandemic. Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health. 2020; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Awais Shakoor; Xiaoyong Chen; Taimoor Hassan Farooq; Umer Shahzad; Fatima Ashraf; Abdul Rehman; Najam E Sahar; Wende Yan. 2020. "Fluctuations in environmental pollutants and air quality during the lockdown in the USA and China: two sides of COVID-19 pandemic." Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health , no. : 1.

Article
Published: 09 August 2020 in Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health
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The World Health Organization declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Due to the global threat, many countries impose immediate lockdown. The impact of lockdown on the environmental pollutants and climate indicators gained considerable attention in the literature. This study aims to describe the variations in the environmental pollutants (CO, NO2, SO2, PM2.5 and PM10) with and without the lockdown period in the majorly hit states and provinces of the USA and China, respectively. Data during the first quarter year of 2019 and 2020 (lockdown period) was used in this study. Moreover, the effect of these pollutants on the pandemic spread was also studied. The results illustrated that the overall concentrations of CO, NO2 and PM2.5 were decreased by 19.28%, 36.7% and 1.10%, respectively, while PM10 and SO2 were increased by 27.81% and 3.81% respectively in five selected states of the USA during the lockdown period. However, in the case of chosen provinces of China, overall, the concentrations of all selected pollutants, i.e., CO, NO2, SO2, PM2.5 and PM10, were reduced by 26.53%, 38.98%, 18.36%, 17.78% and 37.85%, respectively. The COVID-19 reported cases and deaths were significantly correlated with NO2, PM2.5 and PM10 in both China and the USA. The findings of this study concluded that the limited anthropogenic activities in the lockdown situation due to this novel pandemic disease result in a significant improvement of air quality by reducing the concentrations of environmental pollutants. As the trend goes on, the reduction of most pollutant concentrations is expected as long as partial or complete lockdown goes on. Graphical abstract

ACS Style

Awais Shakoor; Xiaoyong Chen; Taimoor Hassan Farooq; Umer Shahzad; Fatima Ashraf; Abdul Rehman; Najam e Sahar; Wende Yan. Fluctuations in environmental pollutants and air quality during the lockdown in the USA and China: two sides of COVID-19 pandemic. Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health 2020, 13, 1335 -1342.

AMA Style

Awais Shakoor, Xiaoyong Chen, Taimoor Hassan Farooq, Umer Shahzad, Fatima Ashraf, Abdul Rehman, Najam e Sahar, Wende Yan. Fluctuations in environmental pollutants and air quality during the lockdown in the USA and China: two sides of COVID-19 pandemic. Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health. 2020; 13 (11):1335-1342.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Awais Shakoor; Xiaoyong Chen; Taimoor Hassan Farooq; Umer Shahzad; Fatima Ashraf; Abdul Rehman; Najam e Sahar; Wende Yan. 2020. "Fluctuations in environmental pollutants and air quality during the lockdown in the USA and China: two sides of COVID-19 pandemic." Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health 13, no. 11: 1335-1342.

Journal article
Published: 29 July 2020 in Global Ecology and Conservation
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It has been generally accepted that different silvicultural practices affect the forest canopy morphology and structure. During forest establishment, many natural sites were converted to coniferous plantations in southern China. Retention of the canopy during stand conversion may be desirable to promote ecological function and meet conservation objectives. We tested the impact of planting density, foliar nitrogen and soil chemical properties on the canopy development of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) mid-age monoculture stands. Low density (1450 trees hm−2 with planting spacing of 2.36 × 2.36 m), intermediate-density (2460 trees hm−2 with planting spacing of 1.83 × 1.83 m) and high density (3950 trees hm−2 with planting spacing of 1.44 × 1.44 m) stands were selected in Xinkou forest plantations in Sanming City, China. Canopy characteristics such as leaf area index (LAI), mean tilt angle of the leaf (MTA) and average canopy openness index (DIFN) were measured. Measurements were taken using LAI-2200 PCA. The results illustrated that stand density was the primal factor responsible in canopy structuring while soil chemical properties seem to play a secondary role for canopy dynamics. LAI increased from 3.974 m2 m-2 to 5.072 m2 m-2 and MTA increases from 34.8° to 48.7° as the stand density increased while the DIFN decreased from 0.1542 to 0.0902 with the increasing stand density but it was no significantly different in intermediate and high-density stands. Additionally, LAI and MTA were positively correlated to foliar nitrogen while the DIFN was negatively correlated. In general, soil available nitrogen, available phosphorus and soil pH were not significant to canopy parameters. The results presented provide guiding principles about the canopy dynamics distribution in varying stand densities from LICOR measurements in mid-age Chinese fir monoculture. Furthermore, this provides a base to study canopy dynamics at mature stage forests because of more senescence activities.

ACS Style

Taimoor Hassan Farooq; Wende Yan; Xiaoyong Chen; Awais Shakoor; Muhammad Haroon U. Rashid; Matoor Mohsin Gilani; Zongming He; Pengfei Wu. Dynamics of canopy development of Cunninghamia lanceolata mid-age plantation in relation to foliar nitrogen and soil quality influenced by stand density. Global Ecology and Conservation 2020, 24, e01209 .

AMA Style

Taimoor Hassan Farooq, Wende Yan, Xiaoyong Chen, Awais Shakoor, Muhammad Haroon U. Rashid, Matoor Mohsin Gilani, Zongming He, Pengfei Wu. Dynamics of canopy development of Cunninghamia lanceolata mid-age plantation in relation to foliar nitrogen and soil quality influenced by stand density. Global Ecology and Conservation. 2020; 24 ():e01209.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Taimoor Hassan Farooq; Wende Yan; Xiaoyong Chen; Awais Shakoor; Muhammad Haroon U. Rashid; Matoor Mohsin Gilani; Zongming He; Pengfei Wu. 2020. "Dynamics of canopy development of Cunninghamia lanceolata mid-age plantation in relation to foliar nitrogen and soil quality influenced by stand density." Global Ecology and Conservation 24, no. : e01209.

Research article
Published: 13 May 2020 in Environmental Research
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In December 2019, the novel coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak was first detected in Wuhan Hubei province, China. The April 24, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) has confirmed more than 39,000 cases, including >1800 deaths. California's Governor Gavin Newsom ordered mandatory stay at home after World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 as a global pandemic in early March. We have evaluated the correlation between environmental pollution determinants and the COVID-19 outbreak in California by using the secondary published data from the Centers for Disease Control and the Environmental Pollution Agency (EPA). We employed Spearman and Kendall correlation tests to analyze the association of PM 2.5, PM 10, SO2, NO2, Pb, VOC, and CO with COVID-19 cases in California. Our findings indicate that environmental pollutants such as PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2, and CO have a significant correlation with the COVID-19 epidemic in California. Overall, our study is a useful supplement to encourage regulatory bodies to promote changes in environmental policies as pollution source control can reduce the harmful effects of environmental pollutants.

ACS Style

Muhammad Farhan Bashir; Ben Jiang Ma; Bilal; Bushra Komal; Taimoor Hassan Farooq; Najaf Iqbal; Madiha Bashir. Correlation between environmental pollution indicators and COVID-19 pandemic: A brief study in Californian context. Environmental Research 2020, 187, 109652 -109652.

AMA Style

Muhammad Farhan Bashir, Ben Jiang Ma, Bilal, Bushra Komal, Taimoor Hassan Farooq, Najaf Iqbal, Madiha Bashir. Correlation between environmental pollution indicators and COVID-19 pandemic: A brief study in Californian context. Environmental Research. 2020; 187 ():109652-109652.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Muhammad Farhan Bashir; Ben Jiang Ma; Bilal; Bushra Komal; Taimoor Hassan Farooq; Najaf Iqbal; Madiha Bashir. 2020. "Correlation between environmental pollution indicators and COVID-19 pandemic: A brief study in Californian context." Environmental Research 187, no. : 109652-109652.

Original paper
Published: 02 March 2020 in Journal of Forestry Research
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Acid rain has become a major concern due to increasing atmospheric pollution, particularly in China. We investigated whether acid rain inhibits the germination of seeds and subsequent emergence of seedling of four tree species from southern China: Cunninghamia lanceolata, Fokienia hodginisi, Pinus massoniana and Phoebe zhennan by simulating acid rain with pH of 2.5, 3.5, 4.5 and 5.5. We hypothesized that the inhibitory effect of acid rain on germination of seeds and emergence of seedling varies between species and the degree of acidity. A solution of 1 N H2SO4 and 1 N HNO3 in the ratio of 10–1 was prepared and diluted to four pH levels, and seeds were supplied with solutions of these pH values and distilled water as control and tested for germination in a controlled growth chamber. The results revealed that simulated acid rain of pH 2.5 adversely affected the germination capacity of F. hodginisi and P. zhennan; while all acid solutions significantly increased germination of P. Massoniana; but had no effect on germination of C. Lanceolata seeds. Strong acid solution (pH of 2.5) adversely affected elongation of radicle and hypocotyl as well as fresh and dry weights of radicle and hypocotyl of tender seedlings. The result demonstrated that seedling emergence is more sensitive than seed germination to simulated acid rain, and germination of conifer species are less sensitive than broad leaved species to simulated acid rain. As a whole, acid rain of pH of 3.5 is the threshold level and acid rain below this value will have a detrimental effect on seed germination and seedling emergence.

ACS Style

Matoor Mohsin Gilani; Mulualem Tigabu; Bo Liu; Taimoor Hassan Farooq; Muhammad Haroon U. Rashid; Muhammad Ramzan; Xiangqing Ma. Seed germination and seedling emergence of four tree species of southern China in response to acid rain. Journal of Forestry Research 2020, 32, 471 -481.

AMA Style

Matoor Mohsin Gilani, Mulualem Tigabu, Bo Liu, Taimoor Hassan Farooq, Muhammad Haroon U. Rashid, Muhammad Ramzan, Xiangqing Ma. Seed germination and seedling emergence of four tree species of southern China in response to acid rain. Journal of Forestry Research. 2020; 32 (2):471-481.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Matoor Mohsin Gilani; Mulualem Tigabu; Bo Liu; Taimoor Hassan Farooq; Muhammad Haroon U. Rashid; Muhammad Ramzan; Xiangqing Ma. 2020. "Seed germination and seedling emergence of four tree species of southern China in response to acid rain." Journal of Forestry Research 32, no. 2: 471-481.

Original article
Published: 03 February 2020 in Trees
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Ca2+ induces adaptive response to low P stress through increased root growth and expansion, but plays minor or no role in remobilization of P in leaf tissues or in maintaining membrane integrity. The role of calcium (Ca2+) in signaling environmental stress has been demonstrated; however, its role in signaling low phosphorus (P) stress and subsequent adaptive responses in trees are largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of Ca2+ application on root growth and expansion, seedling growth, remobilization of P, and maintaining membrane integrity in leaf tissues. Thus, a sand culture experiment was set up with five Ca2+ concentrations (0, 1, 3, 5, and 10 mmol/L Ca(NO3)2·4H2O) under two P treatments (0.0 and 1.0 mmol/L KH2PO4). After 4 months, growth attributes, P and Ca2+ accumulations, and biochemical responses were determined. Results showed that (1) low P seedlings supplied with 5 mmol/L Ca2+ produced longer roots, larger root surface area, higher root diameter, and larger root volume than the control; (2) seedling height and root collar diameter were positively affected by addition of 3 and 5 mmol/L Ca2+ into the growing media, and whole plant biomass of low P seedlings supplied with 5 mmol/L Ca2+ was significantly higher than the control; (3) whole plant P accumulation was higher in 3 and 5 mmol/L Ca2+ treatments in low P seedlings, whereas whole plant Ca2+ accumulation increased linearly with increasing Ca2+ concentration; and (4) the effects of Ca2+ on malondialdehyde and soluble protein contents and acid phosphatase activity did not show consistent trend with increasing or decreasing Ca2+ concentration. In conclusion, Ca2+ induces adaptive response to low P stress through increased root growth and expansion, but plays minor or no role in remobilization of P in leaf tissues or in maintaining membrane integrity.

ACS Style

Muhammad Haroon U. Rashid; Mulualem Tigabu; Haifeng Chen; Taimoor Hassan Farooq; Xiangqing Ma; Pengfei Wu. Calcium-mediated adaptive responses to low phosphorus stress in Chinese fir. Trees 2020, 34, 825 -834.

AMA Style

Muhammad Haroon U. Rashid, Mulualem Tigabu, Haifeng Chen, Taimoor Hassan Farooq, Xiangqing Ma, Pengfei Wu. Calcium-mediated adaptive responses to low phosphorus stress in Chinese fir. Trees. 2020; 34 (3):825-834.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Muhammad Haroon U. Rashid; Mulualem Tigabu; Haifeng Chen; Taimoor Hassan Farooq; Xiangqing Ma; Pengfei Wu. 2020. "Calcium-mediated adaptive responses to low phosphorus stress in Chinese fir." Trees 34, no. 3: 825-834.

Journal article
Published: 01 January 2020 in Applied Ecology and Environmental Research
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M.H.U. Rashid; Taimoor Hassan Farooq; W. Iqbal; M. Asif; Waqar Islam; D.C. Lin; I. Ahmad; P.F. Wu. ROLE OF INDOLE ACETIC ACID ON GROWTH AND BIOMASS PRODUCTION OF ATHEL TREE (TAMARIX APHYLLA) BY USING DIFFERENT CUTTING LENGTHS. Applied Ecology and Environmental Research 2020, 18, 3805 -3816.

AMA Style

M.H.U. Rashid, Taimoor Hassan Farooq, W. Iqbal, M. Asif, Waqar Islam, D.C. Lin, I. Ahmad, P.F. Wu. ROLE OF INDOLE ACETIC ACID ON GROWTH AND BIOMASS PRODUCTION OF ATHEL TREE (TAMARIX APHYLLA) BY USING DIFFERENT CUTTING LENGTHS. Applied Ecology and Environmental Research. 2020; 18 (3):3805-3816.

Chicago/Turabian Style

M.H.U. Rashid; Taimoor Hassan Farooq; W. Iqbal; M. Asif; Waqar Islam; D.C. Lin; I. Ahmad; P.F. Wu. 2020. "ROLE OF INDOLE ACETIC ACID ON GROWTH AND BIOMASS PRODUCTION OF ATHEL TREE (TAMARIX APHYLLA) BY USING DIFFERENT CUTTING LENGTHS." Applied Ecology and Environmental Research 18, no. 3: 3805-3816.

Journal article
Published: 30 June 2019 in Scientia Forestalis
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ACS Style

Matoor Mohsin Gilani; Irfan Ahmad; Taimoor Hassan Farooq; Pengfei Wu; Muhammad Sohail Yousaf; Muhammad Waqqas Khan; Talha Bin Yousa; Xiangqing Ma. Effects of pre-sowing treatments on seed germination and Morphological growth of Acacia nilotica and Faidherbia albida. Scientia Forestalis 2019, 47, 1 .

AMA Style

Matoor Mohsin Gilani, Irfan Ahmad, Taimoor Hassan Farooq, Pengfei Wu, Muhammad Sohail Yousaf, Muhammad Waqqas Khan, Talha Bin Yousa, Xiangqing Ma. Effects of pre-sowing treatments on seed germination and Morphological growth of Acacia nilotica and Faidherbia albida. Scientia Forestalis. 2019; 47 (122):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Matoor Mohsin Gilani; Irfan Ahmad; Taimoor Hassan Farooq; Pengfei Wu; Muhammad Sohail Yousaf; Muhammad Waqqas Khan; Talha Bin Yousa; Xiangqing Ma. 2019. "Effects of pre-sowing treatments on seed germination and Morphological growth of Acacia nilotica and Faidherbia albida." Scientia Forestalis 47, no. 122: 1.

Journal article
Published: 07 March 2019 in Forests
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Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb) Hook) is a commercially valuable timber species that is widely planted in southern China and accounts for 6.1% of the global plantation forests. However, appropriate planting density that ensures high plantation productivity is largely unexplored in this species. The aim of the study was to examine tree growth, biomass production, and its allocation among different organs in relation to initial planting density, and to examine whether planting density has an impact on root development. Mortality, diameter at breast height and tree-height of all trees were determined and measured in wider (2.36 × 2.36 m), intermediate (1.83 × 1.83 m) and narrow (1.44 × 1.44 m) spacing with stand density of 1450 trees ha−1, 2460 trees ha−1 and 3950 trees ha−1, respectively. In each stand, three plots of 20 × 20 m at a distance of 500 m were delineated as the sampling unit. Biomass was determined by destructive sampling of trees in each stand and developing allometric equations. Root morphological traits and their spatial distribution were also determined by carefully excavating the root systems. The results showed an increase in diameter of trees with decreasing stand density while tree height was independent of stand density. Biomass production of individual trees was significantly (p < 0.05) less in high-density stand (32.35 ± 2.98 kg tree−1) compared to low-density stand (44.72 ± 4.96 kg tree−1) and intermediate-density stand (61.35 ± 4.78 kg tree−1) while stand biomass production differed significantly in the order of intermediate (67.63 ± 5.14 t ha−1) > high (57.08 ± 3.13 t ha−1) > low (27.39 ± 3.42 t ha−1) stand density. Both average root length and root volume were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in the high-density stand than stands with low and intermediate density. Analysis of spatial distribution of root systems revealed no overlap between roots of neighboring trees in the competition zone in low-density stand, a subtle overlap in the intermediate density stand and larger overlap in the high-density stand. It can be concluded that better growth and biomass production in intermediate density stand could be explained by better root structural development coupled with minimal competition with understory vegetation and between trees; thus intermediate stand density can be optimal for sustaining long-term productivity and may reduce the management cost in the early phase of the plantation.

ACS Style

Taimoor Hassan Farooq; Wenjing Wu; Mulualem Tigabu; Xiangqing Ma; Zongming He; Muhammad Haroon U. Rashid; Matoor Mohsin Gilani; Pengfei Wu. Growth, Biomass Production and Root Development of Chinese fir in Relation to Initial Planting Density. Forests 2019, 10, 236 .

AMA Style

Taimoor Hassan Farooq, Wenjing Wu, Mulualem Tigabu, Xiangqing Ma, Zongming He, Muhammad Haroon U. Rashid, Matoor Mohsin Gilani, Pengfei Wu. Growth, Biomass Production and Root Development of Chinese fir in Relation to Initial Planting Density. Forests. 2019; 10 (3):236.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Taimoor Hassan Farooq; Wenjing Wu; Mulualem Tigabu; Xiangqing Ma; Zongming He; Muhammad Haroon U. Rashid; Matoor Mohsin Gilani; Pengfei Wu. 2019. "Growth, Biomass Production and Root Development of Chinese fir in Relation to Initial Planting Density." Forests 10, no. 3: 236.

Journal article
Published: 01 March 2019 in Cercetari Agronomice in Moldova
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Acacia nilotica is an important agroforestry specie, which is used in both compact and linear forms. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect of compost on the growth performance and biomass production of A. nilotica. Completely randomized design (CRD) was used to analyze the variations among several growth morphological traits. Two parallel trials, pot trial (seedlings), field trial (saplings) were conducted simultaneously. Compost and litter mixture were applied in mentioned trials. Following treatments were used: T0 – control; T1 - 25% of compost and 75% of nursery soil; T2 - mixture of 50% nursery soil and 50% compost; T3 - mixture of 75% compost and 25% of nursery soil; T4 - where 100% compost was applied. Increase in plant growth was observed with the increases in the amount of compost mixture. In field trial maximum plant height, shoot length, root length, rootshoot ratio and biomass production was observed when 100% compost level was applied, while minimum was observed without any compost appli-cation. In pot trials, the maximum plant height, rootshoot ratio and biomass production was recorded when 75% compost level was applied. Overall, Acacia performed better with 100% of compost application in field trail and 75% of compost application in pot trial. The results of this study demonstrated the positive effects of compost on the growth of Acacia. The seedling development was improved considerably with different levels having greater percentage of organic fertilizer and it was concluded that compost improves soil fertility and it should be used as organic fertilizer in farming and forestry practices for improving crop growth and yield.

ACS Style

H.M.U. Saqib; I. Ahmad; M.H.U. Rashid; Taimoor Hassan Farooq; M. Asif; M. Kashif; A. Iqbal; M.F. Nawaz. Effect of Compost Application on the Growth of Acacia nilotica. Cercetari Agronomice in Moldova 2019, 52, 66 -73.

AMA Style

H.M.U. Saqib, I. Ahmad, M.H.U. Rashid, Taimoor Hassan Farooq, M. Asif, M. Kashif, A. Iqbal, M.F. Nawaz. Effect of Compost Application on the Growth of Acacia nilotica. Cercetari Agronomice in Moldova. 2019; 52 (1):66-73.

Chicago/Turabian Style

H.M.U. Saqib; I. Ahmad; M.H.U. Rashid; Taimoor Hassan Farooq; M. Asif; M. Kashif; A. Iqbal; M.F. Nawaz. 2019. "Effect of Compost Application on the Growth of Acacia nilotica." Cercetari Agronomice in Moldova 52, no. 1: 66-73.

Review
Published: 01 January 2019 in Applied Ecology and Environmental Research
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T H Farooq. CHINESE FIR (CUNNINGHAMIA LANCEOLATA) A GREEN GOLD OF CHINA WITH CONTINUES DECLINE IN ITS PRODUCTIVITY OVER THE SUCCESSIVE ROTATIONS: A REVIEW. Applied Ecology and Environmental Research 2019, 17, 1 .

AMA Style

T H Farooq. CHINESE FIR (CUNNINGHAMIA LANCEOLATA) A GREEN GOLD OF CHINA WITH CONTINUES DECLINE IN ITS PRODUCTIVITY OVER THE SUCCESSIVE ROTATIONS: A REVIEW. Applied Ecology and Environmental Research. 2019; 17 (5):1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

T H Farooq. 2019. "CHINESE FIR (CUNNINGHAMIA LANCEOLATA) A GREEN GOLD OF CHINA WITH CONTINUES DECLINE IN ITS PRODUCTIVITY OVER THE SUCCESSIVE ROTATIONS: A REVIEW." Applied Ecology and Environmental Research 17, no. 5: 1.