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Soil Compaction in Montado Mediterranean Ecosystem: Dolomitic Limestone Application, Sheep Grazing Management and Tree Effects

2026-03-31T23:00:00Z

Title: Soil Compaction in Montado Mediterranean Ecosystem: Dolomitic Limestone Application, Sheep Grazing Management and Tree Effects Authors: Serrano, João; Shahidian, Shakib; Carreira, Emanuel; Moral, F.; Paniagua, L.; Charneca, R.; Pereira, A. Editors: Rusu, Teodor Abstract: Extensive animal production systems based on dryland pastures in Mediterranean regions have low profit margins. Improvements in soil fertility or grazing management and stocking rates are recognized strategies for reversing this situation and to ensure long term agricultural sustainability. This article aims to assess whether this strategy of possible intensification of sheep production has a significant impact on soil compaction, which is a manifestation of soil functionality degradation resulting from trampling. An experimental design with four treatments was implemented (with and without dolomitic limestone application; continuous grazing with low stocking rates, CG-LSR, and deferred grazing with high stocking rates, DG-HSR). The study involved cone index (CI, in kPa) measurements (48 sampling areas, 12 in each treatment) on eight dates during two annual pasture/grazing cycles (2023/2024 and 2024/2025). Other soil parameters, the presence of trees and grazing preferences were also monitored and correlated with CI. The main results showed: (i) significantly higher soil compaction under CG-LSR than under DG-HSR; (ii) a negative and significant effect of soil moisture content (SMC) on CI (r = −0.381; p < 0.05); (iii) a significant CI increase in preferential grazing areas, but only in the topsoil layer (0–10 cm) and with a very weak correlation coefficient (r = 0.172; p < 0.05); and (iv) no significant differences in CI under and outside tree canopy areas (UTC and OTC, respectively) for the depth range of 0–30 cm. These results are good indicators of the desired and sustainable intensification of extensive livestock grazing systems.

An interoperable and standardized protocol for reporting systematic conservation planning projects

2025-06-09T23:00:00Z

Title: An interoperable and standardized protocol for reporting systematic conservation planning projects Authors: Jung, Martin; Adams, Vanessa; Alagador, Diogo; Alvarez-Romero, Jorge G.; Araujo, M.B.; Arponnen, Ann; Beger, Maria; Beher, Jutta; Carvalho, Silvia B.; Giakoumi, Sylvaine; Hanson, Jeffrey O.; Hermoso, Virgilio; Jantke, Kerstin; Kujala, Heini; McGowan, Jennifer; Metaxas, Anna; 0'Connor, Louise; Salgado-Rojas, José; Schuster, Richard; Smith, Robert J.; Visconti, Piero Abstract: Systematic conservation planning (SCP) is an operational and scientific framework that assists in deciding where, how, and when to implement conservation intervention. Studies using SCP approaches have proliferated due to their immediate relevance for applied conservation. For example, they can help identify cost-effective opportunities for expanding areas under conservation management to achieve high-level policy goals such as those of the Global Biodiversity Framework. Yet SCP can be conducted in various ways, and results can vary depending on problem formulation, parameterizations, contexts, and prioritization approaches. There is a need to facilitate comparison of SCP studies to understand key criteria and assumptions made in the planning process. Here, we propose a standardized reporting protocol for SCP that is readily applicable across study aims, realms, and spatial scales. The new Overview and Design Protocol for Systematic Conservation Planning (ODPSCP) describes the key steps from the design to the computational stages of SCP. It enables researchers, scientific editors, and decision- and policymakers to assess the scope and comprehensiveness of SCP exercises. To facilitate uptake and ease of reporting, the protocol is openly available through an interactive web interface and which can be further enhanced following methodological advancements in conservation planning. We encourage the conservation community to adopt the reporting protocol to promote transparency and reproducibility, standardized reporting as well as facilitate peer review and independent evaluation.

Water Stress Effects on Free and Bound Volatile Compounds in Macabeo and Chardonnay Grapes Analyzed Through GC×GC/ToFMS

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Water Stress Effects on Free and Bound Volatile Compounds in Macabeo and Chardonnay Grapes Analyzed Through GC×GC/ToFMS Authors: Cebrián-Tarancón, Cristina; Martins, Nuno; Fonseca, Daniela; Cabrita, Maria João; Salinas, Rosário; Alonso, Gonzalo; Sánchez-Gómez, Rosario Abstract: Climate change and variable rainfall are pushing the wine industry to assess grapevine adaptability, as water deficit alters volatile compounds and understanding these processes is key to maintaining wine quality. A total of 64 compounds, free and glycosidically bound fractions, were analyzed using HS-SPME-GC×GC/ToFMS in Macabeo and Chardonnay grapes under two water irrigation regimes. Results showed that water availability significantly influenced aroma composition. Macabeo showed a strong response to rainfed conditions, with higher levels of monoterpenes, norisoprenoids and sesquiterpenes, mainly in the bound fraction, suggesting a metabolic adaptation to preserve aromatic potential. Chardonnay showed a more stable bound fraction and moderate changes in specific volatiles. These findings indicate that this advanced chromatographic technique allows a detailed evaluation of aroma precursors and their modulation by water availability.

Multiple dimensions of extreme weather events and their impacts on biodiversity.

2023-11-06T00:00:00Z

Title: Multiple dimensions of extreme weather events and their impacts on biodiversity. Authors: González-Trujillo, JD; Román-Cuesta, R; Muñiz-Castillo, AI; Amaral, CH; BASTOS ARAUJO, MIGUEL Abstract: Climate change is a multidimensional phenomenon. As such, no single metric can capture all trajectories of change and associated impacts. While numerous metrics exist to measure climate change, they tend to focus on central tendencies and neglect the multidimensionality of extreme weather events (EWEs). EWEs differ in their frequency, duration, and intensity, and can be described for temperature, precipitation, and wind speed, while considering different thresholds defining “extremeness.” We review existing EWE metrics and outline a framework for classifying and interpreting them in light of their foreseeable impacts on biodiversity. Using an example drawn from the Caribbean and Central America, we show that metrics reflect unequal spatial patterns of exposure across the region. Based on available evidence, we discuss how such patterns relate to threats to biological populations, empirically demonstrating how ecologically informed metrics can help relate EWEs to biological processes such as mangrove recovery. Unveiling the complexity of EWE trajectories affecting biodiversity is only possible through mobilisation of a plethora of climate change metrics. The proposed framework represents a step forward over assessments using single dimensions or averages of highly variable time series.