W. Hikal, K. Tkachenko, H. Ahl, Hoda Sany, A. Sabra, Rowida S Baeshen, Amra Bratovcic
Thymol is one of the most important phytochemical components because of its pharmacological and bioactive potential effects. This review focuses particularly on thymol as an alternative natural antiparasitic with potential use in the pharmaceutical industry. This is in line with the preferences of the natural products for treatment being safer and without side effects. The biosynthesis pathways of thymol and carvacrol have been discussed, and mechanism of action of thymol on parasites. Studies on thymol confirmed the activity of thymol as anti-parasite against anthelmintic, Trypanosoma ssp., Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania spp., Plasmodium falciparum, Giardia duodenalis, Eimeria ssp., Cryptosporidium baileyi and Cryptosporidium galli.
{"title":"Chemical Composition and Biological Significance of Thymol as Antiparasitic","authors":"W. Hikal, K. Tkachenko, H. Ahl, Hoda Sany, A. Sabra, Rowida S Baeshen, Amra Bratovcic","doi":"10.4236/OJE.2021.113018","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/OJE.2021.113018","url":null,"abstract":"Thymol is one of the most important phytochemical components because of its pharmacological and bioactive potential effects. This review focuses particularly on thymol as an alternative natural antiparasitic with potential use in the pharmaceutical industry. This is in line with the preferences of the natural products for treatment being safer and without side effects. The biosynthesis pathways of thymol and carvacrol have been discussed, and mechanism of action of thymol on parasites. Studies on thymol confirmed the activity of thymol as anti-parasite against anthelmintic, Trypanosoma ssp., Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania spp., Plasmodium falciparum, Giardia duodenalis, Eimeria ssp., Cryptosporidium baileyi and Cryptosporidium galli.","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":"24 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125738261","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Wenhui Li, Xiyu Zhao, Ji Bian, Ruiqiang Liu, Ru-feng Ni
Platycladus orientalis is one of the main tree species in Mount Tai, and its sustainable development is of great significance to the protection and development of the forest ecological environment of Mount Tai. In this study, a representative sample plot of Platycladus orientalis with a size of 30 m * 20 m was selected on Mount Tai. The growth and distribution of the parent trees and seedlings of Platycladus orientalis were investigated in the sample plots. The results showed that both the mother cypress trees and seedlings inside the plot present an aggregated distribution pattern within a certain scale, which conforms to the distribution of most natural communities; and the mother cypress can promote seedlings within a certain scale. Although Platycladus orientalis has good natural regeneration ability, it is difficult to succeed in understory regeneration solely relying on natural fertility, and it is not conducive to the long-term stable development of forest stands. Therefore, the thinning of Platycladus orientalis and the adjustment of the forest stand structure and artificial promotion of natural regeneration can not only reduce operating costs, but also conform to the idea of forest near-natural management and maintain sustainable forest development.
侧柏是泰山主要树种之一，其可持续发展对保护和发展泰山森林生态环境具有重要意义。本研究选取了一个具有代表性的台山侧柏样地，面积为30 m * 20 m。在样地调查了侧柏母树和幼苗的生长和分布情况。结果表明:样地内柏树母树和幼苗在一定尺度内呈聚集分布，符合大多数自然群落的分布规律;母柏树能在一定规模内促进幼苗生长。虽然侧柏具有良好的自然更新能力，但单纯依靠自然肥力很难成功实现林下更新，不利于林分的长期稳定发展。因此，对侧柏进行间伐，调整林分结构，人工促进自然更新，既能降低经营成本，又符合森林近自然经营理念，保持森林可持续发展。
{"title":"Regeneration Characteristics and Spatial Pattern of Platycladus orientalis in Mount Tai, China","authors":"Wenhui Li, Xiyu Zhao, Ji Bian, Ruiqiang Liu, Ru-feng Ni","doi":"10.4236/OJE.2021.113020","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/OJE.2021.113020","url":null,"abstract":"Platycladus orientalis is one of the main tree species in Mount Tai, and its sustainable development is of great significance to the protection and development of the forest ecological environment of Mount Tai. In this study, a representative sample plot of Platycladus orientalis with a size of 30 m * 20 m was selected on Mount Tai. The growth and distribution of the parent trees and seedlings of Platycladus orientalis were investigated in the sample plots. The results showed that both the mother cypress trees and seedlings inside the plot present an aggregated distribution pattern within a certain scale, which conforms to the distribution of most natural communities; and the mother cypress can promote seedlings within a certain scale. Although Platycladus orientalis has good natural regeneration ability, it is difficult to succeed in understory regeneration solely relying on natural fertility, and it is not conducive to the long-term stable development of forest stands. Therefore, the thinning of Platycladus orientalis and the adjustment of the forest stand structure and artificial promotion of natural regeneration can not only reduce operating costs, but also conform to the idea of forest near-natural management and maintain sustainable forest development.","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":"18 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127428443","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Brandon Vanderbush, C. Longhenry, D. Lucchesi, M. E. Barnes
Zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha are a native bivalve from eastern Europe. They were first detected in North America in Lake St. Clair in 1988 and were presumably introduced via infested ballast water. Zebra mussels have spread rapidly across the United States, with 31 states reporting infestations as of 2019. Zebra mussels were first detected in South Dakota, USA, in 2015 in Lewis and Clark Lake and McCook Lake, with subsequent infestations occurring in Lake Yankton in 2017, Lakes Francis Case and Sharpe in 2019, and Pickerel Lake, Kampeska Lake, and Lake Cochrane in 2020. This review paper presents information on zebra mussel biology and control, with specific information on the waters of South Dakota, USA.
{"title":"A Review of Zebra Mussel Biology, Distribution, Aquatic Ecosystem Impacts, and Control with Specific Emphasis on South Dakota, USA","authors":"Brandon Vanderbush, C. Longhenry, D. Lucchesi, M. E. Barnes","doi":"10.4236/OJE.2021.112014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/OJE.2021.112014","url":null,"abstract":"Zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha are a native bivalve from eastern Europe. They were first detected in North America in Lake St. Clair in 1988 and were presumably introduced via infested ballast water. Zebra mussels have spread rapidly across the United States, with 31 states reporting infestations as of 2019. Zebra mussels were first detected in South Dakota, USA, in 2015 in Lewis and Clark Lake and McCook Lake, with subsequent infestations occurring in Lake Yankton in 2017, Lakes Francis Case and Sharpe in 2019, and Pickerel Lake, Kampeska Lake, and Lake Cochrane in 2020. This review paper presents information on zebra mussel biology and control, with specific information on the waters of South Dakota, USA.","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":"241 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132745799","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Rabou, K. Elkahlout, F. Almabhouh, W. F. Mohamed, N. A. Khalaf, Mona A. Al-Sadek, Randa N. Alfarra, Lamis T. Al-Moqayed, Ashraf A. Shafei, Nedal A. Fayyad, Belal S. Adeem, A. Dardona, Abdallah S. Awad, M. Al-Agha, M. A. Rabou
The Golden Jackal (Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758), which belongs to the Canidae family, is an opportunist carnivore in the Gaza Strip (365 square kilometers). The current study aims at giving notes on the occurrence and some ecological aspects of the species in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. The study, which lasted 14 years (2007-2020), is descriptive and cumulative in its style. It was based on frequent field visits, direct observations and meetings and discussions with wildlife hunters, farmers and other stakeholders. The findings of the study show that Gazans are familiar with the Golden Jackal to the extent that a Gazan family holds the Arabic name of the animal, which is “Wawi”. The Golden Jackal was sometimes encountered and hunted in the eastern parts of the Gaza Strip, which are characterized by the presence of wilderness areas, intensive agriculture, poultry pens and solid waste landfills. Like other a few mammalian faunas, the adult Golden Jackals enter the Gaza Strip through gaps in or burrows beneath the metal borders separating the Gaza Strip from the rest of the Palestinian Territories and Egypt. Gaza zoos were found to harbor tens of Golden Jackals trapped or hunted by clever wildlife hunters using different means such as wire cages known locally as “maltash” and foothold traps with metal jaws that may cause lesions to the trapped animals. Poisoning and shooting were also common methods used to control the jackals and other carnivores causing harm to agriculture and livestock. The animal was known among the Gazans as an omnivore, feeding on wild and domestic animals in addition to plant materials, garbage and carrions. In conclusion, the study recommends the need to raise ecological awareness to preserve the Golden jackal and to adopt safe control measures for jackals and other carnivores, including the construction of protective fences for agricultural fields and animal pens.
{"title":"Occurrence and Some Ecological Aspects of the Golden Jackal (Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758) in the Gaza Strip, Palestine","authors":"A. Rabou, K. Elkahlout, F. Almabhouh, W. F. Mohamed, N. A. Khalaf, Mona A. Al-Sadek, Randa N. Alfarra, Lamis T. Al-Moqayed, Ashraf A. Shafei, Nedal A. Fayyad, Belal S. Adeem, A. Dardona, Abdallah S. Awad, M. Al-Agha, M. A. Rabou","doi":"10.4236/OJE.2021.112010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/OJE.2021.112010","url":null,"abstract":"The Golden Jackal (Canis aureus Linnaeus, 1758), which belongs to the Canidae family, is an opportunist carnivore in the Gaza Strip (365 square kilometers). The current study aims at giving notes on the occurrence and some ecological aspects of the species in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. The study, which lasted 14 years (2007-2020), is descriptive and cumulative in its style. It was based on frequent field visits, direct observations and meetings and discussions with wildlife hunters, farmers and other stakeholders. The findings of the study show that Gazans are familiar with the Golden Jackal to the extent that a Gazan family holds the Arabic name of the animal, which is “Wawi”. The Golden Jackal was sometimes encountered and hunted in the eastern parts of the Gaza Strip, which are characterized by the presence of wilderness areas, intensive agriculture, poultry pens and solid waste landfills. Like other a few mammalian faunas, the adult Golden Jackals enter the Gaza Strip through gaps in or burrows beneath the metal borders separating the Gaza Strip from the rest of the Palestinian Territories and Egypt. Gaza zoos were found to harbor tens of Golden Jackals trapped or hunted by clever wildlife hunters using different means such as wire cages known locally as “maltash” and foothold traps with metal jaws that may cause lesions to the trapped animals. Poisoning and shooting were also common methods used to control the jackals and other carnivores causing harm to agriculture and livestock. The animal was known among the Gazans as an omnivore, feeding on wild and domestic animals in addition to plant materials, garbage and carrions. In conclusion, the study recommends the need to raise ecological awareness to preserve the Golden jackal and to adopt safe control measures for jackals and other carnivores, including the construction of protective fences for agricultural fields and animal pens.","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":"68 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"134251288","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The applicability of the laws of thermodynamics to processes on Earth is discussed and it is shown that the chemical thermodynamics provides the reasonable basis for predicting probable changes. The historical evolution of the planet is considered in the framework of the Harari approach; a civilization’s level is estimated by the Kardashev scale based on the amount of energy it is able to use. During a short historical interval (≈500 years), when the effect of biological evolution is imperceptible and the main changes on the planet are caused by human activity, two systems are considered: 1) a nonequilibrium inhabited planet and 2) a quasi-equilibrium hypothetical planet without people, which is accepted as a comparison system. It is shown that in response to the energy impact, the equilibrium of the hypothetical system with the primordial nature is disturbed and processes are initiated aimed to prevent further growth of energy production. In the case of a real planet, this implements changes preventing the uncontrolled activities of humans—the energy producers. Climate change, an increase in the number of natural disasters and epidemics can be recognized as a direct response of the planet, while changes in socio-economic relations, morality, demographic situation, new threats etc. can be considered as an indirect reaction to changing conditions of human beings. The latter results from the mutual correlation between the progress of society, on the one hand, and humanitarian and political processes, on the other. The role of renewable and non-renewable energy sources in evolution is taken into account. Obviously, it is better to take meaningful measures to achieve an acceptable balance now than to wait for the blind and extremely painful action of the laws of nature, which would lead to a reduction in the population.
{"title":"The Planet’s Response to Human Activity. Thermodynamic Approach","authors":"V. K. Dobruskin","doi":"10.4236/OJE.2021.112011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/OJE.2021.112011","url":null,"abstract":"The applicability of the laws of thermodynamics to processes on Earth is discussed and it is shown that the chemical thermodynamics provides the reasonable basis for predicting probable changes. The historical evolution of the planet is considered in the framework of the Harari approach; a civilization’s level is estimated by the Kardashev scale based on the amount of energy it is able to use. During a short historical interval (≈500 years), when the effect of biological evolution is imperceptible and the main changes on the planet are caused by human activity, two systems are considered: 1) a nonequilibrium inhabited planet and 2) a quasi-equilibrium hypothetical planet without people, which is accepted as a comparison system. It is shown that in response to the energy impact, the equilibrium of the hypothetical system with the primordial nature is disturbed and processes are initiated aimed to prevent further growth of energy production. In the case of a real planet, this implements changes preventing the uncontrolled activities of humans—the energy producers. Climate change, an increase in the number of natural disasters and epidemics can be recognized as a direct response of the planet, while changes in socio-economic relations, morality, demographic situation, new threats etc. can be considered as an indirect reaction to changing conditions of human beings. The latter results from the mutual correlation between the progress of society, on the one hand, and humanitarian and political processes, on the other. The role of renewable and non-renewable energy sources in evolution is taken into account. Obviously, it is better to take meaningful measures to achieve an acceptable balance now than to wait for the blind and extremely painful action of the laws of nature, which would lead to a reduction in the population.","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":"203 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122414653","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Land tenure is a major determinant of the types of land use in a region or area and, by extension, affects its conservation. Most of the land that falls under public or communal land-tenure systems in developing countries such as Mali faces numerous challenges among them being natural resource overexploitation. This is mainly because the land is openly accessible to all people around it, and thus the tendency to overexploit the land resources leading to degradation, and food and environmental insecurity. In Mali, land ownership falls under three categories: Public or Government, Communal and Private. This study was undertaken to assess the land ownership types in Yanfolia District, Mali, a gold-mining area that lies some 170 km southern east of capital district of Bamako and upstream of Selingue dam on Sankarini River. A social survey of 200 households was done using a structured questionnaire. Additional research instruments were focus group discussion, key informant interviews and observation check-lists. The data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study findings indicated that most of the land under gold-mining was owned by the government followed by community and finally private. There were significant associations between size of land under gold-mining and land tenure types: communal land (χ2 = 30.52; p = 0.000); private land (χ2 = 65.09; p = 0.000) and public or government land (χ2 = 177; p = 0.000). Gold-mining takes place mostly on lands classified under public/government and communal compared to that which takes place on lands classified as private. It is recommended that the relevant Malian governmental regulatory and enforcement agencies implement and enforce existing environmental laws with respect to land and environment. These agencies should adopt participatory and sustainable approaches to land and natural resources management for improved food and environmental security.
{"title":"Land Tenure and Its Influence on Agriculture in Artisanal Gold-Mining Zones of Sikasso Region, Mali","authors":"Mahamadou Moussa Keita, G. Ogendi","doi":"10.4236/OJE.2021.112009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/OJE.2021.112009","url":null,"abstract":"Land tenure is a major determinant of the types of land use in a region or area and, by extension, affects its conservation. Most of the land that falls under public or communal land-tenure systems in developing countries such as Mali faces numerous challenges among them being natural resource overexploitation. This is mainly because the land is openly accessible to all people around it, and thus the tendency to overexploit the land resources leading to degradation, and food and environmental insecurity. In Mali, land ownership falls under three categories: Public or Government, Communal and Private. This study was undertaken to assess the land ownership types in Yanfolia District, Mali, a gold-mining area that lies some 170 km southern east of capital district of Bamako and upstream of Selingue dam on Sankarini River. A social survey of 200 households was done using a structured questionnaire. Additional research instruments were focus group discussion, key informant interviews and observation check-lists. The data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study findings indicated that most of the land under gold-mining was owned by the government followed by community and finally private. There were significant associations between size of land under gold-mining and land tenure types: communal land (χ2 = 30.52; p = 0.000); private land (χ2 = 65.09; p = 0.000) and public or government land (χ2 = 177; p = 0.000). Gold-mining takes place mostly on lands classified under public/government and communal compared to that which takes place on lands classified as private. It is recommended that the relevant Malian governmental regulatory and enforcement agencies implement and enforce existing environmental laws with respect to land and environment. These agencies should adopt participatory and sustainable approaches to land and natural resources management for improved food and environmental security.","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":"5 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122206695","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
D. Ndiaye, M. Sagna, Ramata Talla, Aly Diallo, J. Peiry, A. Guisse
In a context of climate change characterized by rising temperatures, increased greenhouse gases and frequent droughts, the Sahel is presented as one of the most vulnerable areas to the adverse effects of climate change. The Sahel is presented as one of the most vulnerable areas to the adverse effects of climate change. The objective of this study is to assess the above-ground biomass and carbon stock of three Sahelian species: Acacia raddiana tortilis (Forsk.) hayne ssp. raddiana (savi) Brenan, Acacia senegal (L.) Willd and Balanites aegyptiaca (L.). The study was carried out in northern Senegal commonly known as Ferlo. Biomasses of the populations of the three target species were first assessed by harvesting the entire epigenetic part of the species and then modelled by correlation using dendrometric parameters measured on each individual of the sample. Two models, mono-specific and multi-species, were used. The results obtained showed that the diameter at breast height (x) and the parameter best correlated to the epigeal biomass (y). The dry biomass of woody plants was 31.4 ± 15.2 kg/tree for B. aegyptiaca, 30.6 ± 13.2 kg/tree for A. senegal and 26.2 ± 11.1 kg/tree for A. raddiana; i.e. carbon equivalents of 14.75 - 14.38 - 12.31 kg/tree respectively. The amount of carbon contained in the above-ground woody biomass is estimated at 4.48 t/ha. The carbon equivalent, atmospheric CO2 is estimated at 16.44 tons of CO2/ha and based on the actual density of Ferlo (108.08 ± 49.79 ind/ha) the sequestered carbon of the area is estimated at 1777.008 tons of CO2. The comparison between the models developed in this study and the multispecific or mono-specific models from the literature showed substantial differences. This study contributes to a better understanding of the contribution of Sahelian woody species to carbon sequestration and the results could be used in the framework of adaptation to climate change.
{"title":"Evaluation of the Aerial Biomass of Three Sahelian Species in the Ferlo (North Senegal): Acacia tortilis (Forsk.) Hayn essp. Raddiana (Savi) Brenan, Acacia senegal (L.) Willd and Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del","authors":"D. Ndiaye, M. Sagna, Ramata Talla, Aly Diallo, J. Peiry, A. Guisse","doi":"10.4236/OJE.2021.112015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/OJE.2021.112015","url":null,"abstract":"In a context of climate change characterized by rising temperatures, increased greenhouse gases and frequent droughts, the Sahel is presented as one of the most vulnerable areas to the adverse effects of climate change. The Sahel is presented as one of the most vulnerable areas to the adverse effects of climate change. The objective of this study is to assess the above-ground biomass and carbon stock of three Sahelian species: Acacia raddiana tortilis (Forsk.) hayne ssp. raddiana (savi) Brenan, Acacia senegal (L.) Willd and Balanites aegyptiaca (L.). The study was carried out in northern Senegal commonly known as Ferlo. Biomasses of the populations of the three target species were first assessed by harvesting the entire epigenetic part of the species and then modelled by correlation using dendrometric parameters measured on each individual of the sample. Two models, mono-specific and multi-species, were used. The results obtained showed that the diameter at breast height (x) and the parameter best correlated to the epigeal biomass (y). The dry biomass of woody plants was 31.4 ± 15.2 kg/tree for B. aegyptiaca, 30.6 ± 13.2 kg/tree for A. senegal and 26.2 ± 11.1 kg/tree for A. raddiana; i.e. carbon equivalents of 14.75 - 14.38 - 12.31 kg/tree respectively. The amount of carbon contained in the above-ground woody biomass is estimated at 4.48 t/ha. The carbon equivalent, atmospheric CO2 is estimated at 16.44 tons of CO2/ha and based on the actual density of Ferlo (108.08 ± 49.79 ind/ha) the sequestered carbon of the area is estimated at 1777.008 tons of CO2. The comparison between the models developed in this study and the multispecific or mono-specific models from the literature showed substantial differences. This study contributes to a better understanding of the contribution of Sahelian woody species to carbon sequestration and the results could be used in the framework of adaptation to climate change.","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":" 20","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-02-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133122975","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
At present time when climate change has negative effect on soil moisture and can decrease significantly the productivity, good agricultural practises have a high importance via their direct influence on soil properties, regimes and biodiversity. Objectives of this study have been focused on the assessment of good agricultural practises in different soil cultivation types: conventional, minimum till, mulch, no-till and organic farming. Method used was based on two case study areas where organic and/or minimal farming systems have been applied. As a control, we chose soil with traditional cultivation. In organic farm, we evaluated earthworms; their amount and status and in farm with different types of cultivation we evaluated the microbial activity to assess the biodiversity conditions. Basic soil properties and soil structure have been set to be able to assess the influence of good agricultural practises on soil environment. Our study shows positive effect of these practises on soil moisture content, biodiversity and soil structure stability. These findings can be used for further studies determining the ways of soil cultivation in harmony with nature—in sustainable way.
{"title":"Contribution of Good Agricultural Practices to Soil Biodiversity","authors":"B. Houšková, R. Bušo, J. Makovníková","doi":"10.4236/OJE.2021.111007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/OJE.2021.111007","url":null,"abstract":"At present time when climate change has negative effect on soil moisture and can decrease significantly the productivity, good agricultural practises have a high importance via their direct influence on soil properties, regimes and biodiversity. Objectives of this study have been focused on the assessment of good agricultural practises in different soil cultivation types: conventional, minimum till, mulch, no-till and organic farming. Method used was based on two case study areas where organic and/or minimal farming systems have been applied. As a control, we chose soil with traditional cultivation. In organic farm, we evaluated earthworms; their amount and status and in farm with different types of cultivation we evaluated the microbial activity to assess the biodiversity conditions. Basic soil properties and soil structure have been set to be able to assess the influence of good agricultural practises on soil environment. Our study shows positive effect of these practises on soil moisture content, biodiversity and soil structure stability. These findings can be used for further studies determining the ways of soil cultivation in harmony with nature—in sustainable way.","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":"35 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"126878244","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study aimed to assess the impact of the Nile flood with special reference to turbidity on the food chain in Lake Nasser water as one of the largest man-made lakes in Africa before the flood (BF) and after the flood (AF) seasons. To achieve that aim, subsurface water samples were collected from 11 sampling stations along the lake before and after the flood for analyzing the water turbidity, total suspended solids, and total phosphorus, as well as chlorophyll-a and zooplankton to represent the food chain in the lake. Results showed an increase in water turbidity after the flood than that before the flood. Total suspended solids concentration displayed a similar trend as water turbidity. Chlorophyll-a concentration increased in AF all over the lake except at the entrance of the lake, as compared to the BF season. Zooplankton count was represented by copepods, cladocerans, and rotifers with the dominance of copepods in AF and rotifers in BF. The density of zooplankton was higher in the AF than the BF season. The negative impact of flood turbidity had appeared on crustacean organisms.
{"title":"Assessment of the Impact of the Nile Flood on Food Chain in Lake Nasser—Egypt, with Special Reference to Turbidity","authors":"Talaat A. Salem, A. Mageed","doi":"10.4236/oje.2021.111004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/oje.2021.111004","url":null,"abstract":"This study aimed to assess the impact of the Nile flood with special reference to turbidity on the food chain in Lake Nasser water as one of the largest man-made lakes in Africa before the flood (BF) and after the flood (AF) seasons. To achieve that aim, subsurface water samples were collected from 11 sampling stations along the lake before and after the flood for analyzing the water turbidity, total suspended solids, and total phosphorus, as well as chlorophyll-a and zooplankton to represent the food chain in the lake. Results showed an increase in water turbidity after the flood than that before the flood. Total suspended solids concentration displayed a similar trend as water turbidity. Chlorophyll-a concentration increased in AF all over the lake except at the entrance of the lake, as compared to the BF season. Zooplankton count was represented by copepods, cladocerans, and rotifers with the dominance of copepods in AF and rotifers in BF. The density of zooplankton was higher in the AF than the BF season. The negative impact of flood turbidity had appeared on crustacean organisms.","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":"116 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"124605123","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Clarifying the necessary conditions for the emergence of payments for ecosystem services (PES) and the situational variables that affect PES is the basis for their interpretation, prediction, and selection. This article proposes an analytical framework for the emergence of PES and argues that the key to determining whether PES can occur and whether a selected PES program is appropriate is to evaluate the net gain. When payers anticipate that a PES program will provide a satisfactory number of ES and a net gain over the opportunity cost and will cover all costs, it is assumed that the program will be implemented. When it is difficult to accurately evaluate the net gain of PES, the situational variables that affect the costs and benefits need to be examined. The group characteristics, ES characteristics, spatial and temporal contacts between the suppliers and demanders, correlation with private goods and additionality are important situational variables that affect the emergence and choice of PES.
{"title":"Necessary Conditions and Situational Variables of Payments for Ecosystem Services","authors":"Pingan Xiang, Weiqi Xiang, Yu Lu","doi":"10.4236/oje.2021.111001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4236/oje.2021.111001","url":null,"abstract":"Clarifying the necessary conditions for the emergence of payments for ecosystem services (PES) and the situational variables that affect PES is the basis for their interpretation, prediction, and selection. This article proposes an analytical framework for the emergence of PES and argues that the key to determining whether PES can occur and whether a selected PES program is appropriate is to evaluate the net gain. When payers anticipate that a PES program will provide a satisfactory number of ES and a net gain over the opportunity cost and will cover all costs, it is assumed that the program will be implemented. When it is difficult to accurately evaluate the net gain of PES, the situational variables that affect the costs and benefits need to be examined. The group characteristics, ES characteristics, spatial and temporal contacts between the suppliers and demanders, correlation with private goods and additionality are important situational variables that affect the emergence and choice of PES.","PeriodicalId":265480,"journal":{"name":"Open Journal of Ecology","volume":"327 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132850839","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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