Latest application-area
How Effective is Plant Cover for Soil Erosion Control?
Plant cover is the most cost-effective and efficient way to control soil erosion in large areas affected by deforestation, mining, etc. Soil erosion measures can also be incorporated in farmlands to prevent topsoil loss. Plant canopy parameters like extent, height, and architecture will determine the efficiency of soil erosion control. Soil erosion is a major… Continue reading…
Exploring the Boreal Forest: How The Ridges Sanctuary Uses the CI-110 Plant Canopy Imager for Critical Ecological Research
In the heart of Door County, Wisconsin, The Ridges Sanctuary stands as a vital steward of one of the most biodiverse regions in the Midwest. This sanctuary, the first and oldest private land trust in Wisconsin, has been preserving its land since 1937. Under its care are 1,700 acres of boreal forest, a unique paleo…
Why Forest Protection Is Crucial for Our Future
Forest protection limits the various biotic and abiotic factors or their effects that reduce or degrade forests. Plant Science provides the theoretical basis for protecting forests. It focuses on tree morphology, anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry to monitor structure, growth, function, and stress management. Advanced precision tools used onsite or remotely estimate several plant parameters non-destructively… Continue reading…
How Plant Science is Advancing Sustainability in Agriculture
Sustainability in Agriculture covers economic profits, environmental health, and social equity. Sustainable agriculture involves safeguarding humans, conserving natural resources, and improving the quality and quantity of profitable production throughout the food supply chain. Plant science aims to increase productivity with less inputs, chemicals, and water and more reliance on natural processes and onsite resources. Plant… Continue reading…
The CI-710s Leaf Spectrometer: A Researcher’s Perspective
In a recent discussion with Scott Trimble, Vice President of Marketing for Felix Instruments, researchers Saroj Burlakoti and Anju Chaudhary from Utah State University shared their experiences using the CI-710s Leaf Spectrometer. The conversation highlighted the instrument’s critical role in their research, focusing on ornamental plants, water conservation, and fertilizer reduction. This article summarizes the…
Can Spectroscopy Predict Leaf Traits Across Ecosystems?
Yes, but with caveats. Leaf traits are used to understand plant growth, functional diversity, and ecosystem processes. Several traits spanning functional groups and geographies can be easily predicted using general models based on spectral data. However, all models cannot have global applications without validation, as the relationship between traits and spectral data is not the… Continue reading…
Climate Change Effects on Plant Development: Comprehensive Insights
Climate change can alter plants’ roots, vegetation, and reproductive development. Climate change effects on plant development can sometimes be similar across species or depend on tissue, species, genotype, and development stage. Plants are most sensitive to temperature and drought stress effects during the reproductive phase. Several features characterize climate change, like higher concentrations of greenhouse… Continue reading…
Understanding Fine Root Dynamics: Key Insights and Methodologies
Fine roots have a diameter of 0.1–2 mm and are essential for nutrient acquisition for individual plants and carbon and nutrient cycling for ecosystems. Research shows fine roots are not a single group; root order determines form, anatomy, physiology, and function. Fine root age is another significant factor that influences functioning and dynamics. Though fine… Continue reading…
Understanding Drought Impact on Crop Yield: Stages, Mechanisms, and Adaptations.
Drought’s impact on crop yield affects plant stages differently, moderated by genotype and external environmental factors. Very early drought can inhibit germination and seedling establishment, reducing stand density and yield. Drought during reproductive and grain filling can reduce yield quantity and quality more than during the growth phases. Drought is the primary environmental stress crop… Continue reading…
How Does the Rhizosphere Effect Influence Plant Growth and Soil Health?
The rhizosphere is the soil surrounding the plant root and soil interface. Root exudates, controlled by plant species, functional type, root traits, and biomes, can determine the biology, physics, and chemistry of the rhizosphere effect. The rhizosphere effect can enhance nutrient availability and defense at the plant level; carbon and nutrient cycling and possible bioremedial… Continue reading…
