Latest canopy
How Does Canopy Cover in Deserts Impact Soil, Biodiversity, and Urban Climates?
Vegetation in deserts is patchy and acts as islands of resources. Plant canopy can increase soil fertility, moisture, and microbial diversity. The tree canopy has several benefits for urban settlements in deserts, such as reducing temperatures, air pollutants, and carbon emissions. Deserts make up 33% of terrestrial ecosystems and are present on nearly every continent. They… Continue reading…
Additional reading
How Leaf Area Index Affects Yield
Leaf Area Index (LAI) varies with species, cultivars, growing conditions, and crop stages. The influence of LAI on yield will depend on the harvested portion of crops. An increase in LAI above a specific optimum value for fruits and seed crops will decrease yield. Leaf Area Index (LAI) is a standard vegetative trait correlated with… Continue reading…
How Does the Role of Senescence Affect Crop Productivity?
Senescence can determine and increase crop productivity. Selecting for cultivars with delayed senescence improves yield only in some species. Senescence increases plant phenotypic plasticity, helping it to adapt to abiotic stress. Senescence is a significant agricultural trait that affects crop growth, stress adaptation, yield, and postharvest storage. Plants are unusual as they can time senescence… Continue reading…
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…
What is Senescence in Trees and Why Is It Important?
Senescence occurs at the cell, tissue, organs, and individual levels. Organ senescence is consequential in trees as it helps “recycle materials” within an individual tree to maintain function and productivity. Organ and whole tree senescence are also crucial for nutrient cycling, wildlife diversity, and forest productivity. Senescence is an integral part of all living organisms,… Continue reading…
The Impact of Invasive Species: Managing Threats to Forest Ecosystems
The Impact of Invasive Species in forests with closed canopy is more resistant to invasion by alien plant species due to limited light in the understory. Invasives’ success depends on species-specific and site-specific factors. Competition for space, water, and nutrients also keeps invasives away. Natural forests are more resistant to invasives than planted or managed… Continue reading…
Drought Effects on Forest Productivity
The effects of increasingly frequent and severe droughts are reported globally. Forest productivity decreases due to reduced growth, canopy dieback, and tree mortality. Drought effects are not even and are influenced by internal and external factors. Some adaptation measures to drought-proof forests are suggested based on available information. Drought intensity, frequency, duration, and extent are… Continue reading…
