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CI‑202 vs CI‑203: Which Leaf Area Meter Fits Your Field Work?
Choosing the right leaf area meter can make or break the efficiency of your plant research. For field scientists, agronomists, and ecologists, CID Bio-Science’s CI-202 Portable Laser Leaf Area Meter and CI-203 Handheld Laser Leaf Area Meter both deliver accurate, non-destructive measurements of leaf area, shape, and morphology. But which tool best suits your work… Continue reading…
Additional reading
How Does Plant Architecture and Water Use Efficiency Impact Crop Yields?
The effects of different plant architectures on population-level evapotranspiration are not well-known. Plant architecture influences population structure, thereby altering the microclimate. Soil water use can be reduced through shading to minimize evaporation and by reducing canopy temperature. Around 97-99% of the water absorbed by plants is lost as transpiration. As water shortages are increasing and… Continue reading…
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…
Why is Riparian Canopy Cover important for Water Quality and Wildlife
Riparian zones are the transitional areas between water bodies and uplands. Riparian zones provide several ecosystem benefits, such as bank stabilization, water quality and temperature maintenance, lowered downstream flood risks, and wildlife habitat and food. Many of the riparian zone benefits depend on a healthy old-growth canopy cover. Canopy cover and shade of riparian zones… Continue reading…
How UMN Researchers Are Using Minirhizotron Technology to Advance Sustainable Agriculture
In the pursuit of more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems, understanding plant root systems is just as crucial as studying their above-ground growth. Researchers at the University of Minnesota’s Sustainable Cropping Systems Lab and the Intermediate Wheatgrass Breeding Lab are leveraging cutting-edge root imaging technology to better understand the underground dynamics of intermediate wheatgrass, also… Continue reading…
Adapted Plant Traits in Riparian Zones
Riparian plants have anatomical and morphological adaptations that help them persist in the dynamic and variable conditions of the ecotone. Plant adaptations in the riparian ecotones occur in response to periodic flooding, anoxia, low luminosity, and unstable substrate. The adaptations can be in the shoot, leaves, and root systems. Adaptations vary based on life forms,… Continue reading…
Canopy Cover Research 2024: 5 Breakthrough Findings You Need to Know
In 2024, studies focused on the combined effects of canopy cover along with those of other vegetation traits and environmental conditions. The crucial role of canopy cover in plant drought response strategies in various ecosystems and applications is an emergent theme. Canopy cover is also essential in studies promoting sustainable solutions from urban cooling, regenerative… Continue reading…
