J.P. Ferrio, J. Voltas and J.L. Araus
In this work we will discuss the suitability of carbon isotope analysis in plants for the assessment of environmental changes and their effects on crops and natural systems. For C3…
Abstract
In this work we will discuss the suitability of carbon isotope analysis in plants for the assessment of environmental changes and their effects on crops and natural systems. For C3 species, carbon isotope composition (δ13C) of plant tissues constitutes an integrated record of the miscellaneous climatic and physiological factors that affect carbon assimilation and/or stomatal conductance. Here we present a literature review on the relationship between different environmental parameters and δ13C in both herbaceous plants and trees, including some examples and case studies. We will also consider the applicability of some of these relationships in palaeoecological studies, as well as for the assessment of climate change dynamics and its implications. Major advantages and limitations of this technique are further discussed.
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Ali Asghar Pourezzat, Mostafa Nejati, Ghazaleh Taheri Attar and Seyed Mahdi Sharifmousavi
The purpose of this paper is to explore the economy of Persian Gulf countries following a post‐oil economy. This is accompanied with a futurology study and planning of certain…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the economy of Persian Gulf countries following a post‐oil economy. This is accompanied with a futurology study and planning of certain scenarios that can be applied to these countries.
Design/methodology/approach
This study applies a futurology approach by investigating various scenarios to explore the Arab economy after oil. As such, a series of possible policies are proposed that can be undertaken by Arab countries depending on their public policy. Each of the suggested policies involves different scenarios that have been formed and analyzed using an era‐based cellular planning system.
Findings
The findings propose three main policies to be undertaken by Arab countries including: investing the oil income in miscellaneous economic baskets in order to minimize the vulnerability and maximize the profits; reducing the oil production in the coming years and transforming the one‐product oil economy to a value added petrochemical economy; and seeking new sources of income and wealth. In addition, findings emphasize the necessity for using renewable and lasting wealth resources and minimizing the dependency of countries on the oil economy.
Originality/value
The proposed scenarios in the study can act as strategic constructs in strengthening the scenario sets in the consecutive years and help develop other scenarios in the future. As such, this paper would be of interest to governmental advisors, strategic planners and policy‐makers involved in studies related to the Middle East.
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Daniel Inman, Raj Khosla and Ted Mayfield
To describe the function and use of the GreenSeeker™ active remote sensor used to detect crop nitrogen status.
Abstract
Purpose
To describe the function and use of the GreenSeeker™ active remote sensor used to detect crop nitrogen status.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the GreenSeeker active remote sensor and its use in irrigated maize production systems will be described. A brief discussion of the science of using remote sensing for studying plants is presented. Additionally, a summary of observations collected from field trials is presented.
Findings
The GreenSeeker active sensor has tremendous potential for accurately characterizing crop variability for site‐specific N rate determinations in the Western Great Plains region of the United States.
Originality/value
This paper discusses the GreenSeeker active sensor for detecting crop variability. Data from the GreenSeeker can be used to make site‐specific nitrogen fertilizer applications which may lead to improved nitrogen use efficiency.
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Kindie Tesfaye, Sika Gbegbelegbe, Jill E Cairns, Bekele Shiferaw, Boddupalli M Prasanna, Kai Sonder, Ken Boote, Dan Makumbi and Richard Robertson
The purpose of this study is to examine the biophysical and socioeconomic impacts of climate change on maize production and food security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) using adapted…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the biophysical and socioeconomic impacts of climate change on maize production and food security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) using adapted improved maize varieties and well-calibrated and validated bioeconomic models.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the past climate (1950-2000) as a baseline, the study estimated the biophysical impacts of climate change in 2050 (2040-2069) and 2080 (2070-2099) under the A1B emission scenario and three nitrogen levels, and the socioeconomic impacts in 2050.
Findings
Climate change will affect maize yields across SSA in 2050 and 2080, and the extent of the impact at a given period will vary considerably between input levels, regions and maize mega environments (MMEs). Greater relative yield reductions may occur under medium and high-input intensification than under low intensification, in Western and Southern Africa than in Eastern and Central Africa and in lowland and dry mid-altitude than in highland and wet mid-altitude MMEs. Climate change may worsen food insecurity in SSA in 2050 through its negative impact on maize consumption and reduction in daily calorie intake. However, international trade has the potential to offset some of the negative impacts.
Originality/value
The study calibrated and applied bioeconomic models to estimate the biophysical and socioeconomic impact of climate change on maize production at fine resolution. The results could be used as a baseline to evaluate measures that will be applied to adapt maize to the future climate in SSA.
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Elfadil Mohamed Elbashier, Elfadil Mohammed Eltayeb Elbashier, Siddig Esa Idris2, Wuletaw Tadesse, Izzat S.A. Tahir, Abu Elhassan S. Ibrahim, Ashraf M.A. Elhashimi, Sefyan I. Saad, Amani Ahmed Idris and Hala Mohamed Mustfa
The purpose of this paper was to study the genetic variability, heritability, heat tolerance indices and phenotypic and genotypic correlation studies for traits of 250 elite…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper was to study the genetic variability, heritability, heat tolerance indices and phenotypic and genotypic correlation studies for traits of 250 elite International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) bread wheat genotypes under high temperature in Wad Medani, Center in Sudan.
Design/methodology/approach
Bread wheat is an important food on a global level and is used in the form of different products. High temperature associated with climate change is considered to be a detrimental stress in the future on world wheat production. A total of 10,250 bread wheat genotypes selected from different advanced yield trials introduction from ICARDA and three checks including were grown in two sowing dates (SODs) (1st and 2nd) 1st SOD heat stress and 2nd SOD non-stress at the Gezira Research Farm, of the Agricultural Research Corporation, Wad Medani, Sudan.
Findings
An alpha lattice design with two replications was used to assess the presence of phenotypic and genotypic variations of different traits, indices for heat stress and heat tolerance for 20 top genotypes and phenotypic and genotypic correlations. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes for all the characters. A wide range, 944-4,016 kg/ha in the first SOD and 1,192-5,120 kg/ha in the second SOD, was found in grain yield. The average yield on the first SOD is less than that of the secondnd SOD by 717.7 kg/ha, as the maximum and minimum temperatures were reduced by 3ºC each in the second SOD when compared to the first SOD of the critical stage of crop growth shown.
Research limitations/implications
Similar wide ranges were found in all morpho-physiological traits studied. High heritability in a broad sense was estimated for days to heading and maturity. Moderate heritability estimates found for grain yield ranged from 44 to 63.6 per cent, biomass ranged from 37.8 to 49.1 per cent and canopy temperature (CT) after heading ranged from 44.2 to 48 per cent for the first and secondnd SODs. The top 20 genotypes are better than the better check in the two sowing dates and seven genotypes (248, 139, 143, 27, 67, 192 and 152) were produced high grain yield under both 1st SOD and 2nd SOD.
Practical implications
The same genotypes in addition to Imam (check) showed smaller tolerance (TOL) values, indicating that these genotypes had a smaller yield reduction under heat-stressed conditions and that they showed a higher heat stress susceptibility index (SSI). A smaller TOL and a higher SSI are favored. Both phenotypic and genotypic correlations of grain yield were positively and significantly correlated with biomass, harvest index, number of spikes/m2, number of seeds/spike and days to heading and maturity in both SODs and negatively and significantly correlated with canopy temperature before and after heading in both SODs.
Originality/value
Genetic variations, heritability, heat tolerance indices and correlation studies for traits of bread wheat genotypes under high temperature
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Jhonatas Antonelli, Cleber Antonio Lindino, Reinaldo Aparecido Bariccatti, Samuel Nelson Melegari Souza and Anderson Miguel Lenz
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of Pinus wood waste in lead adsorption as a remediation technique in aqueous medium and its subsequent use in obtaining…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of Pinus wood waste in lead adsorption as a remediation technique in aqueous medium and its subsequent use in obtaining synthesis gas.
Design/methodology/approach
The capacity of the timber in the lead adsorption was studied in aqueous medium at various pH, determining the amount adsorbed in equilibrium. Then, the same timber was added in a fixed bed, co-current flow of two stage gasifier type, working temperature of 900°C, for obtaining synthesis gas. The synthesis gas composition was evaluated by the spectrophotometry in the infrared region and the gas chromatography and lead content in the ash and gas was determined by the atomic absorption spectrophotometry.
Findings
In laboratory tests carried out, the optimal pH for lead removal was pH 4 with 96.15 percent removal rate, reaching equilibrium after 180 min. In pilot scale the lead removal after 72 hours was 96 percent. The average production of syngas was 11.09 m³h−1. For tests with the motor-generator, the best condition occurred with charge of 2.0 kW, wherein gas consumption per kW produced reached 4.86 m³ kW−1, resulting in a 14.81 percent efficiency rate. The gas analysis showed an average concentration of 14.85 percent H2, 30.1 percent CO2, and 50.49 percent of atmospheric air. The concentration of lead in the gas was below the limit established by law. Pinus elliottii waste proved to be an excellent adsorbent, with removing more than 96 percent of the Pb ion present in aqueous solution and a starting material in the gasifier to generate synthesis gas.
Research limitations/implications
This paper describes the waste wood application in the treatment of contaminated environments and for obtaining syngas providing a sustainable process.
Originality/value
This paper shows a process that combines the remediation of contaminated environmental with power generation systems, allowing efficient management of contaminated environments.