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Monitoring Systems of Agricultural Soils Across Europe Regarding the Upcoming European Soil Monitoring Law
Get PDFIn Europe, 60%-70% of soils are considered degraded, underscoring the urgent need for consistent monitoring to prevent further degradation and support evidence-based policies for sustainable soil management. Many countries in Europe have implemented one or more soil monitoring systems (SMSs), often established long before the EU-wide "Land Use/Cover Area frame statistical Survey Soil", LUCAS Soil program. As a result, their sampling strategies and analytical methodologies vary significantly. The proposed EU Directive on Soil Monitoring and Resilience (Soil Monitoring Law, SML) aims to address these differences by establishing a unified framework for systematic soil health monitoring across the EU. This paper assesses the compatibility of the 25 identified SMSs from countries participating in the EJP SOIL Program with the anticipated requirements of the SML. The analysis focuses on critical aspects, including sampling strategies, analytical methods, and data accessibility. Results show significant variability in SMS approaches, including sampling depth, monitored land uses, and analytical methods, which limit cross-system comparability. Despite challenges, opportunities for harmonization include aligning SMSs with the LUCAS Soil methodology, developing transfer functions, and adopting scoring systems for soil health evaluation. Enhanced collaboration and data accessibility are also emphasized as critical for achieving the SML's objectives. This research provides actionable recommendations to harmonise SMSs with the SML framework, promoting coordinated soil monitoring efforts across Europe to support the EU's goal of achieving healthy soils by 2050
Effect of extended egg quiescence and elevation in carbon dioxide on life history traits of Aedes aegypti
Get PDFElevation in carbon dioxide is a global threat, driving anthropogenic climate change. How disease-vectoring mosquitoes respond to these changes is currently largely unknown. The dengue vector, Aedes aegypti, has adapted to urban environments, which are more affected by climatic changes, especially CO2. Aedes aegypti lay eggs around ephemeral water bodies that are prone to desiccation, with the pharate larvae possessing the ability to resist the desiccation, during which the permeability across the chorion is compromised. The study investigates the combined effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 and extended egg quiescence duration on life-history traits of immature and adult stages, including development rate, survival and size. Furthermore, we analysed the metabolic reserves of newly emerged females and whether mosquitoes display compensatory feeding in response to restricted reserves. Extended egg quiescence duration, combined with elevated CO2 level, differentially affected developmental duration and larval survival, with carry-over effects on adult metabolic reserves, size and survival. The interaction of elevated CO2 conditions and egg quiescence period differentially impact life-history traits of Ae. aegypti. The findings of this study provide evidential support for assertion that changing climatic conditions significantly impact survival and population dynamics, as well as feeding propensity, which directly affect the vectorial capacity of Ae. aegypti
Identification of epigenetics variations influencing viral resistance in cassava farmers’ field
Get PDFIn sub‐Saharan Africa, cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a key food security crop, providing calories to over 800 million people. It grows well in poor soils and tolerates drought. However, its production is threatened by cassava mosaic disease (CMD), caused by African cassava mosaic virus (ACMV), which can devastate yields. While genetic loci associated with CMD resistance have been identified, the influence of epigenetic regulation on disease resilience remains largely unexplored. This thesis investigates the epigenetic basis for the variation in CMD responses between two farmer’s preferred African cassava cultivars: TMEB693 (tolerant) and TMEB117 (susceptible). In the study, we generated a reference genome of TMEB117 for the epigenetics study. This genome enabled a comparative genomic analysis that revealed a previously unknown ~9.7 Mbp repeat‐rich insertion on chromosome 12. This region is enriched with MUDR‐Mutator transposable elements and chromatin‐regulating genes (HDA14, SRT2), whose presence varied across 16 cassava landraces. Although not directly linked to CMD resistance, this hypervariable region may influence epigenetic plasticity and crop adaptation. Genome‐wide methylation analysis showed that TMEB117 undergoes overall hypomethylation upon infection, resembling the methylation profile of the tolerant genotype (TMEB693). These findings suggest that TMEB117 undergoes virus‐ induced epigenetic reprogramming, but the resulting reduced methylation level may be too low to confer effective tolerance to the virus. In contrast, the stable methylation profile of TMEB693 may reflect a defence state that is constitutively maintained. This study highlights the role of DNA methylation in CMD resistance and establishes a genomic and epigenetic framework for identifying candidate genes and regulatory factors linked to disease resilience. Such knowledge provides a foundation for integrating molecular markers into cassava breeding programs, enabling the development of cultivars with durable CMD resilience and contributing to strengthened food security across sub‐Saharan Africa
Cattle olfaction: Dairy cows' interest in odors and factors affecting their odor exploration behavior
Get PDFAnimals use their sense of smell in various situations, including foraging, selecting mates, and assessing predation risks. Consequently, odors are likely to affect farm animals in numerous handling and management practices. Cattle have a well-developed sense of olfaction that may play a larger role in their everyday life than is currently considered. The current body of research on cattle olfactory abilities is, however, surprisingly scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate if cows can detect and discriminate 4 odors of natural, nonsocial origin, and if any of the specific odors evoke more interest (measured as sniffing time) than others. We further aimed to assess if age, parity, and breed affected this. In addition, we investigated olfactory-exploration behavior (other than sniffing: licking, biting, flehmen, head movements, backing, snorting) of dairy cattle and ear positions to elucidate if certain behaviors and ear positions were restricted to certain odors. Twenty-eight cows (16 Swedish Holstein, 12 Swedish Red) were enrolled in a habituation-dishabituation test where they were tested in pairs on 4 natural odors (essential oils, nondiluted): cedarwood, lavender, orange, and peppermint. The test was conducted on individual animals in their home environment where each odor was presented 3 times in a row for 1 min each with an intertrial interval of 2 min. Following another 2-min interval without the first odor, the cow was presented with a different odor, with order of odor presentation balanced among animals. Duration of sniffing (muzzle in proximity to) the odor box, occurrence of licking or biting the odor box, and avoidance behavior (e.g., backing and head movements), and ear positions were recorded. Although the results showed a decrease in sniffing time over repeated presentations of the same odor, only the first-to-third presentation of cedarwood and first-to-second and first-to-third presentation of orange differed significantly. Only some dishabituation trials elicited a significant reinstatement of sniffing; hence, it is unclear if cows were able to discriminate all odors from each other. Testing cows in pairs potentially led to brief pre-exposure to odors, thereby affecting overall sniffing durations. More studies are thus needed to elucidate if cows can recognize but also discriminate the odors. Cows did not show a clear interest in any particular odor, though they numerically sniffed cedarwood the most and orange the least. Younger cows expressed more sniffing behavior than older cows regardless of odor, and younger cows also expressed axial ear positions for longer. Specific odors did not elicit more of any of the ear positions than others. Behaviors indicative of avoidance reactions (head movements, backing, snorting) were generally low for all odors, but Swedish Holstein cows expressed more backward ear positions than Swedish Red, highlighting the need for further studies including various cattle breeds. We encourage future studies on olfactory abilities and preferences, as well as refinement of methods to further adapt testing regimens for cattle olfaction
Review: A systematic review of dairy cow health, welfare, and behaviour in year-round loose range housing
Get PDFThis systematic review compares the health, welfare, and behaviour of dairy cows in year-round loose housing systems against those kept in other housing systems in temperate regions. Year-round loose housing systems comprised housing where dairy cows had no access to the outdoors or only had access to a yard, pen or run. The comparator housing systems also comprised housing with and without outdoor access (including grazing). To contribute to evidence-informed policy, a systematic evidence evaluation was undertaken to assess the scientific evidence base for this question, and determine whether the evidence base is robust enough to determine any association between housing systems and health, welfare and natural behaviour in dairy cows. We assessed 11 181 references and reviewed 53 articles in detail following best practice guidance for systematic review. Seven different types of housing systems were compared and a total of 120 different Health, Welfare and Behaviour (HWB) outcomes were assessed, comprising 839 measurements for HWB. Results indicate both advantages and disadvantages of yearround loose-housing systems. These differences were not just between studies; there were also differences within-studies for individual HWB indicators. There was substantial heterogeneity in methods of collecting and measuring HWB outcomes across the studies; therefore, a robust statistical test (such as meta-analysis) of correlation between potential explanatory variables and HWB outcomes was not possible for any housing comparison or any individual HWB measurement. Assessing the evidence base systematically as a whole, there is only weak evidence that year-round loose-housing is either better or worse than housing systems with grazing for the health and welfare of dairy cows. There is also only weak evidence that year-round loose-housing is either better or worse than housing systems with any outdoor access, including but not limited to grazing, for the health and welfare of dairy cows. Variation in data reporting across studies is too great to allow robust statistical analysis of the direct effects of loose-housing systems and/or grazing on the health and welfare of dairy cows. Data are also often presented in an aggregated form that limits meaningful comparisons. For future research, data collected should be made freely available in a disaggregated form to enable robust meta-analysis to be conducted. In order to change policies and practices, based on evidence, more standardised primary research studies, measuring welfare indicators, including behaviour, are necessary. (c) 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of The animal Consortium. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Homeless cats, a societal problem - an analysis of the collaboration between cat shelters and the competent authorities in Sweden
Get PDFIn Sweden, homeless cats are primarily considered an animal welfare issue and are protected by animal welfare legislation. The 21 regional County Administrative Boards (CABs) are responsible for enforcing this legislation and acting if non-compliance is detected. According to the Swedish Animal Welfare Act, homeless cats are suffering per se, and hence the CABs must take measures to seize the cats. However, the CABs do not have any cat shelters of their own; instead, they are supposed to procure private cat shelters to handle homeless and neglected cats. This study aimed to scrutinise the collaboration between the CABs and contracted private cat shelters regarding the handling of homeless cats in Sweden. More specifically, the study examined the content and demands of these contracts, and how the cat shelters' staff perceived this collaboration. Official documentation regarding procured cat shelters was analysed, and eight cat shelters from different counties were interviewed. Of the 21 CABs, 17 had contracts with cat shelters. The contracts varied somewhat in content but generally included demands relating to the competence of shelter staff, accessibility and lead times, documentation, equipment, and reimbursement. Most CABs also demanded that cat shelters take ownership of cats when the CAB decided. For homeless cats, this could be immediately after capture. The cat shelters were aware that they were partly being used by the CABs, i.e. they were doing some of the government's work without full financial compensation. However, they also showed understanding for the CABs' limited resources and were often willing to take ownership of cats early to avoid possible euthanasia decisions made by the CAB. Nevertheless, the large number of homeless cats in Sweden shows that the current system is ineffective. All relevant actors, including cat owners and the authorities, must take responsibility for their obligations
Surrounding landscape composition influences saproxylic beetle assemblages after prescribed burning
Get PDF1. Biodiversity is affected by local and landscape factors, yet which of these is most important seems to vary depending on species group and context. Understanding how environmental factors affect species at different spatial scales is crucial for effective conservation planning. Here, we examine the influence of local and landscape characteristics on saproxylic and fire-favoured beetle populations after prescribed burning. 2. Beetles (Coleoptera) were collected using flight intercept traps at 23 sites across three regions in Sweden. Prescribed burning had been conducted on the sites 4-7 years earlier. We analysed the relationships between species richness, abundance and community composition, and environmental variables at both local (burn sites) and landscape scales (2, 5, 10 and 20 km radius around the burn sites). Local variables were deadwood volume, canopy cover and burn extent. Landscape variables included the area of forests that were protected, old (>120 years), clear-cut and burned, and the standing timber volume of Scots pine, Norway spruce and deciduous trees. 3. In total, we recorded 3094 saproxylic beetles, belonging to 188 species. Of these, 1153 individuals (37 species) were classified as fire-favoured. No local variables had a significant influence on beetle richness or abundance. For landscape relationships, 5 and 10 km scales were most relevant for analysing saproxylic beetle responses. At these scales, saproxylic beetle richness was positively associated with the protected forest area, whereas abundance showed a negative relationship. In contrast, richness of saproxylic beetles was negatively associated with the area of clear-cuts, while abundances of saproxylic and fire-favoured species were positively associated. Species richness was similar across regions, whereas species composition varied. The proportion of old forests was an important variable contributing to regional dissimilarity in species composition. 4. Synthesis and applications. Our study highlights the importance of the surrounding landscape for shaping saproxylic beetle communities after prescribed burning. Forest management and conservation measures within a 5-10 km radius of prescribed burns can influence beetle assemblages post-burn and should be considered when planning burns aimed at promoting saproxylic beetles. In addition, as species composition varied across regions, this indicates that prescribed burning in different regions complements each other
Market driven afforestation
Get PDFBiomass production using fast growing tree species presents a sustainable energy pathway for developing countries with high dependence on biomass as an energy source. A rapid land use change from cropland to short rotation forestry (SRF) using black wattle (Acacia mearnsii De Wild.) has taken place in northwest Ethiopia. The driver is the increasing market demand for charcoal in urban areas and the economic opportunities this presents for farmers. Acacia mearnsii is a fast growing, nitrogen (N) fixing tree, and native to Australia. This thesis investigated the extent of the land use change to SRF and the environmental sustainability of the SRF production system compared to the teff (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter.) production system it replaced. The analysis was done using a combination of methods, including satellite imagery analysis, soil and biomass samples analysis, and review of data from published studies. By 2022, 60% of the fields under crop cultivation in 2005 had been converted to SRF. The landscape carbon (C) budget showed a net CO2 sink due to C sequestration in biomass. However, despite the C sequestration and N fixation in tree biomass, successive rotations had lower soil C and N stocks. Nutrient budget estimates suggest that this is likely due to mineralization of soil organic matter to mobilize organically bound phosphorus and sulfur. The SRF resulted in the export of large amounts of base cations in harvested biomass, leading to higher soil acidification compared to the teff production system. Despite these concerns in the long term, biomass production reduced the pressure on natural forest for exploitation of charcoal and firewood. The findings highlight the need for improved management practices, including retaining nutrient dense residues in the field, phosphorus and sulfur fertilization, and liming to neutralize the soil acidity.Biomass production using fast growing tree species presents a sustainable energy pathway for developing countries with high dependence on biomass as an energy source. A rapid land use change from cropland to short rotation forestry (SRF) using black wattle (Acacia mearnsii De Wild.) has taken place in northwest Ethiopia. The driver is the increasing market demand for charcoal in urban areas and the economic opportunities this presents for farmers. Acacia mearnsii is a fast growing, nitrogen (N) fixing tree, and native to Australia. This thesis investigated the extent of the land use change to SRF and the environmental sustainability of the SRF production system compared to the teff (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter.) production system it replaced. The analysis was done using a combination of methods, including satellite imagery analysis, soil and biomass samples analysis, and review of data from published studies. By 2022, 60% of the fields under crop cultivation in 2005 had been converted to SRF. The landscape carbon (C) budget showed a net CO2 sink due to C sequestration in biomass. However, despite the C sequestration and N fixation in tree biomass, successive rotations had lower soil C and N stocks. Nutrient budget estimates suggest that this is likely due to mineralization of soil organic matter to mobilize organically bound phosphorus and sulfur. The SRF resulted in the export of large amounts of base cations in harvested biomass, leading to higher soil acidification compared to the teff production system. Despite these concerns in the long term, biomass production reduced the pressure on natural forest for exploitation of charcoal and firewood. The findings highlight the need for improved management practices, including retaining nutrient dense residues in the field, phosphorus and sulfur fertilization, and liming to neutralize the soil acidity
RNA-seq analysis identifies key genes enhancing hoof strength to withstand barefoot racing in Standardbred trotters
Get PDFBackgroundRacing without protective shoes is common in the Swedish harness racing industry, as it can enhance horses' performance on the track. Trainers typically decide whether a horse will race barefoot based on practical experience rather than objective measures. However, this practice can sometimes lead to excessive hoof wear, posing potential welfare concerns for racing horses. Gene expression differences may help reveal the underlying genetic mechanisms associated with different phenotypic traits. To explore an objective measure for assessing which horses are best suited for barefoot racing, we conducted a polyA-selected RNA-seq experiment on tissue from the growth zone at the coronary band of the hoof. This experiment compared tissues from Standardbred trotters capable of repeatedly racing barefoot without injury (n = 11) to those that could not (n = 7). By combining stringent phenotyping with racing records and trainer interviews, we aimed to elucidate the biological factors related to hoof strength in barefoot racing, focusing on differential abundant genes.ResultsThe RNA-seq analysis identified five significantly downregulated genes in horses capable of competing barefoot across consecutive races. These genes are associated with various biological processes relevant for hoof strength: ACCS, IRX2 and TRAPPAC6A contribute to enhancing the structural integrity of the hoof; MT2A regulates its metal homeostasis and SLC35F3 likely influences local vasoconstriction in the hoof. These gene findings suggest a coordinated genetic basis for structural reinforcement and physiological support of the hoof, which may be critical for sustaining performance under barefoot conditions.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the ability of Standardbred trotters to race barefoot in consecutive events is reflected in distinct gene expression patterns, underscoring a genetic basis for hoof strength. This supports further genome-wide scans aimed at identifying genetic markers for hoof durability in these horses. The focused design of our study- comparing horses that could consistently race barefoot with those that could not- enabled us to isolate a select group of genes involved in diverse aspects of hoof biology essential for quality and resilience of horse hooves. This insight could ultimately be applied to augment both the performance and wellbeing of equine athletes across disciplines