Analysis of Agronomic Categories in Different Soil Texture Classification Systems

Different soil texture classification systems are used in Poland. The system most widely used in agriculture is named after Polish Soil Science Society (PSSS) and is described in the soil classification norm BN-78/9180-11 (BN1978 standard). The last edition of soil classification system and soil texture classes published by PSSS in 2008 (PSSS 2008 classification) is different from BN1978 standard. The aim of this paper is a quantitative and qualitative comparison of the compatibility of agronomic categories created according to the old textural classes (BN1978 standard) and the new textural classes (PSSS 2008 classification). The representative set of soil samples (n=316) for arable mineral soils in Poland were divided into agronomic categories according to these two soil classification systems. The agronomic categories, which comply with soil classification systems PSSS 1978 are widely used in agricultural advisory. The results of the study showed differences in the amount of soil samples classified for the corresponding agronomic category. The study also showed discrepancies in the fine particle (<0.02 mm) and colloidal fraction (<0.002 mm) content in the corresponding categories. The differences may affect the assessment of soil fertility in nutrients(abundance) such as potassium, magnesium and of soil liming needs, as well as appropriate determination of fertiliser doses

Visible and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy as a Tool for Soil Classification and Soil Profile Description

This paper presents preliminary results of the use of visible and near-infrared (VIS -NIR) spectroscopy for soil classification and soil profile examination. Three experiments involving (1) three different soil types (Albic Luvisol, Gleyic Phaeozem, Brunic Arenosol), (2) three artificial micro-plots with similar texture (loamy sand, Gleyic Phaeozem) but different soil organic carbon (SOC) content and (3) a soil profile (Fluvisol) have been investigated using VIS -NIR spectroscopy. Results indicated that VIS -NIR is a promising technique for preliminary soil description and can classify soils according to soil properties (especially SOC ) and horizons. Instead of complex chemical and physical analyses involved in routine soil profile classification, VIS-NIR spectroscopy is suggested as a useful, rapid, and inexpensive tool for soil profile investigation

A Not-So-Gentle Refutation of the Defence of Homeopathy

In a recent paper, Levy, Gadd, Kerridge, and Komesaroff attempt to defend the ethicality of homeopathy by attacking the utilitarian ethical framework as a basis for medical ethics and by introducing a distinction between evidence-based medicine and modern science. This paper demonstrates that their argumentation is not only insufficient to achieve that goal but also incorrect. Utilitarianism is not required to show that homeopathic practice is unethical; indeed, any normative basis of medical ethics will make it unethical, as a defence of homeopathic practice requires the rejection of modern natural sciences, which are an integral part of medical ethics systems. This paper also points out that evidence-based medicine lies at the very core of modern science. Particular arguments made by Levy et al. within the principlist medical ethics normative system are also shown to be wrong

Native diversity buffers against severity of non-native tree invasions

Determining the drivers of non-native plant invasions is critical for managing native ecosystems and limiting the spread of invasive species$^{1,2}$. Tree invasions in particular have been relatively overlooked, even though they have the potential to transform ecosystems and economies$^{3,4}$. Here, leveraging global tree databases$^{5,6,7}$, we explore how the phylogenetic and functional diversity of native tree communities, human pressure and the environment influence the establishment of non-native tree species and the subsequent invasion severity. We find that anthropogenic factors are key to predicting whether a location is invaded, but that invasion severity is underpinned by native diversity, with higher diversity predicting lower invasion severity. Temperature and precipitation emerge as strong predictors of invasion strategy, with non-native species invading successfully when they are similar to the native community in cold or dry extremes. Yet, despite the influence of these ecological forces in determining invasion strategy, we find evidence that these patterns can be obscured by human activity, with lower ecological signal in areas with higher proximity to shipping ports. Our global perspective of non-native tree invasion highlights that human drivers influence non-native tree presence, and that native phylogenetic and functional diversity have a critical role in the establishment and spread of subsequent invasions

The global biogeography of tree leaf form and habit

Understanding what controls global leaf type variation in trees is crucial for comprehending their role in terrestrial ecosystems, including carbon, water and nutrient dynamics. Yet our understanding of the factors influencing forest leaf types remains incomplete, leaving us uncertain about the global proportions of needle-leaved, broadleaved, evergreen and deciduous trees. To address these gaps, we conducted a global, ground-sourced assessment of forest leaf-type variation by integrating forest inventory data with comprehensive leaf form (broadleaf vs needle-leaf) and habit (evergreen vs deciduous) records. We found that global variation in leaf habit is primarily driven by isothermality and soil characteristics, while leaf form is predominantly driven by temperature. Given these relationships, we estimate that 38% of global tree individuals are needle-leaved evergreen, 29% are broadleaved evergreen, 27% are broadleaved deciduous and 5% are needle-leaved deciduous. The aboveground biomass distribution among these tree types is approximately 21% (126.4 Gt), 54% (335.7 Gt), 22% (136.2 Gt) and 3% (18.7 Gt), respectively. We further project that, depending on future emissions pathways, 17-34% of forested areas will experience climate conditions by the end of the century that currently support a different forest type, highlighting the intensification of climatic stress on existing forests. By quantifying the distribution of tree leaf types and their corresponding biomass, and identifying regions where climate change will exert greatest pressure on current leaf types, our results can help improve predictions of future terrestrial ecosystem functioning and carbon cycling

The global biogeography of tree leaf form and habit.

Understanding what controls global leaf type variation in trees is crucial for comprehending their role in terrestrial ecosystems, including carbon, water and nutrient dynamics. Yet our understanding of the factors influencing forest leaf types remains incomplete, leaving us uncertain about the global proportions of needle-leaved, broadleaved, evergreen and deciduous trees. To address these gaps, we conducted a global, ground-sourced assessment of forest leaf-type variation by integrating forest inventory data with comprehensive leaf form (broadleaf vs needle-leaf) and habit (evergreen vs deciduous) records. We found that global variation in leaf habit is primarily driven by isothermality and soil characteristics, while leaf form is predominantly driven by temperature. Given these relationships, we estimate that 38% of global tree individuals are needle-leaved evergreen, 29% are broadleaved evergreen, 27% are broadleaved deciduous and 5% are needle-leaved deciduous. The aboveground biomass distribution among these tree types is approximately 21% (126.4 Gt), 54% (335.7 Gt), 22% (136.2 Gt) and 3% (18.7 Gt), respectively. We further project that, depending on future emissions pathways, 17-34% of forested areas will experience climate conditions by the end of the century that currently support a different forest type, highlighting the intensification of climatic stress on existing forests. By quantifying the distribution of tree leaf types and their corresponding biomass, and identifying regions where climate change will exert greatest pressure on current leaf types, our results can help improve predictions of future terrestrial ecosystem functioning and carbon cycling