Assessing the sodium exchange capacity in rainfed and irrigated soils in the Mediterranean basin using GIS

El complejo de intercambio de suelo consiste en materiales coloidales en los que se producen fenómenos de intercambio iónico que le permiten atraer, retener e intercambiar elementos que tienen cargas eléctricas opuestas. Dado que sus constituyentes minerales (arcilla) y componentes orgánicos (humus) son principalmente de naturaleza negativa, los iones retenidos o intercambiados son predominantemente cationes. Históricamente, la falla en el monitoreo de parámetros como el porcentaje de intercambio de sodio (ESP) ha llevado al deterioro permanente de los suelos que se han vuelto completamente improductivos, reduciendo en gran medida la sostenibilidad de los sistemas agrícolas. Este estudio evalúa cómo la capacidad de intercambio de sodio en los suelos irrigados difiere de los de secano a través de una encuesta por muestreo que se llevó a cabo en las 15,031 ha del Perímetro de Riego de Caia y áreas adyacentes, ubicadas en los municipios de Elvas y Campo Maior, Distrito de Portalegre. Portugal, donde se recogieron 14,280 muestras georreferenciadas de la capa superior del suelo (0–20 cm), que se mezclaron 10 a la vez para que cada muestra compuesta represente 11.1 ha. Luego se analizaron las muestras con respecto a los parámetros más relevantes para caracterizar el complejo de intercambio de suelo, incluidas las concentraciones de bases intercambiadas y la Capacidad de intercambio de cationes (CEC). Los resultados se organizaron en una cuadrícula georreferenciada con 1451 entradas. Usando el software de análisis estadístico clásico y sistemas de información geográfica (GIS), fue posible relacionar las muestras individuales de suelo analizadas con el sistema cultural practicado (irrigado o de secano) y el grupo de suelo actual que nos permitió analizar la influencia del sistema cultural en El complejo de intercambio de suelo. Se creó la tabla de distribución del intercambio de sodio y CEC. Los resultados obtenidos confirman una disminución general de los valores de CEC y un aumento del contenido de sodio intercambiable de los suelos explorados irrigados en comparación con los de secano, presentando notables ideas no solo con respecto a los cambios necesarios hacia la sostenibilidad de estos paisajes agrícolas irrigados, sino también Considerando el impacto de estas técnicas productivas en diferentes sistemas agrícolas.The soil exchange complex consists of colloidal materials on which ion exchange phenomena occur allowing it to attract, retain, and exchange elements that have opposite electric charges. Since their mineral constituents (clay) and organic components (humus) are mainly of a negative nature retained or exchanged ion are predominantly cations. Historically, failing to monitor parameters like the exchange sodium percentage (ESP) has led to the permanent deterioration of soils which have become completely unproductive, largely reducing the sustainability of the agricultural systems. This study assesses how the sodium exchange capacity in irrigated soils differs from the rainfed ones through a sample survey that was carried out in the 15,031 ha of the Caia Irrigation Perimeter and adjacent areas, located in the municipalities of Elvas and Campo Maior, Portalegre District, Portugal where 14,280 georeferenced samples were collected from the top soil layer (0–20 cm), which were mixed 10 at a time so that each composite sample representing 11.1 ha. Then the samples were analyzed regarding the most relevant parameters for characterizing the soil exchange complex including the concentrations of exchanged bases and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC). The results were arranged in a georeferenced grid with 1451 entries. Using classical statistical analysis and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, it was possible to relate the individual soil samples analyzed with the cultural system practiced (irrigated or rainfed) and the present soil group which permitted us to analyze the influence of the cultural system in the soil exchange complex. The distribution chart of the exchange sodium and CEC were created. The obtained results confirm a general decrease of CEC values and an increase of the exchangeable sodium content of irrigated explored soils when compared to the rainfed ones, putting forward noteworthy ideas not only regarding the necessary changes towards the sustainability of these irrigated agricultural landscapes, but also considering the impact of these productive techniques on different agricultural systems.• Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (Portugal). Proyecto UID / SOC / 04020/2013 • Universidad de Extremadura. Beca Postdoctroal GORSAS, para Luís Carlos LourespeerReviewe

Assessing spatial and temporal variability for some edaphic characteristics of Mediterranean rainfed and irrigated soils

Mediterranean soils are particularly threatened by salinization and low levels of organic matter content. In order to assess an edaphic sustainable use, we need to study its characteristics and better understand the temporal and spatial evolution. In this study, a total of 14,852 ha located in a western Mediterranean basin were selected as the study site where 1417 and 1451 topsoil samples were analyzed in 2001/2002 and 2011/2012, respectively, for Soil Organic Matter (SOM) content, pH water (pH(w)) and electrical conductivity (EC). Classical statistics and geostatistics techniques were used and the individual soil samples were related with the cultural system (CS) practiced-rainfed/irrigation-and the Reference Soil Group (RSG)-Cambisols, Calcisols, Luvisols, and Fluvisols. Predictive maps were created by interpolation using the Ordinary Kriging algorithm. The main results of this study were that, when transitioning from a rainfed to irrigation CS, SOM content is maintained in Cambisols but decreases in the other RSGs, pH(w) is maintained and EC increases in Fluvisols, Luvisols, and Cambisols. Over time in the rainfed CS all RSGs maintained SOM and pH(w) but EC increased in Fluvisols, Luvisols, and Calcisols and in the irrigation CS SOM decreased in Luvisols, pH(w) increased in Fluvisols and Calcisols and EC increased in all RSGs.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Using GIS towards the characterization and soil mapping of the Caia irrigation perimeter

El perímetro de riego de Caia es una infraestructura de riego implementada en 1968. Como en otros casos, el mapa de los suelos originales de esta región (data de 1961) no tiene la precisión necesaria para caracterizar una zona de tamaño relativamente pequeño, donde tienen lugar unas prácticas agrícolas intensivas. Utilizando la metodología de la FAO y con el objetivo principal de establecer un mapa de suelo de mayor escala, adecuados a las exigencias de una agricultura intensiva y moderna, recolectamos la caracterización geológica de la zona de estudio y de información acerca de la topografía, el clima y la vegetación de la región. Utilizando el software ArcGIS, tenemos esta información superpuesta y establecemos un pre-mapa de los recursos del suelo. Sobre la base de esta pre-mapa, hemos definido un conjunto de itinerarios detallados en el campo, uniformemente distribuido, en la que se recolectaron muestras de suelo. En esas unidades de diferentes suelos, abrimos varios perfiles, a partir de los cuales hemos seleccionado 26 para analizar en el presente estudio. Estos caracterizan la diversidad existente en términos de tipo y propiedades de los suelos. Basado en el trabajo de verificación, corrección y la reinterpretación del anteproyecto de mapa de suelo, llegamos a un último mapa de suelo para el perímetro de riego de Caia, que se caracteriza por una enorme heterogeneidad, típico de los suelos mediterráneos, que contiene 23 unidades cartográficas distintas, siendo la más representativa la del Distrito Fluvisols con inclusiones del Distrito Luvisols, que ocupan el 29,9% del total del área de estudio, y calcisoles Luvic con inclusiones de Luvisols endoleptic con 11,9% del área total. Teniendo en cuenta la información obtenida sobre las propiedades del suelo, ArcGIS se utilizó para elaborar un mapa en el que era posible determinar el impacto de la práctica continua de riego en esta zona. Esto nos permite presentar las conclusiones pertinentes sobre la necesidad de monitorizar y tener acceso a los suelos mediterráneos específicos a fin de mitigar el impacto ambiental de las prácticas de riego.The Caia Irrigation Perimeter is an irrigation infrastructure implemented in 1968. As is often the case, the original soil map of this region (dated from 1961) does not have the detail needed to characterize a relatively small-sized zone, where intensive agricultural practices take place. Using FAO methodology and with the main goal of establishing a larger-scale soil map, adequate for the demands of a modern and intensive agriculture, we gathered the geological characterization of the study area and information about the topography, climate, and vegetation of the region. Using ArcGIS software, we overlapped this information and established a pre-map of soil resources. Based on this pre-map, we defined a set of detailed itineraries in the field, evenly distributed, in which soil samples were collected. In those distinct soil units, we opened several soil profiles, from which we selected 26 to analyze in the present study, since they characterized the existing diversity in terms of soil type and soil properties. Based on the work of verification, correction, and reinterpretation of the preliminary soil map, we reached a final soil map for the Caia Irrigation Perimeter, which is characterized by enormous heterogeneity, typical of Mediterranean soils, containing 23 distinct cartographic units, the most representative being the Distric Fluvisols with inclusions of Luvisols Distric occupying 29.9% of the total study area, and Calcisols Luvic with inclusions of Luvisols endoleptic with 11.9% of the total area. Considering the obtained information on soil properties; ArcGIS was used to develop a map in which it was possible to ascertain the impact of the continuous practice of irrigation in this area. This allows us to put forward relevant conclusions on the need to access and monitor specific Mediterranean soils in order to mitigate the environmental impact of irrigation practices.Trabajo patrocinado por: Centre for Spatial and Organizational Dynamics (CIEO) y . Ayuda económica Foundation for Science and Technology. Proyecto UID/SOC/04020/2013peerReviewe

The application of direct and indirect methods of landscape evaluation in the valuation of environmental amenities

A componente estética constitui um atributo indispensável para um melhor entendimento da paisagem. O presente estudo analisa a qualidade estética e a valoração económica da paisagem fluvial do Baixo Guadiana, através da aplicação de métodos diretos e indiretos de avaliação da paisagem, suportados pela realização de questionários de participação pública. Pretende-se aferir a opinião de especialistas e também de visitantes deste local. Relativamente à análise da qualidade, fragilidade e capacidade de absorção visual da paisagem, considerando as seis subunidades de paisagem identificadas, verificou-se que a subunidade Complexo Turístico|Golfe é a que possui maior qualidade visual, a subunidade Agrícola|Produção é a que tem maior nível de fragilidade visual, e que a subunidade Complexo Turístico|Golfe é a que tem a capacidade de absorção visual mais elevada. Verifica-se ainda que os visitantes preferem os espaços associados ao golfe e ao sapal, sendo a presença de água o principal fator para a sua preferência. No que se refere à valoração económica verifica-se que em média cada utilizador gastou cerca de 50 euros, valor que despenderia para visitar novamente a paisagem. Da análise efetuada conclui-se que os métodos de avaliação utilizados se adequam às análises efetuadas pois, mesmo aplicando enfoques hipotéticos, é possível quantificar o valor de existência, gestão e manutenção de determinado bem ou serviço ambiental

Seasonal and interannual fluctuation of the microbial soil community in a maize field under long-term conservation agriculture management

Soil’s microbiological settlement in a Zea mays parcel under long-term agricultural practices aiming to minimize the disruption of the soil’s structure, composition and natural biodiversity was analyzed by culture-dependent and culture-independent processes. Of the different processes, morphological-type differentiation of cultured microflora produced the best results and, while Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-agarose electrophoresis has also provided us with reliable ones, soil PCR-DGGE (Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis) did not, which may occur because of the dependence of the method on the practice. Over a three-year period, this soil seemed very stable as its C/N ratio remained roughly constant and available for microbial growth. Because no soil overturning occurred, we were able to maintain most of the cultured microbial population whose fluctuations depended only on edaphoclimatic conditions. The number of cultured bacteria, molds, total microorganisms, and the biodiversity indices were usually lower in the driest season (fall) than in the rest of the year, except for Acinetobacter and Stenotrophomonas, which showed the opposite behavior. Coincident with the rise in temperature during the summer, the relative abundance of Gram+ bacteria increased, mostly reflecting an increase in the spore-forming bacteria Streptomyces and Bacillus. Despite these variations, the evenness index and the quantity of distinct microbiological life remained practically unaltered, recovering their maximum levels when the proper edaphoclimatic conditions were present, which indicates the long-term stability of the microbial community in this soil. The performed study put forward important insights for assessing the sustainability of maize production under long-term conservation agriculture management systems, highlighting that adequate management might prevent the degradation of soil quality, thus contributing to promote sustainable agricultureinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Plasmatic Oxidative and Metabonomic Profile of Patients with Different Degrees of Biliary Acute Pancreatitis Severity

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory process of the pancreas with variable involvement of the pancreatic and peripancreatic tissues and remote organ systems. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the inflammatory biomarkers, oxidative stress (OS), and plasma metabolome of patients with different degrees of biliary AP severity to improve its prognosis. Twenty-nine patients with biliary AP and 11 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. We analyzed several inflammatory biomarkers, multifactorial scores, reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidants defenses, and the plasma metabolome of biliary AP and healthy controls. Hepcidin (1.00), CRP (0.94), and SIRI (0.87) were the most accurate serological biomarkers of AP severity. OS played a pivotal role in the initial phase of AP, with significant changes in ROS and antioxidant defenses relating to AP severity. Phenylalanine (p < 0.05), threonine (p < 0.05), and lipids (p < 0.01) showed significant changes in AP severity. The role of hepcidin and SIRI were confirmed as new prognostic biomarkers of biliary AP. OS appears to have a role in the onset and progression of the AP process. Overall, this study identified several metabolites that may predict the onset and progression of biliary AP severity, constituting the first metabonomic study in the field of biliary AP

Impact of different irrigation methods on the main chemical characteristics of Typical Mediterranean Fluvisols in Portugal

The sustainable management of Mediterranean agricultural soils, characterized by salinization and low organic matter content, requires a thorough understanding of their temporal and spatial evolution. The focal point of this investigation encompasses an area of 6769 ha within the Portuguese Mediterranean basin, from which as many as 686 topsoil specimens were acquired during the periods 2001/2002 and 2011/2012 for the purpose of scrutinizing soil organic matter (SOM) content, pH measured in water, and electrical conductivity (EC). The methodology employed both classical and geostatistical techniques, and the terrestrial samples were classified in accordance with the irrigation mechanisms in use (namely, drip and sprinkler systems), subsequently juxtaposed with their counterparts in rainfed systems. Predictive maps were generated using the Ordinary Kriging algorithm for spatial interpolation. The findings demonstrate that irrigated Fluvisols displayed lower SOM content compared to rainfed soils, with sprinkler-irrigated soils experiencing a 16.1% decrease and drip-irrigated soils showing a more pronounced 26.6% decrease. Moreover, drip-irrigated soils contained 12.5% less SOM compared to sprinkler-irrigated soils. The pH levels stabilized at around 6.6 in both rainfed and irrigated soils, with no significant differences observed between the irrigation methods. Furthermore, irrigated Fluvisols exhibited higher EC values compared to rainfed soils, with both sprinkler and drip-irrigated soils showing values that were 35.2% higher. These results underscore the impact of irrigation practices on soil properties, including elevated EC values due to increased soil salt accumulation. The study highlights the necessity of considering specific irrigation systems and associated practices to ensure sustainable soil health and productivity. Adopting management approaches that account for these factors is crucial for preserving optimal soil conditions in Mediterranean agricultural systems.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The behaviour of share returns of football clubs: An econophysics approach

Football is a sport that moves thousands of people and millions of euros. Since 1983, several clubs entered the stock markets with shares, and now twenty two clubs are listed in the Stoxx Football Index. In this study, we analyse the behaviour of the return rates of such shares, with Detrended Fluctuation Analysis and Detrended Cross-Correlation Analysis (and its correlation coefficient). With Detrended Fluctuation Analysis, we are able to observe that the shares of several clubs are far from the behaviour of a random walk, which is expected by the theory. Using Detrended Cross-Correlation Analysis, we calculate the cross correlations of clubs’ returns with national indexes and then with the Stoxx Football Index. Although almost all of them are positive, they do not seem to be strong.Paulo Ferreira and Andreia Dionísio would like to acknowledge financial support from Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (grant UID/ECO/04007/2013) and FEDER/COMPETE (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007659)

Assessing the Role of Phosphorus as a Macropollutant in Four Typical Mediterranean Basin Soils

Available phosphorus (AP) is a key macropollutant predictor of ecosystem services as well as a crucial indicator of soil productivity. Long-term applications of this macronutrient and its implications on sustainability in the face of peak phosphorus harvest have raised some concerns in recent years. This study aimed to characterise the edaphic AP in nearly 15,000 ha of the Mediterranean basin, an agricultural study area whose intensification is increasing with time. Four typical Mediterranean reference soil groups (RSG)—Calcisols, Luvisols, Fluvisols and Cambisols—were analysed and compared for their AP in two different agricultural settings—rain-fed and irrigation—from 2002 to 2012, where 1417 and 1451 topsoil samples were taken, respectively. AP increased from 2002 to 2012 in the irrigated Luvisols (p &lt; = 0.05), Fluvisols (p &lt; = 0.01) and Cambisols (p &lt; = 0.05), while irrigated Calcisols maintained its concentrations (p &gt; 0.05) over time. For rain-fed soils, the AP did not reveal significant differences in time for all RSG (p &gt; 0.05). Additionally, irrigated Fluvisols and Cambisols presented 9% (p &lt; = 0.01) and 68% (p &lt; = 0.01) higher AP concentrations, respectively, than the corresponding rain-fed RSGs in 2012. We provide predictive maps for both 2002 and 2012. These results suggest that this area is departing from the sustainable goals of ecosystem services equilibrium; proper management practices that counteract the anthropogenic pressures in the area should be adopted