Sniffer ER26. Model validation using monitored data from Scottish poultry farms

The report outlines the bespoke monitoring conducted for the validation of the SCAIL tool in order to better assess that the tool provides realistic yet conservative results. Two farm sites were selected for the validation monitoring. The study collected data for odour, ammonia and airborne particulate data as well as recording on-site meteorological information. In conclusion the SCAIL-Agriculture model was found to broadly meet recognised acceptability criteria for the prediction of ammonia, PM10 and odour concentration arising from farm buildings. There are however a number of areas where further research could clearly improve the assessment of agricultural sources

Nitrous oxide emissions from a peatbog after 13 years of experimental nitrogen deposition

Nitrogen deposition was experimentally increased on a Scottish peatbog over a period of 13 years (2002–2015). Nitrogen was applied in three forms, NH3 gas, NH4Cl solution, and NaNO3 solution, at rates ranging from 8 (ambient) to 64 kg N ha−1 yr−1, and higher near the NH3 fumigation source. An automated system was used to apply the nitrogen, such that the deposition was realistic in terms of rates and high frequency of deposition events. We measured the response of nitrous oxide (N2O) flux to the increased nitrogen input. Prior expectations, based on the IPCC default emission factor, were that 1 % of the added nitrogen would be emitted as N2O. In the plots treated with NH4+ and NO3− solution, no response was seen, and there was a tendency for N2O fluxes to be reduced by additional nitrogen, though this was not significant. Areas subjected to high NH3 emitted more N2O than expected, up to 8.5 % of the added nitrogen. Differences in the response are related to the impact of the nitrogen treatments on the vegetation. In the NH4+ and NO3− treatments, all the additional nitrogen is effectively immobilised in the vegetation and top 10 cm of peat. In the NH3 treatment, much of the vegetation was killed off by high doses of NH3, and the nitrogen was presumably more available to denitrifying bacteria. The design of the wet and dry experimental treatments meant that they differed in statistical power, and we are less likely to detect an effect of the NH4+ and NO3− treatments, though they avoid issues of pseudo-replication

A global horizon scan of the future impacts of robotics and autonomous systems on urban ecosystems

Technology is transforming societies worldwide. A major innovation is the emergence of robotics and autonomous systems (RAS), which have the potential to revolutionize cities for both people and nature. Nonetheless, the opportunities and challenges associated with RAS for urban ecosystems have yet to be considered systematically. Here, we report the findings of an online horizon scan involving 170 expert participants from 35 countries. We conclude that RAS are likely to transform land use, transport systems and human–nature interactions. The prioritized opportunities were primarily centred on the deployment of RAS for the monitoring and management of biodiversity and ecosystems. Fewer challenges were prioritized. Those that were emphasized concerns surrounding waste from unrecovered RAS, and the quality and interpretation of RAS-collected data. Although the future impacts of RAS for urban ecosystems are difficult to predict, examining potentially important developments early is essential if we are to avoid detrimental consequences but fully realize the benefits

Snowmelt Effects on Nitrate Dynamics Along a Stream Network

Snowmelt provides essential nutrients that are transported from the terrestrial landscape through freshwater ecosystems. Microbial and biogeochemical processes can be altered during this pulse of nutrients. We examined the fate of nitrate in a drainage network in the Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho during snowmelt. We conducted a 10 day long 15N-nitrate injection in a headwater stream network above a lake (-5 km stream length) in the Sawtooth Mountains, ID. We sampled 9 locations longitudinally along the stream network before, during and after the injection. At the beginning of snowmelt, stream discharge was lowest in the headwaters and increased by a factor of 10 at the lake inlet (211 to 2,000 l/ s). At the end of the 10 day experiment, discharge had increased to 500 l/s at the headwaters but decreased to 1,070 l/s at the lake inlet. Ambient nitrate concentrations were very low, ranging from 2-10 ?g/l, at all sites along the watershed, with the highest concentration in the headwaters of the network. Nitrate concentrations decreased over the 10 days to below 5 ?g/l at all sites. Stream solute spiraling parameters were used to quantify nitrate uptake dynamics. Uptake length (Sw) was 2,000 m at the beginning of snowmelt and increased to 2,500 m after 10 days. When correcting uptake for discharge (biological uptake only), uptake velocity (Vf) was almost double at the beginning of snowmelt (0.02 cm/s) compared to after 10 days of snowmelt (0.01 cm/s). Some of the nitrate was transformed to NH4 or N gasses, while much of it was immobilized by benthic organic matter pools. From the organic matter data, we estimate N residence time to be greater than 100 days, much longer than the residence time of snowmelt-derived water

Transforming knowledge systems for life on Earth : Visions of future systems and how to get there

Formalised knowledge systems, including universities and research institutes, are important for contemporary societies. They are, however, also arguably failing humanity when their impact is measured against the level of progress being made in stimulating the societal changes needed to address challenges like climate change. In this research we used a novel futures-oriented and participatory approach that asked what future envisioned knowledge systems might need to look like and how we might get there. Findings suggest that envisioned future systems will need to be much more collaborative, open, diverse, egalitarian, and able to work with values and systemic issues. They will also need to go beyond producing knowledge about our world to generating wisdom about how to act within it. To get to envisioned systems we will need to rapidly scale methodological innovations, connect innovators, and creatively accelerate learning about working with intractable challenges. We will also need to create new funding schemes, a global knowledge commons, and challenge deeply held assumptions. To genuinely be a creative force in supporting longevity of human and non-human life on our planet, the shift in knowledge systems will probably need to be at the scale of the enlightenment and speed of the scientific and technological revolution accompanying the second World War. This will require bold and strategic action from governments, scientists, civic society and sustained transformational intent.Peer reviewe