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Introduction Among the approaches that have received attention in recent years to sustain agroecosystems is the identification and employment of traditional/indigenous/local knowledge and strategies of smallholder farmers around the world to solve the basic challenges of these ecosystems regarding food production. In this regard, the role and function of biodiversity as the main component of indigenous knowledge is of particular importance. At the same time, with the expansion of new agricultural solutions, the use of these farmers' approaches has decreased over time and, in some cases, has completely disappeared. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of identifying the indigenous methods used in the agricultural ecosystems of the Sabzevar region and their role in increasing biodiversity. Biodiversity loss has been a major concern to humans, especially during the last quarter of the previous century. Nowadays, various efforts to protect agricultural biodiversity are emerging that seem not enough. Biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems causes effective control of weeds, pests and diseases and greater resistance to changing environmental conditions and leads to better management of agricultural systems and increased food security. Additionally, biodiversity is carefully managed and nurtured to interface with hydrological and nutrient cycling to provide for ecosystem resilience, food security and diversity, and risk minimization. Although potentially less important in the short term, biodiversity, encompassing variation from within species to across landscapes, may be crucial for the longer-term resilience of ecosystem functions and the services that they underpin. Accordingly, in this research, the methods employed by local farmers to increase biodiversity were investigated.   Materials and Methods In order to evaluate the usefulness of indigenous knowledge for assessing trends in biodiversity, a case study was undertaken in two counties, Sheshtamad and Sabzevar, in Razavi Khorasan province. This involved the use of participatory rural appraisal (PRA) techniques, including semi-structured interviews and transect walks. To study local methods employed by farmers, 453 farmers were interviewed and questions were asked to the farmers about the number of crop species and the amount of use of methods to increase biodiversity such as rotation, fallow, mixed cropping, etc.   Results and Discussion The results showed that agricultural systems in these areas have shifted from livelihood systems to market-based systems. Local farmers in these areas used a variety of methods such as using different crops from different families, intercropping, rotation, fallow, seed exchange, integration of livestock with cropping and horticulture to increase diversity in their farms. The main common products in these two cities were plants such as wheat, barley, cotton, alfalfa and pistachios. Most of the plants used in the cultivation pattern of farmers in these cities were related to plant families such as Poaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Asteraceae, Cucurbitaceae, Amaranthaceae and Rosaceae, which had a different contribution in the cultivation pattern of the studied villages. There was a significant difference between the villages, districts and two counties in terms of the plant species and plant families used. In all the studied villages, farmers employed more than one method to increase the diversity of their farms. The fosterage of livestock and horticulture plus to cropping in these agroecosystems led to greater economic security for farmers, in particular in adverse weather conditions. In general, the results showed that rural development has led to a reduction in the use of traditional knowledge/local methods only in limited cases, and the employing of local methods in some cases has increased the net income of farmers from wheat farming systems.   Conclusion The results approved that the farmers in these areas used different crops from different families and groups and also used methods such as intercropping, rotation, integration of livestock with cropping, fallow and seed exchange to increase the biodiversity in the three levels of species, function and ecosystem in the agroecosystems of these regions. Increasing biodiversity in agroecosystems is very important and significant issue, especially in arid and semiarid areas, because improved biodiversity in these areas can increase food and economic security to some extent. Diversification could become an essential tool for sustaining production and ecosystem services in croplands, rangelands and production forests.

Introduction Among the approaches that have received attention in recent years to sustain agroecosystems is the identification and employment of traditional/indigenous/local knowledge and strategies of smallholder farmers around the world to solve the basic challenges of these ecosystems regarding food production. In this regard, the role and function of biodiversity as the main component of indigenous knowledge is of particular importance. At the same time, with the expansion of new agricultural solutions, the use of these farmers' approaches has decreased over time and, in some cases, has completely disappeared. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of identifying the indigenous methods used in the agricultural ecosystems of the Sabzevar region and their role in increasing biodiversity. Biodiversity loss has been a major concern to humans, especially during the last quarter of the previous century. Nowadays, various efforts to protect agricultural biodiversity are emerging that seem not enough. Biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems causes effective control of weeds, pests and diseases and greater resistance to changing environmental conditions and leads to better management of agricultural systems and increased food security. Additionally, biodiversity is carefully managed and nurtured to interface with hydrological and nutrient cycling to provide for ecosystem resilience, food security and diversity, and risk minimization. Although potentially less important in the short term, biodiversity, encompassing variation from within species to across landscapes, may be crucial for the longer-term resilience of ecosystem functions and the services that they underpin. Accordingly, in this research, the methods employed by local farmers to increase biodiversity were investigated.   Materials and Methods In order to evaluate the usefulness of indigenous knowledge for assessing trends in biodiversity, a case study was undertaken in two counties, Sheshtamad and Sabzevar, in Razavi Khorasan province. This involved the use of participatory rural appraisal (PRA) techniques, including semi-structured interviews and transect walks. To study local methods employed by farmers, 453 farmers were interviewed and questions were asked to the farmers about the number of crop species and the amount of use of methods to increase biodiversity such as rotation, fallow, mixed cropping, etc.   Results and Discussion The results showed that agricultural systems in these areas have shifted from livelihood systems to market-based systems. Local farmers in these areas used a variety of methods such as using different crops from different families, intercropping, rotation, fallow, seed exchange, integration of livestock with cropping and horticulture to increase diversity in their farms. The main common products in these two cities were plants such as wheat, barley, cotton, alfalfa and pistachios. Most of the plants used in the cultivation pattern of farmers in these cities were related to plant families such as Poaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Asteraceae, Cucurbitaceae, Amaranthaceae and Rosaceae, which had a different contribution in the cultivation pattern of the studied villages. There was a significant difference between the villages, districts and two counties in terms of the plant species and plant families used. In all the studied villages, farmers employed more than one method to increase the diversity of their farms. The fosterage of livestock and horticulture plus to cropping in these agroecosystems led to greater economic security for farmers, in particular in adverse weather conditions. In general, the results showed that rural development has led to a reduction in the use of traditional knowledge/local methods only in limited cases, and the employing of local methods in some cases has increased the net income of farmers from wheat farming systems.   Conclusion The results approved that the farmers in these areas used different crops from different families and groups and also used methods such as intercropping, rotation, integration of livestock with cropping, fallow and seed exchange to increase the biodiversity in the three levels of species, function and ecosystem in the agroecosystems of these regions. Increasing biodiversity in agroecosystems is very important and significant issue, especially in arid and semiarid areas, because improved biodiversity in these areas can increase food and economic security to some extent. Diversification could become an essential tool for sustaining production and ecosystem services in croplands, rangelands and production forests.

Introduction Cropping history can affect our knowledge about the compositions and diversity of weed communities in the soil. Weed Species composition and density are influenced by farming practices and vary from field to field and among areas within fields. Plants that escape control and produce seeds within the field can be considered as a major source of seed entering the soil. Crop rotation is an effective weed management tool which can change weed distribution pattern by increasing selection pressures. Two types of rotation including corn-winter wheat and fallow-winter wheat are the most common cropping systems in arid and semi-arid areas of Iran. The multiple tillage operations can affect the vertical distribution, germination and emergence of weed seeds in the soil. Weed seed bank density, species composition and diversity will change when crop management practices are altered. Materials and Methods A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of corn-wheat and fallow-wheat crop rotations on weed seed bank dynamics and seedling population during 2016-2018 growing season at Shiraz University. The fields divided into 10 by 10 meter grids. Soil samples were taken from 0-15 and 15-30 cm depths by soil sampler (auger) with 10 cm diameter. These samples collected after seedbed preparation and before crop sowing from 144 points. The samples of each depth were mixed together, placed in black plastic bags, and transferred to the laboratory. Then, 250g of the total soil was weighed and separated. These samples was placed in silk bags and washed with low water pressure. Finally, weed seeds dried, identified and counted to the level of species using a binocular stereomicroscope. Those seeds that were resistant to forceps pressure assumed as healthy seeds. Weed seedling population were calculated using a quadrat before and after application of herbicide at the same points were seed bank was carried out. Geostatistics technique was used to investigate density and spatial distribution of weed seedlings in two different crop rotations. Result The highest frequency of weed seed bank belongs to Portalaca oleracea , Amaranthus retroflexus , Chenopodium album and Lamium amplexicaule . Relative density of P. oleracea and A. retroflexus seeds increased in corn-wheat rotation compared with fallow-wheat. The results showed that weed seed frequency was significantly affected by crop rotation and depth of plowing. As corn-wheat rotation had 33% increasing and fallow-wheat 19.44% decreasing of weed seed in 15-30 cm soil depth. The size of the total weed seed bank in corn-wheat caused a greater seed accumulation in the surface layer of the soil (0-15 cm). Weed seed density in corn-wheat rotation increased 89.79% and 62.85% in 0-15 and 15-30 cm, respectively during two years. Shannon diversity index increased by 12% in corn-wheat and decreased by 5.4% in fallow-wheat compared with the first year. Margalf index of corn-wheat rotation at 0-15 and 15-30 cm of soil depths decreased 33.70% and 38.25%, respectively, compared to the fallow-wheat rotation in the first year . Sorenson similarity index of corn-wheat and fallow-wheat at 0-15 and 15-30 soil depths was 0.82% and 0.80% during two years. The slope of linear regression also indicates that fallow-wheat weed seed bank (0.79) decreased more than corn-wheat rotation (0.47). Spatial distribution of weed seedlings showed that there is a large similarity in distribution patterns of total weed population between before and after herbicide application in two different rotations during the second year. However, distribution pattern of seedlings in corn-wheat rotation at the first year herbicide application was different after application of herbicide. Therefore, herbicide application can affect spatial distribution and number of weed seedling species. Conclusion Corn-wheat rotation as a high input level cropping system with deep tillage increases the size of the weed seed bank, especially in the soil surface layer (0-15 cm). While fallow-wheat rotation as a low input level cropping system causes a decreasing in weed seed bank dynamics, increasing in the diversity and richness of the seed bank and improving the soil structure by wheat residual on the soil during fallow system. The results of this study will be valuable in aiding the prediction of likely weed infestations in rotation systems. This ability to predict the size of weed seed bank, pouplation, diversity and emergence would also provide valuable input to population dynamics models that can be used in weed management.

Environmental Science books

Introduction Ecosystem Services frameworks are emerging as an approach of capturing the wider impacts of policy decisions or evaluating land use change in order to more comprehensively take into account the range of effects on the environment, and on the benefits humans receive from. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) (2005) defines ecosystem services as ‘‘the benefits that humans obtain from ecosystems”. Costanza et al. (1997) postulated that ecosystem services comprise of ‘‘flows of materials, energy, and information” from the natural environment to the society. Yield and production for agricultural crops have been improved during the last century, however, these achievements have caused different environmental social and safety problems for human and the environment such as increase in greenhouse gases, eutrophication of rivers, lakes and other water bodies. This study aimed to evaluate environmental consequences of agroecosystems managed conventionally in three Razavi Khorasan, South Khorasan and North Khorasan Provinces. The environmental consequences of intensive agriculture were grouped into damages maid to natural resources such as water, air, soil, biodiversity and human health affected by over-consumption of chemical fertilizer, herbicide and pesticide. Materials and Methods Cultivated area and consumption of chemical inputs in North Khorasan, South Khorasan and Razavi Khorasan provinces during 2004-2009 were determined. Environmental impacts were calculated using six categories i.e. air (emission of greenhouse gases such as N 2 O, CO 2 and CH 4 to the atmosphere), water (quality criteria such as NO 3 - and pesticide concentrations in water), soil (amounts of NO 3 - , organic carbon, pesticides and herbicides in soil), biodiversity (losses of pastures, jungles and bee hives), human health (residues of Diazinone, Azinophos-Methyl and NO 3 - in some vegetables) and natural resources (losses of nitrogen fertilizers via leaching and volatilization and pesticides consumption effects) affected by chemical inputs such as fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. Results and discussion Results indicated that decreasing trends in use of chemical pesticide and herbicide were observed in different agroecosystems of Khorasan. Nitrate of water used in agricultural area was higher than allowable limit of 10 mg per liter. Residues of chemical herbicide including Diazinone and Azinophos- Methyl in irrigated water were 23.18±16.35 and 15.78±0.68 mg.kg -1 , respectively. The maximum emission of greenhouse gases including CO 2 , CH 4 and N 2 O were calculated in Razavi Khorasan. Nitrate concentration in the soil was higher than the critical limit. Organic carbon content in natural habitat and rangeland was higher than that in the cropland. Also, total number of honey hives was increasing but the hives for local bees were almost reaching to zero in the recent years. The maximum range of nitrate for tomato, eggplant, cucumber and spinach were 1.4, 0.75, 17.15 and 7.38% higher than allowable limit, respectively. For sugar beet upper and lower limits of nitrate were lower than the allowable limit. Conclusion Soil is a very slow forming resource, and similarly to other habitats and ecosystems, it is coming under intensifying pressures due to anthropocentric and industrial activities. Soil ecosystem services provide multiple benefits to all organisms. Nitrate concentration for leafy vegetable was higher than for kitchen garden plants. Nitrogen and phosphorus contents for soil in Razavi Khorasan were higher relative to North Khorasan and South Khorasan. Nitrogen enhanced soil carbon accumulation as it stimulates plant growth and its productivity. However, accumulation of soil carbon depends on the delicate balance between increased carbon inputs to soil from litter and enhanced soil respiration rates. Crop residues and manure are returned to the soil in traditional farming systems, improving soil ecosystem services and soil chemical, physical and biological characteristics. On the other hand, application of inorganic and chemical fertilizers to benefit crop yields often decreases the soil services as it has negative influences on soil structure, infiltration and water-holding capacity.

Introduction Ecosystem Services frameworks are emerging as an approach of capturing the wider impacts of policy decisions or evaluating land use change in order to more comprehensively take into account the range of effects on the environment, and on the benefits humans receive from. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) (2005) defines ecosystem services as ‘‘the benefits that humans obtain from ecosystems”. Costanza et al. (1997) postulated that ecosystem services comprise of ‘‘flows of materials, energy, and information” from the natural environment to the society. Yield and production for agricultural crops have been improved during the last century, however, these achievements have caused different environmental social and safety problems for human and the environment such as increase in greenhouse gases, eutrophication of rivers, lakes and other water bodies. This study aimed to evaluate environmental consequences of agroecosystems managed conventionally in three Razavi Khorasan, South Khorasan and North Khorasan Provinces. The environmental consequences of intensive agriculture were grouped into damages maid to natural resources such as water, air, soil, biodiversity and human health affected by over-consumption of chemical fertilizer, herbicide and pesticide. Materials and Methods Cultivated area and consumption of chemical inputs in North Khorasan, South Khorasan and Razavi Khorasan provinces during 2004-2009 were determined. Environmental impacts were calculated using six categories i.e. air (emission of greenhouse gases such as N 2 O, CO 2 and CH 4 to the atmosphere), water (quality criteria such as NO 3 - and pesticide concentrations in water), soil (amounts of NO 3 - , organic carbon, pesticides and herbicides in soil), biodiversity (losses of pastures, jungles and bee hives), human health (residues of Diazinone, Azinophos-Methyl and NO 3 - in some vegetables) and natural resources (losses of nitrogen fertilizers via leaching and volatilization and pesticides consumption effects) affected by chemical inputs such as fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. Results and discussion Results indicated that decreasing trends in use of chemical pesticide and herbicide were observed in different agroecosystems of Khorasan. Nitrate of water used in agricultural area was higher than allowable limit of 10 mg per liter. Residues of chemical herbicide including Diazinone and Azinophos- Methyl in irrigated water were 23.18±16.35 and 15.78±0.68 mg.kg -1 , respectively. The maximum emission of greenhouse gases including CO 2 , CH 4 and N 2 O were calculated in Razavi Khorasan. Nitrate concentration in the soil was higher than the critical limit. Organic carbon content in natural habitat and rangeland was higher than that in the cropland. Also, total number of honey hives was increasing but the hives for local bees were almost reaching to zero in the recent years. The maximum range of nitrate for tomato, eggplant, cucumber and spinach were 1.4, 0.75, 17.15 and 7.38% higher than allowable limit, respectively. For sugar beet upper and lower limits of nitrate were lower than the allowable limit. Conclusion Soil is a very slow forming resource, and similarly to other habitats and ecosystems, it is coming under intensifying pressures due to anthropocentric and industrial activities. Soil ecosystem services provide multiple benefits to all organisms. Nitrate concentration for leafy vegetable was higher than for kitchen garden plants. Nitrogen and phosphorus contents for soil in Razavi Khorasan were higher relative to North Khorasan and South Khorasan. Nitrogen enhanced soil carbon accumulation as it stimulates plant growth and its productivity. However, accumulation of soil carbon depends on the delicate balance between increased carbon inputs to soil from litter and enhanced soil respiration rates. Crop residues and manure are returned to the soil in traditional farming systems, improving soil ecosystem services and soil chemical, physical and biological characteristics. On the other hand, application of inorganic and chemical fertilizers to benefit crop yields often decreases the soil services as it has negative influences on soil structure, infiltration and water-holding capacity.

This study aims to see the growth and productivity of soybeans in different agroecosystems. The study was conducted on paddy field located in Bumi Setia village, Seputih Mataram sub-district, Central Lampung district, and on dryland located in Mandah village, Natar sub-district, South Lampung district, Lampung Province, Indonesia, from April to July 2015. Soybean varieties grown at each location were Grobogan varieties. The variables observed were crop emergence, plant height at harvest, number of plant harvested, number of pods per plant, empty pods, weight of 100 grains, pod pests and productivity. Data were analyzed by t test. The results showed that soybean productivity in dryland was 64.25% lower than productivity in paddy fields. The low yield of soybean varieties of Grobogan in dryland was caused due to drought factor when forming and filling pods. This can be seen from the decrease of weight of 100 grains of soybean seed in dryland up to 51.82% than in paddy field. The status of Grobogan varieties soybean vigor may change from large seed to medium seed if the water requirement is not optimum during the growing season.

This study aims to see the growth and productivity of soybeans in different agroecosystems. The study was conducted on paddy field located in Bumi Setia village, Seputih Mataram sub-district, Central Lampung district, and on dryland located in Mandah village, Natar sub-district, South Lampung district, Lampung Province, Indonesia, from April to July 2015. Soybean varieties grown at each location were Grobogan varieties. The variables observed were crop emergence, plant height at harvest, number of plant harvested, number of pods per plant, empty pods, weight of 100 grains, pod pests and productivity. Data were analyzed by t test. The results showed that soybean productivity in dryland was 64.25% lower than productivity in paddy fields. The low yield of soybean varieties of Grobogan in dryland was caused due to drought factor when forming and filling pods. This can be seen from the decrease of weight of 100 grains of soybean seed in dryland up to 51.82% than in paddy field. The status of Grobogan varieties soybean vigor may change from large seed to medium seed if the water requirement is not optimum during the growing season.

The study investigated the seasonal abundance and population dynamics of Chrysoperla spp. on tomato crops across two consecutive years, focusing on the influence of environmental factors and prey availability. Observations revealed distinct peaks in egg (4.2 eggs/plant in the 16ᵗʰ SMW, 2023; 1.6 eggs/plant in the 16ᵗʰ SMW, 2024) and larval densities (2.4 larvae/plant in the 16ᵗʰ SMW, 2023; 2.0 larvae/plant in the 15ᵗʰ SMW, 2024). Maximum and minimum temperatures positively correlated with egg (r=0.492*), larval (r=0.662**), and pupal (r=0.504*) stages, while high morning and evening relative humidity negatively impacted all developmental stages. Adult populations showed moderate peaks (0.6 adults/plant in 16th SMW, 2023; 19th SMW, 2024) but were also constrained by high humidity levels. Prey availability, particularly whitefly and jassid populations, exhibited a supplementary role in supporting larval development. Comparisons with previous studies revealed consistent trends, with optimal temperatures and low humidity favouring Chrysoperla populations, while excessive moisture inhibited their activity. The study emphasises the importance of temperature and prey abundance in regulating Chrysoperla population dynamics, underscoring its significant role as a biological control agent in tomato agroecosystems. Integrating Chrysoperla into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, alongside climate-optimized practices, can effectively enhance pest suppression and ensure sustainable crop protection.

The study investigated the seasonal abundance and population dynamics of Chrysoperla spp. on tomato crops across two consecutive years, focusing on the influence of environmental factors and prey availability. Observations revealed distinct peaks in egg (4.2 eggs/plant in the 16ᵗʰ SMW, 2023; 1.6 eggs/plant in the 16ᵗʰ SMW, 2024) and larval densities (2.4 larvae/plant in the 16ᵗʰ SMW, 2023; 2.0 larvae/plant in the 15ᵗʰ SMW, 2024). Maximum and minimum temperatures positively correlated with egg (r=0.492*), larval (r=0.662**), and pupal (r=0.504*) stages, while high morning and evening relative humidity negatively impacted all developmental stages. Adult populations showed moderate peaks (0.6 adults/plant in 16th SMW, 2023; 19th SMW, 2024) but were also constrained by high humidity levels. Prey availability, particularly whitefly and jassid populations, exhibited a supplementary role in supporting larval development. Comparisons with previous studies revealed consistent trends, with optimal temperatures and low humidity favouring Chrysoperla populations, while excessive moisture inhibited their activity. The study emphasises the importance of temperature and prey abundance in regulating Chrysoperla population dynamics, underscoring its significant role as a biological control agent in tomato agroecosystems. Integrating Chrysoperla into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, alongside climate-optimized practices, can effectively enhance pest suppression and ensure sustainable crop protection.

Introduction [1] In general, management methods applied at the agroecosystems, can affect the population and activity of micro and macro organisms. In high input farms, which use especially large amounts of chemical inputs, it has destructive effects on soil agroecosystems and soil organisms. Soil is an essential component of agricultural systems and the key to soil fertility is to preserve the biodiversity of the soil ecosystem. Microorganisms are the main factor in advancing ecological processes in ecosystems, and soil microbial processes affect the functioning of ecosystems such as nutrient rotation, soil fertility, global carbon change, and soil organic matter recirculation. Organic matter is part of soil that is produced by soil organisms and contains plant and animal remains in different stages of decomposition. This research was conducted in order to evaluate the effects of management practices on earthworm’s population, microbial respiration, and biomass of soils of Esfahan fields an experiment was conducted during 2011-2012.   Materials and Methods In each of 23 county of Esfahan, 6 fields were selected and in order to field’s classification, evaluation was conducted using questionnaires and that farmers filled. Within questionnaires, field classification was into three groups (low inputs, medium inputs and high inputs). In the laboratory, each soil sample from the studied farms was examined separately and the number of earthworms in each sample was counted and recorded. In order to evaluate the population and microbial activity, soil carbon and nitrogen were measured by microbial extraction method. Soil samples were extracted in the laboratory and the organic carbon of the extracts was measured using a TOC device and the microbial carbon was calculated.   Results and Discussions Result indicated that soil of low inputs had the highest microbial respiration (30.5 mgCO 2 .kg -1 soil), biomass (380µg.kg -1 soil), and earthworms population (3 per kg Soil). Soil of high inputs had the lowest microbial respiration, biomass and earthworms population (18.5 mg CO 2 .kg -1 soil, 195µg.kg -1 soil and 0 per kg Soil respectively).   Conclusion According to other studies, in soils where there are plant residues or green manure and cover crops have been used, a high level of earthworm population, biological activity, and soil fertility can be maintained. Earthworm populations are effected by structure and soil fertility. Microbial population in low inputs agroecosystems, was higher than medium and high inputs agroecosystems. Thus microbial respiration was higher in low inputs agroecosystems. Earthworm’s population in low inputs agroecosystems was also higher than medium and high inputs agroecosystems and the reason of high earthworm’s population was more residual plants in low inputs agroecosystems. Microbial biomass in low inputs agroecosystems higher than medium and high inputs agroecosystems. Reason of microbial biomass decrease in high inputs agroecosystems was application of conventional tillage. According to other studies, crop rotation and soil improvement has important roles in promoting population and soil microbial activity. The results of this study showed that the application of low inputs management methods leads to improved population and activity of soil microbial communities, so replacing chemical inputs with field inputs as a way to promote soil microbial communities. According to other researchers, less soil degradation in low input agroecosystems due to the use of no-tillage or minimum tillage methods leads to improved soil microbial population. The results of similar research indicates that the use of reduced plowing methods strengthens the population of earthworms. On the other hand, the use of pesticides and herbicides as well as the burning of plant debris on the soil surface reduces the population of earthworm. In soils were mulch is used, temperature fluctuations were reduced, which preserves earthworms in the soil.   Acknowledgements: I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all the people who helped me during this research and provided me with the necessary facilities. I would also like to thank the professors and staff of the faculty of agriculture of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad for their cooperation with me.

This article is from PLoS ONE , volume 9 . Abstract Animal species in the Neotropics have evolved under a lower spatiotemporal patchiness of food resources compared to the other tropical regions. Although plant species with a steady-state flowering/fruiting phenology are rare, they provide predictable food resources and therefore may play a pivotal role in animal community structure and diversity. I experimentally planted a supplemental patch of a shrub species with a steady-state flowering/fruiting phenology, Hamelia patens Jacq., into coffee agroforests to evaluate the contribution of this unique phenology to the structure and diversity of the flower-visiting community. After accounting for the higher abundance of captured animals in the coffee agroforests with the supplemental floral resources, species richness was 21% higher overall in the flower-visiting community in these agroforests compared to control agroforests. Coffee agroforests with the steady-state supplemental floral patch also had 31% more butterfly species, 29% more hummingbird species, 65% more wasps and 85% more bees than control coffee agroforests. The experimental treatment, together with elevation, explained 57% of the variation in community structure of the flower-visiting community. The identification of plant species that can support a high number of animal species, including important ecosystem service providers, is becoming increasingly important for restoration and conservation applications. Throughout the Neotropics plant species with a steady-state flowering/fruiting phenology can be found in all aseasonal forests and thus could be widely tested and suitable species used throughout the tropics to manage for biodiversity and potentially ecosystem services involving beneficial arthropods.

This article is from PLoS ONE , volume 9 . Abstract Animal species in the Neotropics have evolved under a lower spatiotemporal patchiness of food resources compared to the other tropical regions. Although plant species with a steady-state flowering/fruiting phenology are rare, they provide predictable food resources and therefore may play a pivotal role in animal community structure and diversity. I experimentally planted a supplemental patch of a shrub species with a steady-state flowering/fruiting phenology, Hamelia patens Jacq., into coffee agroforests to evaluate the contribution of this unique phenology to the structure and diversity of the flower-visiting community. After accounting for the higher abundance of captured animals in the coffee agroforests with the supplemental floral resources, species richness was 21% higher overall in the flower-visiting community in these agroforests compared to control agroforests. Coffee agroforests with the steady-state supplemental floral patch also had 31% more butterfly species, 29% more hummingbird species, 65% more wasps and 85% more bees than control coffee agroforests. The experimental treatment, together with elevation, explained 57% of the variation in community structure of the flower-visiting community. The identification of plant species that can support a high number of animal species, including important ecosystem service providers, is becoming increasingly important for restoration and conservation applications. Throughout the Neotropics plant species with a steady-state flowering/fruiting phenology can be found in all aseasonal forests and thus could be widely tested and suitable species used throughout the tropics to manage for biodiversity and potentially ecosystem services involving beneficial arthropods.

This article is from PLoS ONE , volume 9 . Abstract Animal species in the Neotropics have evolved under a lower spatiotemporal patchiness of food resources compared to the other tropical regions. Although plant species with a steady-state flowering/fruiting phenology are rare, they provide predictable food resources and therefore may play a pivotal role in animal community structure and diversity. I experimentally planted a supplemental patch of a shrub species with a steady-state flowering/fruiting phenology, Hamelia patens Jacq., into coffee agroforests to evaluate the contribution of this unique phenology to the structure and diversity of the flower-visiting community. After accounting for the higher abundance of captured animals in the coffee agroforests with the supplemental floral resources, species richness was 21% higher overall in the flower-visiting community in these agroforests compared to control agroforests. Coffee agroforests with the steady-state supplemental floral patch also had 31% more butterfly species, 29% more hummingbird species, 65% more wasps and 85% more bees than control coffee agroforests. The experimental treatment, together with elevation, explained 57% of the variation in community structure of the flower-visiting community. The identification of plant species that can support a high number of animal species, including important ecosystem service providers, is becoming increasingly important for restoration and conservation applications. Throughout the Neotropics plant species with a steady-state flowering/fruiting phenology can be found in all aseasonal forests and thus could be widely tested and suitable species used throughout the tropics to manage for biodiversity and potentially ecosystem services involving beneficial arthropods.

Book chapter

Book chapter

Assessment of Riparian Restoration in Agroecosystems: Potential Techniques and Opportunities in Oklahoma

This article is from Journal of Insect Science , volume 13 . Abstract The multicolored Asian ladybeetle, Harmonia axyridis Pallas (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), was introduced into Western Europe in the late 1990s. Since the late 2000s, this species has been commonly considered one of the most abundant aphid predators in most Western European countries. In spite of the large amount of research on H. axyridis, information concerning its relative abundance in agroecosystems is lacking. This study aims to evaluate the abundance of H. axyridis within the aphidophage community in four crops situated in southern Belgium: wheat, Triticum aestivum L. (Poales: Poaceae), corn, Zea mays, potato, Solanum tuberosum (Solanales: Solanaceae), and broad bean Vicia faba (Fabales: Fabaceae). In order to assess the species diversity, the collected data were analyzed by considering (1) the species richness and (2) the evenness according to the Shannon diversity index. Eleven aphidophages were observed in every inventoried agroecosystem, including five abundant species: three coccinellids, the seven-spotted ladybug, Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), the 14-spotted Ladybird, Propylea quatuordecimpunctata, and H. axyridis; one hoverfly, the marmalade hoverfly, Episyrphus balteatus De Geer (Diptera: Syrphidae); and one lacewing, the common green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea Stephens sensu lato (= s.l.) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae). Harmonia axyridis has been observed to thrive, breed, and reproduce on the four studied crops. Harmonia axyridis is the most abundant predator of aphids in corn followed by C. septempunctata, which is the main aphid predator observed in the three other inventoried crops. In wheat and potato fields, H. axyridis occurs in low numbers compared to other aphidophage. These observations suggest that H. axyridis could be considered an invasive species of agrosystems, and that potato and wheat may intermittently act as refuges for other aphidophages vulnerable to intraguild predation by this invader. Harmonia axyridis is not the most abundant aphid predator in the main Belgian crops.

Introduction [1] Soil is the basic element for all ecosystem services which enhances different functions of ecosystems. It   provides   and   regulates   a   large   number   of   ecosystem   services and functions, and   plays   an   important   role   in   human health. Results of some experiments indicate a positive correlation between ecologically-based soil management with qualitative soil indices. Increase in soil organic matter enhances 10 different functions in agricultural ecosystems including biogeochemical cycle, nutrient returns, formation, and stability of soil aggregate, water purification and holding capacity, pH regulation, decreasing of erosion and finally crop growth improvement. In agricultural ecosystems, crop yield is notably dependent on soil properties. It has been stated that maintaining function and services of ecosystems could only be achieved by proper soil management. As a   consequence   of   land use, global warming, climate   change   and   conventional management,   soil   ecosystem services   are   being   drastically   degraded,   endangering food safety for coming generations. This   decreases   soil   ecosystem   services   and functions regulation   capacity   and   affects   the   sustainability   of   the   communities. It has been observed that no-tillage system which results in less soil disturbance and more accumulated crop residue has physical, chemical, and biological properties. Materials and Methods In order to evaluate soil ecosystem services based on different low and high input management in Khorasan province, the samples were taken from 10 sites by completely randomized design with four replications in 2014. The soil samples were collected from the depth of 0-30 cm in low input fields of saffron and orchards, high input wheat and corn fields, and annual research field (Agricultural Research Station, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad). Physical and chemical soil properties such as bulk density, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available P and K, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and also biological criteria including microbial biomass carbon, dehydrogenase, and phosphatase enzyme activity were measured. Inputs used including chemical fertilizer, herbicide, insecticide, fungicide and also the acreage for wheat, tomato, alfalfa, corn, potato, sugar beet and canola were determined during the growing season of 2013-2014. After calculating greenhouse gases emission including CO 2 , N 2 O and CH 4 based on emission indices, global warming potential was computed. Results and Discussion Results showed that type of ecosystem management affected all soil properties except the acidity ( p ≤ 0.01). Management of high input and annual field crops (experimental) and also farmers’ fields caused reduction of organic carbon content, total nitrogen, available P, available K, EC, microbial biomass carbon, dehydrogenase and phosphatase enzyme activity and carbon sequestration in comparison with perennial field of saffron. However, bulk density was reduced. The highest and the lowest carbon contents were observed for orchard and annual experimental fields with 0.104 and 0.036 percent, respectively. The highest and the lowest sequestered carbon were observed for orchard and annual field crops (experimental) with 335.31 and 182.48 kg carbon per ha, respectively. Management of perennial fields (saffron), annual corn field and annual wheat field caused reduction of 12, 35 and 41 percent, respectively, in sequestered carbon compared with that for orchard fields. The highest global warming potential (GWP) was recorded for corn and potato with 3.69 ton CO 2 equivalent per ha which was 53, 37, 16 and 12 percent higher than those for wheat, sugar beet, tomato and corn, respectively. The lowest GWP was recorded for canola with 1.35 ton CO 2 equivalent per ha. Conclusion It can be concluded that reduction of chemical fertilizer and applying more organic inputs seem to be rational ecological approaches for sustainable management of the cropping ecosystem with a consequence of reduction in greenhouse gases and climate change mitigation. These sustainable practices are crucial to improve soil biodiversity. Using pesticides and herbicides has, however, a negative impact on biodiversity. Acknowledgement This research (29347.2) was funded by the vice chancellor for research of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, which is hereby acknowledged.

Introduction [1] Soil is the basic element for all ecosystem services which enhances different functions of ecosystems. It   provides   and   regulates   a   large   number   of   ecosystem   services and functions, and   plays   an   important   role   in   human health. Results of some experiments indicate a positive correlation between ecologically-based soil management with qualitative soil indices. Increase in soil organic matter enhances 10 different functions in agricultural ecosystems including biogeochemical cycle, nutrient returns, formation, and stability of soil aggregate, water purification and holding capacity, pH regulation, decreasing of erosion and finally crop growth improvement. In agricultural ecosystems, crop yield is notably dependent on soil properties. It has been stated that maintaining function and services of ecosystems could only be achieved by proper soil management. As a   consequence   of   land use, global warming, climate   change   and   conventional management,   soil   ecosystem services   are   being   drastically   degraded,   endangering food safety for coming generations. This   decreases   soil   ecosystem   services   and functions regulation   capacity   and   affects   the   sustainability   of   the   communities. It has been observed that no-tillage system which results in less soil disturbance and more accumulated crop residue has physical, chemical, and biological properties. Materials and Methods In order to evaluate soil ecosystem services based on different low and high input management in Khorasan province, the samples were taken from 10 sites by completely randomized design with four replications in 2014. The soil samples were collected from the depth of 0-30 cm in low input fields of saffron and orchards, high input wheat and corn fields, and annual research field (Agricultural Research Station, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad). Physical and chemical soil properties such as bulk density, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available P and K, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and also biological criteria including microbial biomass carbon, dehydrogenase, and phosphatase enzyme activity were measured. Inputs used including chemical fertilizer, herbicide, insecticide, fungicide and also the acreage for wheat, tomato, alfalfa, corn, potato, sugar beet and canola were determined during the growing season of 2013-2014. After calculating greenhouse gases emission including CO 2 , N 2 O and CH 4 based on emission indices, global warming potential was computed. Results and Discussion Results showed that type of ecosystem management affected all soil properties except the acidity ( p ≤ 0.01). Management of high input and annual field crops (experimental) and also farmers’ fields caused reduction of organic carbon content, total nitrogen, available P, available K, EC, microbial biomass carbon, dehydrogenase and phosphatase enzyme activity and carbon sequestration in comparison with perennial field of saffron. However, bulk density was reduced. The highest and the lowest carbon contents were observed for orchard and annual experimental fields with 0.104 and 0.036 percent, respectively. The highest and the lowest sequestered carbon were observed for orchard and annual field crops (experimental) with 335.31 and 182.48 kg carbon per ha, respectively. Management of perennial fields (saffron), annual corn field and annual wheat field caused reduction of 12, 35 and 41 percent, respectively, in sequestered carbon compared with that for orchard fields. The highest global warming potential (GWP) was recorded for corn and potato with 3.69 ton CO 2 equivalent per ha which was 53, 37, 16 and 12 percent higher than those for wheat, sugar beet, tomato and corn, respectively. The lowest GWP was recorded for canola with 1.35 ton CO 2 equivalent per ha. Conclusion It can be concluded that reduction of chemical fertilizer and applying more organic inputs seem to be rational ecological approaches for sustainable management of the cropping ecosystem with a consequence of reduction in greenhouse gases and climate change mitigation. These sustainable practices are crucial to improve soil biodiversity. Using pesticides and herbicides has, however, a negative impact on biodiversity. Acknowledgement This research (29347.2) was funded by the vice chancellor for research of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, which is hereby acknowledged.

Introduction [1] Soil is the basic element for all ecosystem services which enhances different functions of ecosystems. It   provides   and   regulates   a   large   number   of   ecosystem   services and functions, and   plays   an   important   role   in   human health. Results of some experiments indicate a positive correlation between ecologically-based soil management with qualitative soil indices. Increase in soil organic matter enhances 10 different functions in agricultural ecosystems including biogeochemical cycle, nutrient returns, formation, and stability of soil aggregate, water purification and holding capacity, pH regulation, decreasing of erosion and finally crop growth improvement. In agricultural ecosystems, crop yield is notably dependent on soil properties. It has been stated that maintaining function and services of ecosystems could only be achieved by proper soil management. As a   consequence   of   land use, global warming, climate   change   and   conventional management,   soil   ecosystem services   are   being   drastically   degraded,   endangering food safety for coming generations. This   decreases   soil   ecosystem   services   and functions regulation   capacity   and   affects   the   sustainability   of   the   communities. It has been observed that no-tillage system which results in less soil disturbance and more accumulated crop residue has physical, chemical, and biological properties. Materials and Methods In order to evaluate soil ecosystem services based on different low and high input management in Khorasan province, the samples were taken from 10 sites by completely randomized design with four replications in 2014. The soil samples were collected from the depth of 0-30 cm in low input fields of saffron and orchards, high input wheat and corn fields, and annual research field (Agricultural Research Station, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad). Physical and chemical soil properties such as bulk density, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available P and K, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and also biological criteria including microbial biomass carbon, dehydrogenase, and phosphatase enzyme activity were measured. Inputs used including chemical fertilizer, herbicide, insecticide, fungicide and also the acreage for wheat, tomato, alfalfa, corn, potato, sugar beet and canola were determined during the growing season of 2013-2014. After calculating greenhouse gases emission including CO 2 , N 2 O and CH 4 based on emission indices, global warming potential was computed. Results and Discussion Results showed that type of ecosystem management affected all soil properties except the acidity ( p ≤ 0.01). Management of high input and annual field crops (experimental) and also farmers’ fields caused reduction of organic carbon content, total nitrogen, available P, available K, EC, microbial biomass carbon, dehydrogenase and phosphatase enzyme activity and carbon sequestration in comparison with perennial field of saffron. However, bulk density was reduced. The highest and the lowest carbon contents were observed for orchard and annual experimental fields with 0.104 and 0.036 percent, respectively. The highest and the lowest sequestered carbon were observed for orchard and annual field crops (experimental) with 335.31 and 182.48 kg carbon per ha, respectively. Management of perennial fields (saffron), annual corn field and annual wheat field caused reduction of 12, 35 and 41 percent, respectively, in sequestered carbon compared with that for orchard fields. The highest global warming potential (GWP) was recorded for corn and potato with 3.69 ton CO 2 equivalent per ha which was 53, 37, 16 and 12 percent higher than those for wheat, sugar beet, tomato and corn, respectively. The lowest GWP was recorded for canola with 1.35 ton CO 2 equivalent per ha. Conclusion It can be concluded that reduction of chemical fertilizer and applying more organic inputs seem to be rational ecological approaches for sustainable management of the cropping ecosystem with a consequence of reduction in greenhouse gases and climate change mitigation. These sustainable practices are crucial to improve soil biodiversity. Using pesticides and herbicides has, however, a negative impact on biodiversity. Acknowledgement This research (29347.2) was funded by the vice chancellor for research of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, which is hereby acknowledged.

Introduction [1] Soil is the basic element for all ecosystem services which enhances different functions of ecosystems. It   provides   and   regulates   a   large   number   of   ecosystem   services and functions, and   plays   an   important   role   in   human health. Results of some experiments indicate a positive correlation between ecologically-based soil management with qualitative soil indices. Increase in soil organic matter enhances 10 different functions in agricultural ecosystems including biogeochemical cycle, nutrient returns, formation, and stability of soil aggregate, water purification and holding capacity, pH regulation, decreasing of erosion and finally crop growth improvement. In agricultural ecosystems, crop yield is notably dependent on soil properties. It has been stated that maintaining function and services of ecosystems could only be achieved by proper soil management. As a   consequence   of   land use, global warming, climate   change   and   conventional management,   soil   ecosystem services   are   being   drastically   degraded,   endangering food safety for coming generations. This   decreases   soil   ecosystem   services   and functions regulation   capacity   and   affects   the   sustainability   of   the   communities. It has been observed that no-tillage system which results in less soil disturbance and more accumulated crop residue has physical, chemical, and biological properties. Materials and Methods In order to evaluate soil ecosystem services based on different low and high input management in Khorasan province, the samples were taken from 10 sites by completely randomized design with four replications in 2014. The soil samples were collected from the depth of 0-30 cm in low input fields of saffron and orchards, high input wheat and corn fields, and annual research field (Agricultural Research Station, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad). Physical and chemical soil properties such as bulk density, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available P and K, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and also biological criteria including microbial biomass carbon, dehydrogenase, and phosphatase enzyme activity were measured. Inputs used including chemical fertilizer, herbicide, insecticide, fungicide and also the acreage for wheat, tomato, alfalfa, corn, potato, sugar beet and canola were determined during the growing season of 2013-2014. After calculating greenhouse gases emission including CO 2 , N 2 O and CH 4 based on emission indices, global warming potential was computed. Results and Discussion Results showed that type of ecosystem management affected all soil properties except the acidity ( p ≤ 0.01). Management of high input and annual field crops (experimental) and also farmers’ fields caused reduction of organic carbon content, total nitrogen, available P, available K, EC, microbial biomass carbon, dehydrogenase and phosphatase enzyme activity and carbon sequestration in comparison with perennial field of saffron. However, bulk density was reduced. The highest and the lowest carbon contents were observed for orchard and annual experimental fields with 0.104 and 0.036 percent, respectively. The highest and the lowest sequestered carbon were observed for orchard and annual field crops (experimental) with 335.31 and 182.48 kg carbon per ha, respectively. Management of perennial fields (saffron), annual corn field and annual wheat field caused reduction of 12, 35 and 41 percent, respectively, in sequestered carbon compared with that for orchard fields. The highest global warming potential (GWP) was recorded for corn and potato with 3.69 ton CO 2 equivalent per ha which was 53, 37, 16 and 12 percent higher than those for wheat, sugar beet, tomato and corn, respectively. The lowest GWP was recorded for canola with 1.35 ton CO 2 equivalent per ha. Conclusion It can be concluded that reduction of chemical fertilizer and applying more organic inputs seem to be rational ecological approaches for sustainable management of the cropping ecosystem with a consequence of reduction in greenhouse gases and climate change mitigation. These sustainable practices are crucial to improve soil biodiversity. Using pesticides and herbicides has, however, a negative impact on biodiversity. Acknowledgement This research (29347.2) was funded by the vice chancellor for research of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, which is hereby acknowledged.

Introduction [1] Soil is the basic element for all ecosystem services which enhances different functions of ecosystems. It   provides   and   regulates   a   large   number   of   ecosystem   services and functions, and   plays   an   important   role   in   human health. Results of some experiments indicate a positive correlation between ecologically-based soil management with qualitative soil indices. Increase in soil organic matter enhances 10 different functions in agricultural ecosystems including biogeochemical cycle, nutrient returns, formation, and stability of soil aggregate, water purification and holding capacity, pH regulation, decreasing of erosion and finally crop growth improvement. In agricultural ecosystems, crop yield is notably dependent on soil properties. It has been stated that maintaining function and services of ecosystems could only be achieved by proper soil management. As a   consequence   of   land use, global warming, climate   change   and   conventional management,   soil   ecosystem services   are   being   drastically   degraded,   endangering food safety for coming generations. This   decreases   soil   ecosystem   services   and functions regulation   capacity   and   affects   the   sustainability   of   the   communities. It has been observed that no-tillage system which results in less soil disturbance and more accumulated crop residue has physical, chemical, and biological properties. Materials and Methods In order to evaluate soil ecosystem services based on different low and high input management in Khorasan province, the samples were taken from 10 sites by completely randomized design with four replications in 2014. The soil samples were collected from the depth of 0-30 cm in low input fields of saffron and orchards, high input wheat and corn fields, and annual research field (Agricultural Research Station, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad). Physical and chemical soil properties such as bulk density, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available P and K, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and also biological criteria including microbial biomass carbon, dehydrogenase, and phosphatase enzyme activity were measured. Inputs used including chemical fertilizer, herbicide, insecticide, fungicide and also the acreage for wheat, tomato, alfalfa, corn, potato, sugar beet and canola were determined during the growing season of 2013-2014. After calculating greenhouse gases emission including CO 2 , N 2 O and CH 4 based on emission indices, global warming potential was computed. Results and Discussion Results showed that type of ecosystem management affected all soil properties except the acidity ( p ≤ 0.01). Management of high input and annual field crops (experimental) and also farmers’ fields caused reduction of organic carbon content, total nitrogen, available P, available K, EC, microbial biomass carbon, dehydrogenase and phosphatase enzyme activity and carbon sequestration in comparison with perennial field of saffron. However, bulk density was reduced. The highest and the lowest carbon contents were observed for orchard and annual experimental fields with 0.104 and 0.036 percent, respectively. The highest and the lowest sequestered carbon were observed for orchard and annual field crops (experimental) with 335.31 and 182.48 kg carbon per ha, respectively. Management of perennial fields (saffron), annual corn field and annual wheat field caused reduction of 12, 35 and 41 percent, respectively, in sequestered carbon compared with that for orchard fields. The highest global warming potential (GWP) was recorded for corn and potato with 3.69 ton CO 2 equivalent per ha which was 53, 37, 16 and 12 percent higher than those for wheat, sugar beet, tomato and corn, respectively. The lowest GWP was recorded for canola with 1.35 ton CO 2 equivalent per ha. Conclusion It can be concluded that reduction of chemical fertilizer and applying more organic inputs seem to be rational ecological approaches for sustainable management of the cropping ecosystem with a consequence of reduction in greenhouse gases and climate change mitigation. These sustainable practices are crucial to improve soil biodiversity. Using pesticides and herbicides has, however, a negative impact on biodiversity. Acknowledgement This research (29347.2) was funded by the vice chancellor for research of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, which is hereby acknowledged.

Introduction [1] Soil is the basic element for all ecosystem services which enhances different functions of ecosystems. It   provides   and   regulates   a   large   number   of   ecosystem   services and functions, and   plays   an   important   role   in   human health. Results of some experiments indicate a positive correlation between ecologically-based soil management with qualitative soil indices. Increase in soil organic matter enhances 10 different functions in agricultural ecosystems including biogeochemical cycle, nutrient returns, formation, and stability of soil aggregate, water purification and holding capacity, pH regulation, decreasing of erosion and finally crop growth improvement. In agricultural ecosystems, crop yield is notably dependent on soil properties. It has been stated that maintaining function and services of ecosystems could only be achieved by proper soil management. As a   consequence   of   land use, global warming, climate   change   and   conventional management,   soil   ecosystem services   are   being   drastically   degraded,   endangering food safety for coming generations. This   decreases   soil   ecosystem   services   and functions regulation   capacity   and   affects   the   sustainability   of   the   communities. It has been observed that no-tillage system which results in less soil disturbance and more accumulated crop residue has physical, chemical, and biological properties. Materials and Methods In order to evaluate soil ecosystem services based on different low and high input management in Khorasan province, the samples were taken from 10 sites by completely randomized design with four replications in 2014. The soil samples were collected from the depth of 0-30 cm in low input fields of saffron and orchards, high input wheat and corn fields, and annual research field (Agricultural Research Station, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad). Physical and chemical soil properties such as bulk density, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available P and K, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and also biological criteria including microbial biomass carbon, dehydrogenase, and phosphatase enzyme activity were measured. Inputs used including chemical fertilizer, herbicide, insecticide, fungicide and also the acreage for wheat, tomato, alfalfa, corn, potato, sugar beet and canola were determined during the growing season of 2013-2014. After calculating greenhouse gases emission including CO 2 , N 2 O and CH 4 based on emission indices, global warming potential was computed. Results and Discussion Results showed that type of ecosystem management affected all soil properties except the acidity ( p ≤ 0.01). Management of high input and annual field crops (experimental) and also farmers’ fields caused reduction of organic carbon content, total nitrogen, available P, available K, EC, microbial biomass carbon, dehydrogenase and phosphatase enzyme activity and carbon sequestration in comparison with perennial field of saffron. However, bulk density was reduced. The highest and the lowest carbon contents were observed for orchard and annual experimental fields with 0.104 and 0.036 percent, respectively. The highest and the lowest sequestered carbon were observed for orchard and annual field crops (experimental) with 335.31 and 182.48 kg carbon per ha, respectively. Management of perennial fields (saffron), annual corn field and annual wheat field caused reduction of 12, 35 and 41 percent, respectively, in sequestered carbon compared with that for orchard fields. The highest global warming potential (GWP) was recorded for corn and potato with 3.69 ton CO 2 equivalent per ha which was 53, 37, 16 and 12 percent higher than those for wheat, sugar beet, tomato and corn, respectively. The lowest GWP was recorded for canola with 1.35 ton CO 2 equivalent per ha. Conclusion It can be concluded that reduction of chemical fertilizer and applying more organic inputs seem to be rational ecological approaches for sustainable management of the cropping ecosystem with a consequence of reduction in greenhouse gases and climate change mitigation. These sustainable practices are crucial to improve soil biodiversity. Using pesticides and herbicides has, however, a negative impact on biodiversity. Acknowledgement This research (29347.2) was funded by the vice chancellor for research of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, which is hereby acknowledged.

Introduction [1] Soil is the basic element for all ecosystem services which enhances different functions of ecosystems. It   provides   and   regulates   a   large   number   of   ecosystem   services and functions, and   plays   an   important   role   in   human health. Results of some experiments indicate a positive correlation between ecologically-based soil management with qualitative soil indices. Increase in soil organic matter enhances 10 different functions in agricultural ecosystems including biogeochemical cycle, nutrient returns, formation, and stability of soil aggregate, water purification and holding capacity, pH regulation, decreasing of erosion and finally crop growth improvement. In agricultural ecosystems, crop yield is notably dependent on soil properties. It has been stated that maintaining function and services of ecosystems could only be achieved by proper soil management. As a   consequence   of   land use, global warming, climate   change   and   conventional management,   soil   ecosystem services   are   being   drastically   degraded,   endangering food safety for coming generations. This   decreases   soil   ecosystem   services   and functions regulation   capacity   and   affects   the   sustainability   of   the   communities. It has been observed that no-tillage system which results in less soil disturbance and more accumulated crop residue has physical, chemical, and biological properties. Materials and Methods In order to evaluate soil ecosystem services based on different low and high input management in Khorasan province, the samples were taken from 10 sites by completely randomized design with four replications in 2014. The soil samples were collected from the depth of 0-30 cm in low input fields of saffron and orchards, high input wheat and corn fields, and annual research field (Agricultural Research Station, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad). Physical and chemical soil properties such as bulk density, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available P and K, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and also biological criteria including microbial biomass carbon, dehydrogenase, and phosphatase enzyme activity were measured. Inputs used including chemical fertilizer, herbicide, insecticide, fungicide and also the acreage for wheat, tomato, alfalfa, corn, potato, sugar beet and canola were determined during the growing season of 2013-2014. After calculating greenhouse gases emission including CO 2 , N 2 O and CH 4 based on emission indices, global warming potential was computed. Results and Discussion Results showed that type of ecosystem management affected all soil properties except the acidity ( p ≤ 0.01). Management of high input and annual field crops (experimental) and also farmers’ fields caused reduction of organic carbon content, total nitrogen, available P, available K, EC, microbial biomass carbon, dehydrogenase and phosphatase enzyme activity and carbon sequestration in comparison with perennial field of saffron. However, bulk density was reduced. The highest and the lowest carbon contents were observed for orchard and annual experimental fields with 0.104 and 0.036 percent, respectively. The highest and the lowest sequestered carbon were observed for orchard and annual field crops (experimental) with 335.31 and 182.48 kg carbon per ha, respectively. Management of perennial fields (saffron), annual corn field and annual wheat field caused reduction of 12, 35 and 41 percent, respectively, in sequestered carbon compared with that for orchard fields. The highest global warming potential (GWP) was recorded for corn and potato with 3.69 ton CO 2 equivalent per ha which was 53, 37, 16 and 12 percent higher than those for wheat, sugar beet, tomato and corn, respectively. The lowest GWP was recorded for canola with 1.35 ton CO 2 equivalent per ha. Conclusion It can be concluded that reduction of chemical fertilizer and applying more organic inputs seem to be rational ecological approaches for sustainable management of the cropping ecosystem with a consequence of reduction in greenhouse gases and climate change mitigation. These sustainable practices are crucial to improve soil biodiversity. Using pesticides and herbicides has, however, a negative impact on biodiversity. Acknowledgement This research (29347.2) was funded by the vice chancellor for research of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, which is hereby acknowledged.

Introduction Natural and semi-natural features including those as patches and marginal elements, construct a network of habitats referred to as green vein elements. In the green veining, the linear elements connect the different parts of the network, while the patches have a role as nodes within the network . These networks potentially place a vast range of biodiversity and play an important role as a refuge for sensitive organisms as well as some habitat specialist species. With regards to crop production and pest management in agricultural fields, pollinators and biological control agents, like predators, are among the most beneficial organisms mostly found in green vein elements. As the biodiversity in agroecosystems is considerably declining, this study was conducted to address the important role of natural and semi-natural elements of the landscape in biodiversity conservation.   Materials and Methods The study area was an agricultural landscape located in Gilane-Gharb County, Kermanshah Province, Iran with a Mediterranean climate. The level of agricultural intensification (AI) was surveyed through interviewing the farmers and considering the indicators such as chemical and organic fertilizers (kg N.ha -1 per year), pesticide input (utilization frequency of e.g. herbicides, insecticides and fungicides) and the number of tillage operations and mechanical weed control by providing the geographic map of the area and frequent field observation, seven different types of patches and marginal habitats were identified, including: 1) arable and horticultural fields (Fi); linear elements adjacent to the fields including: 2) within field edges (W.F.E) and 3) non-crop field edges (N.F.E); 4) roads; ditches including 5) permanent ditches (P.D) , 6) non-permanent ditches (N.P.D) , and 7) woody greenvein (W.Gr) element. 87 sample plots (2 m × 2 m) were recorded in all the elements. Vegetation data from fields were recorded using 18 sample plots; woody green vein 19 sample plots; and other marginal habitats including within field edges , non-crop field edges, permanent ditches , non-permanent ditches and roads, were sampled by 50 plots. Sampling was done based on systematic-randomized method. Two emergent groups of plant species were introduced regarding their response to land use intensification: Agrotolerant and Nature-value species . The calculated biodiversity indices were: Jackknife species richness, Shannon -wiener, Simpson and Brillion diversity indices, Camargo and Smith-Wilson Evenness, and finally Sorenson Similarity index using Ecological Methodology software. Results and Discussion The calculated agricultural intensification index (AI) was 49.56; this score was at the range of high intensified agricultural utilization (High AI). Mean observed value of nitrogen input was 211.36 kg.ha -1 , the weighted frequency of tillage operations and pesticide application per hectare was the same as 2.36. Apart from crop species, a total of 87 vascular plants were recorded in the agricultural landscape. The highest species richness was for agricultural fields (43 species), which followed by non-crop field edges (37), woody greenveins (32), within field edges (30), permanent ditches (26), non-permanent ditches (23) and roads (22). Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.   (46.56% of the total frequency of individuals existing in the field sample plots) was the most frequent species in the landscape. 21 species were recorded as agrotolerant species. Jackknife species richness was 48.7 in the fields as the most, and 23.8 in the road verges as the minimum. Woody Green veins (W.Gr) had the most number of unique species. The most Shannon-wiener and Brillion diversity indices were recorded for agrotolerant and nature-value species in within field edges (Shannon-wiener: 2.03 and Brillion: 1.85) and fields (2.52 and 3.08) respectively. Sorenson similarity index revealed that the elements inhabiting high number of agrotolerant species had a similar spatial condition especially regarding being adjacent to the agricultural fields. Studies reported the outstanding benefits of greenvein elements in promoting plant biodiversity and as a result enhancing diversity of organisms which inhabit in such elements. Conclusion The study indicated the effect of agricultural intensification and types of land use throughout the landscape on biodiversity. Elements with high connectivity to natural or seminatural habitats had the most positive effect on biodiversity of plant spesies. To gain the targets of sustainability in agroecosystems, providing as much as possible natural and semi-natural habitats and corridors are suggested.

Introduction Natural and semi-natural features including those as patches and marginal elements, construct a network of habitats referred to as green vein elements. In the green veining, the linear elements connect the different parts of the network, while the patches have a role as nodes within the network . These networks potentially place a vast range of biodiversity and play an important role as a refuge for sensitive organisms as well as some habitat specialist species. With regards to crop production and pest management in agricultural fields, pollinators and biological control agents, like predators, are among the most beneficial organisms mostly found in green vein elements. As the biodiversity in agroecosystems is considerably declining, this study was conducted to address the important role of natural and semi-natural elements of the landscape in biodiversity conservation.   Materials and Methods The study area was an agricultural landscape located in Gilane-Gharb County, Kermanshah Province, Iran with a Mediterranean climate. The level of agricultural intensification (AI) was surveyed through interviewing the farmers and considering the indicators such as chemical and organic fertilizers (kg N.ha -1 per year), pesticide input (utilization frequency of e.g. herbicides, insecticides and fungicides) and the number of tillage operations and mechanical weed control by providing the geographic map of the area and frequent field observation, seven different types of patches and marginal habitats were identified, including: 1) arable and horticultural fields (Fi); linear elements adjacent to the fields including: 2) within field edges (W.F.E) and 3) non-crop field edges (N.F.E); 4) roads; ditches including 5) permanent ditches (P.D) , 6) non-permanent ditches (N.P.D) , and 7) woody greenvein (W.Gr) element. 87 sample plots (2 m × 2 m) were recorded in all the elements. Vegetation data from fields were recorded using 18 sample plots; woody green vein 19 sample plots; and other marginal habitats including within field edges , non-crop field edges, permanent ditches , non-permanent ditches and roads, were sampled by 50 plots. Sampling was done based on systematic-randomized method. Two emergent groups of plant species were introduced regarding their response to land use intensification: Agrotolerant and Nature-value species . The calculated biodiversity indices were: Jackknife species richness, Shannon -wiener, Simpson and Brillion diversity indices, Camargo and Smith-Wilson Evenness, and finally Sorenson Similarity index using Ecological Methodology software. Results and Discussion The calculated agricultural intensification index (AI) was 49.56; this score was at the range of high intensified agricultural utilization (High AI). Mean observed value of nitrogen input was 211.36 kg.ha -1 , the weighted frequency of tillage operations and pesticide application per hectare was the same as 2.36. Apart from crop species, a total of 87 vascular plants were recorded in the agricultural landscape. The highest species richness was for agricultural fields (43 species), which followed by non-crop field edges (37), woody greenveins (32), within field edges (30), permanent ditches (26), non-permanent ditches (23) and roads (22). Sorghum halepense (L.) Pers.   (46.56% of the total frequency of individuals existing in the field sample plots) was the most frequent species in the landscape. 21 species were recorded as agrotolerant species. Jackknife species richness was 48.7 in the fields as the most, and 23.8 in the road verges as the minimum. Woody Green veins (W.Gr) had the most number of unique species. The most Shannon-wiener and Brillion diversity indices were recorded for agrotolerant and nature-value species in within field edges (Shannon-wiener: 2.03 and Brillion: 1.85) and fields (2.52 and 3.08) respectively. Sorenson similarity index revealed that the elements inhabiting high number of agrotolerant species had a similar spatial condition especially regarding being adjacent to the agricultural fields. Studies reported the outstanding benefits of greenvein elements in promoting plant biodiversity and as a result enhancing diversity of organisms which inhabit in such elements. Conclusion The study indicated the effect of agricultural intensification and types of land use throughout the landscape on biodiversity. Elements with high connectivity to natural or seminatural habitats had the most positive effect on biodiversity of plant spesies. To gain the targets of sustainability in agroecosystems, providing as much as possible natural and semi-natural habitats and corridors are suggested.

To understand the ecological significance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) associations in agroecosysytem, the host specific and seasonal dynamics of AMF and glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) was investigated in agricultural fields of Nanded, Maharashtra State. Soil samples were collected from the rhizosphere of eight crop plants (Glycine max (L.) Merr., Saccharum officinarum L., Zea mays L., Cajanas cajan (L.) Millsp., Gossypium arboreum L., Triticum aestivum L., Sorghum vulgare Pers. and Cicer arietinum L.) in winter, summer and monsoon seasons respectively. Arbuscular mycorrhizal root infection and spore density of AMF peaked in monsoon and winter.The mean contents of total glomalin related soil proteins (T-GRSP) reached maximal values in summer. Spore density was highest in Zea mays L. Easily extractable glomalin related (EE-GRSP) and T-GRSP fractions were the highest in the rhizosphere of Cicer arietinum L. and Sorghum vulgare Pers. AMF root colonization and spore density was negatively correlated with K (P < 0.05; P < 0.01). T-GRSP fraction was positively correlated with edaphic factors (rhizosphere temperature, K and Fe content of soil) and negatively correlated with soil moisture (P < 0.01), AMF root colonization (P < 0.05) and spore density (P http://www.ijtsrd.com/biological-science/ecology/15727/seasonal-dynamics-of-arbuscular-mycorrhizal-fungi-glomalin-and-soil-properties-in-agroecosystems-of-nanded-district/ujwala-sheshrao-deepake

To understand local perceptions of the impacts of environmental change in two mountain districts of Nepal — Myagdi and Mustang — between 2010 and 2014, a survey, focus groups, town hall meetings, and extensive consultation with local stakeholders were conducted, supplemented by analyses of soil, rainfall, and temperature data. Mountain people in Nepal shared their perceptions of environmental change in their everyday lives, including agricultural practices and tourism activities. While ordinary individuals welcome the construction of new roads, elites still prefer to maintain trails and the status quo. People are concerned about the introduction of mosquitoes, increases in insect pests and plant pathogens, and other vectors along with roads. Snowfall has decreased and rainfall has been unpredictable. Mean minimum winter temperatures have increased and the mountains are experiencing shorter winters and less snow accumulation, which threaten the livelihoods of people that depend on fresh water. While people with means are replacing their traditional homes with modern homes, that is beyond reach for average Mustangi citizens. Expansion and diversification of agriculture, adoption of sound soil management techniques in Marpha village of Mustang and Shikha village of Myagdi, and growing forest cover in Shikha are some indicators of enhanced community managed practices. The coping strategies and indigenous practices adopted by local people in the region against hardship and environmental changes could serve as examples in similar mountain settings elsewhere.

To understand local perceptions of the impacts of environmental change in two mountain districts of Nepal — Myagdi and Mustang — between 2010 and 2014, a survey, focus groups, town hall meetings, and extensive consultation with local stakeholders were conducted, supplemented by analyses of soil, rainfall, and temperature data. Mountain people in Nepal shared their perceptions of environmental change in their everyday lives, including agricultural practices and tourism activities. While ordinary individuals welcome the construction of new roads, elites still prefer to maintain trails and the status quo. People are concerned about the introduction of mosquitoes, increases in insect pests and plant pathogens, and other vectors along with roads. Snowfall has decreased and rainfall has been unpredictable. Mean minimum winter temperatures have increased and the mountains are experiencing shorter winters and less snow accumulation, which threaten the livelihoods of people that depend on fresh water. While people with means are replacing their traditional homes with modern homes, that is beyond reach for average Mustangi citizens. Expansion and diversification of agriculture, adoption of sound soil management techniques in Marpha village of Mustang and Shikha village of Myagdi, and growing forest cover in Shikha are some indicators of enhanced community managed practices. The coping strategies and indigenous practices adopted by local people in the region against hardship and environmental changes could serve as examples in similar mountain settings elsewhere.

To understand local perceptions of the impacts of environmental change in two mountain districts of Nepal — Myagdi and Mustang — between 2010 and 2014, a survey, focus groups, town hall meetings, and extensive consultation with local stakeholders were conducted, supplemented by analyses of soil, rainfall, and temperature data. Mountain people in Nepal shared their perceptions of environmental change in their everyday lives, including agricultural practices and tourism activities. While ordinary individuals welcome the construction of new roads, elites still prefer to maintain trails and the status quo. People are concerned about the introduction of mosquitoes, increases in insect pests and plant pathogens, and other vectors along with roads. Snowfall has decreased and rainfall has been unpredictable. Mean minimum winter temperatures have increased and the mountains are experiencing shorter winters and less snow accumulation, which threaten the livelihoods of people that depend on fresh water. While people with means are replacing their traditional homes with modern homes, that is beyond reach for average Mustangi citizens. Expansion and diversification of agriculture, adoption of sound soil management techniques in Marpha village of Mustang and Shikha village of Myagdi, and growing forest cover in Shikha are some indicators of enhanced community managed practices. The coping strategies and indigenous practices adopted by local people in the region against hardship and environmental changes could serve as examples in similar mountain settings elsewhere.

This study was conducted among households of Embu County in Kenya to determine the socioeconomic factors that influenced adoption of Eco-Friendly Farming Practices (EFFPs). Earlier studies had indicated clearly that Embu County was experiencing soil erosion, pollution and soil acidification, yet EFFPs had been introduced to counter these environmental challenges. Therefore the study sought to find out the influence of socioeconomic factors on adoption of the EFFPs. Ex post facto research design was used. Through multistage random sampling 402 household heads were selected and all the 32 extension officers in the area were interviewed. 71.1% of the households were considered high adopters while 2% had not adopted low intensity was found with EFFPs such as limited use of inorganic pesticides and soil testing; medium intensity was seen on adoption of green manuring, composting, integrated pest management, minimum tillage and mulching. EFFPs with high adoption intensity included: Increasing soil and water conservation measures, cover cropping, use of less herbicides, intensified inter cropping, cultivating leguminous crops, agro-forestry, crop rotation and cultural methods in weeding were some of the EFFPs with high intensity adoption. The study found no statistically significant relationship between the intensity of adoption and the uptake of EFFPs among farming households of Embu County, Kenya. Therefore understanding the type and intensity of EFFPS adopted would be critical in designing effective environmental programs in the County.

Book chapter

Book chapter

Single applications of a bactericide, streptomycin, and a fungicide, captan, were made in a Georgia no-till agroecosystem. Streptomycin treatment of soil resulted in reductions in bacterial populations, but also resulted in the death of plants within a two to four week period, indicating indirect effects on plants mediated by bacteria. Captan was effective in reducing fungal activity, and total fungal biomass. without directly affecting any non-target group. An indirect effect of reducing fungal biomass with captan resulted in a short-term decrease in numbers of fungal-feeding nematodes, as the food resource for this group of predators was reduced.

Multistrata multipurpose riparian buffers strips for NPS abatement in agroecosystems - final report

Multistrata multipurpose riparian buffers strips for NPS abatement in agroecosystems - final report

Click here to view the University of Florida catalog record

Click here to view the University of Florida catalog record

The species, distribution and current research about earthworms is presented by Jodi Johnson-Maynard of University of Idaho. Part of the 2014 WSU Oilseed & PNDSA Direct Seed Conference.

Dr. Courtland Kelly, Postdoctoral Researcher, Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Science Thursday, Jan. 27, 6pm - VIRTUAL! Soil has been getting a lot of attention recently for its potential to store carbon from the atmosphere. But what is the realistic potential for carbon sequestration in soils, how could we do it, and how does soil carbon work? In this talk, we will go in-depth on soil carbon: how it is formed, what controls it, how we can manage it, and how we measure it. Then, we will explore the potential of soil carbon sequestration in different Colorado ecosystems, including recent research conducted at Rock Bottom Ranch. Finally, we will discuss current efforts to better quantify soil carbon and look at the frameworks being developed to reward farmers for regenerative soil practices. About Dr. Courtland Kelly Dr. Courtland Kelly is a researcher in Soil Health at Colorado State University. She completed her Ph.D. in Ecology and Soil and Crop Sciences at Colorado State University in 2021, where she investigated the role of regenerative agricultural practices on soil health and soil organisms. Her work focuses mainly on the relationship between plants, soil, and soil organisms. Dr. Kelly completed her undergraduate degree in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University. Before beginning her graduate degree, she worked at ACES as a summer and winter naturalist. GrassRoots TV is the country’s first and oldest community cable television station. https://bit.ly/GRTVContribute to contribute! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE, HIT LIKE and leave a COMMENT to let us know if you enjoyed this video, it is important to us and the community for you to become part of the conversation. Thanks for tuning in! Subscribe for more videos: https://bit.ly/2Ycpi4P Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrassRootsCommunityNetwork/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/grassrootstv Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/grassroots-comm-network Web: http://www.grassrootstv.org/

Dr. Courtland Kelly, Postdoctoral Researcher, Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Science Thursday, Jan. 27, 6pm - VIRTUAL! Soil has been getting a lot of attention recently for its potential to store carbon from the atmosphere. But what is the realistic potential for carbon sequestration in soils, how could we do it, and how does soil carbon work? In this talk, we will go in-depth on soil carbon: how it is formed, what controls it, how we can manage it, and how we measure it. Then, we will explore the potential of soil carbon sequestration in different Colorado ecosystems, including recent research conducted at Rock Bottom Ranch. Finally, we will discuss current efforts to better quantify soil carbon and look at the frameworks being developed to reward farmers for regenerative soil practices. About Dr. Courtland Kelly Dr. Courtland Kelly is a researcher in Soil Health at Colorado State University. She completed her Ph.D. in Ecology and Soil and Crop Sciences at Colorado State University in 2021, where she investigated the role of regenerative agricultural practices on soil health and soil organisms. Her work focuses mainly on the relationship between plants, soil, and soil organisms. Dr. Kelly completed her undergraduate degree in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University. Before beginning her graduate degree, she worked at ACES as a summer and winter naturalist. GrassRoots TV is the country’s first and oldest community cable television station. https://bit.ly/GRTVContribute to contribute! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE, HIT LIKE and leave a COMMENT to let us know if you enjoyed this video, it is important to us and the community for you to become part of the conversation. Thanks for tuning in! Subscribe for more videos: https://bit.ly/2Ycpi4P Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrassRootsCommunityNetwork/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/grassrootstv Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/grassroots-comm-network Web: http://www.grassrootstv.org/

Introduction [1] Following population growth and increasing demand for food, agricultural systems have been considerably altered across the world. Nonetheless, the majority of these changes have been accompanied with many consequences by reason of focusing on economic growth and ignoring the relation between humans and environmental wellbeing. Thus, it seems that any future increase in food production should be done in a sustainable way which considers various issues. Based on this viewpoint, understanding the importance of diverse women’s roles and addressing gender equality are indisputable preconditions for achieving sustainability in the agriculture sector. Women significantly affect the welfare and sustainability of farmer households through numerous tasks assigned to them by societies. However, women do not have the same rights as men in access to productive resources because of gender-based norms. Although the sustainability of agricultural systems has been evaluated by many researchers, they rarely used gender-based analyzes in their assessments. Hence, we aim to determine women’s participation in various agricultural systems and evaluate the impact of women’s activities on the sustainability of agroecosystems in Iran by using a comprehensive approach.   Materials and Methods To explore answers to our research goals, a specific questionnaire was utilized, and its validity and reliability were approved by experts and the Cronbach’s alpha test, respectively. We used the purposive sampling method to identify townships and villages and applied the simple random sampling technique to select farmer households. Based on different methods and the results of pre-test surveys, 930 farmer households were considered as the appropriate sample size in this study. Because there are different climatic conditions, agricultural products and subcultures in Iran, this study was carried out in all 31 provinces of Iran to cover differences between regions. The sustainability of farmer households was assessed by applying 15 indicators. Then, scores attained by farmer households were simplified to define three principal thresholds for sustainability: unacceptable (scores≤ 1.5), limited (1.5 &lt;scores≤ 2.5), and good (2.5 &lt;scores). Women’s different activities in market-oriented (male-dominated) agricultural systems were ranked by the Friedman test. The correlation between women’s participation in male-dominated farms and the sustainability of farmer households was determined based on the Tao B. Kendall correlation coefficient. Moreover, the effect of women’s participation in female-dominated agricultural systems (home gardens) on the sustainability of farmer households was assessed by the independent samples t-test.   Results and Discussion Results disclose that the majority of rural women are pushed back from market-oriented (male-dominated) agricultural systems, especially from cash crop and fruit production systems. Nonetheless, women continue to play a significant role in subsistence (female-dominated) agricultural systems, with 44.1% of them having home gardens. Our findings reveal that farmer households do not experience the good threshold of sustainability, but households whose women have home gardens succeed in gaining higher scores of sustainability than other farmer households. Home gardens, compared with male-dominated farms, put the minimum pressure on the environment because of their reliance on renewable energy inputs. In economic and social dimensions, women meaningfully improve the sustainability of their households by producing different crops and fruits in home gardens. Farmer households with home gardens are able to offer a wider variety of products for sale, make more profit, and even have better savings and liquidity. Home gardens can also increase women’s economic ability, which subsequently improves the food security, health and education of children. Women positively affect the sustainability of farmer households by participating in male-dominated farms. Nonetheless, women’s participation in these systems is not as effective on the sustainability of farmer households as their participation in female-dominated agricultural systems (home gardens).   Conclusion      Our findings indicate that women’s agricultural activities influence the sustainability of farmer households in a positive way. Therefore, we suggest that experts and policymakers address issues affecting the agriculture sector through a gender lens. Because, the marginalization of rural women from the agriculture sector means the transformation of rural women from economically active actors into consumers with a different lifestyle, which undoubtedly puts a lot of pressure on the economy, both locally and nationally. It will also lead to numerous environmental and social consequences.

Introduction [1] Following population growth and increasing demand for food, agricultural systems have been considerably altered across the world. Nonetheless, the majority of these changes have been accompanied with many consequences by reason of focusing on economic growth and ignoring the relation between humans and environmental wellbeing. Thus, it seems that any future increase in food production should be done in a sustainable way which considers various issues. Based on this viewpoint, understanding the importance of diverse women’s roles and addressing gender equality are indisputable preconditions for achieving sustainability in the agriculture sector. Women significantly affect the welfare and sustainability of farmer households through numerous tasks assigned to them by societies. However, women do not have the same rights as men in access to productive resources because of gender-based norms. Although the sustainability of agricultural systems has been evaluated by many researchers, they rarely used gender-based analyzes in their assessments. Hence, we aim to determine women’s participation in various agricultural systems and evaluate the impact of women’s activities on the sustainability of agroecosystems in Iran by using a comprehensive approach.   Materials and Methods To explore answers to our research goals, a specific questionnaire was utilized, and its validity and reliability were approved by experts and the Cronbach’s alpha test, respectively. We used the purposive sampling method to identify townships and villages and applied the simple random sampling technique to select farmer households. Based on different methods and the results of pre-test surveys, 930 farmer households were considered as the appropriate sample size in this study. Because there are different climatic conditions, agricultural products and subcultures in Iran, this study was carried out in all 31 provinces of Iran to cover differences between regions. The sustainability of farmer households was assessed by applying 15 indicators. Then, scores attained by farmer households were simplified to define three principal thresholds for sustainability: unacceptable (scores≤ 1.5), limited (1.5 &lt;scores≤ 2.5), and good (2.5 &lt;scores). Women’s different activities in market-oriented (male-dominated) agricultural systems were ranked by the Friedman test. The correlation between women’s participation in male-dominated farms and the sustainability of farmer households was determined based on the Tao B. Kendall correlation coefficient. Moreover, the effect of women’s participation in female-dominated agricultural systems (home gardens) on the sustainability of farmer households was assessed by the independent samples t-test.   Results and Discussion Results disclose that the majority of rural women are pushed back from market-oriented (male-dominated) agricultural systems, especially from cash crop and fruit production systems. Nonetheless, women continue to play a significant role in subsistence (female-dominated) agricultural systems, with 44.1% of them having home gardens. Our findings reveal that farmer households do not experience the good threshold of sustainability, but households whose women have home gardens succeed in gaining higher scores of sustainability than other farmer households. Home gardens, compared with male-dominated farms, put the minimum pressure on the environment because of their reliance on renewable energy inputs. In economic and social dimensions, women meaningfully improve the sustainability of their households by producing different crops and fruits in home gardens. Farmer households with home gardens are able to offer a wider variety of products for sale, make more profit, and even have better savings and liquidity. Home gardens can also increase women’s economic ability, which subsequently improves the food security, health and education of children. Women positively affect the sustainability of farmer households by participating in male-dominated farms. Nonetheless, women’s participation in these systems is not as effective on the sustainability of farmer households as their participation in female-dominated agricultural systems (home gardens).   Conclusion      Our findings indicate that women’s agricultural activities influence the sustainability of farmer households in a positive way. Therefore, we suggest that experts and policymakers address issues affecting the agriculture sector through a gender lens. Because, the marginalization of rural women from the agriculture sector means the transformation of rural women from economically active actors into consumers with a different lifestyle, which undoubtedly puts a lot of pressure on the economy, both locally and nationally. It will also lead to numerous environmental and social consequences.

Research funded by iClimate (Aarhus University Interdisciplinary Centre for Climate Changue) aiming to identify most relevant agronomic practices to mitigate potential N2O emissions.

In this study, we present a meta-analysis to examine the effects of intensive land use on the density and diversity of nematode, springtail, mite and enchytraeid communities. The dataset used in the meta-analysis was derived from field, farm, and landscape studies. Our research tackles multiple important questions: First, we investigate the extent and direction of changes in faunal density and diversity brought about by increased land use, especially in relation to increased agricultural activity. Second, we want to find the main factors that influence how faunal density and diversity respond to intensification in different types of soil and concurrent management practices. We also assess which types of agricultural land use have the biggest impacts on earthworm populations. Furthermore, we perform supplemental analysis to assess the ways in which climate conditions influence the effects of intensification on faunal density and diversity. By addressing these issues and methodically evaluating the rather contrasting literature currently available, our meta-analysis closes a significant gap in knowledge by shedding light on the complex relationship between increased land use and faunal communities, as well as providing insightful recommendations for improving agroecosystem functionality.

Land use intensification, particularly a shift from extensively to intensively managed agroecosystems , is frequently cited as one of the primary causes of the reduction in global biodiversity and is thought to be the primary force influencing soil biodiversity. Earthworms, among other soil organisms, play crucial roles in soil health and ecosystem functioning. Understanding how they respond to changes in land use is essential for effective land management strategies in the face of shifting agricultural practices. For appropriate land management in the face of future land use change, it is essential to comprehend how earthworms respond to various land use regimes. The effects of land use intensification on earthworms in global agroecosystems were systematically evaluated and quantified through meta-analysis, and their dependence on abiotic factors like soil properties (organic matter, pH, nutrient and water availability, texture, and climatic zone) was examined.

Book chapter

Ecosystem services and biodiversity are critical to ensure sustainable development of agricultural activities. Based on available scientific knowledge, high shares of biodiversity are followed by more carbon sequestration, reduced soil erosion risk, improved production and food security. This review aims to detect biodiversity services in three aspects; (1) providing ecosystem services in modern agroecosystems in response to future challenges, (2) the ability of biodiversity to support agroecosystems, and (3) the agenda for future research on biodiversity. To address our research objectives, we conducted a widespread literature search to estimate new services and roles of biodiversity in modern agroecosystems. The search was set from the date of the first relevant article until the end of the year 2017. Biodiversity is measured by many indices. Many recent studies have proposed new methods and software for biodiversity assessment such as BioFTF, BAT, LaDy and Entropart. According to the present literature review, biodiversity has a pervasive role in climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. Levels of biodiversity, such as genetic, species and ecosystem, can affect pest control in several ways such as biological control, resulting in complex multi-trophic interactions. The relationships between land use and biodiversity are fundamental in understanding the links between people and their environment. Two models have been planned to increase production in agroecosystems whilst minimizing the consequences for biodiversity: land sharing and land sparing. Studies have shown how biodiversity can be integrated into Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) on a global scale. LCA mainly introduces biodiversity as an endpoint category modeled as a loss in species richness due to the conversion and management of land in time and space. This review shows that ecological restoration of agroecosystems is generally effective and can be recommended as a way to increase biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems. The conservation, management, and sustainable use of these services require specific attention and a coherent global policy approach. In conclusion, to protect biodiversity in agroecosystems, a policy consonance and strategic support to ecosystems should be considered. This review suggests that advanced research are needed on relationships between biodiversity and genetic erosion, map of life, pest control and urban agriculture.

Ecosystem services and biodiversity are critical to ensure sustainable development of agricultural activities. Based on available scientific knowledge, high shares of biodiversity are followed by more carbon sequestration, reduced soil erosion risk, improved production and food security. This review aims to detect biodiversity services in three aspects; (1) providing ecosystem services in modern agroecosystems in response to future challenges, (2) the ability of biodiversity to support agroecosystems, and (3) the agenda for future research on biodiversity. To address our research objectives, we conducted a widespread literature search to estimate new services and roles of biodiversity in modern agroecosystems. The search was set from the date of the first relevant article until the end of the year 2017. Biodiversity is measured by many indices. Many recent studies have proposed new methods and software for biodiversity assessment such as BioFTF, BAT, LaDy and Entropart. According to the present literature review, biodiversity has a pervasive role in climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies. Levels of biodiversity, such as genetic, species and ecosystem, can affect pest control in several ways such as biological control, resulting in complex multi-trophic interactions. The relationships between land use and biodiversity are fundamental in understanding the links between people and their environment. Two models have been planned to increase production in agroecosystems whilst minimizing the consequences for biodiversity: land sharing and land sparing. Studies have shown how biodiversity can be integrated into Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) on a global scale. LCA mainly introduces biodiversity as an endpoint category modeled as a loss in species richness due to the conversion and management of land in time and space. This review shows that ecological restoration of agroecosystems is generally effective and can be recommended as a way to increase biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems. The conservation, management, and sustainable use of these services require specific attention and a coherent global policy approach. In conclusion, to protect biodiversity in agroecosystems, a policy consonance and strategic support to ecosystems should be considered. This review suggests that advanced research are needed on relationships between biodiversity and genetic erosion, map of life, pest control and urban agriculture.