After publication of the original article, the authors noticed an error concerning the ingredients of the used product Vizura®. The product does not contain a triazole, but a pyrazole as part of DMPP (3,4-dimethylpyrazolephosphate).
Abstract Background The increasing demand for food and animal fodder worldwide has led to an intensified agriculture with an increasing use of nitrogen fertilizers. More recently, nitrate leaching and gaseous nitrogen emissions have become the focus of environmental discussions and climate politics. One approach to reduce such negative impacts is the use of nitrification inhibitors (NIs) that have shown to effectively reduce nitrogen losses to the groundwater and the air. However, ecotoxic effects of NIs have been studied to a limited extent only. Therefore, two commercial NIs (Piadin and Vizura) and an active ingredient of another NI, dicyandiamide (DCD), were assayed using various ecotoxicological biotests and test species: the Lemna Growth Inhibition Test (Lemna gibba), the Seed Germination/Root Elongation Toxicity Test (Agrostemma githago, Fagopyrum esculentum, Glycine max, Hordeum vulgare, Lunaria annua, Zea mays), the Seedling Emergence and Seedling Growth Test (A. githago, F. esculentum, Z. mays) and the marine Luminescent Bacteria Test (Aliivibrio fischeri). The fresh water L. gibba and the bacterium A. fischeri were exposed to different test concentrations in liquid growth media, whereas the terrestrial plants were exposed to the test substances diluted/dissolved in deionized water and added to the solid growth medium.
Results Dicyandiamide did not show ecotoxic effects in any test conducted. Piadin and Vizura showed ecotoxic effects throughout all experiments. Frond number and frond area of L. gibba were inhibited with increasing concentrations of both substances with Piadin leading to an earlier inhibition and therefore lower EC50 values. In the Seed Germination Test, Vizura generally inhibited seed germination and root development more effectively than Piadin. Regarding both substances, the endpoint root length was much more sensitive than the endpoint germination. In the Seedling Emergence Test, Z. mays was the least sensitive and the rare weed species A. githago the most sensitive species with regard to the tested endpoints and both substances. A. fischeri was strongly inhibited by Vizura, whereas Piadin had barely effects on the bacteria.
Conclusion All findings indicate ecotoxic effects of Piadin and Vizura, especially on the aquatic species L. gibba and on the root development of several terrestrial plant species. However, the origins of the ecotoxic properties remain unclear as both substances contain a mixture of—to some extent unknown—chemical compounds.
AbstractA critical problem derived from airport operations is the environmental impact of runoff water. Airport runoff includes a complex mixture of pollutants, e.g., from deicing agents, that may affect negatively natural water bodies. This study assesses the spatial and temporal aquatic ecotoxicity of runoff water and possible aeroplane drift in a German airport. Over winter 2012–2013, from November to May, water samples were collected within the airport and surrounding area. These samples were analyzed using traditional physicochemical analysis and biotests with two aquatic organisms from different trophic levels, Lemna gibba and Aliivibrio fischeri. Overall, the samples examined in this study were relatively non-toxic to the tested organisms. The physicochemical parameters were mainly influenced by the sampling period being higher in colder months. In contrast, the ecotoxicity was influenced by the sampling site. For sites within the airport, a high correlation between the physicochemical parameters (EC and TOC) and toxicity in L. gibba was found. These correlations were not evident in samples taken outside the airport or when A. fischeri was used as a bioindicator. However, a pronounced seasonality has been observed, linked to the coldest months with average inhibition values of 50% in L. gibba and 25% in A. fischeri, particularly in January. Both biotests yielded differing results; therefore, more biotests should be included. However, L. gibba showed a good response with this type of water samples to be included in future studies together with detailed chemical analysis. The present study provides data to assess the potential ecotoxicological effects of airport runoff affected by winter operations.
While the general effect of CO2 enrichment on photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, N content, and yield has been documented, there is still some uncertainty as to whether there are interactive effects between CO2 enrichment and other factors, such as temperature, geographical location, water availability, and cultivar. In addition, the metabolic coordination between leaves and grains, which is crucial for crop responsiveness to elevated CO2, has never been examined closely. Here, we address these two aspects by multi-level analyses of data from several free-air CO2 enrichment experiments conducted in five different countries. There was little effect of elevated CO2 on yield (except in the USA), likely due to photosynthetic capacity acclimation, as reflected by protein profiles. In addition, there was a significant decrease in leaf amino acids (threonine) and macroelements (e.g. K) at elevated CO2, while other elements, such as Mg or S, increased. Despite the non-significant effect of CO2 enrichment on yield, grains appeared to be significantly depleted in N (as expected), but also in threonine, the S-containing amino acid methionine, and Mg. Overall, our results suggest a strong detrimental effect of CO2 enrichment on nutrient availability and remobilization from leaves to grains. ; This work was supported by the Department of Industry, Energy and Innovation of the Government of Navarre (PI040 TRIGOCLIM). The technical support given by Inés Urretavizcaya, Petra Högy, and Jürgen Franzaring in harvesting and sample management is acknowledged. JC was supported by an Australia Awards PhD Scholarship. GT was supported by a Connect Talent Award from the Region Pays de la Loire – Angers Loire Metropole (France). Research at the Australian Grains Free Air CO2 Enrichment (AGFACE) facility was jointly run by the University of Melbourne and Agriculture Victoria with funding from the Grains Research and Development Corporation (under contract no. DAV00137) and the Australian Commonwealth Department of Agriculture and Water ...
Mit dem vorliegenden Grundsatzpapier zeigt die Senatskommission für Agrarökosystemforschung Perspektiven für die Grundlagenforschung zur nachhaltigen Erhöhung der Kulturpflanzenproduktion auf.Agrarsysteme stehen im Spannungsfeld zwischen steigendem Bedarf an landwirtschaftlichen Produkten, der Verknappung der Ressourcen, dem Verlust der Biodiversität und dem Klimawandel. Die für das Jahr 2050 prognostizierte notwendige Ertragssteigerung zur Sicherstellung des Bedarfs an Nahrungsmitteln kann, ohne die Belastbarkeitsgrenzen ökologischer Systeme zu überschreiten, nur durch wissenschaftlichen Fortschritt bewältigt werden (Abb. 1), der eine nachhaltige und ressourceneffiziente Steigerung der Agrarproduktion ermöglicht (FAO, 2011; Dobermann und Nelson, 2013). Die nachhaltige Intensivierung stellt die Agrarwissenschaften vor neue Aufgaben, die weit über ihre klassischen Grenzen hinausgehen.Die Senatskommission plädiert daher für eine Erweiterung der agrarwissenschaftlichen Perspektive. Die meist auf einzelne Feldfrüchte bezogene Bewertung der Relation zwischen Input und Ertrag muss ergänzt werden um die Optionen, die sich aus der räumlichen und zeitlichen Diversifikation der Produktionssysteme unter Einbeziehung der standörtlichen Eigenschaften, des Landschaftskontextes sowie des Klimawandels ergeben. Um Ökosystemleistungen einzubeziehen, müssen Produktionsstrategien entwickelt werden, die sich auf ganze Landschaften und Regionen richten und auch entsprechende sozioökonomische und agrarpolitische Rahmenbedingungen berücksichtigen.Vor diesem Hintergrund schlägt die Senatskommission drei interdisziplinäre Forschungsschwerpunkte zur ressourceneffizienten Erhöhung der Flächenproduktivität vor:(1) Ausnutzung des Potentials von Kulturpflanzen zur umweltschonenden Ertragssteigerung im Kontext ökosystemarer Bedingungen.(2) Nachhaltige Steigerung der Pflanzenproduktion im Landschaftskontext.(3) Ökonomische, gesellschaftliche und politische Dimensionen der Ertragssteigerung von Kulturpflanzen. DOI:10.5073/JfK.2014.07.01, https://doi.org/10.5073/JfK.2014.07.01 ; With its policy paper the Senate Commission on Agro-ecosystem Research of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) summarizes potential benefits of basic research for the sustainable intensification of crop production. Agro-ecosystems critically contribute to fulfilling the need for increasing food and fiber production, diminishing resource depletion as well as counteracting biodiversity loss and climate change. Yield demands that are needed to ensure the food supply predicted for the year 2050 can only be achieved by scientific progress that allows the intensive yet environmentally friendly production of plant biomass (Figure 1), (FAO, 2011; Dobermann und Nelson, 2013; Ray et al., 2013). Sustainable intensification requires a scientific realignment that allows for broadening the scope of agricultural research. The productivity of farming systems should be evaluated with regard to their efficiency (input-output relation). In addition, the spatial and temporal variability of these systems must be considered by addressing local conditions, the landscape context and climate change. With respect to ecosystem services, new production strategies must be developed that take all aspects of landscape and regional complexity as well as socio-economic conditions and agricultural policy into account.Against this background, the Senate Commission on Agro-ecosystem Research proposes three priority areas of interdisciplinary research on resource efficient intensification of crop production:(1) Exploiting the biological potential of the individual crop plants for an environmentally friendly intensification in an ecosystem approach(2) Exploring sustainable intensification of crop production within a landscape context(3) Taking full account of the economic, social and political dimensions of sustainable intensification of crop production DOI:10.5073/JfK.2014.07.01, https://doi.org/10.5073/JfK.2014.07.01
Mit dem vorliegenden Grundsatzpapier zeigt die Senatskommission für Agrarökosystemforschung Perspektiven für die Grundlagenforschung zur nachhaltigen Erhöhung der Kulturpflanzenproduktion auf. Agrarsysteme stehen im Spannungsfeld zwischen steigendem Bedarf an landwirtschaftlichen Produkten, der Verknappung der Ressourcen, dem Verlust der Biodiversität und dem Klimawandel. Die für das Jahr 2050 prognostizierte notwendige Ertragssteigerung zur Sicherstellung des Bedarfs an Nahrungsmitteln kann, ohne die Belastbarkeitsgrenzen ökologischer Systeme zu überschreiten,nur durch wissenschaftlichen Fortschritt bewältigt werden (Abb. 1), der eine nachhaltige und ressourceneffiziente Steigerung der Agrarproduktion ermöglicht (FAO,2011;Dobermann und Nelson,2013). Die nachhaltige Intensivierung stellt die Agrarwissenschaften vor neue Aufgaben, die weit über ihre klassischen Grenzen hinausgehen. Die Senatskommission plädiert daher für eine Erweiterung der agrarwissenschaftlichen Perspektive. Die meist auf einzelne Feldfrüchte bezogene Bewertung der Relation zwischen Input und Ertrag muss ergänzt werden um die Optionen, die sich aus der räumlichen und zeitlichen Diversifikation der Produktionssysteme unter Einbeziehung der standörtlichen Eigenschaften, des Landschaftskontextes sowie des Klimawandels ergeben. Um Ökosystemleistungen einzubeziehen, müssen Produktionsstrategien entwickelt werden, die sich auf ganze Landschaften und Regionen richten und auch entsprechende sozioökonomische und agrarpolitische Rahmenbedingungen berücksichtigen. Vor diesem Hintergrund schlägt die Senatskommission drei interdisziplinäre Forschungsschwerpunkte zur ressourceneffizienten Erhöhung der Flächenproduktivität vor: (1) Ausnutzung des Potentials von Kulturpflanzen zur umweltschonenden Ertragssteigerung im Kontext ökosystemarer Bedingungen. (2) Nachhaltige Steigerung der Pflanzenproduktion im Landschaftskontext. (3) Ökonomische, gesellschaftliche und politische Dimensionen der Ertragssteigerung von Kulturpflanzen. ; With its policy paper the Senate Commission on Agro-ecosystemResearch of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft(DFG) summarizes potential benefits of basic researchfor the sustainable intensification of crop production. Agro-ecosystems critically contribute to fulfilling the need forincreasing food and fiber production, diminishing resourcedepletion as well as counteracting biodiversity loss and climate change. Yield demands that are needed to ensure the food supply predicted for the year 2050 can only be achieved by scientific progress that allows the intensive yet environmentally friendly production of plant biomass (Figure ), (FAO,2011;DobermannundNelson,2013;Rayet al.,2013). Sustainable intensification requires a scientific realignment that allows for broadening the scope of agricultural research. The productivity of farming systems should be evaluated with regard to their efficiency (input-output relation). In addition, the spatial and temporal variability of these systems must be considered by addressing local conditions, the landscape context and climate change. With respect to ecosystem services, new production strategies must be developed that take all aspects of landscape and regional complexity as well as socio-economic conditions and agricultural policy into account. Against this background, the Senate Commission onAgro-ecosystem Research proposes three priority areas of interdisciplinary research on resource efficient intensification of crop production: (1) Exploiting the biological potential of the individualcrop plants for an environmentally friendly intensificationin an ecosystem approach (2) Exploring sustainable intensification of crop production within a landscape context (3) Taking full account of the economic, social and politicaldimensions of sustainable intensification of crop production
The current study focuses on yield and nutritional quality changes of wheat grain over the last 166 years. It is based on wheat grain quality analyses carried out on samples collected between 1850 and 2016. Samples were obtained from the Broadbalk Continuous Wheat Experiment (UK) and from herbaria from 16 different countries around the world. Our study showed that, together with an increase in carbohydrate content, an impoverishment of mineral composition and protein content occurred. The imbalance in carbohydrate/protein content was specially marked after the 1960's, coinciding with strong increases in ambient [CO2] and temperature and the introduction of progressively shorter straw varieties. The implications of altered crop physiology are discussed. ; This work was supported by the Spanish Innovation and Universities Ministry (AGL2016-79868-R; PCIN-2017-007), BBSRC Institute Strategic Programme grants, Designing Future Wheat (BB/P016855/1) and Soil to Nutrition (S2N, BBS/E/C/00I0310), the Long-term Experiments National Capability grant (BBS/E/C/000J0300), the Lawes Agricultural Trust and the Basque Country Government consolidated group programme (IT‐932‐16). ; Peer reviewed
Incluye material complementario ; The current study focuses on yield and nutritional quality changes of wheat grain over the last 166 years. It is based on wheat grain quality analyses carried out on samples collected between 1850 and 2016. Samples were obtained from the Broadbalk Continuous Wheat Experiment (UK) and from herbaria from 16 different countries around the world. Our study showed that, together with an increase in carbohydrate content, an impoverishment of mineral composition and protein content occurred. The imbalance in carbohydrate/protein content was specially marked after the 1960's, coinciding with strong increases in ambient [CO2] and temperature and the introduction of progressively shorter straw varieties. The implications of altered crop physiology are discussed. ; This work was supported by the Spanish Innovation and Universities Ministry (AGL2016-79868-R; PCIN-2017-007), BBSRC Institute Strategic Programme grants, Designing Future Wheat (BB/P016855/1) and Soil to Nutrition (S2N, BBS/E/C/00I0310), the Long-term Experiments National Capability grant (BBS/E/C/000J0300), the Lawes Agricultural Trust and the Basque Country Government consolidated group programme (IT‐932‐16).