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query=vcollection:50000580 year:[2004 TO 2024] &institution=lirias&from=1&step=20&sort=scdate
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thesis-dissertationReher, Thomas; 2024. Agrivoltaics: optimizing the synergy of crop production and solar panels. keyboard_arrow_downLIRIAS4151389
description
Sustainable crop production and the continued profitability of agriculture in Europe are increasingly perceived as two opposing goals. The desire to continue traditional farming while reducing chemical inputs and fossil energy consumption brings with it many challenges. Also, the changing climate challenges agriculture in many new ways: jeopardizing harvests, pressuring growers to adopt new management practices or changing cropping systems entirely. To remain relevant and competitive, new ways of crop production will need to be considered. An ever-increasing global population and rise in energy demand stands in stark contrast with the available renewable energy in our electricity mix. Despite sustained efforts, the transition away from fossil fuels progresses at an insufficient pace. Additionally, increased opposition against nuclear energy leads to a re-uptake of gas- and coal-fired power stations, further increasing greenhouse gas emissions. To reach, or even approach our climate goals, solar- and wind energy production must be increased. Agrivoltaic (AV) production systems can serve as a bridge between agricultural sustainability and climate change challenges. By integrating solar panels on agricultural land, provided careful design choices are made, crop production can be maintained while solar energy generation can be expanded. Under AV, plants experience a modified microclimate characterized by reduced solar irradiance, changed temperatures and shifted precipitation inputs. Solar energy generation almost exclusively relies on crystalline silicon solar cells. New approaches such as perovskite-silicon tandem cells or wavelength selective technology show promise for continuing PV efficiency growth. A variety of solar panel types are available for AV. Fuel production directly from solar energy and ambient water has become a reality with the development of hydrogen panels. The use of hydrogen fuel can be a key factor in overcoming the energy density and storage problems associated with electric PV. By capturing water from the air, H2 panels thrive alongside transpiring crops. Where additional light transmission may be required, a range of semitransparent options are available. AV systems can make use of semitransparent modules, since they represent a useful tool for fine-tuning irradiance levels for the crops. One of the biggest challenges of implementing AV as a new sustainable farming system, is knowing the impact on crop productivity ahead of time and dealing with the uncertainty of fluctuating energy prices, both impacting profitability. We first performed an extensive literature search related to all the constraints that determine an AV system. Practical farming constraints, such as the use of heavy machinery, or intensive manual labor leads to a variety of AV system requirements. The variation in shade tolerance among commonly cultivated crops requires tailor-made AV system designs to optimize both energy production and agricultural yield. We distinguish three types of crop responses under AV. Crops such as maize or strawberry tolerate shade only to a limited extent and exhibit a steep decline in productivity with increasing shade. Other crops such as pear, grass or blackcurrant decrease in yield but at a much slower rate. Finally, there are crops that exhibit some level of shade tolerance, such as blueberry or raspberry. Another challenge for AV systems is determining its place in the landscape. Selecting suitable sites for AV systems requires the consideration of many factors and stakeholders' requirements. A GIS multi criteria decision analysis of Flanders revealed 60 % of its agricultural land as suitable for AV. All crops contended with important restrictions due to the proximity of heritage sites or areas of significant natural value. Most of the fruit cropping area reached AV suitability scores exceeding 0.95 out of a max of 1, while arable crops and vegetables scored on average 0.12 points lower. Despite contending with a highly fragmented landuse, agrivoltaic systems can supply up to 200 TWh of electricity per year- 4 times the current yearly electrical consumption of Flanders. Besides assessing the theoretical suitability of crops and determining the geographical selection of ideal farming plots for AV implementation, we also conducted field trials on several different AV systems in Flanders. We evaluated two experimental agrivoltaic pilot sites on arable farmland as well as an AV setup in a mature pear orchard. On the fist arable site, we investigated static and single-axis tracked bifacial modules paired to sugar beet, an important industry crop, at a light reduction of 15-20 %. Beets proved challenging to manage in practice due to weed and fungal pressure, with yields that were reduced by 11-19 % depending on position. Roots were found to be smaller but maintained sugar levels. The other arable AV pilot assessed the potential of wheat under an elevated agrivoltaic system at 22-30 % shading using traditional PV modules and hydrogen panels. Wheat suffered higher losses of 33-46 %. Smaller grains with high protein content were recorded under AV. Collectively, arable crops reached a land equivalent ratio (LER) between 1.00 and 1.22. In a third field experiment, we evaluated pear agrivoltaics under semitransparent PV cover. Fruit production represents a much smaller fraction of the agricultural landscape in Flanders. However, fruits have a much higher economical value per hectare, and are often cultivated in long-term orchards. In a pioneering agrivoltaic pilot installation, three consecutive growing seasons of 'Conference' pears were evaluated under Agrivoltaics, with a yearly average light reduction of 24 %. We examined how the microclimate changes under AV with regard to canopy air temperature, pear yield, and fruit quality. The AV system was found to increase nighttime air temperatures during periods of frost by 0.5°C, and temper higher temperature peaks during a hot summer period. Fruit yield was consistently reduced by 15% over the 3 years of trial, without impacting postharvest quality or storability. However, a discrepancy in fruit shape was observed under AV, leading to an increased percentage (93 % increase on average) in bottle-shaped pears and a caliber that was decreased by 5mm. Despite these changes, the AV system was found to have no effects on flowering and fruit development, and flower and fruit abscission, but it delayed leaf senescent in the fall. It also offered some additional protection against sunburn. In conclusion, innovative crop production systems such as AV, often require initial fine-tuning and engineering to enable implementation to the fullest potential. By selecting an appropriate location, establishing a profitable energy use-case and implementing it for an appropriate shade-tolerant crop with the right light penetration percentage, agrivoltaic systems can contribute to advances in modern farming. This way, it has the potential to provide benefits for the cultivated crops (protection against climate change events), while expanding the amount of sustainable electricity production by means of PV in a local and rural community. Our research and practical experiences suggest that agrivoltaics not only represent a viable solution to the challenges faced by farmers, but also offer a viable pathway towards harmonizing energy production with profitable crop production. With carefully chosen system designs and crop types, agrivoltaics can improve land use efficiency, sustain or enhance crop yields, and contribute to the dual objectives of energy sustainability and food security.
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thesis-dissertationBergen, Benoit; 2024. Cadmium and Uranium in Agricultural Soils: Accumulation, Mobility and Implications for Fertiliser Policy. keyboard_arrow_downLIRIAS4149093
description
Uranium (U) is an ubiquitous radioactive and toxic trace metal present in soils. It is now well accepted that the continuous application of phosphate fertilizers has caused accumulation of U in agricultural soils above background levels. This enrichment is of concern, as U may be absorbed by crops or leached to groundwater and thereby enter the human food chain. Uranium is an unwanted impurity present in phosphate fertilizers but currently its levels are not monitored nor regulated at EU level. The goal of this study is to measure the long-term accumulation of bioavailable U in soil and plants due to the use of mineral phosphate fertilizers and to make future trends in soil and plant U exposure at EU-wide scale. We propose that bioavailable U is likely to be better indicated by the acid soluble fraction (aqua regia U) compared to real total concentrations and hence of environmental relevance. This project is probably first in assessing an EU mass balance of U in soils to identify exposure at a large scale which can be the base for the implementation of future regulations on U in fertilizers.
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thesis-dissertationSaracanlao, Rochelle Joie; 2024. Effect of applying vivianite and P-containing Fe(III)oxides on P bioavailability and dynamics in different agricultural soil types. keyboard_arrow_downLIRIAS4151124
description
Phosphorus (P) is a critical nutrient for plant growth. In soils with strong P retention or in soils with low P status, P willnot be directly available for plant use. Under such condition, P needs to be added as fertilizers, currently sourced from the non-renewable phosphate rock. Continuous application of P fertilizers, often more than what the crops utilize, can on the long-term exceed the natural capacity of soils to retain P. This leads to P leaching and runoff which disrupts aquatic ecosystems as a result of eutrophication. One solution to both problems lies in capturing P lost from agricultural areas in Fe(II) and Fe(III) phosphates, before it reaches surface waters and recycle this trapped P as fertilizer materials. This research is dedicated in determining the agricultural potential of these recycled materials in different soil types, to investigate whether capturing P from agricultural runoff can close the agronomic P cycle. This will be done by comparing P response of these Fe-based P fertilizers with commercial, readily available P fertilizers in short and long-term plant experiments. Biogeochemical and spectroscopic analyses will be carried out to explain the P availability of the materials in the soils tested.
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Spotorno, Stefano; Gobin, Anne; Vanongeval, Fien; Del Borghi, Adriana; Gallo, Michela;
2024.
Carbon Farming practices assessment: Modelling spatial changes of Soil Organic Carbon in Flanders, Belgium.
Science Of The Total Environment; 2024; Vol. 922; pp.
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LIRIAS4145020
description
Carbon sequestration in soils is a strategy to mitigate climate change and promote sustainable soil management. Since the European Union (EU) stimulates the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG) from the atmosphere, the necessity to explore innovative approaches to sequester carbon in agricultural landscapes is becoming urgent. Carbon Farming (CF) has emerged as a promising program to mitigate climate change in agriculture but there is still a lack of agreement on which tools can be used to calculate Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) dynamics in this context. Using the RothC model a spatial analysis of SOC in the agricultural parcels of Flanders, Belgium was performed. Two among the various CF practices were simulated: a use of cover crops (CC) and the most common crop rotations adopted in the area, enriched with the use of cover crops. The performances of the model were evaluated and compared to other studies in areas with similar climate and environments. The selected CF practices can mitigate the carbon emissions from agricultural soils up to 60 % of the current projections. The most sensitive variables in the RothC model that affect the final total SOC, and thus determining the model outcome, are the Business As Usual (BAU) carbon inputs and the initial carbon content. For these variables the Pearson Correlation Coefficient with the change in SOC reached values of -0.78 and -0.50 respectively. To achieve net carbon sequestration in the agricultural soils of Flanders, Belgium, more effective solutions need to be evaluated. Furthermore, a larger amount and accessibility of data are required to reach better modelling performances.
Publisher: Elsevier
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journal-articleHeyvaert, Zdenko; Scherrer, Samuel; Dorigo, Wouter; Bechtold, Michel; De Lannoy, Gabrielle; 2024. Joint assimilation of satellite-based surface soil moisture and vegetation conditions into the Noah-MP land surface model. Science of Remote Sensing; 2024; Vol. 9; pp.LIRIAS4152189
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Publisher: Elsevier
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journal-articleChiriboga, Gonzalo; Bouillon, Steven; Borges, Alberto V; 2024. Dissolved greenhouse gas (CO< /sub>2< //sub>, CH< /sub>4< //sub>, and N< /sub>2< //sub>O) emissions from highland lakes of the Andes cordillera in Northern Ecuador. Aquatic Sciences; 2024; Vol. 86; iss. 2; pp.LIRIAS4141886
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Publisher: Springer (part of Springer Nature)
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journal-articleReher, Thomas; Lavaert, Cas; Willockx, Brecht; Huyghe, Yasmin; Bisschop, Jolien; Martens, Johan A; Diels, Jan; Cappelle, Jan; Van de Poel, Bram; 2024. Potential of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) production in vertical bifacial, tracked, or elevated agrivoltaic systems in Belgium. Applied Energy; 2024; Vol. 359; iss. 359; pp.LIRIAS4140410
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Publisher: Elsevier
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journal-articleGhisbain, Guillaume; Thiery, Wim; Massonnet, Francois; Erazo, Diana; Rasmont, Pierre; Michez, Denis; Dellicour, Simon; 2024. Projected decline in European bumblebee populations in the twenty-first century. Nature; 2024; Vol. 628; iss. 8007; pp. keyboard_arrow_downLIRIAS4109215
description
Habitat degradation and climate change are globally acting as pivotal drivers of wildlife collapse, with mounting evidence that this erosion of biodiversity will accelerate in the following decades1-3. Here, we quantify the past, present and future ecological suitability of Europe for bumblebees, a threatened group of pollinators ranked among the highest contributors to crop production value in the northern hemisphere4-8. We demonstrate coherent declines of bumblebee populations since 1900 over most of Europe and identify future large-scale range contractions and species extirpations under all future climate and land use change scenarios. Around 38-76% of studied European bumblebee species currently classified as 'Least Concern' are projected to undergo losses of at least 30% of ecologically suitable territory by 2061-2080 compared to 2000-2014. All scenarios highlight that parts of Scandinavia will become potential refugia for European bumblebees; it is however uncertain whether these areas will remain clear of additional anthropogenic stressors not accounted for in present models. Our results underline the critical role of global change mitigation policies as effective levers to protect bumblebees from manmade transformation of the biosphere.
Publisher: Nature Research
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journal-articlePohankova, E; Hlavinka, P; Kersebaum, KC; Nendel, C; Rodriguez, A; Balek, J; Dubrovsky, M; Gobin, A; Hoogenboom, G; Moriondo, M; Olesen, JE; Rotter, R; Ruiz-Ramos, M; Shelia, V; Stella, T; Hoffmann, MP; Takáč, J; Eitzinger, J; Dibari, C; Ferrise, R; Bohuslav, J; Bláhová, M; Trnka, M; 2024. Expected effects of climate change on the soil organic matter content related to contrasting agricultural management practices based on a crop model ensemble for locations in Czechia. European Journal Of Agronomy; 2024; Vol. 156; pp.LIRIAS4149404
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Publisher: Elsevier
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journal-articleBusschaert, Louise; Bechtold, Michel; Modanesi, Sara; Massari, Cristian; Brocca, Luca; De Lannoy, Gabrielle; 2024. Irrigation Quantification Through Backscatter Data Assimilation With a Buddy Check Approach. Journal Of Advances In Modeling Earth Systems; 2024; Vol. 16; iss. 3; pp. keyboard_arrow_downLIRIAS4150859
description
Irrigation is an important component of the terrestrial water cycle, but it is often poorly accounted for in models. Recent studies have attempted to integrate satellite data and land surface models via data assimilation (DA) to (a) detect and quantify irrigation, and (b) better estimate the related land surface variables such as soil moisture, vegetation, and evapotranspiration. In this study, different synthetic DA experiments are tested to advance satellite DA for the estimation of irrigation. We assimilate synthetic Sentinel-1 backscatter observations into the Noah-MP model coupled with an irrigation scheme. When updating soil moisture, we found that the DA sets better initial conditions to trigger irrigation in the model. However, DA updates to wetter conditions can inhibit irrigation simulation. Building on this limitation, we propose an improved DA algorithm using a buddy check approach. The method still updates the land surface, but now the irrigation trigger is not primarily based on the evolution of soil moisture, but on an adaptive innovation (observation minus forecast) outlier detection. The new method was found to be optimal for more temperate climates where irrigation events are less frequent and characterized by higher application rates. It was found that the DA outperforms the model-only 14-day irrigation estimates by about 20% in terms of root-mean-squared differences, when frequent (daily or every other day) observations are available. With fewer observations or high levels of noise, the system strongly underestimates the irrigation amounts. The method is flexible and can be expanded to other DA systems, also real-world cases.
Publisher: American Geophysical Union (AGU)
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thesis-dissertationLauryssen, Florian; 2024. In search of the pristine environment & the natural background of phosphorus in freshwater.LIRIAS4140055
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journal-articlevan Doorn, Maarten; van Rotterdam, Debby; Ros, Gerard; Koopmans, Gerwin F; Smolders, Erik; de Vries, Wim; 2024. The phosphorus saturation degree as a universal agronomic and environmental soil P test. Critical Reviews In Environmental Science And Technology; 2024; Vol. 54; iss. 5; pp. 385 - 404LIRIAS4103225
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Publisher: Taylor & Francis
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journal-articleRosier, Ine; Diels, Jan; Somers, Ben; Van Orshoven, Jos; 2024. Maximising runoff retention by vegetated landscape elements positioned through spatial optimisation. Landscape And Urban Planning; 2024; Vol. 243C; pp. keyboard_arrow_downLIRIAS4128066
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Ecosystem services provided by vegetated landscape elements (vLEs) are increasingly recognised. One of the services provided is the mitigation of downstream flood risk. Obviously, the type and spatial configuration of vLEs impact the magnitude and timing of the runoff retention. Hence policy programs focused on the conservation and restoration of vLEs would benefit from a capability to determine the optimal spatial configuration of vLEs leading to maximum impact for minimal cost. We integrated the Landlab rainfall-runoff model in an iterative spatial optimisation framework to deal with rasterised linear parcel boundaries whereby the cumulative capability to reduce discharge through the installation of vLEs is the ranking criterion. We applied the procedure to a 191 ha agricultural watershed situated in the Belgian Loess belt encompassing 34 km parcel boundaries. Our results demonstrated that discharge volume can be more effectively reduced when vLEs are implemented based on the priority ranking obtained through our approach compared to both a random positioning of vLEs of the same length and type and the existing vLE configuration. The priority parcel boundaries are mainly located along preferential flow paths, highlighting the importance of the upslope area associated with vLEs and the infiltration enhancement they provoke. The application potential of the optimisation approach is not limited to the topic of finding priority locations for vLEs to reduce discharge but can be applied in a variety of disciplines that require answering questions about the optimal spatial configuration of interventions.
Publisher: Elsevier
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journal-articleVazquez-deCastro, Jose Luis; Chavez, Eduardo; Espinel, Ramon; Hendrix, Stan; Smolders, Erik; Maertens, Miet; 2024. The economic costs of cadmium non-tariff measures for smallholder cocoa farmers in Ecuador. World Economy; 2024; Vol. 47; iss. 3; pp. 1147 - 1166LIRIAS4104142
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Publisher: Wiley
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preprintDepecker, Jonas; Vandelook, Filip; Jordaens, Kurt; Dorchin, Achik; Ntumba, Benjamin Katshela; Broeckhoven, Ieben; Dhed'a, Benoit; Devriese, Arne; Deckers, Lien; Stoffelen, Piet; Honnay, Olivier; 2024. Comparative pollinator conservation potential of coffee agroforestry relative to coffee monoculture and tropical rainforest in the DR Congo. bioRxiv; 2024 keyboard_arrow_downLIRIAS4145060
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Animal-pollination is crucial in the reproduction of many crops grown in the tropics, including the self-incompatible Robusta coffee. Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner. is indigenous to the Congo basin where it is growing in the rainforest understorey yet providing very low yields. Cultivation therefore mainly occurs in either unshaded monocultures or in agroforestry systems. Here we surveyed the Diptera (true flies) and Hymenoptera (bees) communities that are putative coffee pollinating organisms in the Yangambi region in DR Congo, and we assessed the comparative benefits of coffee agroforestry and monocultures to the coffee pollinator community. To assess a base line value of pollinator conservation value of the agroforestry system, we also compared it with natural rainforest. Using white pan traps, we identified 9,597 specimens. Natural rainforest harboured a higher number of individuals, as well as a higher number of species than both agroforestry and coffee monoculture systems, with no differences between the latter two land-uses. The Simpson diversity and Pielou’s evenness on the other hand did not differ among land-uses. Furthermore, we observed different responses in species richness and diversity to land-use between Diptera and Hymenoptera. Our analyses of pollinator community composition showed a high dissimilarity between natural rainforest and the two cultivation systems, without significant differences between the latter land-uses. Specifically, the community composition of the agroforestry and coffee monoculture systems were totally different, rather than a subset of the community composition of the natural rainforest. Our study indicates that rehabilitation of agricultural land through intercropping fruit trees may not always enhance the pollinator community and that the studied agroforestry system falls short of matching the pollinator conservation potential found in natural rainforests. A more optimal selection of tree species intercropped with coffee may both enhance the conservation value of the agroforestry system and the provisioning of pollination services.
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journal-articleBuenemann, EK; Reimer, M; Smolders, E; Smith, SR; Bigalke, M; Palmqvist, A; Brandt, KK; Moeller, K; Harder, R; Hermann, L; Speiser, B; Oudshoorn, F; Loes, AK; Magid, J; 2024. Do contaminants compromise the use of recycled nutrients in organic agriculture? A review and synthesis of current knowledge on contaminant concentrations, fate in the environment and risk assessment. Science Of The Total Environment; 2024; Vol. 912; pp. keyboard_arrow_downLIRIAS4140361
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Use of nutrients recycled from societal waste streams in agriculture is part of the circular economy, and in line with organic farming principles. Nevertheless, diverse contaminants in waste streams create doubts among organic farmers about potential risks for soil health. Here, we gather the current knowledge on contaminant levels in waste streams and recycled nutrient sources, and discuss associated risks. For potentially toxic elements (PTEs), the input of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) from mineral feed supplements remains of concern, while concentrations of PTEs in many waste streams have decreased substantially in Europe. The same applies to organic contaminants, although new chemical groups such as flame retardants are of emerging concern and globally contamination levels differ strongly. Compared to inorganic fertilizers, application of organic fertilizers derived from human or animal feces is associated with an increased risk for environmental dissemination of antibiotic resistance. The risk depends on the quality of the organic fertilizers, which varies between geographical regions, but farmland application of sewage sludge appears to be a safe practice as shown by some studies (e.g. from Sweden). Microplastic concentrations in agricultural soils show a wide spread and our understanding of its toxicity is limited, hampering a sound risk assessment. Methods for assessing public health risks for organic contaminants must include emerging contaminants and potential interactions of multiple compounds. Evidence from long-term field experiments suggests that soils may be more resilient and capable to degrade or stabilize pollutants than often assumed. In view of the need to source nutrients for expanding areas under organic farming, we discuss inputs originating from conventional farms vs. non-agricultural (i.e. societal) inputs. Closing nutrient cycles between agriculture and society is feasible in many cases, without being compromised by contaminants, and should be enhanced, aided by improved source control, waste treatment and sound risk assessments.
Publisher: Elsevier
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journal-articlevan Dael, Toon; Vermeiren, Charlotte; Smolders, Erik; 2024. Internal loading of phosphorus in streams described by a Sediment-Water Exchange Model for Phosphorus (SWEMP): From lab to field scale. Science Of The Total Environment; 2024; Vol. 912; pp. keyboard_arrow_downLIRIAS4109157
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The reaction of phosphorus (P) between sediments and water in streams strongly affects the surface water P concentrations. A new reactive transport model (SWEMP: Sediment-Water Exchange Model for Phosphorus) was developed to describe redox dependent P sorption in the sediment and vertical diffusive transport of solutes to the overlying stream. The model parameters were independently obtained to first predict P release in ten different sediment-water batch systems and in two flumes. Input parameters are the degree of P saturation of the sediment, its organic matter content, dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration and temperature. The dissolved P concentrations in the overlying waters ranged from 0.02 to 1.2 mg P L-1 in these systems and were correctly predicted by the model within, on average, a factor 1.3 (batch) or 1.1 (flume). The P flux from the sediment towards the overlying water increased with increasing sediment P:Fe ratio and respiration rates, and with decreasing DO and water pH. After validation of the model with experimental data, it was used to predict monthly P concentrations in Flemish rivers using the total P emission data, total discharge, average sediment properties and the monthly averaged water temperatures, DO concentrations and electric conductivity. The monthly average P concentrations oscillate annually between 0.24 and 0.73 mg P L-1 and predictions matched the long-term monitoring data within 10 % using only one adjustable parameter for the entire water system (N > 250,000). The model predicts that summer peaks in P are related to internal loading from the sediment under anoxic conditions rather than to emission-dilution effects, i.e. external input of P and/or its concentration at lower flow rates. This suggests that, surface water P concentrations can be lowered by enhanced DO in the water, the addition of Fe and Al rich binding agents to the sediments and by reducing P emissions.
Publisher: Elsevier
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journal-articleYimer, Estifanos Addisu; De Trift, Lien; Lobkowicz, Ida; Villani, Lorenzo; Nossent, Jiri; van Griensven, Ann; 2024. The underexposed nature-based solutions: A critical state-of-art review on drought mitigation. Journal Of Environmental Management; 2024; Vol. 352; pp. keyboard_arrow_downLIRIAS4148171
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Droughts are the most expensive climate disasters as they leave long-term and chronic impacts on the ecosystem, agriculture, and human society. The intensity, frequency, and duration of drought events have increased over the years and are expected to worsen in the future on a regional and planetary/global scale. Nature-based solutions (NBS) such as wetland and floodplain restorations, green infrastructures, rainwater harvesting, etc., are highlighted as effective solutions to cope with the future impacts of these events. While the role of NBS in coping with the impacts of other disasters, such as floods, has been extensively studied, there has been a lack of comprehensive review of NBS targeting drought. The following paper provides a unique critical state-of-the-art literature review of individual drought-related NBS around the world, in Europe, and particularly in Belgium, and assesses the critical differences between the NBS applied globally and in Flanders. An extensive literature review was conducted to systematically analyze NBS, listing the type, the location, the status of the implementation, and the possible recommendations proposed to optimize future NBS applications. Finally, a comparison is made between small- and large-scale applications of NBS. By analyzing all these aspects, especially the level of effectiveness and recommendations, insight was gained into the future potential of NBS and possible improvements. The research indicated a lack of scientific publications, especially in Belgium. Hence, grey literature was also included in the literature review. Only four papers included a quantitative assessment regarding the effectiveness of drought on a global level, all stating a positive impact on groundwater recharge. In contrast, at regional and country levels, the performance of NBS was not quantified. The number of large-scale implementations is low, where landscape- or watershed-scale holistic approaches to drought mitigation are still scarce. Some successfully implemented projects are only very local and have a long realization time, two aspects that limit achieving visible impact at a larger scale. Among the many NBS, wetlands are recognized as highly effective in coping with drought but are still degraded or lost despite their significant restoration potential. A common effectiveness evaluation framework shall be followed, which gives policymakers a clear view of the different NBS investment options. Furthermore, a more collaborative approach is recommended globally, including different stakeholder groups, with specific attention to the local communities. To conclude, future research should increase the evidence base and implementation of drought-mitigating NBS.
Publisher: Elsevier
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journal-articleUrgilez-Clavijo, Andrea; Rivas-Tabares, David; Gobin, Anne; de la Riva, Juan; 2024. Comprehensive Framework for Analysing the Intensity of Land Use and Land Cover Change in Continental Ecuadorian Biosphere Reserves. Sustainability; 2024; Vol. 16; iss. 4; pp. keyboard_arrow_downLIRIAS4143173
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The conventional methods of land use and land cover (LULC) analysis are frequently based on crosstabulation matrices. However, this analysis becomes complex when including sites with multiple management zones and categories at different time points. This is challenging regarding data processing and the presentation of numerous results. We transformed the graphical representation of conventional Intensity Analysis to assess and compare the intensity and magnitude of LULC changes in six Continental Ecuadorian Biosphere Reserves at three levels: interval, category, and transition, and at three time intervals. A dimension reduction strategy was used to convert multiple bar charts into three composite heat maps. The results confirm the global conservation effectiveness in the core zones among the biosphere reserves with less than 10% change, but worrisome dynamics were detected in buffers and transitions with a change of up to 10% for all periods. Deforestation and agriculture were detected as the most relevant land processes. This work highlights the dimension reduction by summarizing 17, 51, and 312 bar charts from conventional Intensity Analysis in three composite heat maps, one for each level of analysis. Systematic suspicious transitions occurred in the water body category because of its dynamics and misclassification in LULC maps.
Publisher: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
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journal-articleMortelmans, Jonas; Felsberg, Anne; De Lannoy, Gabrielle; Veraverbeke, Sander; Field, Robert D; Andela, Niels; Bechtold, Michel; 2024. Improving the fire weather index system for peatlands using peat-specific hydrological input data. Natural Hazards And Earth System Sciences; 2024; Vol. 24; pp. 445 - 464 keyboard_arrow_downLIRIAS4143585
description
he Canadian Fire Weather Index (FWI) system, even though originally developed and calibrated for an upland Jack pine forest, is used globally to estimate fire danger for any fire environment. However, for some environments, such as peatlands, the applicability of the FWI in its current form, is often questioned. In this study, we replaced the original moisture codes of the FWI with hydrological estimates resulting from the assimilation of satellite-based L-band passive microwave observations into a peatland-specific land surface model. In a conservative approach that maintains the integrity of the original FWI structure, the distributions of the hydrological estimates were first matched to those of the corresponding original moisture codes before replacement. The resulting adapted FWI, hereafter called FWIpeat, was evaluated using satellite-based information on fire presence over boreal peatlands from 2010 through 2018. Adapting the FWI with model- and satellite-based hydrological information was found to be beneficial in estimating fire danger, especially when replacing the deeper moisture codes of the FWI. For late-season fires, further adaptations of the fine fuel moisture code show even more improvement due to the fact that late-season fires are more hydrologically driven. The proposed FWIpeat should enable improved monitoring of fire risk in boreal peatlands.
Publisher: Copernicus Publications
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