Land use affects the soil C sequestration in alpine environment, NE Italy

Soil carbon sequestration is strongly affected by soil properties, climate, and anthropogenic activities. Assessing these drivers is key to understanding the effect of land use on soil organic matter stabilization. We evaluated land use and soil depth influencing patterns of soil organic matter stabilization in three types of soil profiles located under the same pedogenetic matrix and alpine conditions but with different vegetation cover. The stock in soil organic carbon in the mean 0–20 cm layer increased from prairie (31.9 t ha−1) to prairie in natural reforestation (42 t ha−1) to forest (120 t ha−1), corresponding to increments of 1.3-fold prairie, for prairie in natural reforestation, and of 3.8-fold prairie for forest. The forest showed the highest humic carbon (21.7 g kg−1), which was 2.8 times greater than the prairie in natural reforestation and 4 times higher than the prairie. 13C-NMR spectroscopic measurements suggested a different C pattern. The prairie in natural reforestation and the prairie were characterized by a higher content in O,N-alkyl C with respect to the forest. Alkyl C and aromatic C in the prairie in natural reforestation and prairie did not show relevant differences while they decreased with respect to the forest. Carboxyl and phenolic C groups were markedly higher in forest and prairie than prairie in natural reforestation. Alkyl C, carboxyl C, and phenolic C prevailed in the Ah horizons whereas aromatic C and O,N-alkyl C were dominant in the B horizons. Overall, the marked distribution of O,N-alkyl C and alkyl C in humic substances (HS) indicates a low degree of humification. Nevertheless, in forest, the relatively high presence of aromatic C designated HS endowed with a relatively high humification degree. Thus, our results might suggest that in the alpine environment of NE Italy differences in soil organic matter (SOM) stocks and characteristics are affected by land use and anthropic activities

De-constructing terracotta female figurines: A chalcolithic case-study

We report the results of detailed imaging studies of the inner structure of a terracotta female figurine dated to the 6th millennium BC, most probably from the Lakes region of Turkey, now kept at the Nati- onal Museum of Oriental Art \u201cGiuseppe Tucci\u201d, Rome. The figurine was investigated with advanced CT scanning, recording 966 transversal sections. Each section was stratigraphically interpreted and digitized, reconstructing in three dimensions the form and mode of application of each lump or slab under the potter\u2019s fingers. A review of the available information on the techniques of construction of prehistoric terracotta figurines in Eurasia reveals at least two diverging technical templates, here named core and dual forming processes. The structure of the investigated figurine and its operational sequence reveals a version of the dual technical template, confirming the presence and influence, at a cognitive level, of organic analogies and a possible map of the female body in the modelling process

Science and the psyche: an inquiry on the epistemological, methodological and moral assumptions of modern psychology.

openLa psicologia moderna nutre l’ambizione di essere considerata una scienza. Per comprendere a fondo questa ambizione, è necessario approfondire cosa possa significare per una disciplina definirsi tale. La critica che questo scritto vuole rappresentare è rivolta sostanzialmente alla cieca fiducia nelle presupposte qualità scientifiche della psicologia che moltissimi professionisti, praticando la disciplina dentro e fuori dal laboratorio, nutrono. Nello specifico, la problematica di maggiore rilievo che si viene a riscontrare è l’assenza di consapevolezza troppo spesso palese dei limiti degli strumenti e delle premesse filosofiche che determinano la “scientificità” della psicologia – scientificità a cui la disciplina, fin dalle sue origini, si aggrappa per cercare disperatamente di legittimarsi ed emanciparsi dal seno filosofico in cui nasceva. L’indagine, dunque, di queste assunzioni aprioristiche – siano esse epistemologiche, metodologiche o morali – porta con sé l’intenzione di guadagnare una più ampia e, allo stesso tempo, approfondita prospettiva sulle capacità e sui limiti della psicologia scientifica

Biochar-based fertilizer: Supercharging root membrane potential and biomass yield of rice

Biochar-based compound fertilizers (BCF) and amendments have proven to enhance crop yields and modify soil properties (pH, nutrients, organic matter, structure etc.) and are now in commercial production in China. While there is a good understanding of the changes in soil properties following biochar addition, the interactions within the rhizosphere remain largely unstudied, with benefits to yield observed beyond the changes in soil properties alone. We investigated the rhizosphere interactions following the addition of an activated wheat straw BCF at an application rates of 0.25% (g·g−1 soil), which could potentially explain the increase of plant biomass (by 67%), herbage N (by 40%) and P (by 46%) uptake in the rice plants grown in the BCF-treated soil, compared to the rice plants grown in the soil with conventional fertilizer alone. Examination of the roots revealed that micron and submicron-sized biochar were embedded in the plaque layer. BCF increased soil Eh by 85 mV and increased the potential difference between the rhizosphere soil and the root membrane by 65 mV. This increased potential difference lowered the free energy required for root nutrient accumulation, potentially explaining greater plant nutrient content and biomass. We also demonstrate an increased abundance of plant-growth promoting bacteria and fungi in the rhizosphere. We suggest that the redox properties of the biochar cause major changes in electron status of rhizosphere soils that drive the observed agronomic benefits

The Graham Bank: hydrographic features and safety of navigation

To ensure safety of navigation, the monitoring of high-risk seabed areas is one of the primary tasks of the hydrographic activity. Monitoring of these areas also provides insights into environmental and scientific applications. The Graham Bank (Strait of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea) has been monitored by the Italian Hydrographic Institute (IIM) for over a century. This article describes the IIM monitoring of the Graham Bank by conducting surveys using techniques and technologies available at each time and integrating all of the data into a modern bathymetric database. Based on the outcomes of this case study, the IIM proposes ways to minimize the risk to vessels passing close to the Graham Bank.Para garantizar la seguridad de la navegación, la supervisión de las zonas de los fondos marinos de alto riesgo es una de las tareas principales de la actividad hidrográfica. La supervisión de estas áreas también proporciona percepciones relativas a las aplicaciones ambientales y científicas. El Banco Graham (Estrecho de Sicilia en el mar Mediterráneo) ha sido supervisado por el Instituto Hidrográfico Italiano (IIM) durante más de un siglo. Este artículo describe la supervisión por parte del IIM del Banco Graham mediante la realización de levantamientos, utilizando las técnicas y tecnologías dispnibles en cada momento e integrando todos los datos en una base de datos batimétricos moderna. Basándose en los resultados de este estudio de caso, el IIM propone modos de minimizar el riesgo para los buques que pasan cerca del Banco Graham.Afin d'assurer la sécurité de la navigation, la surveillance des zones de fonds marins à haut risque est l'une des tâches principales de l'activité hydrographique. Surveiller ces zones permet également d'avoir un aperçu des enjeux environnementaux et scientifiques. Le Banc de Graham (Canal de Sicile, Mer Méditerranée) est surveillé par le Service hydrographique italien (IIM) depuis plus d'un siècle. Cet article décrit la surveillance du Banc de Graham par l'IIM qui s'appuie sur des levés effectués à l'aide des différentes techniques et technologies disponibles à chaque époque et sur l'intégration de toutes les données dans une base de données bathymétriques moderne. Sur la base des résultats de cette étude de cas, l'IIM propose des solutions afin de minimiser les risques pour des navires qui croisent à proximité du Banc de Graham

Land use affects the soil C sequestration in alpine environment, NE Italy

Soil carbon sequestration is strongly affected by soil properties, climate, and anthropogenic activities. Assessing these drivers is key to understanding the effect of land use on soil organic matter stabilization. We evaluated land use and soil depth influencing patterns of soil organic matter stabilization in three types of soil profiles located under the same pedogenetic matrix and alpine conditions but with different vegetation cover. The stock in soil organic carbon in the mean 0\u201320 cm layer increased from prairie (31.9 t ha1) to prairie in natural reforestation (42 t ha1) to forest (120 t ha1), corresponding to increments of 1.3-fold prairie, for prairie in natural reforestation, and of 3.8-fold prairie for forest. The forest showed the highest humic carbon (21.7 g kg1), which was 2.8 times greater than the prairie in natural reforestation and 4 times higher than the prairie. 13C-NMR spectroscopic measurements suggested a different C pattern. The prairie in natural reforestation and the prairie were characterized by a higher content in O,N-alkyl C with respect to the forest. Alkyl C and aromatic C in the prairie in natural reforestation and prairie did not show relevant differences while they decreased with respect to the forest. Carboxyl and phenolic C groups were markedly higher in forest and prairie than prairie in natural reforestation. Alkyl C, carboxyl C, and phenolic C prevailed in the Ah horizons whereas aromatic C and O,N-alkyl C were dominant in the B horizons. Overall, the marked distribution of O,N-alkyl C and alkyl C in humic substances (HS) indicates a low degree of humification. Nevertheless, in forest, the relatively high presence of aromatic C designated HS endowed with a relatively high humification degree. Thus, our results might suggest that in the alpine environment of NE Italy differences in soil organic matter (SOM) stocks and characteristics are affected by land use and anthropic activities

Effects of moderate and high rates of biochar and compost on grapevine growth in a greenhouse experiment

Biochar is used as soil amendment and enhancer of plant growth, but the mechanisms involved in grapevine are not understood. In this study, the short-term effects of amendments were evaluated in a trial combining three substrates (biochar, compost, peat-based media) with three doses(30, 70, 100%) along a time sequence on 1-year-old bare root cuttings of grapevine. Amendments were analyzed for elemental composition. Soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), chlorophyll (CHL), flavonoids (FL), anthocyans (ANT) and nitrogen balance index (NBI) were measured.Biochar differed from other amendments for stable C structures, where nutrients and lignin residues were high in compost. Biochar increased soil pH, whereas biochar plus compost mixture augmented EC. The amended plants had detrimental effects on root, true and lateral leaves. Nevertheless, at the lowest rate biochar increased the primary shoot and total scion to root biomass ratio. Among biochemicals, ANT and NBI were mostly affected by biochar, while compost gave only slight increments. Thus, although biochar rate was not adequate for the shedding in open field our results suggest that biochar might be useful in nursery when used at low dosages

Physical and chemical properties of soils from different geological formations affecting Tuber melanosporum plantations: a case study in Acqualagna area (central Italy)

Soil properties play a pivotal role in the fructification of the Périgord black truffle (Tuber melanosporum Vittad.). However, the precise manner in which soil composition influences truffle production remains unclear. This study considered three plantation sites located in Acqualagna (central Italy), an important area for the cultivation of black truffles. The sites differed in terms of productivity and geological terrains. Site 1, which produced 4 kg yr−1, was on Schlier sediments (marls and clayey marls; Miocene age), site 2, which yielded 12 kg yr−1, was on alluvial deposits (heterogeneous, mainly sandy gravels and gravels; Holocene age), and site 3 produced 40 kg yr−1 was on Scaglia variegata (alternating marly limestones, calcareous marls, and marls; Eocene age). A total of 62 soil samples were collected and analyzed for their physical, chemical, organic, and mineralogical composition. Among the samples a control area without the presence of truffle was included. The soils composition differed for the content in phyllosilicates and calcite which ranged from 124 to 398 g kg−1 and 98 to 450 g kg−1, respectively. Principal component analysis extracted three factors, accounting for 82% of the total variance. Factor 1 (46.2% of the variance) was strongly and positively correlated with sheet silicates, smectite, clay and negatively with skeleton (fraction > 2 mm). The soils from Scaglia variegata and Schlier clustered around the active carbonate content which was 266 g kg−1 in Scaglia and 250 g kg−1 in Schlier. These soils clustered also for the clay fraction (389 g kg−1 and 428 g kg−1, respectively) as well as for the smectite (268 g kg−1 and 307 g kg−1, respectively). In spite, the soils from alluvial deposits clustered per skeleton (638 g kg−1). In terms of soil productivity, it can be posited that the contribution of the skeleton was always dominant. The carbonate contents allow for the differentiation between intermediate soils (alluvial deposits) and low-productivity soils (Schlier). Additionally, the clay component was found to be high in both low (428 g kg−1) and high productivity soils (389 g kg−1). Conversely, it was low in medium productivity soils (125 g kg−1). The automatic linear modelling (ALM) indicated that among all of the variables considered in this study, six of them were included in the equation and explained 94.3% of the variation in soil classified as suitable for black truffle production. In particular, calcite was identified as the most important predictor variable, followed by available P and K. Regarding the influence of functional groups of humic substances, amide I (1641 cm−1) exerted a positive effect while lignin residues (1510 cm−1) had a negative one. The findings of this study may assist in the selection of optimal soils for black truffle cultivation