Scaling up of leaf transpiration ans stomatal cinductance of two Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla clone in response to environmental variables

This study aimed at characterizing leaf ecophysiological behavior of two clones of Eucalyptus sp related to environmental variables such as photosynthetically active radiation (Qleaf) and vapor pressure deficit of the atmosphere (VPD) at two scales (pot and plot), as well as promoting a change of information obtained from a smaller scale to a higher one. The study was conducted at UNICAMP, Sao Paulo, Brazil. For data transpiration (E) and stomata conductance (Gs) porometry an infrared gas analyzer was used. Local environmental variables associated with Qleaf and VPD were recorded by the automatic station of CEPAGRI/UNICAMP installed at the study site. At all scales, individuals were under the same range of predawn leaf water potential (0 to -0.5 MPa). The scaling of information was performed by applying the ecophysiological model, to simulate the E and Gs as a function of Qleaf and VPD. The exchange of E and Gs were consistently above the plot scale when compared to the pot scale for the two clones under study. The proposed models were effective in the extrapolation of E and Gs between different scales, but the best results were obtained in the relations E, Gs and Qleaf.399025326

Environmental variables effects in ecophysiological behavior of two clones of Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla: field conditions

This study aimed at characterizing the behavior of two commercial clones of Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla with photosynthetic active radiation (Qleaf), atmospheric vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and predawn leaf water potential (Psi(pd)). The study was conducted in an experimental plot of the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, State University of Campinas (FEAGRI / UNICAMP), located in Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil. The clones were of the same age (240 days) and at the same site of planting. Measurements of transpiration (E), stomata conductance (Gs) and photosynthesis (A) were carried out from January to July 2008 with the help of a porometer and Psi(pd) measurements were performed with the aid of a Scholander pressure chamber. Differences were observed in the responses of clones to environmental variables as well as in water use efficiency (WUE). The information gained may be used for better adjustment of forest management plans according to the ecophysiological specificity of each clone, for hydrological aspects of a watershed.399241943

Recent insights in soil nutrient cycling: perspectives from Pinus and Eucalyptus forest studies around the world

Soil nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems is a dynamic process fundamentally influenced by climatic and environmental factors. This review synthesizes studies focusing on nutrient dynamics in forests of Pinus and Eucalyptus species, highlighting the sensitivity of these systems to current climatic extremes. We emphasize that most research has been conducted predominantly in natural forests and plantations of Pinus (77%), with an increasing trend of studies on Pinus in natural environments and Eucalyptus in planted forests. Noteworthy, soil sampling in these studies has been primarily concentrated on the upper 30 cm of soil, where nutrient interactions are most pronounced. The relationship between litter and plant organ nutrients as well as soil fertility has been a significant focus of these studies, along with the role of nitrogen and carbon in response to global change. Also, we noticed the importance of research on water availability in the broader context of nutrient cycling. Our review underscores the necessity for continued research in this field, particularly to support informed management and adaptation strategies for both plantations and natural forests in the face of environmental change

A new global array of optical telescopes: The falcon telescope network

We present a new global array of small aperture optical telescopes designed to study artificial satellites and the nearby universe: the Falcon Telescope Network (FTN). Developed by the Center for Space Situational Awareness Research in the Department of Physics at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA), the FTN is composed of 12 observatories in the United States, Chile, Germany, and Australia, with a potential site in South Africa. The observatory sites were strategically selected with the main objective that once in operation, the telescopes will be capable of working together to perform simultaneous and/or continuous observations of a single object in the sky. This capability allows the observation of artificial satellites from different baselines in a wide range of orbits, continuous data acquisition of variable astronomical sources, and rapid response observations of transient phenomena that require almost immediate follow-up (gamma-ray bursts, novae, or supernovae, etc.). Consisting of commercially available equipment, each observatory is equipped with a 0.5 m primary mirror telescope, a CCD camera, photometric filters, including a special filter to detect exoplanets, and a diffraction grating. The FTN is designed for remote and robotic operation with a host of automation software and services housed on the site computers and at USAFA. FTN partners will have access to a web-based interface where both the observation application as well as the raw data obtained by any of the Falcon nodes will be available. The FTN is a collaborative effort between the USAFA and educational or research institutions on four continents, demonstrating that, through the cooperation of multiple institutions of different levels and capabilities, high-level scientific and educational programs can be carried out, regardless of the geographic location of the various network members