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Livestock production in drylands requires consideration of the ecological applications of ecohydrological redistribution of water. Intensive cattle trampling and the associated increase of surface runoff are common concerns for rangeland productivity and sustainability. Here, we highlight a regional livestock production system in which cattle trails and trampling surrounding an artificial impoundment are purposely managed to enhance redistribution and availability of water for cattle drinking. Based on literature synthesis and field measurements, we first describe cattle production systems and surface water redistribution in the Dry Chaco rangelands of South America, and then develop a conceptual framework to synthesize the ecohydrological impacts of livestock production on these ecosystems. Critical to this framework is the pioshere-a degraded overgrazed and overtrampled area where vegetation has difficulties growing, usually close to the water points. The Dry Chaco rangelands have three key distinctive characteristics associated with the flat sedimentary environment lacking fresh groundwater and the very extensive ranching conditions: (1) cattle drinking water is provided by artificial impoundments filled by runoff, (2) heavy trampling around the impoundment and its adjacent areas generates a piosphere that favors runoff toward the impoundment, and (3) the impoundment, piosphere, and extensive forage areas are hydrologically connected with a network of cattle trails. We propose an ecohydrological framework where cattle transit and trampling alter the natural water circulation of these ecosystems, affecting small fractions of the landscape through increased runoff (compaction in piosphere and trails), surface connectivity (convergence of trails to piosphere to impoundment), and ponding (compaction of the impoundment floor) that operate together making water harvesting and storage possible. These effects have likely generated a positive water feedback on the expansion of livestock in the region with a relatively low impact on forage production. We highlight the role of livestock transit as a geomorphological agent capable of reshaping the hydrology of flat sedimentary rangelands in ways that can be managed positively for sustainable ranching systems. We suggest that the Dry Chaco offers an alternative paradigm for rangelands in which cattle trampling may contribute to sustainable seminatural production systems with implications for other dry and flat rangelands of the world.

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Soil desertification has a significant social, economic, and environmental impact worldwide. Mycorrhizal diversity remains poorly understood in semiarid regions impacted by desertification, especially in Brazilian drylands. More importantly, positive impacts of grazing exclusion on mycorrhizal communities are still incipient. Here, we hypothesized that overgrazing changes the structure of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) community compared to native areas and, grazing exclusion is effective to restore the AMF community. Thus, we analyzed the status of AMF community in soils under desertification (overgrazing) and restoration (twenty-years of grazing exclusion) in the Brazilian semiarid. AMF-spores were extracted via humid decantation methodology, morphologically classified, and alpha diversity metrics were calculated. Soil samples were chemically, and physically characterized and multivariate statistical analyses were applied to verify the impact of soil degradation and restoration on AMF-community. Briefly, native, and restored areas presented higher contents of organic matter, phosphorus, microbial carbon, and ß-glucosidase activity. However, degraded soil showed higher Al3+, Na+, and bulk soil density values. The abundance of AMF spores was higher in restored soil, followed by degraded and native vegetation, and Shannon's diversity index was significantly higher in restored soils, followed by native vegetation. AMF-spores were classified into four families (Gigasporaceae > Acaulosporaceae > Glomeraceae > Ambisporaceae). Ambisporaceae was closed correlated with degraded soil, mainly with Al3+, Na+, and bulk soil density properties. On the other hand, Acaulosporaceae and Glomeraceae were positively correlated with native vegetation and restored soil, respectively, thereby improving Shannon index, richness, enzyme activity, and soil respiration. Thus, grazing exclusion, in long term, can be a good strategy to restore AMF-diversity in soils in the Brazilian semiarid.

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The land provides vital resources to support life on Earth. Land ecosystems services have social, cultural, and spiritual benefits and promote human health and well-being. However, human activities, particularly ongoing unsustainable land practices, are negatively impacting ecosystems through desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD). This article highlights the pressures and impacts of DLDD on human health through exposure pathways, including water security and safety; sanitation and hygiene; food security and safety; air quality; and soil quality. We describe the impacts on 19 health outcomes in three groups: non-communicable diseases; injuries; and infections, parasitic and nutritional diseases. The magnitude of these health impacts is mediated by social, economic, and health system-related factors. We propose actions for the health sector to respond to the DLDD challenges.

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RESUMEN Relacionar temas, como el cambio climático y la degradación de tierras, es cada vez más relevante, pero ello requiere combinar el tamaño de las escalas espaciales y temporales, con la realidad local. Este estudio plantea y aplica pautas metodológicas para relacionar la planeación territorial con el proceso de desertificación, en el ámbito regional-local. Su aplicación, se realizó en una cuenca de Colombia, en escalas regional local y su metodología, se desarrolló en cinco fases, desde la identificación cartográfica del proceso, hasta las posibilidades de acción local para enfrentarlo, con énfasis en los instrumentos de desarrollo territorial. Por un lado, los resultados arrojan la cartografía específica sobre el proceso de desertificación, en escala regional y local y, por el otro, la identificación de restricciones para el desarrollo territorial. A pesar del gris panorama que se evidenció, también se captó una luz de esperanza para la planificación gradual, que permita la prevención y el manejo del proceso de desertificación, frente a lo cual, se recomienda aplicar la metodología a escala regional-local e incluir técnicas prospectivas en escenarios concertados con las comunidades.

ABSTRACT Relating issues such as climate change and land degradation is increasingly relevant, but this requires combining the size of spatial and temporal scales with local reality. This study raises and applies methodological guidelines to relate territorial planning to the desertification process at the regional-local level. Its application was carried out in a basin of Colombia at local regional scales and its methodology is developed in five phases, from the cartographic identification of the process, to the possibilities of local action to address it, with emphasis on territorial development instruments. On the one hand, the results show the specific mapping of the desertification process at regional and local level, and on the other hand, the identification of restrictions for territorial development. Despite the gray outlook that was evident, a light of hope was also captured for the gradual planning that allows the prevention and management of the desertification process, that is why it is recommended to apply the methodology at regional-local level and include prospective techniques in scenarios arranged with the communities.

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Despite the growing progress in the construction of underground dams, there are few studies to evaluate and monitor these reservoirs after their construction. Thus, a research study was carried out to evaluate the water table level in alluvial aquifers and water salinity in four underground dams selected in the Cobras river basin, Parelhas municipality, Rio Grande do Norte. Water level variation was monitored using the traditional method and the Ground Penetrating Radar with generation of 3D virtual models. Water samples were collected between the months of December 2010 and December 2011 for electrical conductivity analysis. The results indicate that the accumulation of groundwater and salinity (expressed by electrical conductivity) in the reservoirs were affected by the spatial position within the hydrographic basin (limited occurrence of alluvial aquifer recharge area in headwater sectors) and the presence of surface reservoirs (upstream dams), which promote a more continuous recharge, greater renovation, and reduction of the salinity of the waters of the alluvial aquifer downstream.

Apesar do crescente avanço na construção de barragens subterrâneas, há poucos estudos de avaliação e monitoramento das barragens subterrâneas após a sua construção. Assim, foi realizada uma pesquisa com o objetivo de avaliar a salinidade da água e a variação do nível freático em aquífero aluvial em quatro barragens subterrâneas selecionadas na microbacia do rio das Cobras, município de Parelhas, RioGrande do Norte. As amostras de água foram coletadas entre os meses de dezembro de 2010 a dezembro de 2011 para análise da condutividade elétrica. A variação do nível da água foi monitorada utilizando método tradicional e o Ground Penetrating Radar com geração de modelos virtuais 3D. Os resultados indicam que a acumulação da água subterrânea e a sua salinidade (expressa pela condutividade elétrica) nos reservatórios foram afetadas pela posição espacial dentro da bacia hidrográfica (ocorrência limitada de área de recarga do aquífero aluvial em setores de cabeceiras do rio) e pela presença de reservatórios superficiais (açudes à montante), os quais promovem uma recarga mais contínua, maior renovação, e redução da salinidade das águas do aquífero aluvial à jusante.

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OBJECTIVES: Desertification affected more than 24% of Colombia's land mass in 2012. The study aims to establish the singular impact of desertification on under-five mortality in Colombia. METHODS: Descriptive statistics and multivariate logit regressions are applied to the population of live births and under-five deaths in Colombia 2008-2011. RESULTS: Children have a higher probability to die in rural communities and among mothers with low education who also have inferior health insurance. Controlling for those, desertification below about 50% of the land, lowers child mortality and increases it after that percentage. The impact of extraction of hydrocarbons is 12.45, metals 5.73 and others 4.91 times higher in municipalities with more than 50% of desertification territory. Rural areas with high desertification have 2.25 times higher risk of mortality due to malnutrition. CONCLUSIONS: In the short term, when mines have less or no effect on desertification, living conditions may improve and reduce child mortality. In the long term, however, as desertification intensifies affecting the ecosystem, child mortality increases. More research is needed, and policy formulated accordingly.

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ABSTRACT: Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been attracted more scientific attentions due to its critical role in enhancement of drought tolerance of plants for growth and vegetation restoration in karst fragile ecosystem. However, scientists know little about the AMF composition and diversity occurring in root systems of mulberry (Morus sp.), and in karst habitats which return land use from mulberry forestry, as well as the effects of soil environment change on the diversity of the AMF communities. To understand: (1) the AMF community composition and diversity at different stage of returning cropland to forest; and (2) the effects of soil environment change on the diversity of the AMF communities, soil and mulberry root samples were collected from Bijie and Libo sites, China, which experienced one and ten years, respectively, after returning croplands to forest. With the high throughput 454-sequencing technology, 8 known genera including 83 virtual species were distinguished and the genera Glomus, Paraglomus, Archaeospora and Diversispora were found to be dominant in soil and root sample. Compared to the samples in Libo, the genera Glomus, Paraglomus, Acaulospora and Claroideoglomus in root samples at Bijie site had a relatively abundance of species indicating that the returning cropland to forest is benefit to the AMF diversity and abundance, which was attribute to the variation of soil physiochemical properties. This conclusion is of great significance for guiding the return of farmland to forests.

RESUMO: Fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMA) tem atraído atenções de cientistas devido ao seu papel fundamental no crescimento e na restauração da vegetação de ecossistemas frágeis. No entanto, o conhecimento da composição e da diversidade da FMA em habitats cársticos e que retornem da agricultura para a silvicultura é limitado. Para entender: (1) a composição da Comunidade FMA e diversidade em fase diferente de retornar cultivo para a floresta; e (2) os efeitos da mudança do ambiente do solo sobre a diversidade das comunidades FMA, mostras de solo e de raiz de amoreira (Morus sp.) foram coletadas em Bijie e Libo, China, após um e dez anos de retorno ao cultivo dessa espécie, respectivamente, em sequência ao cultivo agrícola. Utilizando análise molecular e sequenciamento genético, constatou-se oito gêneros conhecidos e a distincão de oitenta e três espécies de FMA. Os gêneros Glomus, Paraglomus, Archaeospora e Diversispora foram dominantes, em solo e raízes. Em comparação as amostras de Libo, os gêneros Glomus, Paraglomus, Acaulospora e Claroideoglomus foram relativamente abundante nas raízes coletadas em Bijie, indicando que o retorno de uma área agrícola para o cultivo de amoreira é benéfico para a diversidade dos FMA, o que é atribuído as propriedades físico-químicas do solo. Essa conclusão é de grande importância para avaliar os efeitos do tipo de uso agrícola na microbiologia do solo.

RESUMO

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been attracted more scientific attentions due to its critical role in enhancement of drought tolerance of plants for growth and vegetation restoration in karst fragile ecosystem. However, scientists know little about the AMF composition and diversity occurring in root systems of mulberry (Morus sp.), and in karst habitats which return land use from mulberry forestry, as well as the effects of soil environment change on the diversity of the AMF communities. To understand: (1) the AMF community composition and diversity at different stage of returning cropland to forest; and (2) the effects of soil environment change on the diversity of the AMF communities, soil and mulberry root samples were collected from Bijie and Libo sites, China, which experienced one and ten years, respectively, after returning croplands to forest. With the high throughput 454-sequencing technology, 8 known genera including 83 virtual species were distinguished and the genera Glomus, Paraglomus, Archaeospora and Diversispora were found to be dominant in soil and root sample. Compared to the samples in Libo, the genera Glomus, Paraglomus, Acaulospora and Claroideoglomus in root samples at Bijie site had a relatively abundance of species indicating that the returning cropland to forest is benefit to the AMF diversity and abundance, which was attribute to the variation of soil physiochemical properties. This conclusion is of great significance for guiding the return of farmland to forests.(AU)

Fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMA) tem atraído atenções de cientistas devido ao seu papel fundamental no crescimento e na restauração da vegetação de ecossistemas frágeis. No entanto, o conhecimento da composição e da diversidade da FMA em habitats cársticos e que retornem da agricultura para a silvicultura é limitado. Para entender: (1) a composição da Comunidade FMA e diversidade em fase diferente de retornar cultivo para a floresta; e (2) os efeitos da mudança do ambiente do solo sobre a diversidade das comunidades FMA, mostras de solo e de raiz de amoreira (Morus sp.) foram coletadas em Bijie e Libo, China, após um e dez anos de retorno ao cultivo dessa espécie, respectivamente, em sequência ao cultivo agrícola. Utilizando análise molecular e sequenciamento genético, constatou-se oito gêneros conhecidos e a distincão de oitenta e três espécies de FMA. Os gêneros Glomus, Paraglomus, Archaeospora e Diversispora foram dominantes, em solo e raízes. Em comparação as amostras de Libo, os gêneros Glomus, Paraglomus, Acaulospora e Claroideoglomus foram relativamente abundante nas raízes coletadas em Bijie, indicando que o retorno de uma área agrícola para o cultivo de amoreira é benéfico para a diversidade dos FMA, o que é atribuído as propriedades físico-químicas do solo. Essa conclusão é de grande importância para avaliar os efeitos do tipo de uso agrícola na microbiologia do solo.(AU)

RESUMO

Jojoba is considered a promising oil crop and is cultivated for diverse purposes in many countries. The jojoba seed produces unique high-quality oil with a wide range of applications such as medical and industrial-related products. The plant also has potential value in combatting desertification and land degradation in dry and semi-dry areas. Although the plant is known for its high-temperature and high-salinity tolerance growth ability, issues such as its male-biased ratio, relatively late flowering and seed production time hamper the cultivation of this plant. The development of efficient biotechnological platforms for better cultivation and an improved production cycle is a necessity for farmers cultivating the plant. In the last 20 years, many efforts have been made for in vitro cultivation of jojoba by applying different molecular biology techniques. However, there is a lot of work to be done in order to reach satisfactory results that help to overcome cultivation problems. This review presents a historical overview, the medical and industrial importance of the jojoba plant, agronomy aspects and nutrient requirements for the plant's cultivation, and the role of recent biotechnology and molecular biology findings in jojoba research.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate microbial biomass and total organic carbon and nitrogen of an irrigated Quartzarenic Neosol cultivated with two cowpea cultivars in Bom Jesus, Piauí, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in a randomized experimental block design in split plots. The plots consist of two cowpea cultivars (Aracê and Tumucumaque) and the subplots were composed of five different irrigation regimes (L1 = 108.2; L2 = 214.7; L3 = 287.9; L4 = 426.1, and L5 = 527.7 mm). Soil samples were collected at a depth of 0-0.20 m in order to evaluate basal soil respiration, microbial biomass carbon, metabolic quotient, microbial quotient, content, and storage of soil carbon and nitrogen. Basal soil respiration, microbial biomass carbon, microbial metabolic quotient, and microbial quotient are influenced by the interaction between cowpea cultivars and irrigation. The cultivar Aracê showed greater stimulus to the microbial community, while the irrigation regimes with 214.7 and 287.9 mm (60 and 90% of ETo, respectively) provided the best moisture conditions for microbial activities.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a biomassa microbiana e os estoques totais de carbono orgânico e nitrogênio de um Neossolo Flúvico irrigado, cultivado com duas cultivares de feijão-caupi, no município de Bom Jesus, Piauí. O experimento foi instalado em delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso dispostos em parcelas subdivididas, sendo as subparcelas cinco lâminas de irrigação por aspersão (L1=108,2; L2 = 214,7; L3 = 287,9; L4 = 426,1 e L5 = 527,7 mm) e as parcelas duas cultivares de feijão-caupi (Aracê e Tumucumaque). Foram coletas amostras de solo na profundidade de 0-0,20 m para as avaliações da respiração basal do solo, carbono da biomassa microbiana, quociente metabólico, quociente microbiano, teor e estoque de carbono e nitrogênio do solo. A respiração basal do solo, carbono da biomassa microbiana, quociente metabólico e quociente microbiano são influenciados pela interação entre cutivares de feijão-caupi e lâminas de irrigação. A cultivar Aracê apresentou maior estímulo a comunidade microbiana, enquanto as lâminas de irrigação com 214,7 e 287,9 mm (60 e 90% da ETo, respectivamente) proporcionaram as melhores condições de umidade a atividade microbiana.(AU)

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Jojoba is considered a promising oil crop and is cultivated for diverse purposes in many countries. The jojoba seed produces unique high-quality oil with a wide range of applications such as medical and industrial-related products. The plant also has potential value in combatting desertification and land degradation in dry and semi-dry areas. Although the plant is known for its high-temperature and high-salinity tolerance growth ability, issues such as its male-biased ratio, relatively late flowering and seed production time hamper the cultivation of this plant. The development of efficient biotechnological platforms for better cultivation and an improved production cycle is a necessity for farmers cultivating the plant. In the last 20 years, many efforts have been made for in vitro cultivation of jojoba by applying different molecular biology techniques. However, there is a lot of work to be done in order to reach satisfactory results that help to overcome cultivation problems. This review presents a historical overview, the medical and industrial importance of the jojoba plant, agronomy aspects and nutrient requirements for the plant's cultivation, and the role of recent biotechnology and molecular biology findings in jojoba research.

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RESUMO

The aim of this study was to evaluate microbial biomass and total organic carbon and nitrogen of an irrigated Quartzarenic Neosol cultivated with two cowpea cultivars in Bom Jesus, Piauí, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in a randomized experimental block design in split plots. The plots consist of two cowpea cultivars (Aracê and Tumucumaque) and the subplots were composed of five different irrigation regimes (L1 = 108.2; L2 = 214.7; L3 = 287.9; L4 = 426.1, and L5 = 527.7 mm). Soil samples were collected at a depth of 0-0.20 m in order to evaluate basal soil respiration, microbial biomass carbon, metabolic quotient, microbial quotient, content, and storage of soil carbon and nitrogen. Basal soil respiration, microbial biomass carbon, microbial metabolic quotient, and microbial quotient are influenced by the interaction between cowpea cultivars and irrigation. The cultivar Aracê showed greater stimulus to the microbial community, while the irrigation regimes with 214.7 and 287.9 mm (60 and 90% of ETo, respectively) provided the best moisture conditions for microbial activities.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a biomassa microbiana e os estoques totais de carbono orgânico e nitrogênio de um Neossolo Flúvico irrigado, cultivado com duas cultivares de feijão-caupi, no município de Bom Jesus, Piauí. O experimento foi instalado em delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso dispostos em parcelas subdivididas, sendo as subparcelas cinco lâminas de irrigação por aspersão (L1=108,2; L2 = 214,7; L3 = 287,9; L4 = 426,1 e L5 = 527,7 mm) e as parcelas duas cultivares de feijão-caupi (Aracê e Tumucumaque). Foram coletas amostras de solo na profundidade de 0-0,20 m para as avaliações da respiração basal do solo, carbono da biomassa microbiana, quociente metabólico, quociente microbiano, teor e estoque de carbono e nitrogênio do solo. A respiração basal do solo, carbono da biomassa microbiana, quociente metabólico e quociente microbiano são influenciados pela interação entre cutivares de feijão-caupi e lâminas de irrigação. A cultivar Aracê apresentou maior estímulo a comunidade microbiana, enquanto as lâminas de irrigação com 214,7 e 287,9 mm (60 e 90% da ETo, respectivamente) proporcionaram as melhores condições de umidade a atividade microbiana.

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RESUMO

The aim of this study was to evaluate microbial biomass and total organic carbon and nitrogen of an irrigated Quartzarenic Neosol cultivated with two cowpea cultivars in Bom Jesus, Piauí, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in a randomized experimental block design in split plots. The plots consist of two cowpea cultivars (Aracê and Tumucumaque) and the subplots were composed of five different irrigation regimes (L1 = 108.2; L2 = 214.7; L3 = 287.9; L4 = 426.1, and L5 = 527.7 mm). Soil samples were collected at a depth of 0-0.20 m in order to evaluate basal soil respiration, microbial biomass carbon, metabolic quotient, microbial quotient, content, and storage of soil carbon and nitrogen. Basal soil respiration, microbial biomass carbon, microbial metabolic quotient, and microbial quotient are influenced by the interaction between cowpea cultivars and irrigation. The cultivar Aracê showed greater stimulus to the microbial community, while the irrigation regimes with 214.7 and 287.9 mm (60 and 90% of ETo, respectively) provided the best moisture conditions for microbial activities.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a biomassa microbiana e os estoques totais de carbono orgânico e nitrogênio de um Neossolo Flúvico irrigado, cultivado com duas cultivares de feijão-caupi, no município de Bom Jesus, Piauí. O experimento foi instalado em delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso dispostos em parcelas subdivididas, sendo as subparcelas cinco lâminas de irrigação por aspersão (L1=108,2; L2 = 214,7; L3 = 287,9; L4 = 426,1 e L5 = 527,7 mm) e as parcelas duas cultivares de feijão-caupi (Aracê e Tumucumaque). Foram coletas amostras de solo na profundidade de 0-0,20 m para as avaliações da respiração basal do solo, carbono da biomassa microbiana, quociente metabólico, quociente microbiano, teor e estoque de carbono e nitrogênio do solo. A respiração basal do solo, carbono da biomassa microbiana, quociente metabólico e quociente microbiano são influenciados pela interação entre cutivares de feijão-caupi e lâminas de irrigação. A cultivar Aracê apresentou maior estímulo a comunidade microbiana, enquanto as lâminas de irrigação com 214,7 e 287,9 mm (60 e 90% da ETo, respectivamente) proporcionaram as melhores condições de umidade a atividade microbiana.

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Los bosques secos tropicales son considerados como ecosistemas amenazados en Colombia, porque están localizados en áreas con actividades humanas intensivas. Sin embargo, los efectos de la pérdida de hábitat sobre la distribución y abundancia de murciélagos en esta región es poco conocida. En este estudio se analizó la riqueza de especies, composición y abundancia relativa de los murciélagos en tres tipos de vegetación con diferente grado de intervención en el Bosque Seco Tropical de Nariño (Mesi: Matorral espinoso seco intervenido, Mesc: Matorral espinoso seco conservado, Bsi: Bosque semideciduo intervenido), Colombia. Para ello se capturaron ejemplares con 10 redes de neblina durante ocho noches en cada tipo de vegetación, para un total de 24 noches. Se registraron nueve especies a partir de la captura de 60 ejemplares. El Mesc (6 especies) presentó la mayor riqueza, mientras que Mesi presentó la menor riqueza de especies (4 especies), lo cual puede estar relacionado con el grado de perturbación de la zona. El índice de Sorensen (0,33-0,38) indicó que las tres poblaciones podrían representar un solo ensamblaje. Las especies de mayor abundancia fueron Artibeus lituratus (Mesi), A. planirostris (Bsi) y Carollia perspicillata (Mesc), las cuales se han relacionado con vegetación que presentan algún grado de intervención o en regeneración. Criterios como la baja riqueza de especies, la dominancia de las tres especies mencionadas y la presencia de Desmodus rotundus sugieren que el grado de intervención es similar en los tres tipos de vegetación. Por lo tanto es necesario establecer programas de conservación de murciélagos y proyectos de restauración en el área.

Tropical dry forests are considered as threatened ecosystems in Colombia, because they are located in areas with intensive human activities. However, the effects of habitat loss on the distribution and abundance of bats in this region are little known. The purpose of this study was to analyze species richness, composition and relative abundance of bats in three vegetation types with different degrees of intervention in the Tropical Dry Forest of Nariño (Mesi: Intervened dry thorn scrub, Mesc: Preserve dry thorn scrub, Bsi: Intervened semideciduous tropical forest), Colombia. We captured bats using 10 mist nets over 24 nights (eight nights in each vegetation type). Nine species were recorded from the capture of 60 specimens. The Mesc had the higher richness (6 species), while the Mesi had the lower richness (4 species). This is probably related with the high degree of human disturbance in the area. Sorensen index (0.33-0.38) indicated that the three populations represent the same community. A. lituratus (Dtsi), A. planirostris (Tsfi) and C. perspicillata (Dtsp) showed the lower abundance, this condition has been associated with forest in process of regeneration or forest with human intervention. Although the best preserved area is the Mesc, criteria as the low species richness, dominance of the three bat species and the presence of Desmodus rotundus suggest that the degree of human intervention is similar in the three types of vegetation. Therefore it is necessary to establish bat conservation programs and restoration projects in the area.

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Phytomass is a critical information for economic and environmental activities like the establishment of policies for timber resources, forest management, studies of plant nutrient cycling, CO2 sink, among other. The phytomass of a Caatinga area was obtained by an empirical method using normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) of Landsat images, the plant area index (PAI) and the phytomass inventory. At a first stage, linear, logarithmic and non-linear models were developed and tested. Bush and tree specimens were considered in the study, so that most of the individuals that contribute to the spectral answer detected by satellite images were included. At a second stage, the orbital parameter NDVI was used to map the PAI, which was used to map the phytomass, based on the relationship of this phytomass as a function of PAI. The residues between measurements and estimates based on NDVI varied from 0 to 84%, while the residues of total dry weight of phytomass per ha obtained by mapping and by dendrometrical equations varied from 5 to 104%, with a large trend of 166 and 448% in open Caatinga areas, due to the contribution of the herbaceous stratum to NDVI.

A fitomassa, principalmente arbórea, é informação necessária em atividades econômicas e ambientais, como políticas de uso do recurso madeireiro, manejo florestal, estudos de ciclagem de nutrientes, absorção de CO2, entre outros. A finalidade deste estudo foi a verificação de um método empírico para o mapeamento da fitomassa da Caatinga do Seridó, integrando-se um inventário de fitomassa, o índice de área de planta (IAP) e o índice de vegetação da diferença normalizada (NDVI), por meio de imagens Landsat TM. Na primeira etapa foram desenvolvidos e testados modelos lineares, logarítmicos e não lineares. A abordagem de tamanho foi arbustiva e arbórea, incluindo-se a maior parte dos indivíduos que contribuem na resposta espectral mensurada por imagens de satélite. Em uma segunda etapa utilizamos o parâmetro orbital, NDVI, para o mapeamento do IAP, que por sua vez, foi utilizado para mapear a fitomassa. Os desvios entre mensurações de IAP e estimativas a partir do NDVI, variaram de 0 a 84%, enquanto que os desvios entre Peso Seco Total de Fitomassa por ha obtidos pelo mapeamento e por equações dendrométricas, variaram de 5 a 104%, com grandes tendências de 166 e 448% para áreas de caatinga aberta, provocada pela contribuição do estrato herbáceo no NDVI.

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Phytomass is a critical information for economic and environmental activities like the establishment of policies for timber resources, forest management, studies of plant nutrient cycling, CO2 sink, among other. The phytomass of a Caatinga area was obtained by an empirical method using normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) of Landsat images, the plant area index (PAI) and the phytomass inventory. At a first stage, linear, logarithmic and non-linear models were developed and tested. Bush and tree specimens were considered in the study, so that most of the individuals that contribute to the spectral answer detected by satellite images were included. At a second stage, the orbital parameter NDVI was used to map the PAI, which was used to map the phytomass, based on the relationship of this phytomass as a function of PAI. The residues between measurements and estimates based on NDVI varied from 0 to 84%, while the residues of total dry weight of phytomass per ha obtained by mapping and by dendrometrical equations varied from 5 to 104%, with a large trend of 166 and 448% in open Caatinga areas, due to the contribution of the herbaceous stratum to NDVI.

A fitomassa, principalmente arbórea, é informação necessária em atividades econômicas e ambientais, como políticas de uso do recurso madeireiro, manejo florestal, estudos de ciclagem de nutrientes, absorção de CO2, entre outros. A finalidade deste estudo foi a verificação de um método empírico para o mapeamento da fitomassa da Caatinga do Seridó, integrando-se um inventário de fitomassa, o índice de área de planta (IAP) e o índice de vegetação da diferença normalizada (NDVI), por meio de imagens Landsat TM. Na primeira etapa foram desenvolvidos e testados modelos lineares, logarítmicos e não lineares. A abordagem de tamanho foi arbustiva e arbórea, incluindo-se a maior parte dos indivíduos que contribuem na resposta espectral mensurada por imagens de satélite. Em uma segunda etapa utilizamos o parâmetro orbital, NDVI, para o mapeamento do IAP, que por sua vez, foi utilizado para mapear a fitomassa. Os desvios entre mensurações de IAP e estimativas a partir do NDVI, variaram de 0 a 84%, enquanto que os desvios entre Peso Seco Total de Fitomassa por ha obtidos pelo mapeamento e por equações dendrométricas, variaram de 5 a 104%, com grandes tendências de 166 e 448% para áreas de caatinga aberta, provocada pela contribuição do estrato herbáceo no NDVI.

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PIP: Only 2% of Haiti is forest land, a country formerly densely covered by trees. With 66% of farmland sloping more than 20 degrees and population density at more than 270 individuals per square kilometer, erosion is severe. Since 1950, the amount of arable land has decreased by 40% and per capita grain production has been halved. Moreover, repression and the gross maldistribution of land such that 4% of the farmers own more than 50% of the land have not helped make survival a viable option for most Haitians. Accordingly, more than 1.3 million Haitians, or 20% of the population, have left their homelands, many for other Caribbean destinations, and some 180,000 for the US and Canada. Others have moved to the country's urban slums. The author presents the stories of some of these migrants.^ieng

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PIP: Mexico and the US share a long border as well as strong cultural and economic ties. Mexico bought $25 billion worth of American goods in 1989. 1 million workers enter the labor market in Mexico every year. Mexico City is heavily polluted, 40% of the rural population is malnourished, and deforestation and desertification further damage the environment. Mexican real wages dropped 25% in the 1980s as oil prices declined. Egypt's arable land area is only 4% of the total, water supplies are scarce, but its human resources are abundant. 3 million Egyptians work overseas. The runaway population growth means that at the current rate it will double by 2012 from 50 million in 1990 threatening the stability of the country. Food production is off because of salinization caused by the Aswan Dam. Kenya has weathered droughts in the 1980s without major upheavals, but the softening of world coffee and tea prices, fears of European tourists, and more expensive imported oil have weakened the economy. The population doubled from 8 million in 1960 to 16 million in 1980 with a fertility rate of 8 children/woman. The prospect is 40 million by 2000 and 80 million by 2020. Deforestation caused by fuelwood needs has increased erosion resulting in reduced agricultural productivity. Agroforestry training and more energy efficiency are required, and water supplies are also insufficient. The Philippines uplands have experienced environmental degradation caused by population pressure: increase from 19 million in 1948 to 63 million in 1988. Since ownership of good cropland is concentrated in a few wealthy families landless people clear forests for cultivation leading to erosion. Logging also contributes to deforestation, but environmental destruction is not among government priorities.^ieng

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PIP: This Brazilian Act defines a forest fire as the uncontrolled burning of any vegetation. It prohibits the use of uncontrolled burning in forests and other forms of vegetation as well as any act or omission that may cause a forest fire. It authorizes the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources to establish conditions for the use of fires in controlled situations and provides that the prevention of fires is to be promoted by means of the National System for the Prevention and Combat of Forest Fires.^ieng

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