Finding a place for organic waste-to-energy in Australian agribusiness
- Authors: Hurley, Craig
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This thesis seeks to understand Australian agribusiness engagement with approaches to generate energy from organic waste materials. Applications of modern bioenergy technologies, utilising agriculture residues to produce electrical, thermal and transport energy, have been well established in many parts of the world. There has been enthusiasm for bioenergy from agriculture to make a substantial contribution to Australia’s energy mix, but the agriculture sector, like Australia more generally, has been slow to transition to bioenergy technologies. Adopting the pragmatism research philosophy, this study applies the Multi-Level Perspective and Social Practice Approach frameworks to explore Australian agribusiness engagement with bioenergy systems, to produce energy from organic waste. A multi-methods qualitative research methodology is used to analyse the adoption of organic waste-to-energy approaches by Australian agribusiness, and to identify the critical drivers and barriers impacting these transitions. Except for sugar processors, Australian agribusiness adoption of organic waste-to-energy approaches is in its very early stages. The main drivers prompting agribusinesses to explore their organic waste-to-energy options are, agribusinesses experiencing problems with the cost and/or quality of their energy supplies, and/or problems with the social acceptance of their existing organic waste management practices. The main barriers to agribusinesses making the transition to bioenergy technologies, include financial factors such as the high capital costs of bioenergy plants and low returns on investment. Other barriers include a low level of awareness and understanding of bioenergy approaches in the agriculture industry, and in Australia more broadly, and a lack of consultative expertise to develop and service bioenergy systems. For organic waste-to-energy to play a more substantial role in Australian agriculture, support is needed to overcome critical barriers. This study finds policy and support mechanisms are required to encourage greater collaboration of small-scale agribusinesses and other relevant stakeholders. Investment is also needed to increase Australia’s awareness and understanding of organic waste-to-energy approaches, and to build the consultative expertise and skills-base to support the development of bioenergy systems.
- Description: Doctor of Philiosophy
- Authors: Hurley, Craig
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: This thesis seeks to understand Australian agribusiness engagement with approaches to generate energy from organic waste materials. Applications of modern bioenergy technologies, utilising agriculture residues to produce electrical, thermal and transport energy, have been well established in many parts of the world. There has been enthusiasm for bioenergy from agriculture to make a substantial contribution to Australia’s energy mix, but the agriculture sector, like Australia more generally, has been slow to transition to bioenergy technologies. Adopting the pragmatism research philosophy, this study applies the Multi-Level Perspective and Social Practice Approach frameworks to explore Australian agribusiness engagement with bioenergy systems, to produce energy from organic waste. A multi-methods qualitative research methodology is used to analyse the adoption of organic waste-to-energy approaches by Australian agribusiness, and to identify the critical drivers and barriers impacting these transitions. Except for sugar processors, Australian agribusiness adoption of organic waste-to-energy approaches is in its very early stages. The main drivers prompting agribusinesses to explore their organic waste-to-energy options are, agribusinesses experiencing problems with the cost and/or quality of their energy supplies, and/or problems with the social acceptance of their existing organic waste management practices. The main barriers to agribusinesses making the transition to bioenergy technologies, include financial factors such as the high capital costs of bioenergy plants and low returns on investment. Other barriers include a low level of awareness and understanding of bioenergy approaches in the agriculture industry, and in Australia more broadly, and a lack of consultative expertise to develop and service bioenergy systems. For organic waste-to-energy to play a more substantial role in Australian agriculture, support is needed to overcome critical barriers. This study finds policy and support mechanisms are required to encourage greater collaboration of small-scale agribusinesses and other relevant stakeholders. Investment is also needed to increase Australia’s awareness and understanding of organic waste-to-energy approaches, and to build the consultative expertise and skills-base to support the development of bioenergy systems.
- Description: Doctor of Philiosophy
Long-term analysis of soil water regime and nitrate dynamics at agricultural experimental site : field-scale monitoring and numerical modeling using HYDRUS-1D
- Krevh, Vedran, Filipović, Lana, Petošić, Dragutin, Mustać, Ivica, Bogunović, Igor, Butorac, Jaminka, Kisić, Ivica, Defterdarović, Jasmina, Nakić, Zoran, Kovač, Zoran, Pereira, Paulo, He, Hailong, Chen, Rui, Toor, Gurpal, Versini, Antoine, Baumgartl, Thomas, Filipović, Vilim
- Authors: Krevh, Vedran , Filipović, Lana , Petošić, Dragutin , Mustać, Ivica , Bogunović, Igor , Butorac, Jaminka , Kisić, Ivica , Defterdarović, Jasmina , Nakić, Zoran , Kovač, Zoran , Pereira, Paulo , He, Hailong , Chen, Rui , Toor, Gurpal , Versini, Antoine , Baumgartl, Thomas , Filipović, Vilim
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Agricultural Water Management Vol. 275, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Intensive agricultural practices increase agrochemical pollution, particularly nitrogen (N) based fertilizers, which present an environmental risk. This study aims to evaluate long-term (2009–2020) data on soil water regime and nitrate dynamics at an agricultural experimental site on fine-textured soils and to better understand the implications of N management in relation to groundwater pollution. The field site is located in the Biđ field (eastern Croatia), in the proximity of the Sava river. Zero-tension lysimeters were installed at six selected locations. Lysimeters were used to monitor the water regime, i.e., outflows in which nitrate concentration was measured, while additional soil-water samples were collected via 4 and 15-meter-deep monitoring wells. Soil hydraulic parameters were estimated by combining the laboratory measurements, and estimation in RETC software. Water regime and nitrate leaching in lysimeters were simulated using HYDRUS-1D for each year to allow crop rotation and to evaluate their effects individually. The HYDRUS-1D model successfully reproduced lysimeter outflows and nitrate dynamics, which was confirmed with high R2 values (water: 93% above 0.7, and nitrate: 73% above 0.7) indicating the good performance of the model simulating nitrification chain reactions. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to identify the relationships among all soil properties and environmental characteristics. The results showed the complex interaction of soil hydraulic properties, precipitation patterns, plant uptake, and N application. All locations have a decreasing trend of nitrate leaching over the investigation period. Most of the lysimeter outflows and elevated nitrate concentrations were connected to the wet period of the year when the soil was saturated, and evapotranspiration was low. The results of this study show that it is important to optimize N fertilizer applications for each particular environmental condition to reduce nitrate loss. The study indicates the importance of long-term field studies, key for agro-hydrological modeling and the improvement of agricultural practices. © 2022 The Authors
- Authors: Krevh, Vedran , Filipović, Lana , Petošić, Dragutin , Mustać, Ivica , Bogunović, Igor , Butorac, Jaminka , Kisić, Ivica , Defterdarović, Jasmina , Nakić, Zoran , Kovač, Zoran , Pereira, Paulo , He, Hailong , Chen, Rui , Toor, Gurpal , Versini, Antoine , Baumgartl, Thomas , Filipović, Vilim
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Agricultural Water Management Vol. 275, no. (2023), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Intensive agricultural practices increase agrochemical pollution, particularly nitrogen (N) based fertilizers, which present an environmental risk. This study aims to evaluate long-term (2009–2020) data on soil water regime and nitrate dynamics at an agricultural experimental site on fine-textured soils and to better understand the implications of N management in relation to groundwater pollution. The field site is located in the Biđ field (eastern Croatia), in the proximity of the Sava river. Zero-tension lysimeters were installed at six selected locations. Lysimeters were used to monitor the water regime, i.e., outflows in which nitrate concentration was measured, while additional soil-water samples were collected via 4 and 15-meter-deep monitoring wells. Soil hydraulic parameters were estimated by combining the laboratory measurements, and estimation in RETC software. Water regime and nitrate leaching in lysimeters were simulated using HYDRUS-1D for each year to allow crop rotation and to evaluate their effects individually. The HYDRUS-1D model successfully reproduced lysimeter outflows and nitrate dynamics, which was confirmed with high R2 values (water: 93% above 0.7, and nitrate: 73% above 0.7) indicating the good performance of the model simulating nitrification chain reactions. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to identify the relationships among all soil properties and environmental characteristics. The results showed the complex interaction of soil hydraulic properties, precipitation patterns, plant uptake, and N application. All locations have a decreasing trend of nitrate leaching over the investigation period. Most of the lysimeter outflows and elevated nitrate concentrations were connected to the wet period of the year when the soil was saturated, and evapotranspiration was low. The results of this study show that it is important to optimize N fertilizer applications for each particular environmental condition to reduce nitrate loss. The study indicates the importance of long-term field studies, key for agro-hydrological modeling and the improvement of agricultural practices. © 2022 The Authors
- Dugan, Ivan, Pereira, Paulo, Barcelo, Damia, Telak, Leon Josip, Filipovic, Vilim, Filipovic, Lana, Kisic, Ivica, Bogunovic, Igor
- Authors: Dugan, Ivan , Pereira, Paulo , Barcelo, Damia , Telak, Leon Josip , Filipovic, Vilim , Filipovic, Lana , Kisic, Ivica , Bogunovic, Igor
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Science of the Total Environment Vol. 839, no. (2022), p. 156346-156346
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Soil and water conservation practices are key to agroecosystems sustainability and avoiding diffuse pollution. Here, we compare the impacts of different types of mulch, barley straw (Straw), wooden chips (Chip) and tillage (Till) on vegetation mulch cover (VMC) soil properties, bulk density (BD), mean weight diameter (MWD), water stable aggregates (WSA), soil water content (SWC), soil organic matter (SOM), pH and total phosphorous (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb). We also assessed the ponding time (PT), runoff time (RT), runoff, sediment concentration (SC), sediment loss (SL) and chemicals transport (the same studied in soil). A set of rainfall simulation experiments (90 in total) was applied in the different Spring, Summer, and Fall treatments. The results showed that mulch increased VMC in all the seasons, while other properties (BD MWD, WSA SOM, pH) were not affected, especially in Spring. The biggest impact was observed in Fall, especially in the Till plot, due to the tillage practices applied in Summer. Mulch increased PT, RT and reduced runoff, SL and chemicals transport. Chemical losses were very much associated with SL, and the concentration of P and metals in soil depended on soil Ca and pH. SWC, MWD and runoff were inversely related to PT, RT and SC. Finally, BD, VMC and SOM were highly associated. Overall, tillage practices dramatically impact SL, and diffuse pollution and urgent measures are needed to reverse this. Mulching is excellent and cost-effective to mitigate the impacts of agriculture on land degradation and diffuse pollution. [Display omitted] •Impacts of season and soil management were studied in a hazelnut orchard.•Season had a strong impact on hydrological response.•Water, sediment and chemicals loss were high in Fall.•Tillage increased the chemicals transport.•Sustainable measures are needed to revert the tillage impact.
Biology, distribution and management of the globally invasive weed Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav (silverleaf nightshade): A global review of current and future management challenges
- Roberts, Jason, Florentine, Singarayer
- Authors: Roberts, Jason , Florentine, Singarayer
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Weed Research Vol. 62, no. 6 (2022), p. 393-403
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav (silverleaf nightshade) is a deep-rooted, multi-stemmed, perennial, herbaceous woody plant that has been observed to threaten agricultural and native biodiversity worldwide. It is widely agreed that without efficient integrated management, S. elaeagnifolium will continue to cause significant economic and environmental damage across multiple scales. It is estimated that the annual economic impact of S. elaeagnifolium in Australia exceeds AUD $62 million, with this figure likely to be much higher in other countries invaded by this plant. It can also tolerate a high level of abiotic stress and survive in a range of temperatures (below freezing point to 34°C) and areas with an average yearly rainfall between 250 and 600 mm. Its extensive deep taproot system is capable of regenerating asexually and with its many seed dispersal mechanisms; it can quickly spread and establish itself within a region. This makes containment and management of the species especially challenging. Previous management has largely been focused on biological control, competition, essential oils, grazing pressure, herbicide application and manual removal. Despite the large range of available management techniques, there has been little success in the long-term control of S. elaeagnifolium, and only a handful of methods such as essential oils and herbicide application have shown reasonable success for controlling this weed. Therefore, this review aims to synthesise the identified and potentially useful approaches to control S. elaeagnifolium that have been recorded in the literature which deal with its biology, distribution and management. It also explores previous and current management techniques to ascertain the research gaps and knowledge required to assist in the effective and economically sustainable management of this invasive weed. © 2022 The Authors. Weed Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Weed Research Society.
- Authors: Roberts, Jason , Florentine, Singarayer
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Weed Research Vol. 62, no. 6 (2022), p. 393-403
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav (silverleaf nightshade) is a deep-rooted, multi-stemmed, perennial, herbaceous woody plant that has been observed to threaten agricultural and native biodiversity worldwide. It is widely agreed that without efficient integrated management, S. elaeagnifolium will continue to cause significant economic and environmental damage across multiple scales. It is estimated that the annual economic impact of S. elaeagnifolium in Australia exceeds AUD $62 million, with this figure likely to be much higher in other countries invaded by this plant. It can also tolerate a high level of abiotic stress and survive in a range of temperatures (below freezing point to 34°C) and areas with an average yearly rainfall between 250 and 600 mm. Its extensive deep taproot system is capable of regenerating asexually and with its many seed dispersal mechanisms; it can quickly spread and establish itself within a region. This makes containment and management of the species especially challenging. Previous management has largely been focused on biological control, competition, essential oils, grazing pressure, herbicide application and manual removal. Despite the large range of available management techniques, there has been little success in the long-term control of S. elaeagnifolium, and only a handful of methods such as essential oils and herbicide application have shown reasonable success for controlling this weed. Therefore, this review aims to synthesise the identified and potentially useful approaches to control S. elaeagnifolium that have been recorded in the literature which deal with its biology, distribution and management. It also explores previous and current management techniques to ascertain the research gaps and knowledge required to assist in the effective and economically sustainable management of this invasive weed. © 2022 The Authors. Weed Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Weed Research Society.
Development and governance of FAIR thresholds for a data federation
- Wong, Megan, Levett, Kerry, Lee, Ashlin, Box, Paul, Simons, Bruce, David, Rakesh, MacLeod, Andrew, Taylor, Nicolas, Schneider, Derek, Thompson, Helen
- Authors: Wong, Megan , Levett, Kerry , Lee, Ashlin , Box, Paul , Simons, Bruce , David, Rakesh , MacLeod, Andrew , Taylor, Nicolas , Schneider, Derek , Thompson, Helen
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Data Science Journal Vol. 21, no. (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, and re-usable) principles and practice recommendations provide high level guidance and recommendations that are not research-domain specific in nature. There remains a gap in practice at the data provider and domain scientist level demonstrating how the FAIR principles can be applied beyond a set of generalist guidelines to meet the needs of a specific domain community. We present our insights developing FAIR thresholds in a domain specific context for self-governance by a community (agricultural research). ‘Minimum thresholds’ for FAIR data are required to align expectations for data delivered from providers’ distributed data stores through a community-governed federation (the Agricultural Research Federation, AgReFed). Data providers were supported to make data holdings more FAIR. There was a range of different FAIR starting points, organisational goals, and end user needs, solutions, and capabilities. This informed the distilling of a set of FAIR criteria ranging from ‘Minimum thresholds’ to ‘Stretch targets’. These were operationalised through consensus into a framework for governance and implementation by the agricultural research domain community. Improving the FAIR maturity of data took resourcing and incentive to do so, highlighting the challenge for data federations to generate value whilst reducing costs of participation. Our experience showed a role for supporting collective advocacy, relationship brokering, tailored support, and low-bar tooling access particularly across the areas of data structure, access and semantics that were challenging to domain researchers. Active democratic participation supported by a governance framework like AgReFed’s will ensure participants have a say in how federations can deliver individual and collective benefits for members. © 2022 The Author(s).
- Authors: Wong, Megan , Levett, Kerry , Lee, Ashlin , Box, Paul , Simons, Bruce , David, Rakesh , MacLeod, Andrew , Taylor, Nicolas , Schneider, Derek , Thompson, Helen
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Data Science Journal Vol. 21, no. (2022), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, and re-usable) principles and practice recommendations provide high level guidance and recommendations that are not research-domain specific in nature. There remains a gap in practice at the data provider and domain scientist level demonstrating how the FAIR principles can be applied beyond a set of generalist guidelines to meet the needs of a specific domain community. We present our insights developing FAIR thresholds in a domain specific context for self-governance by a community (agricultural research). ‘Minimum thresholds’ for FAIR data are required to align expectations for data delivered from providers’ distributed data stores through a community-governed federation (the Agricultural Research Federation, AgReFed). Data providers were supported to make data holdings more FAIR. There was a range of different FAIR starting points, organisational goals, and end user needs, solutions, and capabilities. This informed the distilling of a set of FAIR criteria ranging from ‘Minimum thresholds’ to ‘Stretch targets’. These were operationalised through consensus into a framework for governance and implementation by the agricultural research domain community. Improving the FAIR maturity of data took resourcing and incentive to do so, highlighting the challenge for data federations to generate value whilst reducing costs of participation. Our experience showed a role for supporting collective advocacy, relationship brokering, tailored support, and low-bar tooling access particularly across the areas of data structure, access and semantics that were challenging to domain researchers. Active democratic participation supported by a governance framework like AgReFed’s will ensure participants have a say in how federations can deliver individual and collective benefits for members. © 2022 The Author(s).
Effect of slope position on soil properties and soil moisture regime of Stagnosol in the vineyard
- Magdić, Ivan, Safner, Toni, Rubinić, Vedran, Rutić, Filip, Husnjak, Stjepan, Filipović, Vilim
- Authors: Magdić, Ivan , Safner, Toni , Rubinić, Vedran , Rutić, Filip , Husnjak, Stjepan , Filipović, Vilim
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Hydrology and Hydromechanics Vol. 70, no. 1 (2022), p. 62-73
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Hillslope hydrology in agricultural landscapes is complex due to a variety of hydropedological processes and field management possibilities. The aim was to test if there are any differences in soil properties and water regime along the hillslope and to compare vineyard rows (vine) with inter-rows (grass) area for those properties. The study determined that there are significant differences in the contents of soil particle fractions, pH, and humus content along the slope ( < 0.0001), with lower confidence level in bulk density < 0.05). Differences between row and inter-row space were significant for the pH, humus, and silt content, but for sand and clay content, and bulk density differences were not determined. The study determined differences in soil water content among five slope positions ( < 0.0001), and between row and inter-row vineyard space (all with < 0.05). Where in the upper slope positions (e. g., P1) soil water content was higher than on lower slope positions. Higher soil water content was observed at higher slope positions, associated with clay content. However, it can be concluded that the retention of moisture on the slope is more influenced by local-scale soil properties (primarily soil texture) and variability of the crop (row/inter-row) than the position on the slope.
- Authors: Magdić, Ivan , Safner, Toni , Rubinić, Vedran , Rutić, Filip , Husnjak, Stjepan , Filipović, Vilim
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Hydrology and Hydromechanics Vol. 70, no. 1 (2022), p. 62-73
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Hillslope hydrology in agricultural landscapes is complex due to a variety of hydropedological processes and field management possibilities. The aim was to test if there are any differences in soil properties and water regime along the hillslope and to compare vineyard rows (vine) with inter-rows (grass) area for those properties. The study determined that there are significant differences in the contents of soil particle fractions, pH, and humus content along the slope ( < 0.0001), with lower confidence level in bulk density < 0.05). Differences between row and inter-row space were significant for the pH, humus, and silt content, but for sand and clay content, and bulk density differences were not determined. The study determined differences in soil water content among five slope positions ( < 0.0001), and between row and inter-row vineyard space (all with < 0.05). Where in the upper slope positions (e. g., P1) soil water content was higher than on lower slope positions. Higher soil water content was observed at higher slope positions, associated with clay content. However, it can be concluded that the retention of moisture on the slope is more influenced by local-scale soil properties (primarily soil texture) and variability of the crop (row/inter-row) than the position on the slope.
How bioregional history could shape the future of agriculture
- Brown, Julian, Barton, Philip, Cunningham, Saul
- Authors: Brown, Julian , Barton, Philip , Cunningham, Saul
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Book chapter
- Relation: Advances in Ecological Research p. 149-189
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Biodiversity conservation and agriculture are becoming intimately intertwined. Wildlife-friendly agriculture is promoted as a way to conserve biodiversity, connect nature reserves, facilitate climate-driven range shifts and enhance ecosystem services to agriculture. Yet some approaches that increase native biodiversity in agricultural landscapes, such as tropical agroforestry, may support a suite of species that is distinct from nearby remnant habitat. Wildlife-friendly farming, therefore, does not necessarily facilitate native species persistence through landscape conversion to agriculture or facilitate the movement of local species among nature reserves. We argue the historical composition of native species in agricultural landscapes can be maintained by enhancing ecological similarity between production land uses and natural ecosystems. Some agricultural systems already support native species from, and share some ecological attributes with, natural grasslands, wetlands and forests. However, we suggest there are benefits to be gained by focusing on the finer details of similarities in structure, floristic composition (e.g. crop species) and disturbance regimes occurring across natural and modified habitat types. A key advancement of this approach is that the composition of agricultural diversity and its spatio-temporal dynamics are selected and managed according to the spatial and temporal habitat requirements of the wildlife species naturally inhabiting the local area. We argue that ensuring ecological similarity between agricultural systems and the ecosystems they replaced or lie between will strengthen the capacity of agricultural landscapes to maintain historical species pools and provide spatial and temporal connectivity between nature reserves and analogous future climatic zones. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd
The Australian digital online farm trials database increases the quality of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in grains crop research
- Authors: Walters, Judi , Light, Kate
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Crop and Pasture Science Vol. 72, no. 10 (2021), p. 789-800
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Synthesis and analysis of past cropping research can provide valuable information to direct future decisions around crop management. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are considered gold standards in the synthesis and analysis of scientific research because they distil large amounts of information about complex issues, provide a summary of knowledge to date, and identify knowledge gaps. However, several issues concerning the methodologies employed to conduct systematic reviews have been identified; among them is the risk of publication bias when a review relies too heavily on 'white' literature from published academic sources and in so doing fails identify relevant 'grey' literature. Grey literature is inherently difficult to identify and collect, but forms a large portion of information available in many fields including agricultural-based research within Australia. The Online Farm Trials (OFT) database is a digital database of crop research field trial data from across Australia that has the potential for use as a discipline-specific source of grey literature to inform systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Using a case study approach to investigate the amount of information available on time of sowing (sowing date) on crop yield across Australia, we demonstrate that the OFT database provides easy access to transparent and reproducible search results similar to other commonly used academic databases. © 2021 Journal Compilation
- Authors: Walters, Judi , Light, Kate
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article , Review
- Relation: Crop and Pasture Science Vol. 72, no. 10 (2021), p. 789-800
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Synthesis and analysis of past cropping research can provide valuable information to direct future decisions around crop management. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are considered gold standards in the synthesis and analysis of scientific research because they distil large amounts of information about complex issues, provide a summary of knowledge to date, and identify knowledge gaps. However, several issues concerning the methodologies employed to conduct systematic reviews have been identified; among them is the risk of publication bias when a review relies too heavily on 'white' literature from published academic sources and in so doing fails identify relevant 'grey' literature. Grey literature is inherently difficult to identify and collect, but forms a large portion of information available in many fields including agricultural-based research within Australia. The Online Farm Trials (OFT) database is a digital database of crop research field trial data from across Australia that has the potential for use as a discipline-specific source of grey literature to inform systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Using a case study approach to investigate the amount of information available on time of sowing (sowing date) on crop yield across Australia, we demonstrate that the OFT database provides easy access to transparent and reproducible search results similar to other commonly used academic databases. © 2021 Journal Compilation
Agriculture and crop protection its global importance and relationship with climate change
- Jabran, Khawar, Florentine, Singarayer, Chauhan, Bhagirath
- Authors: Jabran, Khawar , Florentine, Singarayer , Chauhan, Bhagirath
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Book chapter
- Relation: Crop protection under changing climate Chapter 1 p. 1-16
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Agricultural practice, which includes well-established systems of cropping, pasture and forestry, represents a continual and essential dependence on healthy arable land across the globe and requires safeguarding with sustainable fertilization and pest control measures. This natural resource system must be continually protected from deliberate and inadvertent damage, in order to provide a suitable source of current and future amenities for all inhabitants of the planet. In this respect, it is morally and ethically necessary that we strive to manage the productivity and well-being of agricultural land in a way that will fulfil the necessities of the present generations and do not compromise needs of the future generations (Bruntland et al. 2012).
Microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems: A scientometric analysis
- He, Donghui, Bristow, Keith, Filipović, Vilim, Lv, Jialong, He, Hailong
- Authors: He, Donghui , Bristow, Keith , Filipović, Vilim , Lv, Jialong , He, Hailong
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Sustainability Vol. 12, no. 20 (2020), p. 8739
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Microplastics, as an emerging contaminant, have been shown to threaten the sustainability of ecosystems, and there is also concern about human exposure, as microplastic particles tend to bioaccumulate and biomagnify through the food chain. While microplastics in marine environments have been extensively studied, research on microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems is just starting to gain momentum. In this paper, we used scientometric analysis to understand the current status of microplastic research in terrestrial systems. The global scientific literature on microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems, based on data from the Web of Science between 1986 and 2020, was explored with the VOSviewer scientometric software. Co-occurrence visualization maps and citation analysis were used to identify the relationship among keywords, authors, organizations, countries, and journals focusing on the issues of terrestrial microplastics. The results show that research on microplastics in terrestrial systems just started in the past few years but is increasing rapidly. Science of the Total Environment ranks first among the journals publishing papers on terrestrial microplastics. In addition, we also highlighted the desire to establish standards/protocols for extracting and quantifying microplastics in soils. Future studies are recommended to fill the knowledge gaps on the abundance, distribution, ecological and economic effects, and toxicity of microplastics.
Response of soil dehydrogenase activity to salinity and cadmium species
- Filipović, Lana, Romić, Marija, Sikora, Sanja, Huić Babić, Katarina, Filipović, Vilim, Gerke, Horst, Romić, Davor
- Authors: Filipović, Lana , Romić, Marija , Sikora, Sanja , Huić Babić, Katarina , Filipović, Vilim , Gerke, Horst , Romić, Davor
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of soil science and plant nutrition Vol. 20, no. 2 (2020), p. 530-536
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Greater understanding of the microbial activity role in metal mobilization processes in soil is of major importance. The objective was to study the effect of major Cd species in solution of a saline soil on dehydrogenase activity (DHA). Hypothesis is that (i) under increased soil salinity, more mobile Cd species with diverse effect on DHA may be generated (i.e., CdCl n 2-n ) and that (ii) DHA may correlate to organically complexed Cd species. In a greenhouse pot experiment, NaCl salinity (50 and 100 mM) was applied to control soil and soil spiked with Cd (5 and 10 mg kg -1 ). Soil total and available (CaCl 2 extractable) Cd concentrations were measured, and DHA determined using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) method. Speciation was calculated from results of soil solution ion analysis using geochemical equilibrium model Visual MINTEQ. DHA was reduced with increased soil salinity and Cd contamination, but only compared with control soil. Although weak, negative correlation between DHA and CdCl n 2-n complexes in soil solution suggested their higher inhibitory effect on DHA than other Cd species. Positive correlation between DHA and organically complexed Cd indicated that raised microbial activity may increase the proportion of organically complexed Cd in the soil solution. Cd toxicity to soil microorganisms can be accentuated in a saline environment, which may be an issue of great importance for agricultural production in coastal areas. Microbial activity may via releasing organic substances in soil solution significantly change cadmium complexation and mobility in soil, an aspect which has often been overlooked. Graphical Abstract
Seed germination ecology of Bidens pilosa and its implications for weed management
- Chauhan, Bhagirath, Ali, Hafiz, Florentine, Singarayer
- Authors: Chauhan, Bhagirath , Ali, Hafiz , Florentine, Singarayer
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Scientific Reports Vol. 9, no. 1 (2019), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: It is now widely recognized that Bidens pilosa has become a problematic broadleaf weed in many ecosystems across the world and, particularly in the light of recent climate change conditions, closer management strategies are required to curtail its impact on agricultural cropping. In this investigation, experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of environmental factors on the germination and emergence of B. pilosa, and also on the response of this weed to commonly available post-emergence herbicides in Australia. The environmental factors of particular interest to this current work were the effect of light and temperature, salinity, burial depth and moisture on B. pilosa since these are key management issues in Australian agriculture. In addition, the effects of a number of commonly used herbicides were examined, because of concerns regarding emerging herbicide resistance. In the tested light/dark regimes, germination was found to be higher at fluctuating day/night temperatures of 25/15 °C and 30/20 °C (92–93%) than at 35/25 °C (79%), whilst across the different temperature ranges, germination was higher in the light/dark regime (79–93%) than in complete darkness (22–38%). The standard five-minute temperature pretreatment required for 50% inhibition of maximum germination was found to be 160 °C, and it was further shown that no seeds germinated at temperatures higher than 240 °C. With regard to salinity, some B. pilosa seeds germinated (3%) in 200 mM sodium chloride (NaCl) but all failed to germinate at 250 mM NaCl. Germination declined from 89% to 2% as the external osmotic potential decreased from 0 to −0.6 MPa, and germination ceased at −0.8 MPa. Seeding emergence of B. pilosa was maximum (71%) for seeds placed on the soil surface and it was found that no seedlings emerged from a depth of 8 cm or greater. A depth of 3.75 cm was required to inhibit the seeds to 50% of the maximum emergence. In this study, application of glufosinate, glyphosate and paraquat provided commercially acceptable control levels (generally accepted as >90%) when applied at the four-leaf stage of B. pilosa. However, none of the herbicide treatments involved in this study provided this level of control when applied at the six-leaf stage. In summary, B. pilosa germination has been clearly shown to be stimulated by light and thus its emergence was greatest from the soil surface. This suggests that infestation from this weed will remain as a problem in no-till conservation agriculture systems, the use of which is increasing now throughout the world. It is intended that information generated from this study be used to develop more effective integrated management programs for B. pilosa and similar weeds in commercial agricultural environments which are tending toward conservation approaches. © 2019, The Author(s).
- Authors: Chauhan, Bhagirath , Ali, Hafiz , Florentine, Singarayer
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Scientific Reports Vol. 9, no. 1 (2019), p.
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: It is now widely recognized that Bidens pilosa has become a problematic broadleaf weed in many ecosystems across the world and, particularly in the light of recent climate change conditions, closer management strategies are required to curtail its impact on agricultural cropping. In this investigation, experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of environmental factors on the germination and emergence of B. pilosa, and also on the response of this weed to commonly available post-emergence herbicides in Australia. The environmental factors of particular interest to this current work were the effect of light and temperature, salinity, burial depth and moisture on B. pilosa since these are key management issues in Australian agriculture. In addition, the effects of a number of commonly used herbicides were examined, because of concerns regarding emerging herbicide resistance. In the tested light/dark regimes, germination was found to be higher at fluctuating day/night temperatures of 25/15 °C and 30/20 °C (92–93%) than at 35/25 °C (79%), whilst across the different temperature ranges, germination was higher in the light/dark regime (79–93%) than in complete darkness (22–38%). The standard five-minute temperature pretreatment required for 50% inhibition of maximum germination was found to be 160 °C, and it was further shown that no seeds germinated at temperatures higher than 240 °C. With regard to salinity, some B. pilosa seeds germinated (3%) in 200 mM sodium chloride (NaCl) but all failed to germinate at 250 mM NaCl. Germination declined from 89% to 2% as the external osmotic potential decreased from 0 to −0.6 MPa, and germination ceased at −0.8 MPa. Seeding emergence of B. pilosa was maximum (71%) for seeds placed on the soil surface and it was found that no seedlings emerged from a depth of 8 cm or greater. A depth of 3.75 cm was required to inhibit the seeds to 50% of the maximum emergence. In this study, application of glufosinate, glyphosate and paraquat provided commercially acceptable control levels (generally accepted as >90%) when applied at the four-leaf stage of B. pilosa. However, none of the herbicide treatments involved in this study provided this level of control when applied at the six-leaf stage. In summary, B. pilosa germination has been clearly shown to be stimulated by light and thus its emergence was greatest from the soil surface. This suggests that infestation from this weed will remain as a problem in no-till conservation agriculture systems, the use of which is increasing now throughout the world. It is intended that information generated from this study be used to develop more effective integrated management programs for B. pilosa and similar weeds in commercial agricultural environments which are tending toward conservation approaches. © 2019, The Author(s).
The effect of stabilization on the utilization of municipal sewage sludge as a soil amendment
- Černe, Marko, Palčić, Igor, Pasković, Igor, Major, Nikola, Romić, Marija, Filipović, Vilim, Igrc, Marina Diana, Perčin, Aleksandra, Goreta Ban, Smiljana, Zorko, Benjamin, Vodenik, Branko, Glavič Cindro, Denis, Milačič, Radmila, Heath, David John, Ban, Dean
- Authors: Černe, Marko , Palčić, Igor , Pasković, Igor , Major, Nikola , Romić, Marija , Filipović, Vilim , Igrc, Marina Diana , Perčin, Aleksandra , Goreta Ban, Smiljana , Zorko, Benjamin , Vodenik, Branko , Glavič Cindro, Denis , Milačič, Radmila , Heath, David John , Ban, Dean
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Waste Management Vol. 94, no. (2019), p. 27-38
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Stabilization procedures affect nutrient and inorganic contaminant concentrations.•Anaerobic sludge has the highest levels of metals and radionuclides.•High P and N contents in sludge are a measure of its potential as a fertilizer.•Adsorption of metals and radionuclides to sludge biomass increases with nutrient content.•Soil amendment with sewage sludge is a promising strategy for nutrient recovery. This study assesses the potential use of different types of stabilized sewage sludge as a soil amendment by considering their physicochemical characteristics, nutritional status, and their trace metal and radionuclide content. The concentrations of trace metals and radionuclides were determined using ICP-OES and gamma-ray spectrometry, respectively. For determining nutritional status and chemical characterization, this study followed standard ISO-recommended procedures. Data analysis revealed that anaerobic sludge contains higher concentrations of Cr, Hg, and Ni compared to aerobic and non-biologically stabilized sludge. A similar observation was observed in the case of 226Ra, 210Pb, 228Ra, and 228Th. Furthermore, the high levels of P and N in aerobic sludge suggest that biologically stabilized sludge has the potential to be a good fertilizer. In addition, the study finds strong evidence that nutrients are involved in the adsorption of metals and radionuclides onto sludge biomass. Overall, eight of the nine studied sludge samples are safe for agricultural use since the concentrations of trace metals fall well below the limits set by Croatian legislation (NN 38/08). In addition, the levels of radionuclides do not pose a radiological risk. This means that soil conditioning with sewage sludge remains a viable strategy for nutrient recovery from municipal waste, although long-term impact assessments of repeated applications are necessary.
Remnant vegetation, plantings and fences are beneficial for reptiles in agricultural landscapes
- Pulsford, Stephanie, Driscoll, Don, Barton, Philip, Lindenmayer, David
- Authors: Pulsford, Stephanie , Driscoll, Don , Barton, Philip , Lindenmayer, David
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Applied Ecology Vol. 54, no. 6 (2017), p. 1710-1719
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Managing agricultural landscapes for biodiversity conservation is increasingly difficult as land use is modified or intensified for production. Finding ways to mitigate the negative effects of agriculture on biodiversity is therefore critical. We asked the question: How do remnant patches, paddock types and grazing regimes influence reptile assemblages in a grazing landscape? At 12 sites, we surveyed reptiles and environmental covariates in remnant woodland patches and in four paddock types: (i) grazed pasture, (ii) linear plantings, (iii) coarse woody debris (CWD) added to grazed pasture and (iv) fences between grazed pasture. Each site was either continuously or rotationally grazed. Remnant vegetation and other vegetation attributes such as tree cover and leaf litter greatly influenced reptiles. We recorded higher reptile abundance and species richness in areas with more tree cover and leaf litter. For rare species (captured in ≤4 sites <70 captures), there were 5·7 more animals and 2·6 more species in sites with 50% woody cover within 3 km compared to 5% woody cover. The abundance and richness of rare species, and one common species differed between paddock types and were higher in linear plantings and fence transects compared to CWD and pasture transects. Synthesis and applications. Grazed paddocks, particularly those with key features such as fences and plantings can provide habitat for reptiles. This suggests that discrete differentiation between patch and matrix does not apply for reptiles in these systems. Management to promote reptile conservation in agricultural landscapes should involve protecting existing remnant vegetation, regardless of amount; and promote key habitat features of trees, leaf litter and shrubs. Establishing plantings and fences is important as they support high numbers of less common reptiles and may facilitate reptiles to move through and use greater amounts of the landscape. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Applied Ecology © 2017 British Ecological Society
- Authors: Pulsford, Stephanie , Driscoll, Don , Barton, Philip , Lindenmayer, David
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Applied Ecology Vol. 54, no. 6 (2017), p. 1710-1719
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Managing agricultural landscapes for biodiversity conservation is increasingly difficult as land use is modified or intensified for production. Finding ways to mitigate the negative effects of agriculture on biodiversity is therefore critical. We asked the question: How do remnant patches, paddock types and grazing regimes influence reptile assemblages in a grazing landscape? At 12 sites, we surveyed reptiles and environmental covariates in remnant woodland patches and in four paddock types: (i) grazed pasture, (ii) linear plantings, (iii) coarse woody debris (CWD) added to grazed pasture and (iv) fences between grazed pasture. Each site was either continuously or rotationally grazed. Remnant vegetation and other vegetation attributes such as tree cover and leaf litter greatly influenced reptiles. We recorded higher reptile abundance and species richness in areas with more tree cover and leaf litter. For rare species (captured in ≤4 sites <70 captures), there were 5·7 more animals and 2·6 more species in sites with 50% woody cover within 3 km compared to 5% woody cover. The abundance and richness of rare species, and one common species differed between paddock types and were higher in linear plantings and fence transects compared to CWD and pasture transects. Synthesis and applications. Grazed paddocks, particularly those with key features such as fences and plantings can provide habitat for reptiles. This suggests that discrete differentiation between patch and matrix does not apply for reptiles in these systems. Management to promote reptile conservation in agricultural landscapes should involve protecting existing remnant vegetation, regardless of amount; and promote key habitat features of trees, leaf litter and shrubs. Establishing plantings and fences is important as they support high numbers of less common reptiles and may facilitate reptiles to move through and use greater amounts of the landscape. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Applied Ecology © 2017 British Ecological Society
Detection and prevention of the dispersal of the seeds of Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana Trin. & Rupr. (Barkworth)) in hay bales
- Authors: Weller, Sandra
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Invasive and noxious weeds are well known as a pervasive problem, imposing significant economic burdens on all areas of agriculture, and thus their control and eradication are of central concern to the industry. Whilst there are multiple possible pathways of weed dispersal in this industry, of particular interest to this discussion is how the unintended dispersal of Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana) weed seeds, within emergency fodder, may be prevented. Periodic drought is a feature of the Australian climate, which, together with natural disasters of flood and bushfire, necessitates the urgent provision of emergency fodder for maintenance of livestock production. However, previous investigations into weed seed dispersal by this fodder type have revealed a significant risk for the dispersal of a number of noxious weeds well beyond their current range. Because preventive work, relating to detection and eradication of noxious species, is at an early stage of development, the development of faster, more reliable, and non-destructive sampling methods for seed species has become essential. In addition to prevention of weed seed dispersal in fodder, the use of appropriate methods of controlling troublesome pasture weeds in situ is of relevance for addressing established infestations. Whilst silage preservation is one such typical method that can reduce weed seed input into the soil seed bank, there is currently little data on the absolute effectiveness of this method for control of N. neesiana. To investigate whether rapid detection of seeds in bales is possible and how the numbers of seeds in a pasture are linked to the numbers of seeds that may be incorporated into hay bales made from an infested pasture, an investigation of a rapid, non-destructive technique to detect seeds in bales, together with an examination of a pasture to estimate seed density and dispersal prior to baling, were carried out. Additionally, since pastures infested with this weed are of no use for producing hay and little use for grazing, a third experiment was devised, which was an investigation of silaging for preventing inadvertent seed input into pasture soil seed banks. This thesis has shown that this approach of non-destructive core sampling of bales to detect the seeds of N. neesiana, and possibly others, which can be visually recognised, shows promise for those involved in weed control. Similarly, the simultaneous demonstration that silage fermentation is an efficient viable method for both eliminating viability of mature (germinable) seeds of this species while also reducing the probability of injury to livestock from these seeds, confirms that reducing the impact of this weed in agro-ecological systems and on livestock during emergency situations is possible.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
- Authors: Weller, Sandra
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Thesis , PhD
- Full Text:
- Description: Invasive and noxious weeds are well known as a pervasive problem, imposing significant economic burdens on all areas of agriculture, and thus their control and eradication are of central concern to the industry. Whilst there are multiple possible pathways of weed dispersal in this industry, of particular interest to this discussion is how the unintended dispersal of Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana) weed seeds, within emergency fodder, may be prevented. Periodic drought is a feature of the Australian climate, which, together with natural disasters of flood and bushfire, necessitates the urgent provision of emergency fodder for maintenance of livestock production. However, previous investigations into weed seed dispersal by this fodder type have revealed a significant risk for the dispersal of a number of noxious weeds well beyond their current range. Because preventive work, relating to detection and eradication of noxious species, is at an early stage of development, the development of faster, more reliable, and non-destructive sampling methods for seed species has become essential. In addition to prevention of weed seed dispersal in fodder, the use of appropriate methods of controlling troublesome pasture weeds in situ is of relevance for addressing established infestations. Whilst silage preservation is one such typical method that can reduce weed seed input into the soil seed bank, there is currently little data on the absolute effectiveness of this method for control of N. neesiana. To investigate whether rapid detection of seeds in bales is possible and how the numbers of seeds in a pasture are linked to the numbers of seeds that may be incorporated into hay bales made from an infested pasture, an investigation of a rapid, non-destructive technique to detect seeds in bales, together with an examination of a pasture to estimate seed density and dispersal prior to baling, were carried out. Additionally, since pastures infested with this weed are of no use for producing hay and little use for grazing, a third experiment was devised, which was an investigation of silaging for preventing inadvertent seed input into pasture soil seed banks. This thesis has shown that this approach of non-destructive core sampling of bales to detect the seeds of N. neesiana, and possibly others, which can be visually recognised, shows promise for those involved in weed control. Similarly, the simultaneous demonstration that silage fermentation is an efficient viable method for both eliminating viability of mature (germinable) seeds of this species while also reducing the probability of injury to livestock from these seeds, confirms that reducing the impact of this weed in agro-ecological systems and on livestock during emergency situations is possible.
- Description: Doctor of Philosophy
Effects of environmental variation and livestock grazing on ant community structure in temperate eucalypt woodlands
- Barton, Philip, Sato, Chloe, Kay, Geoffrey, Florance, Daniel, Lindenmayer, David
- Authors: Barton, Philip , Sato, Chloe , Kay, Geoffrey , Florance, Daniel , Lindenmayer, David
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Insect Conservation and Diversity Vol. 9, no. 2 (2016), p. 124-134
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Grazing by livestock is a major ecological disturbance, with potential effects on vegetation, soil, and insect fauna. Ants are a diverse and functionally important insect group with many associations with the ground layer, yet recent global syntheses question the importance of grazing effects on ant communities relative to vegetation or soil. We examined the effects of vegetation, soil and grazing on the whole ant community, ant functional groups, and abundant species in temperate eucalypt woodlands, southeastern Australia. We found limited influence of grazing on our vegetation and soil measures, except for a positive association between grazing and exotic perennial grass cover. We also found that exotic grass cover had a negative effect on overall ant abundance and richness, but not functional groups or individual species. Soil C:N ratio had a positive effect on the subdominant Camponotini, and leaf litter cover had a positive effect on the abundance of cryptic species. Partial Mantel tests revealed an effect of both environmental and grazing measures on ant assemblage composition, but constrained ordination showed that leaf litter cover, grass biomass, and native and exotic perennial grass cover had stronger correlations with ant community structure than grazing. Our study shows that both environmental variation and grazing play a role in driving ant community structure, but that key environmental variables such as grass biomass and leaf litter cover are particularly important in temperate eucalypt woodlands. Monitoring of ant communities to measure the benefits of changed grazing regimes for biodiversity should consider contemporary grazing pressure as well as the underlying effects of variation in plants and soils. © 2016 The Royal Entomological Society.
- Authors: Barton, Philip , Sato, Chloe , Kay, Geoffrey , Florance, Daniel , Lindenmayer, David
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Insect Conservation and Diversity Vol. 9, no. 2 (2016), p. 124-134
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Grazing by livestock is a major ecological disturbance, with potential effects on vegetation, soil, and insect fauna. Ants are a diverse and functionally important insect group with many associations with the ground layer, yet recent global syntheses question the importance of grazing effects on ant communities relative to vegetation or soil. We examined the effects of vegetation, soil and grazing on the whole ant community, ant functional groups, and abundant species in temperate eucalypt woodlands, southeastern Australia. We found limited influence of grazing on our vegetation and soil measures, except for a positive association between grazing and exotic perennial grass cover. We also found that exotic grass cover had a negative effect on overall ant abundance and richness, but not functional groups or individual species. Soil C:N ratio had a positive effect on the subdominant Camponotini, and leaf litter cover had a positive effect on the abundance of cryptic species. Partial Mantel tests revealed an effect of both environmental and grazing measures on ant assemblage composition, but constrained ordination showed that leaf litter cover, grass biomass, and native and exotic perennial grass cover had stronger correlations with ant community structure than grazing. Our study shows that both environmental variation and grazing play a role in driving ant community structure, but that key environmental variables such as grass biomass and leaf litter cover are particularly important in temperate eucalypt woodlands. Monitoring of ant communities to measure the benefits of changed grazing regimes for biodiversity should consider contemporary grazing pressure as well as the underlying effects of variation in plants and soils. © 2016 The Royal Entomological Society.
Agricultural distortion patterns since the 1950s: what needs explaining?
- Anderson, Kym, Croser, Johanna, Sandri, Damiano, Valenzuela, Ernesto
- Authors: Anderson, Kym , Croser, Johanna , Sandri, Damiano , Valenzuela, Ernesto
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Book chapter
- Relation: Political economy of agricultural price distortions p. 25-81
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
To catch a starling : Testing the effectiveness of different trap and lure types
- Campbell, Susan, Cook, Simon, Mortimer, L., Palmer, Grant, Sinclair, Ron, Woolnough, Andrew
- Authors: Campbell, Susan , Cook, Simon , Mortimer, L. , Palmer, Grant , Sinclair, Ron , Woolnough, Andrew
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Wildlife Research Vol. 39, no. 3 (2012), p. 183-191
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Context: Worldwide, invasive fauna species present one of the most intractable problems for agriculture and natural systems. Our ability to improve control techniques to combat the global invasive species predicament is constrained within the bounds of both economic and ethical considerations. In south-eastern Australia, the common starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is an established invasive avian pest that is now making incursions into areas of Western Australia (WA) that are currently free of this species. The most cost-effective and widely implemented starling control tool is trapping with live-lure birds. In recent years, the use of live-lure birds has been questioned on both economic and ethical grounds, and consequently alternative lure methods need investigating. Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of different trap and lure combinations for the capture of starlings in western South Australia (SA). Methods: Modified Australian Crow (MAC) traps, used traditionally in WA to trap starlings, and Myna traps, originally designed for trapping common mynas (Sturnus tristis), were set during the peaks in starling flocking activity (Austral summer, 2007) using three different lure types: (1) live lure (live starlings); (2) moving water; and (3) acoustic lures. A trapping grid consisting of a single Myna trap with live lure and three MAC traps, each with one type of lure (live, water or acoustic) was established at five sites on the Eyre Peninsula in SA and monitored twice daily for 28 days. Key results: Live lures were significantly more effective at attracting starlings into traps compared with both water and sound lures. We also trapped at an additional three sites and showed that Myna traps caught ~1.5 times more starlings than MAC traps when both traps were fitted with live-lure birds. Conclusions: Neither moving water nor acoustic play-back lures proved suitable replacements for the use of live-lure birds to capture starlings. The efficacy of alternative lure types may depend on several factors and may include neophobic response(s) to novel signals and also the length of time that an invasive population has been established. Implications: We recommend that use of live lures is continued in ongoing starling control programs, and that MAC traps currently in use be modified to capitalise on known starling behaviour. Further research and development of traps that do not contain live lures will improve the welfare of invasive species control programs.
The effect of drought on uncertainty and agricultural investment in Australia
- Marangos, John, Williams, Catherine
- Authors: Marangos, John , Williams, Catherine
- Date: 2005
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Post Keynesian Economics Vol. 27, no. 4 (2005), p. 575-594
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Recognizing that uncertainty plays an important role in decision making, it necessarily follows that the effects of the current devastating drought have significantly influenced the operations of primary producers and strongly impacted upon agricultural investment in Australia. The lack of water is heavily affecting rural exports and employment opportunities, and consequently, primary producers are experiencing financial ruin. Global economic uncertainty combined with the long-running drought is gripping rural communities. Understanding the likely effect of climate change on Australia's agricultural production will enable suitable adaptation strategies and government policies to be implemented for the future sustainability and development of the agricultural industry. © 2005 M.E. Sharpe, Inc.
- Description: C1
Aircraft in a hangar; aerial crop dusting and spraying
- Authors: Latrobe Regional Commission
- Date: 1984-1995
- Type: Still Image
- Full Text: false
- Description: 15 x 10 cm
- Description: photograph : col.
- Authors: Latrobe Regional Commission
- Date: 1984-1995
- Type: Still Image
- Full Text: false
- Description: 15 x 10 cm
- Description: photograph : col.