The Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected over 200 countries, forcing governments to impose lockdowns to contain the spread of the disease. Although effective in reducing infection rates, the lockdowns have also resulted in a severe negative impact on mental health throughout the world; Setting the foundation for mental illnesses to become the next “silent” pandemic. This study attempts to determine a self-care method of ensuring mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for those living under lockdown. We evaluated the potential of physical exercise (in a nature setting) and nature therapy in improving mental wellbeing, among young adults with either stress, anxiety or depression symptoms. The study involved thirty subjects, who were equally divided into a nature-exercise group and a nature therapy group. The participants were briefed on the activities that they were to perform on a daily basis, and both groups performed their assigned activities concurrently for one week (27th April 2020 to 3rd May 2020) at urban greeneries accessible to them (rooftop parks, neighbourhood parks, home gardens). We used the depression, anxiety and stress scale – 21 items (DASS-21) to evaluate the mental health status of participants, once before beginning the study (baseline readings) and once at the end of the study (after a week of nature-exercise/nature therapy). There was a statistically significant reduction in stress, anxiety and depression symptoms for both the nature-exercise and nature therapy groups. However, when evaluating the effectiveness of exercise and nature therapy in treating stress, anxiety and depression symptoms on a case-by-case basis, it was discovered that nature therapy was more effective in treating mental health issues. Hence, nature therapy has the potential to be a form of preventive medicine, namely in preserving mental health during the COVID-19 crisis.
Problem statement: There was no information about the relationship between growth parameters, such as diameter and height and tree component biomass of Khaya ivorensis plantations with different soil types. The objectives of this study were, first, to determine and compare the growth of K. ivorensis in three different (Padang Besar, Durian and Rengam) soil series of Ultisols and, second, to develop an allometric equation that estimates the biomass accumulation of the K. ivorensis plantation in three different soil series five years after planting. Approach: This study was conducted at a K. ivorensis plantation in the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) Research Station in Segamat, Johor, Malaysia. The tree height (H) and Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) were measured to evaluate the growth performance of the K. ivorensis plantation. Five sampled or trees stand of K. ivorensis in each soil series were destructively analyzed. Results: The highest growth rates in terms of MAI diameter and height, and basal area were found for the Padang Besar soil series, which was followed by the Durian and Rengam soil series. The best fit regression of site-specific equations developed from the independent variable D are recommended for estimating tree component biomass and stem volume in each site. A single allometric equation using D was applicable for the estimation of biomass and stem volume however, in Padang Besar, stem biomass and stem volume were estimated with an equation using D 2 H. The highest stem volume and biomass accumulation value were recorded at Padang Besar (77.99 m 3 h −1 and 63.16 t ha −1 , respectively), which was followed by the Durian (53.10 m 3 h −1 and 46.33t ha −1 , respectively) and Rengam soil series (43.13 m 3 h −1 and 40.96 t ha −1 , respectively). Conclusion: Differences in the growth and biomass accumulation data indicate that forest productivity of K. ivorensis was affected by different site conditions. The higher growth performance and productivity of K. ivorensis in terms of the stem volume and biomass accumulation in Padang Besar compared those in the Durian and Rengam soil series shows that the species was able to adapt to the soil characteristics of the Padang Besar soil series.
Kenaf is an industrial crop with high potential for cultivation in a tropical climate. It is a source of raw material for fiber-based industries and paper production. Considerable research has been conducted to explore its adaptability and utilization in Malaysia since 2000, under the supervision of governmental and private organizations. A number of technologies and expertise among researchers have been developed to enhance kenaf production in Malaysia. However, international documentation of the research is limited, which is important for rectification to provide a comprehensive knowledge base for all tropical and subtropical countries. The main objective of this review is to provide an overview of the results of Malaysian research on kenaf. In addition, the past, present and likely future trends in kenaf research in Malaysia as a representative tropical region are summarized.
Problem statement: It is widely accepted that conversion of natural forest to other land use types leads to deterioration of soil fertility and increased soil compaction which consequently become degraded secondary forests. Degraded secondary forest is indicated by low soil fertility and organic matter due to imbalance input and output from original vegetation. Forest plantation through planting fast growing exotic species is usually implemented to curtail degradation of secondary forest or forestland and to improve the soil fertility through organic matter accumulation. However, fundamental information on degraded forestland being converted to forest plantation using exotic species such as Khaya ivorensis is not available. The objectives of this study were: (1) to characterize the properties of three degraded soils under rehabilitation using K. ivorensis; and (2) to evaluate their fertility status by Soil Fertility Index (SFI) and Soil Evaluation Factor (SEF). Approach: This study was concentrated on three soil series (Rengam, Durian and Padang Besar) found under K. ivorensis plantation and at the adjacent secondary forest in Segamat, Johor, Malaysia. To characterize and evaluate the soil fertility status for each soil series, three plots (30 x 40 m) were randomly established on each soil series. Soils for each series were sampled at the depth of 0-10 cm (surface soil) and 20-30 cm (subsurface soil). They were randomly collected at six different points for each replicate. Soil analyses were carried out physical and chemical properties. Results: The soils both in planted and secondary forests were moderately acidic to slightly acidic with low content of exchangeable bases and available P but high in Al saturation. The Rengam series under K. ivorensis plantation contained higher total carbon and clay compared with those of Padang Besar and Durian series. Clay and total carbon contents were highly correlated with the Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), indicating the potential of negative charge produced by the clay and organic playing an important role in supplying and holding plant nutrients. The SFI result revealed that soil fertility status of Rengam soil was significantly higher than the other two soil series. There was no significant difference observed for SEF. Based on SFI and SEF values, there were no significant differences of fertility status between the planted and secondary forests for both soil depths. Conclusion: This study revealed that Rengam soil is more fertile than the other two soils. Based on the using SFI and SEF it can be concluded that fast growing exotic species of K. ivorensis has the potential to improve site productivity and soil fertility
Problem statement: The tropical rain forests in Southeast Asia have been characterized by several researchers. However empirical data on soil characteristics under degraded forest land in tropical rain forest and rehabilitated program are limited. A study was conducted to evaluate the soil morphology, mineralogical and sesquioxide properties of a rehabilitated degraded forest land (19 years after it was planted with various indigenous species) in comparison with an adjacent secondary forest. Approach: Soil samples were air-dried and pass through a 2 mm sieve. Soil morphology was determined based on field observation. The non-crystalline (amorphous) of Al, Fe and Si oxides and hydroxides (Alo, Feo and Sio) were extracted with ammonium oxalate while the dithionate-citrate-bicarbonate (DCB) method was used for extracting (crystalline) the Al, Fe and Si oxides and hydroxides (Ald, Fed and Sid). The concentrations of extracted Al, Fe and Si were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Mineralogical compositions were identified by X-ray diffraction method. Results: The A-horizon of secondary forest was darker and thicker than that of the rehabilitated forest. Root mat at the secondary forest was well-developed compared to the rehabilitated forest. The clay minerals were dominated with kaolinite and illite to a lesser extent of goethite and hematite accompanied with low values of activity ratio of Al and Fe oxides and hydroxides, indicating that the soils were highly weathered. Conclusion/Recommendations: The difference between rehabilitated and secondary forests was root abundance where secondary forest had most. Good root penetration in the secondary forest indicates that the soil texture there was not heavy. Soils in the rehabilitated and secondary forests were strongly weathered (high presence of kaolin minerals), but the low presence of sesquioxides suggests that they are yet to reached the ultimately weathered phase. The soil properties in terms of morphology, sesquioxides and clay minerals should be taken into account for better management of forest rehabilitation program in tropical regions
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.