We compared morphometric and physicochemical characteristics of farm ponds and natural wetlands in Andalusia (southern Spain) to determine whether artificial waterbodies might act as alternative and/or complementary habitats for aquatic biodiversity. Farm ponds were much smaller than natural wetlands, making them unsuitable for species requiring large waterbodies. However, we observed high farm pond density in areas lacking natural wetlands, which suggests a prime role for the conservation of species with low dispersal capacities. Natural-substrateponds were abundant in traditional extensive farming systems and showed shoreline complexity as high as the most complex natural wetlands. Areas with more intensive agriculture were dominated by artificial-substrate ponds and wetlands, with low physical complexity in both. The high copper load in sediments, due to the use of copper sulphate as biocide, differentiated the artificial-substrate ponds from natural-looking ponds and all natural wetland types. Aqueous mineral levels in farm ponds were much lower than in natural wetlands. We can conclude that farm ponds might play a principal role in region-wide habitat complementarity, by providing a relatively high density of small, permanent, oligohaline waterbodies that is not matched by natural wetland. To enhance this role, measures regulating both pond construction and management are needed, particularly for artificial-substrate ponds
The structural and management characterization of 101 ponds, used for greenhouse drip irrigation, was assessed on the south‐eastern coast of Spain, with the objective of proposing more sustainable management practices. Different management methods were carried out by growers with the aim of controlling pond biological activity and improving the irrigation water quality. Pond covering was highly effective in preventing submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) development but the high cost of installing and maintaining covers limit its use. Pond dredging and biocide treatments were relatively expensive and ineffective in controlling mid and long‐term SAV development. No clear criteria were observed for biocide use (products, dosage and scheduling). SAV developed spontaneously in 48.5% of uncovered ponds. Chara species, which tend to form dense meadows in the pond bottom and are highly valuable for aquatic biodiversity conservation, may improve the water quality and are unlikely to hinder agricultural pond uses. More sustainable management practices based on preserving SAV in ponds, particularly charophytes, and reducing or suppressing dredging and biocide use may be successful in accomplishing both agronomic and environmental pond functions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aims: The aim of this work was to study the effect of high temperatures generated during composting process, on the phytopathogen fungus Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. melonis. This investigation was achieved by both in vivo (semipilot-scale composting of horticultural wastes) and in vitro (lab-scale thermal treatments) assays. Methods and Results: Vegetable residues infected with F. oxysporum f.sp. melonis were included in compost piles. Studies were conducted in several compost windrows subjected to different treatments. Results showed an effective suppression of persistence and infective capacity, as this process caused complete fungal elimination after 2-3 days of composting. In order to confirm the effect of high temperature during this process, in vitro experiments were carried out. Temperature values of 45, 55 and 65°C were tested. All three treatments caused the elimination of fungal persistence. Treatment at 65°C was especially effective, whereas 45°C eliminated fungal persistence only after 10 days. Conclusions: The composting process is an excellent alternative for the management of plant wastes after harvesting, as this procedure is able to suppress infective capacity of several harmful phytopathogens such as F. oxysporum f.sp. melonis. Significance and Impact of the Study: Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. melonis is a plant pathogen fungus specially important in the province of Almería (south-east Spain), where intensive greenhouse horticulture is very extended. High temperatures reached during composting of horticultural plant wastes ensure the elimination of phytopathogen microorganisms such as F. oxysporum f.sp. melonis from vegetable material, providing an adequate hygienic quality in composts obtained.
The influence of pond management on water quality for drip-irrigated crops was studied throughout a field survey and a mesocosm experiment. Water sources were pooled into two groups: ground or surface water (GW/SW) and recycled wastewater. Pond covering, which was limited to about a quarter of them, improved water quality by reducing phytoplankton biomass. However, biocide applications and pond dredging were ineffective at improving in-pond water quality. Dredging did not reduce the concentrations of planktonic chlorophyll a or total suspended solids (TSS) in GW/SW fed ponds, whereas biocide applications increased both parameters. Field and experimental data proved that the two predominant taxa of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) found in ponds (Potamogeton pectinatus and Chara spp.) improved water quality by increasing water oxygenation and decreasing chlorophyll a and TSS concentrations. Preserving SAV (especially Chara spp.) appears to be an environmentfriendly, cost-effective and recommendable alternative strategy for irrigation pond management
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