Branch wood possesses unique properties that may affect biochar characteristics. Despite the abundance of broad studies on biochar, the correlation between feedstock properties and biochar hydrological characteristics has yet to be elucidated. Therefore, in this work the tree branch wood properties of three feedstocks (Acacia gerrardii Benth., Tamarix aphylla (L.) H. Karst., and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn.) were investigated and compared with the characteristics of biochar produced by pyrolysis at 300 °C, 400 °C, and 500 °C. It was found that a higher lumen fraction resulted in a more porous structure, thus increasing the ability of biochar to absorb and retain water. Acacia gerrardii absorbed 403% and retained 73.6% water, whereas T. aphylla and E. camaldulensis held 396% and 342%, and then retained 71.5% and 68.1% water, respectively. The water holding capacity and water retention ability were lower in biochars pyrolyzed at 300 °C than 500 °C. The present findings demonstrate that fiber lumen diameter and parenchyma properties provide indicators of biochar hydrological characteristics generated from tree branch wood.
Wood can be regarded as the single most important natural resource of the future, as it is a magnificent gift of nature. However, wood is a highly variable and complex material. Branch wood is a part of a tree that requires careful attention due to several disadvantages, making it less favorable for industrial use. This study was conducted to identify the basic properties of branch wood of Acacia gerrardii, Tamarix aphylla, and Eucalyptus camaldulensis, and to highlight its potential utilizations. Branch wood of all the examined species had several drawbacks that markedly limit its potential for commercial uses. It might not be favorable for particleboard, flakeboard, or fiberboard because of its high shrinkage. Even though all of the fibers showed suitability as a raw material for pulp and paper, the quality is low due to the high density of vessels or parenchyma proportions. However, branch wood of all examined species might be used as a blending material (papermaking and glued plates) or for light construction purposes. In considering the chemical composition of branch wood, classes of green products, such as biofuel, bioenergy, and biochar might maximize the value of branch wood. These offer numerous benefits to support human needs in the future.
Allelochemicals are generally harmful to plant species during one or more of the regeneration phases. This study investigated the influence of biochar in mitigating allelopathic effects of Eucalyptus camaldulensis in plants (Acacia gerrardii and Acacia ampliceps). The seed germination was relatively delayed by dried leaf extract (DLE) on the first day. Both DLE and date palm biochar (DPB) relatively decreased radicle hypocotyl development of both the target species (when compared with the control). In the seedling growth trial, most of the parameters were suppressed by either DLE or DPB. The results revealed that the inhibitory effects of DLE was less pronounced in the case of seed germination when compared with seedling growth. Moreover, any DLE treatments that were mixed with DPB allowed the suppressed plants to develop well. This effect was indicated by the positive value of relative allelopathic effect (RAE). The relative growth rates of seedling height (RGRH) varied for the different treatment combinations. Most of the treatment combinations resulted in a higher RGRH in test cases than in the control. This study provides meaningful results that support the hypothesis that biochar can be used as an absorptive substance in the immobilization of allelopathic chemicals.
Traditional knowledge (TK) of indigenous people is of utmost importance for the conservation of many plant species at the grassroots level, in particular food plants, as the main resource for human survival. For the past two decades, a novel path of research has emerged justifying the focus of linguistic ethnobiology on ethnotaxonomy, used by the local communities to symbolize biodiversity. The co-occurrence of linguistic, cultural, and biological diversities at a global level, are recognizable as evidence for a mutually dependent relationship known as biocultural diversity. Traditional knowledge and language come together to provide an ethnotaxonomical system of biodiversity. This study focuses on the ethnotaxonomy of food plants to document the TK of the Gayo ethnic group residing in Jabodetabek. Using Focus Group Discussion and in-depth interviews, this study found 218 species of food plants encoding TK related to morphology (80), ecology (35), utility (11), and quality (9) of the taxa. Our study indicated that ethnotaxonomy showed a remarkable ability to encode TK of multiple taxa. However, 83 documented taxa were unanalysable, suggesting the possibility of TK erosion within the community. Anyone wanting to conserve biocultural diversity should take into account the potentials of folk names as condensed biocultural knowledge.
The presence of species diversity in the ecosystem is an important aspect. Simply put, the loss of biodiversity and the formation of ecosystems into monocultures would reduce the productivity of the forest ecosystem than it has abundant diversity. This study conducted with a purpose to get the basic information regarding the effect of shade on the seedling growth. Understanding these relationships in the early years may reveal the important information, which will be helpful for managing and evaluating the silviculture practices. The study was conducted at Dirab Experiments and Agricultural Research Station, South of Riyadh. The experimental plot was managed under the corridor of Eucalyptus camaldulensis stands. Twenty seedlings of Vachellia farnesiana with relative similar height and diameter were planted in each block at a 5 × 5 m 2 spacing in March 2017. Three different treatments were established and relatively categorized into Line 1 (without shade), Line 2 (shade until 09:00 a.m.), and Line 3 (shade until 11:00 a.m.). Eight months after planting, several morphological parameters were monthly assessed from November 2017 until April 2018. Also, the number of fruits was observed following the fruit's season. Seedling growth variation as an effect of shading occurred between the lines of planting in this experiment. The seedling growth was significantly increased by shading treatment, even though target plant species (V. farnesiana) is categorized as intolerant species. Basically, shade helps to generate the favorable local environment for supporting plant growth. This treatment with an appropriate consideration might become an alternative practice for increasing plant productivity.
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