Breeding for Enhanced Root Traits to Improve Soil Carbon Sequestration | Chapter 10 | Agricultural Sciences: Techniques and Innovations Vol. 5

 

One of the most serious issues that the world is facing today is global warming. The increase of CO2 is one of the major causes of global warming. Efforts have been made to reduce the emission of carbon and also to discover ways to sequester atmospheric CO2. Soil carbon sequestration is one of the vital mechanisms that can reduce the effect of rising temperatures of the earth by absorbing atmospheric carbon. The root architecture of crop plants, when modified through breeding techniques for carbon sequestration, plays a role in reducing global warming. This chapter focuses on the various root characteristics that can contribute to soil carbon storage for a longer period of time. For instance, perenniality of crops influences a longer and more stable root system, which can serve for long-term carbon storage. The conventional breeding techniques have some disadvantages when it comes to breeding for root traits for carbon sequestration. Here, various new breeding approaches such as phenotyping, molecular breeding, genomic prediction, QTL, GWAS, metagenomics, etc. have been discussed in brief that can be used for breeding of crop varieties with enhanced root traits for soil carbon storage. Also, the various constraints related to it and the future prospects are discussed here.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Sanjukta Saikia
Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Assam Agricultural University, India.

 

Gobin Ch. Bora
Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Assam Agricultural University, India.

 

Debananda Rajbongshi
Department of Soil Science, Assam Agricultural University, India.

 

Shreya Sarmah
Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Assam Agricultural University, India.

 

Anwesha Bhattacharyya
Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Assam Agricultural University, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/asti/v5/6561

 

Biochar and its Use in Agriculture | Chapter 2 | Current Research Progress in Agricultural Sciences Vol. 2

 

Recently, biochar has been suggested as a soil amendment to enhance crop productivity and help address global warming. The present chapter discusses biochar, its properties, production, uses or application, its advantages and disadvantages, and its role in carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. Biochar is typically created by heating biomass through pyrolysis within a temperature range of approximately 300-600°C. Physically, biochar is dark in colour, with high porosity, low weight, fine-grained texture, and large surface area and chemically, carbon makes up about 70% of its composition. The inclusion of biochar in soil can greatly influence the soil's physical, chemical, and biological properties and ultimately enhance the soil quality. Crop growth and yield are positively impacted by biochar. It improves the crops' ability to access and utilize nutrients. Biochar is gaining significant interest because of its ability to lower greenhouse gas emissions, enhance soil fertility, and boost crop yield and crop quality. Carbon sequestration and greenhouse gas reduction are two important areas of climate change mitigation whereby biochar has played a crucial role.

 

 

Author(s) Details

M.C. Kundu
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Palli Siksha Bhavana (Institute of Agriculture), Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, 731236, West Bengal, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/crpas/v2/1094

 

Understanding Carbon Sequestration in Sugarcane Plant-soil System: Influence of Nutrient Integration Practices in Indo-Gangetic Plains of India | Chapter 7 | Research Advances in Environment, Geography and Earth Science Vol. 9

 

Sugarcane is a versatile crop with significant potential for carbon sequestration in both soil and plants. This study assessed the carbon sequestration in planted sugarcane and rhizospheric soil under various nutrient management practices. According to the IPCC, rising global temperatures due to GHG emissions are a primary cause of global warming. To stabilize global temperatures, it is essential to mitigate anthropogenic CO2 emissions and enhance the sequestration of surplus atmospheric CO2 in plants and soil. Sugarcane cultivation plays a crucial role in this process, as it is a C4 plant with high efficiency in utilizing CO2 during photosynthesis. One approach to enhance CO2 capture is through improved nutrient management practices, which can increase chlorophyll synthesis and nitrogen efficiency in sugarcane. Different treatment compositions can enhance photosynthesis, leading to greater CO2 capture. Consequently, sugarcane crops and their rhizospheric soils act as important carbon sinks, contributing to atmospheric decarbonization and global cooling.

 

Soil Properties and Carbon Storage: The study results indicated that soil physical and chemical properties varied significantly among treatments due to the application of different organic amendments. Soil organic carbon (SOC) was analyzed and ranged from 0.47% to 0.67%. The different organic amendment treatments notably improved soil bulk density, porosity, and carbon storage.

 

Plant Carbon Storage: Carbon stocks in various sugarcane plant parts, including roots, shoots, and leaves, were significantly different across treatments. The highest carbon stock was found in leaves (877.08 kg ha-¹) under T6, followed by roots (668.74 kg ha-¹) in T2, and shoots (422.77 kg ha-¹) in T5. This indicates that leaves stored 30.41% and 107.58% more carbon than roots and shoots, respectively, while roots stored 58.18% more carbon than shoots. The total carbon storage in sugarcane biomass, including aboveground and belowground parts, varied significantly across treatments. The mean carbon storage in aboveground parts (leaves and stalks) was significantly higher (1239.65 kg ha-¹) than in underground parts (roots) at 621.73 kg ha-¹. These findings demonstrate that sugarcane farming practices can effectively enhance carbon sequestration, contributing to climate change mitigation. The sugarcane crop and rhizospheric soils act as important carbon sinks in the decarbonisation of the atmosphere, ultimately reducing carbon levels and causing global cooling.

 

 

Author (s) Details

Ajeet Kumar
Department of Soil Science, Sugarcane Research Institute, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur)-848125, Bihar, India.

 

Sunita Kumari Meena
Department of Soil Science, Sugarcane Research Institute, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur)-848125, Bihar, India.

 

Sanjay Kumar Singh
Department of Soil Science, Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dholi, Muzaffarpur, India.

 

S. K. Sinha
Regional Research Station, Madhopur, West Champaran, Bihar-845454, India.

 

Amrita Kumari
Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur-813210, India.

 

A. K. Singh
Department of Soil Science, Sugarcane Research Institute, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur)-848125, Bihar, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/raeges/v9/1425

Fundamentals of Timber Construction: Materials, Techniques, and Sustainability | Book Publisher International

Fundamentals of Timber Construction: Materials, Techniques, and Sustainability is an essential guide that explores the core principles of timber construction, offering an in-depth examination of the material’s properties, design fundamentals, and advanced construction techniques. This book is geared toward students, professionals, and anyone interested in understanding the versatility of timber as a sustainable building material in modern construction. In the context of an increasingly environmentally-conscious world, timber is being rediscovered for its numerous advantages, including its renewability, natural beauty, and carbon-sequestering qualities. The book not only introduces the historical significance of timber in construction but also provides a detailed understanding of its modern applications and innovative uses.

The introduction sets the stage by outlining the essential role timber plays in contemporary architecture. As the construction industry faces the challenges of reducing its carbon footprint, timber stands out as an ideal material due to its sustainability. The introduction discusses the growing importance of timber as a renewable resource and its advantages over more conventional building materials, such as steel and concrete, especially in the context of reducing environmental impacts. Timber's natural ability to sequester carbon and its renewable nature make it a central element in sustainable building practices. This introductory chapter lays the groundwork for understanding how timber when utilized thoughtfully, can contribute to sustainable design solutions and help mitigate climate change.

Following the introduction, the book delves into the fundamentals of timber design. This chapter provides a solid foundation in the essential principles that guide the use of timber in construction. It discusses the basic engineering concepts of timber structures, such as structural behavior, and the material’s performance under different conditions. Understanding how timber responds to stress, environmental factors, and time is key to optimizing its use in construction. The chapter emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate timber species based on their properties, ensuring the material's performance aligns with specific project requirements. It also explores the challenges associated with working with a natural material, highlighting issues such as moisture content, shrinkage, and the material’s susceptibility to rot and pests. Furthermore, this chapter emphasizes the importance of designing for longevity and durability, ensuring that timber structures can withstand the test of time while minimizing maintenance needs.

The properties of timber are critical in determining its suitability for various construction applications. The book dedicates an entire chapter to examining these properties in detail, from the basic physical characteristics such as density, grain structure, and moisture content, to its mechanical properties, including tensile strength, shear resistance, and compressive strength. Timber's performance varies depending on species, grain patterns, and moisture content, which all influence its structural capabilities. The chapter provides insights into how these factors can affect design decisions and the long-term performance of timber structures. A deep understanding of these properties is necessary for selecting the right type of timber for specific building elements, whether it be for structural beams, cladding, or flooring. Additionally, the chapter explores the sustainability advantages of timber, such as its role in carbon sequestration, the fact that it is a biodegradable material, and its lower environmental impact compared to other construction materials. Timber's ability to store carbon during its growth cycle is a unique and valuable characteristic that supports the growing demand for environmentally friendly construction practices.

One of the defining features of timber construction is the wide variety of joints and connections used to assemble timber structures. The book’s chapter on special joint constructions introduces readers to both traditional and modern techniques for connecting timber elements. It covers the various types of joints, ranging from traditional methods such as mortise and tenon, dovetail, and scarf joints to modern innovations like laminated timber joints and the use of metal connectors or adhesives. The chapter explains the principles behind these jointing methods, focusing on their strength, durability, and suitability for different applications. It also explores the advances in joinery techniques that allow for greater precision and efficiency in timber construction, including prefabrication and the use of advanced materials like engineered wood products. The importance of selecting the right joint type for specific project requirements is stressed, as the joint can significantly impact the load-bearing capacity and the overall stability of the structure. Furthermore, the chapter addresses the challenges that come with working with timber joints, including the need to account for expansion and contraction due to moisture changes, as well as ensuring that joints remain strong over time.

In conclusion, Fundamentals of Timber Construction provides a thorough and accessible guide to understanding the use of timber in construction, from its properties and design fundamentals to advanced joinery techniques. It highlights timber’s significant role in sustainable construction practices, offering readers a deeper appreciation of this versatile material. Through a combination of theoretical insights and practical advice, this book equips those in the field with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about using timber in building design and construction. As the demand for sustainable building solutions continues to grow, timber is poised to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of the built environment. This book serves as an invaluable resource for anyone looking to explore the potential of timber construction in creating durable, environmentally responsible buildings.

 

Author (s) Details

BH Janaka Pushpakumara
Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Ratmalana, Sri Lanka.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-93-49473-05-8

Climate Resilience or Impeding Vulnerabilities in the Light of Mangroves of Indian Sundarban | Chapter 10 | Surviving Sundarbans: Tragedy and Hope, Edition 1

In this present scenario of climate extremities, both rural and urban communities are facing increasing vulnerabilities. Not only do the coastal communities face the brunt of climate extremities, the future of Kolkata is also at stake. Kolkata has faced the ravages of cyclones Amphan (2020) and the most recent cyclone Remal (2024), while the riparian communities of Indian Sundarbans have faced repeated climate extremities during Aila (2009), Bulbul (2019), Amphan (2020), Yaas (2021) and Remal (2024). The mean sea level shows a long-term rising trend of about 1 mm/yr on an annual average on the Indian coast (Unnikrishnan et al., 2006). Recent observations suggest a rising trend of 2.5 mm/yr. A relative sea level rise of 10-20 mm/yr due to the coupled effects of eustatic sea level and land subsidence is seen in the seaward part of the Bengal delta [1]. Not only climate extremities, but also geomorphic problems have jeopardized the ecosystem of this fragile region. The central sector of the Indian Sundarban is deprived of freshwater due to the siltation of the Bidyadhari River. This has led to the disappearance of sweet water-loving mangroves like Heritiera fomes (Sundari) and Nypa fruticans (Golpata) [2]. Increasing salinity has brought about top dying disease in mangroves which have been protecting this ecosystem over the years. Mangroves act as efficient carbon sink and sequester huge amounts of carbon in their biomass pool (stems, leaves, branches, wood, roots) and sediments. Mangrove species globally can sequester about 4 Gigatons of carbon which are basically accumulated as biomass in both above-ground and below-ground structures [3]. Thus planting mangroves involving community participation has proved as a mitigation strategy for these impeding hazards. This paper relies on the use of quantitative methods like Mann Kendall non-parametric test and Sen’s slope estimator in order to find out the long-term trend of the variable taken, for a period from 1901-2021. Erosion accretion analysis was done using Survey of India toposheets (79C/1, 79C/2 of scale 1:50,000) of 1968 and Landsat 8 image (Path 138, Row 45 and spatial resolution of 30 m) of 2021. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Salinity Index (NDSI) were carried out using QGIS 2.8.9 software to observe vegetation health and salinity. Also, field observations and qualitative surveys of local inhabitants were carried out to chart out a mitigation strategy involving mangroves.

 

Author (s) Details

 

Karabi Das
Department of Geography, Dr Kanailal Bhattacharyya College, Howrah, West Bengal, India.

 

Kanailal Das
Estuarine and Coastal Studies Foundation, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-93-48859-73-0/CH10

Understanding Blue Carbon and Need of Mangrove Productivity: Reviewing Different Projects along with Assessing their Success Rates and Suggesting Alternatives | Chapter 8 | Surviving Sundarbans: Tragedy and Hope, Edition 1

In this research paper, a detailed explanation of blue carbon and carbon sequestration is undergone. A special emphasis has been laid on Sundarban, as it serves to be the delta, having large mangrove forests. The mechanism of carbon capture of mangroves is explained. Also, a comparison of carbon-capturing capacities of different mangrove species is done. Different factors like salinity, temperature, soil type etc. which cause differences in carbon sequestration capacities of different mangrove species are enlisted. Special adaptations that mangroves require to survive in saline conditions are discussed. Discussions about various techniques for improving mangrove productivity till date are conducted. It is observed that although various scientific approaches and afforestation strategies are suggested by the Government to increase productivity in Sundarban, still results are still not as per expectations. The probable reasons behind such failures are highlighted, among which proper site selection, species variety selections and community participation are considered. Threats which are increasing mangrove mortality rates are emphasized. Lastly, alternative approaches like economic valuation methods and guidelines for the plantation of mangroves as bonsai in households are suggested.

 

Author (s) Details

 

Debaditi Goswami
Institute of Education (P.G.) for Women, Chandernagore, Hooghly, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-93-48859-73-0/CH8

Blue Carbon Dynamics in the Sundarban Biosphere Reserve (SBR): Impacts of Climate and Anthropogenic Factors | Chapter 7 | Surviving Sundarbans: Tragedy and Hope, Edition 1

The Sundarban Biosphere Reserve (SBR) in India, known as the world's largest mangrove forest, is a key player in global carbon cycling and other biogeochemical processes, serving as a significant blue carbon ecosystem. Blue carbon pertains to the carbon captured by marine and coastal ecosystems, especially mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes. Although various assessments of carbon stock and flux have been conducted over the past decades, there is still a lack of concrete understanding regarding carbon source and sink patterns, particularly in the biodiversity-rich Sundarbans, which encompasses a 10,000 km² mangrove area. To identify research gaps in mangrove blue carbon in this region, a recent decade-long inventory of carbon stock pools (including aboveground, belowground, and soil) and factors affecting carbon mass balance (such as cyclones, salinity, sea level rise, temperature, precipitation, and water-air CO² flux) was summarized. This review emphasizes carbon sequestration, storage in vegetation and soil, and the influence of anthropogenic and climatic factors. Gaining insight into these dynamics is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies and enhancing the SBR's role in mitigating climate change.

 

Author (s) Details

 

Manotosh Gayen
Institute of Development Studies Kolkata (IDSK), India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-93-48859-73-0/CH7

Carbon Sequestration Potential of Salt-Tolerant Species in the Coastal Ecosystems of Sagar Island, Hugli Estuary, India | Chapter 6 | Surviving Sundarbans: Tragedy and Hope, Edition 1

This study examines the key biota and their biologically zoned distribution on the tidal flats of Sagar Island. It explores the zonation and succession of salt marsh and mangrove ecosystems and ecological factors. The research includes biomass estimation and assesses the response to sea-level changes. Notable biota include mangroves, salt marshes, polychaetes, molluscs, and avifauna. Biogeography, climate, and substrate influence species distribution, while physiochemical and biological conditions affect species abundance and zonation. Data from 47 villages on Sagar Island, covering 234.35 sq km, identify 21 species, with Harcachkata, Excoecaria Agallocha, and Avicennia Marina dominating. The study reports a total carbon stock of 4549 tons/ha, with significant contributions from Avicennia Marina and Casuarina. The findings highlight Avicennia Marina's carbon sequestration potential, suggesting non-destructive methods for estimating carbon stock in Sagar Island's tree species.

 

Author (s) Details

 

Tuli Sen
Department of Geography, Sagar Mahavidyalaya, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-93-48859-73-0/CH6

Sequestration of Atmospheric Carbon through Ocean Calcifiers: An Approach towards Climate Change | Chapter 7 | Innovations in Biological Science Vol. 6

 

This study highlights the potential of ocean calcifiers to sequester atmospheric carbon in quantity and even reverse climate change. The study, which we hope will show why cultivating calcifiers in the short term would be advantageous, attempts to provide a different, biological, viewpoint of the published data bearing on two specific issues, namely ocean acidification and return of CO2 to the atmosphere by the calcification reaction itself. We find reasons to doubt the validity of both issues. Experiments showing ocean acidification is damaging to calcifiers have all used experimental pH levels that are not projected to be reached in the oceans until the next century or later; today’s oceans are alkaline. In open water habitats in equilibrium with the atmosphere, it may be true to claim precipitation of CaCO3 by calcification as a net source of atmospheric CO2, but only if the solidified limestone is ignored as sequestered CO2. In these kinds of conditions, the calcification response is not carried out by living calcifiers. The chemistry of life is distinguished from that of open water by occurring on enzyme polypeptide surfaces, inside organelles with phospholipid membranes that selectively absorb certain ions, and inside cells encased in phospholipid bilayer membranes. Nowadays, marine calcifiers (coccolithophore algae, Foraminifera [protists], Mollusca, Crustacea, Anthozoa [corals], Echinodermata and some annelids) convert atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) into solid calcium carbonate (CaCO3) protective shells which are left when they die. These organisms could be the biotechnological carbon capture and storage mechanism to control climate change. Ignoring what is known about the biology, physiology, and molecular biology of living calcifiers leads to erroneous conclusions and deficient advice about the potential for calcifier biotechnology to contribute to atmosphere remediation. We conclude that the world’s aquaculture industries already operate biotechnology that, with massive and immediate global expansion, can sustainably control atmospheric CO2 levels at a reasonable cost. We hope that this view of marine calcifiers will show the value and promise of the contribution that aquaculture could make to bringing equilibrium to the atmosphere.

Author(s) Details:

David Moore,
Department of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Manchester, UK.

Matthias Heilweck,
Independent Researcher, F-68240, Kaysersberg, France.

William Burton Fears,
Department of Medicine, Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas and Founding Fellow of the American College of Endocrinology, USA.

Peter Petros
Kaapa Biotech Oy, Teilinummentie 4, 09120 Karjalohja, Finland.
Samuel J Squires,
Department of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, UK.

Elena Tamburini
Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.

Robert Paul Waldron
Independent Researcher, LA-70448, Mandeville, Louisiana, USA.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/IBS-V6/article/view/14929

History and Status of Eucalyptus Improvement in Florida: 2020 | Chapter 1 | New Perspectives in Agriculture and Crop Science Vol. 3

 In 1959, the Florida Forests Foundation in southern Florida began the first organised Eucalyptus research in Florida. The USDA Forest Service and the Florida Forestry Division took up this study in 1968. In the early 1970s, to provide additional funding, the Eucalyptus Research Cooperative created E. E., Grandis. E., robusta. E. and Camaldulensis. Tereticornis and evolved cultural practises for southern Florida commercial plantations. In 1978, this cooperative united with the North Carolina State University (NCSU) Hardwood Research Cooperative until 1985, when the 14-year effort ended after three severe freezes from 1983 to 1985. Eucalyptus planting and research was continued by the University of Florida (UF) and collaborators beginning in 1980, with a Florida-wide focus. The collective achievements are outlined in terms of genetic capital and industrial planting. Fast-growing, freeze-resilient E, for instance. Grandis seedlings are produced by seedling seed orchards of the 4th and 5th generation (SSO) and clonal seed orchards of the 4th generation (CSO), 3 E. There are commercially available grandis cultivars, as are E. Seeds of amplifolia and Corymbia torelliana by SSOs of the 1st and 2nd centuries and CSOs of the 2nd generation. Owing to advantageous partnerships, genetic advancement of these and other animals is ongoing. Short Rotation Woody Crop systems are promising to increase productivity and expand applications such as windbreaks, dendroremediation, energywood, and carbon sequestration to applications beyond conventional mulchwood.

Author(s) Details

Donald L. Rockwood
School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, 118 Newins-Ziegler Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611-0410, USA.

View Book :- https://bp.bookpi.org/index.php/bpi/catalog/book/293