Browsing by Author "Hudek, Csilla"
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Item Open Access Data supporting 'Functional root trait-based classification of cover crops to improve soil physical properties'(Cranfield University, 2023-02-15 10:20) Hudek, Csilla; Otten, Wilfred; De Baets, Sarah; Putinica, CristinelSupporting data for the publication "Functional root trait-based classification of cover crops to improve soil physical properties".Item Open Access Functional root trait based classification of cover crops to improve soil physical properties(Wiley, 2021-07-15) Hudek, Csilla; Putinica, Cristinel; Otten, Wilfred; De Baets, SarahCover crop use is a well-established soil conservation technique and has been proven effective for erosion control and soil remediation in many arable systems. Whereas the obvious protection mechanism of cover crops occurs through the canopy, plant roots perform multiple functions. It is important to consider the soil functions delivered by different root systems in order to increase the uptake of cover crops for sustainable soil and water management. A classification of cover crop root systems up to 0.6 m deep based on functional traits will allow us to better study their potential role in soil bio-engineering; soil structural improvements for hydrological services and soil resource protection. A greenhouse experiment, using large 1 m3 containers filled with loam soil, loose top and compacted subsoil, in which 7 cover crop species (Oat, Rye, Buckwheat, Vetch, Radish, Mustard, Phacelia) were grown for 90 days. Root cores were taken at the end of the experiment, washed and imaged to determine root traits (total root length density, average root diameter, root specific length and root surface area) for both the top and subsoil layers. Root identity was determined from a distinctive combination of single root traits and related to 3 soil functional variables, representing soil structural improvement, runoff mitigation and erosion control. The results showed that total root length and root surface area correlate well with aggregate stability and soil macroporosity. Buckwheat, Mustard and Rye had significantly greater aggregate stability as well as 10, 8 and 7 % greater macroporosity respectively, at the interface with the compacted layer when compared to the control bare soil. Furthermore, average root diameter negatively correlated with soil macroporosity, indicating that cover crop with a fine root system are more beneficial for creating pore-space than those with thicker taproots. Selecting cover crop species with the right root traits is therefore crucial to improve soil health.Item Open Access Mid and long-term ecological impacts of ski run construction on alpine ecosystems(Nature Publishing Group, 2020-07-15) Hudek, Csilla; Barni, Elena; Stanchi, Silvia; D’Amico, Michele; Pintaldi, Emanuele; Freppaz, MicheleThe proliferation of ski run construction is a worldwide trend. The machine-grading of slopes involved during ski run construction changes the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil, having significant long-term ecological impact on the environment. Establishing and developing plant communities in these affected areas is crucial in rehabilitating the biotic and abiotic soil environment, while also improving slope stability and reducing the risk of natural hazards. This study evaluates changes in plant-soil properties and the long-term effects of machine-grading and subsequent restoration of ski runs so as to contribute to formulating the best practices in future ski run constructions. Study plots were established in 2000 and re-surveyed in 2017 on ski runs, which had been machine-graded and hydroseeded in the 1990s. Vegetation, root trait and soil surveys were carried out on ski run plots and compared to paired, undisturbed control sites off the ski runs. Plant cover remained unchanged on the ski-runs over time but plant richness and diversity considerably increased, reaching similar levels to undisturbed vegetation. Plant composition moved towards more semi-natural stages, showing a reduction in seeded plants with a comparable increase in the cover of colonizing native species. Root trait results were site-specific showing great variations between the mid and long-term after-effects of machine-grading and revegetation when compared to undisturbed sites. Under long-term management, the soil pH was still higher and the organic C content still lower in the ski runs than in the undisturbed sites, as the aggregate stability. The standard actions applied (machine-grading, storage and re-use of topsoil, hydroseeding of commercial seed mixtures, application of manure soon after seeding and low-intensity grazing) allowed the ecosystem to partially recover in three decades, and even if the soil has still a lower chemical and physical fertility than the undisturbed sites, the plant species composition reveals a satisfactory degree of renaturalization.