DSpace Collection:
http://hdl.handle.net/10174/997
2024-03-29T10:23:59Z
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New plant communities to define the southern boundary of the European Atlantic Province in mainland Portugal
http://hdl.handle.net/10174/36179
Title: New plant communities to define the southern boundary of the European Atlantic Province in mainland Portugal
Authors: Raposo, Mauro; del Río, Sara; Vázquez-Pardo, Francisco; Costa, José Carlos; Cano-Ortiz, Ana; Pinto-Gomes, Carlos
Abstract: This study identifies and analyzes the plant communities that allow the definition of the geographic limits between Temperate and Mediterranean macrobioclimates, for the center of Portuguese mainland. The altitude of Serra da Estrela, Açor and Lousã, combined with the increase in atmospheric humidity, allows the presence of vegetation typical of a Temperate macrobioclimate. Thus, based on the phytosociological methodology, floristic relevés were carried out in order to identify the series of vegetation existing in these territories. Through these relevés carried out, four new plant associations were identified: Cytisetum grandifloro-striati ass. nova, Scrophulario grandiflorae-Sambucetum nigrae ass. nova, Pruno lusitanicae-Coryletum avellanae ass. nova that lives in the submediterranean bioclimatic variant, mesotemperate humid to hyper-humid. A new association namely Genisto falcatae-Quercetum broteroanae ass. nova with two subassociations were also identified. Based on the vegetation distribution, new biogeographic limits are proposed. Thus, it was intended to identify the southern limits of the European Atlantic Province (Atlantic Orolusitania Subrovince) based on the vegetation cover, namely the distinction between the Estrela Sierran District and a new Biogeographical District, the Alvo-Gardunhense.
2023-11-01T00:00:00Z
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Is Soilless Culture a Sustainable Form of Agriculture?
http://hdl.handle.net/10174/36112
Title: Is Soilless Culture a Sustainable Form of Agriculture?
Authors: Gruda, Nazim; Machado, Rui; Erik A, Van OS
Abstract: A soilless culture system (SCS) is a technique used for plant production that has recently become increasingly popular [1,2]. For instance, almost all greenhouse areas in the Netherlands use SCSs due to their benefits, including up to 50% savings on water and fertilisers, the ability to steer crop growth vegetatively or generatively, and higher yields with better quality [3,4,5]. Similar systems with low investments can be used in mid- and low-tech horticulture. SCSs also enable growers to start with a disease-free crop; crop rotation is no longer required [5]. Further, it significantly benefits regions facing water scarcity, unfavourable soil conditions, infertility, soil-borne diseases, salinity, or sodicity [1,2,6]. Especially when water shortage is an issue, circulating surplus nutrient solutions can save water and expensive fertilisers. Alternatively, the surplus can be used in another crop without recirculating [4]. The primary goal is intensification. Thus, an SCS is employed in areas with suitable climate conditions and proximity to major urban centres to ensure and increase productivity.
2023-10-31T00:00:00Z
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Evolution of land cover in the special area of conservation of Monchique (Southern Portugal): Have the objectives of the Natura 2000 network been achieved (1995–2018)?
http://hdl.handle.net/10174/35612
Title: Evolution of land cover in the special area of conservation of Monchique (Southern Portugal): Have the objectives of the Natura 2000 network been achieved (1995–2018)?
Authors: Raposo, Mauro; Nunes, Leonel; Pinto-Gomes, Carlos José
Abstract: The Natura 2000 Network, as the European Union's ecological network, aims to
ensure the long-term conservation of Europe's most threatened species and habitats,
helping to stop the loss of biodiversity. Based on this assumption, the changes in land
cover in the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) of Monchique between 1995 and
2018 are analysed and related to identify favourable and unfavourable policies concerning
the habitats and respective species conservation. The most important land
covers are compared with the habitats and species legally protected at the National
and European level, as well as the Red List of Vascular Flora of Mainland Portugal. As
main results can be highlighted the increase in the forest area occupied by species such
as Eucalyptus globulus and Pinus pinaster, and a reduction in the areas of grazing and
shrub species. Can also be noted an increase in the areas covered by invasive species,
which may be associated with the abandonment of rural areas. We identified 21 taxa
with high heritage interest in the Monchique SAC, occurring mainly in forest habitats,
namely 91E0, 92A0, 9240, 9330 and 9340, which should be considered in the elaboration
of future Territorial Management Plans. Thus, it can be concluded that the objectives
initially stipulated by the Natura 2000 Network were not fully achieved within
the Monchique SAC. Alternative management methods must be studied to allow conservation
in a territory with a high land consolidation and low population density.
2023-07-31T23:00:00Z
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Non-destructive prediction of total soluble solids in strawberry using near infrared spectroscopy
http://hdl.handle.net/10174/34736
Title: Non-destructive prediction of total soluble solids in strawberry using near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Agulheiro-Santos, A.C.; Laranjo, M.; Ricardo-Rodrigues, S.; Melgão, C.; Velasquez, R.
Abstract: BACKGROUND
Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is considered to be a fast and reliable non-destructive technique for fruit analysis. Considering that consumers are looking for strawberries with good sweetness, texture, and appearance, producers need to effectively measure the ripeness stage of strawberries to guarantee their final quality. Therefore, the use of this technique can contribute to decreasing the high level of waste and delivering good ripe strawberries to consumers. The present study aimed to evaluate the predictive capacity of NIRS technology, as a possible alternative to conventional methodology, for the analysis of the main organoleptic parameters of strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.)
RESULTS Spectroscopic measurements and physicochemical analyses [total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity, colour, texture] of ‘Victory’ strawberries were carried out. The predictive models developed for titratable acidity, colour and texture were not good enough to quantify those parameters. By contrast, in the NIRS quantitative prediction analysis of TSS, it was observed that the spectral pre-treatment with the highest predictive capacity was the first derivative 1-5-5. The coefficients of determination were: 0.9277 for the calibration model; 0.5755 for the validation model; and 0.8207 for the prediction model, using a seven-factor partial least squares multivariate regression analysis CONCLUSION
Therefore, these results demonstrate that NIR analysis could be used to predict the TSS in strawberry, and further work on sampling is desirable to improve the prediction obtained in the present study. It is shown that NIRS technology is a suitable tool for determining quality attributes of strawberry in a fast, economic, and environmentally friendly way. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
2022-03-04T00:00:00Z