Journal of Arid Environments最新文献

{"title":"Biochar-mediated improvements in soil health in drylands: A bibliometric review of the potential and mechanisms for combating desertification and climate change","authors":"Marina Pedroso Carneiro ,&nbsp;Fernanda Palmeira Gabetto ,&nbsp;Francielle Medeiros Costa ,&nbsp;Viviana Meneghini ,&nbsp;Juliet Emilia Santos de Sousa ,&nbsp;Gonçalo Amarante Guimarães Pereira ,&nbsp;Maurício Roberto Cherubin","doi":"10.1016/j.jaridenv.2025.105490","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jaridenv.2025.105490","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Climate change has increased the vulnerability in dryland regions, which are more often facing challenges associated with water scarcity and low crop yields. In this context, sustainable soil management practices are a valuable tool to enhance the resilience of these areas as they can provide environmental benefits while ensuring fiber and food production. Among these practices, biochar use has gained recent attention due to its potential to enhance soil health; however, there is a lack of studies that synthesize the existing published data to guide future research. Therefore, we performed a bibliometric review to assess the current research status of soil health studies on biochar use in dryland soils. A total of 38 documents published between 2013 and 2024 were selected from the Web of Science and Scopus databases to be included in our analysis. Our results show that China leads in the number of publications, followed by Pakistan and Iran, which highlights the existence of research gaps in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and parts of the Middle East and Europe. The most commonly evaluated properties in these studies to assess soil health were pH and phosphorus for chemical-associated parameters, and soil organic carbon and bulk density for biological and physical attributes, respectively. Physical parameters were the least commonly evaluated by the soil health studies with biochar application in drylands, despite their relevance. Research in the area highlights the overall potential of biochar to increase key parameters associated with land conservation in dry areas, such as nutrient availability, water retention, carbon sequestration, and crop productivity. However, research conducted on this matter remains limited and unevenly distributed. We recommend that future studies should address regional gaps and explore long-term effects under field conditions to enhance the current understanding of the benefits associated with biochar use in drylands.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51080,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Arid Environments","volume":"232 ","pages":"Article 105490"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145119430","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Microtextural patterns as an archive of geomorphic and pedogenic response to anthropogenic humidification in an arid dune system (Morocco)","authors":"Rachid Amiha,&nbsp;Belkacem Kabbachi,&nbsp;Mohamed Ait Haddou,&nbsp;Younes Moussaid,&nbsp;Youssef Bouchriti","doi":"10.1016/j.jaridenv.2025.105491","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jaridenv.2025.105491","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding the response of arid soil-landscape systems to changes in moisture regimes is critical for assessing their stability. This study investigates the Elfeija dune field in southeastern Morocco, a site chosen for its well-preserved record of both natural climatic cycles and recent anthropogenic impacts. The process-response dynamics were investigated using quartz grain exoscopy (SEM-EDS) as a primary indicator. The analysis reveals a polyphasic history where subsequent pedogenic processes overprint primary geomorphic signatures. The initial state of the parent material is defined by a dominant suite of aeolian microtextures, including high-gloss polish and mechanical impact marks, indicative of prolonged transport in a mobile dune system. This primary surface is consistently altered by features diagnostic of incipient pedogenesis, such as chemical dissolution etching and authigenic growth of complex iron- and chlorine-rich aluminosilicate precipitates. Significantly, the recent, widespread expansion of irrigated agriculture provides a powerful modern analogue for the natural arid-humid cycles of the Quaternary.The seasonal, human-induced humidification of the sandy substrate creates the precise conditions required for these chemical alteration processes. The study concludes that the Elfeija geosite serves not only as a high-fidelity archive of past climatic shifts but also as a real-time laboratory for studying the geomorphic and pedogenic response of an arid system to modern anthropogenic forcing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51080,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Arid Environments","volume":"232 ","pages":"Article 105491"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145097084","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seasonal variation in macro and micro mineral contents of browse plants consumed by ruminants in Namibia","authors":"Lucia N. Marius ,&nbsp;Maria N.T. Shipandeni ,&nbsp;Luis A. Rodríguez-Campos ,&nbsp;Emmanuel L.K. Osafo","doi":"10.1016/j.jaridenv.2025.105488","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jaridenv.2025.105488","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluated the seasonal variation of macro and micro minerals contents of woody plant leaves and their interaction: species x season. The woody plants species investigated from Daurês, Gibeon, Guinas, Kongola, Omatako and Tsandi constituencies were <em>Senegalia mellifera</em>, <em>Vachellia karroo, Vachellia hereroensis, Dichrostachys cinerea, Grewia bicolor, Combretum apiculatum, Combretum collinum, Philenoptera nelsii, Terminalia prunioides, Terminalia sericea, Colophospermum mopane, Baphiam massaiensis, Bauhinia petersiana, Catophractes alexandri, Rhigozum trichotomum</em> and <em>Ziziphus mucronata</em>. Leaves of woody species were collected in the wet, early-dry and late dry seasons. Minerals contents varied between species, seasons and their interactions. Species × season interactions were observed in calcium (Ca), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and sulphur (S). Calcium, P, Mg, K and S were affected by season (p &lt; 0.0001). Sodium, Ca, K and S levels differed by species. Micro-mineral contents were significantly affected by species, season and their interactions (p &lt; 0.0001) except for copper which was not influenced by season. Most woody plants meet the minimum requirement of most minerals for ruminants; however, supplementation is vital, especially during the dry season. Metabolic trials are required to understand mineral metabolism and bioavailability, and ultimately their impact on animal performance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51080,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Arid Environments","volume":"232 ","pages":"Article 105488"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145097083","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of drought on rhizosphere microorganisms and soil environment of Bupleurum chinense","authors":"Xiaohan Feng ,&nbsp;Yannan Geng ,&nbsp;Yan Sun ,&nbsp;Yingying Zhang ,&nbsp;Demin Gao","doi":"10.1016/j.jaridenv.2025.105489","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jaridenv.2025.105489","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study investigated the impact of drought on the rhizosphere microorganisms of <em>Bupleurum chinense</em> seedlings. Soil analysis revealed that soil pH, soil organic matter (SOM), and available nitrogen decreased as drought intensity increased, while the response of available potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) was more complex. The activity of peroxidase (POD) decreased, and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) varied under different drought conditions. Amplicon sequencing results showed that moderate drought increased bacterial diversity, while severe drought decreased both bacterial and fungal diversity. Significant shifts in microbial communities were observed, with increases in Proteobacteria and actinomycetes and decreases in Acidobacteria and bifidobacteria under severe drought. As drought intensity increased, ascomycetes increased while basidiomycetes and associated flora decreased. Biomarker analysis identified specific bacterial and fungal taxa associated with different drought treatments. The study also explored the relationship between root-associated microbiota and soil factors, as well as the potential functional implications of observed changes in microbial communities. These findings highlight significant alterations in the rhizosphere microorganisms of <em>B. chinense</em> seedlings under drought stress and provide insights into changes in soil function and their potential impacts on soil sustainability and plant health in the rhizosphere.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51080,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Arid Environments","volume":"232 ","pages":"Article 105489"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145097082","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dose-dependent root phenotypic plasticity in Casuarina equisetifolia: Mechanistic insights into drought adaptation strategies for coastal sand-fixation afforestation","authors":"Chen Fang ,&nbsp;Qinqin Lin ,&nbsp;Can Chen ,&nbsp;Yu Chen ,&nbsp;Han Lin ,&nbsp;Guoying Pan ,&nbsp;Chuanyang Jiang ,&nbsp;Anqiang Xie ,&nbsp;Xia Li","doi":"10.1016/j.jaridenv.2025.105470","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jaridenv.2025.105470","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>China's 17,000 km coastal shelterbelt system faces challenges in natural regeneration due to drought stress in sandy soils, particularly affecting the pioneer species <em>Casualina equisetifolia</em>, crucial for stabilizing these vulnerable zones. Limited understanding of drought-induced population declines hampers effective conservation strategies. To address this, we conducted pot experiments on one-year-old <em>C. equisetifolia</em> seedlings using polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) to simulate drought stress, analyzing root biomass, morphology, and anatomy. Our findings reveal dose-dependent drought responses in <em>C. equisetifolia</em> roots. Moderate water deficit boosts root biomass through accelerated elongation, while severe stress causes a 62 % biomass reduction. Morphologically, seedlings increase root surface area (↑34 %) and tissue density (↑18 %) but reduce total length (↓27 %), with a 2.3-fold expansion of submillimeter roots (0–0.5 mm diameter) to optimize soil exploration. Anatomically, primary roots show drought hypersensitivity with a 41 % reduction in xylem conduit numbers, whereas tertiary roots compensate through increased vessel density (↑22 %) and cortical cell expansion. These adaptive strategies provide a mechanistic framework for enhancing seedling resilience in coastal afforestation programs, offering silvicultural insights for improving the survival and adaptation of <em>C. equisetifolia</em> in drought-prone environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51080,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Arid Environments","volume":"232 ","pages":"Article 105470"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145046693","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Corrigendum to “Additive and substitutable prey responses to feral and native predator combinations” [J. Arid Environ. 229 (2025) 105399]","authors":"Justin R. Saint Juliana ,&nbsp;S.S. Bleicher ,&nbsp;S. Mukherjee ,&nbsp;V. Sundararaj ,&nbsp;J.S. Brown ,&nbsp;B.P. Kotler","doi":"10.1016/j.jaridenv.2025.105483","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jaridenv.2025.105483","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":51080,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Arid Environments","volume":"232 ","pages":"Article 105483"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145049771","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Re-greening the Sahel? Evaluating tree cover restoration strategies in Niger","authors":"Fatima Wourro ,&nbsp;Amah Akodewou ,&nbsp;Justin Kassi N'dja ,&nbsp;Bruno Hérault","doi":"10.1016/j.jaridenv.2025.105484","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jaridenv.2025.105484","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the Sahel, land degradation caused by climate variability and unsustainable human activities has led to soil erosion, declining fertility, and worsening food insecurity. To address this, large-scale restoration initiatives incorporating soil and water conservation (SWC) techniques and drought-resistant tree species have been implemented. This study evaluated the growth of 1564 trees from six species (<em>Acacia nilotica, Acacia raddiana, Senegalia senegal, Vachellia seyal, Bauhinia rufescens,</em> and <em>Ziziphus mauritiana</em>) on rehabilitated lands, using a Bayesian growth model to assess the effects of SWC structures, management practices, and geomorphological conditions. Among the SWC techniques studied—half-moons, trenches, bench terraces, stone bunds, and trench-bund combinations—half-moons proved most effective in enhancing tree growth (+12 %). Pediments provided the best conditions for tree development, outperforming plateaus and slopes. The absence of site management (guarding, replanting, and maintenance of plants and structures) decreased growth (−9 %). Sustainable reforestation in the Sahel requires integrating scientific knowledge with local expertise, adaptive strategies, and community involvement. A holistic approach that prioritizes effective SWC structures, suitable planting sites, and continuous management is crucial for restoring degraded lands, strengthening ecosystem resilience, and ensuring long-term success.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51080,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Arid Environments","volume":"232 ","pages":"Article 105484"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145049770","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The response of water-carbon coupling to drought stress in terrestrial ecosystems in China","authors":"Xin Yuan ,&nbsp;Liang Jiao ,&nbsp;Qian Li ,&nbsp;Ruhong Xue ,&nbsp;Xuge Wang ,&nbsp;Zhengdong Guo ,&nbsp;Kuan Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.jaridenv.2025.105474","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jaridenv.2025.105474","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Extreme drought events have severely affected vegetation growth, but the responses of the water-carbon coupling process of vegetation in various climate zones in China to drought remain unclear. Therefore, based on WUE (Water Use Efficiency), we analyzed the responses and recovery capabilities of vegetation water-carbon coupling in various climate zones to drought stress. The results showed that 1) In terms of the drought lag time of the two, the warm and humid climate zone responds to drought events more slowly than the arid and semi-arid climate zone. On the optimal lag time, vegetation WUE and SPEI (Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index) were generally negatively correlated across climate zones. 2) The cumulative water deficit in the previous period had a medium-term cumulative effect on the vegetation WUE process in arid and semi-arid climatic zones, and a short-term cumulative effect on the WUE process in warm-humid climatic zones. 3) The resilience curve which showed that the vegetation WUE of the semi-humid and alpine arid regions had a stronger resilience to drought stress with strong recovery ability. These findings reveal the mechanism of vegetation water-carbon coupling process in response to drought, and provide an important basis for in-depth study of vegetation memory effects and adaptation strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51080,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Arid Environments","volume":"232 ","pages":"Article 105474"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145005130","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Organic carbon stock between different grain sizes in Arenosols from the coastal dunes of Campeche Bay, Mexico","authors":"Eliel Abimael Caamal Luna ,&nbsp;Gustavo Enrique Mendoza-Arroyo ,&nbsp;Víctor Manuel Ku-Quej ,&nbsp;Jesús Chi-Quej ,&nbsp;René Efraín Canché-Solís","doi":"10.1016/j.jaridenv.2025.105469","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jaridenv.2025.105469","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Coastal sandy soils are dynamic, and so estimating their organic carbon sequestration capacity is crucial for restoration for the restoration of coastal ecosystems. We assessed the distribution of soil organic carbon stock between three grain sizes (1000, 500, and 250 μm) and three erosion conditions (low, medium and high) in sandy soils (Arenosols) on the coastal sand dunes of Campeche Bay. We analyzed particle size distribution, aboveground and belowground biomass, organic matter and the soil organic carbon contained in 1000, 500, and 250 μm grain size. Very coarse, coarse, and medium sand grains predominate on coastal dunes. Rhizomatous roots prevailed in the supratidal zones and were absent in the infratidal zones with high erosion. Soils under low erosion conditions maintained high organic carbon contents, highlighting the contribution of very coarse grains (1000 μm) for organic carbon sequestration. In conclusion, carbon sequestration is mainly associated with grain size – medium sand stores over 60 C ton/ha - and the contribution of both aboveground and belowground biomass, particularly rhizomatous roots, which play a crucial role in mitigating coastal erosion. Our findings suggest the need to focus our efforts on restoring coastal dunes given the provision of environmental services and high vulnerability to climate change.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51080,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Arid Environments","volume":"232 ","pages":"Article 105469"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145005129","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Understanding how the Argan tree adapts its performance in a heterogeneous environment using wood anatomical and leaf functional traits","authors":"Jean-Frédéric Terral ,&nbsp;Goeffrey Bédé ,&nbsp;Laure Paradis ,&nbsp;Sarah Ivorra ,&nbsp;Jérôme Ros ,&nbsp;Vincent Girard ,&nbsp;Mohammed Ater ,&nbsp;Bertrand Limier ,&nbsp;Jalal Kassout","doi":"10.1016/j.jaridenv.2025.105473","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jaridenv.2025.105473","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plant responses to environmental factors—specifically, in this study, sap conduction potential, resource use, and photosynthetic capacity—generally involve the simultaneous variation of both independent or correlated traits. To better understand these responses, we develop an integrated approach that examines multiple functional dimensions, defined as groups of correlated phenotypic traits that reflect the constraints and trade-offs shaping the Argan tree phenotype. Our aim is to assess the Argan tree's ability to withstand ongoing climate change, particularly the significant increase in temperature and aridity. In this study, we focus on wood anatomical traits related to sap conduction and reserve storage, alongside structural and physiological leaf traits. To date, this combination of traits has not been systematically studied in the Argan tree. By integrating these functional dimensions, our approach allows us to identify key traits and trait combinations that explain the species' distribution and resilience to heterogeneous environmental and climatic stressors. Furthermore, it enables the identification of bioindicator characters that are sensitive to variations in biogeographical, geographical and climatic factors, facilitating the development of trait-based models of plasticity or adaptation of performances along environmental gradients. Ultimately, this study establishes the eco-functional foundations of the Argan tree, providing insights into its tolerance and resilience to drastic environmental changes. Given its ecological, anthropological and socio-economic significance, understanding the adaptive strategies of this emblematic woody species is crucial for predicting its future persistence under increasing environmental pressures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51080,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Arid Environments","volume":"231 ","pages":"Article 105473"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144996476","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}