Gold mining in the Amazon depletes land of its water, creating harsh conditions where replanted seedlings can't survive. Researchers suggest flattening sand piles and filling in ponds could improve moisture retention and boost regrowth.
Experts at Flinders University are calling for a new approach to water security on Pacific islands, where rising sea levels threaten local water supplies. Infiltration galleries, which extract fresh groundwater from shallow depths, may provide a solution, but more research is needed on their optimal design and performance.
The study explores the impact of light conditions on plant hydraulic conductance and water demands, revealing adaptive strategies for improved crop productivity. Shaded leaves exhibit higher water-use efficiency due to reduced transpiration, offering insights into optimizing agricultural practices.
Researchers are developing a new type of geosynthetic clay liner to manage toxic landfill leachates. The liner, composed of bentonite and polymer, has shown promise in maintaining low hydraulic conductivity when exposed to aggressive leachates.
Researchers used a new device to measure how plants take in and transport water, finding that substrates containing wood have no impact on root water uptake. The study provides insight into plant performance and adaptability to environmental conditions.