Spatial Variability of Microclimate Characteristics in Transition Zone of the Forest: A Case Study of Slătioara Secular Forest

Although the importance of forest margins in ecology is recognized, no study has been carried out in the Slătioara Secular Forest Reserve with reference to the variability of abiotic parameters along forest margins. With this study, we investigate to what extent microclimatic variables (air temperature—T_air, air humidity—H_air, soil temperature—T_soil, soil humidity—H_soil wind intensity (WIND) and photosynthetically active radiation intensity (PAR)) are correlated with the distance from the edge to the forest interior and the habitat type (forest interior, inner and outer edge and meadow) in the Slătioara Secular Forest Reserve. In order to measure these microenvironment variables we used the strip transect method, positioned perpendicular to the forest edge. Differences in the microenvironment variables considered in the analysis between the four habitat types were assessed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey-test post-hoc. To assess differences along transects, each of the six measurements went through a one-way ANOVA against distance to edge, followed by a Levene’s test for variances and finally a Tukey-test post-hoc. The results indicate that the values of microclimatic variables were significantly different in relation to the gradient of distance from the edge and to the habitat type (interior-exterior forest) and that edge habitats are significantly more susceptible to lower humidity, high winds, lower light and higher air temperatures than forest interior habitats. The ecological study of the edge areas in this reserve provides the basis for future research on forest dynamics and can guide conservation efforts to maintain the diversity and endemism of species in the Slătioara Secular Forest.

Microclimate and Its Formation Mechanism in Cunninghamia lanceolata Hook. Plantation Ecosystems in the Subtropical Zone of China

Microclimate characteristics and related environmental energy mechanisms were examined based on the long term located observations in the mature, thinned and young Cunninghamia lanceolata plantation ecosystems in western Hunan Province, China. The results show that the mature plantation ecosystem can improve the microclimate significantly by regulating the amount and spatial distribution of environmental energy, which delineates the pattern of the microclimate in forest ecosystems in the process of ecological restoration. Compared with the young plantation, the mature plantation ecosystem decreased annual mean air temperature by 0 4℃. The maximum decrease in monthly mean air temperature was 2 3℃. The mature plantation ecosystem decreased annual mean ground temperature by 1 2℃ with a maximum decrease in monthly mean ground temperature of 2 3℃. Mainly due to the dense canopy, the mature forest ecosystem regulates the distribution of radiation energy, and expenditure ratios of heat budget and principal energy components to decrease temperature or make it even.

Effects of N Rates on Canopy Microclimate and Population Health in Irrigated Rice

Objective The aim was to elucidate the effects of N rates on rice canopy microclimate and community health so as to provide a sci- entific basis for studying the production potential in irrigated rice with healthy canopy. Method The effects of rice population structure traits under different N rates on rice canopy temperature, relative humidity （ RH）, light transmittance and sheath blight were studied by using Sunscan canopy analysis system and HOBO（ Pro Temp/RH IS logger）. Result The results showed that leaf area index, plant height and tiller number had significant effects on canopy cooling, RH enhancing and light reducing. Extremely significant multiple linear regression relationships existed among canopy day temperature, day RH, LAI and tiller number, and among light transmittance, tiller number and plant height. At flowering stage, per unit LAI could result in a day-maximum-temperature （Tmax） deceasing of 0.87℃ and a day-minimum-RH （RHmin） enhancing of 2.5% within canopy. Similarly, 100 plants per ms could respectively cause a Tmax deceasing of 1.23℃ and an RHmin enhancing of 3.3% in rice canopy. And per 10 cm plant height and 100 plants per m^2 could respectively reduce 9.3% and 7.8% of light in canopy. Conclusion Sheath blight disease index was significantly enhanced as the canopy day temperature decreased, day RH increased and light transmittance reduced. Bigger canopy from higher nitrogen level treatment leads to a more stable canopy microclimate with little changes in temperature and RH during day and night, which has the risk of worsening canopy health. Thus, moderately controlling the space development of canopy is the basis of constructing healthy canopy in rice.

Biological Basis & Microclimate Effects of Intercropping in Jujube Field

Objective] This study aimed to explore the biological basis and microcli-mate effects in intercropping jujube orchard. [Method] From 2009 to 2011, jujube was intercroped with wheat, peanut, soybean, garlic, watermelon, vegetables etc. By fixed observation and simultaneous mobile observation, the field microclimate factors such as the air temperature, surface temperature, air relative humidity, wind speed, etc. were measured, with mono-crop farmland as the control. [Result] The competi-tion relationship existed between jujube trees and the intercropped plants for re-sources such as il umination, fertilizer, and water; however there were differences in phenological phases and the critical periods in needing for water, fertilizer and il u-mination between jujube and intercropped plants. Meanwhile, there was significant difference （P〈0.05） in the variation of agricultural microclimate environment in jujube field compared with that in control farmland. Compared with the control, the air tem-perature in intercropping jujube orchard was reduced by 0.2 to 0.7 ℃, the earth surface temperature reduction ranged from 2.1 to 2.5 ℃, the relative air humidity increased by 3.7% to 6.8% and the wind speed decreased by 0.2 to 0.4 m/s. [Conclusion] Al above results showed that intercropping in jujube orchard could be promoted in central China and northern China areas.

Microclimate regimes following gap formation in a montane secondary forest of eastern Liaoning Province, China

In order to improve the understanding of the role of a canopy opening/gap on the physical environments in a secondary forest in Northeastern China, a case study was conducted in and around a small irregular gap in a montane secondary forest. The secondary forest, which was severely disturbed by human beings about 50 years ago, was dominated by Quercus mongolica and Fraxinus rhynchophyllaan. Temporal variation in photosynthetic photon flux density （PPFD）, air temperature （TA） at 10 cm above the ground, soil temperature （Ts） and soil water content （SWC） at top-layer （0-15 cm） and sub-layer （15-30 cm） were measured from May to September after the second year since the formation of the small gap （the ratios of gap diameter to stand height were less than 0.5） in 2006 respectively. Results indicated that the highest value of PPFD occurred at the northern edge of the gap, particularly at the beginning of the growing season in May. On sunny days, the highest value of PPFD appeared earlier than that on overcast days. Maximum and mean values of TAwere higher in the northern part of the gap, and the minimum values of TAwere at the southern edge of the gap. Soil temperature varied obviously in the gap with the range from 1 to 8 ℃. Maximum values of Ts occurred at the northern part of the gap, which was significantly correlated with the maximum values of TA （R = 0.735, P〈0.05）. SWC was higher in the top-layer （0-15 cm） than that in sub-layer （15-30 cm）, but the difference of them was not significant （p〉0.05）, which might be attributed to the small gap size and the effects of aboveground vegetations. From these results, the maximum of PPFD in the study area occurred at the northern part of the gap, which was consistent with the results observed in north hemisphere, but the occurrence time varied with the differences of the latitudes. The highest values of air and soil temperatures also occurred in the northern part of the gap because they were affected by the radiation. However, the variation of temperature in July was different from other months due to the influence of gap size. And the values of soil water content were neither higher in the gap in the wet season nor lower in the dry season, which might be affected by the gap size and topography the gap located. The variations of light, soil and air temperatures, and soil moisture in this small irregular gap might be related to the effects of the micro-site, which affects the regeneration of plant species.

CFD Based Study of Heterogeneous Microclimate in a Typical Chinese Greenhouse in Central China

Indoor microclimate is important for crop production and quality in greenhouse cultivation. This paper focuses on microclimate study based on a computational fluid dynamics （CFD） model of a typical plastic greenhouse （with a sector shape vertical cross-section） popularly used in central China. A radiation model is added into the CFD model so as to simulate coupling of convective transfers and radiative exchanges at the cover and the roof, instead of using the usual coupling approach based on energy balance. In addition, a fractal permeability model is innovatively adopted in the modeling of the crop canopy. Compared the numerical results with measured experimental data, the model simulation is proved with success. This model then is used to explore the microclimate variable distributions in the greenhouse. It shows that the airflow pattern, temperature and humidity profiles are different from those in a sawtooth Mediterranean- type greenhouse. The study suggests that this deliberately developed CFD model can be served as a useful tool in macroclimate research and greenhouse design investigating.

Optimization of rhizosphere cooling airflow for microclimate regulation and its effects on lettuce growth in plant factory

In plant factories,the plant microclimate is affected by the control system,plant physiological activities and aerodynamic characteristics of leaves,which often leads to poor ventilation uniformity,suboptimal environmental conditions and inefficient air conditioning.In this study,interlayer cool airflow(ILCA)was used to introduce room air into plants’internal canopy through vent holes in cultivation boards and air layer between cultivation boards and nutrient solution surface(interlayer).By using optimal operating parameters at a room temperature of 28℃,the ILCA system achieved similar cooling effects in the absence of a conventional air conditioning system and achieved an energy saving of 50.8% while bringing about positive microclimate change in the interlayer and nutrient solution.This resulted in significantly reduced root growth by 41.7% without a negative influence on lettuce crop yield.Future development in this precise microclimate control method is predicted to replace the conventional cooling(air conditioning)systems for crop production in plant factories.

Improvement of Outdoor Microclimate Comfort of Rural Residence in Southwest Mountainous Area through Plant Application

Improvement of microclimate comfort is good to save energy,and create and improve communication space,and promote sustainable development of countryside.Wind is an important factor that influences outdoor microclimate and plant is an economic,high-efficiency and healthy choice to improve wind environment.This article discussed technical strategies of improving the microclimate comfort of rural residence in southwest mountainous areas,by taking use of native vegetations.The strategy is to set up the wind-guide or wind-break plant landscape system through site planting,courtyard planting and residence planting.

Microclimate Regulation of Urban Road Landscapes and PM 2.5 Control Measures

This paper proposed through systematic analysis that road tail gas is an important source of PM2.5,and elaborated the infl uence of urban road space forms and road landscapes on urban microclimate,on the basis of which gave corresponding landscape design suggestions for PM2.5 control.

CFD Assisted Study of Multi-Chapels Greenhouse Vents Openings Effect on Inside Airflow Circulation and Microclimate Patterns

The aim of this work is to study and quantify the air mass flow exchanged between inside and outside of the greenhouse, in order to determine the ventilation openings layout and the design effect on greenhouse airflow and microclimate distribution. The study was conducted over a 945 m2 multi-chapels arched greenhouse with a polyethylene cover and has thirteen crop rows oriented from north to south;the greenhouse was equipped with side wall and roof vents openings. A simulation was performed using different arrangements and configurations of ventilation openings with the same wind direction. Numerical simulation has been adopted in three dimensions (CFD), using the Fluent computer code which relies on the resolution of the Navier-Stokes equations. These equations were solved in the presence of the turbulence model (k - ε) and the Boussinesq model equation adopted to incorporate buoyancy forces. The effects of solar and atmospheric radiation were included by solving the radiative transfer equation (RTE), using Discrete Ordinate (DO) model. The effects of the roof openings, the presence of anti-insect screens and crops orientation were investigated and quantified. In a 3-span greenhouse with an anti-aphid in-sect screen in the vent openings, combining roof and sidewall vents gave a ventilation rate per unit opening area that was 1.4 times more than with only side vents. In the latter case, the difference of temperature between the inside and the outside of the greenhouse was greater than 3°C. Numerical simulations with an anti-insect screen having a porosity of 56% showed that the air exchange rate with combined ventilation was reduced by 48%. Finally, the paper focused on the effect of vent arrangement on the efficiency of the ventilation and the distribution of the microclimate inside the greenhouse. Results showed that computed ventilation rates varied from 53.43 to 70.95 kg/s, whereas temperature differences varied from 7.15°C to 10.14°C. This study also showed that other characteristics such as climate heterogeneity must be investigated in order to define the best ventilation configuration.

Microclimate modification using eco-friendly nets and floating row covers improves tomato (<i>Lycopersicon esculentum</i>) yield and quality for small holder farmers in East Africa

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is one of the important vegetables in supplying vitamins, minerals and fiber to human diets worldwide. Its successful production in the tropics is, however, constrained by environmental variations especially under open field conditions. Two trials were conducted at the Horticulture Research and Teaching Field, Egerton University, Kenya to evaluate the effects of agricultural nets (agronets) herein called eco-friendly nets (EFNs) and floating row covers (FRCs) on microclimate modification, yield, and quality of tomato. A randomized complete block design with five replications was used. Tomato plants were grown under fine mesh EFN (0.4-mm pore diameter) cover, large mesh EFN (0.9-mm pore diameter) cover or FRC. The EFN and FRC were maintained either permanently closed or opened thrice a week from 9 am to 3 pm. Two open control treatments were used: unsprayed (untreated control) or sprayed with chemicals (treated control). The use of EFN or FRC modified the microclimate with higher temperatures, lower diurnal temperature ranges, and higher volumetric water content recorded compared with the controls. On the other hand, light quantity and photosynthetic active radiation were reduced by the use of EFN and FRC compared with the controls. The use of FRC and EFN resulted in more fruit and higher percent in marketable yield compared with open field production. Fruit quality at harvest was also significantly improved by the use of EFN and FRC. Fruits with higher total soluble solids (TSS), lower titratable acidity (TA), and higher sugar acid ratio were obtained in EFN and FRC treatments compared with the controls. Fruits harvested from EFN and FRC were also firmer compared with control fruits. These findings demonstrate the potential of EFN and FRC in modifying microclimate conditions and improving yields and quality of tomato under tropical field conditions.

Argentinian Yungas Forest Fragmentation: Effects on Aboveground Biomass, Microclimate and Carbon Storage

The Argentinian Yungas ecosystem, the more extensive of the two richest biodiversity ecoregions of the country, is subject to rapid deforestation and fragmentation. Because these fragments are the future biodiversity reserves of this ecosystem, it was interesting to know if they constitute small-scale replicas of the forest from which they were detached. Our objective was to characterise the fragments and compare them with sectors of continuous forest by studying the aboveground tree biomass (for the five most representative forest species), microclimate (three variables) and edaphic factors (three) as a function of distance from forest edge at 15, 25, 50, 100 and 200 meters. We selected two size categories for fragments: 5 - 10 ha and 100 - 150 ha, located in the lower Yungas forest (LYF). We did sampling during the dry and wet seasons. As a result, in the larger fragments, the distance exerts a significant effect on the records of the microclimate and edaphic variables, gradually modifying them from the edge to the interior (up to at least 100 meters). The variations are more evident in the wet season. Solar radiation and relative humidity were two of the factors with greater response (Spearman r= -0.89;p p &#183ha-1, for small and big fragments, respectively). The five species studied show less density and trees of reduced dimensions (lower dbh and height). Fast-growing pioneer plant species and disturbance-loving lianas accompany them. Edge plant composition presents notorious changes in the bigger fragments. Biomass and ecosystem processes such as carbon cycling, which have been modified into fragments, both are directly associated with the structure and functioning in LYF remnants. The human and animal intervention detected in the area could be interacting synergistically with the microclimate and biological changes observed and potentiate the effects of degradation in the fragments, creating conditions of greater threat to LYF’s biodiversity. However, the management of the LYF ecosystem within an adequate land use scheme could conserve and even encourage the recovery of the fragments ensuring a natural legacy of great importance for the country. Financing opportunities and globally assumed responsibilities in the context of climate change could constitute a favorable framework for the implementation of strategies to safeguard these forests.

Buffered microclimate determines the presence of Salamandra corsica

Numerous amphibian species occupy microhabitats with buffered thermal and moisture conditions,typically under forest canopies.Here,we assessed whether the insular endemic Salamandra corsica also uses this type of habitat,which could have important implications for its conservation.We used data loggers to record the air temperature and air humidity at 4 h intervals over a period of 2 years,at 13 stations with a confirmed presence of S.corsica.These data were compared with those recorded at Corsican weather stations and those generated by a climate model(WorldClim 2).The weather station data showed significant deviations from the probe data,by an average of-1.26℃(minimum temperature),+2.61℃(maximum temperature),and-0.04%(relative humidity).Similarly,the WorldClim 2 data showed significant deviations from the probe data,by an average of-2.49°C(minimum temperature)and+1.69℃(maximum temperature).These discrepancies refl ect the use of densely vegetated and topographically complex habitats by S.corsica,which reduce temperature fluctuations.Overall,our results highlight the importance of natural vegetal cover in the conservation of populations of this endemic salamander.

Effects of mulching practice on microclimate in greenhouse

After ground-mulching in plastic house.it is shown that it may display obvious effect on soil temperature.increase,but almost no effect on the internal air temperature,and light conditions can be improved,but the side effects were presented on the relative humidity and the concentration of carbon dioxide.

Actual Measurement of the Microclimate Environment of Green Spaces and Dynamic Simulation of Building Height in Xijing Community of Beijing

In this paper, three types of green spaces in Xijing Community in Shijingshan District of Beijing were selected for as the measuring points, the HOBO portable weather station was used to monitor the microclimate environmental changes in the same period and summarize the data of microclimate factors. The effectiveness of the simulation was verified by comparing the measured data with the simulated data obtained through ENVI-met. And strategies for microclimate adaptive design in residential areas were proposed according to the microclimate environmental characteristics of several green spaces.

Characteristics and Causes of Microclimate around Round Earth Buildings in Yongding County

With Zhencheng Building (round earth building) and Chengde Building (modern brick building) as the observation objects, certain points are set on the lawn between these two buildings to observe the macroclimate, and also on the third floor of both buildings to observe the microclimate. Observations are carried out respectively at 8:00, 14:00, 2:00 each day, and the auto-records at 2:00 am are included in the data through interpolating revision. Through the observations in April, July, October and January, the characteristics and causes of microclimate are primarily disclosed, the features and cultural connotations of these buildings are further studied.

Microclimate Effect of Artificial Caragana microphylla Communities in Horqin Sandy Land

Caragana microphylla is one of the key species for vegetation restoration in Horqin Sandy Land. Adopting field investigation and outdoor experiments,the microclimate effect of artificial C. microphylla communities with different restoration years were studied by observing wind velocity,air temperature,relative humidity and soil temperature. The results show that:( 1) Caragana microphylla community has an obvious wind-breaking effect near ground surface. Compared with shifting dunes,the wind velocity in the 6-year-old and 11-year-old C. microphylla shrubs at the height of 30 cm separately decreases by 71. 9% and 76. 0%.( 2) Mean daily temperature in the 6-year-old and 11-yearold C. microphylla communities is 3. 7 ℃ and 4. 9 ℃ lower than in shifting dunes,respectively.( 3) The relative humidity of air in the Caragana microphylla shrubs is higher than in shifting dunes.( 4) Soil temperature in C. microphylla plantation is lower than in shifting dunes. These results are significant in further exploring material and energy exchange near surface layer of artificial vegetation in the extremely arid condition.

Effect of the Microclimate of Underground Systems on the Occurrence of Hibernating Bats

This study investigates the microclimatic connections between underground systems and the hibernation sites of particular species of bats. The distribution of hibernating bats was analysed in five selected zones designated Ⅰ-Ⅴ. These zones have a similar relative humidity, diverse temperature ranges inside the system, as well as air flow rates. A multi-year research programme highlighted the relationships between the occurrence of hibernating bats of various species and the microclimate of these particular zones. What is of essential importance are the sites with an air flow in their zones exceeding 0.02 m·s^-1, then is temperature and humidity. The air flow determines more intensive settling of wintering bats （zones Ⅲ, Ⅳand Ⅴ）. The zone Ⅱ-tourist zone with periodic air flows and often visited by humans is the least used by hibernating bats.

Coupling Relationship Between Summer Microclimate and Spatial Layout of Street Canyons in the White Stupa Temple Area of Beijing

With the rapid urbanization, many high-rise buildings and new districts have been built continuously. However, the old town of cities has gradually been forgotten by people and its environment is becoming increasingly harsh. The old town usually has diversified space and function. As an important part of the old town, the street canyon that is closely related to human settlements is a public space where people communicate and do activities. Therefore, research on microclimate-based improvement of the street canyon in the old town is of great significance. Six typical street canyons in the White Stupa Temple area of Beijing were selected for research to explore spatial characteristics of the street canyon. Microclimate factors such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation were measured on the spot in summer. These factors were combined with two microclimate assessment indexes of physiological equivalent temperature(PET) and wet bulb globe temperature(WBGT) to evaluate the microclimate of the street canyon. In the analysis of the measured data, the mean value comparison method was used to analyze the average values of the microclimate factors in different time periods. Spatial layout of microclimate included the orientation of the canyon, the ratio of the canyon height to canyon width, and green coverage of the canyon, and an in-depth study was made on the coupling relationship between the spatial layout and the microclimate of the canyon. Research results can provide an optimization strategy for the transformation design of the street canyon in White Stupa Temple area, and provide a scientific reference for the research on spatial layout and microclimate improvement in the old town, so as to improve the living quality of residents in the old town.

Spatiotemporal Effects of Land Use and River Morphological Change on the Microclimate of Rajshahi Metropolitan Area

Microclimate is a climatic phenomenon of a very local area that is affected by the variation of natural earth surfaces in urban area. The urban growth expedites to change land use and land cover pattern of a city that modify the built environment, alter the composition of the atmosphere and form a distinct local climate in the cities. The radical land use and land cover change also alters the meteorological condition of a city. The relationship between land use land cover and thermal environment has long been studied to identify the impacts of urban growth but for this study area no such effort is taken. This study focuses on detecting the changing pattern of the cities adjacent Padma River and land uses, finally the impacts of such changes on the microclimate are assessed. This study is conducted based on Landsat time series data of 1989, 1996, 2005 and 2015 using ENVI and ArcGIS 10.2 softwares. The result demonstrates that the city is experiencing continuous change in land cover pattern, where the city centre is more vulnerable to change than its fringe. Another significant change is observed in the morphology of river Padma;it shows continuous shift of the river channel and increase in the Char land. The interactions of land use land cover and LST depicts a continuous increase in the mean surface temperature over bare soil following impervious area. The results underscore that two factors are contributing to influence the microclimate of the study area: First, the areal extent of surface water particularly the river Padma is losing stream and generating more bare soil (Char Land);second, impervious area is increasing and natural earth surfaces are decreasing.