Microclimate and Water Balance in Temperate Cropping Systems

Flashcards reviewing the modification of microclimate and water balance through the integration of trees into temperate cropping systems.

What climate change impacts are predicted for Central Europe?

Increased droughts, heatwaves, and extreme rainfall events.

How much were yield reductions in Central Europe during the 2018 drought?

Up to 50% for the growing season.

What is the role of agroforestry in creating resilient agro-ecosystems?

Modifying the microclimate through shading and wind protection.

What are the main purposes of alley cropping systems?

Biomass production by trees in the majority of cases.

Name one benefit of reduced wind speed due to tree rows.

Reduced wind-related soil erosion.

How effective is tree row porosity in reducing wind speed?

A porosity of 40-60% is found to be most effective.

What effect can tree rows have on precipitation patterns?

They can cause changes in localized precipitation patterns within the site.

What happens under the canopy of trees in agroforestry systems?

Only water dripping through gaps (throughfall) and excess water reach the crops and soil.

What is stemflow?

Concentrating rainfall near-stem soils via stemflow.

What is one role of tree rows with continuous vegetation cover?

Divert and slow down water, reducing the erosive force of surface runoff.

What is the water erosion cover-management factor (C-factor) with agroforestry practice?

Between 0.03-0.13 (no units) compared to values of 0.233 for arable land.

What is the effect of trees on saturated hydraulic conductivity?

The saturated hydraulic conductivity was found to be 3 to 14 times higher under the tree rows than the crop alleys

What is one factor for plant transpiration in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum?

Radiation, wind speed, air temperature and vapour pressure deficit.

When is root pruning most effective for competition?

Used to alleviate competition for water between trees and crops.

What is the significance of tree density in ecosystem evapotranspiration?

Higher latent heat fluxes in a densely spaced system.

How can increasing tree cover affect landscape microclimate and water balance?

Enhance precipitation in the region and reduce wind erosion.

What is one consideration when planting trees to reduce soil erosion?

Planting tree rows along field contour lines.

What is the effect of shading on water stress for crops?

Help to retain humidity, reduce evapotranspiration and, thus, water stress.

What effect can heterogeneity within alley cropping systems have on crop harvesting?

Make harvesting more difficult.

What shows clear change when comparing alley cropping with sole cropping systems?

Reductions in light intensity and wind speed