Phosphorus Fertilization and Chemical Root Pruning: Effects on Root Traits During the Nursery Stage in Two Mediterranean Species from Central Chile.

The role of a plant root system in resource acquisition is relevant to confront drought events caused by climate change. Accordingly, nursery practices like phosphorous (P) fertilization and root pruning have been shown to modify root architecture; however, their combined benefits require further investigation in Mediterranean species. We evaluated the effect of applied P concentrations (0, 15, 60, and 120 mg L P) with or without chemical (copper) root pruning (WCu, WoCu, respectively) in and on morpho-physiological and root architecture traits.

Institutional factors influencing knowledge production for practice: Evidence from nonprofit studies.

This study theorizes and tests an institutional-logics framework to explain why some universities produce more practice-oriented peer-reviewed journal articles than others, using nonprofit studies as an example. Empirically, knowledge production for practice can be increased by (1) graduate degree programs with an emphasis on nonprofit management, (2) research centers on nonprofit studies, and (3) location in disadvantaged communities; however, (4) status as an R1 or R2 research university substantially decreases the production of practical knowledge. Furthermore, (5) research centers can mediate the influence of community needs on knowledge production, so that universities with nonprofit research centers are more responsive to solving community issues.

Widespread synchronous decline of Mediterranean-type forest driven by accelerated aridity.

Large-scale, abrupt ecosystem change in direct response to climate extremes is a critical but poorly documented phenomenon. Yet, recent increases in climate-induced tree mortality raise concern that some forest ecosystems are on the brink of collapse across wide environmental gradients. Here we assessed climatic and productivity trends across the world's five Mediterranean forest ecosystems from 2000 to 2021 and detected a large-scale, abrupt forest browning and productivity decline in Chile (>90% of the forest in <100 days), responding to a sustained, acute drought.