Publications by authors named "L Melling"
Tropical peatlands significantly influence local and global carbon and nitrogen cycles, yet they face growing pressure from anthropogenic activities. Land use changes, such as peatland forests conversion to oil palm plantations, affect the soil microbiome and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, the temporal dynamics of microbial community changes and their role as GHG indicators are not well understood.
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- - The study investigates the long-term effects of cyclical oil palm replanting on tropical peat soil properties in Sarawak, Malaysia, focusing on how different generations of plantations impact soil organic matter (SOM).
- - Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), the researchers found that the humification (process of organic matter decomposition) was highest in the 2nd generation of plantations, indicating better soil quality and stability compared to the 1st generation and natural forest.
- - The research suggests a significant increase in stable forms of SOM over time, driven by changes in the chemical composition of the soil, while emphasizing the need for further studies on the relationship between these changes and greenhouse gas emissions.
Unlabelled: Peatlands play a crucial role in the global carbon (C) cycle, making their restoration a key strategy for mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and retaining C. This study analyses the most common restoration pathways employed in boreal and temperate peatlands, potentially applicable in tropical peat swamp forests. Our analysis focuses on the GHG emissions and C retention potential of the restoration measures.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThreatened shark species are caught in large numbers by artisanal and commercial fisheries and traded globally. Monitoring both which shark species are caught and sold in fisheries, and the export of CITES-restricted products, are essential in reducing illegal fishing. Current methods for species identification rely on visual examination by experts or DNA barcoding techniques requiring specialist laboratory facilities and trained personnel.
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