<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The characterization of livestock genetic diversity has experienced extensive changes with the availability of dense nucleotide markers. Among the various forms of markers, the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) have arguably the largest influence. A wide range of indicators for the assessment of genetic diversity was developed, or the existing methods were improved, enabling us to make informed decisions on the management of livestock populations. This review discusses the selected aspects of diversity assessment, with special attention to the SNP based methods.One of the core concepts in genomics of diversity is the linkage disequilibrium (LD), as it was shaped by demographic events during the development of breeds and species. These events, either natural or artificial, left detectable signals within the livestock genomes. Further changes were induced by human activity when mating related animals, leading to fixing or improving the desired traits in the breed, but reducing their genetic variability. The assessment of relatedness is also pivotal to construct meaningful mating plans and to avoid the negative consequences of inbreeding depression that might be detrimental especially in small, endangered populations. Both LD and relatedness are of interest on their own, as well as in their follow-up applications deriving overall measures of effective population size.</abstract>

Genomic descriptors of biodiversity – A review

<trans-abstract xml:lang="en" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The improvement of carbon sequestration in soils for a more sustainable land use management requires knowledge about soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks as well as the interactions between soil type, parent material and land use. In Northern Germany (federal state: Schleswig-Holstein) about 925 soil profiles in the four geological regions (Weichselian glacial region, Lower “Geest”, Higher “Geest” and the marshland) were sampled down to a depth of at least 90 cm. Horizon-specific parameters like bulk density and grain size distribution were analyzed among others during several soil inventory programs by the (State) Agency for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Areas of the German Federal State Schleswig-Holstein (LLUR) as well as their predecessor agencies since 1970. The four geological regions possess different SOC stocks for the soil depths 0–30, 30–60, 60–90 cm. In total, at least 244 Mt SOC is stored down to a depth of 90 cm while the amount differs depending on the land use type, soil type and parent material. In the topsoil (0–30 cm), SOC varied from 60 t/ha (arable soils of Weichselian glacial area and marshland) up to 130 t/ha (grassland soils in the Geest areas). Besides the Histosols, the highest SOC stocks in the subsoil (30–90 cm depth) were attributed to the marshland soils, Anthrosols (“Colluvic”, Weichselian glacial region and Higher “Geest”) and Gleyic Podzols (Lower and Higher “Geest”). Evaluating the potential of SOC storage and loss by land use changes, soil type-specific SOC stocks should be taken into account.</trans-abstract>

Organic carbon stocks of soil types in the geological regions of Schleswig-Holstein (Northern Germany)

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">When defining a total merit index, all economically important traits, both performance and functional traits shall be considered. Aside from breeding values, their reliabilities and all genetic relationships, the knowledge of the economic importance of all traits involved is required. In this study, economic values were derived for the most numerous dairy goat breed in Austria, the Saanen goat. Calculated marginal utilities are expressed per average ewe place and year. The calculations were based on a herd model including dairy production, rearing and fattening of goat kids. Economic values are calculated by multiplying the marginal utilities with the genetic standard deviations of the traits. The economic value is thus defined by the value of one unit of genetic superiority of a trait. In order to derive the economic value of one trait, a single parameter in the model was varied while keeping all other traits constant. The relative economic values (in %) for the trait complexes were as follows: dairy : functional : meat traits = 74 : 25 : 1, respectively. Within the dairy complex, milk carrier yield was the most important trait, while in the functional traits fertility, defined as conception rate, had the highest economic weight.</abstract>

Economic values for a total merit index of dairy goats in Austria

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Intercropping can increase crop growth and yield due to improved resource use efficiency. A two-year field experiment was performed in Shahrekord (Iran) to determine the effect of crop stand composition and fertilizer type on the productions of aboveground dry matter and growth parameters of fenugreek-buckwheat intercrops. Sole crops of fenugreek (F) and buckwheat (B) were compared to the three substitutive intercropping ratios (F:B = 2:1, 1:1 and 1:2). Crop stands were fertilized with chemical fertilizer or broiler litter. Fenugreek could produce in intercrops a similar amount of above-ground dry matter compared to its corresponding share on the sowing ratio. Contrary to that, buckwheat could produce in intercrops more above-ground dry matter than its share on the sowing ratio, especially with a low to medium share of buckwheat. Consequently, the intercrops with F:B (2:1) and F:B (1:1) had an above-ground dry matter yield advantage compared to the pure crop stands of both crops. Broiler litter was more effective in increasing the growth rates and thus the above-ground dry matter production compared to the chemical fertilizer. Thus, growing fenugreek and buckwheat in intercrops fertilized with broiler litter can be beneficial for increasing the biomass production in semiarid environments.</abstract>

Growth analysis and land equivalent ratio of fenugreek-buckwheat intercrops at different fertilizer types

<trans-abstract xml:lang="en" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">As part of the workshop “Root and rhizosphere: Ecophysiology, humus condition and soil management” which was conducted in September 2015, root excavations of hops and maize were performed in Wolnzach (Bavaria). The main intention was to demonstrate the possibilities and the value of field root excavation on real world cases. A question if the above-ground difference in hops growth due to irrigation is reflected in the root development was verified. The poorly developed hop plants had shallow rooting depth of about 130 cm, while the plants with apparently higher biomass developed abundant root systems down to 370 cm depth. The development of maize plants in conservation agriculture farming using direct seeding was also investigated. In contrast to other sites, more shoot roots and long side roots were found to grow deeply reaching 140 cm soil depth.</trans-abstract>

root system characterization of hop and maize via soil profile excavation

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Die Bodenkultur: Journal of Land Management, Food and Environment

“Die Bodenkultur: Journal of Land Management, Food and Environment” is an interdisciplinary forum dedicated to all aspects of research in the rural area. Our aim is to provide an international outlet for new results in all disciplines of land management, food, environment and related sciences.  The journal publishes in an open access model.  Rejection Rate   10 % (2014)   Archiving  Sciendo archives the contents of this journal in Portico - digital long-term preservation service of scholarly books, journals and collections.  Plagiarism Policy  The editorial board is participating in a growing community of Similarity Check System's users in order to ensure that the content published is original and trustworthy. Similarity Check is a medium that allows for comprehensive manuscripts screening, aimed to eliminate plagiarism and provide a high standard and quality peer-review process.  Copyright Policy  The work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.  Peer Review process  The journal uses a double-blind reviewing process, thus authors remain anonymous to referees and referees remain anonymous to authors. 