Markus Egli

Bio: Markus Egli is an academic researcher from University of Zurich. The author has contributed to research in topics: Soil water & Weathering. The author has an hindex of 38, co-authored 158 publications receiving 4163 citations. Previous affiliations of Markus Egli include Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts.

Germination, genetics, and growth of an ancient date seed

Abstract: An ancient date seed (Phoenix dactylifera L.) excavated from Masada and radiocarbon-dated to the first century Common Era was germinated. Climatic conditions at the Dead Sea may have contributed to the longevity of this oldest, directly dated, viable seed. Growth and development of the seedling over 26 months was compatible with normal date seedlings propagated from modern seeds. Preliminary molecular characterization demonstrated high levels of genetic variation in comparison to modern, elite date cultivars currently growing in Israel. As a representative of an extinct date palm population, this seedling can provide insights into the historic date culture of the Dead Sea region. It also has importance for seed banking and conservation and may be of relevance to modern date palm cultivation.

Weathering and evolution of soils formed on granitic, glacial deposits: results from chronosequences of Swiss alpine environments

Abstract: Two soil chronosequences of mountainous ecosystems in Switzerland served as the basis to calculate the accumulation of soil organic matter, transformation of pedogenic Fe and Al and net losses of the main elements (Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Al, Mn and Si) by means of mass-balance calculations. Elemental losses due to deglaciation and exposure to the weathering environment were calculated. These mass balance calculations indicate that extensive mineral weathering resulted in significant leaching losses of Si, major base cations, and Al (particularly from the upper horizons). The losses are especially pronounced in the early stages of soil formation. In most cases, the exponential decay model incorporating an asymptotic or logarithmic regression model seems to provide a good description of weathering. The greatest changes in the soil chemistry of these alpine soils on granitic host material occurred within the first 3000–4000 years of soil development. Later, the weathering rates decreased rapidly and the overall depletion of elements nearly reached an asymptote. We also found that the mean ratio of [Al t Fe d ]/[Al d Fe t ] of the fine earth of the A, E and B horizons is closely linked to the duration of soil development. A very rapid decrease of this ratio also occurred at the beginning of soil evolution in order to reach asymptotic values after about 3000 years. Consequently, this ratio could be a good indicator of the age of alpine soils. Furthermore, there is a close relationship between the mass of organic C or N in the whole profile and the soil age: the older the soil the higher the corresponding mass per unit area. The chronofunctions presented give a first attempt of the chemical soil evolution in the Alps. However, only little data has been available up until now regarding alpine soils, and this fact inhibits a more detailed observation of the changes that have occurred over a period of 2000–8000 years of soil formation under similar climatic conditions.

Formulation of pedologic mass balance based on immobile elements: a revision.

Abstract: Long-term weathering rates are determined by comparing the chemistry and mineralogy of soil profiles of known age and the fresh source rock composition. Such calculations are based on enrichment/depletion factors determined using immobile element contents, usually Ti or Zr. For convenience, both pos

Soil enzymes: Kuprevich, V. F. & Shcherbakova, T. A.: Translated from the Russian edition (1966), published by the Indian National Scientific Documentation Centre, New Delhi 1971. 392 pp., offset printing from type script, paper cover. Obtainable from U.S. Department of Commerce, National Technical Information Service, Springfield, Va. 22151

Abstract: B6nassy, C., 1955. R6marques sur deux Aphelinid6s: Aphelinus mytilaspidis Le Baron et Aphytis proclia Walker. Annls l~piphyt. 6: 11-17. Lord, F. T. & MacPhee, A. W., 1953. The influence of spray programs on the fauna of apple orchards in Nova Scotia II. Oyster shell scale. Can. Ent. 79: 196-209. Pickett, A. D., 1946. A progress report on long term spray programs. Rep. Nova Scotia Fruit Grow. Ass. 83 : 27-31. Pickett, A. D., 1967. The influence of spray programs on the fauna of apple orchards in Nova Scotia XIV. Can. Ent. 97: 816-821. Tothill, J. D., 1918. The predacious mite Hemisarcoptes malus Shimer and its relation to the natural control of the oyster shell scale Lepidosaphes ulmi L. Agric. Gaz. Can. 5 : 234-239.

Deep soil organic matter—a key but poorly understood component of terrestrial C cycle

Abstract: Despite their low carbon (C) content, most subsoil horizons contribute to more than half of the total soil C stocks, and therefore need to be considered in the global C cycle. Until recently, the properties and dynamics of C in deep soils was largely ignored. The aim of this review is to synthesize literature concerning the sources, composition, mechanisms of stabilisation and destabilization of soil organic matter (SOM) stored in subsoil horizons. Organic C input into subsoils occurs in dissolved form (DOC) following preferential flow pathways, as aboveground or root litter and exudates along root channels and/or through bioturbation. The relative importance of these inputs for subsoil C distribution and dynamics still needs to be evaluated. Generally, C in deep soil horizons is characterized by high mean residence times of up to several thousand years. With few exceptions, the carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio is decreasing with soil depth, while the stable C and N isotope ratios of SOM are increasing, indicating that organic matter (OM) in deep soil horizons is highly processed. Several studies suggest that SOM in subsoils is enriched in microbial-derived C compounds and depleted in energy-rich plant material compared to topsoil SOM. However, the chemical composition of SOM in subsoils is soil-type specific and greatly influenced by pedological processes. Interaction with the mineral phase, in particular amorphous iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al) oxides was reported to be the main stabilization mechanism in acid and near neutral soils. In addition, occlusion within soil aggregates has been identified to account for a great proportion of SOM preserved in subsoils. Laboratory studies have shown that the decomposition of subsoil C with high residence times could be stimulated by addition of labile C. Other mechanisms leading to destabilisation of SOM in subsoils include disruption of the physical structure and nutrient supply to soil microorganisms. One of the most important factors leading to protection of SOM in subsoils may be the spatial separation of SOM, microorganisms and extracellular enzyme activity possibly related to the heterogeneity of C input. As a result of the different processes, stabilized SOM in subsoils is horizontally stratified. In order to better understand deep SOM dynamics and to include them into soil C models, quantitative information about C fluxes resulting from C input, stabilization and destabilization processes at the field scale are necessary.

Climate Change 1995

Abstract: Climate Change 1995 is a scientific assessment that was generated by more than 1 000 contributors from over 50 nations. It was jointly co-ordinated through two international agencies; the World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme. The assessment was completed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) with a primary aim of reviewing the current state of knowledge concerning the impacts of climate change on physical and ecological systems, human health, and socioeconomic factors. The second aim was to review the available information on the technical and economic feasibility of the potential mitigation and adaptation strategies.