Input: Task: corroborate the claim using the given text. Claim: Renewable agriculture often incorporates natural pest control instead of chemical pesticides. [SEP] Text: 35 ± 0. 42 individuals/leaf in BIO 1, BIO 2, pesticides and control greenhouses, respectively. The spider mite population continued to increase gradually in all greenhouses. Three releases of predator mite P. persimilis in the 7th, 8th and 10th weeks after planting were applied. After the third release of predatory mite in 11th week, the spider mite population decreased to 9. 19 ± 1. 5 and 0. 96 ± 0. 43 individuals/leaf in BIO 1 and BIO 2 greenhouses, respectively (Fig. 4). However, in the pesticides greenhouse, despite nine applications of the pesticides, the spider mite population increased to 39. 12 ± 5. 66 individuals/leaf, while its population increased to 58. 68 ± 7. 65 individuals/leaf in the control greenhouse (Table 1 and Fig. 4). The highest reduction in mite population was observed in BIO 2 greenhouse (95. 92%) following by BIO 1 greenhouse (80. 87%) and pesticides greenhouse (26. 54%). Fig. 4Effect of different treatments on weekly average number of mite per leaf in cucumber greenhouses at the two seasons 2022 and 2023Full size imageIn 2023, a similar trend was observed. The two-spotted mite population started during the 4th week after transplanting with densities of 0. 53 ± 0. 41, 0. 66 ± 0. 19, 0. 63 ± 0. 64 and 0. 54 ± 0. 53 individuals/leaf in BIO 1, BIO 2, pesticides and control greenhouses, respectively. The spider mite population continued to increase gradually in all greenhouses and reached 17. 86 ± 2. 74, 7. 14 ± 1. 99, 40. 54 ± 3. 66 and 42. 84 ± 4. 32 individuals/leaf in BIO 1, BIO 2, pesticides and control greenhouses, respectively. After the second release of the predatory mite P. persimilis, the population of spider mite decreased gradually to reach 4. 53 ± 1. 3 and 0. 74 ± 0. 93 individuals/leaf in BIO 1 and BIO 2, respectively. However, in pesticides greenhouse, despite eight applications of the pesticides the spider mite population increased to 49. 92 ± 3. 96 individuals/leaf and in control greenhouse, it increased even more to 114. 81 ± 4. [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text corroborates the claim by demonstrating the effectiveness of using natural pest control methods, specifically the release of predatory mites (P. persimilis) in greenhouses, resulting in a significant reduction of spider mite populations compared to the use of chemical pesticides. For instance, it mentions that in the BIO 1 and BIO 2 greenhouses where the predator mite was released, the spider mite population decreased to very low levels, whereas in the pesticide greenhouse, despite multiple applications, the spider mite population increased. This supports the idea that renewable agriculture prioritizes natural pest control.


Input: Task: contrast the claim using the given text. Claim: Climate change will have no effect on global food supplies. [SEP] Text: University in Muncie, Illinois has installed a ground source system involving 3,600 boreholes to service 622,450 m2 of building space which will save the burning of 36,000 t of coal that was previously used each year (Roulo 2011). When applied on a large scale for college campuses, military installations etc. this technology is providing a developing field for hydrogeologists to characterize subsurface heat transfer capabilities and to assess potential impacts on aquifers, particularly if the heat dissipation is dependent on groundwater flow. A concern is the potential build-up of groundwater temperatures which could progressively decrease heat transfer efficiency. ATES technology and ground source heating and cooling raise a number of issues for future groundwater management. As with other technologies, their rapid increase in popularity since the 1990s has seen deployment in advance of adequate regulatory oversight (Bonte et al. 2011). Both systems can interfere with other underground infrastructure for electricity, water distribution and telecommunications technologies. The technology also raises questions of who owns the underground lands and waters and under what circumstances they can be exploited. The open systems risk diminishing biological and chemical water quality of aquifers through moving water about, and heating and cooling. The closed systems raise questions as to standards for containing the chemicals used and responsibilities for leaks and decommissioning. 2. 2. 1. 6 Fossil SubstitutionAs the above examples illustrate, new energy technologies offer opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but with some risks for groundwater resources. A number of the proponents of these newer technologies argue that they can be substitutes for water-intensive fossil fuel-fired power stations and thus may free up water for other uses. For example, Emissions argues that its proposal for a solar thermal power station in Port Augusta, Australia can be watered by decommissioning the local coal-fired power station (BZE 2010). Certainly in regions with high concentration of coal-fired power stations this may free up water, for example, in the Latrobe and Hunter valleys in Australia. However, this may also shift water consumption from places where water use is well-regulated to places where governance is poorer, for instance, from the two Australian coastal valleys to arid locations in the interior, where each litre of water may have more environmental and socio-economic value to other users. If governments and societies want this sort of water substitution to occur, then it will require active facilitation and regulation. 2. 2. [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text contrasts the claim by discussing how new energy technologies, while aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, can have implications for groundwater resources and agriculture. It highlights that the shift from coal-fired power stations could potentially disrupt water governance and resource allocation, which are critical for food supplies. This suggests that climate change, through its influence on energy and resource management, can indeed affect global food supplies.


Input: Task: pass the claim using the given text. Claim: Mycorrhizal fungi improve water and nutrient uptake for plants in nutrient-poor soils. [SEP] Text: -wolfe L, Morton JB (2007) Role of niche restrictions and dispersal in the composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities. J Ecol 95:95–105. óbrega JA, (2020) Determination of macro and micronutrients in plants using the Agilent 4200 MP AES. (2002) Concentrations of K, Ca and Mg in maize colonized by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi under field conditions. 82:272–278. (2017) Fatty acids in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are synthesized by the host plant. Science 356:1175–1178. (2017) Understanding the arbuscule at the heart of endomycorrhizal symbioses in plants. 27:R952-R963. Maherali H, Klironomos JN (2007) Influence of phylogeny on fungal community assembly and ecosystem functioning. Science 316:1746–1748. Maherali H, Klironomos JN (2012) Phylogenetic and trait-based assembly of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities. PLoS One 7:e36695. (2016). Mutualism persistence and abandonment during the evolution of the mycorrhizal symbiosis. 188:E113-E125. von (2016) Soil fungal: bacterial ratios are linked to altered carbon cycling. 7:1247. (1990) A new method which gives an objective measure of colonization of roots by vesicular–arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. 115:495–501. (2022) Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi promote litter decomposition and alleviate nutrient limitations of soil microbes under warming and nitrogen application. Ecol 171:104318. (2001) BBCH-Monograph: growth stages of mono-and dicotyledonous plants. In: Technical Report, 2nd edn. for Agriculture and Forestry, 142. (1998) Survey of vesicular–arbuscular mycorrhizae in lettuce production in relation to management and soil factors. J 130:173–182. [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text consists of citations and references related to mycorrhizal fungi but does not directly address or support the claim regarding their role in improving water and nutrient uptake for plants in nutrient-poor soils. It provides various studies on mycorrhizal fungi without confirming or contrasting the specific claim.


Input: Task: corroborate the claim using the given text. Claim: Renewable agriculture often incorporates natural pest control instead of chemical pesticides. [SEP] Text: 77 individuals/leaf (Table 1 and Fig. 4). The highest reduction in mite population was observed in BIO 2 greenhouse (83. 95%) following by BIO 1 greenhouse (67. 42%) and pesticides greenhouse (25. 63%). Statistical analysis of mite populations revealed that nonsignificant difference between (BIO1 and BIO 2), (BIO1 and pesticides) and (control and pesticides) treatments in both seasons. However, significant differences were observed among control and BIO 1, BIO 2 (Table 2). Among the different tested treatments, it was observed that the spider mite population remained above the economic threshold level (less than1 mite/cm2 cucumber leaf) in both the BIO 1 (5 individuals/m2) greenhouse and the pesticide greenhouse during the two successive seasons. The highest release rate of the predatory mite, P. persimilis (15 individuals/m2) proved to be highly effective in maintaining the mite populations below the economic threshold level. Yields and cost benefit of control strategiesIn 2022, the cucumber yields produced were 311, 311, 315 and 68 kg in BIO 1, BIO 2, pesticides and control greenhouses, respectively. In 2023, the yields were 289, 294, 283 and 52 kg in BIO 1, BIO 2, pesticides and control greenhouses, respectively. Data proved that there were nonsignificant yield differences observed among the BIO 1, BIO 2 and pesticides greenhouses in season of 2022 and 2023. Yield data indicate that all treatments have a positive impact on the crop compared to non-treated, with values that ranged four times in 2022, while these values reached approximately five times in 2023. The costs of all agricultural practices were equal in the three greenhouses, except for the cost of pest control. The highest cost of pest control was observed in BIO 2 greenhouse with 481. 8LE (15. 59$) in 2022 and 286. 8 LE (9. 28$) in 2023, respectively. The BIO 2 greenhouse had a high rate of biological control agent release. This was followed by the pesticides greenhouse, with cost of 253. 5 LE (8. 2$) and 163. 5LE (5. 29$) in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The lowest cost of pest control was observed in BIO 1 greenhouse with 218. 4LE (7. [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text corroborates the claim by discussing the effectiveness of biological control strategies, specifically highlighting the predatory mite, P. persimilis, which is used as a natural pest control method. The text indicates that the BIO 1 and BIO 2 greenhouses, which presumably employ such biological pest control measures, maintain mite populations below economic thresholds without the significant use of chemical pesticides, thus supporting the assertion that renewable agriculture incorporates natural pest control.


Input: Task: contrast the claim using the given text. Claim: Climate change will have no effect on global food supplies. [SEP] Text: However, forests will normally intercept more precipitation than non-forested land uses, diminishing surface runoff into streams and aquifer recharge (van Dijk and Keenan 2007; Jackson et al. 2005). This inflow interception may not have significant impacts in wet environments such as in the wet tropics, but in the temperate zone significant reductions in flows are likely. In past decades in Australia, tree planting has been actively encouraged to reduce groundwater recharge in areas subject to salinity. Several means of reducing these impacts on water resources are possible, including: incorporating the plantation sector into cap and trade water markets, as occurs in limiting afforestation to landscapes where the impacts may be acceptable, such as the wet tropics and salinity prone lands; or scheduling planting over decades so that the impacts are spread over a longer period of time (Pittock et al. 2013). A number of other methods are being actively promoted to sequester more carbon in soils, although there is little evidence of widespread application thus far. Incorporating more biomass into soils is promoted as a way of enhancing agricultural productivity by improving soil structure, fertility and water infiltration, as well as sequestering carbon (Henriksen et al. 2011). Biochar – adding charcoal to soils – has a very active group of promoters (Kleiner 2009; Sohi et al. 2009). A lot of research investment has focussed at the field scale on the longevity of the carbon sequestration with often disappointing results (Lam et al. 2013). A common claim is that by developing more friable soils that these methods will enable more precipitation to be stored in the soil and advantage crop growth. If this proves to be the case one potential outcome is diminished surface runoff and aquifer recharge. Internationally, carbon sequestration in the landscape has a mandate under the umbrella of ‘land use change and forestry’ and it is being deployed through two programs of the UN on Climate Change. and proposed REDD+ scheme (from Degradation and Deforestation plus) enable projects applying approved methodologies for reducing emissions or sequestering carbon in land and vegetation in developing countries to generate carbon credits (CDM 2010; Pritchard 2009). However, the Mechanism’s current procedures for assessing and considering any negative impacts of proposed projects on water resources are token (Pittock 2010). [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text contrasts the claim by discussing the impacts of climate change on water resources and agricultural productivity. It mentions how reducing groundwater recharge and improving soil quality through methods like carbon sequestration and biomass incorporation can affect agricultural outcomes. The assertion that methods to enhance agricultural productivity rely on the climate's interaction with water resources suggests that climate change will indeed influence food supplies.


Input: Task: pass the claim using the given text. Claim: Mycorrhizal fungi improve water and nutrient uptake for plants in nutrient-poor soils. [SEP] Text: Tommerup I, (1981) Prolonged survival and viability of VA mycorrhizal hyphae after root death. Biochem 13: 431–433. (2005) Antioxidant activity in different fractions of tomatoes. Int 38: 487–494. (1991) CO2-enhanced yield and foliar deformation among tomato genotypes in elevated CO2 environments. 96:713–719. (1971) Influence of potassium on carotenoid content of tomato fruit. J 96:763–765. USDA (1975) Color classification requirements in tomatoes. TM-L‐I. van (2009) Socialism in soil? The importance of mycorrhizal fungal networks for facilitation in natural ecosystems. J Ecol 97:1139–1150. van (2007) Functional traits in mycorrhizal ecology: their use for predicting the impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities on plant growth and ecosystem functioning. 17:244–250. Watts-(2014) Nutrient interactions and arbuscular mycorrhizas: a meta-analysis of a mycorrhiza-defective mutant and wild-type tomato genotype pair. 384:79–92. (2019) Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increase grain yields: A meta-analysis. 222:543–555. (2020) Different arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi cocolonizing on a single plant root system recruit distinct microbiomes Msystems 5:e00929-20. Zhu Q, Ozores-(2018) Phosphorus application rates affected phosphorus partitioning and use efficiency in tomato production. 110:2050–2058. Zhu HH, (2004) Localized and systemic increase of phenols in tomato roots induced by Glomus versiforme inhibits Ralstonia solanacearum. J Phytopathol 152:537–542. . [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text does not provide any information related to the claim about mycorrhizal fungi improving water and nutrient uptake in plants. Instead, it consists of bibliographic references and titles of various studies without discussing their content, making it irrelevant to the specific claim being analyzed.


Input: Task: corroborate the claim using the given text. Claim: Renewable agriculture often incorporates natural pest control instead of chemical pesticides. [SEP] Text: 07$) and 129. 4 (4. 19$) LE in 2022 and 2023, respectively. DiscussionThe present study focused on evaluating the effectiveness of different rates of biocontrol agents’ release compared to chemical control for managing aphid, whitefly, thrips and two-spotted spider mite in cucumber commercial greenhouses during winter seasons of 2022–2023. Several pest species were recorded in cucumber greenhouses including; A. gossypii, B. tabaci, Thrips spp. , jassids and T. urticae (Güncan et al. 2006; Saleh et al. 2017). The study’s results indicated that both the application of two rates of release bio-agents and the use of pesticides were equally effective in controlling aphids, whiteflies, and thrips. The aphid parasitoid, A. albipodus successfully controlled aphids in the greenhouse of vegetable crops (Takada 2002). It was also found that initiating the release of parasitoids and predators immediately after the first appearance of pests and multiple releases led to significant reductions in pest populations. These findings agree with Campbell and Lilley (1999) who suggested that early-season releases of natural enemies in low pest density, are more effective than late-season releases when pest density is high. However, it remains uncertain whether increasing the release rate of natural enemies can achieve successful pest control as its population density increases. Both release rates of aphid parasitoid (4 and 8 mummies/m2) effectively maintained the aphid populations below the economic threshold level of 7 A. gossypii individuals/cm2 of cucumber leaf (Hussey 1985). Both release rates of the predator C. carnea (5 and 10 individuals 2nd larval instar/m2) and pesticides effectively maintained the whitefly and thrips, population below the economic thresholds of 18. 4 adults/plant, or 4. 6 adults/leaf for whitefly on cucumber (Shen et al. 2005) and 1. 3 adult thrips/cucumber leaf (Steiner 1990). Previous studies have indicated the possibility of using C. carnea to efficiently control whitefly and thrips on various vegetable crops in greenhouses. For instance, Ahmadzadeh and Hatami (2006) investigated the integrated use of insecticide (Confidor) and C. [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text corroborates the claim by discussing the effectiveness of biocontrol agents, specifically mentioning their use to control pests like aphids and whiteflies in cucumber greenhouses. It highlights that the application of natural enemies (biocontrol agents) can be equally effective as chemical pesticides in managing pest populations. The text also suggests that releasing these natural pest controls early can significantly reduce pest populations, aligning with the principles of renewable agriculture that favor natural pest control methods over chemical alternatives.


Input: Task: contrast the claim using the given text. Claim: Climate change will have no effect on global food supplies. [SEP] Text: Australia is one nation that has legislated in the (Initiative) Act 2012 for market-based carbon sequestration in the landscape, based on the Mechanism’s approach of approved methodologies (2011). The Act’s regulations attempt to limit the impact of carbon plantations on water by prohibiting commercial timber production and planting in areas within the 600 mm/year and above rainfall isohyet, subject to a number of exemptions (DCCEE 2011). The 600 mm/year rainfall isohyet was chosen as a threshold above which surface water runoff may be expected, however this may unreasonably restrict planting in environments where impacts may be insignificant, as in the tropics. The exemptions include planting for biodiversity conservation, and those agreed by poorly-resourced, state government mandated natural resource management organisations. National policy agreements to include significant inflow interception activities (including groundwater recharge ) within cap and trade water markets have only been implemented by one of the eight states and territories (NWC 2011). Consequently this odd collection of half implemented policies and the exemptions mean that there is a strong prospect of perverse impacts on groundwater recharge. Many other nations have prioritised reforestation in their climate mitigation policies, including China, India and Mexico, indicating that managing the trade-offs between planting for carbon sequestration and water use is a growing global challenge (Pittock 2011). The links between the projected impacts of climate change and the sustainable management of surface and groundwater resources makes the challenge all the more complex. For example, with so many countries pursuing carbon sequestration through tree plantings, and the on Climate Change’s projections for increased wildfire frequency and intensity, it is not inconceivable that governments may be increasing the risks of even bigger and more devastating wildfires by pursuing policies that are, ironically, attempting to mitigate the impacts of climate change. And, of course, the knock-on consequences of more frequent and intense wildfires are insidious: denuded catchments which in turn lead to more floods, erosion and siltation of water storages, which has important implications for the sustainable use of groundwater resources. 2. 3 Adaptation PoliciesHaving discussed the implications of climate change mitigation on groundwater resources, we now turn to consider how groundwater may be used and sustained through climate change adaptation measures. [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text contrasts the claim by discussing how climate change mitigation and adaptation policies can have significant effects on water resources, which are crucial for agriculture and food supply. It highlights the growing global challenges posed by climate change, including increased wildfire risks and impacts on groundwater recharge, which can endanger sustainable use of water resources vital for food production.


Input: Task: pass the claim using the given text. Claim: Mycorrhizal fungi improve water and nutrient uptake for plants in nutrient-poor soils. [SEP] Text: If these extensions are not feasible, the scope of the work should be adapted to avoid speculation on long-term adaptations. Short time frame. Linked to the point above, the model is used to simulate a few days during a dry period, which is not enough to balance gains and costs of rhizodeposits. I wonder if at least longer simulations could be attempted to assess the behavior of the model when the soil nears the wilting point. At that point cavitation in the xylem might affect the results (see comment below). Also, longer simulations would allow studying how the deep soil water depletion affects HR occurrence. Other comments General: the manuscript needs proof-reading and a thorough check of sentence structure (see some examples below) Notation: I find the notation for the soil layers and leaves counterintuitive—the deeper layer is numbered 1, then moving up we find layer 2, and finally the leaves identified by subscript 0. This numbering makes it hard to follow the text and understand the figures L7: “happy accident” could be re-phrased in more scientific terms L17: not clear what “roots faced with nutrient and organic matter accumulation” means L19: missing word “could play” L87: typo “Therefore” L46: nitrogen is to some degree always present—do you mean that HR increased in nutrient amended plots? L50: explain/change term “variable resourced” Model concept: the model separates roots in two soil layers, defining them in terms of length or area per unit soil volume, but this does not imply that the model describes two long roots (Fig. 1 caption, and in L63); in fact, long roots would imply high hydraulic conductance, which has a series of consequences. I would reformulate in the caption and redraw the figure to avoid mis-interpretation; the model deals with many roots of different lengths, whose properties are defined on a per unit soil volume L110: what are the rhizodeposits made of? Units indicate mass, but in terms of dry/wet weight, mass of C? [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text is irrelevant to the claim as it discusses various comments and suggestions about modeling and simulation of soil and root interactions without specifically addressing the role of mycorrhizal fungi in enhancing water and nutrient uptake for plants in nutrient-poor soils. There is no mention of mycorrhizal fungi or their effects, therefore the text does not support or contradict the claim.


Input: Task: corroborate the claim using the given text. Claim: Renewable agriculture often incorporates natural pest control instead of chemical pesticides. [SEP] Text: carnea against different nymphal instars of whitefly on tomato plant. They found that the integrated treatments were equally effective in pest control. Similarly, Rehman et al. (2020), released different rates of larvae of C. carnea on tomato plants to control whitefly B. tabaci. They found that all release rates successfully decreased the whitefly nymph population. Additionally, Pijnakker et al. (2019) reported significant control of Japanese flower thrips, Thrips setosus by repeatedly releasing of the green lacewings alone or in combination with predatory thrips. Their study demonstrated a substantial reduction in thrips populations and minimal leaf and flower damage, which supports our observations of the effectiveness of biocontrol methods against thrips. Furthermore, Maisonneuve and Marrec (1999) reported the efficacy of the predator, Chrysoperla lucasina (Lacroix) against T. tabaci in cut flowers and in seedling leek, adding to the body of evidence supporting the potential of bio-agents for pest management. Although chemical control has successfully controlled aphid and whitefly, intensive use of insecticides has led to an increase in insecticide resistance (Sun et al. 1994). In this study, various treatments evaluated to control mite populations, and among them, the highest release rate of the predatory mite, P. persimilis (15 individuals/m2) proved to be highly effective in maintaining mite populations below the economic threshold level of less than1 mite/cm2 cucumber leaf (Park and Lee 2007 and Tehri et al. 2014). However, in the pesticide-treated greenhouse, the population density of the mite T. urticae continued to increase throughout the season. This development of resistance to spider mites could be attributed to extensive pesticide applications (Abamectin). Several studies have reported resistance of T. urticae populations to abamectin, emphasizing the urgent need for implementing integrated management programs to effectively control this pest (Díaz-Arias et al. 2019, Herron et al. 2021 and Martínez-Huasanche et al. 2021). In protected agriculture, the recommended release rate of the predatory mite, P. persimilis, is generally (5 female/m2), but this rate may vary between crops. Timing of introduction is crucial for P. [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text corroborates the claim by discussing various studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of natural pest control methods, such as the release of predatory insects like Chrysoperla lucasina and P. persimilis, in managing pest populations. This aligns with the claim that renewable agriculture utilizes natural pest control strategies rather than relying solely on chemical pesticides, highlighting the emergence of insecticide resistance as a consequence of chemical applications.


Input: Task: contrast the claim using the given text. Claim: Climate change will have no effect on global food supplies. [SEP] Text: Climate change is likely to impact surface water supplies in particular places in a number of ways, including: increasing or decreasing precipitation; changing seasonality of snowmelt and river flows; increasing evapotranspiration, the intensity of storms and frequency of floods and droughts. Groundwater resources have the potential to complement or buffer surface water shortages to deliver key services (Bates et al. 2008). Three examples are now elaborated, namely urban water supply, food production and freshwater biodiversity conservation. 2. 3. 1 Water SupplySustaining a reliable supply of drinking water to urban areas is essential for the well-being of the majority of the planet’s people. Not only does good health depend on clean drinking water, but so too does the economic health of these communities. Climate change impacts, increasingly, jeopardise cities that depend on surface water catchments. Australia provides a salutary example. In the mid-1970s inflows into the city of Perth’s water storages began a series of ‘step changes’ such that a decline in the order of 70 % of the previous long-term average was experienced (Petrone et al. 2010). During the 2002–2010 another five cities in southern Australia also saw their water storages reduced to perilously low levels. A common response of the impacted states was to diversify the supplies of water for these cities by adding reuse, groundwater, and desalination sources. In particular, Adelaide, Perth and Sydney each drew on new groundwater resources, applied managed aquifer recharge or set aside aquifers as drought reserves. example highlights the potential of aquifers to grow in importance as existing urban water storage and sources become more sensitive to increasingly variable climatic and surface hydrological conditions. This capacity can be enhanced through managed aquifer recharge, as detailed in Chaps. 17 and 18. These same storage characteristics will also make aquifers more attractive as a source of water for food production. Additionally, an important buffering role of groundwater can be provided by individual on-site water wells. Private wells can reduce demand pressures on larger aquifers. In the US over 40 million people are supplied with their water needs from 15 million private wells (US 2007). In most instances homeowner wells (often in bedrock fractures) are accessing small discrete aquifer systems that are economically unusable for any major supply. [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text contrasts the claim by detailing how climate change is likely to impact surface water supplies, which are essential for food production. It discusses changes in precipitation, river flows, and groundwater resources, all of which can affect water availability for agriculture. For instance, it states how cities in Australia saw significant reductions in water storages due to climatic changes, which directly impacts food production capabilities.


Input: Task: pass the claim using the given text. Claim: Mycorrhizal fungi improve water and nutrient uptake for plants in nutrient-poor soils. [SEP] Text: L292: longer simulations needed (see comment above) L297: explain/change term “initialize” L298: but if plants are so effective at promoting mineralization of native organic matter, its content will decrease through time, until it will not be able to provide nutrients; an equilibrium will be attained so the relative advantage might be temporary L312: enhanced mineralization with respect to what control/reference state? L326: define “good” L332: previously it was argued that microbial activity was stimulated, not slowed down L338: why only “often” and not always? are you referring to fertilized systems? Table A1: check units of A, now a volume, but labelled as specific surface area Citation: AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Teamrat Ghezzehei, 15 Jun 2022 We appreciate the constructive comments and feedback by the reviewer. Our replies to the comments and questions are in the supplemental document attached. Citation: RC2: 'Comment on bg-2022-52', #2, 11 Apr 2022 In the paper entitled “Roots induce hydraulic redistribution to promote nutrient uptake and nutrient cycling in nutrient-rich but dry near-surface layers”, the authors present a mathematical model of soil hydraulics, aimed to investigate the effects of soil modification by rhizosphere deposition on water and nutrient uptake. I think the mathematical model and the analyses presented in this paper are sound and of scientific value, but I do have two main issues with the presentation of the work. First, I think the framing of the work is not consistent with the methodology, and should be reconsidered. Second, I think that the writing is not up to the standard I expect for publication, and that the paper requires a thorough proof read to improve the text. The authors present the following knowledge gap in the abstract of the paper: “whether hydraulic redistribution is a passive happy accident or a process controlled by plants remains unclear”. In the introduction, the authors state: “The exact mechanism by which roots can induce HR is, however, not known. Here, we present a modelling study that demonstrates that alteration of rhizosphere soil by rhizodeposition facilitates HR”. I am of the opinion that this knowledge gap is not one that can be filled with the mathematical modelling approach presented in this paper. [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text does not address the specific claim regarding mycorrhizal fungi and their role in improving water and nutrient uptake for plants in nutrient-poor soils. Instead, it consists of comments related to a different study that discusses soil hydraulics and nutrient uptake but does not provide any support, refutation, or relevance to mycorrhizal fungi specifically.


Input: Task: corroborate the claim using the given text. Claim: Renewable agriculture often incorporates natural pest control instead of chemical pesticides. [SEP] Text: persimilis survival, and the release should coincide with the presence of sufficient prey to ensure optimal control (Stavrinides 2010). The numbers of spider mites decreased when the prey/predator ratio reached approximately 10:1 (Campbell and Lilley 1999). Yanar et al. (2019) demonstrated the potential of P. persimilis to provide effective control of T. urticae populations in cucumber greenhouse. Abou-Haidar et al. (2021) used IPM strategies, including the release of the biological control agents, Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot (Mesostigmata: Phytoseiidae) and P. persimilis to control whitefly, thrips and two-spotted spider mite populations on cucumber greenhouse plants. They found that biological control effectively maintained pest populations below the economic threshold when combined with other IPM strategy. Biological control agents were equally or more effective in suppressing pest populations compared to insecticides performed in the greenhouses. In terms of yields and costs, the three tested programs in this study resulted in similar yields, with the advantages of the biological control greenhouse being low in cost. Previous studies have also shown that using pesticides for whitefly and mite control can lead to yield reductions, while the use of biological control agents can increase crop yield (Edwards 1986; Shoeb et al. 2005; Atanassov 1997; Adly 2015). However, it is important to note that Eleawa and Waked (2016) reported significant differences in the total yield of cucumber. They found that the use of pesticides (Ortus 5% SC) resulted in the maximum yield of 10. 51 tons/feddan (Feddan = 4200 m2), followed by 7. 53 tons/feddan for the release of predatory mite, P. persimilis, and 5. 47 tons/feddan for the control group. These results indicate that there may be variations in yield outcomes depending on specific factors such as crop type, pest infestation and management practices. ConclusionsIn the present study, both high and low rates of the biological control agents (A. albipodus and C. carnea) as well as chemical control methods proved successful in controlling the population of aphid, whitefly and thrips. The introduction of the predatory mite, P. [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text corroborates the claim by detailing the effectiveness of biological control agents, such as Amblyseius swirskii and P. persimilis, in managing pest populations in agricultural settings, particularly in greenhouses. It outlines how these agents are part of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, which are a natural alternative to chemical pesticides. The evidence presented shows that biological control can effectively suppress pest populations, and it further states the advantages of using these natural methods over chemical pesticides, especially regarding costs and yield outcomes.


Input: Task: contrast the claim using the given text. Claim: Climate change will have no effect on global food supplies. [SEP] Text: Provided there is limited outside lawn watering, virtually all the pumped water is treated and returned to the sub-surface via septic systems and leach-fields. The key to continuing this harmonious use of groundwater is to ensure through zoning regulations that well density does not exceed renewability and that the rights of private well owners sharing access to aquifers with major pumpers are protected. “Deepest well wins” is not a good basis for groundwater management. 2. 3. 2 ProductionIn 2007, the (IWMI)’s “Comprehensive assessment of water management in agriculture” (CAoWMiA) reviewed the world’s future food needs and explored scenarios for how the required water may be sourced (CAoWMiA 2007). Around half of the globally accessible freshwater is already diverted for human uses and 70 % of the world’s water consumption is in agricultural production. CAoWMiA (2007) reported that food demand will double over the next 50–80 years, and that without improvements in productivity, water use in food production will need to increase by 70–90 % under a changing climate (CAoWMiA 2007). From a business perspective, a McKinsey & Company global report estimates “that the annual pace at which supply is added over the next 20 years in water and land would have to increase by 140 % and up to 250 %, respectively, compared with the rate at which supply expanded over the past two decades. This expansion of supply could have a wide range of potentially negative effects on the environment. In this case, there would be an additional 1,850 km3 of water consumption by 2030, 30 % higher than today’s levels …” (Dobbs et al. 2011: 8). A study by Wada et al. (2012) shows that on a global basis non-renewable groundwater abstraction represents 18 % of global gross irrigation water demand. In other words, on a global basis we are draining aquifer systems (see also Chap. 2 for more detail on aquifer depletion). This loss of groundwater inventory has greatly reduced the capacity of aquifers to serve as a buffer against current or future drought. [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text contrasts the claim by discussing the projected increase in food demand and the significant impacts of climate change on water use in food production. It highlights that without improvements in productivity, water use in food production will need to increase significantly under changing climate conditions, which implies that climate change will indeed impact global food supplies.


Input: Task: pass the claim using the given text. Claim: Mycorrhizal fungi improve water and nutrient uptake for plants in nutrient-poor soils. [SEP] Text: The fact that one can simulate HR by changing rhizosphere properties in a mathematical model does not provide evidence that real plants can do the same, and it will this not shed light on the mechanisms by which roots can induce HR. I am of the opinion that the paper should be reframed to focus on the results that show how changes in rhizosphere properties differentially affect water uptake, nutrient uptake, and nutrient mineralisation in different soils and soil water conditions. This can then be framed as a series of hypotheses that should be tested with experiments: namely that plants are able to modify soil properties in the way that was tested with the model through rhizosphere depositions, and that the exudation of these deposits is more common or more pronounced in soil types and soil water conditions where the model predicts the largest increase in the uptake of either water (under wet conditions and in sandy loams) or nutrients (under dry conditions and in sandy loam). However, I think that the authors currently overextend the impact of this work in sections 4. 3 and 4. 4. I think framing this work in the context of climate change is not appropriate in the paper’s current form, and a statement such as the one made in L. 363-365 (“Our results indicate that answering questions about plant adaptation to complex and changing soil and environmental conditions requires integrating biotic and abiotic feedback in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum”) does not match up with the model presented in this paper. Either the modelling should be extended significantly to include more than just a hydraulic model, or the framing of this work should not go beyond the metrics simulated by the model (i. e. water and nutrient uptake). This reframing should lead to significant re-writing of the introduction and the discussion (sections 4. 3 and 4. 4 in particular). I would suggest that the paper is carefully proofread to improve the text, which is currently full of grammatical flaws, especially in the introduction and discussion sections. I will mention a few examples I found in the first couple of paragraphs, but have not put the entire text to this level of scrutiny. L. 27: I guess this is the explanation of hydraulic redistribution? Please cue the term here if that is the case. L. 28: The current sentence structure reads as if roots modify their immediate surroundings and also modify hydraulic redistribution. [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text is irrelevant to the claim as it focuses on the modeling of root behavior and hydraulic redistribution in soils. It discusses changes in rhizosphere properties and the broader implications for plant adaptation but does not specifically address the role of mycorrhizal fungi or their effects on water and nutrient uptake in nutrient-poor soils.


Input: Task: corroborate the claim using the given text. Claim: Renewable agriculture often incorporates natural pest control instead of chemical pesticides. [SEP] Text: Toxic effect of cyanobacterial (blue–green algae) extracts as natural pesticides for the control of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) access Published: 09 August 2023 Toxic effect of cyanobacterial (blue–green algae) extracts as natural pesticides for the control of Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) C. H. Sharanappa1, M. Bheemanna1, A. Prabhuraj1, R. Naik Harischandra1, M. Naik Nagaraj1, N. Rao Saroja1 & …B. : orcid. org/0000-0002-2159-224X1,2 Show authors of Control 49. 09 and 61. 37 ppm, respectively. This was followed by Spirulina hexane extract, Spirulina petroleum ether extract, N. muscorum ethanol extract, N. muscorum methanol extract, Spirulina ethanol and methanol extract which were recorded 173. 16, 227. 22, 530, 730, 970 and 1000 ppm, respectively. Further, their potential effects on different biological parameters of S. frugiperda, viz. larval duration, pupal duration, percent pupation, pupal weight, pupal malformation, adult malformation, percent adult emergence, fecundity, and male and female adult longevity, were studied. The significant effects on different biological parameters were recorded by N. muscorum hexane and petroleum ether extract, followed by Spirulina hexane and petroleum ether extract. Similarly, an experiment was repeated for the confirmation of the first set of results, which followed by a similar trend. The first-ever novel study on S. frugiperda concluded that crude extracts of Spirulina sp. and N. muscorum extracts showed significant effects in causing larval mortality and affecting different biological parameters. ConclusionsThe experimental results can be recommended as a potential source of natural pesticides for the control of S. frugiperda. BackgroundCyanobacteria also called as blue–green algae are morphologically diverse groups of prokaryotic, photosynthetic organisms that flourish in diverse types of habitats. The cyanobacterial species, namely Spirulina sp. and N. [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text corroborates the claim by discussing the use of cyanobacterial extracts as natural pesticides for controlling the pest Spodoptera frugiperda. It outlines experimental results demonstrating that these natural extracts can significantly affect pest mortality and biological parameters associated with the pest's lifecycle, highlighting their potential as natural pest control methods rather than relying on chemical pesticides.


Input: Task: contrast the claim using the given text. Claim: Climate change will have no effect on global food supplies. [SEP] Text: In the US over the last 100 years over 1,000 km3 of groundwater has been removed from major aquifers with the greatest losses from the Aquifer (350 km3) and California’s (150 km3) (Konikow 2013). These trends in groundwater depletions in the US have been observed and known for many years. However, effective and sustainable management strategies have eluded policy makers and only now, because of severe drought conditions, are end users and legislators in California, Texas and other impacted states beginning to talk about water metering and devising workable criteria for prioritizing allocations of the progressively scarce groundwater resources. These discussions are clouded by the issue of “water rights” and the spectre of litigation from end-users whose pumping might be curtailed. raises similar concerns. Noting “total annual sustainable freshwater supply remaining static at 4,200 billion cubic meters (m3), the annual deficit for 2030 is forecasted to be 2,765 billion m3, or 40 % of unconstrained demand, assuming that present trends continue. India and China are forecasted to have a combined shortfall of 1,000 billion m3 – reflecting shortfalls of 50 % and 25 %, respectively. There is little evidence of changing trends. Signals of scarcity and stress have had little impact on policies, demand, or the market. On the supply side, there is little room for finding and abstracting more water. In areas with physical water scarcity (including north [China], south and northwest India, and Pakistan), demand needs to lessen” (ADB 2013: vi). The increasingly frequent droughts predicted with climate change means that the greater security of food production afforded by irrigation will become increasingly popular. In Africa, for example, national governments have extensive plans to expand irrigated production (Sullivan and Pittock 2014). There has been extensive debate about why irrigated agriculture has performed very poorly in Africa, which points to a combination of problems with infrastructure, human capacity and economic viability (Lankford 2009). A number of researchers have pointed to extensive, but little used, groundwater resources in Africa as the basis for increased agricultural production (MacDonald et al. 2012). [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text contrasts the claim by discussing the adverse effects of climate change on water resources and irrigation, which directly impacts food production. It emphasizes that increasingly frequent droughts, which are predicted with climate change, will challenge the security of food production that irrigation provides. Furthermore, it indicates that insufficient policy response to scarcity and stress on water resources could worsen food supply situations, thus undermining the claim that climate change will not affect global food supplies.


Input: Task: pass the claim using the given text. Claim: Mycorrhizal fungi improve water and nutrient uptake for plants in nutrient-poor soils. [SEP] Text: Change the order of these two statements to correctly follow up on “…separate advances in our understanding of…’ L. 29: Replace ’-an’ with ‘, which is’, and follow this with a better definition of the rhizosphere. L. 32: Rewrite by switching the order of plant water uptake and wetness of the rhizosphere. L. 33: ‘the rhizosphere’s carbon investment’ suggests that it is the rhizosphere that is doing the investing. L. 36: Change ‘peculiar’ to ‘specific’ Finally, I have a couple of minor comments. In the current analysis, do the results of changes in nutrient uptake include the combined effect of increased nutrient uptake and increased nutrient mineralisation? If so, it would be insightful to decouple the two, presenting both their individual effects and their combined effect. What is a rhizoshealth? (L. 302) I presume this should read rhizosheath, but I would still like an explanation of the term. The reasoning behind some of the model’s design is explained in detail in the discussion, but I feel this should have been explained in the introduction: L. 305-308 – ‘Increased rhizodeposits … nutrient mineralisation. ’ Citation: AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Teamrat Ghezzehei, 15 Jun 2022 We appreciate the constructive comments and feedback by the reviewer. Our replies to the comments and questions are in the supplemental document attached. Citation: Report abuse × Please provide a reason why you see this comment as being abusive. You might include your name and email but you can also stay anonymous. Please provide a reason why you see this comment as being abusive. Please confirm reCaptcha. Comment* Name: Email: discussion Status: closed Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse RC1: 'Comment on bg-2022-52', #1, 22 Mar 2022 The manuscript by Yan and Ghezzehei presents a soil-plant water transport model including a two layer-based hydraulic redistribution (HR) mechanism. The model is used to study how a prescribed rhizosphere volume around the roots mediates HR effects, with a particularly strong effect on nutrient transport and uptake. [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text is irrelevant to the claim as it discusses comments and suggestions regarding a manuscript related to soil-plant water transport without making any explicit connections to mycorrhizal fungi or their role in improving water and nutrient uptake for plants in nutrient-poor soils. Key terms such as 'mycorrhizal fungi' and 'nutrient uptake' are mentioned in the claim, but the text focuses on specific revisions and a model not pertinent to the claim.


Input: Task: corroborate the claim using the given text. Claim: Renewable agriculture often incorporates natural pest control instead of chemical pesticides. [SEP] Text: Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), has been observed feeding on all parts of the plant causing economic damage to maize, rice, sorghum, millet, sugarcane, vegetable crops and cotton, as well as more than 80 other crop species (Chormule et al. 2019). It is invasive, wreaking havoc on cereal crops in general and maize crops in particular. This pest is a tropical and subtropical American species that was first reported on maize in Shivamogga, Karnataka, India, in May and June of 2018 (Sharanabasappa et al. 2018). The pest was thought to have migrated from Africa, where it was initially discovered in late 2016 (Nagoshi et al. 2019) and was found in 44 African countries (Rwomushana et al. 2018). The maize is a more favoured host, with infection rates ranging from 6 to 100% in Africa and India (Mallapur et al. 2018). In the absence of appropriate management techniques, the FAW is projected to cause maize yield losses in Africa ranging from 8. 3 to 20. 6 MT per year (Day et al. 2017). The use of chemical pesticides has played a major role in increasing agricultural production and also in protecting crops from injury caused by insect pests. But the overuse of traditional pesticides to control insect pests leads to disturbance in ecosystem stability and increased resistance to pesticides in pests; therefore, there is an urgent need for alternative control methods (Mohan and Gujar 2003; Kariyanna 2019). The need for natural pesticides is one of the scientific research goals (Rahim and Mohamed 2013). Botanical pesticides are environmentally friendly alternative means to protect crops (Asaraja and Sahayaraj 2013). Examining natural alternative pesticides and extracts to identify new pesticides provides a method for researchers to uncover new chemical entities that have never been produced. Although plants hold considerable promise for the development of new pesticides, cyanobacteria (blue–green algae) make up the majority of the world's biomass and are a largely unexplored source. The insecticidal activity of Spirulina sp. and Nostoc muscorum extracts were not explored for their efficacy against S. frugiperda. Keeping this in view, an endeavor was made to study the toxic effect of cyanobacterial or blue–green algal extracts as natural pesticides for the management of fall armyworm, S. frugiperda. [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text corroborates the claim by discussing the urgent need for alternative pest management techniques due to the overuse of traditional chemical pesticides. It emphasizes the exploration of natural pesticides as a viable solution, particularly highlighting botanical pesticides and cyanobacterial extracts as environmentally friendly alternatives to control insect pests. This supports the idea that renewable agriculture seeks to minimize chemical pesticide use in favor of natural pest control.


Input: Task: contrast the claim using the given text. Claim: Climate change will have no effect on global food supplies. [SEP] Text: The arguments for greater use of groundwater are many, but the most compelling are the increased cost efficiencies and drought resilience gained over traditional small-scale rainwater harvesting, and the capacity for groundwater resources to be developed to support more people across the landscape compared to centralised, surface irrigation schemes (Stirzaker and Pittock 2014). The obvious question about greater reliance in Africa on groundwater for agriculture is how to avoid the over-exploitation that has afflicted many parts of the world. The management of consumption using cap and trade groundwater markets as practised in Australia is unlikely to work in most of Africa where the reach of the state is not as strong. Work by the in regions of over-exploited groundwater in India indicates two examples of unconventional approaches that may be addressing the problem of over-exploitation of groundwater due to subsidized electricity for pumping. Reducing these power subsidies has not been politically feasible but other solutions have emerged. Over the past decade in Gujarat, India a USD $260 million scheme called (“Lighted Village”) has sought to overcome electricity theft and blackouts while rationing groundwater and ensuring the financial viability of utilities (IWMI 2011). Installation of a dual electricity distribution system has enabled one distribution system to be dedicated to providing reliable supplies to villages while the other system provides power for 8 h/day to groundwater pumps. This approach has curtailed energy consumption, encouraged more efficient groundwater pumping, and facilitated a tripling of agricultural production. More recently the state government of scrapped a permit system, instead connecting small pumps to the power grid at a fixed cost that only enables farmers to access annual monsoon recharge from shallow aquifers, conserving deeper groundwater resources. IWMI estimate that the area irrigated will expand in 3–5 years from 2. 98 to 4. 83 million hectares, increasing annual paddy rice production by 4. 62 million tonnes (IWMI 2012). 2. 3. 3 ConservationFreshwater biodiversity has been significantly impacted by overexploitation of surface and groundwaters (MEA 2005; see also Chaps. 14 and 15). Current approaches to conserving freshwater biodiversity, including for climate change adaptation, have focussed on providing surface environmental flows and in some countries, environmental water demand management (also called environmental works and measures in Australia) (Poff and Matthews 2013; Pittock and Lankford 2010; Richter 2010). [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text contrasts the claim by discussing the measures taken in regions like India to adapt to water scarcity and improve agricultural output, which implicitly identifies the challenges posed by climate change on food supplies. For instance, it mentions solutions to over-exploitation of groundwater and how improved agricultural practices have led to increased production, illustrating that climate-related issues directly influence food supply chains.


Input: Task: contrast the claim using the given text. Claim: Mycorrhizal fungi improve water and nutrient uptake for plants in nutrient-poor soils. [SEP] Text: The authors also show that the enhanced water content in the rhizosphere can promote decomposition of native organic matter. The topic is interesting and suitable for Biogeosciences, but the manuscript in my view is not always clear and would benefit from a thorough proof-reading. Most important, the proposed model now contains three components—rhizodeposits, organic matter, nutrients—that are connected conceptually but not mathematically. This makes hydrology and biogeochemistry in the model too un-coupled to support the conclusion that rhizodeposits are an adaptive response of plants to face dry conditions. My main comments are explained first, followed by other suggestions. Main comments Nutrients are modelled independently of organic matter mineralization. Nutrients are essentially regarded as a passive tracer, transported through the domain and taken up by plants. With higher hydraulic conductivity in the rhizosphere, nutrients are transported more rapidly according to the model, so the result that rhizosphere improves nutrient uptake is expected. Organic carbon decomposition rate is also enhanced thanks to the higher water content in the rhizosphere, which is also an expected result. In other words, both enhanced nutrient uptake and decomposition rates are a direct consequence of the model construction. This approach is simple and easy to understand, but has two drawbacks: i) nutrients are produced by decomposition of organic matter (now the two processes are independent) and ii) nutrients can be immobilized and re-mineralized by microbes in the rhizosphere (now only passively transported). Without this dynamic links between nutrient availability, organic matter and rhizosphere environmental conditions, it is difficult to say if nutrient availability actually improves thanks to the rhizosphere environment and HR. Rhizodeposits are not static and are costly for the plant. One component of the model deals with organic matter decomposition, referring to “rhizospheric C mineralization” (L171)—yet, the rhizosphere is regarded as fixed in terms of both extent and hydraulic properties (driven by rhizodeposit mass of C content). However, one could argue that the rhizosphere function needs to be ‘maintained’ by secreting C as the rhizosphere compounds are mineralized. [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text contrasts the claim by discussing how the model presented does not adequately link nutrient uptake to the functions of the rhizosphere and mycorrhizal fungi. It points out that nutrient processing is treated independently from organic matter decomposition and describes nutrient transport as passive rather than being actively improved by the rhizosphere. This suggests that while there may be enhanced nutrient uptake in certain conditions, the underlying model fails to confirm a dynamic relationship necessary to support the claim that mycorrhizal fungi improve water and nutrient uptake effectively.


Input: Task: corroborate the claim using the given text. Claim: Renewable agriculture often incorporates natural pest control instead of chemical pesticides. [SEP] Text: 83 and 8 days, respectively, and the remaining treatments like Spirulina petroleum ether extract, N. muscorum ethanol extract, N. muscorum methanol extract, Spirulina ethanol extract and Spirulina methanol extract were at par with each other and recorded 8. 5, 8. 66, 8. 83, 8. 83 and 9 days, respectively, and showed significant difference over control (10. 83 days) and similar trends were observed in second set of the experiment. In the case of pooled data, the results revealed that N. muscorum hexane extract at their LC50 values significantly decreased the female adult longevity with a mean of 7. 08 days. This was followed by N. muscorum petroleum ether extract (7. 75 days) extract and Spirulina hexane extract (7. 92 days) and the remaining treatments like Spirulina petroleum ether extract, N. muscorum ethanol extract, N. muscorum methanol extract, Spirulina ethanol extract and Spirulina methanol extract were at par with each other and recorded 8. 33, 8. 50, 8. 67, 8. 75 and 9 days, respectively, and showed significant difference over control which was recorded high female adult longevity (10. 75 days) (Table 6). The overall results revealed that crude cyanobacterial extracts of Spirulina sp. and N. muscorum, in general, had a potential effect against larvae and other developmental stages of S. frugiperda. However, the degree of toxicity varied among different extracts wherein N. muscorum hexane extract and N. muscorum petroleum ether extract were proved to be the most effective against different biological parameters of S. frugiperda, followed by Spirulina hexane extract and Spirulina petroleum ether extract. Since it is of the first kind of study, similar kinds of studies were not reported against S. frugiperda but some other algae and cyanobacteria having insecticidal properties against other crop pests were reported. However, from a larger perspective, cyanobacterial extracts were also a type of biopesticides so, extracts of plant-originated biopesticides were utilized for discussion. [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text corroborates the claim by discussing the use of cyanobacterial extracts as biopesticides, which falls under the category of natural pest control. It highlights that these extracts have demonstrated effectiveness against agricultural pests, indicating an approach that aligns with the principles of renewable agriculture by reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.


Input: Task: contrast the claim using the given text. Claim: Climate change will have no effect on global food supplies. [SEP] Text: In countries like Australia, environmental flow programs have focussed on conserving large wetland systems, often in the lower reaches of river systems (Pittock and Finlayson 2011). An assumption is that surface water environment flows under conditions of short-term variability, and long-term climate change, will be sufficient to sustain the ecological character of these wetlands. Yet evidence is that desiccation and water quality impacts of drought events, exacerbated by climate change, are not adequately ameliorated by the current environmental watering programs (Pittock 2013; Pittock et al. 2010). In particular, these strategies assume that large wetlands in downstream reaches of river basins and ecosystems can be maintained in a similar state to the present. Contrary to this approach, there is an emerging focus on the importance of conserving groundwater flows as a key strategy for retaining freshwater biota in refugia during severe drought and climate change (Pittock and Finlayson 2011). The potential exists for groundwater inflows into river channels to maintain reaches with sufficient volumes of water of acceptable quality to sustain biota that may otherwise perish. There are numerous management challenges if this adaptation option is to succeed, not least gaining community support to conserve connected aquifers for this purpose (Lukasiewicz et al. 2013). Importantly, these refugia are often different to the freshwater habitats currently prioritised for conservation. For instance, in Australia’s Murray-, gaining reaches are often located in the mid and upper river systems rather than the downstream wetlands currently favoured (CSIRO 2008; Pittock and Finlayson 2011). This example of changing groundwater management priorities highlights the governance challenges brought on by global change. 3 Discussion and ConclusionThe need for Management (IGM) is set out in the first 1. Information. The often unseen nature of groundwater and the lack of a common currency with competing natural resource uses can lead to decisions with deleterious impacts on aquifers. We contend that making publicly available, and generating where necessary, compatible information on groundwater resources and major uses like the environment, energy, food and domestic water can facilitate integrated decision making. Examples of such information transparency include: publicly available water accounts, such as those of the of Meteorology (BoM and ABS 2011); the Australian Government’s online atlas of matters of national environmental significance that includes listed groundwater dependent biota (DOE n. d. [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text contrasts the claim by detailing the impact of climate change on freshwater biota and wetland ecosystems in Australia. It describes how droughts, exacerbated by climate change, pose challenges that current environmental management strategies are not addressing effectively. Specifically, the text notes that 'desiccation and water quality impacts of drought events, exacerbated by climate change, are not adequately ameliorated by the current environmental watering programs,' which indicates that climate change is indeed affecting ecological systems that are critical for food supplies.


Input: Task: pass the claim using the given text. Claim: Mycorrhizal fungi improve water and nutrient uptake for plants in nutrient-poor soils. [SEP] Text: Nutrients are not produced in this model, just transported and taken up by the plants L245-246: multiple typos: space missing, “promotes”, “pronounced” Fig. 9 caption: the model describes only active nutrient uptake, but the caption mentions passive uptake L284: missing verb L285: not clear link to previous sentence despite “Therefore” L287: higher variability compared to what? L292: longer simulations needed (see comment above) L297: explain/change term “initialize” L298: but if plants are so effective at promoting mineralization of native organic matter, its content will decrease through time, until it will not be able to provide nutrients; an equilibrium will be attained so the relative advantage might be temporary L312: enhanced mineralization with respect to what control/reference state? L326: define “good” L332: previously it was argued that microbial activity was stimulated, not slowed down L338: why only “often” and not always? are you referring to fertilized systems? Table A1: check units of A, now a volume, but labelled as specific surface area Citation: AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Teamrat Ghezzehei, 15 Jun 2022 We appreciate the constructive comments and feedback by the reviewer. Our replies to the comments and questions are in the supplemental document attached. Citation: RC2: 'Comment on bg-2022-52', #2, 11 Apr 2022 In the paper entitled “Roots induce hydraulic redistribution to promote nutrient uptake and nutrient cycling in nutrient-rich but dry near-surface layers”, the authors present a mathematical model of soil hydraulics, aimed to investigate the effects of soil modification by rhizosphere deposition on water and nutrient uptake. I think the mathematical model and the analyses presented in this paper are sound and of scientific value, but I do have two main issues with the presentation of the work. First, I think the framing of the work is not consistent with the methodology, and should be reconsidered. Second, I think that the writing is not up to the standard I expect for publication, and that the paper requires a thorough proof read to improve the text. The authors present the following knowledge gap in the abstract of the paper: “whether hydraulic redistribution is a passive happy accident or a process controlled by plants remains unclear”. [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text does not address the claim regarding mycorrhizal fungi and their role in improving water and nutrient uptake for plants. Instead, it discusses a mathematical model of soil hydraulics and presents various critiques and comments about the presentation and framing of the research. There is no mention of mycorrhizal fungi in the text, nor is there any direct information related to their effect on plants, which makes it irrelevant to the claim.


Input: Task: corroborate the claim using the given text. Claim: Renewable agriculture often incorporates natural pest control instead of chemical pesticides. [SEP] Text: Later noticed significantly decreased percent pupation, pupal weight and percent moth emergence of Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Rahim and Mohamed 2013), ethanolic extract of the N. carneum significantly prolonged the larval and pupal duration of S. littoralis, whereas P. kessleri and N. carneum distinctly reduced the formation of pupae and significantly decreased the pupal weights, adult emergence, fecundity, and male and female longevity and increased pupal and adult malformation (Saber et al. 2018), ethanol extract of S. platensis significantly increased larval, pupal durations, pupal, adult malformation and significantly decreased fecundity of S. littoralis (Rania et al. 2020), and hydroalcoholic extracts of three seaweeds Sargassum asperifolium, S. dentifolium and S. linifolium affected different biological parameters of S. littoralis and S. frugiperda (Matloub et al. 2012). These contradictory results may be because each solvent has the capability of dissolving different bioactive compounds; moreover, hexane and petroleum ether extracts of N. muscorum and Spirulina sp. were not reported against S. frugiperda and results also varied with a different strain of cyanobacterial species, method of extraction and varied with each species of insects. ConclusionsThe novel study of the insecticidal activity of Spirulina sp. and N. muscorum extracts had a potential impact on larval mortality and different biological parameters of S. frugiperda. From the various cyanobacterial extracts, N. muscorum hexane and petroleum ether extracts recorded low LC50 values and significantly affected different biological parameters, viz. larval duration, pupal duration, pupation, pupal weight, pupal malformation, adult malformation, adult emergence, fecundity, and male and female adult longevity. These treatments were followed by Spirulina hexane and petroleum ether extract. The cyanobacterial extracts of Spirulina sp. N. muscorum were also a type of biopesticides which are eco-friendly in nature and serve as a natural and alternative source for the management of fall armyworm and other crop pests in various crop ecosystems. Availability of data and materials Not applicable. [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text corroborates the claim by discussing the use of eco-friendly cyanobacterial extracts, such as Spirulina sp. and N. muscorum, as biopesticides. It highlights that these extracts serve as natural alternatives for managing crop pests like the fall armyworm, thus aligning with the concept of renewable agriculture utilizing natural pest control methods rather than relying on chemical pesticides.


Input: Task: contrast the claim using the given text. Claim: Climate change will have no effect on global food supplies. [SEP] Text: ); simple, online decision making models, such as one in Texas that enables businesses and regulators to match water resources to proposed power generators (Group n. d. ); and ‘traffic light’ status reports on the state of aquifers and other resources (Pittock et al. 2013). 2. Technology. There are many technologies that may use less groundwater while facilitating climate change mitigation and adaptation, such as dry cooling thermal power stations (NETL 2008) and more efficient irrigation equipment (Mushtaq et al. 2009). 3. Market incentives. Establishing cap and trade water markets can create powerful incentives for using groundwater more efficiently and sustainably, as is now practised in many parts of Australia (Grafton et al. 2011). However, given the lower price of water per volume compared to many other natural resources and the potential for externalities, it is essential that markets for natural resources such as water, timber and carbon are harmonised to prevent negative impacts on groundwater (Pittock et al. 2013). 4. Reforming governance. Systematically integrating decisions across sectors like water and climate policy will expose many of the perverse outcomes identified in this 1203. doi:10. 1016/j. ijhydene. 2011. 09. 1374029. doi:10. 1016/j. ijhydene. 2008. 05. 047256. doi:10. 1080/0250806040869177522. 627. doi:10. 1021/es201942m05. UN on Climate Change, Bonn 2011. Department of Canberra 3010. doi:10. 1021/es802162x4227. doi:10. 1021/es204001529. -IHE Institute for Water Education, Delft 239. doi:10. 1093/reep/rer0022. epa. gov/ghgreporting 10. 5751/ES-04176-160422(2013) Global flood risk under climate change. Change, advance online publication. doi:10. 1038/nclimate1911, 10. 5751/ES-04641-170131IPCC (2007a) 2007: impacts, adaptation and vulnerability, II contribution to the fourth assessment report of the on Climate Change. on Climate Change, Geneva 1947. doi:10. 1126/science. 11192825079. [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text contrasts the claim by discussing the impacts of climate change on resource management, such as water and irrigation practices. It highlights the importance of technology and market incentives that are necessary to adapt to changes brought about by climate change, implying that climate change indeed affects resources essential for food supply. Furthermore, it mentions the need for reforms in governance to address the interactions between water and climate policies, suggesting that neglecting climate change could lead to negative impacts on food supply.


Input: Task: pass the claim using the given text. Claim: Mycorrhizal fungi improve water and nutrient uptake for plants in nutrient-poor soils. [SEP] Text: In the introduction, the authors state: “The exact mechanism by which roots can induce HR is, however, not known. Here, we present a modelling study that demonstrates that alteration of rhizosphere soil by rhizodeposition facilitates HR”. I am of the opinion that this knowledge gap is not one that can be filled with the mathematical modelling approach presented in this paper. The fact that one can simulate HR by changing rhizosphere properties in a mathematical model does not provide evidence that real plants can do the same, and it will this not shed light on the mechanisms by which roots can induce HR. I am of the opinion that the paper should be reframed to focus on the results that show how changes in rhizosphere properties differentially affect water uptake, nutrient uptake, and nutrient mineralisation in different soils and soil water conditions. This can then be framed as a series of hypotheses that should be tested with experiments: namely that plants are able to modify soil properties in the way that was tested with the model through rhizosphere depositions, and that the exudation of these deposits is more common or more pronounced in soil types and soil water conditions where the model predicts the largest increase in the uptake of either water (under wet conditions and in sandy loams) or nutrients (under dry conditions and in sandy loam). However, I think that the authors currently overextend the impact of this work in sections 4. 3 and 4. 4. I think framing this work in the context of climate change is not appropriate in the paper’s current form, and a statement such as the one made in L. 363-365 (“Our results indicate that answering questions about plant adaptation to complex and changing soil and environmental conditions requires integrating biotic and abiotic feedback in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum”) does not match up with the model presented in this paper. Either the modelling should be extended significantly to include more than just a hydraulic model, or the framing of this work should not go beyond the metrics simulated by the model (i. e. water and nutrient uptake). This reframing should lead to significant re-writing of the introduction and the discussion (sections 4. 3 and 4. 4 in particular). I would suggest that the paper is carefully proofread to improve the text, which is currently full of grammatical flaws, especially in the introduction and discussion sections. [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text does not directly support, refute, or engage with the claim regarding mycorrhizal fungi. Instead, it discusses the limitations of a mathematical modeling approach in studying how plant roots influence rhizosphere properties, as well as the need for experimental evidence to validate the claims made in the modeling study. Since it does not mention mycorrhizal fungi or their role in plant nutrient uptake, it is irrelevant to the claim.


Input: Task: corroborate the claim using the given text. Claim: Renewable agriculture often incorporates natural pest control instead of chemical pesticides. [SEP] Text: -19 PreprintsProtocolsVideosJournalsTools & a 10. 21203/rs. 3. rs-3285054/v1This work is licensed under a CC BY 4. 0 LicenseStatus:Published25 Jun, 2024Read the published version in →Version 1posted You are reading this latest preprint versionAbstractFuture trajectories of agricultural productivity need to incorporate environmental targets, including the reduction of pesticides use. Landscape features supporting natural pest control (LF-NPC) offer a nature-based solution that can serve as a partial substitute for synthetic pesticides, thereby supporting future productivity levels. Here, we introduce a novel approach to quantify the contribution of LF-NPC to agricultural yields and its associated economic value to crop production in a broad-scale context. Using the as case study, we combine granular farm-level data, a spatially explicit map of LF-NPC potential across agricultural land, and a regional agro-economic supply and market model. The results reveal that farms located in areas characterized by higher LF-NPC potential experience lower productivity losses in a context of reduced synthetic pesticides use. Specifically, we estimate that a one-unit increase in LF-NPC potential, on average, leads to a 6. 1% increase in agricultural income. These results highlight the significance of LF-NPC for agricultural production, and provide a valuable reference point for farmers and policymakers aiming to successfully invest in landscape features to achieve pesticides reduction targets. Earth and environmental sciences/Ecology/Ecosystem servicesEarth and environmental sciences/Ecology/BiodiversityEarth and environmental sciences/Environmental sciences/Environmental impactFiguresFigure 1Figure 2Figure 3Figure 4Figure 5MainSustainable use and management of biodiversity, including valuing, maintaining and enhancing ecosystem functions and services, is among the four long-term goals of the Kunming-(GBF) adopted by the UN Convention on 1. Amongst others, the framework sets the 2030 global target of reducing the overall risk from pesticides and highly hazardous chemicals by at least 50%. Similarly, the Deal promotes biodiversity preservation and restoration, and targets a reduction of pesticides use by 50% by 2030 2. These goals are a direct response to mounting societal concerns and scientific evidence pointing at the negative environmental impacts resulting from intensive agricultural systems 3–7. [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text corroborates the claim by discussing landscape features that support natural pest control (LF-NPC) as a nature-based solution to reduce the use of synthetic pesticides. It states that LF-NPC can partially substitute for synthetic pesticides and quantifies the positive impact on agricultural productivity when utilizing these natural pest control methods. This aligns well with the idea that renewable agriculture incorporates natural pest control methods.


Input: Task: contrast the claim using the given text. Claim: All food shortages can be solved by simply planting more crops. [SEP] Text: Books and journals Case studies Publish with us Advanced search Why are Chinese small farmers planting more grain crops? – Review of the Logic of (2018) (of and ) : 1756-137X 175. Publisher: © 2020, are Chinese small farmers planting more grain crops? – Review of the Logic of (2018) China? Brown (1994, 1995), expressed great concern about whether China can maintain grain self-sufficiency due to its large and rapidly increasing population, and how the country might affect the global market with increasing demand. This apparent food security problem has caused concern around the world. Between 1982 and 2017, China’s grain output was volatile during some periods and once appeared to be a periodic “non-grain cultivating” phenomenon, but overall grain production increased from 354 to 618m tons, far more than the 34 percent population growth during the same period. This success in agricultural production far exceeded 1990s predictions. Moreover, there was an unprecedented continuous annual increase in China’s grain output from 2003 to 2015. Although the began supply-side structural reform of agriculture by adjusting the agricultural planting structure to encourage more cash crops in 2016, total grain output still reached 616m tons, the second-highest annual yield in history. This prompts a question: what factors have driven the sustained growth of grain production in China? How can we explain the significant transition from “non-grain-oriented” to “grain-oriented” production? A grain supply pressure does exist in China and will persist for a long time, but Luo et al. (2018) show that the problem is not as serious as Brown thought. Their book shows that adverse factors listed in the literature such as non-agricultural transfer of agricultural labor, farmland transfers and agricultural scale operation do not hinder China’s food security, but instead increase grain growing behavior. The organizational and mobilization potential of China’s small farmers are the basic guarantee of China’s food security. The small-scale decentralized agricultural operation pattern determined by the household contract system was long regarded as inefficient and a serious potential risk to China’s food security. However, despite the trend toward “non-grain” growing during structural adjustment from 1978 to 2003, and the continuous increase in grain production after 2003, the basic agricultural management structure pattern has not changed significantly, and independent small farmers are still the main agricultural operating entities. [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text contrasts the claim by discussing the complexities of food security and agricultural production in China. It highlights that, despite increases in grain production, there are still significant factors affecting food security, such as 'non-agricultural transfer of agricultural labor' and 'farmland transfers.' The text illustrates that simply increasing crop planting does not address all underlying issues related to food shortages, indicating a more nuanced problem than the claim suggests.


Input: Task: pass the claim using the given text. Claim: Mycorrhizal fungi improve water and nutrient uptake for plants in nutrient-poor soils. [SEP] Text: Methods to improve forage quality for mammalian herbivores in nutrient poor savannas PE&RC output: Thesis › internal (1) savanna biome covers one eighth of the earth’s land surface area and contains high levels of biodiversity. Many people inhabit savannas and utilise them for agriculture and livestock farming. Particularly in this biome, biodiversity conservation is under an ever mounting threat by the rapidly growing human population with livestock and their associated requirements for arable land use. The quality of the browse and graze is paramount to the survival of the many free-roaming herbivores, especially in nutrient poor savannas that are characterized by unpalatable grasses and broad-leaved trees with high concentrations of secondary metabolites in their foliage. Grazing lawns, with short, stoloniferous grasses, could provide high-quality food for grazers in these areas, but lawn grasses occur only sporadically in nutrient poor savannas. There is not much known about the effects of adding specific nutrients on the establishment of grazing lawns in nutrient poor savannas and the resultant quality of the forage. Therefore, this thesis aims to improve the understanding of the effect between large free-roaming herbivores in a nutrient poor savanna and improving the quality of the forage. Often conservation practices lack scientific underpinning, which is the motivation for this thesis. I address the question whether nutrient addition leads to the establishment of grazing lawns in a nutrient poor savanna, coupled with mowing with a tractor and slasher to reduce the woody components which compete with the grasses. Such addition is hypothesized to result in a switch (“jolt”) from tall, nutritionally poor grass to short, highly nutritional grass species. The main hypothesis of this thesis is that a savanna can be forced from a state with low quality forage as food for large free-roaming herbivores, to a state with high-quality forage through management interventions of these systems. Before understanding the intricacies of evidence-based conservation experiments in forcing a savanna to change its state of food quality, it is important to understand the complexities of managing protected areas and to understand the origins for their establishment. Therefore, I first summarized the motives for establishing protected areas in Southern and Eastern Africa, and the possible consequences for management of these areas today. [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text does not directly address the claim about mycorrhizal fungi and their role in improving water and nutrient uptake in plants. Instead, it discusses the challenges of forage quality for herbivores in nutrient-poor savannas, management interventions for improving forage quality, and the impact of nutrient addition on grazing lawns. Therefore, the relevance to the claim is minimal.


Input: Task: corroborate the claim using the given text. Claim: Renewable agriculture often incorporates natural pest control instead of chemical pesticides. [SEP] Text: The expansion of agricultural land for example, and the intensive use of agrochemicals have resulted in simplified landscape structures and a loss of biodiversity in Europe and other regions of the world 8–12. The loss of biodiversity has also led to a reduction in functional biodiversity, including natural enemies11,13–15. These organisms, such as predatory insects, parasitoids, or birds are a valuable tool for sustainable pest management in agriculture, as they reduce pest populations, providing the ecosystem service of natural pest control (NPC) 16. Consequently, they can reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides and in theory mitigate the suggested adverse impacts on agricultural productivity and its consequences resulting from the targeted 50% reduction in synthetic pesticides use 17–20. In agricultural systems, NPC can be promoted through landscape complexity 21, which refers to small areas of natural or semi-natural vegetation within an agricultural landscape that can provide ecosystem services, promote biodiversity, and are often denoted as agricultural landscape features 22,23. Agricultural landscape features can support the abundance of natural enemies, by providing shelter and alternative prey, thus allowing them to persist over time 24,25. Accordingly, in scientific literature it has long been established that landscape complexity, with its associated diversity in flora and fauna, plays a crucial role in promoting NPC in agricultural systems and reduce reliance on chemical inputs 26. Several recent empirical studies provide evidence of enhanced NPC resulting from higher landscape complexity 27–33. While current research provides pivotal insights, it remains bottlenecked regarding the general quantification of the ecosystem service of NPC. Furthermore, links of NPC to crop yields, which is one of the main drivers of a farm’s operability, are difficult to establish and often missing 34,35 due to multifaceted challenges. These challenges arise from insufficient data 36, inconclusive results 30,35,37–40, the underlying ecological complexity 41,42, or because results remain highly context-specific 37,43–45. An additional challenge is the economic valuation of NPC as an ecosystem service. Losey & Vaughan (2006) estimate the monetary value of NPC in the at 4. 5 billion USD per year, but acknowledge lack of data to further refine the evaluation 46. Other studies have estimated the monetary value of NPC, but focus on a specific crop, pest, or geographic location, and hence do not provide a general economic evaluation 47–49. [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text corroborates the claim by detailing how natural pest control (NPC) can reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides in agriculture. It explains that natural enemies like predatory insects and birds are vital for sustainable pest management and contribute to ecosystem services that can mitigate the adverse effects of synthetic pesticide use. Moreover, the text emphasizes that maintaining landscape complexity supports biodiversity and the abundance of these natural enemies, thereby promoting effective NPC.


Input: Task: contrast the claim using the given text. Claim: All food shortages can be solved by simply planting more crops. [SEP] Text: Given that the proportion of agricultural income to the total income of farmers and the proportion of agricultural labor are decreasing, why are farmers actively and increasingly planting grain? To date little attention has been paid to the mechanism behind “grain-oriented” planting behavior. This book provides the following explanations. First, cash crops are more labor intensive than grain crops. Given the rigid constraints of the agricultural labor force, farmers will be more inclined to grow grain crops. Second, the rigid constraints and increasing opportunity costs of the agricultural labor force will inevitably induce capital to replace labor. Grain planting is more suitable for mechanical operation than cash crops. In addition, once agriculture is involved in the economies of specialization and division of labor economy, the development of the agricultural production service market and the outsourcing of production will increase the comparative advantages of grain crops and will thus promote a “grain-oriented” planting structure. Based on the above observations, the book argues that the “non-grain-oriented” planting structure usually exists when non-agricultural transfer of agricultural labor is insufficient. In other words, in an economic environment with restrictions in the flow of production and a lack of agricultural socialization services, farmers tend to expand cash crop planting to use the abundant agricultural labor force efficiently. Thus, when non-agricultural labor migration or farmland transfers exceed a certain level, cash crop planting decreases. This could indicate that planting structure adjustment in China is periodic and contextual, and changes in factor constraints will further transform planting structures. As a result, elements flow and structural adjustment do not necessarily cause “non-grain-production” problems. On the contrary, smallholders have a grain preference incentive in the processes of factor flow and the integration of the division of labor. The basic logic is as follows. First, the increased non-agricultural transfer of agricultural labor increases opportunity costs. In these circumstances, grain crops that require less labor or involve machinery have comparative advantages. At the same time, cash crops that are labor intensive or are unsuitable for machinery are less likely to be planted. The book calls this the “logic of resource allocation. ” Second, with the extension of the contracted period of farmland to the “confirmation of farmland rights with all sides clarified,” the property rights of lands have been enhanced. [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text contrasts the claim by explaining the complexities and economic factors that influence farmers' planting decisions, suggesting that simply planting more crops is not a viable solution to food shortages. It highlights that due to decreasing proportions of agricultural income and labor, farmers are increasingly inclined towards growing grain crops, which are more suitable for mechanical operation and labor-efficient compared to cash crops. Additionally, it discusses the influence of non-agricultural labor migration and the structural adjustment in planting choices, indicating that food shortages cannot be resolved merely by increasing crop planting without considering these economic and structural issues.


Input: Task: pass the claim using the given text. Claim: Mycorrhizal fungi improve water and nutrient uptake for plants in nutrient-poor soils. [SEP] Text: The findings illustrate that the establishment of protected areas occurred in three periods, and that these periods gave rise to ramifications for management of these areas today. One of the ramifications is to enhance the quality of the vegetation as food for mammalian herbivores. I then tested whether we could use the addition of fertilizer to establish grazing lawns in a nutrient poor savanna, in order to achieve a switch from a vegetation of tall, nutritionally poor grass species to a short vegetation comprised of (highly) nutritional grass species. The experiments demonstrate that fertilization in nutrient poor savannas can trigger the establishment of grazing lawns, coupled with mowing with a tractor and slasher to reduce the woody components which compete with the grasses. I found that phosphorus supplementation resulted in a shift from tall grasses to short grasses within three years with a higher nutrient concentration in the grass species than without supplementation. When grazed, the biomass of lawn grasses was higher compared to the other grasses when not grazed, demonstrating the role of grazers in lawn grass patch establishment. I study the effects of increased grazing pressure by mammalian herbivores on maintaining patches of lawn grass and tested whether the application of specific nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorous or in combination with lime, would attract mammalian herbivores to graze frequently. I showed that the addition of N attracts and increases the grazing pressure for a number of herbivore species and our findings suggest that often abundantly present mammalian herbivores with intermediate body mass can maintain grazing lawns. This study illustrates that the distribution of specific nutrients to an area has an effect on the vegetation, causing elevated local grazing pressure resulting in improved quality of forage. I concluded that ongoing local fertilization in nutrient poor savannas is a practical and achievable method of ensuring that herbivores obtain high-quality forage. Further to obtaining a better understanding of improving the quality of the forage for free-ranging herbivores, I wanted to study how herbivores could obtain additional nutrients or better forage quality from the broad-leaved trees in a nutrient poor savanna. deployed game lick blocks with polyethylene glycol (PEG), a polymer, to standard game lick blocks (nutrient supplements) in an attempt to establish if we could broaden the diet of herbivores with higher percentages of browse species and higher amounts of utilisation per browse species that had high levels of condensed tannins. [SEP] Justify:

Output: The text is irrelevant to the claim as it discusses the establishment of grazing lawns and the effects of fertilization on vegetation and mammalian herbivores in nutrient-poor savannas. While it mentions nutrient uptake related to fertilization, it does not address mycorrhizal fungi or their specific role in aiding plants, making the information unrelated to the claim about mycorrhizal fungi.