Carbon dioxide (CO2) is emitted in a number of ways. It is emitted naturally through the carbon cycle and through human activities like the burning of fossil fuels.
Natural sources of CO2 occur within the carbon cycle where billions of tons of atmospheric CO2 are removed from the atmosphere by oceans and growing plants, also known as ‘sinks,’ and are emitted back into the atmosphere annually through natural processes also known as ‘sources.’ When in balance, the total carbon dioxide emissions and removals from the entire carbon cycle are roughly equal.
Since the Industrial Revolution in the 1700’s, human activities, such as the burning of oil, coal and gas, and deforestation, have increased CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere. In 2005, global atmospheric concentrations of CO2 were 35% higher than they were before the Industrial Revolution. For more information on CO2 trends in the atmosphere, visit the page on Atmosphere Changes.
Greenhouse gases occur naturally in the Earth’s atmosphere in addition to being emitted through human activities. This natural “carbon cycle” includes carbon dioxide used in plants during photosynthesis and the exchange of carbon dioxide between the atmosphere and the oceans.
The primary natural processes that release CO2 into the atmosphere (sources) and that remove CO2 from the atmosphere (sinks) are:
Animal and plant respiration, by which oxygen and nutrients are converted into CO2 and energy, and plant photosynthesis by which CO2 is removed from the atmosphere and stored as carbon in plant biomass;
Ocean-atmosphere exchange, in which the oceans absorb and release CO2 at the sea surface; and
Volcanic eruptions, which release carbon from rocks deep in the Earth’s crust (this source is very small).
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
AQIS Plant Introduction Form
"Why have I been asked to fill in this form?"
AQIS regulates all plant material imported into Australia. Each year, AQIS receives a large number of applications to import various plant species from all over the world. Many of these species have been imported before and AQIS has developed import conditions to enable their safe introduction. These species and their import conditions are contained in the AQIS electronic quarantine database – ICON (www.aqis.gov.au/icon).
AQIS regulates plant imports by way of a permitted list, which was formally adopted on the 7th July 1998. When an importer submits an application to import propagative material (seed or nursery stock) of a species that is not contained in ICON (or is listed in ICON as "prohibited until assessed"), AQIS forwards this information to Plant Biosecurity who conducts an assessment of the species. Plant Biosecurity Australia develops appropriate import conditions before the species can be imported and released from quarantine.
The agreed pre-entry screening method for new plant imports is called the Weed Risk Assessment (WRA) system. The WRA system is used on all new plant imports whether they enter Australia as seeds, nursery stock or tissue culture and regardless of country of origin.
"How do I fill in the form?"
In most cases, you will need to complete a separate AQIS Plant Introduction Form for each species requiring assessment. However, where there are different species or varieties that are very similar, you may place them on the same form. Environment Australia as well as a wide range of client groups endorsed this system of assessment. The implementation of the WRA system is a component of the National Weed Strategy and was funded in part by monies arising from the Natural Heritage Trust.
"Why should I bother?"
If you have been asked to complete the AQIS Plant Introduction Form, you should note that it is in your best interests to fill in the form as accurately and completely as possible. AQIS receives many applications to import plant species that require assessment and this assessment represents a significant demand on AQIS's resources. Import applications accompanied by an AQIS Plant Introduction Form that is properly filled in can be assessed more quickly.
This form is used to gain information on the general growth characteristics of the species and also to determine whether the plant possesses certain attributes, which could increase the likelihood of it becoming a weed in Australia. Based on the assessment of the information provided, AQIS will either (a) permit the plant to be imported subject to certain conditions, (b) refuse permission for the plant to be imported, or (c) require further assessment of the species while in quarantine.
Plants that are already present in Australia, either widely distributed or commercially available in significant quantities in Australia, still require assessment, but the final result will take the occurrence in Australia into account.
The form consists of four parts - Sections A, B, C, and D. You must complete all four sections. Where you are required to complete forms for more than one species you may complete Section A (Applicant's Details) on just one form only.
Use the "Don't know" box as little as possible so that AQIS does not have to ask you to provide further information. Also, feel free to clarify or qualify your answers by writing comments anywhere on the form.
Finally, make sure all written answers and comments are printed neatly and clearly.
"Is there any other information that I should provide?"
Yes, references will help the speed of the assessment! As part of the assessment process, AQIS/Plant Biosecurity must verify the accuracy of your responses on the form. Information from independent sources that substantiates your responses will facilitate this and will reduce the assessment time accordingly.
Independent sources include papers from scientific journals, botanical textbooks and gardening books. Also of use would be information supplied by botanical gardens, CSIRO, departments of agriculture or universities etc. AQIS will also accept information from independent sources overseas such as foreign government authorities and universities. Information from these sources must be supplied on the official letterhead of the organisation concerned.
AQIS regulates all plant material imported into Australia. Each year, AQIS receives a large number of applications to import various plant species from all over the world. Many of these species have been imported before and AQIS has developed import conditions to enable their safe introduction. These species and their import conditions are contained in the AQIS electronic quarantine database – ICON (www.aqis.gov.au/icon).
AQIS regulates plant imports by way of a permitted list, which was formally adopted on the 7th July 1998. When an importer submits an application to import propagative material (seed or nursery stock) of a species that is not contained in ICON (or is listed in ICON as "prohibited until assessed"), AQIS forwards this information to Plant Biosecurity who conducts an assessment of the species. Plant Biosecurity Australia develops appropriate import conditions before the species can be imported and released from quarantine.
The agreed pre-entry screening method for new plant imports is called the Weed Risk Assessment (WRA) system. The WRA system is used on all new plant imports whether they enter Australia as seeds, nursery stock or tissue culture and regardless of country of origin.
"How do I fill in the form?"
In most cases, you will need to complete a separate AQIS Plant Introduction Form for each species requiring assessment. However, where there are different species or varieties that are very similar, you may place them on the same form. Environment Australia as well as a wide range of client groups endorsed this system of assessment. The implementation of the WRA system is a component of the National Weed Strategy and was funded in part by monies arising from the Natural Heritage Trust.
"Why should I bother?"
If you have been asked to complete the AQIS Plant Introduction Form, you should note that it is in your best interests to fill in the form as accurately and completely as possible. AQIS receives many applications to import plant species that require assessment and this assessment represents a significant demand on AQIS's resources. Import applications accompanied by an AQIS Plant Introduction Form that is properly filled in can be assessed more quickly.
This form is used to gain information on the general growth characteristics of the species and also to determine whether the plant possesses certain attributes, which could increase the likelihood of it becoming a weed in Australia. Based on the assessment of the information provided, AQIS will either (a) permit the plant to be imported subject to certain conditions, (b) refuse permission for the plant to be imported, or (c) require further assessment of the species while in quarantine.
Plants that are already present in Australia, either widely distributed or commercially available in significant quantities in Australia, still require assessment, but the final result will take the occurrence in Australia into account.
The form consists of four parts - Sections A, B, C, and D. You must complete all four sections. Where you are required to complete forms for more than one species you may complete Section A (Applicant's Details) on just one form only.
Use the "Don't know" box as little as possible so that AQIS does not have to ask you to provide further information. Also, feel free to clarify or qualify your answers by writing comments anywhere on the form.
Finally, make sure all written answers and comments are printed neatly and clearly.
"Is there any other information that I should provide?"
Yes, references will help the speed of the assessment! As part of the assessment process, AQIS/Plant Biosecurity must verify the accuracy of your responses on the form. Information from independent sources that substantiates your responses will facilitate this and will reduce the assessment time accordingly.
Independent sources include papers from scientific journals, botanical textbooks and gardening books. Also of use would be information supplied by botanical gardens, CSIRO, departments of agriculture or universities etc. AQIS will also accept information from independent sources overseas such as foreign government authorities and universities. Information from these sources must be supplied on the official letterhead of the organisation concerned.
Monday, October 31, 2011
The landscape of maple trees
As the present series of articles on types of fall foliage trees demonstrates, landscaping enthusiasts have many options for achieving colorful fall foliage in their yards. Yet perhaps no other types of trees in eastern North America are as intimately associated with fall as are maple trees. Below are some of the best types of maple trees from which you may choose for your fall foliage design.
Red Maple Trees (Swamp Maple Trees)
The fall foliage of red maple trees, or “swamp maple trees” (Acer rubrum spp.) unfortunately sometimes makes a liar out of the trees’ name. That’s why it’s best to stick with cultivars known for their fall color consistency. If you want red fall foliage, I would suggest purchasing Acer rubrum ‘Red Sunset,’ a tree that will reach about 50’ in height, with a spread of a little less than that. This red maple tree grows best in zones 4-9 in full sun to partial shade, where the soil pH is acidic and the ground provides good drainage. For pictures of red maple trees and other maples, see the photo gallery above, on your right.
Even relatively consistent cultivars such as Red Sunset maple trees, however, are at the mercy of the weather. Intensity of fall foliage color can be lessened due to extreme summer heat and drought. And you’re not even out of the woods once fall arrives. Optimum fall foliage is dependent upon sunny days and crisp nights at the beginning of the autumn season.
Sugar Maple Trees
Sugar maple trees (Acer saccharum) should be grown in zones 3-8, in an area of your yard that is well-drained and gets full to partial sun. Famous as the source of “maple syrup,” sugar maple trees can reach 80’ or more in height, with a spread of up to 60’. Sugar maples have a fall foliage color range from yellow to orange to red. Again, fall foliage color will vary from year to year and place to place, depending on many factors.
Norway Maple Trees
Norway maple trees (Acer platanoides) adapt well to many soil types and environmental conditions. In fact, they adapt too well, as they have become an invasive plant in North America; substitute with sugar maple trees or red maple trees, which, in my opinion, boast superior beauty.
A reason for the widespread use of Norway maples as shade trees in urban areas across the U.S. is that they tolerate pollution better than many trees. Fall foliage color is yellow. Zones 3-7. Reaches an approximate size of 50’ x 50’. Norway maples do best in full sun and well-drained soil.
Amur Maple Trees
Amur maple trees (Acer ginnala ‘Flame’) are grown in zones 2-8 and are a compact alternative to the maple trees described above, attaining a maximum size of only about 20' x 20'. Although they will tolerate light shade, Amur maple trees achieve their best fall color if you make an effort to ensure they get full sun. The effort will pay off handsomely: Their fall foliage color is a brilliant red.
The fall foliage of red maple trees, or “swamp maple trees” (Acer rubrum spp.) unfortunately sometimes makes a liar out of the trees’ name. That’s why it’s best to stick with cultivars known for their fall color consistency. If you want red fall foliage, I would suggest purchasing Acer rubrum ‘Red Sunset,’ a tree that will reach about 50’ in height, with a spread of a little less than that. This red maple tree grows best in zones 4-9 in full sun to partial shade, where the soil pH is acidic and the ground provides good drainage. For pictures of red maple trees and other maples, see the photo gallery above, on your right.
Even relatively consistent cultivars such as Red Sunset maple trees, however, are at the mercy of the weather. Intensity of fall foliage color can be lessened due to extreme summer heat and drought. And you’re not even out of the woods once fall arrives. Optimum fall foliage is dependent upon sunny days and crisp nights at the beginning of the autumn season.
Sugar Maple Trees
Sugar maple trees (Acer saccharum) should be grown in zones 3-8, in an area of your yard that is well-drained and gets full to partial sun. Famous as the source of “maple syrup,” sugar maple trees can reach 80’ or more in height, with a spread of up to 60’. Sugar maples have a fall foliage color range from yellow to orange to red. Again, fall foliage color will vary from year to year and place to place, depending on many factors.
Norway Maple Trees
Norway maple trees (Acer platanoides) adapt well to many soil types and environmental conditions. In fact, they adapt too well, as they have become an invasive plant in North America; substitute with sugar maple trees or red maple trees, which, in my opinion, boast superior beauty.
A reason for the widespread use of Norway maples as shade trees in urban areas across the U.S. is that they tolerate pollution better than many trees. Fall foliage color is yellow. Zones 3-7. Reaches an approximate size of 50’ x 50’. Norway maples do best in full sun and well-drained soil.
Amur Maple Trees
Amur maple trees (Acer ginnala ‘Flame’) are grown in zones 2-8 and are a compact alternative to the maple trees described above, attaining a maximum size of only about 20' x 20'. Although they will tolerate light shade, Amur maple trees achieve their best fall color if you make an effort to ensure they get full sun. The effort will pay off handsomely: Their fall foliage color is a brilliant red.
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