上海市蔬菜地土壤硝态氮状况研究

以上海市郊不同管理方式下菜地表层土壤采样测定土壤硝态氮含量为基础,并以水稻土等土壤作为对照,以期了解上海蔬菜地土壤硝态氮的现状,为菜地的合理施肥提出科学依据。结果表明,由于管理方式不同,土壤的硝态氮的NO3--N质量分数差异明显。大棚蔬菜地土壤中NO3--N明显高于其它其他用地管理方式下的土壤,依次为:w(大棚蔬菜地)>w(露天蔬菜地)>w(传统自留地),而且土壤硝态氮的积累是全剖面性的,而非仅在表层,如在80~100cm土层,大棚土壤硝态氮也为农田的好几倍。而且,大棚蔬菜地土壤盐渍化明显,主要特点之一是硝态氮积累,盐分高的土壤一般硝态氮也高。此外,长期大量的N肥投入引起了土壤酸化。土壤pH与土壤NO3--N质量分数呈线性负相关,经统计检验相关性达极显著水平。     

集约化露天菜地表层土壤盐分累积特征及消长规律

以广东省佛山市南海区为例,研究了集约化露天菜地表层土壤盐分的累积状况和离子组成,对盐分的季节性消长规律及其变化原因进行了深入分析.结果表明:2006年春季土壤盐分的累积情况较为严重,5个集约化露天菜地样点中有3个样点(1、2、4号)的表层土壤盐分浓度较高,全盐质量分数超过1.0 g·kg-1,已达到次生盐渍化的标准,其中又以2号样点(菜场)最为突出,伞盐质量分数高至2.42 g·kg1;2006年春季到夏季为脱盐阶段,土壤盐分浓度下降明显;2006年夏季到秋冬季变化幅度不大.土壤盐分浓度的变化与降雨量有密切关系,虽然2006年降雨偏多,但佛山市南海区农业集约化水平较高,部分菜地连年种植蔬菜、复种指数极高、化肥施用量偏大,从而在遇到干早年份和季节,集约化露天菜地土壤仍有发生次生盐渍化的风险.土壤盐分的离子组成上,阳离子以Ca2 为主,占全盐质景分数的11.0%～24.1%;阴离子以NO3-和SO42-为主,分别占全盐质量分数的8.9%～31.0%和10.9%～45.7%.研究结果可为控制土壤盐分累积、提高蔬菜生产能力及品质、保护和合理利用耕地资源,提供参考资料.     

不同施肥模式下硝化抑制剂DCD与生物炭对菜地N_2O排放和土壤特性的影响

通过田间试验,采用静态箱-气相色谱法研究不同施肥模式下硝化抑制剂(DCD)和生物炭对菜地土壤氧化亚氮(N2_O)排放及土壤特性的影响。试验包括单施化肥氮与有机肥替代25%化肥氮2种施肥模式,共设6个处理:(1)单施化肥氮(CF);(2)单施化肥氮DCD(CFDCD);(3)单施化肥氮生物炭(CFBC);(4)有机肥替代25%化肥氮(MF);(5)有机肥替代25%化肥氮DCD(MFDCD);(6)有机肥替代25%化肥氮生物炭(MFBC)。研究结果表明,施氮量为225 kg·hm-2条件下,有机肥替代25%化肥氮处理较单施化肥氮处理显著降低了菜地N2_O累积排放量和土壤硝态氮含量,降幅分别为46.9%和30.7%。整个菜心季土壤N2_O总排放量与收获季0~15 cm土层土壤硝态氮含量之间呈极显著的线性正相关关系,表明有机肥部分替代化肥氮一定程度上改变了土壤中氮素营养的存在形态及氮转化路径。CFDCD和CFBC处理较CF处理显著降低了土壤N2_O排放,降幅达72.8%和38.8%,MFDCD和MFBC较MF处理土壤N2_O排放减少了44.9%和10.3%,表明在本试验条件下,DCD处理抑制菜地N2_O排放的效果相对高于生物炭处理,而生物炭抑制菜地N2_O排放的效果在单施化肥氮模式下表现得更明显。与此同时,DCD和BC配施处理均有效降低了土壤硝态氮的积累,且DCD处理在整个菜心生长季0~15 cm土壤铵态氮含量明显高于相同施肥模式下的其他处理。综上可知,有机肥部分替代化肥氮模式、生物炭与DCD的添加均能有效抑制菜地土壤N2_O的排放并降低土壤硝态氮水平。本研究结果可为调控菜地土壤N2_O气体排放提供提供参考。     

不同施氮水平对玉米产量、氮素利用效率及土壤无机氮含量的影响

通过研究不同施氮水平对玉米产量、氮素利用率及土壤硝态氮(NO3--N)和铵态氮(NH4+-N)残留量的影响,为氮肥的合理利用提供依据.在黑龙江省农业科学院科技园区布置田间小区试验,结果显示:玉米产量随施氮量增加而增加,施氮量为165 kg·hm-2时,氮肥利用率最高,当施氮量高于165 kg·hm-2,产量反而有降低的趋势,过量施氮也并不能增加玉米对氮素的吸收,因而氮素利用率也随施氮量的增加而降低.玉米收获后土壤剖面无机态氮质量分数的变化因施氮量的不同而表现出差异,0~80 cm土层硝态氮积累量随氮肥输入量的增加而显著增加,以表层(0~40 cm)硝态氮质量分数最高,中间层(60~80 cm)质量分数最低,100 cm以下土层以施氮量为165 kg·hm-2的处理土壤硝态氮积累量最低,降低了硝态氮淋溶风险;铵态氮的质量分数相对较低,不同的施氮量对土壤铵态氮质量分数的影响主要在0~20 cm土层,铵态氮质量分数与施氮量并无显著的相关关系.综合考虑玉米产量、氮素利用率与生态环境效益,以165 kg·hm-2(优化施氮量)为最佳氮肥施用量.     

不同有机肥对矿区复垦土壤氮素矿化的影响

为揭示同一施氮水平下不同有机肥对矿区复垦土壤的氮素矿化过程的影响,以山西省孝义市水峪煤矿采煤塌陷复垦土壤为研究对象,在200 mg/kg施氮水平下(以全氮计),施用鸡粪、猪粪和牛粪,并以不施肥处理为空白对照,在培养温度为20℃和30℃下,进行为期161 d的室内恒温培养试验,分析不同有机肥对矿区复垦土壤氮素矿化的影响,从而为矿区复垦土壤的快速培肥熟化提供理论科学依据.结果表明:(1)在整个培养时期,各施肥处理的硝态氮含量、硝态氮累积量以及累积矿化量总体呈上升趋势,尤其在培养56-84 d迅速增加.在培养结束时(161 d),不同施肥处理的硝态氮含量、硝态氮累积量以及累积矿化量总体表现为鸡粪处理猪粪处理牛粪处理空白处理(P 0.05).(2)培养初始(0 d),不同施肥处理的铵态氮含量均最高,其中鸡粪、猪粪和牛粪处理之间差异不显著,但三者均显著高于空白处理(P 0.05).各施肥处理的铵态氮含量在培养0-14 d随着培养时间延长迅速降低,在14-161 d各施肥处理的铵态氮含量基本保持不变,维持在较低水平,培养结束时各处理铵态氮含量均低于1.71 mg/kg.(3)随温度升高,各施肥处理的土壤硝态氮含量、硝态氮累积量和累积矿化量增加,不同温度对各施肥处理的土壤硝态氮含量影响显著(P 0.05),但不同温度对各施肥处理的土壤硝态氮累积量和累积矿化量影响不显著.总的来说,有机肥的施入促进了矿区复垦土壤氮素矿化,提高了土壤氮素有效性,施用鸡粪对提高土壤有效氮效果最好,不同施肥处理对矿区土壤矿化效果总体表现为鸡粪处理猪粪处理牛粪处理空白处理,并且30℃下各有机肥的矿化效果优于20℃.(图2表5参50)     

组合施肥技术对黑土肥力影响的研究

采取定位试验的方法研究了组合施肥技术对土壤有机质、氮、磷的影响。结果表明,组合施肥较单施化肥土壤有机质含量增加1.8～3.3g/kg;土壤全氮增加0.05g/kg,速效氮(除Ⅱ处理外)增加6.6～44.6mg/kg;土壤全磷增加0.15～0.29g/kg.速效磷增加15.68～37.21mg/kg。土壤有机质增量为0.6～23g/kg;土壤氮素增量全氮增加0.002～0.25g/kg,速效氮增加11.6～39.4mg/kg;土壤磷素增量全磷增加0.09～0.24g/kg,速效磷增加23.59～57.28mg/kg。在保持土壤肥力有所提高的情况下,玉米大豆两年平均产量提高7.7％～17.3％,净收入提高19.4％～37.3％,由此可见,组合施肥技术应用前景广阔。     

寿光设施菜地土壤N_2O排放规律及其影响因素

设施栽培是我国蔬菜生产的重要方式之一.设施菜地土壤高温、高湿、持续且大量施肥等特点,可能改变土壤氮素周转及N_2O排放.寿光是我国重要的蔬菜生产基地之一.然而,鲜有研究关注寿光市设施菜地土壤N_2O排放规律及其影响因素.本文以寿光市农田、种植6、12年设施菜地及荒废设施菜地为例,研究农田转变为设施菜地后土壤N_2O排放规律,并探讨其影响机理.结果表明,设施菜地土壤N_2O年排放量明显高于农田及荒废设施菜地,且种植6年设施菜地土壤N_2O年排放量显著大于种植12年设施菜地(P0.05).其原因可以归结为:(1)设施菜地种植过程中施加大量有机肥及化肥,会促进土壤氮素周转.(2)设施菜地土壤温度、含水率及硝态氮含量均高于农田,且均与土壤N_2O排放通量呈显著正相关关系(P0.05),表明设施菜地土壤高温、高湿的环境特点会促进土壤硝化过程,加速土壤N_2O排放.(3)设施菜地具有较高的土壤脲酶活性,且与土壤硝态氮含量、含水率呈显著正相关关系(P0.05),表明农田变为设施菜地增加了土壤脲酶活性,促进土壤硝化过程及硝态氮累积,这可能间接加速土壤N_2O排放.     

旱地长期定位施肥对土壤剖面硝态氮分布与累积的影响

在 １５ ａ长期定位试验基础上研究了黄土高原旱地长期施用不同用量和配比的氮、磷肥对土壤剖面中硝态氮分布和累积的影响。结果表明：长期大量施用氮肥，在土壤剖面 １００～１８０ ｃｍ之间形成硝态氮累积层，峰值出现在 １４０ ｃｍ处，最大值为 ６７．９２ｍｇ／ｋｇ（单施 Ｎ １８０ ｋｇ／ｈｍ~２）； 配合施用磷肥可以降低土壤剖面硝态氮质量分数，根据试验，提出了旱地合理施肥的氮磷肥用量。     

不同施肥模式对芋艿产量及菜地土壤中氮素迁移累积的影响

以太湖流域的临安市太湖源镇具有代表性的大田蔬菜地为研究对象,通过9种不同施肥量模式的田间试验,探讨芋艿Colocasia esculenta L．Schoot季蔬菜地速效氮在土壤中的动态变化、剖面垂直分布及累积,了解施肥措施对蔬菜种植的生态及环境影响。各施肥处理均能提高芋艿产量,但增加幅度因施肥措施不同而不同,适量施肥已满足芋艿生长对养分的需求,继续增施对边际产量的增效不明显。在芋艿生长过程中,不同施肥模式下土壤中的铵态氮、硝态氮、速效氮质量分数动态变化的趋势不同;芋艿收获后,硝态氮、铵态氮、速效氮在土壤剖面中质量分数的垂直分布因氮肥投入水平的不同而有所差异;土壤剖面中速效氮的累积量与氮肥投入密切相关;综合评价来看,低量控释肥＋低量化肥是各施肥模式中比较具经济效益、环境效益的合理施肥模式;因而,在实际蔬菜生产中,要适量施用氮肥,适当采用混合施肥模式如低量控释肥＋低量化肥,防止因过量施用氮肥而导致硝态氮的过量累积及其带来的水环境污染等环境问题。     

秸秆与氮肥配施对辽西旱区土壤酶活性与土壤养分的影响

通过田间试验研究了玉米（Zea mays L.）秸秆与氮肥配施对耕层土壤酶活性及土壤养分的影响。试验设4个秸秆还田量水平,2个施氮量水平。结果表明：在秸秆配施氮肥条件下,耕层土壤中性磷酸酶、脲酶、转化酶和过氧化氢酶活性以及有机质和全氮质量分数均表现为随着玉米秸秆还田量的增加而提高,而硝态氮（3NO-N）和铵态氮（＋4NH-N）质量分数则表现为随着玉米秸秆还田量的增加而减少,4种土壤酶活性与土壤有机质和全氮质量分数均呈显著正相关,与土壤硝态氮和铵态氮质量分数则呈显著负相关。玉米秸秆还田量9 000 kg.hm-2配施氮肥量420 kg.hm-2是辽西风沙半干旱区效果较好的技术措施。     

Achieving Open Access to Conservation Science

Conservation science is a crisis discipline in which the results of scientific enquiry must be made available quickly to those implementing management. We assessed the extent to which scientific research published since the year 2000 in 20 conservation science journals is publicly available. Of the 19,207 papers published, 1,667 (8.68%) are freely downloadable from an official repository. Moreover, only 938 papers (4.88%) meet the standard definition of open access in which material can be freely reused providing attribution to the authors is given. This compares poorly with a comparable set of 20 evolutionary biology journals, where 31.93% of papers are freely downloadable and 7.49% are open access. Seventeen of the 20 conservation journals offer an open access option, but fewer than 5% of the papers are available through open access. The cost of accessing the full body of conservation science runs into tens of thousands of dollars per year for institutional subscribers, and many conservation practitioners cannot access pay‐per‐view science through their workplace. However, important initiatives such as Research4Life are making science available to organizations in developing countries. We urge authors of conservation science to pay for open access on a per‐article basis or to choose publication in open access journals, taking care to ensure the license allows reuse for any purpose providing attribution is given. Currently, it would cost $51 million to make all conservation science published since 2000 freely available by paying the open access fees currently levied to authors. Publishers of conservation journals might consider more cost effective models for open access and conservation‐oriented organizations running journals could consider a broader range of options for open access to nonmembers such as sponsorship of open access via membership fees. Obtención de Acceso Abierto a la Ciencia de la Conservación     

Some polyphagous Homoptera gain protection from their natural enemies by feeding on the toxic plantsSpartium junceum andErythrina corallodendrum (Leguminosae)

Summary Interactions were studied among alkaloid-containing legumes (Erythrina corallodendrum andSpartium junceum) and non-toxic plants (Citrus sinensis, Cucurbita moschata andEuphorbia tirucalli), several polyphagous homopterans,Aphis craccivora (Aphididae),Icerya purchasi, I. aegyptiaca (Margarodidae),Lepidosaphes ulmi (Diaspididae) andPlanococcus citri (Pseudococcidae), and some major natural enemies of these homopterans. Significant reductions in survival due to negative effects of alkaloid containing as compared with non-alkaloidal plants were recorded for the predatorsRodolia cardinalis andChilocorus bipustulatus, but not forCryptolaemus montrouzieri (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae),Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) andSympherobius sanctus (Neuroptera: Sympherobiidae). The development time of the larvae or pupae ofR. cardinalis, C. carnea andS. sanctus was longer on the toxic plants than on the non-toxic ones. The percentage of parasitism ofA. craccivora collected from the non-alkaloidal plantsVicia palaestina andMelilotus albus was much higher than that onS. junceum. The parasitoid complexes ofA. craccivora differed between both plant groups. The nutritive value of honeydew ofI. purchasi andA. craccivora, as expressed by the life span ofEncyrtus infelix (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) adults, was also investigated. Life spans were significantly longer when the wasps fed on honeydew produced on non-alkaloidal plants (C. sinensis andPittosporum tobira) than on alkaloid containing plants whenI. purchasi — but notA. craccivora — was the producer. It is suggested that the chemical defense ofE. corallodendrum andS. junceum is exploited by polyphagous phytophages to reduce predation. In nature, population growth and density of four of the investigated homopterans are conspicuously high when they developed on the alkaloid containing plant species, and very low on non-alkaloid plants. The efficiency of their natural enemies may be reduced by sequestration of alkaloids (or other toxic plant compounds) or their transfer into excreted honeydew. Therefore it is assumed that a generalist phytophagous homopteran may be protected from its natural enemies, although at different rates of efficiency, if it can safely sequester the host allelochemical when it develops on toxic species within its host range.     

Rapid,recurring, structured survey versus bioblitz for generating biodiversity data and analysis with a multispecies abundance model

A bioblitz inexpensively and quickly generates biodiversity data, but bioblitzes are often conducted with haphazard, unreplicated sampling. Results tend to be taxonomically, geographically, or temporally biased, lack metadata, and consist of lists of observed taxa that do not enable further analyses or correction for imperfect detection. A rapid, recurring, structured survey (RRSS) uses a structured sampling design and temporal and spatial replication to survey randomly selected sites on a conservation property. We participated in a loosely structured bioblitz and a subsequent RRSS at Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve in Springville (St. Clair County), Alabama (USA) to compare observed richness derived from the 2 survey approaches. The RRSS data structure enabled us to fit models that accounted for imperfect detection to estimate abundances, occupancy probabilities, and habitat associations. The loosely structured bioblitz data could not be used in such models. We present a new integrated multispecies abundance model that we applied to avian RRSS data. Our model extension enables estimation for the community, employs data augmentation to estimate the number of undetected species, and incorporates covariates. The RRSS generated a more comprehensive and less biased list of observed taxonomic richness than the loosely structured bioblitz (e.g., 73 vs. 45 bird species and 104 vs. 63 insect families from the RRSS vs. loosely structured bioblitz, respectively). Models fit to the RRSS data identified seasonal patterns in avian community composition and allowed for estimation of habitat–occupancy relationships for insect taxa. The RRSS protocol has potential for broad transferability as a standardized, quick, and inexpensive way to inventory biodiversity and estimate ecological parameters while providing an outreach opportunity.     

Compliance with and ecosystem function of biodiversity offsets in North American and European freshwaters

Land-use change via human development is a major driver of biodiversity loss. To reduce these impacts, billions of dollars are spent on biodiversity offsets. However, studies evaluating offset project effectiveness that examine components such as the overall compliance and function of projects remain rare. We reviewed 577 offsetting projects in freshwater ecosystems that included the metrics project size, type of aquatic system (e.g., wetland and creek), offsetting measure (e.g., enhancement, restoration, and creation), and an assessment of the projects’ compliance and functional success. Project information was obtained from scientific and government databases and gray literature. Despite considerable investment in offsetting projects, crucial problems persisted. Although compliance and function were related to each other, a high level of compliance did not guarantee a high degree of function. However, large projects relative to area had better function than small projects. Function improved when projects targeted productivity or specific ecosystem features and when multiple complementary management targets were in place. Restorative measures were more likely to achieve targets than creating entirely new ecosystems. Altogether the relationships we found highlight specific ecological processes that may help improve offsetting outcomes.     

Sequestration of cucurbitacin analogs by New and Old World chrysomelid leaf beetles in the tribe Luperini

Summary Two South American polyphagous leaf beetles,Diabrotica speciosa andCerotoma arcuata, selectively accumulated the bitter tasting compound 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin D in their body after ingesting root tissues of cucurbit plants. Similarly, three Asian Cucurbitaceae-feeding specialists in the genusAulacophora were found to sequester the same compound. Cucurbitacin analogs were shown to deter feeding by a bird predator, indicating an allomonal role for these compounds in cucurbitacin-associated chrysomelid leaf beetles both of New and Old Worlds. The strong affinity to cucurbitacins, selective sequestration of the analogs and consequent protection from predators suggested an ecological adaptation mechanism developed in common among these two geographically isolated subtribes in the Luperini.     

Effects of Controlled Fire and Livestock Grazing on Bird Communities in East African Savannas

Abstract: In East Africa fire and grazing by wild and domestic ungulates maintain savannas, and pastoralists historically set fires and herded livestock through the use of temporary corrals called bomas. In recent decades traditional pastoral practices have declined, and this may be affecting biodiversity. We investigated the effects of prescribed fires and bomas on savanna bird communities in East Africa during the first and second dry seasons of the year (respectively before and after the rains that mark the onset of breeding for most birds). We compared abundance, richness, and community composition on 9‐ha burned plots, recently abandoned bomas, and control plots in the undisturbed matrix habitat over a 3‐year period. Generally, recently burned areas and abandoned bomas attracted greater densities of birds and had different community assemblages than the surrounding matrix. The effects of disturbances were influenced by interactions between primary productivity, represented by the normalized difference vegetation index, and time. Bird densities were highest and a greater proportion of species was observed on burned plots in the months following the fires. Drought conditions equalized bird densities across treatments within 1 year, and individuals from a greater proportion of species were more commonly observed on abandoned bomas. Yearly fluctuations in abundance were less pronounced on bomas than on burns, which indicate that although fire may benefit birds in the short term, bomas may have a more‐lasting positive effect and provide resources during droughts. Several Palearctic migrants were attracted to burned plots regardless of rainfall, which indicates continued fire suppression may threaten their already‐declining populations. Most notably, the paucity of birds observed on the controls suggests that the current structure of the matrix developed as a result of fire suppression. Traditional pastoralism appears critical to the maintenance of avian diversity in these savannas.     

A palaeo-hydrogeological model for arsenic contamination in southern and south-east Asia

An argument is presented in which areas of natural arsenic contamination of modern groundwaters throughout Asia have a common origin. Arsenic originally accumulated in oceanic ferro-manganoan sediments of the eastern Palaeo-Tethys. This was further concentrated through oceanic crustal extinction in what later became the south-east Chinese accreted mineralised terrain. Proto-Himalayan uplift of this area created the palaeo-drainage systems of the Ganges – Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy, Mekong, and Red Rivers, with consequent headwater erosion of arsenic-rich sediments. Their downstream deposition as immature and easily redistributed Neogene sandstones, silts, and iron-rich clays has created secondary and tertiary reservoirs of adsorbed and authigenic arsenic, from which the current arsenic-rich groundwaters have evolved. Considering river basins within the above palaeo-hydrogeological framework provides a basis for assessing the risk of arsenic in groundwater basins of south and south-eastern Asia.     

Threats to intact tropical peatlands and opportunities for their conservation

Large, intact areas of tropical peatland are highly threatened at a global scale by the expansion of commercial agriculture and other forms of economic development. Conserving peatlands on a landscape scale, with their hydrology intact, is of international conservation importance to preserve their distinctive biodiversity and ecosystem services and maintain their resilience to future environmental change. We explored threats to and opportunities for conserving remaining intact tropical peatlands; thus, we excluded peatlands of Indonesia and Malaysia, where extensive deforestation, drainage, and conversion to plantations means conservation in this region can protect only small fragments of the original ecosystem. We focused on a case study, the Pastaza‐Marañón Foreland Basin (PMFB) in Peru, which is among the largest known intact tropical peatland landscapes in the world and is representative of peatland vulnerability. Maintenance of the hydrological conditions critical for carbon storage and ecosystem function of peatlands is, in the PMFB, primarily threatened by expansion of commercial agriculture linked to new transport infrastructure that is facilitating access to remote areas. There remain opportunities in the PMFB and elsewhere to develop alternative, more sustainable land‐use practices. Although some of the peatlands in the PMFB fall within existing legally protected areas, this protection does not include the most carbon‐dense (domed pole forest) areas. New carbon‐based conservation instruments (e.g., REDD+, Green Climate Fund), developing markets for sustainable peatland products, transferring land title to local communities, and expanding protected areas offer pathways to increased protection for intact tropical peatlands in Amazonia and elsewhere, such as those in New Guinea and Central Africa which remain, for the moment, broadly beyond the frontier of commercial development.     

What Every Conservation Biologist Should Know about Economic Theory

Abstract: The last century has seen the ascendance of a core economic model, which we will refer to as Walrasian economics. This model is driven by the psychological assumptions that humans act only in a self‐referential and narrowly rational way and that production can be described as a self‐contained circular flow between firms and households. These assumptions have critical implications for the way economics is used to inform conservation biology. Yet the Walrasian model is inconsistent with a large body of empirical evidence about actual human behavior, and it violates a number of basic physical laws. Research in behavioral science and neuroscience shows that humans are uniquely social animals and not self‐centered rational economic beings. Economic production is subject to physical laws including the laws of thermodynamics and mass balance. In addition, some contemporary economic theory, spurred by exciting new research in human behavior and a wealth of data about the negative global impact of the human economy on natural systems, is moving toward a world view that places consumption and production squarely in its behavioral and biophysical context. We argue that abandoning the straightjacket of the Walrasian core is essential to further progress in understanding the complex, coupled interactions between the human economy and the natural world. We call for a new framework for economic theory and policy that is consistent with observed human behavior, recognizes the complex and frequently irreversible interaction between human and natural systems, and directly confronts the cumulative negative effects of the human economy on the Earth's life support systems. Biophysical economics and ecological economics are two emerging economic frameworks in this movement.