HIIT Science

 All information is from https://hiitscience.com

HIIT Science will be a classic in exercise physiology.  It breaks down high intensity interval training into 6 different types of training, depending on energy system (aerobic, anaerobic, neuromuscular) to be trained:

"Envisage receiving a stressful hit on your neuromuscular/ musculoskeletal system – day in day out – session after session. As per Figure 1, these would all be HIIT Types #2, 4, 5, & 6. I’m sure you can imagine how this would likely result in a train wreck for most individuals. More often than not, we need substantial periods of recovery (often days) between such sessions to allow the neuromuscular/ musculoskeletal system to adapt appropriately (think how long it takes for muscle soreness to go away)."  https://hiitscience.com/why-the-hiit-types/

Each type is built around specific intensities and interval times:

"Traditionally, HIIT is performed by running or cycling....When such equipment is unavailable, HIIT can even be performed skipping using a jump rope or by completing stationary movements (e.g., squats, frontal or lateral lunges, push-ups, jumps) during the interval period (Table 1). These latter HIIT variations require more familiarisation and are likely more demanding on the neuromuscular system (6), but they can also be effective through their ability to target both cardiovascular and neuromuscular systems simultaneously (5)."  https://hiitscience.com/high-intensity-interval-training-the-key-strategy-to-maintain-fitness-during-periods-of-reduced-activity/

They argue that passive recovery is more beneficial than active, since it allows for more work during each interval.  https://hiitscience.com/recovery-bout-intensity-of-hiit-active-or-passive/

Bottom line:

- Shorter rests increase HR and leads to more cardio conditioning

- Longer sets increase burn and lead to more anaerobic conditioning

- Higher intensity/weights increase neuromuscular stress and lead to more muscle growth

- Focus on all three increases stress and leads to exhaustion, longer time between workouts, and loss of fitness

What stand density is optimal in Ponderosa pine forest restoration?

 In my humble opinion, there is really only one chart needed to answer the question of what density is best for Ponderosa pine trees:

Source: The role of stand density on growth efficiency, leaf area index, and resin flow in southwestern ponderosa pine forests.  McDowell, Adams, Bailey, and Kolb.  (link)

 The lower the basal area, the more trees grow.  Growth is especially important in drought-stressed trees because lower growth can weaken tree defenses.  The lowest treatment in this study reduced trees to 7 m2 ha-1, and trees in this treatment had the highest leaf area per tree, indicating that they were healthiest at the time of the study.

Leaf area of understory plants was also highest at the lowest stand densities:

Source: ibid.

However, in the interest of full disclosure, this chart also shows (in panel B) that total forest resource utilization, measured by total leaf area, is highest at medium tree densities.

Water-year to Date Departure from Normal

The area East of Carlsbad, NM in Eddy county going into Lea county has had 2-4 or even 6 inches more rain than normal since October 1st.  The figure above shows that this is almost triple the normal precipitation in places. The mesquite is bright green and there are many flowers, despite below-freezing temperatures at the beginning of the week.  A good place for some springtime botany!