The effect of preceding crop on wheat grain zinc concentration and its relationship to total amino acids and dissolved organic carbon in rhizosphere soil solution

The role of cropping systems practices in agronomic biofortification programs with the aim of increasing micronutrient density in food plants has to be clarified. In these field experiments, the effect of four preceding crops, i.e., sunflower (Heliantus annus L. cv. Allstar), Sudan grass (Sorghum bicolor L. cv. Speed Feed), clover (Trifolium pratense L.), and safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L. cv. Koseh-e-Isfahan), on the total amino acids (AA) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration in rhizosphere soil solution and grain Zn content of successive wheat (Triticum aestivum cvs. Back Cross and Kavir) was investigated during 2009–2010 and 2010–2011 growing seasons. A fallow treatment was also considered as the control. In both growing seasons, preceding crops increased the concentrations of AA and DOC in the soil solution in comparison with the fallow control treatment; although the magnitude of this increase varied upon the preceding crop type and wheat cultivar. In general, clover and sunflower had greater effect on increasing soil solution DOC probably due to higher decomposability of their litter residues in soil. Preceding crops increased the total AA concentration, on average, by 45.9 % for the first year and 10.8 % for the second year. The preceding sorghum and clover had the highest and lowest influence on the concentration of AA in wheat rhizosphere soil solution, respectively. The preceding crops increased grain wheat Zn concentration and content over the fallow control treatment, although this effect was dependent on the crop type. For “Back Cross”, a positive and significant correlation was found between grain Zn concentration and soil solution DOC concentration (r?=?0.60, P?<?0.05) and particularly AA (r?=?0.76, P?<?0.001), while no such correlation was found for “Kavir”. At the second growing season, the concentration of AA in the rhizosphere of Back Cross was greater than that of Kavir, probably due to higher release of these compounds from the roots. According to the results, the preceding crop significantly affect grain Zn density of the successive wheat, that is, at least in part, by releasing soluble organic ligands into soil solution.     

Effect of Crop Residue With and Without a Culture of Cellulolytic Fungi on Yield,NPK Uptake and Soil Fertility Under Rice-Wheat Cropping System

The field experiments were carried out at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi during three crop cycles from 1996-97 to 1998-99 to study the effect of incorporation of wheat and rice residues with and without a culture of cellulolytic fungi Trichrus spiralis on grain and straw yields and NPK uptake of rice-wheat cropping system and organic C, available P and available K content of soil. Incorporation of residue of wheat, rice or both had no significant effect on individual grain and straw yields and N and P uptake of rice and wheat, but significantly increased total grain and straw yields and N and P uptake of rice-wheat cropping system. Cellulolytic culture had no additional advantage over crop residues. Incorporation of residue of wheat, rice or both significantly increased K uptake of both rice and wheat as this practice resulted in recycling of 90% of total K uptake by rice and wheat crops. Incorporation of crop residue also resulted in building up of organic C, available P and available K content in soil.     

Titanium oxide nanoparticle effects on composition of soil microbial communities and plant performance

We examined the effect of TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) on the growth of maize and soybean plants and associated soil microbial communities. Plants were grown in a greenhouse, and low levels of undoped or nitrogen-doped TiO₂ NPs were applied. Plant growth and nutrient content were determined, and effects of NPs on composition of soil microbial communities were examined using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (TRFLP) of rDNA. We found no significant effects of TiO₂ NPs on plant growth, nutrient content, or the composition of bacterial communities within the rhizosphere. However, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities were affected by application of undoped and nitrogen-doped TiO₂ NPs. This observation may be partially attributed to the small but significant TiO₂ NP uptake levels in the root tissues of both plants. Our results suggest that even low concentrations of TiO₂ NPs may influence some important groups of soil microbes, such as mycorrhizal fungi, but changes in the composition of microbial communities may not affect plant growth under conditions of adequate moisture and nutrients.     

Zinc fractions in soil and uptake by wheat as affected by different preceding crops

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is widespread in alkaline and calcareous soils. Limited information is available on the effect of preceding crops on the distribution of Zn in soil solid phase. This field study was conducted to investigate the changes in Zn chemical forms in soil solid phase as affected by four preceding crops [Sunflower (Heilianthus annuus L. cv. Allstar), Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. cv. Speed Feed), Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L. cv. Koseh-e-Isfahan)] in a calcareous soil. A control treatment with no preceding crop (fallow) was also used. Our results showed that the preceding crops increased Zn concentration in exchangeable fraction (EXCH-Zn), the organically bound zinc form (ORG-Zn) and zinc bound to iron and manganese oxides (FeMnOX-Zn) while decreased carbonates bound-zinc (CAR-Zn) and residual zinc forms (RES-Zn). However, the changes in Zn fractions were dependent on the preceding crop type. The EXCH-Zn and ORG-Zn pools can be considered labile pools that play significant roles in supplying Zn for plants. Among the preceding crops used in this experiment, clover (Clo) had the highest effect on transforming CAR-Zn form to EXCH-Zn and ORG-Zn labile forms and thus resulted in the highest Zn accumulation in tissues of the target wheat (Triticumaestivum L. cv. Back Cross). Although the changes in chemical forms of Zn in the soil solid phase are complex and dependent on various factors, our findings showed that the preceding crops significantly increased the concentration of Zn in exchangeable and organic matter pools and in turn resulted in higher uptake of Zn by the target wheat.     

The experimental phytotoxicology of germanium in relation to silicon

The common belief that the sensitivity of plants to Ge is evidence for a Si requirement has been examined experimentally using barely, wheat, cucumber and radish cultivars. All 4 test plants were inhibited by Na₂GeO₃ (metagermanate) at 1 mM or less, including germination, shoot height, root length, and first leaf growth in barley and wheat. The application of Na₂SiO₃ (metasilicate) counteracted Ge-inhibition only in barley. Further, only barley growth was stimulated by the application of Na₂SiO₃. Necrotic lesions were characteristic of Ge-toxicity only in barley leaves, and were reduced when Na₂SiO₃ was supplied.     

Emission of methyl isothiocyanate to the air after application of metham-sodium to greenhouse soil

Greenhouse soils are regularly treated with metham-sodium, which in soil is quickly transformed to the fumigant methyl isothiocyanate. An experimental fumigation was carried out in a greenhouse with sandy soil. Data were collected on the behavior of methyl isothiocyanate in soil and its permeation through a film of low-density polyethene (LDPE) covering the soil. This cover was found to be highly permeable to methyl isothiocyanate. When the fumigation of greenhouse soil was simulated with a computation model, the use of LDPE film only appreciably reduced the rate of emission into the air in the first two days. The cumulative emission corresponded to about half of the dosage for some practical situations. It is concluded that dosages should be lower and applied more effectively, and less permeable soil covers should be used.     

Plant residue decomposition and nitrogen dynamics in an alley cropping and an annual legume‐based cropping system

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted to compare plant residue decomposition and nitrogen (N) dynamics in an alley cropping system (AC) and an annual legume‐based cropping system (NA) in the Piedmont region of Georgia, USA. The hedgerows of the alley cropping system consisted of Albizia julibrissin (albizia) established in January 1990. Hedges were four meters apart with a spacing within rows of one‐half meter. A rotation beginning with Mucuna deeringiana (velvet bean) followed by a winter annual crop of Trifolium incarnatum L. (crimson clover), a summer crop of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench (grain sorghum) and a winter crop of Triticum aestivum L. (wheat) was established in the alley cropping system and a control annual cropping system. All crops were grown using no‐tillage systems. Plant residue decomposition and N dynamics were measured using litterbag technologies on crimson clover, albizia, and grain sorghum. Soil and plant total N, decay rate constants (k) for dry matter, soil potentially mineralizable N, and nitrification rates were determined. Decay rate constants for N were best correlated with the lignin content of the plant residues. No residue quality parameter was significantly correlated with decay rate for dry matter. There was no significant difference between AC and NA systems in soil inorganic N and potentially mineralizable N; however, nitrification rates were greater in the AC. Grain sorghum N uptake and biomass production were not different for AC and NA. This was thought to be due to large inputs of organic N prior to the start of the experiment.     

Dissolved and Soil Organic Carbon after Long‐Term Conventional and No‐Tillage Sorghum Cropping

Abstract

Distribution of dissolved (DOC) and soil organic carbon (SOC) with depth may indicate soil and crop‐management effects on subsurface soil C sequestration. The objectives of this study were to investigate impacts of conventional tillage (CT), no tillage (NT), and cropping sequence on the depth distribution of DOC, SOC, and total nitrogen (N) for a silty clay loam soil after 20 years of continuous sorghum cropping. Conventional tillage consisted of disking, chiseling, ridging, and residue incorporation into soil, while residues remained on the soil surface for NT. Soil was sampled from six depth intervals ranging from 0 to 105 cm. Tillage effects on DOC and total N were primarily observed at 0–5 cm, whereas cropping sequence effects were observed to 55 cm. Soil organic carbon (C) was higher under NT than CT at 0–5 cm but higher under CT for subsurface soils. Dissolved organic C, SOC, and total N were 37, 36, and 66%, respectively, greater under NT than CT at 0–5 cm, and 171, 659, and 837% greater at 0–5 than 80–105 cm. The DOC decreased with each depth increment and averaged 18% higher under a sorghum–wheat–soybean rotation than a continuous sorghum monoculture. Both SOC and total N were higher for sorghum–wheat–soybean than continuous sorghum from 0–55 cm. Conventional tillage increased SOC and DOC in subsurface soils for intensive crop rotations, indicating that assessment of C in subsurface soils may be important for determining effects of tillage practices and crop rotations on soil C sequestration.     

Phytosiderophore release by Sorghum,wheat, and corn under zinc deficiency 1

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is more common in corn (Zea mays L.) than in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] or wheat (Triticum sp.). The ability of wheat to withstand low soil Zn conditions is related to increased release of phytosiderophore from its roots. The reasons for sorghum's ability and corn's inability to utilize low levels of soil Zn have not been explored adequately. The objectives of this research were to 1) ascertain if Zn deficiency could be induced in sorghum, wheat, and corn grown in a chelator‐buffered nutrient solution and 2) determine relative releases of phytosiderophore from roots of sorghum, wheat, and/or corn under Zn‐deficiency conditions. Sorghum, wheat, and corn were grown hydroponically in the greenhouse with a chelator‐buffered nutrient solution designed to induce Zn deficiency, while supplying adequate amounts of other nutrients. Root exudates were collected over time to measure phytosiderophore release. Shoot Zn concentrations and shoot and root dry matter yields were determined also. The technique was effective for inducing Zn deficiency in sorghum, wheat, and corn, as evidenced by reduced shoot and root dry matter yields, shortened internodes, reduced shoot Zn concentrations, and plant Zn concentrations below the suggested critical values for these species. Sorghum and wheat plants increased the release of phytosiderophore in response to Zn deficiency, but com did not. The total amount of phytosiderophore released by the roots was in the order wheat>sorghum>corn. The absence of a “phytosiderophore”; response to Zn deficiency of corn, coupled with the evidence that this species requires, or at least accumulates, more Zn than wheat or sorghum, provides an explanation as to why Zn deficiencies are more prevalent for corn than wheat or sorghum under field conditions.     

The effect of pH,aluminum, and chelator manipulations on the growth of acidic and circumneutral species of Asterionella

The growth rates of two diatoms, acidophilic Asterionella ralfsii and circumneutral A. formosa, were differentially affected by varying pH, Al, and EDTA in chemically defined media. Free Al ion concentration increased as pH and EDTA concentration decreased. Free trace metal ion concentration decreased as EDTA levels increased but increased by orders of magnitude upon addition of Al. pH had an overriding species specific effect on growth rate; at low pH A. ralfsii had higher growth rates than A. formosa and vice versa at high pH. For both species higher EDTA levels depressed growth rates. Moderate additions of Al generally resulted in growth stimulation. The growth rate stimulations, especially at 200 and 400 μg L^?1 Al additions, correlate to increases in free trace metal ion concentrations. The EDTA-AI interaction effects on growth rate were both pH and concentration dependent: at pH 7 both species were stimulated by addition of Al at all EDTA levels (except A. ralfsii at 5.0 mM EDTA and A. formosa at 0.5 mNM EDTA); at pH 6 Al addition either stimulated or had no effect on the growth rates of both species (except at low EDTA and high Al levels); at pH 5 A. formosa did not grow and additions of 200 μg L^?1 Al stimulated growth of A. ralfsii. It is likely that the effect of pH, Al, and EDTA on speciation of essential or toxic trace metals affects growth rates of these diatoms in a species specific manner.     

Effect of zinc application methods on apparent utilization efficiency of zinc and phosphorus fertilizers under basmati rice–wheat rotation

To examine the effect of zinc (Zn) application method on the utilization of phosphorus (P) from applied P fertilizer, a field experiment was conducted on basmati rice–wheat rotation with combinations of Zn levels (0, soil application of 2.5 kg Zn ha ^{– 1} and two foliar applications of 2.0 kg Zn ha ^–1) and P levels (0, soil application of 8.7, 17.5 and 26.2 kg P ha ^–1). The highest pooled grain yields of basmati rice and wheat were obtained with soil application of 17.5 kg P ha ^–1 and foliar applications of 2 kg Zn ha ^–1. Foliar applications of Zn increased the P concentration in grain and straw and the total P uptake by basmati rice and the P concentration in flag leaves of wheat significantly, while soil or foliar application of Zn increased the total P uptake of wheat. Phosphorus application increased the Zn concentration in flag leaves, grain and straw of basmati rice and in grain and straw of wheat and the total Zn uptake of both crops. Phosphorus levels up to 17.5 kg P ha ^–1 increased utilization efficiency of soil or foliar application of Zn. Zinc application increased the P utilization efficiency of basmati rice and wheat up to 17.5 kg P ha ^–1 level; foliar Zn application was more effective in a wheat crop than a rice crop.     

Relationships between growth,mineral nutrition,and soils in young teak plantations in Benin and Liberia

Growth and vigor of trees show considerable variations in young teak plantations in Benin (Vertisols) as well as in Liberia (Ferralsols). Differences in growth are mainly related to topsoil acidity and the foliar Ca-status in Liberia. In Benin, waterlogging (followed by root decay) reduces the Mg-, K- and N-uptake. In addition, growth on the Vertisols is limited by a low K_EX/CEC-ratio of usually <1%.     

几种绿肥的根系分泌物对土壤锌的活化效应

由于北方石灰性土壤锌有效性低,作物锌含量无法满足人体营养需求.前期研究发现种植绿肥可提高后茬小麦锌含量且后者与自身吸锌量正相关,但机制尚不明确.通过田间试验测定绿肥(黑麦豆、绿豆、高丹草)地上部锌含量,水培试验收集分析绿肥根系分泌物组成,土壤浸提试验测定根系分泌有机酸对土壤pH值及土壤锌的影响,从而揭示绿肥吸锌能力及其...     

Soil heavy metal concentrations and erosion damage in upland grasslands in the Pennines,England

The relationship between grassland stability and soil concentrations of Pb, Zn and Cd and soil pH were determined at two abandoned heavy metal mine complexes in the Yorkshire Pennines, England. A process of vegetation change, in which degenerative stages are currently predominant occurs on the finer textured spoils, which are physically and chemically extremely heterogeneous. Physical disruption of closed grassland and floristic changes are involved in this process. There was little evidence that soil heavy metal concentrations, with the possible exception of Zn, were involved in initiating the process. Soil pH was unrelated to metal concentrations or to the disruption. Causes of initiation are not yet known, but these results indicate that more than one factor is involved. There was evidence that later stages of the disruptive process are powered by frost-heave and water erosion.     

The influence of the herbicide paraquat ‘Gramaxon’ on growth and metabolic activity of three chlorophytes

The acute toxicity of commercial herbicide, Paraquat was determined by 96-hr static bioassay on the freshwater chlorophytes Scenedesmus dimorphus (Trup.) Kuetz., Scenedesmus quadricauda (Trup.) de Brebisson and Ankistrodesmus falcatus (Cord) Ralfs. The 96-hr EC50 values of Paraquat for reducing growth and metabolic products of the three algae were determined. The number of days required for cell division increased with increasing Paraquat concentration. The three algae and their test parameters respond differently to Paraquat. Scenedesmus dimorphus was the most susceptible alga and the chlorophyll a was the most sensitive response parameter. On the other hand, the dry weight of the test algae was the most resistant parameter. It was observed that Paraquat has inhibitory effect on the primary producers.     

Temporal changes in metal levels of the lichens Parmotrema praesorediosum and Ramalina stenospora,Southwest Louisiana

Two species of lichen native to southwest Lousiana, Parmotrema praesorediosum (Nyl.) Hale and Ramalina stenospora, Mull. Arg. have been investigated as air pollution monitors. Over the period 1983–88 samples were collected at 18 stations in the Lake Charles/Westlake/Sulphur area. The samples were analyzed for A1, Fe, Cu, Pb, Cd, Hg, Cr, and Zn. When metal concentrations in lichens were plotted vs year for certain representative stations, a dramatic reduction in the concentrations of certain metals was seen after 1983. When the most recent data are compared with those previously obtained, the effects of the industrial zone, which was previously demonstrated, have now all but disappeared.     

Toxicity of selected chromium compounds in microbial bioassay system

The short term acute toxicity of potassium chromate, potassium dichromate and chromium sulphate has been compared in a simple microbial bioassay. The test parameters were, decrease in viability, genotoxicity and metal uptake. The LC₅₀ values of Cr(III), dichromate Cr(VI) and chromate Cr(VI) for Escherichia coli were 16, 10 and 1.2 μg mL^?1, respectively. Among the test substances potassium chromate was most toxic and showed no bioaccumulation while potassium dichromate was less toxic but resulted in significant bioaccumulation. Chromium sulphate was least toxic. As evident from loss of plasmid, genotoxicity was exhibited only by Cr (VI).     

Effects of the herbicide glyphosate on nitrification in four soils from Atlantic Canada

The herbicide glyphosate, supplied as Roundup (Monsanto Canada Inc.), was tested for effects on nitrification in four soils from Atlantic Canada. These included a sandy loam (pH 6.8), two silt loam (pH 6.4 and 5.8) agricultural soils and a clay loam forest soil (pH 3.5). Glyphosate was tested at normal field exposure rates (FR) and levels up to 200 times higher. FR values ranged from 19.83 to 29.26 ppm (jig glyphosate g^?1 soil). Glyphosate had no deleterious effects on nitrification in any soil when tested at FR concentrations. In the sandy loam soil nitrification was significantly stimulated at a glyphosate level 50 times higher than FR. With this soil and one of the silt loam soils (pH 6.4) glyphosate levels of 100 times FR and higher were required for a significant inhibition of nitrification. With the other silt loam soil (pH 5.8) glyphosate significantly inhibited nitrification at concentrations 10 times FR and higher. Nitrification in the acidic forest soil was very low and accurate toxicity data could not be obtained. The EC₅₀ of glyphosate towards nitrification in soil ranged from 1435 to 2920 ppm, which corresponds to exposure levels from 67 to 150 times higher than recommended field application rates. The use of glyphosate in agriculture and forestry should have no toxic effects on nitrification in soil.     

Nitrogen availability to grain sorghum from organic and inorganic sources on sandy and clayey soil surfaces in a greenhouse pot study

In a greenhouse pot study, we examined the availability of N to grain sorghum from organic and inorganic N sources. The treatments were¹⁵N-labeled clover residues, wheat residues, and fertilizer placed on a sandy clay loam and loamy sand soil surface for an 8-week period. Soil aggregates formed under each soil texture were measured after 8 weeks for each treatment. Significantly greater ¹⁵N was taken up and recovered by grain sorghum in sandy clay loam pots compared with loamy sand pots. Greater ¹⁵N recovery was consistently observed with the inorganic source than the organic sources regardless of soil texture or time. Microbial biomass C and N were significantly greater for sandy clay loam soil compared with the loamy sand. Microbial biomass ¹⁵N was also significantly greater in the sandy clay loam treatment compared to the loamy sand. The fertilizer treatment initially had the greatest pool of microbial biomass ¹⁵N but decreased with time. The crop residue treatments generally had less microbial biomass ¹⁵N with time. The crop residues and soil texture had a significant effect on the water-stable aggregates formed after 8 weeks of treatments. Significantly greater water-stable aggregates were formed in the sandy clay loam than the loamy sand. Approximately 20% greater water-stable aggregates were formed under the crop residue treatments compared to the fertilizer only treatment. Soil texture seemed to be one of the most important factors affecting the availability of N from organic or inorganic N sources in these soils.Contribution from the MissouriAgricultural Experiment Station, Journal Series No.12131     

Changes in micronutrient availability and plant uptake under simulated climate change in winter wheat field

Purpose

Although micronutrients are essential to higher plants, it remains unclear whether the projected future climate change would affect their availability to plants. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of carbon dioxide (CO₂) enrichment and warming on soil micronutrient availability and plant uptake.

Materials and methods

This study was conducted in an open field experiment with CO₂ enrichment and plant canopy warming. Four treatments were included: (1) free-air CO₂ enrichment up to 500 ppm (CE); (2) canopy warming by plus 2 °C (WA); (3) CO₂ enrichment combined with canopy warming (CW), and (4) ambient condition as control. Plant and soil samples were collected, respectively, at the jointing, heading, and ripening stage over the whole wheat growing season in 2014. The micronutrient concentrations both in soil and plant were both analyzed, and the accumulated uptake by wheat harvest was assessed.

Results and discussion

Both CO₂ enrichment and warming increased the availability of most soil micronutrients. The availability of Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn under CO₂ enrichment increased by 47.7, 22.5, 59.8, and 114.1 %, respectively. Warming increased the availability of Fe, Cu, and Zn by 60.4, 23.8, and 15.3 %, respectively. The plant growth induced changes in soil pH and in soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) accounted to the changes in soil micronutrient availability. The enrichment of CO₂ and warming had significant effects on micronutrient uptake by wheat. The enrichment of CO₂ decreased the concentration of Fe by 9.3 %, while it increased the concentrations of Mn and Zn by 18.9 and 8.1 % in plant shoot, respectively. Warming increased the concentration of Fe and Cu by 24.3 and 7.6 % in plant shoot, respectively. The increase in soil micronutrient availability did not always lead to the increase in micronutrient uptake. The element types and crop growth stage affected the uptake of micronutrients by wheat under CO₂ enrichment and warming. Additionally, CO₂ enrichment decreased the translocation of Fe and Zn by 25.3 and 10.0 %, respectively, while warming increased the translocation of Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn across stages.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that CO₂ enrichment and warming would improve availability of some micronutrients and their uptake by wheat. However, it is still unclear whether a net removal of micronutrient through crop straw harvest would occur under CO₂ enrichment and warming.