东北典型黑土区表层土壤有机质含量高光谱反演研究

选择东北典型黑土区——德惠市、扶余市和双城市为研究区,利用便携式地物光谱仪获取土壤光谱数据,基于原始光谱值及一阶微分、倒数的对数、连续统去除变换,分别建立了黑土有机质含量的多元线性逐步回归模型、偏最小二乘回归模型和BP神经网络模型。结果表明:高光谱与土壤有机质含量在多个波段相关性较好,其中有机质与反射率一阶微分处理的相关性最好,在光谱584 nm处其相关性最强(r=-0.60,n=81)。光谱一阶微分处理数据在三种建模方法中的预测及验证精度均高于原始光谱值、倒数的对数和连续统去除变换,因此一阶微分为最佳光谱变换形式。偏最小二乘回归分析的预测效果整体优于多元线性逐步回归分析和BP神经网络分析,光谱一阶微分处理的偏最小二乘回归模型呈现出最佳预测效果,决定系数为0.71、均方根误差为2.29 g kg~(-1)(n=53)。     

采煤矿区表层土壤有机质含量遥感反演

利用LandSat ETM+影像反演煤炭开采区表层土壤有机质含量的空间格局,对采样点各波段光谱反射率进行数学变换,并将所得结果与有机质含量进行相关性分析.挑选出敏感波段,建立了表层土壤有机质含量的光谱预测模型.结果表明,研究区表层土壤有机质含量与第5波段和第7波段反射率呈极显著的负相关关系(R分别为-0.585和-0.543,P＜0.001);对反射率进行数学变换可以改善其与有机质之间的相关性;用第1波段反射率对数的倒数和第5波段反射率的倒数建立二元回归方程(R2 =0.616 2,p＜0.001)对研究区土壤有机质有很好的预测能力(R2 =0.616 2,RMSE=0.89);有机质含量在10～15g/kg范围的图斑面积最大,占研究区总面积的50.44％;表层土壤有机质随开采沉陷坡度的增加呈减少的趋势;煤炭开采沉陷对表层土壤有机质含量的扰动属于失碳效应.     

基于TM数据的黑土有机质含量空间格局反演研究

以吉林省黑土区为例,采集区域土壤样本,获取Landsat TM遥感影像,基于有机质含量(SOM)与土壤反射率的定量关系,筛选出与土壤有机质分布相关的波段TM1、TM5,建立区域土壤有机质遥感预测模型。结果表明,表层土壤有机质含量的对数值与TM1、TM5的灰度值(Digital Number,DN)呈显著负相关关系,满足二次多项式回归关系,基于TM1、TM5波段DN值的回归模型预测研究区表层土壤有机质含量,结果可靠。研究区表层土壤有机质含量15 g kg-1的区域主要分布在东部地区,含量在15~20 g kg-1的区域主要分布在中部地区,含量在20~25 g kg-1的土壤主要集中在西部地区。调查表明东部地区和中部地区主要是典型黑土,地形部位较高,排水条件较好;西部地区主要是草甸黑土,地势平坦,地下水位适中,水分条件充足,有机质含量较高。     

黑土有机质含量高光谱模型研究

通过对黑龙江省典型黑土区土壤样品高光谱反射率的室内测定,研究了典型黑土可见光/近红外波段光谱反射特性;利用多元统计分析方法,以土壤光谱反射数据及其数学变换数据作为自变量,以黑土有机质含量对数变换数据作为因变量,建立黑土有机质含量高光谱预测模型,并对模型的稳定性和预测能力进行检验。结果表明:(1)620~810nm波段范围是黑土有机质的主要光谱响应区域,最大响应值在710nm附近;(2)对光谱数据进行归一化处理可以部分消除不同土样测试过程中存在的噪声;(3)模型及其检验的决定系数R2都在0.9以上,模型的总均方根差RMSE均小于2.1,模型具有很好的稳定性和预测能力,可以用于黑土有机质含量的快速测定;(4)归一化一阶微分模型为最优预测模型。     

基于图像处理和SVR的土壤容重与土壤孔隙度预测

土壤容重和土壤孔隙度是衡量土壤结构的重要参数。传统的土壤容重、土壤孔隙度获取方法费时费力,且大多数预测模型的输入变量获取难度较高。该研究利用土壤粗糙度、土壤阻力与土壤容重的相关关系,以土壤表面图像的颜色参数和纹理参数表征土壤粗糙度,同使用车载式土壤阻力测量系统获得的土壤阻力一起,从信息融合的角度构建了支持向量机回归（Support Vector Regression,SVR）土壤容重预测模型和SVR土壤孔隙度预测模型。图像处理使用HSV颜色空间进行阈值分割,得到HSV颜色参数,纹理参数使用灰度共生矩阵的能量、熵、对比度和逆方差。使用主成分分析对颜色参数和纹理参数进行主成分提取。将SVR模型的预测结果同环刀法测得的标准值进行相关性分析,决定系数R2达到了0.867。土壤孔隙度SVR预测模型决定系数R2达到了0.743。在相同的运行环境下,将SVR模型与决策树回归模型结果做了对比,决策树回归对土壤容重和土壤孔隙度的预测精度R2分别为0.734和0.690,验证得到SVR预测模型具有更好的预测精度。研究可为节省试验成本,以及快速、有效预测土壤容重和土壤孔隙度提供方法和参考。     

玉米拔节期冠层叶绿素含量多光谱图像检测

为了探索大田玉米冠层叶片叶绿素指标的快速检测方法。采用自主研发的2-CCD多光谱图像成像系统采集了大田玉米拔节期冠层图像,并同步获取了样本叶绿素含量指标SPAD值。对多光谱图像进行了平滑滤波,并基于HSI颜色空间实现了冠层图像的分割。提取了玉米冠层可见光(blue(B),green(G),red(R);400~700 nm)和近红外(near-infrared,NIR,760~1 000 nm)4个波段平均灰度值并计算了平均灰度值计算比值植被指数(RVI,ratio vegetation index)、归一化植被指数(NDVI,normalized difference vegetation index)、修改型二次土壤调节植被指数(MSAVI2,modified soil-adjusted vegetation index)等8种常见植被指数作为图像检测参数。分析了这12个检测参数与叶绿素指标之间的相关性,讨论了图像检测参数的多种组合,建立了叶绿素指标的多元线性回归分析(MLRA,multiple linear regression analysis)模型。研究结果表明:R、G、B波段的平均灰度值与叶绿素指标成较高负相关,相关系数分别为-0.73,-0.71和-0.71,植被指数中相关性较好的是NDVI、MSAVI2和RVI,相关系数分别为0.83、0.81和-0.81。基于这6个参数组合建立的叶绿素指标估算模型拟合度最好,其建模集决定系数为0.79,验证集决定系数为0.71,研究结果为无损检测玉米拔节期叶绿素含量提供了支持。     

基于数码相机图像的甜菜冠层氮素营养监测

为探究数码相机监测甜菜冠层叶片氮素的可行性,2014年于内蒙古赤峰市松山区太平地镇采用不同种植方案设计了田间试验。利用数码相机获取甜菜冠层数字图像,基于灰度值的阈值分割方法提取冠层图像的红光值(R)、绿光值(G)和蓝光值(B),交互调优R、G、B单色分量权重,提出三原色权值调优方法,并挖掘出适宜于表征甜菜冠层LNC(leaf nitrogen content)的基础调优参数BOP(basic optimal parameter)和归一化调优参数NOP(normalized optimal parameter)。结果表明:采用常规方法选取的敏感颜色参数G/R、NRI(R/(R+G+B))与冠层LNC的相关系数分别为0.80和0.79,三原色权值调优方法确定的调优参数BOP、NOP与冠层LNC的相关系数分别为0.83和0.84,算法优化后提高了颜色参数与冠层LNC的相关性。对比常规参数和调优参数对冠层LNC的预测精度,结果显示调优参数BOP、NOP建立模型的预测精度均高于常规参数G/R、NRI,BOP预测模型的决定系数R2和均方根误差RMSE(root mean square error)分别为0.69和2.65,NOP预测模型的R2和RMSE分别为0.68和2.73。该研究表明,在大田自然光照条件下,借助数码相机实时、准确监测甜菜氮素营养丰缺水平具有较高的可行性,数字图像处理技术在作物营养无损诊断中存在很大的应用潜力。     

土壤表面灰度值与表层土壤含水量关系研究

快速准确获取表层土壤水分是土壤学、生态学及相关学科研究的基础。该研究在室内条件下,研究了5种不同土壤表面灰度值与含水量之间的关系,以期为利用土壤表面灰度值反演表层土壤含水量建立试验基础。研究结果表明:土壤在烘干过程中,含水量的变化受孔隙结构的影响;对于不同类型的土壤,土壤表面灰度值受矿物质组成和有机质含量的影响,随着土壤有机质含量的增加,同一含水量下的土壤表面灰度值降低;土壤表面灰度值与表层土壤含水量呈指数负相关关系。     

基于HJ卫星的棉田土壤有机质空间分布格局反演

以北疆绿洲区棉田表层土壤为研究对象,利用国产HJ-1A/1B卫星CCD多光谱数据对裸土有机质空间分布格局进行研究。通过分析多光谱数据不同波段的光谱反射率及其变换形式与实地采样得到的土壤有机质含量的相关性,探寻适合绿洲区棉田表层土壤有机质含量快速反演的敏感波段及参数,并针对不同参数分别建立一元线性、二次、三次、对数、倒数、幂函数、生长型、S型回归模型,以及多元回归模型;对生成的模型进行综合对比分析,获取北疆绿洲区棉田表层土壤有机质含量的最佳反演模型,从而实现整个研究区土壤有机质空间格局的遥感反演。结果表明:HJ卫星多光谱数据4个波段的反射率均与土壤有机质含量存在显著的相关性,第3波段的倒数与土壤有机质含量相关性最为显著;且以第3波段光谱反射率作为因变量得到的三次线性回归模型对土壤有机质含量进行反演的效果最佳;通过空间布局反演得到研究区土壤有机质空间分布整体呈现南北两端有机质含量较高,中部有机质含量较低的格局。该研究表明虽然与黑土有机质含量具有差别,但是遥感技术仍能够作为绿洲区土壤有机质含量空间布局反演的方法,为遥感技术在土壤参数监测中更好的发挥作用提供理论支持,同时也为新疆棉田生产管理和农田可持续利用提供科学依据。     

红壤区土壤有机质光谱特征与定量估算——以江西省吉安县为例

通过对江西省吉安县不同有机质含量土壤的光谱曲线吸收特征进行分析,得到不同有机质含量土壤的光谱曲线特征响应波段,建立了县级尺度基于有机质响应波段的定量估算模型。结果表明,红壤和水稻土土壤光谱曲线特征具有明显差异,560~710 nm为吉安县土壤有机质含量的特征吸收波段;基于特征吸收波段范围的吸收面积(s)的对数和有机质含量的相关性为0.86,拟合方程为y=-20.91 ln(s)-27.26,决定系数为0.74,经不同类型土壤的有机质数据检验,预测的决定系数(R2)、均方根误差(RMSE)和预测相对分析误差(RPD)分别为0.75、0.61和1.88;包络线去除和反射率的倒数的对数处理建立的偏最小二乘回归(PLSR)模型预测效果最佳,预测决定系数均达0.83以上,相对偏差均为2.4以上,基于特征吸收波段560~710 nm建立的模型能定量估算红壤地区有机质含量,为土壤有机质估测提供参考。     

低氮和干旱胁迫对富士和秦冠生长及氮素利用的影响

【目的】以富士（Fuji）、 秦冠（Qinguan）嫁接在平邑甜茶（Malus hupehensis Rehd.）上的当年生盆栽苗为试验材料,采用砂培方法,研究了缺氮胁迫和干旱对富士和秦冠生长情况、 光合参数、 植株各部位氮磷钾含量及氮素利用效率的影响,分析比较了低氮干旱条件下富士和秦冠生长及氮素利用的差异,以期为果树生产高效肥水利用提供理论指导。【方法】试验共设四个处理: 正常氮正常水（ZZ）、 低氮正常水（DZ）、 正常氮干旱（ZG）、 低氮干旱（DG）。氮素和水分均设置两个水平,分别为正常氮（6 mmol/L NO-3-N）、 低氮（0.3 mmol/LNO-3-N）、 正常供水（保持盆中砂子相对含水量为饱和含水量的80%~85%）、 干旱处理（保持盆中砂子相对含水量为饱和含水量的60%~65%）。【结果】富士和秦冠的生物量（茎和叶）、 株高茎粗等生长指标以及光合速率、 气孔导度、 蒸腾速率均为正常氮正常水（ZZ）＞低氮正常水（DZ）＞正常氮干旱（ZG）＞低氮干旱（DG）,并且相对应处理下秦冠的以上指标均高于富士;正常供水下,缺氮处理使富士、 秦冠的根冠比比正常氮处理均有所增加,富士提高了2.05%,秦冠提高了22.40%。富士和秦冠的氮、 磷、 钾含量均表现出正常氮正常水（ZZ）＞低氮正常水（DZ）＞正常氮干旱（ZG）＞低氮干旱（DG）; 氮、 钾元素含量在植株各部位的分布顺序依次是叶＞根＞茎,磷元素则是根＞叶＞茎;光合氮素利用效率（PNUE）和氮素利用效率表现为秦冠处理之间差异极显著,富士处理之间差异不显著;秦冠的PNUE和NUE明显高于富士,在低氮正常水（DZ）处理下,秦冠氮肥利用率比富士高42.07%,在低氮干旱（DG）处理下高64.14%;低氮胁迫下富士和秦冠的NUE显著提高,并且秦冠提高的幅度高于富士。【结论】施用氮肥能够显著提高富士与秦冠的干物质量,同等水肥条件下,秦冠生长优于富士;水分亏缺会减少叶片对氮的吸收,干旱条件下适度增施氮肥,可提高果树的抗旱能力;低氮干旱胁迫下秦冠的生长指标、 光合指标及氮素利用效率指标均优于富士,表现出较强的抗低氮干旱胁迫的能力。     

Pasture Vegetation Elemental Analysis by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a new technique for the analysis of plant material. This study investigates the application of LIBS to pasture-based plant samples. The LIBS measurements were obtained from pelletized pasture samples (100 samples) that had been also analyzed by inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) following microwave digestion for calibration and comparison purposes. Comparisons for elements sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), boron (B), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) showed that LIBS could be used for almost all the standard profile total elements with concentrations down to low mg/kg levels (observed error of Na: 0.024 percent, K: 0.18 percent, Mg: 0.016 percent, Ca: 0.073 percent, P: 0.017 percent, Mn: 31 mg/kg, Fe: 150 mg/kg, Zn: 6.6 mg/kg, and B: 1.1 mg/kg). Elemental analysis at less than mg/kg levels was not possible using LIBS. The elements S and Cu were particularly difficult to analyze with reliability using LIBS at the concentration levels found in the plant samples. Replacing microwave digestion and subsequent ICP analysis with a direct analysis of dried plant samples using LIBS has the potential to improve the productivity and reduce the cost of testing.     

Faculty positions:Center for Agricultural Resources Research,Chinese Academy of Sciences

正The Center for Agricultural Resources Research(CARR),the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology(IGDB),Chinese Academy of Sciences,invites applicants for several research group leader positions.CARR is one of the research organizations in Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS).We seek nominations and applications from individuals who have expertise and a record of accomplishment in research areas related to ecology,agro-hydrology,     

Macroinvertebrates in North American tallgrass prairie soils: effects of fire, mowing, and fertilization on density and biomass

The responses of tallgrass prairie plant communities and ecosystem processes to fire and grazing are well characterized. However, responses of invertebrate consumer groups, and particularly soil-dwelling organisms, to these disturbances are not well known. At Konza Prairie Biological Station, we sampled soil macroinvertebrates in 1994 and 1999 as part of a long-term experiment designed to examine the effects and interactions of annual fire, mowing, and fertilization (N and P) on prairie soil communities and processes. For nearly all taxa, in both years, responses were characterized by significant treatment interactions, but some general patterns were evident. Introduced European earthworms (Aporrectodea spp. and Octolasion spp.) were most abundant in plots where fire was excluded, and the proportion of the total earthworm community consisting of introduced earthworms was greater in unburned, unmowed, and fertilized plots. Nymphs of two Cicada genera were collected (Cicadetta spp. and Tibicen spp.). Cicadetta nymphs were more abundant in burned plots, but mowing reduced their abundance. Tibicen nymphs were collected almost exclusively from unburned plots. Treatment effects on herbivorous beetle larvae (Scarabaeidae, Elateridae, and Curculionidae) were variable, but nutrient additions (N or P) usually resulted in greater densities, whereas mowing usually resulted in lower densities. Our results suggest that departures from historical disturbance regimes (i.e. frequent fire and grazing) may render soils more susceptible to increased numbers of European earthworms, and that interactions between fire, aboveground biomass removal, and vegetation responses affect the structure and composition of invertebrate communities in tallgrass prairie soils.     

Assessing the effectiveness of conservation measures: Resolving the “wicked” problem of the Steller sea lion

“Wicked” problems are those that are complex and that change when solutions are applied. Many conflicts in conservation fall into this category. The study approached the problem of how to constrain the apparent wickedness of a problem in the conservation management of a species by using simple empirical indicators to carry out iterative assessment of the risk to a population and to document how this risk evolves in relation to the addition of new data and the implementation of management actions. Effects of high levels of uncertainty within data and also concerning population structure were examined through stochastic simulation and by exploration of scenarios. Historical trends in the example used, the Steller sea lion, showed rapid declines in abundance in some regions during the 1980s. The current total population is 130,000-150,000 Steller sea lions through Alaska and British Columbia and this number has been stable since about 1990 in spite of regional differences in population dynamics. Regional differences in the sequence of changes in the number of pups and non-pups, suggested that an internal re-distribution of juveniles could have happened between 1980 and 1990. Current productivity also appears close to the long-term mean. Stochastic population projection using various scenarios showed that, based upon this history, the risk of extinction for the population has declined and is below reasonable thresholds for considering the population to be endangered. The trends in risk suggest that management actions taken since 1990 have probably been effective. Consequently, the conservation management objectives for the Steller sea lion are probably being met. The approach provides a mechanism, based upon experience and scenario analysis, for exploring future policy options and may help to constrain the debate amongst stakeholders about the cost-benefit trade-offs associated with different options.     

Soil-profile distribution of primary and secondary plant-available nutrients under conventional and no tillage

Nutrient distributions under no tillage (NT) compared with conventional disk-and-bed tillage (CT) management in the warm, humid region of the southeastern USA need to be assessed so that future placement, quantity, and type of fertilizers can be altered, if necessary, to efficiently match crop demands. We determined soil-profile distributions of pH, N, P, S, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu to a depth of 0.9 m at the end of 8.5 years of continuous CT and NT management on a Weswood silty clay loam (fine, mixed, thermic Fluventic Ustochrept) in southcentral Texas. Most dramatic changes occurred within the 0–0.05 m depth, where soil under NT had lower pH, Fe, and Cu than under CT, but greater P, K, Zn, and Mn. Greater P and K under NT than under CT also occurred below the till-zone (0.15–0.3 m). At a depth of 0–0.3 m, soil under NT contained greater amounts of extractable P, K, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu than under CT. Nitrogen fertilization had little effect on nutrient distributions, except resulting in greater extractable K at 0–0.05 m and greater nitrate at 0–0.15 m. Few changes in soil-profile distributions were observed for extractable S, Ca, Mg, and Na. Long-term continuous use of NT on this fine-textured, high-fertility (except for N) soil had no apparent adverse effects on nutrient distributions relative to CT, but enhanced conservation and availability of P, K, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu near the soil surface where crop roots proliferate.     

Variation in quality parameters between and within 14 Nordic tree fruit and berry species

Abstract

A 3-year study was carried out to investigate quality parameters in 14 tree fruit and berry species grown in southern Norway. The species were blueberry, apple, aronia, sour cherry, sweet cherry, red raspberry, strawberry, blackcurrant, gooseberry, red currant and elderberry, harvested along with wild bilberry, cloudberry and lingonberry. Significant differences between species were identified for all quality parameters. The coefficient of variation between species was lowest for pH (12.5%), dry matter (18.9%) and soluble solids (25.3%), followed by titratable acids (59.3%), total phenolics (83.8%), antioxidant capacity FRAP (85.7%) and antiradical power by the DPPH-assay (97.8%), total monomeric anthocyanins (132%) and ascorbic acid (137%). Average coefficient of variation within species were lower and ranged from 4 (pH) to 62% (ascorbic acid). Only the FRAP values were significantly affected by harvesting year with lower levels in 2004 than in 2005 and 2006. There were significant interactions between species and harvesting year for dry matter, soluble solids, pH, ascorbic acid and FRAP. The results indicate generic ranges in composition within species independent upon growing location and climate, and the composition of the tree fruits and berries is not likely to deviate from these ranges. It is concluded that desirable composition of tree fruits and berries and their products should primarily be achieved by selection among species rather than searching fors broadened variation within individual species.     

Potassium Fixation and Release Characteristics in Rhizosphere and Nonrhizosphere Soils for a Rapeseed–Rice Cropping Sequence

Potassium (K) fixation and release in soil are important factors in the long-term sustainability of a cropping system. Changes in K concentration and characteristics of K fixation and release in rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere soils in the rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)–rice (Oryza sativa L.) rotation were investigated using a rhizobox system. The concentrations of different forms of K in both rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere soils decreased with plants compared to without plants, regardless of K fertilizer application. Potassium uptake by crops mainly came from the rhizosphere soil. In the treatment without K fertilizer (–K), the main form of K supplied by the soil to the crops was 1.0 mol L^?1 nitric acid (HNO₃) nonextractable K, followed by nonexchangeable K, and then exchangeable K. In the treatment with K fertilizer (+K), the main K forms supplied by the soil to the crops were exchangeable K and nonexchangeable K. The amount and rate of K fixation after one cycle of the rapeseed–rice rotation was greater in rhizosphere soil than in nonrhizosphere soil. The amount and rate of K fixation of soil in the +K treatment were significantly less than in the –K treatment. The cumulative amounts of K released with 1.0 mol L^?1 ammonium acetate (NH₄OAc) and 1.0 mol L^?1 HNO₃ extraction increased with the increasing numbers of extractions, but the K-releasing power of soil by successive extraction decreased gradually and finally became almost constant. The release of K was less in rhizosphere soil than in nonrhizosphere soil. The release of K in the +K treatment was similar to that in the –K treatment in rhizosphere soil, but the K release in nonrhizosphere soil was greater with the +K than the –K treatment. Overall, the information obtained in this study will be helpful in formulating more precise K fertilizer recommendations for certain soils.     

Electron donor and pH relationships for biologically enhanced dissolution of chlorinated solvent DNAPL in groundwater

Biologically enhanced dissolution offers a method to speed removal of chlorinated solvent dense non-aqueous-phase liquid (DNAPL) sources such as tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichoroethene (TCE) from aquifers. Bioremediation is accomplished by adding an electron donor to the source zone where fermentation to intermediates leading to acetic acid and hydrogen results. The hydrogen and possibly acetic acid are used by dehalogenating bacteria to convert PCE and TCE to ethene and hydrochloric acid. Reductive dehalogenation is thus an acid forming process, and sufficient alkalinity must be present to maintain a near neutral pH. The bicarbonate alkalinity required to maintain pH above 6.5 is a function of the electron donor: 800 mg/L of bicarbonate alkalinity is sufficient to achieve about 1.2 mM TCE dechlorination with glucose, 1.7 mM with lactate, and a much higher 3.3 mM with formate. Laboratory studies indicate that in mixed culture, formate can be used as an electron donor for complete conversion to ethene, contrary to pure cultures studies indicating it cannot. Various strategies can be used to add electron donor to an aquifer for DNAPL dehalogenation while minimizing pH problems and excessive electron donor usage, including use of injection-extraction wells, dual recirculation wells, and nested injection-extraction wells.     

Enhanced establishment and growth of giant cardon cactus in an eroded field in the Sonoran Desert using native legume trees as nurse plants aided by plant growth-promoting microorganisms and compost

To evaluate the feasibility of long-term desert reforestation technology of mixed vegetation, cardon cactus (Pachycereus pringlei) seedlings from indoor and outdoor nurseries were planted in the field adjacent to one seedling of potential legume nurse trees: mesquite amargo (Prosopis articulata), yellow palo verde (Parkinsonia microphylla), and blue palo verde (Parkinsonia florida). Some of the planting holes were also supplemented with common dairy compost. Additionally, the combinations of legume tree–cactus were inoculated with either a consortium of desert arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB; the diazotroph Azospirillum brasilense Cd, and the phosphate solubilizer Paenibacillus sp.), or a mixture of all. The field experiments were evaluated periodically during 30 months for survival and growth. Cardons reared in an outdoor screen house survived better in the field than those reared in a controlled growth chamber and hardened later outdoors. Association with any legume nurse tree increased survival and enhanced growth of untreated cardons. For cardons growing alone, application of either compost, AM fungi, and all the treatments combined increased survival. For these plants, no treatment affected plant growth during the first 3 months after transplanting. Later, all treatments, except for AM fungi, enhanced plant growth. However, only 2 years after transplanting the enhanced growth effect of AM fungi was also significant. In the presence of the legume nurse trees, transient positive effects on cardon growth were recorded. General evaluation after 30 months of cultivation showed that the treatments positively affected cardon growth when growing alone or in combination only with mesquite amargo but not with the other two legume trees. This study proposes that young legume trees have the capacity to enhance survival and growth of cardon cactus, depending on the legume cactus combination. Additional treatments such as compost or PGPB can either amplify the effect or else attenuate it.