重庆市蔬菜基地土壤重金属含量情况

通过重庆市蔬菜基地土壤中Pb、Cd、Hg、As、Cr的分析得出 :重庆市蔬菜基地土壤中Pb、Cd、Hg、As、Cr的含量差异较大 ;重金属在不同地貌类型土壤中的含量也有较大差异 ;城市区划的不同 ,重金属在土壤中的含量也有较大差异。另一方面 ,土壤中Hg和Cd的平均含量远远大于土壤背景值 ,Pb、As、Cr的平均含量同土壤背景值相一致     

贵州草海湿地周边耕地土壤与农作物重金属污染特征

采集草海湿地周边主要农作物可食部分及对应根系的土壤样品,分析测试了重金属Cd,Cr,Hg,Pb,As和Zn的含量,对比研究了土壤和作物中重金属污染水平及对重金属的富集能力。结果表明:土壤重金属元素Zn,As,Cr平均含量未超过贵州省土壤元素背景值,其他3种重金属Pb,Cd,Hg平均值分别是背景值的1.24,1.44,7.5倍;与中国《食品中污染物限量》标准相比,除Hg平均含量超标外,蔬菜中As,Cr,Zn,Cd和Pb平均含量处在可接受范围内。6种重金属的单因子污染指数的高低依次是Hg > Pb > Cd > As > Cr > Zn,葱和萝卜处于安全水平,其余农作物处于警戒线;不同种类作物中重金属富集特征差异较大,菠菜对As,Cd,Hg,Pb的富集系数比其余作物高,萝卜叶对Cr和Zn的富集能力较强,重金属Cr富集系数最低的是玉米,Zn和Hg富集系数最低的是萝卜根,Cd和Pb富集系数最低为马铃薯,As富集能力最低的为白菜。     

黔产山银花及其产地土壤重金属含量分析与评价

[目的]探明黔产山银花及其产地土壤重金属污染特征,为山银花品质保障、产地土壤重金属防控及规范化种植提供指导。[方法]以贵州山银花及其产地土壤为供试样品,采用ICP-MS测定重金属铜(Cu)、砷(As)、铅(Pb)、镉(Cd)、汞(Hg)、铬(Cr)的含量,采用单因子指数法和内梅罗综合指数法进行分析评价,对黔产山银花及土壤重金属污染水平进行探讨。[结果]结果表明:土壤中6种重金属As,Pb,Cd,Cr,Hg和Cu平均含量分别为9.79,14.30,0.10,19.89,0.12和3.81mg/kg,均未超标;根区与非根区土壤的重金属综合污染指数分别为0.46和0.83,污染等级分别处于安全和警戒线。山银花中Cr,As,Cd,Pb,Cu平均含量分别为5.19,0.16,1.87,0.39和6.86mg/kg,Hg未检出;Hg,As,Pb,Cu未超标,而Cd远超出限量值,超标率为100%,山银花对Cd中具有很强的富集效应。[结论]研究区土壤环境质量总体适宜山银花种植。     

长期化肥配施不同有机肥对土壤和玉米中重金属累积的影响

  【目的】  明确长期化肥配施有机肥对重金属元素在土壤和农作物籽粒、秸秆中积累的影响及其环境效应，为安全高效施肥提供科学依据。  【方法】  在北京市农林科学院新型肥料长期定位试验站进行了为期10年的田间试验，其种植模式为冬小麦–夏玉米轮作，试验处理为不施肥 (CK)、单施化肥 (NPK)、氮磷钾 + 鸡粪堆肥的有机肥料 (NPKJF)、氮磷钾 + 污泥堆肥的有机肥料 (NPKWN)、氮磷钾 + 垃圾堆肥的有机肥料 (NPKLJ) 和氮磷钾 + 秸秆粉碎还田 (NPKJG) 共6个处理，施肥处理依据等氮量施肥原则，每季作物施 N 180 kg/hm2、P₂O₅ 90.0 kg/hm2、K₂O 90.0 kg/hm2。在玉米收获后测定了玉米秸秆、籽粒和0—20 cm耕层土壤中重金属全量。  【结果】  添加污泥处理显著提高了土壤中Cd、Hg、As、Cu、Zn的含量，单因子污染指数分别比对照提高了45.10%、150.00%、104.00%、44.60%、65.80%。不同施肥处理对土壤中全量Cd、Cr、Hg、Cu、Zn存在一定的富集效果。各处理重金属单项污染指数在0.02～0.46，远小于1，综合污染指数为0.23～0.36，均小于0.7，试验区土壤重金属均为无污染等级。施用有机废弃物堆肥的处理玉米籽粒Cd、Cu、Zn含量比对照显著增加，各处理间Hg、As、Cr、Pb、Ni含量差异不显著，连续10年定位施肥后试验站土壤以及玉米籽粒中重金属含量均未超标。同一作物不同部位对重金属的富集能力不同，玉米秸秆对重金属的富集能力大于籽粒。玉米籽粒中Pb、Cu、Zn含量与土壤Pb、Cu、Zn含量存在正相关性，玉米秸秆中Cd、Hg、Cr、Ni含量与土壤中Cd、Hg、Cr、Ni含量呈正相关或者显著负相关。  【结论】  在施氮总量不变的前提下，连续施用供试有机堆肥10年后，土壤重金属含量均未超标，土壤重金属单项污染指数在0.02～0.46，综合污染指数为0.23～0.36，无污染风险。只有污泥堆肥需要加强土壤Cd的监测。玉米秸秆对重金属的富集能力大于籽粒。玉米籽粒中Pb、Cu、Zn含量与土壤相应重金属含量存在正相关性，秸秆中Cd、Pb、Hg、Zn与Cr、Ni含量与土壤中相应重金属含量呈正相关，而秸秆中Cr、Ni含量与土壤中相应重金属含量呈负相关。     

北京市农田土壤重金属的化学形态及其对生态系统的潜在危害

选取北京市农田96件土壤样品,采用分级提取试验方法研究土壤中重金属元素Cd、Hg、Pb、As的化学形态.结果表明,Cd、Hg、Pb、As的含量远低于国家土壤环境质量二级标准(GB15618-1995);As、Hg、Pb主要以残渣态形式存在,Cd主要以离子交换态存在:As、Pb各形态的变异系数差异相对较小,Hg、Cd各形态的变异系数差异较大;元素总量和土壤有机质含量是影响元素地球化学形态的主要因素;Cd的迁移能力较强,容易被植物吸收,对土壤生态系统的潜在危害性较大.     

河北板蓝根产地土壤-植物中镉铅汞砷含量特征及其污染评价

采用野外调查和室内分析相结合的方法,研究了河北省安国市和蔚县板蓝根产地土壤-植物中Cd、Pb、Hg、As含量特征及其在菘蓝中的累积特性,并对板蓝根产地土壤和草药中Cd、Pb、Hg、As污染状况进行了评价,为该地区安全、合理地发展中草药生产提供数据支撑和科学依据。结果表明,安国市和蔚县板蓝根产地土壤中重金属Cd、Pb、Hg、As含量差异不大,土壤重金属含量的变异系数在11.70%~97.65%。以《土壤环境质量标准》(GB 15618—1995)一级标准值进行评价,综合污染指数评价结果显示45%板蓝根种植区土壤Cd、Pb、Hg、As污染等级为警戒限,其他处于清洁水平;而以《土壤环境质量标准》二级标准值进行评价,种植区单项污染指数及综合污染指数结果均0.7,土壤环境清洁。此外,菘蓝地上部(大青叶)Cd、Pb、Hg、As平均含量分别为0.22 mg·kg~(-1)、0.89 mg·kg~(-1)、0.04 mg·kg~(-1)、0.25 mg·kg~(-1),对重金属的富集能力表现为CdHgPbAs;菘蓝地下部(板蓝根)Cd、Pb、Hg、As含量均值分别为0.14 mg·kg~(-1)、0.57 mg·kg~(-1)、0.04 mg·kg~(-1)、0.26 mg·kg~(-1),对重金属的富集能力表现为CdHgAsPb。所有菘蓝样品中Pb、Hg、As含量均未超出《药用植物及制剂进口绿色行业标准》(WM2—2001),大青叶9.09%样品中Cd超标,且Cd平均污染指数0.7,属警戒限污染等级。因此,在中药材GAP(良好的农业规范)产地环境质量评价时,除板蓝根产地土壤完全符合土壤环境质量二级标准外,也不应忽视板蓝根和大青叶吸收和累积重金属的自身特性。     

贵阳市耕地土壤重金属分布特征及评价初步研究

对贵阳市4郊区1市3县耕地土壤重金属As、Pb、Cd、Cr、Hg污染现状进行了调查和分析。结果表明:土壤中重金属含量在地区内及地区间差异都较大,除Cr外,As、Pb、Cd、Hg富集度较高;1市3县是贵阳市主要工业区,土壤属轻度污染,明显高于4郊区;Cd元素污染十分突出,其次是Hg和As。分析认为磷化工、煤化工及铁合金等工业与之密切相关,需进一步深入研究。     

黄河三角洲芦苇湿地不同水期土壤-植被重金属分布特征

ICP-AES法研究了黄河三角洲湿地平水期(4月)、丰水期(8月)和枯水期(10月)土壤和植被重金属(Hg,Cu,Zn,Pb,Cd和Cr)含量分布特征,并分析了土壤和植被重金属含量的关系。结果表明:(1)黄河三角洲芦苇湿地表土和底泥Hg,Cu,Zn平均含量变化呈递减趋势,依次表现出:平水期丰水期枯水期,不同时期土壤重金属Hg,Cu,Zn含量均表现为表土底泥;黄河三角洲芦苇湿地表土和底泥Pb,Cd和Cr平均含量变化呈递增趋势,依次表现出:枯水期丰水期平水期,并且不同时期土壤重金属Pb,Cd和Cr含量均表现为底泥表土,局部有所波动,综合分析可知,黄河三角洲芦苇湿地平水期的Hg,Cu,Zn污染最严重,枯水期Pb,Cd和Cr污染最严重;(2)黄河三角洲芦苇湿地表土重金属Hg,Cu,Zn含量高于底泥,表土重金属Pb,Cd和Cr含量低于底泥;(3)黄河三角洲芦苇湿地植被重金属Hg,Cu,Zn,Pb,Cd和Cr含量均显著高于土壤(p0.05),说明植被的吸收作用在土壤重金属污染中起着关键作用;(4)主成分分析表明黄河三角洲芦苇湿地土壤中Hg和Zn含量、植被中Pb和Cd的含量变化是黄河三角洲芦苇湿地的重金属污染主要影响因子;相关性分析表明,植被体内的重金属含量主要来自和依赖于土壤重金属含量,同时植被对于土壤各重金属的吸收也保持一定的独立性。     

滨海开发带土壤重金属分布特征及来源分析

以江苏省大丰市为例,研究了土壤中8种重金属的空间分布特征及其与土地利用的关系,并通过主成分分析方法,对其可能的来源进行了探讨。结果表明:研究区8种土壤重金属Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd、Cr、As、Hg、Ni平均含量分别为17.40、74.38、18.14、0.105、55.58、8.33、0.074、25.73mg/kg,不同采样点之间变异不大。沿垂直海岸线方向,随距海岸线距离增加,Cu、Zn、Pb、Cr、Hg、Ni 6种重金属含量逐渐升高,As含量逐渐降低,Cd含量则先升高、后降低。Cu、Zn、Pb、Cr、Hg、Ni 6种重金属均在水田土壤中含量最高,Cd在旱地土壤中含量最高,As则在滩涂土壤中含量最高。相关分析表明,土壤As含量与其他重金属元素含量的相关性均不显著,土壤Cd含量与Zn、Pb、Hg、Cr含量的相关性显著,与Cu、As、Ni含量的相关性不显著,其他各元素间相关性均达极显著水平。基于主成分分析结果,认为研究区土壤Cu、Zn、Pb、Cr、Hg、Ni 6种重金属元素含量受土壤母质影响较大,Cd含量与农业生产中磷肥施用关系密切,As含量的累积受磷肥施用的影响,但以水稻种植为主的耕作土壤As含量总体上呈下降趋势。本研究可为滨海开发带土地利用规划提供指导。     

肥料重金属含量状况及施肥对土壤和作物重金属富集的影响

本文对肥料中重金属的含量状况以及施肥对土壤和农作物重金属累积影响的研究进展进行了系统分析和总结。过磷酸钙中锌（Zn）、 铜（Cu）、 镉（Cd）、 铅（Pb）含量高于氮肥、 钾肥和三元复合肥,有机-无机复混肥料中的Pb含量高于其他化肥。有机肥如畜禽粪便、 污泥及其堆肥中的重金属含量高于化肥,猪粪中的Cu、 Zn、 砷（As）、 Cd含量明显高于其他有机废弃物,鸡粪中铬（Cr）含量高;污泥和垃圾堆肥中Pb或汞（Hg）含量高。商品有机肥Zn、 Pb和镍（Ni）含量高于堆肥,Hg含量高于畜禽粪便。多数研究表明,氮磷钾配施与不施肥相比土壤Cd和Pb含量增加,施用有机肥比不施肥提高土壤Cu、 Zn、 Pb、 Cd含量。施用化肥对农作物重金属富集的影响不明确,而施用有机肥可提高作物可食部位Cu、 Zn、 Cd、 Pb 的含量,影响大小与有机肥种类、 用量、 土壤类型和pH以及作物种类等有很大关系。在今后的研究中应着重以下几个方面, 1）典型种植体系下土壤重金属的投入/产出平衡; 2）不同种植体系下长期不同施肥措施对土壤重金属含量、 有效性影响的动态趋势; 3）典型种植体系和施肥措施下土壤对重金属的最高承载年限; 4）现有施肥措施下肥料中重金属的最高限量标准。     

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.