Effect of Selenium on Mineral Content and Nutritive Value of Melilotus officinalis L.

Plants of Melilotus officinalis L. were subjected to two different treatments: a) no selenium (Se), and b) addition of 3 mg Se L^?1 irrigation water for 45 days and samples of leaves, stems and roots were analyzed for Se, potassium (K), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn). Crude protein (CP) content, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) were also estimated for the aerial plant tissues. In Se-treated plants Se mainly accumulated in leaf tissues, various changes in macronutrient concentrations were detected, while the micronutrient content decreased significantly. In addition, leaf CP, NDF and ADF content decreased, while IVOMD increased, possibly indicating ameliorated nutritive value. According to our findings, M. officinalis could be used either as a dietary supplement, in mixture with non-accumulator species, for livestock feed deficient in Se or for restoration of grasslands in seleniferous soils.     

Effects of Drought on Nutritive Value of Kudzu

Kudzu (Pueraria montana), a vigorous, perennial warm-season invasive legume is widely spread in the southeastern United States and has the potential to be used as feed by ruminants during its growing season from May until first frost (usually in October). The purpose of this study was to determine the nutritive value of kudzu during a drought-prone growing season. Five samples of apical leaves and stems were harvested once a week from random locations within a 43-year-old kudzu infestation grown on a Cecil clay loam (fine, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kanhapludults) at the Clemson University Experimental Forest (Clemson, S.C.). We report the effects of plant part, sampling date, mean air temperature (MAT), and precipitation on dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) of the kudzu. Dry matter and CP were significantly greater in the apical leaf than in the stem; CP had a significant mean air temperature by plant part interaction. A significant temperature by plant part interaction also existed for Mg. Magnesium was greater in leaf than in the stem at the beginning of the growing season until the end of October, when small differences in Mg concentrations between stem and leaf were observed. Stem and leaf Ca concentrations were not significantly different. Calcium concentrations did vary across the dates (P?=?0.002). A significant temperature by plant part interaction existed for Mg concentrations (P?=?0.003), Ca to P ratio (P < 0.0001), P concentrations (P?=?0.0007), S (P < 0.0001), Zn (P?=?0.0053), Mn (P?=?0.0014), and Cu (P?=?0.006). Overall, kudzu's nutritive value as feed for ruminants during the growing season is highly variable; however, chemical composition was very comparable to other common forages. More frequent and intensive droughts predicted as a result of climate change may limit forage choices; however, kudzu maintains its forage potential for feeding both domestic and wild animals during drought-prone growing season.     

Impacts of biochar and processed poultry manure,applied to a calcareous soil,on the growth of bean and maize

Direct use of poultry manure on agricultural lands may cause environmental concerns, so there is a need to establish the suitability of the application of biochar derived from poultry manure for calcareous soil chemical properties and plant growth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of processed poultry manure (0, 5, 10 and 20 g/kg) and its biochar (0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 g/kg) on soil chemical properties of a calcareous soil and growth of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and maize (Zea mays) plants. In the incubation experiment, both processed poultry manure (PPM) and biochar decreased pH and the concentration of plant‐available Fe of soil but increased plant‐available P, Zn, Cu and Mn concentrations. PPM and biochar increased the concentrations of exchangeable cations (K, Ca and Mg) in soil. PPM and biochar applications increased the growth of maize and bean plants. PPM and biochar resulted in increased concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn in bean plants. In maize plants, PPM and biochar applications increased the N, P, K, Zn, Cu and Mn but decreased the Ca and Mg concentrations. Results of this study reveal that poultry manure biochar can be used effectively for agricultural purposes.     

Soil,forage, and serum nutrient changes as affected by deposition of volcanic sediments in northwestern nicaragua

Abstract

A study was carried out to determine the mineral status of grazing cattle as affected by the eruption of the Cerro Negro Volcano in northwestern Nicaragua. A total of 14 composite soil and forage samples and 30 blood samples were collected at each collection period, before (August 1991) and after (August 1992) the volcanic eruption. Higher soil levels of calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), manganese (Mn) (P<0.01), zinc (Zn) (P<0.05), and lower organic matter (OM) (P<0.01) were found after the volcanic eruption. Phosphorus (P) was the only macromineral found deficient with 93 and 71% of the samples below a critical level before and after volcanic eruption, respectively. Forage Ca, potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), P, Zn, copper (Cu), and selenium (Se) concentrations did not vary between collections. Forage crude protein (CP), in vitro organic matter digestibility [(IVOMD) P<0.05], cobalt (Co), Mn, and Na (P<0.01) were lower after the eruption. Iron (Fe) was the only mineral in forages that increased (P<0.01) after the volcanic eruption. Of the six minerals evaluated in serum only Ca and Mg concentrations were higher (P<0.05) after the volcanic eruption. The macrominerals more likely to be deficient in this area are P and Mg. Trace elements most likely to limit cattle productivity are Zn, Mn, Cu, Se, and Co. Special attention should be given to supplementation of Cu, since both plant and animal tissue samples reflected a deficiency of this mineral.     

Soil fertility effects on growth and nutrient uptake of rhizoma peanut

Expansion of forage production acreage for rhizoma peanut (RP ‐ Arachis glabrata Benth.), a persistent perennial, warm‐season forage legume adapted to the Gulf Coast region of the southeastern United States, is limited primarily by establishment rate, often taking up to three years. The objective was to determine the effects of two divergent soil environments on the dry matter production and nutrient uptake of RP in the first year following establishment. Five Arachis genotypes, ‘Arbrook’, ‘Florigraze’, and experimental lines 423, 575, and 616, were established during March 1995 at Clinton and Olive Branch, LA. Soils were a Dexter silt loam (Ultic Hapludalf) and a Loring silt loam (Typic Fragiudalf, fine‐silty, mixed, thermic) with mean pH values of 6.8 and 4.7, respectively. Soils also differed for extractable potassium (K), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), aluminum (Al), sulfur (S), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and organic matter (OM). Tissue samples were taken at three week intervals in 1996 and yield and quality were evaluated at six week intervals. Locations differed significantly for dry matter production, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and in vitro true digestibility (IVTD). Entries also differed within locations for yield, CP, NDF, acid detergent fiber (ADF), and IVTD. Tissue nitrogen (N), K, Ca, S, Mn, boron (B), and zinc (Zn) were significantly different between locations, but phosphorous (P), magnesium (Mg), Fe, Cu, and Al were not different. Yield and forage quality were both inversely correlated with pH and, with the exception of N, none of the other nutrients were low enough to account for the differences observed in growth between the two locations.     

Elemental content relationships in greenhouse grown apple seedlings supplemented with copper and peat

Abstract

Apple seedlings from a greenhouse pot experiment, investigating the effects of copper (Cu) and peat amendments on crop performance growing on a Cu‐and potassium (K)‐deficient soil, were characterized for a range of major and trace elements. Concentrations of barium (Ba), calcium (Ca), Cu, iron (Fe), K, magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), sodium (Na), rubidium (Rb), strontium (Sr), and zinc (Zn) in leaf and stem tissues were correlated with treatment and tissue. Addition of Cu, peat and the nature of the tissue had significant impacts on many element concentrations. Generally, increasing Cu resulted in elevated Ba, Fe, Mo, and Sr as well as Cu levels. The presence of peat resulted in reduced levels, generally in both leaf and stem, of Ba, Mg, Mn, Rb, and Zn and increased levels of Fe, K, and Mo. Finally, the vast majority of elemental concentrations were higher in leaf tissue rather than stem, with the exceptions of Na and Zn. Elemental concentration ranges, over all tissues and conditions of added Cu and peat were (mg kg^‐1) Ba 9–49, Ca 6380–16340, Cu 2–11, Fe 10–57, K 4070–16950, Mg 900–4260, Mn 22–197, Mo 0.02–0.19, Na 28–124, Rb 0.7–12, Sr 41–58, Zn 18–48.     

Winter annual small grain forage potential. II. Quantification of nutritive characteristics of four small grain species at six growth stages

Abstract

Four small grain species, barley, oat, rye, and wheat were harvested at six growth stages to investigate their nutritive quality as a possible replacement for corn silage. Crude protein (CP), in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and lignin contents were measured on fresh and ensiled samples. The IVDMD, an estimate of forage ruminant digestibility, of all species generally decreased from the vegetative (765–854 g kg^‐1) through the milk stage (505–662 g kg^‐1) and then remained unchanged or increased slightly through hard dough with the exception of oats which often decreased during later stages of growth. The IVDMD of rye was usually lower than the other species from the milk to hard dough stage. The IVDMD of barley was generally higher than the other species at the soft and hard dough stages. The NDF, ADF, and lignin fractions usually increased from the vegetative to milk stages and remained unchanged or increased slightly through the hard dough stage. The ADF and lignin are negatively associated with forage digestibility while NDF values are negatively related to dry matter intake. The ADF of rye was generally higher than the other species at the milk and soft dough stages. Rye and barley contained more lignin than the other species from the heading through hard dough stage. Crude protein content generally decreased from the vegetative through milk stages and then leveled off or decreased slightly through the hard dough stage. Crude protein of oats was lower than other species at the vegetative stage, while rye generally contained more crude protein than the other species at the vegetative and boot stages. These data in combination with forage yield data reported in an associated paper suggest that small grains can offer a nutritious source of animal feed for farmers in the southeastern United States. Rye tended to stand out among the species at the early stages of growth (vegetative to boot) as a highly digestible green chop or grazing crop that is also high in protein. Barley and wheat stand out as excellent high yielding, nutritious silage choices at the soft dough stage.     

Concentrations of Major and Minor Mineral Elements in Different Organs of Kosteletzkya virginica and Saline Soils

Abstract

Kosteletzkya virginica (L.) Presl. is a perennial dicot halophytic species that grows in brackish portions of coastal tidal marshes of the mid-Atlantic and southeastern United States. It was introduced into Northern Jiangsu, China, by the Halophyte Biotechnology Center (University of Delaware, Newark, DE) as a species with potential to improve the soil and develop ecologically sound saline agriculture. Fifteen major and minor elements [calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), potassium (K), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), lithium (Li), cobalt (Co), and vanadium (V)] in roots, stems, leaves, and seeds of Kosteletzkya virginica and saline soils were measured in the study. Concentrations of Al, Fe, Zn, Mn, V, and Pb were the highest in soils, whereas concentrations of Na, Li, Cu, Ca, and Mg were the highest in the roots, stems, and leaves, respectively, and concentrations of K and P were the highest in the seeds. Potassium, P, Mg, and Ca were the main constituents in the seeds, and concentrations of Fe, Li, Mn, Zn, and Cu in seeds were relatively high. However, concentrations of Na and Al were very low in the seeds. The K/Na ratio in the seeds was 34.26, and the Ca/P ratio was 0.52, which was less than the maximum tolerable value for the human diet. These proportions were considered to be an advantage from a nutritional point of view. From roots to stems to leaves, increases in K/Na, Ca/Na, and Ca/Mg ratios could mitigate salt stress of the growth habitat of Kosteletzkya virginica. These results suggest that Kosteletzkya virginica is a halophytic species with potential as a rich source of mineral-element supply, and its products could be used for development of food, fodder, health care products and industrial raw materials.     

施肥结构对砂质潮土中微量营养元素空间变化的影响

本文通过长期定位施肥试验 ,分析了不同施肥结构对砂质潮土交换性钙、镁及有效硫、锌、锰、铜、铁等在 0～ 1 2 0cm土体中空间分布变化的影响 .结果表明 ,磷肥明显提高土壤交换性钙的含量 ,而有机肥与氮肥对土壤钙含量无明显影响 .但有机肥显著增加土壤交换性镁含量 ,各层镁含量与有机肥用量呈显著或极显著正相关 ,磷肥同样对土壤镁有提高作用 ,但氮肥无论是否与有机肥配施均降低了土壤各层交换性镁含量 .土壤 0～ 4 0cm有效锌、锰、铁均随有机肥增加而增加 ,并与有机肥用量呈极显著正相关 .而化肥无论是否与有机肥配施均降低土壤有效锌含量 ,但却增加了有效铁含量 .氮肥单施降低土壤有效锰含量 .在无有机肥情况下 ,施磷提高土壤有效铁含量 ,而在施有机肥条件下磷肥则降低耕层有效铁含量 .磷肥只在单施化肥时增加土壤有效锰含量     

Variation of forage and extractable soil minerals over two grazing seasons in North Florida

Abstract

A two‐year experiment was conducted at a north Florida farm to evaluate the mineral status of bahiagrass forages and soils. Forage samples were collected every 28 d throughout the grazing season, and soils evaluated twice yearly. The minerals calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) were uniformly below the dietary requirements for growing beef cattle in both years. Forage magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), crude protein (CP), and manganese (Mn) were generally adequate throughout the grazing season, with the exception of low P concentration at the end of the growing season for both years. Extractable soil concentrations of Ca, P, K, Mg and Zn were adequate but low in Cu. Although CP was adequate (>7.0%) throughout the grazing season, IVOMD values were relatively low. There was a general trend for forage P, K, and IVOMD to decrease (P<0.05) with time.     

Application of High Copper and Zinc Compost and Its Effects on Soil Properties and Growth of Barley

Abstract

A compost of high copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) content was added to soil, and the growth of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) was evaluated. Four treatments were established, based on the addition of increasing quantities of compost (0, 2, 5, and 10% w/w). Germination, plant growth, biomass production, and element [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), Cu, manganese (Mn), and Zn] contents of soil and barley were determined following a 16‐week growing period. Following harvesting of the barley, analysis of the different mixtures of soil and compost was performed. Micronutrient contents in soils as affected by compost additions were determined with diethylene–triamine–pentaacetic acid (DTPA) (Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn) or ammonium acetate [Ca, Na, Mg, K, cation exchange capacity (CEC)] extractions, and soils levels were compared to plant uptake where appropriate. Increasing rates of compost had no affect on Ca, Mg, or K concentration in barley. Levels of Cu, Zn, Mn, and Na, however, increased with compost application. High correlations were found for DTPA‐extractable Cu and Zn with barley head and shoot content and for Mn‐DTPA and shoot Mn content. Ammonium acetate–extractable Na was highly correlated with Na content in the shoot. High levels of electrical conductivity (EC), Cu, Zn, and Na may limit utilization of the compost.     

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi mediated uptake of nutrient elements by Chinese milk vetch (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Astragalus sinicus</Emphasis> L.) grown in lanthanum spiked soil

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to study the effect of mycorrhizal colonization by Gigaspora margarita, Glomus intraradices, and Acaulospora laevis on nutrient uptake of K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn by Astragalus sinicus L. in soils spiked with lanthanum at five rates (0, 1, 5, 10, and 20 mg kg⁻¹). Lanthanum application significantly decreased the concentrations of K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, and Fe in shoots and the concentrations of Cu and Zn in roots. Mycorrhizal treatments markedly improved uptake of nutrients, and these results are important since nutrient deficiency often occurs in contaminated sites.     

Ability of the earthworms Aporrectodea rosea and Aporrectodea trapezoides to increase plant growth and the foliar concentration of elements in wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. spear) in a sandy loam soil

In a greenhouse study, the ability of the earthworms Aporrectodea rosea and A. trapezoides to influence the foliar concentration of elements and the growth of wheat plants was assessed 27 days after sowing in a sandy loam soil. The presence of A. rosea and A. trapezoides (at densities equivalent to 314 and 471 m^-2, respectively) caused a significant increase in the shoot dry weight of wheat. The presence of A. rosea and A. trapezoides (at densities equivalent to 314 and 157 m^-2, respectively) was also associated with a significant increase in the root dry weight of wheat. The presence of A. rosea caused a significant increase in the foliar concentration of Ca, Cu, K, Mn, N, Na, and P, but did not influence the foliar concentration of Al, B, Fe, Mo, Mg, S, and Zn. The presence of A. trapezoides was associated with a significant increase in the foliar concentration of Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mn, N, and Na, but did not influence the foliar concentration of B, Cu, Mo, Mg, P, S, and Zn. These results demonstrate the potential of A. rosea and A. trapezoides to increase the growth of wheat in a sandy loam soil and suggest that the mechanism by which they increased plant growth was, in part, through increasing the availability and uptake of nutrients from this soil.     

Effects of excess aluminum on mineral uptake in mycorrhizal sorghum

Soil acidity is often associated with toxic aluminum (Al), and mineral uptake usually decreases in plants grown with excess Al. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Al (0, 35, 70, and 105 μM) on Al, phsophorus (P), sulfur (S), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn,) and copper (Cu) uptake in shoots and roots of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, cv. SC283] colonized with the vesicular‐arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi isolates Glomus intraradices UT143–2 (UT143) and Glomus etunicatum UT316A‐2 (UT316) and grown in sand (pH 4.8). Mycorrhizal (+VAM) plants had higher shoot and root dry matter (DM) than nonmycorrhizal (‐VAM) plants. The VAM treatment had significant effects on shoot concentrations of P, K, Ca, Fe, Mn, and Zn; shoot contents of P, S, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu; root concentrations of P, S, K, Ca, Mn, Zn, and Cu; and root contents of Al, P, S, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu. The VAM effects on nutrient concentrations and contents and DM generally followed the sequence of UT316 > UT143 > ‐VAM. The VAM isolate UT143 particularly enhanced Zn uptake, and both VAM isolates enhanced uptake of P and Cu in shoots and roots, and various other nutrients in shoots or roots.     

Effect of chromium VI on mineral element composition of bush beans

Bush beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv Contender) were grown on perlite with nutrient solution and 0, 1, 2.5 and 5 ppm levels of Na₂CrO₄ Significant decrease of top growth and chlorosis in trifoliated leaves were observed for 2.5 and 5 ppm Cr, with Cr concentrations (μg/g) in tops:≥ 12.1, in roots:≥ 509.9. Cr decreased K, Na, Mg and Fe concentrations, and increased P and Mn concentrations in roots. In tops decreased N, K, Na and Fe concentrations and increased Mn and Ca concentrations were observed, Translocation of P, Zn, Cu and Fe was inhibited; Ca and Mn translocation was generally enhanced. P/Fe ratio was increased up to 60% in chlorotic plants, indicating a shift from Fe²⁺ to Fe³⁺.     

Effects of bromides of potassium and ammonium on some crops

In this work, the response of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), rye (Secale cereale L.), oat (Avena sativa L.), and pea (Pisum sativum L.) to bromides of potassium (KBr) and ammonium (NH₄Br) was studied. All plants were capable of accumulating high concentrations of bromine (Br). However, the Br accumulation depended on the Br compounds presented in the growth medium and plant species. The highest Br concentrations were observed in leaves and roots of the seedlings germinated in the medium spiked with KBr. Oat accumulated more Br than other plants and the lowest Br accumulation was observed in pea. The bioaccumulation of Br resulted in suppression of plant biomass and concentrations of several essential nutrients (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Zn and Cl). The most negative effects were caused by NH₄Br. Probably, this action was due to cumulative effects of Br^- and NH₄⁺. Among other plant species, the most tolerant to bromides was oat and the most sensitive was wheat.     

Mycorrhizal colonization and nutrition of wheat and sweet corn grown in manure‐treated and untreated topsoil and subsoil

Dry bean yields (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were raised to similar levels as the topsoil by manure application to eroded or leveled Portneuf silt loam soil (coarse‐silty mixed mesic Durixerollic Calciorthid). Only soil organic matter and zinc (Zn) content of leaf tissue were correlated with improved yields. Manure application increased mycorrhizal colonization and Zn uptake in pot experiments with dry bean which would explain the increased yields in the field. A field study was conducted to see if similar effects of manure and mycorrhizal colonization could be observed in field grown spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and sweet corn (Zea mays L.). This study was conducted on existing experiments established in the spring of 1991 at the USDA‐ARS farm in Kimberly, Idaho, to study crop rotation/organic matter amendment treatments on exposed subsoils and focused on mycorrhizal colonization as related to topsoils and subsoils treated with conventional fertilizer (untreated) or dairy manure. Mycorrhizal root colonization was higher with untreated than with manure‐treated wheat and sweet corn. Root colonization was also higher in subsoil than in topsoil for wheat, but there were no differences between soils for sweet corn. Shoot Zn and manganese (Mn) concentrations generally increased with increased root colonization for both species (except between soils with corn Mn contents). Wheat shoot potassium (K) concentration was increased by manure application, but the affect declined with time, was the opposite of colonization and was not observed with sweet com. Phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) concentrations either were not influenced or were erratically affected by mycorrhizal colonization. Yields of wheat were highest for manure‐treated subsoil and topsoil compared to untreated soils. Mycorrhizal colonization was different between conventional and manure‐treated soils and between topsoil and subsoil and these differences increased Zn and Mn uptake, but they did not explain the improvement in wheat yields obtained with manure application.     

Importance of acid‐insoluble residue in plant analysis for total macro and micro elements

Abstract

Insoluble siliceous residues remaining after HNO₃/HClO₄ decomposition of the plant tissues National Bureau of Standards, standard reference materials spinach (Spinacea oleracea), orchard leaves and tomato leaves (Lycopersicon escuientum), contained varying quantities of the macro and micro elements Na, K, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn. For the different samples with total element concentrations ranging from 11 μg/g (Cu in orchard leaves) to 45,000 μg/g (K in tomato leaves), residues contained element concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 88 times the respective concentrations in the samples. Contributions of residues to element concentrations in the plant tissues varied from 0.04 to 42% of the total concentrations. Overall, these constituted negligible (ca 0.1% for Mg and Ca), small (0.5% for Zn, Mn, K and 1% for Cu), and large (6% for Fe, 28% for Na) contributions depending on sample and analyte. Residue contributions to total element concentrations of plant tissues must be considered for reliable estimations of macro and micro elements.     

Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate and Harvest Season on Forage Yield,Quality, and Macronutrient Concentrations in Midland Bermuda Grass

Bermuda grass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] is a major forage for grazing and hay production in the southern United States. The objectives of this study were to determine effects of nitrogen (N) fertilization rate (0, 112, 224, 336, and 448 kg ha^?1), split spring and summer applications of N at the 224 and 448 kg ha^?1 rates, and harvest periods (spring and summer) on forage yield, crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), total digestible nutrients (TDN), and concentrations of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca in Midland Bermuda grass. Data were collected from 2002 to 2008 as part of an ongoing, long-term soil fertility experiment in southern Oklahoma. Repeated measures analysis of these long-term data showed that forage yield responses to N rate varied with year and harvest time with up to 2.5-fold yield differences among years. Nitrogen fertilization increased CP, TDN, and macronutrient P and Mg and decreased ADF and NDF. Crude protein was increased by ≥50%, and ADF and NDF dropped by up to 25% with the greatest N rate. In general, split N applications did not affect forage yield but produced low-quality forage compared to single N application in spring. Split application of 448 kg N ha^?1 gave forage with CP, TDN, ADF, and NDF similar to the Bermuda grass receiving 336 or 448 kg N ha^?1 as a single application. Spring forage had better forage quality than summer harvests. While N fertilization increased forage Mg and P concentrations by more than 50% during both spring and summer, it had no effect or slight increased K and Ca concentrations. In the southern Great Plains, despite the weather-dependent variability in forage yield of Bermuda grass, N application increase forage quality.     

重庆缙云山酸沉降背景下针阔混交林水化学特征初步研究

选取三峡库区缙云山小流域针阔混交林作为研究对象,对其大气降水、穿透雨、树干茎流、地表径流等水文过程中的pH值及Na+、K+、Ca2+、Mg2+等离子含量进行研究,结果表明:(1)大气降水pH值为5.31,呈酸性,已属于酸雨范围(pH<5.65)。相对于大气降水,针阔混交林穿透雨和树干茎流离子含量均大幅增加。穿透雨和树干茎流中,Mg、Cu元素的变异系数均小于大气降水,而K、Zn和Mn均大于大气降水。地表径流中Ca元素含量最高,为16.416mg/L,Mn元素含量最低,几乎检测不到。各元素含量排序为:Ca>K>Na>Mg>Zn>Fe>Cu>Mn。地下径流中,Ca元素是含量增加最多的养分元素,各元素含量排序为:Ca>K>Na>Mg>Zn>Cu>Fe=Mn。(2)Cu元素在穿透雨和树干茎流中均出现了负淋溶,其余各元素浓度均有所增加。如果林木长期处于酸雨逆境下,将会导致部分营养元素大量流失,并最终造成林木营养亏损且影响其生长。