L波段主被动微波协同反演裸土土壤水分

土壤水分是进行干旱监测、土壤侵蚀、农作物产量预测以及地表温度研究的重要参量,利用主被动微波协同的方法提高土壤水分的反演精度是定量遥感发展所面临的重要任务。本文基于土壤L波段微波散射辐射模拟数据集,通过对比分析主被动微波数据对土壤水分含量和粗糙度2个参数的敏感性,提出了基于L波段主被动协同的裸土土壤水分反演算法,算法充分利用了被动微波地表发射率对土壤水分较为敏感,而主动微波后向散射系数对地表粗糙度较为敏感的特点。首先由地表垂直极化发射率和 VV 极化后向散射系数协同提取地表粗糙度信息,再由被动微波双极化数据结合地表粗糙度信息来估算土壤水分信息。利用SMAPVEX12实验数据集中部分稀疏植被采样点的观测数据对算法进行验证,验证结果显示,土壤水分反演结果与地面实测数据相关性为0.6637,RMSE为0.0607 cm3/cm3。该文反演算法模型系数直接由模拟数据集计算得到,克服了常规经验算法的发展对地表实测数据的依赖性,减小了算法在实际应用中的局限性。     

双极化雷达反演裸露地表土壤水分

为了快速高效地获取大面积地表土壤水分,本文提出一种适用于双极化SAR(synthetic aperture rader)的裸露地表土壤水分反演经验模型。首先通过AIEM(advanced integral equation model)模型数值模拟和回归分析,提出一种新的粗糙度参数,将2个传统的粗糙度参数简化为1个参数;然后模拟地表土壤水分与雷达后向散射系数的关系,从而建立裸露地表的经验散射模型,模型的未知参数仅为粗糙度参数和土壤体积含水量,通过双极化的雷达数据即可实现土壤水分的反演。通过2008年甘肃张掖黑河流域实测数据对模型进行了初步验证,发现在入射角大于25°时,模型反演值与实测值有着良好的相关关系(相关系数为0.745)。该模型仅需双极化的雷达数据就能实现土壤水分的反演,无需测量地面粗糙度,尤其适用于大面积干旱区域的地表土壤水分的获取。     

基于RADARSAT-2全极化数据反演周期性地表土壤湿度

土壤湿度是农作物估产和旱情监测的关键参量。目前常用的土壤湿度反演模型都建立在随机粗糙地表条件下,对周期性垄行结构的土壤并不适用。基于RADARSAT-2全极化数据和野外实测数据,分析了交叉极化(vh)后向散射系数对垄行方位角无明显响应;同极化(hh,vv)对方位角的响应为余弦函数,但在方位角为90o±2o位置易出现偏离曲线的异常高亮度值。通过雷达影像上采样点的实测值和Oh模型推算的理论值,拟合得到周期性地表和随机地表之间的误差函数,进而对同极化影像进行纠正。纠正后的同极化比(p)去除了方位角和异常值的影响,交叉极化比(q)受到异常值的影响。通过Oh模型中的p和vh对研究区的地表参数进行反演,17个检验点的验证结果表明,预测的土壤湿度平均相对误差为11.13%,标准差为0.0256cm3/cm3;预测的均方根高度平均相对误差为13%,标准差为0.1315cm。结果与随机粗糙地表土壤湿度和均方根高度的反演精度相当,证明了该模型的有效性。     

基于双时相ASAR影像的土壤湿度反演研究

地表粗糙度和湿度是影响裸地后向散射系数的重要因素,为了探求ENVISAT-ASAR 数据监测土壤湿度在国内的应用,该文以ASAR影像数据为基础,利用ZSribi-Dechambre(2002)经验模型研究了中国科学院南皮农业生态试验站附近一裸地的表面粗糙度和地表湿度.对雷达入射角进行归一化处理使之满足模型需求,反演结果表明该区地表粗糙度主要分布0.05～0.50 cm之间,土壤体积含水率大多分布存10%～34%之间,局部区域由于一些积水沟渠,使得土壤体积含水率较高,这与调查的实际情况相符合.反演的土壤湿度用地面实测值验证,结果发现模拟值和实测值具有较好的一致性,其RMSE误差为3.7%.该文介绍了在没有地表先验知识的情况下,利用扣除掉土壤粗糙度影响的后向散射反演模型获取土壤湿度的方法.该法仅需要两景相邻近时相并且不同入射角的HH同极化雷达影像,根据其后向散射系数的差值△"'即σ°可估算出粗糙度和土壤湿度参数,从而方便快捷地监测局部区域的土壤湿度状况.     

利用多时相Sentinel-1 SAR数据反演农田地表土壤水分

土壤水分是陆面生态系统水分和能量循环的重要变量,在农田干旱监测、作物长势监测和作物估产等应用研究中具有重要的作用。该文结合基于变化检测的Alpha近似模型,利用Sentinel-1卫星获取的多时相C波段合成孔径雷达(synthetic aperture radar,SAR)数据,实现了农田地表土壤水分的反演。该文首先利用微波辐射传输模型验证了Alpha近似模型在土壤水分反演中的合理性。研究发现,对于土壤散射占主导的区域,Alpha近似模型对辐射传输模型有较好的近似,能够有效地消除地表粗糙度和植被对雷达后向散射系数的影响。在此基础上,结合怀来研究区多时相Sentinel-1 SAR数据,利用Alpha近似模型构建了土壤水分观测方程组,通过求解方程组得到了农田地表土壤水分。地面验证结果表明,土壤水分反演的均方根误差(root mean square error,RMSE)为0.06 cm3/cm3,平均偏差为0.01 cm3/cm3,精度较好。该文研究为利用高重访周期、多时相的Sentinel-1 SAR数据获取农田地表土壤水分提供了参考。     

考虑地表粗糙度改进水云模型反演西班牙农田地表土壤含水率

土壤含水率是农业、环境、气象等领域进行建模的重要参数。该研究将微波遥感与光学遥感相结合,利用Sentinel-1数据交叉极化比及变换土壤调节植被指数对地表粗糙度进行估计,构建了一种改进的水云模型(modifiedwatercloud model, MWCM)。分析将NDVI、NDWI和NDWI1725,2200等植被指数作为植被冠层含水率时,水云模型(water cloud model,WCM)及MWCM农田地表土壤含水率的反演精度。结果表明:从总体精度上来看,MWCM的反演精度优于WCM。在不同植被覆盖度情况下:当植被覆盖度为中、低程度(NDVI0.5),MWCM具有较高的反演精度;在较高的植被覆盖度情况下(NDVI≥0.5),WCM与MWCM的反演精度较为接近。MWCM可有效的建立微波后向散射系数与地表土壤水分的关系,提高土壤含水率反演精度,为各种地表覆盖类型的土壤含水率反演提供研究思路及理论支持。     

基于改进粒子群神经网络的麦田土壤水分反演

作物区土壤水分遥感反演往往受到作物冠层、地表粗糙度等因素影响,较难得到满意的土壤水分反演结果。为解决麦田土壤水分反演的问题,提出一种改进粒子群神经网络优化算法。该算法将多源光学和雷达影像数据进行联合,利用改进粒子群算法对神经网络权值进行优化,建立遥感影像与土壤水分之间一种隐式映射,并将影像数据作为该优化模型的输入变量,对麦田土壤水分进行反演。结果表明改进粒子群神经网络优化算法反演精度高于其他的反演方法,同时主被动遥感联合反演地表土壤水分的精度也比仅使用单一数据源作为输入的方法精度高,R~2达到0.807,RMSE为0.043 cm~3cm~(-3)。由此可见,改进粒子群神经网络的优化方法是可行的,可以有效建立后向散射系数与土壤水分之间的隐式关系,获取较高精度的土壤水分值。该方法可为利用雷达影像数据进行大范围土壤水分估测提供支持。     

基于水云模型的Sentinel-1A双极化反演植被覆盖区土壤水分

根据开展的景县地区玉米农田主被动微波遥感协同反演土壤水分监测试验,提出利用FY-3 B WMRI被动微波数据计算微波极化差异指数(MPDI),建立了植被层含水量反演模型,去除植被含水量对于农田土壤水分反演的影响,然后结合植被层含水量反演模型和水云模型,以及Sentinel-1A主动微波数据和部分实测样点土壤体积含水量数据建立植被覆盖区农田土壤水分半经验反演模型,最后验证分析Sentinel-1A VV/VH不同极化条件下土壤水分反演模型的精度。结果表明:VV极化条件下土壤水分反演模型反演精度为R~2=0.7422,RMSE=0.0674 cm~3/cm~3,MAE=0.0305 cm~3/cm~3,MaxE为0.1196 cm~3/cm~3,MinE=0.0024 cm~3/cm~3;VH极化模型为R~2=0.1898,RMSE=0.0768 cm~3/cm~3,MAE=0.0474 cm~3/cm~3,MaxE=0.1933 cm~3/cm~3,MinE=0.0190 cm~3/cm~3。研究区VH极化模型反演值存在普遍偏低现象,VV极化模型土壤水分反演结果优于VH极化模型。VV极化方式具有更强的穿透性,受到植被层衰减作用影响较小,对土壤水分含量变化也更为敏感。建立的VV极化条件下土壤水分反演半经验模型能较好地表征研究区土壤水分空间分布情况。     

基于Sentinel-1双极化雷达影像的土壤含盐量反演

该文以松嫩平原土地盐碱化区域-大庆市为研究区,Sentinel-1双极化雷达影像为数据源,结合研究区土壤采样的全盐含量测量值,反演研究区表层土壤含盐量。首先,在研究区进行土壤采样,并在实验室化验土壤样品的全盐含量,利用S1TBX软件对雷达影像进行噪声处理、辐射校正、几何校正;然后通过分析雷达影像不同极化组合的后向散射系数与土壤含盐量之间的关系,确定最优的极化组合方式;最后,利用回归分析的方法建立土壤含盐量的反演模型并进行精度评价。研究结果显示:(VV~2+VH~2)/(VV~2-VH~2)极化组合的后向散射系数可以较好的分离不同含盐量的土壤,建立起来的反演模型,决定系数R~2达到0.872,均方根误差RMSE为0.988。该研究可以满足大区域土地盐碱化监测的需要,并为Sentinel-1雷达数据在土壤成分提取等方面研究提供了参考。     

PROSAIL模型和水云模型耦合反演农田土壤水分

土壤水分的实时、动态监测对农业生产及作物估产有着非常重要的意义。该文提出一种光学和雷达遥感半经验耦合模型,该模型通过引入植被覆盖度将作物覆盖下的散射贡献与裸露地表的直接散射贡献区分开,结合水云模型和PROSAIL模型对农田区域土壤水分进行反演研究。结果表明：该耦合模型模拟得到的后向散射系数与实测值之间具有较好的线性关系,在HH和VV极化下决定系数R2分别为0.792和0.723,RMSE分别为0.600和0.837 dB。同时该模型对农田区域土壤水分的反演精度也较高,其R2为0.809,RMSE为0.043 cm3/cm3。因此该模型可以有效分离农田作物及裸露土壤对雷达信号的影响,准确建立地表直接后向散射贡献与土壤水分的关系,为大面积复杂地表类型覆盖区域的土壤水分反演提供研究思路和理论支持。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Karyotypic and genome size variation in Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. (pigeonpea) and some wild relatives

Detailed karyotypes and 4C DNA amounts have been studied in five cultivars of Cajanus cajan and 20 species belonging to Cajanus, Rhynchosia, Dunbaria, Flemingia and Paracalyx. C. cajan shows intraspecific variability and its karyotype is most similar to that of C. cajanifolius (sect. Cajanus) in the morphology and number of satellite chromosomes and the lack of any correlation between chromosome size within the complement and asymmetry. Karyotypes of C. lineatus and C. sericeus belonging to sect. Atylia are similar with respect to maximum r-index and the ratio of longest and shortest chromosomes in their respective complements. C. acutifolius (sect. Frutocosa) is distinct in having a very low ratio (1.44) between the longest and the shortest chromosomes, while in C. albicans, C. goensis, C. scarabaeoides (sect. Cantharospermum) there is no chromosome pair with r-index >2.0. C. mollis and C. volubilis (sect. Volubilis) show similarity with regard to ratio between the longest and the shortest chromosomes and a distinct chromosome pair with an arm ratio of 2.7 and C. platycarpus is distinct (sect. Rhynchosoides) in having the smallest ratio (1.36) between the longest and the shortest chromosomes. 4C DNA amounts in Cajanus and Rhynchosia vary between 3.28 pg to 11.69 pg and 4.92 pg to 11.13 pg respectively, while in Dunbaria, Flemingia and Paracalyx these vary between 4.70 and 7:06 pg. In the genus Cajanus karyotypic features and 4C DNA amounts agree with the sectional classification and bring out a close relationship between C. cajan and C. cajanifolius. This is supported by studies based on seed protein patterns, isozyme analysis, trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitor patterns, RFLP and RAPD data and crossability relationships. A clear relation between DNA amount and abnormalities effecting the extent of pairing and recombination in interspecific hybrids shows the importance of this study in developing future breeding programme involving C. cajan and its wild relatives that are of potential value.     

Effect of some fungicide seed treatments on the survival of Bradyrhizobium japonicum and on the nodulation and yield of soybean [Glycine max. (L) Merr.]

Several commercial fungicide seed treatments were evaluated for their possible effect on the survival of Bradyrhizobium japonicum on seeds and on the nodulation and yield of soybeans in a greenhouse and a field experiment. quinolate Pro (carbendazim and oxine copper), Vitavax 200FF (carboxin and thiram), and Monceren (pencycuron) had a small effect or no effect on the survival of B. japonicum and on the nodulation and yield of soybeans. They can thus be considered compatible with soybean seed inoculation. Germipro UFB (carbendazim and iprodione), Apron 35J (metalaxyl), and Tachigaren (hymexazol) decreased B. japonicum survival and the nodulation and yield of soybeans and thus cannot be considered compatible with soybean seed inoculation.     

Einfluss der düngungsmethoden auf die entwicklung von zuckerrübenkrankheiten

Während neunjähriger (1994-2002) Untersuchungen in der Versuchsanstalt Ba?cyny (Fahlerde, Fall-Gleyboden, ausgebildet aus leichtem Lehmboden) wurde der Befall mit Krankheiten an der Zuckerrübe in Abhängigkeit von der Düngungsmethode bewertet. Folgende Methoden wurden angewendet: A - Mineraldünger, B - Stalldung und Mineraldünger, C - Stroh-, Gründung und Mineraldünger, D - Kompostdünger und Biopräparate (ökologische Düngung). Auf den Objekten A, B, C wurden bei konstanter Phosphor-Kalium-Düngung die Stickstoffgaben von 0 bis 180 kg.ha^?1 differenziert. Auf dem ökologischen Objekt D ohne Mineraldünger wurden statt Stickstoff die Biopräparate P₅₀₀ und P₅₀₁ verabreicht. Der geringste Befall von Krankheiten wurde an der Zuckerrübe auf jenem Objekt festgestellt, das mit Kompost und den Biopräparaten gedüngt worden war. Im Rahmen der konventionellen Düngungsmethoden wurde allgemein die höchste Intensität der Krankheiten an der mit Stroh, Gründung und Mineraldünger gedüngten Zuckerrübe beobachtet. Ausnahmen von dieser Regel bildete das Vorkommen von echtem Mehltau und Keimlingsfäule. Auf den Objekten A, B, C nahm die Intensität der Krankheiten mit der Steigerung der Stickstoffgabe zu. Auch die auf Objekt D verabreichten Biopräparate stimulierten die Entwicklung der Krankheiten. The effect of various fertilization methods on the diseases of sugar beet was estimated on the basis of nine-year studies (1994-2002) conducted in the Experimental Production Farm in Ba?cyny on loess-based, sedimentary-gley, light-clay soil. The following fertilization methods were applied: A - mineral fertilization, B - mineral and manure fertilization, C - straw, green manure and mineral fertilization, D - ecological compost and biodynamic preparations fertilization. In the objects A, B and C fertilized with phosphorus and potassium, various doses of nitrogen ranging from 0 to 180 kg/ha^?1 were used. In the ecological object D, where mineral fertilization was not used, biodynamic preparations P₅₀₀ and P₅₀₁ were applied instead of nitrogen. The lowest ratio of the diseases of sugar beet was observed in the object fertilized with the compost and biodynamic preparations. In view of the conventional fertilization methods, generally the highest incidence of diseases was noted in the sugar beet fertilized with straw, green manure and mineral fertilizers. The exception was the occurrence of powdery mildew and the black leg. In objects A, B and C the incidence of the diseases increased with the increase in nitrogen doses. The applied biodynamical preparations in the object D stimulated the development of diseases too.     

Prospects for control of Pythium damping-off of lettuce with Trichoderma,Gliocladium and Enterobacter spp.

Summary Damping-off of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) caused by Pythium ultimum was studied in pots containing a non-sterile potting mix in the glasshouse. Fifty P. ultimum sporangia g^-1 compost reduced the plant stand to 15% and shoot dry weight to 18%, but this reduction was totally prevented by applying Trichoderma harzianum at 2×10⁵ viable propagules g^-1 potting mix. Gliocladium virens and Enterobacter cloacae also alleviated the damping-off. E. cloacae did not adversely affect the action of the fungal antagonists. The co-existence of the bacterial and fungal antagonists was revealed on the root surface and inner surface of the testa by scanning electron microscopy, indicating the compatibility of the biocontrol agents.     

细菌、真菌及植物氮营养信号研究进展

氮素吸收代谢是所有生物生命活动的核心部分,因此,各种生物对氮的吸收与同化过程都有精细的调节。这种调节依赖于生物对体内氮素状况信号及体外（生长介质中）氮素信号的感受。过去几十年中,在细菌、真菌中已经对氮素营养信号有了较好的研究,而植物中则相对缓慢,但也有了一定的认识。本文重点比较细菌、真菌及植物中氮信号系统的组成,以期为进一步认识植物中的氮信号接受与转导系统提供启示。     

Aircraft operations near concentrations of birds in Antarctica: The development of practical guidelines

Aircraft operations have the potential to disturb and to impact negatively on bird life. A gradient of increasing behavioural response is evident in birds when exposed to increasing aircraft stimulus. The most major disturbance is likely to lead to impacts on the health, breeding performance and survival of individual birds, and perhaps bird colonies. A process of revision to policies on aircraft operations contained in management plans for a number of specially protected areas in Antarctica by the United Kingdom, accompanied by consultations made within the scientific community through the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) and with operational interests through the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programmes (COMNAP) resulted in new guidelines being adopted by the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties in June 2004. The principal recommendations of the guidelines are that bird colonies should not be overflown below 2000 ft (∼610 m) above ground level and landings within 1/2 nautical mile (∼930 m) of bird colonies should be avoided wherever possible. These guidelines are less stringent and less specific than those that were recommended by the SCAR specialist group on birds, and represent a compromise to accommodate operational needs. While the adoption of clear and consistent guidelines for the operation of aircraft in Antarctica is welcome in that this provides practical advice that is likely to reduce incidences of close aircraft/bird encounters, there remains insufficient knowledge of the interactions between aircraft and birds in Antarctica, and the consequent impacts on individual birds and on bird populations. It is important, therefore, that the guidelines adopted are considered interim, and should be kept under scrutiny with revisions made as new and improved research results appear.     

The abundance of heterocystous blue-green algae in rice soils and inocula used for application in rice fields

Summary Algal populations were quantified (as colony-forming units [CFU] per square centimetre) in 102 samples of rice soils from the Philippines, India, Malaysia and Portugal, and in 22 samples of soil-based inocula from four countries. Heterocystous blue-green algae (BGA) were present in all samples. Nostoc was the dominant genus in most samples, followed by Anabaena and Calothrix. In soils, heterocystous BGA occurred at densities ranging from 1.0 × 10² to 8.0 × 10⁶ CFU/cm² (median 6.4 × 10⁴) and comprised, on average, 9% of the total CFU of algae. Their abundance was positively correlated with the pH and the available P content of the soils. In soil-based inocula, heterocystous BGA occurred at densities ranging from 4.6 × 10⁴ to 2.8 × 10⁷ CFU/g dw (dry weight), comprising only a moderate fraction (average 13%) of the total algae. In most soils, the density of indigenous N₂-fixing BGA was usually higher than that attained by applying recommended rates of soil-based inoculum. Whereas research on the practical utilization of BGA has been mostly directed towards inoculation with foreign strains, our results suggest that attention should also be given to agricultural practices that enhance the growth of indigenous strains already adapted to local environmental conditions.Maître de Recherches ORSTOM (France), Visiting Scientist at IRRI