植稻年限对土壤铁锰氧化物的影响

以浙江不同耕作年限水田和旱地为研究对象,探讨了植稻年限对土壤铁锰氧化物的影响,并揭示了水稻土发育过程中铁锰氧化物的剖面运移规律和诊断意义。结果表明:①土壤剖面中,全Fe、游离Fe及全Mn的变异随着种稻时间的延长而增大。种植达到一定年限时,全Fe、全Mn以及游离Fe在土壤剖面下层出现淀积。在各种铁锰氧化物中,对水稻土最具诊断意义的是游离Fe和全Fe。②无定形Fe以及络合态Fe、Mn与有机质呈显著正相关。植稻年限对它们的影响是通过对有机质的影响达到的。     

雷州半岛典型铁铝土剖面土壤的表面电荷特征及其可变性

用采自广东省徐闻县的一个铁铝土剖面研究了不同层次土壤的表面电荷特征及电荷的可变性。结果表明,该剖面C层以下土壤的CEC小于88 mmol kg-1,土壤游离氧化铁在140.9~220.3 g kg-1之间,为典型可变电荷土壤。土壤表面正电荷的数量及pH改变一个单位时表面正电荷的变化量均随土壤游离氧化铁含量的增加而增加。当pH4.0时,土壤氧化铁对表面负电荷的贡献很小;但有机质的增加会使这一pH范围内土壤表面负电荷的可变性增加。该剖面土壤的PZSE高于PZNC,但两者均随土壤游离氧化铁含量的增加而增大。     

江西低丘红壤性水稻土的主要化学特性研究

三个红壤性水稻土的有机质和腐殖质的含量由淹育型水稻土→潴育型水稻土→潜育型水稻土依次逐渐增加,其C/N和H/P比值也顺次增大。它们的粘土矿物组成无明显差异。铁、锰物质在潴育型水稻土剖面中分异最明显,其次为淹育型水稻土;而无定形氧化铁在剖面中变幅最大却是潜育型水稻土;结晶态铁在土壤剖面中分异亦有一定规律,其中潴育型水稻土的指示性土层(W层)的晶胶率(结晶铁/无定形铁)远较其它土层为高,这种变化特性的差异,对区分不同水分作用的水稻土发育类型有一定的特殊意义;土壤络合态铁与土壤有机质含量有关。土壤氧化锰与土壤氧化铁相比虽然含量低,但对土壤氧化还原条件反应更加敏感,所以在土壤剖面中淋移趋势更加明显。     

不同植稻年限土壤剖面基本性质与水-氮分布的关系

在江汉平原典型农业区选定不同水稻种植年限(2、18、100a)的稻田,采用野外调查与室内分析相结合的方法,量化不同稻田土壤剖面基本性质和水–氮分布特征,以揭示内在原因,探讨适宜不同水稻种植年限稻田的水–氮管理方式,为提高稻田水–氮利用率和减少稻田面源污染提供科学依据。结果表明:对于不同水稻种植年限农田,土壤剖面基本性质差异明显。耕作层和犁底层厚度随水稻种植年限的延长而增加;土壤有机质在耕作层富集,且随水稻种植年限的延长含量增加;耕作层土壤容重随水稻种植年限的延长而减小,犁底层土壤容重则增大;受耕作和淋溶条件的影响,犁底层和心土层的黏粒含量随水稻种植年限的延长而增加;饱和导水率(Ks)随水稻种植年限的延长而降低,犁底层Ks差异较大,2、18、100a稻田犁底层Ks分别为37.02、8.45、3.11cm/d。土壤剖面基本性质的差异影响水–氮的剖面分布特征。土壤水分和硝态氮含量随水稻种植年限的延长而增加,2、18、100 a稻田土壤剖面(0～100 cm)平均含水量分别为0.39、0.46、0.54cm3/cm3,硝态氮含量分别为3.75、6.27、9.85mg/kg。铵态氮储量远低于硝态氮储量,且受水稻种植年限影响较小;2、18、100 a稻田土壤剖面铵态氮与硝态氮储量比值分别为0.61、0.39和0.30。在灌溉和施肥方式上,水稻种植年限短的稻田适合少量多次的管理方式以减少渗漏损失;而年限长的稻田可适当提高单次灌溉量以减少灌溉次数,进而减少劳力消耗。     

聚合氨基酸对北方水稻土中氧化铁存在形态的影响

为了解不同类型水稻土中氧化铁含量特征,探明添加外源聚合氨基酸对水稻土中氧化铁形态变化的影响,本研究以中国北方不同类型水稻土(棕壤型、草甸土型和滨海盐渍型)为研究对象,设置添加占供试土壤干重0.05%的γ-聚谷氨酸和聚天冬氨酸处理,以不添加氨基酸作为对照。通过室内恒温厌氧培养30 d后,测定各水稻土全铁、游离氧化铁、无定形氧化铁和络合态铁含量及氧化铁的活化和络合程度。结果表明:供试的北方3种典型水稻土中,游离氧化铁含量为滨海盐渍型草甸土型≥棕壤型,络合态铁含量为棕壤型滨海盐渍型≥草甸土型,而无定形氧化铁含量为棕壤型滨海盐渍型草甸土型。两种外源聚合氨基酸对不同类型水稻土氧化铁形态转化能力影响存在差异,与不添加氨基酸的对照相比,添加γ-聚谷氨酸的棕壤型水稻土无定形氧化铁和络合态铁含量分别增加27.72%和32.25%,聚天冬氨酸对无定形氧化铁和络合态铁含量无显著促进作用;在草甸土型水稻土中,γ-聚谷氨酸和聚天冬氨酸均能显著增加无定形氧化铁含量,且与对照相比,络合态铁含量分别增加136.24%和12.00%;γ-聚谷氨酸能有效促进滨海盐渍型水稻土中无定形氧化铁和络合态铁的生成。总之,添加γ-聚谷氨酸和聚天冬氨酸对水稻土游离氧化铁的含量没有明显影响;而添加γ-聚谷氨酸能有效增加水稻土中无定形氧化铁和络合态铁含量,降低晶胶率,有利于提高土壤中有效铁含量,显著活化铁氧化物,抑制各类型水稻土中铁的结晶老化;而聚天冬氨酸对水稻土无定形氧化铁和络合态铁没有明显的激发效应。     

氧化还原条件下有机物料对酸性土壤pH、铁形态和铜吸附解吸的影响

研究了添加有机物料对水稻土、红壤和砖红壤在干湿交替一次以后土壤pH、铁的形态和对铜吸附解吸行为的影响。结果表明,添加有机物料使得土壤pH升高,且随着有机物料加入量的增加而升高。与对照相比,添加有机物料可使水稻土、红壤和砖红壤的pH分别上升1.55、0.8和1.33个pH单位。红壤和砖红壤中无定形氧化铁含量增加,而水稻土中变化不大。在铜的平衡浓度为0.2 mmol/L时,添加有机物料培养可使水稻土、红壤和砖红壤铜的吸附量分别增加6.7、10.3和3.6 mmol/kg。     

桂西北环境移民安置区新垦土地土壤质量与可持续利用研究——土壤肥力特征

本文对环江肯福环境移民安置示范区所采 88个表层土样及 4个剖面土样有机质 ,全氮 ,全磷 ,全钾 ,水解氮 ,速效磷 ,速效钾 ,pH等指标进行了测定。结果表明该区表层土壤有机质含量较高 ,土壤氮相对丰富 ,钾含量偏低 ,磷严重缺乏 ,pH偏酸性。土壤剖面发育完整 ,在土壤剖面中有机质、氮、速效磷、交换性钾主要聚集在 2 0cm的表层土壤中 ,全磷随深度的增加而降低 ,全钾和 pH值则随土壤深度增加而上升     

蒙山茶园土壤组分对铝吸附解吸热力学特征的影响

采用间歇法和振荡平衡法,通过实验室模拟,研究了蒙山茶园土壤(紫色土和黄壤)原土及各粒级组分对铝吸附解吸的热力学特征,并分析土壤有机质、游离氧化铁和CEC对其吸附解吸的影响。结果表明:(1)不同土壤原土及各粒级组分对铝的吸附量都随铝离子浓度的增大而增加,且各粒级土壤对铝的吸附量不同,表现为土壤颗粒比表面越大,有机质、游离氧化铁和CEC越高,其吸附量越大。紫色土原土及各粒级组分对铝的等温吸附过程用Freundlich方程描述最佳,说明紫色土对铝的吸附是多层吸附;而黄壤原土及各粒级组分对铝的等温吸附过程则用Langmuir方程描述最佳,说明黄壤对铝的吸附以单层吸附为主。(2)紫色土原土及各粒级组分对铝的解吸率表现出以下关系:粗砂粒原土细砂粒粉粒粘粒,黄壤原土及各粒级组分对铝的解吸率则表现出以下关系:细砂粒粗砂粒原土粉粒粘粒,两者解吸率的大小关系均与其有机质及游离氧化铁相反,表明两种土壤的原土及各粒级组分中有机质和游离氧化铁越高,其专性吸附率就越高,从而解吸率越小,说明土壤有机质和游离氧化铁影响土壤对铝的固持能力。(3)土壤最大吸附量与有机质、游离氧化铁含量和CEC都表现出显著或极显著的正相关关系,而其最大解吸率也均与有机质、游离氧化铁含量和CEC表现出显著或极显著的负相关关系。     

水稻根际中铁的形态转化

本文以熟化红壤性水稻土、淀浆白土、红壤和赤红壤为样品,研究了植稻后根际中铁的形态转化.结果表明,两种水稻土根际中无定形氧化铁、游离氧化铁、络合态铁、土壤中氧化铁的活化度及两种红壤上根际中的络合态铁均低于非根际土;而两种红壤上其余各项在根际内外分布趋势均与水稻土相反.用穆斯堡尔谱仪分析表明,所有根际土与非根际土相比,四极矩分裂增大,内磁场下降,说明根际中氧化铁被活化.同时,水稻土上根际中Fe²⁺增多,赤红壤中根际出现新矿物磁赤铁矿.根际中铁被活化,可能会影响根际中重金属等污染物的吸附和解吸特性、植物的铁素营养及对其它养分的吸收.     

贵州雷公山土壤发生学性状的垂直变化特征研究

为了解我国亚热带山地土壤发生学性状随海拔的垂直变化特点,选择位于亚热带常湿润气候区的贵州省雷公山作为研究对象,调查与采样分析了不同海拔高度的17个土壤剖面的理化性状及其与海拔的关系。结果表明,雷公山土壤的众多发生学性状与海拔高度存在显著的相关,随着海拔的升高,呈现土壤矿物质风化减弱而有机质和养分积累增强的变化趋势。表土层厚度、砾石、有机质、全氮和全磷含量、腐殖质的H/F比,土壤粉砂含量、粉黏比、CEC、ba值、氧化铁活化度、黏粒Sa值、黏粒矿物中蛭石和云母相对比例均随海拔的升高而增加;而土体厚度、表土胡敏酸E4/E6比值、土壤黏粒含量、游离氧化铁含量、氧化铁游离度和黏粒矿物中高岭石相对比例则随海拔升高而下降。研究土壤酸化明显,pH和盐基饱和度普遍较低,随海拔升高的变化趋势不明显。研究认为,雷公山地区土壤发生学性状主要受现代成土环境影响,随海拔变化的温度可能是控制这一地区土壤空间变异的主要因素。区内土壤主要发生学性状随海拔升高呈波动状变化,多数发生学性状具有协同变化的特征;不同地理发生学分类土壤带间发生学性状存在一定的差异。根据中国土壤系统分类,研究区土壤类型主要为淋溶土和雏形土,二者也不存在海拔上的明显分界,而呈现复合分布。     

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