北京百花山森林枯落物层和土壤层水文效应研究

对百花山4种林分枯落物层和土壤层的水文效应进行了初步研究。结果表明:1核桃楸林枯落物的总蓄积量为9.99 t/hm2,最大持水量为27.72 t/hm2,有效拦蓄量为29.55 t/hm2;华北落叶松林枯落物的总蓄积量为10.27 t/hm2,最大持水量为12.84 t/hm2,有效拦蓄量为13.53 t/hm2;黑桦林枯落物的总蓄积量为7.04 t/hm2,最大持水量为19.01 t/hm2,有效拦蓄量为19.18 t/hm2;辽东栎林枯落物的总蓄积量为8.22 t/hm2,最大持水量为14.72 t/hm2,有效拦蓄量为18.33 t/hm2。2半分解层枯落物浸泡8 h已基本达到饱和,而未分解层10 h基本达到饱和,持水量与浸泡时间的关系为Q=aln(t) b;枯落物在浸水的前半小时内吸水速率最大,4 h左右时下降速度明显减缓,枯落物吸水速率与浸泡时间的关系为V=ktn。3辽东栎林土壤层持水能力最强,为266.22 t/hm2,黑桦林土壤的持水能力最差,为219.39 t/hm2,利用幂函数对入渗速率与入渗时间进行拟合,其相关系数均在0.98以上。     

北京十三陵不同林分枯落物层和土壤层水文效应研究

对北京十三陵林场4种林分枯落物层及土壤层进行了初步研究.结果表明:①侧柏林枯落物的总蓄积量为3.67 t/hm2,最大持水量为8.54 t/hm2.有效拦蓄量为9.83 t/hm2;油松林枯落物的总蓄积量为12.44 t/hm2,最大持水量为20.45 t/hm2.有效拦蓄量为26.75 t/hm2;黄栌林枯落物的总蓄积量为12.29 t/hm2,最大持水量为21.81 t/hm2,有效拦蓄量为26.67 t/hm2;黄栌、油松混交林枯落物的总蓄积量为13.27 t/hm2,最大持水量为21.10 t/hm2,有效拦蓄量为27.29 t/hm2;②未分解层枯落物10 h基本达到饱和.半分解层在8 h已经达到饱和,持水量与浸泡时间的关系为Q=aln(t)+6;枯落物在浸水的0.5 h内吸水速率最大,4 h左右时下降速度明显减缓,枯落物吸水速率与浸泡时间的关系为V=ktn.③油松林土壤层持水能力最强,为206.9 t/hm22,黄栌、油松林土壤层的持水能力最差,为130.2 t/hm2,并利用幂函数对入渗速率和入渗时间进行拟合.     

华北土石山区典型森林枯落物层和土壤层水文效应

以河北省围场县北沟林场内4种不同林分的枯落物层和土壤层为研究对象,对其水文效应进行初步研究.结果衰明:(1)落叶松、油松混交林枯落物蓄积量最大,为12.28 t/hm2,最大持水量为24.60 t/hm,2,有效拦蓄量为27.19 t/hm2;油松林的枯落物蓄积量为11.74 t/hm2,最大持水量为19.30 t/hm2,有效拦蓄量为22.21 t/hm2;落叶松林的枯落物蓄积量为9.32 t/hm2,最大持水量为11.60 t/hm2,有效拦蓄量为16.20 t/hm2;落叶松白桦混交林的枯落物蓄积量为5.58 t/hm2,最大持水量为12.90 t/hm,2,有效拦蓄量为13.53 t/hm2.(2)半分解层枯落物浸泡8 h已基本达到饱和,而未分解层需浸泡10 h,通过分析得出持水量与浸泡时间的关系为Q=aln(t)+b;枯落物在浸水的前30 min内吸水速率最大,6 h左右时吸水速率明显减缓,枯落物吸水速率与浸泡时间的关系为V=ktn.(3)落叶松白桦混交林土壤层持水能力最强,为377.03 t/hm2;落叶松油松混交林土壤层的持水能力最差,为241.9 t/hm,2,利用幂函数对入渗速率与入渗时间进行拟合,其相关系数均在0.95以上.     

大兴安岭重度火烧迹地植被恢复过程中枯落物持水特征

以大兴安岭重度火烧迹地不同恢复年限落叶松(Larix gmelinii)人工林为研究对象,对植被恢复过程中枯落物蓄积量及其持水特性进行比较研究。结果表明:(1)重度火烧迹地经过植被恢复枯落物厚度和蓄积量增加,恢复24a枯落物厚度和蓄积量均最高,分别为3.42cm和6.04t/hm2。(2)植被恢复过程中枯落物层最大持水率为357.22%~576.41%,最大持水量为13.27~30.23t/hm2,有效拦蓄深为0.53~1.45mm。枯落物半分解与分解层最大持水量和有效拦蓄深均高于未分解层。在植被恢复过程中,枯落物最大持水量和有效拦蓄深均表现出逐渐增大的趋势。(3)枯落物浸水4h时,持水量均超过其最大值的80%,浸水14h后吸水基本达到饱和。枯落物持水量(W)和吸水速率(V)与浸水时间(t)可用W=kln t+p和V=ktn方程拟合,拟合结果极显著。     

小兴安岭不同森林类型枯落物储量及其持水特性比较

[目的]对小兴安岭主要森林类型林下枯落物蓄积量进行调查分析和持水特性研究,为该区森林生态服务功能评价提供重要依据和理论基础。[方法]选择6种典型森林类型设置样地测定枯落物现储量,并采用浸水法对枯落物持水特性进行测定,计算其最大拦蓄量和有效拦蓄量。[结果]主要森林类型枯落物蓄积量介于13.53~29.48t/hm2,大多是半分解层蓄积量高于未分解层。不同森林类型最大持水率与最大持水量表现不一致,其中最大持水率为243.19%~524.0%,最大持水量为56.81~106.90t/hm2。不同森林类型的最大拦蓄量与有效拦蓄量的表现也略有差异,最大拦蓄量为33.43~64.42t/hm2,有效拦蓄量为24.91~48.38t/hm2。枯落物层的持水率与浸泡时间呈显著对数关系,而吸水速率与浸泡时间呈显著幂函数关系。[结论]受树种特性、枯落物储量、分解速率及林龄的影响,该区不同森林类型林下枯落物储量及其持水特性差异显著。     

滦河典型林分枯落物层与土壤层的水文效应

[目的]研究滦河上游典型林分的枯落物层与土壤层的水文效应,为森林健康监测和评价提供依据。[方法]对滦河上游3种林分的枯落物层未分解层与半分解层进行调查研究。[结果](1)油松林的枯落物生物量为12.03t/hm2,最大持水量为19.4t/hm2,有效拦蓄量为23.52t/hm2;落叶松林的枯落物生物量为9.51t/hm2,最大持水量为11.9t/hm2,有效拦蓄量为17.03t/hm2;落叶松白桦混交林的枯落物生物量为5.54t/hm2,最大持水量为13.0t/hm2,有效拦蓄量为13.7t/hm2。(2)半分解层枯落物浸泡8h已基本达到饱和,而未分解层需浸泡10h。枯落物在浸水的前0.5h内吸水速率最大,6h左右时吸水速率明显减缓。(3)落叶松白桦混交林土壤层持水能力最强,为375.92t/hm2;油松林土壤层的持水能力最差,为248.04t/hm2。利用幂函数对入渗速率与入渗时间进行拟合,其相关系数R2均在0.98以上。[结论]油松林枯落物层的生物量、最大持水量、有效拦蓄量都最大,而落叶松白桦混交林枯落物的土壤持水能力最强。     

塔里木河上游不同森林类型枯落物的持水特性

对塔里木河上游4种森林类型(灰胡杨杜梨混交林、灰胡杨林、胡杨林、柽柳灌木林)林下枯落物蓄积量调查分析和持水特性进行研究。结果表明:(1)不同森林类型林下枯落物半分解层蓄积量、最大持水量、最大拦蓄量、有效拦蓄量与有效拦蓄深均大于未分解层。(2)枯落物总蓄积量、最大持水量、最大拦蓄量、有效拦蓄量与有效拦蓄深大小顺序为灰胡杨林柽柳林胡杨林混交林,灰胡杨林各指标分别为5.45t/hm2,7.83t/hm2,10.63t/hm2,8.73t/hm2,0.87mm,其持水蓄水能力最强。(3)不同森林类型林下枯落物持水量、吸水速率与浸水时间的动态变化规律基本相似。枯落物持水量随浸泡时间延长而增长,在水中浸泡16h时,其持水量基本达到最大值;未分解层和半分解层吸水速率在0.5h最快,随时间延长吸水速率逐渐减缓,10h后明显减缓,未分解层和半分解层吸水速率基本趋向一致。在枯落物持水作用较强的前2h内,吸水速率最快的为柽柳林,其次为灰胡杨林。(4)未分解层和半分解层持水率同浸泡时间呈显著对数关系(Y=aln t+b),吸水速率与浸泡时间呈显著幂函数关系(V=ktn)。综上所述,塔里木荒漠区灰胡杨林表现出较好的水土保持与涵养水源能力,建议在今后森林经营中选择灰胡杨为造林树种,并采取适当的森林健康调节措施,以充分发挥森林的水源涵养功能。     

元阳梯田水源区优势树种枯落物水文特性

对元阳梯田水源区优势树种枯落物水文特性的研究,有利于进一步揭示森林的水源涵养功能。通过野外调查采样与室内试验分析,对元阳梯田优势树种枯落物储量、持水能力、拦蓄能力以及持水过程进行了研究。结果表明:枯落物总储量为6.06~8.2t/hm~2,半分解层的枯落物储量绝大多数要大于未分解层;枯落物总厚度为6.1~8.8cm,半分解层厚度大于未分解层;枯落物半分解层自然含水率要明显高于未分解层;枯落物半分解层最大持水量要大于未分解层最大持水量,但是优势不明显,总枯落物层最大持水率为132.1%~247.3%;枯落物总的有效拦蓄量为2.07~8.01t/hm~2,其中未分解层的有效拦蓄量要大于半分解层;枯落物层持水量与吸水速率随时间变化过程中,在0~2h时间段内变化较大,浸水8h后,持水量与吸水速率两者的变化曲线均比较平缓,变化幅度较小;枯落物层持水量与浸水时间存在显著的对数关系,枯落物吸水速率与时间存在显著的幂函数关系。     

冀北山地油松和落叶松林下枯落物的水文效应

对河北省木兰围场国有林场内油松、落叶松人工林枯落物水文效应进行了调查。结果显示,油松、落叶松枯落物厚度分别为6.1和4.0cm,枯落物蓄积量为33.93和43.16t/hm2;浸泡24h后测定油松枯落物的含水量为268.10g,落叶松枯落物含水量为157.54g,二者的有效拦蓄量分别为30.07和57.56t/hm2。油松、落叶松林下枯落物持水量、吸水速率与浸水时间的变化规律基本一致,枯落物持水量与浸水时间存在对数曲线关系,而吸水速率与浸泡时间存在幂函数关系;枯落物浸水0～4h内吸水速率最大,4～8h内逐渐变缓,10h后其持水量基本达到最大值。     

北京百花山森林枯落物层和土壤层水文效应研究

对百花山4种林分枯落物层和土壤层的水文效应进行了初步研究。结果表明：①核桃楸林枯落物的总蓄积量为9．99t／hm^2，最大持水量为27．72t／hm^2，有效拦蓄量为29．55t／hm^2；华北落叶松林枯落物的总蓄积量为10．27t／hm^2，最大持水量为12．84t／hm^2，有效拦蓄量为13．53t／hm^2；黑桦林枯落物的总蓄积量为7．04t／hm^2，最大持水量为19．01t／hm^2，有效拦蓄量为19．18t／hm^2；辽东栎林枯落物的总蓄积量为8．22t／hm^2，最大持水量为14．72t／hm^2，有效拦蓄量为18．33t／hm^2。②半分解层枯落物浸泡8h已基本达到饱和，而未分解层10h基本达到饱和，持水量与浸泡时间的关系为Q=aln（t）＋b；枯落物在浸水的前半小时内吸水速率最大，4h左右时下降速度明显减缓，枯落物吸水速率与浸泡时间的关系为V=kt”。③辽东栎林土壤层持水能力最强，为266．22t／hm^2，黑桦林土壤的持水能力最差，为219．39t／hm^2，利用幂函数对人渗速率与人渗时间进行拟合，其相关系数均在0．98以上。     

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