近35年中国耕地集约度时空变化特征分析

为对比分析全国各地区耕地集约利用时空变化特征,探索耕地集约度变化关键节点,利用1985—2016年省际面板数据,构建包含17项指标的耕地集约利用评价指标体系。基于主成分分析法综合评价各研究区域耕地集约利用水平,运用动态变化模型分析耕地集约度变化差异。结果表明:(1)在国家尺度上,耕地集约度总体表现为"缓慢上升—迅速增加"的趋势;(2)在区域尺度上,耕地集约利用水平具有明显的分异特征,东部地区耕地集约度最高,中部地区次之,东北、西南和西北地区集约利用水平有待提升;(3)在省域尺度上,耕地集约度受自然地理条件和经济发展状况影响较大,区域差异明显;(4)随着耕地集约度增速变缓、生产要素集约度降低和国家政策调整,"产量—生态"平衡下的可持续集约化将是耕地利用的发展方向。因此,未来应关注耕地集约利用的生态环境效益及风险,更好地促进耕地可持续集约利用。     

湖北省耕地利用效率的区域差异及提升对策

[目的]分析湖北省各县耕地利用效率的区域差异并探寻各研究单元(DMU)的优化空间,提出区域差别化的耕地利用效率提升对策。[方法]使用湖北省78个县域研究单元1987—2012年的耕地投入产出面板数据,构建CCR模型和超效率数据包络分析(DEA)模型。[结果]至2012年,湖北省县域单元耕地利用效率逐年下降,存在投入要素的冗余。(1)该省95%的单元化肥投入存在0%~87%的冗余率;(2)鄂西山区和鄂东南丘陵地区劳动力冗余率分别达到42%和52%;(3)农业机械投入同样在江汉平原与鄂西山区、鄂东南丘陵地区出现显著冗余,分别达到37%,45%和54%。[结论](1)该区域需减少化肥施用量;(2)鄂西山区和鄂东南丘陵地区应着力采取推动劳动力转移的政策以释放剩余农业劳动力;(3)鄂西山区和鄂东南丘陵地区应适当控制农业机械的投入,而适宜推广规模化种植的江汉平原可通过提高管理效率以提升农用机械利用效率,减少冗余。     

基于能值理论的中国耕地利用集约度时空变化分析

为揭示1990-2011年中国耕地利用集约度的时空变化特征,采用能值理论的研究方法,将耕地利用集约度分解为生产要素集约度和复种指数2个指标的乘积,剖析了中国农业机械、化肥、农药、农膜、劳动力等五大生产要素集约度和复种指数的时空变化规律。结果表明:1990-2011年,包括农业机械、化肥、农药和农膜4种生产要素的工业辅助能集约度呈线性增长趋势,而劳动集约度则呈现显著的线性下降趋势,1996年工业辅助能集约度在生产要素集约度中所占比例首次超过50%,表明20世纪90年代中期中国开始进入现代农业发展阶段;期间复种指数增长率为0.1794,其对于耕地利用集约度的提高起到了关键性作用;1996年劳动集约度高的主要是处于传统农业生产阶段中的西部农业省份,而工业辅助能集约度高的大都是初步或基本进入现代农业发展阶段的经济发展水平高或工业基础好的省份;1996-2008年,沿海经济发达区、西部地区和部分粮食主产区劳动集约度下降幅度较大而工业辅助能集约度上升幅度大;1996-2008年,复种指数下降是导致南方水稻主产区耕地利用集约度下降的主要原因,而绝大多数北方地区耕地利用集约度增长也主要是由于复种指数的增长。     

粮食主产区耕地集约利用及障碍因素诊断

耕地是土地的精华,其集约利用关系着国家粮食安全及经济社会的可持续发展。以河南省为研究对象,从投入强度、利用程度、产出效果和持续状态等方面构建耕地集约利用评价指标体系。采用突变级数模型和熵权系数法定量分析1996—2008年河南省耕地集约利用状况,并诊断耕地集约利用的障碍因素。研究表明:(1)1996—2008年河南省耕地集约利用度总体呈上升趋势,但受自然灾害影响,2002—2004年出现小幅波动;(2)1996—2008年河南省耕地的投入强度、利用强度、产出效果、持续状态等均总体呈增加态势;(3)河南省耕地集约利用的主要障碍因素是地均农电投入、地均农机动力、地均利润、城镇化水平等,因而政府应继续加大农业基础设施投入力度,提高农民积极性,增强农业抗灾能力。     

大渡河上游河谷与半山区耕地利用集约度及影响因素的对比分析

集约度变化是土地利用变化研究的核心问题,而目前对西部地区耕地利用集约度特征及原因解释的研究较少。该文采取参与式农村评估法（participatory rural appraisal,PRA）,以大渡河上游典型河谷与半山区为例,共调查农户357户,通过Tobit和OLS估计方法,定量对比分析了河谷与半山区耕地利用集约度及其影响因素。研究表明：河谷区和半山区在耕地利用集约度上存在显著差异。无论是资本集约度还是劳动集约度,河谷区均高于半山区。影响河谷与半山区耕地利用集约度差异的因素有承包耕地面积、人均实际耕地面积、家庭固定资产、离集镇的距离、二三产业收入、农业劳动力、年需换工数量、人情往来支出等。耕地资源禀赋和农业劳动力数量是导致集约度差异的关键因素,农业生产条件或环境和家庭收入水平对其有重要影响。     

辽宁省耕地利用可持续集约化水平及其影响因素

  目的  耕地利用可持续集约化是缓解粮食安全问题、减轻环境压力的可行模式,为明晰粮食主产区辽宁省耕地利用的可持续集约化现状和潜力,开展水平测度及影响因素的探究。  方法  创新性地采用超效率SBM模型测度2000 ~ 2019年辽宁省耕地利用可持续集约度,并运用Tobit模型探究影响因子。  结果  ① 2000 ~ 2019年,耕地利用的可持续集约度波动特征明显,整体略有增加,耕地单产和灌溉废水量对可持续集约度的影响较大。② 规模效率相较于纯技术效率对可持续集约度的影响更显著,规模效益也一直处于递增状态,增加人力、物力等要素投入会在较长时间内对可持续集约度有显著地提升作用。③ 农村劳动力高中及以上文化水平、种植结构以及农业收入占农村常住居民人均可支配收入比例对耕地利用的可持续集约度有显著正向影响,耕地受灾率有显著负向影响。  结论  科学提升耕地单位产量、有效管控灌溉用水量对于辽宁省耕地利用可持续集约化水平的提升有明显作用,增加化肥、农药、地膜等物质投入的有效利用率、建立农业应急防护体系是助推可持续集约化的有效途径。     

河南省耕地集约利用时空变化特征研究

耕地集约利用水平影响着国家粮食安全及区域的可持续发展,以河南省18个地级市为评价单元,采用最优组合赋权法、协调度评价模型、聚类分析法、GIS空间分析方法定量分析了1989—2008年间河南省耕地集约利用水平的时空变化特征。结果表明:1989—2008年间河南省耕地集约利用水平呈波动上升的趋势,其耕地投入强度和利用效益对耕地集约利用水平影响较大;省域范围内耕地集约利用水平空间差异显著,呈现4级分布,河南北部、东部、南部地区耕地集约利用水平较高,中部次之,西部相对较低;区域间投入强度、利用程度和利用效益差异明显,且出现错位发展。1989—2008年间河南省耕地集约利用水平逐步提高,平原地区的耕地集约利用水平高于山地丘陵地区,且向山地丘陵地区不断扩展,评价结果与现实情况基本一致。     

中国耕地利用强度分化特征及影响因素研究

中国耕地利用正在发生转型，呈现耕地集约化与边际化同时存在的现象，而这种双向变化会引起耕地利用强度发生分化。因此，在对耕地利用强度分化过程进行理论解释的基础上，通过修正变异系数构建区域耕地利用强度分化测度模型，测度中国2000-2014年耕地利用强度分化演变特征及区域差异影响因素。研究结果表明：全国及区域尺度耕地利用强度分化时间上基本呈扩张趋势，仅中部地区呈收缩特征，空间上呈"中部低，四周高"的分布特征；省域尺度耕地利用强度分化特征在时间上表现为大部分省份分化扩张，少部分省份收缩，而在空间上省域耕地利用分化程度弱于全国与区域尺度分化程度，省际之间耕地利用强度分化差异显著；农药化肥要素投入分化扩张特征更明显，其均衡性发展有助于区域耕地利用强度的提高；省域尺度耕地利用强度分化区域差异主要受耕地流转、劳均耕地规模等经营管理因素的影响，受耕地质量、地形起伏等自然条件影响相对较弱，同时，社会经济状况因子的作用效应较耕地经营状况和自然基础状况空间分异特征更明显。基于研究结果该文认为一方面需加强农业基础设施建设和农药化肥等生物化学投入管控，另一方面应不断完善土地市场、培育多种经营主体，整合农业生产要素，提高农民收入水平。     

武汉城市圈耕地集约利用时空分异特征

为加强对武汉城市圈耕地集约利用时空变化规律的认识,该文从投入强度、利用程度和产出效益3个方面构建了包含10项指标的耕地集约利用评价指标体系;以县级单元作为基本分析尺度,运用全局主成分分析方法,对划分的35个评价单元2002－2009年间的耕地集约利用水平进行综合评价,分析武汉城市圈耕地集约利用的时空分异特征。结果表明：2002－2009年,随着资本投入和科技投入的波动性增长,武汉城市圈耕地集约水平呈现出"稳定上升-平稳发展-阶段下降-迅速上升"的变化过程,平均分值由58.40提高至61.62,整体保持了增长态势;受区域地貌特征、耕作条件的影响,武汉城市圈各地区耕地集约利用水平差异显著,集约度较高的区域主要分布于东西沿江平原一线,南北丘陵山区耕地集约度较低,总体呈现"中间高、两翼低"的空间分异格局;但随着城市圈整体集约度的提高,各地区间耕地利用集约度的差异正在逐步缩小并趋于稳定;研究期内,各地区耕地集约度变化呈现明显的空间分异特征,多数地区耕地集约度变化呈现波动上升趋势,但城市圈中心武汉市区及其周边部分地区,由于耕地产值的大幅下降,耕地集约度有所下降。该文为武汉城市圈耕地集约利用水平的提高提供了科学依据。     

浙江省耕地利用集约度时空变化及其影响因素

以浙江省为例,利用2002-2011年浙江省及2012年各市土地利用变更数据和社会经济发展数据,从耕地投入强度、耕地产出、耕地利用程度及耕地可持续状况4个角度出发,选取12项评价因子构成耕地利用集约度评价体系,运用功效系数法对浙江省耕地利用集约状况从横向和纵向两个方面进行了综合评价,并对浙江省耕地集约利用影响因素进行了研究。结果表明,浙江省耕地利用集约度水平时序变化明显,近10 a来呈现波动性增长;耕地利用集约度区域差异性明显,呈现北高南低的态势;其中社会经济发展水平、农业发展水平及政策性因素是引起耕地利用集约度变化的主要因素。     

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