射流撞击式低压喷头设计与水力性能试验

为分散喷头主射流,提高喷头的喷洒均匀度,使喷头适用于农业低压喷灌,该研究结合射流与撞击流提出了一种射流撞击式旋转喷头。首先对比了射流撞击喷头与射流不撞击喷头的水力性能,通过正交试验分析了各结构参数值对射程和组合均匀系数的影响,得到副喷嘴结构优化参数,最后将优化后的射流撞击喷头与改进前的传统15PY2喷头进行水力性能及水滴粒径分布对比。研究结果表明,射流撞击使射程末端水量高点降低,同时射程得到提升,射程平均提升4.39%,在相同压力及组合间距下覆盖范围更大。影响喷头工作性能的结构参数依次为副喷管长度、副喷嘴进口锥角、副喷管内径、副喷嘴仰角,而副喷嘴仰角对射程与组合均匀系数影响最大,15型射流撞击喷头最佳结构参数组合为：副喷管长度20 mm、副喷嘴进口锥角55°、副喷管内径6 mm、副喷嘴仰角33°。射流撞击喷头在压力150～300 kPa下组合均匀系数和综合评分均高过传统15PY2喷头,组合均匀系数平均提升4.84%,综合性能平均提升4%,证明了射流撞击应用于旋转式喷头具有优势。在射程前中段,150和250 kPa下射流撞击喷头水滴直径更大;在射程后段,150 kPa下射流撞击喷头水滴直径更大,但在250 kPa下水滴直径更小。研究所得到的喷头结构及结论可为后续研究射流撞击对水力性能的影响提供参考。     

负压反馈射流喷头主副喷嘴直径及流道结构参数的优化

负压反馈射流喷头是一种基于射流脉冲特性设计的全圆旋转灌溉喷头。喷头的主副喷嘴尺寸组合对该型喷头脉冲特性和水力性能影响较大。为确定主副喷嘴直径的设计区间及各流道结构参数对喷头性能的影响,首先利用单因素数值模拟方法确定具有良好脉冲效果的主副喷嘴直径设计区间,再以进口流量和射程为评价指标,进行了九因素四水平正交试验。采用极差分析法和相对影响指数评价法处理正交试验结果,得到了喷头主副喷嘴最佳尺寸组合与内部最优流道参数,加工优化后样机进行优化前后喷头水力性能对比试验和数值模拟验证试验。结果表明,在0.15～0.30 MPa工作压力范围内,主、副喷嘴直径的设计区间分别为4.0～4.5 mm、3.5～4.5 mm,最优流道结构具体参数为位差比0.475、侧壁倾角12.0°、劈距比9.0、深宽比2.5、相对曲率半径比3.0、主副喷管相对长度组合8 cm×6 cm、主副喷嘴组合4.5 mm×3.5 mm、仰角30°。优化后的样机比优化前的进口流量降低了12.1%～14.6%、射程增加了6.5%～9.4%,优化后喷头的中近程降水深较优化前减小,远处降水深增加。优化后试验值与模拟值的归一化均方根误差指标分别为4.2%和6.7%,说明优化效果较好,水体模型精度较高。研究提出的最优流道结构参数及研究过程可为喷头后续设计提供参考。     

压力补偿灌水器水力性能影响因素分析

压力补偿灌水器以其补偿性能好、灌水均匀、铺设长度长等优点得到广泛应用。但由于影响压力补偿灌水器水力性能的因素比较复杂,因此造成压力补偿灌水器设计和优化的困难。该文通过理论分析确定影响压力补偿灌水器水力性能的关键因素包括压力调节腔出水口位置、出水口直径、压力调节腔凸台高度、直径、小槽宽度、弹性膜片的材料性能与厚度,并进一步通过水力性能试验研究了这些关键因素对灌水器水力性能的影响。结果表明:压力调节腔出水口距离越远,流量调节性能越差;压力调节腔出口直径增大会导致工作区间减小;凸台高度应该0.3 mm,否则无补偿效果;凸台直径的改变对灌水器性能影响不大;槽宽的增大有利于提高压力补偿过程的平稳性,但减弱流量调节性能;膜片硬度对补偿效果影响很大,硬度为50 HA时补偿效果最优;膜片厚度的增加可减缓高压阶段流量随压力增长而下降的趋势,有利于灌水器在高压工况下保持流量稳定。研究为压力补偿灌水器的设计和优化提供了参考。     

利用CFD-DEM耦合的水射流清洗猪粪过程数值模拟与试验

为探究水射流清洗猪粪的过程和效果，利用计算流体力学和离散元法（computational fluid dynamics-discrete element method，CFD-DEM）耦合对水射流清洗猪粪过程进行数值模拟。结果表明：1）水射流清洗猪粪过程分为三个阶段：自由射流清洗、淹没射流清洗、冲击强化，水射流到达猪粪层表面后0.45 s内清洗效率最高；2）在同结构参数和工作压力下，锥形喷嘴清洗效果优于直锥形喷嘴，连续清洗0.45 s时刻锥形喷嘴清洗量比直锥形喷嘴高约0.83%；3）锥形喷嘴最大水平清洗移速与清洗目标深度、工作压力负相关，与喷嘴出口直径无明显关系，其中清洗目标深度影响最大。该研究提出了60%含水率的猪粪颗粒粗粒建模方法，并通过清洗试验验证了耦合仿真的有效性，研究结果可为畜禽粪污清洗装备的设计与优化提供理论参考。     

射流喷嘴几何参数对喷灌泵自吸性能的影响

为探索射流喷嘴几何参数对射流式自吸喷灌泵自吸性能的影响规律,该文选择射流喷嘴的喷管总长L1、喷管角度θ、出口长度L2及出口直径D2为变化因素,按L9(34)正交试验的方法设计了9种不同参数的射流喷嘴,通过数值模拟得到使用9种不同射流喷嘴的泵自吸过程气液两相体积流率、叶轮进口速度、叶轮进口气相体积分布及叶轮气相体积分布规律。分析结果表明:射流喷嘴几何参数对射流式自吸喷灌泵气相及液相流率影响的主次顺序为D2>L2>L1>θ;对叶轮进口速度影响的主次顺序为L2>θ>D2>L1;对叶轮进口气相体积分布影响的主次顺序为θ>L1>D2>L2;对叶轮气相体积分布影响的主次顺序为D2>θ>L1>L2;对该射流式自吸喷灌泵射流喷嘴各几何参数最佳组合为射流喷嘴的喷管总长L1=55mm、喷管角度θ=42°、出口长度L2=2mm及出口直径D2=13mm。研究结果可为射流式自吸离心泵射流喷嘴的设计提供参考。     

免耕播种机开沟圆盘水射流淬火工艺数值模拟及验证

针对免耕播种机开沟圆盘整体淬火后硬度不足且易翘曲变形的问题,该文提出一种水冲击射流淬火方法,利用DEFORM软件对开沟圆盘淬火过程中的硬度和翘曲变形量进行数值模拟,分析了射流阵列参数(喷嘴间距、喷嘴直径和射流速度)对淬火结果的影响,并对工艺参数的优选数值进行了试验验证,二者显示了较好的一致性。结果表明:喷嘴间距是关键工艺参数,当喷嘴间距取4~5 mm时,开沟圆盘可以整体淬透,硬度达到45~49 HRC。开沟圆盘的变形量与喷嘴间距呈抛物线关系,当喷嘴间距取5~6 mm时,变形量达到最大值1.80×10-2~3.30×10-2 mm,淬透后变形量较小。随射流速度的增大,开沟圆盘硬度及变形量均增加,当射流速度为1~6 m/s时,增幅较大,当射流速度6 m/s时,增幅趋缓。在喷嘴直径为4~12 mm范围内,开沟圆盘硬度及变形量均随喷嘴直径加大而增加。优化后的工艺参数为:喷嘴间距为4~5 mm,喷嘴直径为6~8 mm,射流速度为3~6 m/s;此时,开沟圆盘硬度可达45~49 HRC,变形量为1.28×10-2~2.49×10-2 mm。     

滴灌用黄河水泥沙分离试验研究（简报）

针对农业滴灌中黄河水泥沙含量高的问题,将碟式分离机与FXJ-150-I型水力旋流器串联用于黄河水泥沙分离。采用正交试验、极差和方差分析研究了串联分离设备参数对溢流量和溢流颗粒D50的影响。试验结果表明：影响溢流量的参数主次排列为旋流入口压力、旋流器底流口直径和转鼓转速, 而影响溢流D50的参数主次排列为旋流入口压力、转鼓转速和底流口直径。考虑试验因素对溢流量和溢流中粒径D50影响程度的大小以及它们在分离中所起作用的大小,优化了串联分离设备参数：旋流入口压力为0.06 MPa、底流口直径为12 mm、转鼓转速为3500 r/min。     

滴灌用黄河水泥沙分离试验研究

针对农业滴灌中黄河水泥沙含量高的问题,将碟式分离机与FXJ-150-Ⅰ型水力旋流器串联用于黄河水泥沙分离.采用正交试验、极差和方差分析研究了串联分离设备参数对溢流量和溢流颗粒D50的影响.试验结果表明:影响溢流量的参数主次排列为旋流入口压力、旋流器底流口直径和转鼓转速,而影响溢流D50的参数主次排列为旋流入口压力、转鼓转速和底流口直径.考虑试验因素对溢流量和溢流中粒径D50影响程度的大小以及它们在分离中所起作用的大小,优化了串联分离设备参数:旋流入口压力为0.06 MPa、底流口直径为12 mm、转鼓转速为3500 r/min.     

基于CFD的射流自吸泵性能优化与试验

为提高射流自吸泵效率,该文选择关键结构参数射流器喉管直径、射流器出口直径、叶轮出口宽度和叶片数作为目标因素,设计四因素三水平正交试验,共9组试验。运用数值分析软件提供的湍流模型对各方案进行数值计算。通过极差分析确定性能最优参数组合,其中对效率影响最主要因素为喉管直径。以喉管直径为优化目标设计单一变量试验,分别在小流量点、额定流量点及大流量点进行数值计算,通过数据拟合得到正交试验最优参数组合在不同流量下以喉管直径为自变量的扬程、效率方程式,运用极值运算及加权平均得到最优喉管直径。试验结果表明:相比原型泵,优化模型在额定流量点效率提高约5%。该研究为同类泵的优化提供了一种较可靠的试验设计及数据处理方法。     

考虑工作压力的垂直摇臂式喷头可调结构参数优化与试验

为了使垂直摇臂式喷头运行时处于最优水力性能状态,采用中心复合试验设计与响应曲面分析对喷头的可调工作参数进行优化研究。以配重与旋转中心的距离、工作压力和喷嘴直径为变量,以喷灌变异系数、平均喷灌强度、正方形布置均匀系数和正三角形布置均匀系数为响应指标,建立了不同响应指标与变量的多元回归模型,研究了各因素及其交互作用对不同响应指标的影响。利用回归模型进行单目标与多目标的参数优化,并对其进行试验验证。结果表明:各因素对喷灌变异系数的影响顺序依次是:工作压力、喷嘴直径、配重与旋转中心的距离;对平均喷灌强度的影响顺序依次是:喷嘴直径、配重与旋转中心的距离、工作压力;对正方形布置均匀系数的影响顺序依次是:工作压力、配重与旋转中心的距离、喷嘴直径;对正三角形布置均匀系数的影响顺序依次是:工作压力、配重与旋转中心的距离、喷嘴直径。多目标优化下的最佳组合参数为:配重与旋转中心的距离116 mm、工作压力543 k Pa、喷嘴直径12.6 mm,其对应的喷灌变异系数、平均喷灌强度、正方形布置均匀系数和正三角形布置均匀系数分别为:0.27、6.37 mm/h、87.60%、87.93%,预测值与试验值的误差小于5%,预测回归模型具有较高的可信度。该研究可为垂直摇臂式喷头的设计以及合理调节配重与旋转中心的距离、工作压力和喷嘴直径使喷头运行时处于最优水力性能提供参考。     

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