The effect of application of organic manures and mineral fertilizers on the state of soil organic matter and nutrients in the long-term field experiment

Purpose

Soil organic matter (SOM) plays an important role in terrestrial ecosystems and agroecosystems. Changes in the agricultural sector in the Czech Republic within the past 25 years have had a negative impact on SOM content and contribute to gradual soil degradation. The aim of this study is to estimate the effect of long-term application of different mineral fertilizers (NPK) and organic manures (manure, cattle slurry) on soil chemical properties (quality of humus, available nutrients, and soil reaction).

Materials and methods

Soil samples were collected from Luvisol during two selected periods 1994–2003 and 2014–2016 from long-term field experiment carried out in Prague-Ruzyně (Czech Republic). Average annual temperature is 8.5 °C, and annual precipitations are 485 mm. Different fertilization regimes have been applied for 62 years. The crop rotation was as follows: cereals (45%), root crops (33%) and legumes (22%). Soil analysis—soil organic carbon (SOC) was determined by oxidimetric titration method. Short fractionation method for evaluation of humic substance (HS), humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA) content was used. Absorbance of HS in UV-VIS spectral range was measured by Varian Carry 50 Probe UV-VIS spectrometer. Degree of humification (DH) and color index (Q_4/6) were calculated from fractional composition data. Soil reaction was measured by potentiometric method. Available nutrients (phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium) were determined by Mehlich II and Mehlich I methods and by ICP-OES. For data analysis, the following are used: exploratory data analysis, ANOVA, and principal component analysis (PCA).

Results and discussion

PCA analysis differentiated fertilizers into two categories: (1) variant NPK (lower quality of humus)—higher acidity, lower SOC and HS content, predomination of FA, higher DH and lower content of available nutrients; (2) variants with organic manures (higher quality of humus)—lower acidity, higher SOC and HS content, predomination of HA, middle DH, and high content of available nutrients. The main result of presented study is to give a synthesis of effect of different type of fertilizers on a sustainable organic matter management in arable soils, with respect to yields, food security and adaptation to predict climate changes.

Conclusions

Long-term application of mineral fertilizers (NPK) without organic matter input can accelerate humus mineralization and soil quality degradation with all negative consequences such as (nitrogen leaching, higher availability of toxic element for plants, slow energy for soil microorganisms etc.). Application of organic fertilizers (manure and cattle slurry) helps to achieve the long-term stable yields while maintaining soil at optimum quality (long-term sustainable management with SOM). Principal component analysis is a useful tool for evaluation of soil quality changes.

     

Effects of biochar and polyacrylamide on decomposition of soil organic matter and <Superscript>14</Superscript>C-labeled alfalfa residues

Purpose

Various soil conditioners, such as biochar (BC) and anionic polyacrylamide (PAM), improve soil fertility and susceptibility to erosion, and may alter microbial accessibility and decomposition of soil organic matter (SOM) and plant residues. To date, no attempts have been made to study the effects of BC in combination with PAM on the decomposition of soil SOM and plant residues. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of BC, PAM, and their combination on the decomposition of SOM and alfalfa residues.

Materials and methods

An 80-day incubation experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of oak wood biochar (BC; 10 Mg ha^?1), PAM (80 kg ha^?1), and their combination (BC?+?PAM) on decomposition of SOM and ¹⁴C-labeled alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) residues by measuring CO₂ efflux, microbial biomass, and specific respiration activity.

Results and discussion

No conditioner exerted a significant effect on SOM decomposition over the 80 days of incubation. PAM increased cumulative CO₂ efflux at 55–80 days of incubation on average of 6.7 % compared to the soil with plant residue. This was confirmed by the increased MBN and MB¹⁴C at 80 days of incubation in PAM-treated soil with plant residue compared to the control. In contrast, BC and BC?+?PAM decreased plant residue decomposition compared to that in PAM-treated soil and the respective control soil during the 80 days. BC and BC?+?PAM decreased MBC in soil at 2 days of incubation indicated that BC suppressed soil microorganisms and, therefore, decreased the decomposition of plant residue.

Conclusions

The addition of oak wood BC alone or in combination with PAM to soil decreased the decomposition of plant residue.

     

Micronutrients (Fe,Mn, Zn and Cu) balance under long-term application of fertilizer and manure in a tropical rice-rice system

Purpose

The balance of micronutrients in soils is important in nutrient use efficiency, environmental protection and the sustainability of agro-ecological systems. The deficiency or excess of micronutrients in the plough layer may decrease crop yield and/or quality. Therefore, it is essential to maintain appropriate levels of micronutrients in soil, not only for satisfying plant needs in order to sustain agricultural production but also for preventing any potential build-up of certain nutrients.

Materials and methods

A long-term fertilizer experiment started in 1969 at Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, Odisha, India. Using this experiment, a study was conducted to analyze the balance of micronutrients and their interrelationship. The experiment was composed of ten nutrient management treatments viz. control; nitrogen (N); N + phosphorus (NP); N + potassium (NK); nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK); farmyard manure (FYM); N + FYM; NP + FYM; NK + FYM; and NPK + FYM with three replications. Micronutrients in soil (total and available), added fertilizers and organic manures and in rice plant were analyzed. Besides, atmospheric deposition of the micronutrients to the experimental site was also calculated. A micronutrient balance sheet was prepared by the difference between output and input of total micronutrients.

Results and discussion

Application of FYM alone or in combination with chemical fertilizer increased the diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (DTPA)-extractable Fe, Mn and Zn over the control treatment. The treatment with NPK + FYM had the highest soil DTPA-extractable Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu after 41 years of cropping and fertilization. Application of chemical fertilizers without P decreased the DTPA-extractable Zn over the control while the inclusion of P in the fertilizer treatments maintained it on a par with the control. The application of P fertilizer and FYM either alone or in combination significantly increased the contents of total Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu in soil mainly due to their micronutrient content and atmospheric depositions. A negative balance of Zn was observed in the N, NP, NK and NPK treatments, while a positive balance observed in the remaining treatments. The balance of Mn was negative in all the treatments, due to higher uptake by the rice crop than its addition.

Conclusions

Long-term application of chemical fertilizers together with FYM maintained the availability of micronutrients in soil and, thus, their uptake by rice crop.

     

Changes in the pH,EC, available P,SOC and TN stocks in a single rice paddy after long-term application of inorganic fertilizers and organic matters in a cold temperate region of Japan

Purpose

The objective of this study was to determine the changes in the main soil chemical properties including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), available phosphorus (P), soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) stocks after long-term (31 years) additions of two types of organic matters—rice straw and rice straw compost, combined with NPK fertilizers in single rice paddy in a cold temperate region of Japan.

Materials and methods

A long-term experiment on combined inorganic fertilizers and organic matters in paddy rice cultivation began in May 1982 in Yamagata, northeastern Japan. After the 31st harvest, soil samples were collected from five treatments [(1) PK, (2) NPK, (3) NPK + 6 Mg ha^?1 rice straw (RS), (4) NPK + 10 Mg ha^?1 rice straw compost (CM1), and (5) NPK + 30 Mg ha^?1 rice straw compost (CM3)] at five soil depths (0–5, 5–10, 10–15, 15–20, and 20–25 cm). Soil chemical properties of pH, EC, available P, SOC, and TN were analyzed.

Results and discussion

The pH decreased significantly only at the higher compost rate of 30 Mg ha^?1, while EC increased in all the organic matter treatments. Available P significantly increased in the CM1 and CM3 treatments by 55.1 and 86.4 %. The amounts of SOC stock increased by 67.2, 21.4, and 8.6 %, and soil TN stock by 64.1, 20.2, and 8.5 % in CM3, RS, and CM1, respectively, compared to NPK treatment.

Conclusions

Significant changes in soil properties were observed after 31 years of organic matter applications with reference to PK- and NPK-fertilized rice paddy soils. A significant decrease in pH was observed with the application of a high rate (30 Mg ha^?1) of rice straw compost but not with the conventional rate of 10 Mg ha^?1. However, EC increased significantly relative to that of the PK- and NPK-fertilized plots in all the organic matter treatments. Available P significantly increased in the CM1 and CM3 treatments by 55.1 and 86.4 %. The amounts of SOC stock expressed as a percentage of total C applied to the soil were higher from 10 Mg ha^?1 compost (28.7 %) than that from 6 Mg ha^?1 rice straw (17.4 %), indicating a more effective soil organic C accumulation from rice straw compost than that from original rice straw.

     

Competitive sorption of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) surfactants and the antibiotics sulfamethoxazole and ciprofloxacin in wastewater-irrigated soils of the Mezquital Valley,Mexico

Purpose

The increasing reuse of wastewater for irrigation introduces surfactants and antibiotics into the environment. How these two kinds of compounds interact with regard to their sorption processes in soil is not clear.

Materials and methods

We performed batch experiments to investigate the sorption of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) and its effect on sorption of sulfamethoxazole and ciprofloxacin in irrigated and non-irrigated soils with different organic matter (OM) contents.

Results and discussion

LAS sorption was non-linear in the presence of the antibiotics, and as general trend, it increased with rising OM content of soils. Free LAS was also removed from solution by complexation with Ca²⁺. Dissolved organic compounds released from soils with OM contents ≥18.4 g kg^?1 further reduced LAS sorption. Sorption of sulfamethoxazole was reduced by LAS sorption only in one soil with a small OM content of 9.5 g kg^?1.

Conclusions

The strong sorption of ciprofloxacin is not affected by LAS. Sulfamethoxazole sorption only competes with LAS sorption in organic matter-poor soils. Accumulation of organic matter in soils, for example due to long-term wastewater irrigation, provides extra sorption capacity for LAS and sulfamethoxazole so that competition for sorption sites is reduced.

     

Evolution of mercury content in agricultural soils due to the application of organic and mineral fertilizers

Purpose

Mercury pollution in agricultural soils associated to the use of fertilizers and its influence on crops is a cause of major concern. The purpose of this work was to investigate the impact of the application of different organic and mineral fertilizers on the Hg concentration in the agricultural soils and its uptake by barley.

Materials and methods

Hg concentration was studied through a field test in an agricultural land located in the province of Palencia (Spain) over a 5-year period. The impact of irrigation and of four different fertilizers (a mineral one and three different organic waste materials, namely municipal solid waste compost, sewage sludge, and dehydrated sewage sludge) was assessed. The amounts of the mineral and organic fertilizers added to the soil were determined according to agricultural fertilization needs. The experimental crop was barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), planted as an annual crop. Mercury analyses were conducted using a direct mercury analyzer and validated according to EPA Method 7473. BCR-141R was used as a certified reference material.

Results and discussion

After 5 years, whereas the application of the mineral fertilizer did not increase the mercury content in the agricultural soils, the application of the organic residues led to Hg contents 1.7–7.6 times higher than that of the control soil. The treatment with solid municipal waste compost (MSWC) led to the largest increase in Hg content in the soil, followed by composted sewage sludge (CSS) and by dehydrated sewage sludge (DSS). No significant differences were observed in the Hg content in the barley grains, although the highest values were associated to the sludge-treated plots.

Conclusions

The application of organic fertilizers such as sewage sludges and municipal solid wastes led to an increase in the mercury concentration in the agricultural soils, noticeable for soils with low initial Hg concentrations (similar to background levels). This increase differed depending on the type of waste and on the intra-organic matter diffusion mechanisms, as well as on the type of irrigation of the agricultural land. Conversely, no significant differences in the Hg content in grains were found among the soils with the different fertilization treatments, although the highest values were observed for those treated with sewage sludge. The resulting Hg levels in both soils and grains were within legal limits, posing no danger to the environment or to human health.

     

Role of woody biochar and fungal-bacterial co-inoculation on enzyme activity and metal immobilization in serpentine soil

Purpose

In this study, we investigated the effect of biochar (BC) and fungal bacterial co-inoculation (FB) on soil enzymatic activity and immobilization of heavy metals in serpentine soil in Sri Lanka.

Materials and methods

A pot experiment was conducted with tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) at 1, 2.5, and 5 % (w/w) BC ratios. Polyphenol oxidase, catalase and dehydrogenase activities were determined by idometric, potassium permanganate oxidisable, and spectrophotometric methods, respectively. Heavy metal concentrations were assessed by 0.01 M CaCl₂ and sequential extraction methods.

Results and discussion

An increase in BC application reduced polyphenol oxidase, dehydrogenase, and catalase activity. The application of FB increased soil dehydrogenase activity, with the maximum activity found in 1 % BC700?+?FB treatment. Moreover, the CaCl₂ extractable metals (Ni, Mn, and Cr) in 5 % BC700 amended soil decreased by 92, 94, and 100 %, respectively, compared to the control. Sequential extraction showed that the exchangeable concentrations of Ni, Mn, and Cr decreased by 55, 70, and 80 % in 5 % BC700, respectively.

Conclusions

Results suggest that the addition of BC to serpentine soil immobilizes heavy metals and decreases soil enzymatic activities. The addition of FB to serpentine soil improves plant growth by mitigating heavy metal toxicity and enhancing soil enzymatic activities.

     

Effects of phosphate on trace element accumulation in rice (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza sativa</Emphasis> L.): a 5-year phosphate application study

Purpose

Phosphate (P) fertilizers are being widely used to increase crop yield, especially in P-deficient soils. However, repeated applications of P could influence trace element bioaccumulation in crops. The effects of 5-year P enrichment on trace element (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, As, and Hg) accumulation in Oryza sativa L. were thus examined.

Materials and methods

Two paddy soils with different initial P availabilities were amended with and without P fertilizer from 2009 to 2013. Trace elements and P levels in rice and soils were analyzed.

Results and discussion

In soil initially with limited P, P amendment enhanced grain Pb, As, and Hg concentrations by 1.8, 1.5, and 1.4-fold, respectively, but tended to decrease the grain Cd level by 0.73-fold, as compared to the control. However, in soil initially with sufficient P, P amendment tended to reduce accumulation of all examined elements in rice grain.

Conclusions

Phosphate amendment in initially P-limited and P-sufficient soils had different effects on trace element availability in soil (as reflected by extractable element) and plant physiology (growth and metal translocation), resulting in contrasting patterns of trace element accumulation in rice between the two types of soils. Our study emphasized the necessity to consider the promoting effects of P on Pb, As, and Hg accumulation in grain in initial P-deprived soil.

     

Phytoremediation of a multi contaminated soil: mercury and arsenic phytoextraction assisted by mobilizing agent and plant growth promoting bacteria

Purpose

The possibility of using chemical and microbial additives to enhance the phytoextraction of mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As) from a multi-contaminated soil could be very effective, leading to a significant saving in terms of time and costs of the reclamation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the addition of (i) thiosulfate and (ii) metal-tolerant bacteria isolated from the polluted soil having plant growth promotion (PGP) potential to perform As and Hg phytoextraction by Brassica juncea and Lupinus albus.

Materials and methods

A collection of 13 bacterial isolates able to tolerate As and Hg was obtained from the contaminated soil, identified by partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing and tested in vitro for PGP activities. The most promising strains were further tested in vivo for the evaluation of plant growth ability and rhizocompetence on model plants. Pot experiments were conducted in microcosms, with polluted soil vegetated with B. juncea and L. albus. Ammonium thiosulfate and potassium dihydrogen phosphate were used as mobilizing agents, together with a bacterial consortium composed by the most promising PGP isolates.

Results and discussion

Thirteen indigenous metal-tolerant bacterial strains were isolated, and their in vitro characterization highlighted their great potential in assisting the phytoremediation process; most of them tolerated both trace elements and showed, at the same time, multiple PGP traits. The results were confirmed in vivo on model plants and lead to the selection of the most promising PGP strains to be applied in microcosm-scale phytoextraction experiments. Thiosulfate addition significantly increased the mobilization of both elements, promoting bioavailability and phytoextraction. When a selected bacterial consortium was supplemented in addition to thiosulfate, the efficacy of the phytoaccumulation was increased up to 85 % for As and up to 45 % for Hg.

Conclusions

The use of the common fertilizer thiosulfate appeared to have great potential in phytoextraction practices since it was able to facilitate the uptake by plants of both Hg and As. Moreover, the application of a consortium of indigenous PGP bacteria (PGPB) produced a further positive effect on the plant biomass, supporting and enhancing the phytoextraction strategy, thus demonstrating their potential in a microbe-assisted phytoremediation intervention.

     

Simultaneous immobilization of lead,cadmium, and arsenic in combined contaminated soil with iron hydroxyl phosphate

Purpose

Combined contamination of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) in soils especially wastewater-irrigated soil causes environmental concern. The aim of this study is to develop a soil amendment for simultaneous immobilization of Pb, Cd, and As in combinative contaminated soil.

Materials and methods

A soil amendment of iron hydroxyl phosphate (FeHP) was prepared and characterized, and its potential application in simultaneous immobilization of Pb, Cd, and As in combined contaminated soil from wastewater-irrigated area was evaluated. The effects of FeHP dosage, reaction time, and soil moisture on Pb, Cd, and As immobilization in the soil were examined.

Results and discussion

The immobilization efficiencies of Pb, Cd, and As generally increased with the increasing of FeHP dosage. With FeHP dosage of 10 %, the immobilization percentages of NaHCO₃-extractable As and DTPA-extractable Pb and Cd reached 69, 59, and 44 %, respectively. The equilibrium time required for immobilization of these contaminants was in the following order: NaHCO₃-extractable As (0.25 days) < DTPA-extractable Cd(3 days) < DTPA-extractable Pb (7 days). However, the immobilization efficiencies of Pb, Cd, and As have not changed much under soil moisture varied from 20 to 100 %. According to the results of the sequential extraction, the percentages of Pb, Cd, and As in residual fractions increased after the application of FeHP amendment, while their percentages in exchangeable fractions decreased, illustrating that FeHP can effectively decrease the mobilities and bioavailabilities of Pb, Cd, and As in the soil. Moreover, the application of FeHP will not have soil acidification and soil structure problem based on the soil pH measurements and soil morphology.

Conclusions

FeHP can immobilize Pb, Cd, and As in the combinative contaminated soil from wastewater irrigation area simultaneously and effectively. Thus, it can be used as a potential soil amendment for the remediation of Pb, Cd, and As-combined contaminated soil.

     

Amendment of sulfate with Se into soils further reduces methylmercury accumulation in rice

Purpose

Both selenium (Se) and sulfate could largely affect methylmercury (MeHg) dynamics and phytoavailability in soil-rice systems, while their combined effects are less understood. Here, we aimed at exploring the potential effects of sulfate on MeHg accumulation in rice in the presence of Se.

Materials and methods

Rice was cultivated in inorganic Hg-spiked soils amended with Se only (selenite/selenate, “Se treatments”) or Se and sulfate (“Se?+?Sulfate treatments”). Soil parameters (e.g., pH and redox potential (Eh)), MeHg concentrations in soils, as well as MeHg or Se accumulation in rice plants were quantified during the rice growth period.

Results and discussion

Soil MeHg concentrations were generally comparable between Se?+?Sulfate and Se treatments. However, MeHg uptake by rice plants in Se?+?Sulfate treatments was 9–31 % lower than those in Se treatments, possibly due to the increased soil pH and formation of iron sulfides, which may reduce MeHg phytoavailability under sulfate amendment. Furthermore, sulfate input enhanced Se accumulation in root (especially in the presence of selenate), which could be responsible for the increased MeHg distribution in root and thus lower MeHg distribution in grain. Consequently, the reduced plant uptake of MeHg together with the decreased MeHg distribution in grain resulted in decline of grain MeHg concentrations in Se?+?Sulfate treatments (8–31 % lower compared to Se treatments).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that sulfate input with Se could further reduce MeHg accumulation in rice, which improved mechanistic understanding of MeHg behaviors in soil-rice systems.

     

Evaluation of enzyme activities in long-term polluted soils with mine tailing deposits of San Luis Potosí, México

Purpose

San Luis Potosí is one of the largest metal producers; mining activity has been responsible for metal emissions for over 100 years, from several sources (deposits, tailings, effluents, and dusts) generating effects in human and ecosystem health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the concentrations of heavy metals in the soil health of four municipalities of San Luis Potosí contaminated with mine tailings, using enzyme activity as a biochemical endpoint.

Materials and methods

Four municipalities contaminated with residues of historical mining activity were analyzed (25 topsoil samples per type of site contaminated and reference). The parameters that were analyzed included pH; organic matter (OM); electrical conductivity (EC); percentage of clay, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn; and arylsulfatase (ARS), β-glucosidase (BG), urease (UR), and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis (FDA) activities in soil. Differences among the parameters per municipality and type of site were evaluated using a factorial analysis of variance. The relationships were analyzed by Pearson’s correlation and a stepwise distance-based linear model permutation test (DistLM). Results were visualized using a distance-based redundancy analysis (dbRDA). A hazard quotient (HQ) for metals was calculated in order to estimate the effects on soil microbial processes.

Results and discussion

A concentration gradient (mg/kg) of Zn (4744.5–65,585.7), Pb (1321.0–31,932.2), As (ND-8736.7), and Cu (130.9–8475.4) was found in the contaminated sites. The HQ showed a very high hazard level for the elements detected in all contaminated sites (1.4–655.8). The pattern of enzymatic inhibition found was ARS (95.8 %), UR (90.6 %), FDA (86.9 %), and BG (76.0 %). Strong negative relationships were observed among enzymatic activities and heavy metals in the following inhibitory effect Cu > As > Zn > Pb. Metals and covariables explained from 84 to 86 % of variability in enzyme activity. EC, Cu, and As showed a strong inhibitory effect; and parameters such as OM, pH, and clay were found to have a slightly inducing effect.

Conclusions

In this study, the heavy metal concentrations were higher than the ones obtained in other reports for this region. The HQ reveals the presence of possible risks for the health of life in the region. The decrease of enzyme activities in soil could trigger adverse changes in the flow of matter and energy in ecosystems. This study provides a field baseline that could be part of a long-term monitoring program for these locations.

     

Dissipation of fomesafen in biochar-amended soil and its availability to corn (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Zea mays</Emphasis> L.) and earthworm (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Eisenia fetida</Emphasis>)

Purpose

Biochar application has been shown to be effective in improving soil fertility and sequestering soil contaminants. However, the impact of biochar amendments on the environmental fate of pesticides and the bioavailability of pesticides to living organisms in the soil environment is still not fully understood.

Materials and methods

Dissipation of fomesafen and its bioavailability to corn (Zea mays L.) and the earthworm Eisenia fetida in an agricultural soil amended with three different rates of rice hull biochar (0.5, 1, and 2 % (w/w)) under laboratory conditions was investigated.

Results and discussion

Biochar amendment significantly increased the DT₅₀ of fomesafen from 34 days in unamended soil to 160 days in 2 % biochar-amended soil. Furthermore, biochar amendment decreased fomesafen concentration in soil pore water resulting in lower plant uptake of the pesticide. In this case, total plant residue and soil pore water concentrations of fomesafen in 2 % biochar-amended soil decreased to 0.29 % and 0.28–45 % of that in the control, respectively. Similar results were obtained for bioavailability of fomesafen in earthworms, as the earthworm residue and soil pore water concentration of fomesafen in 2 % biochar-amended soil declined to 0.38–45 and 0.47–0.50 % compared to the level of the control, respectively.

Conclusions

As biochar could markedly reduce the concentration of fomesafen in soil pore water and subsequently reduce plant and earthworm uptake of fomesafen from contaminated soil, biochar amendment could be considered an appropriate option for immobilizing fomesafen in soils, protecting nontarget organisms from fomesafen contamination.

     

Earthworms and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria enhance carbon accumulation in manure-amended soils

Purpose

Application of functional organisms in soil organic amendments has the potential to accelerate organic matter decomposition and stimulate C cycling. In this study, a short-term (a year) field experiment was conducted to investigate the collaborative effects of earthworms and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria on C accumulation in pig manure-amended soil.

Materials and methods

A field experiment was conducted with six treatments established. The first three treatments, including control (CK), pig manure (Pm), and pig manure?+?slurry (Pm?+?S), were set up to evaluate the influences of pig manure on soil C accumulation. The other three treatments, including manure?+?slurry?+?earthworms (Te), manure?+?slurry?+?phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (Tb), and manure?+?slurry?+?earthworms?+?bacteria (T(e?+?b)), were set up to investigate the collaborative effects of functional organisms on soil C cycling. The Pm?+?S treatment was chosen as the control (T) for this purpose.

Results and discussion

The results showed that the soil C pools did not increase significantly under the manure treatment. In contrast, an integrated application of manure, slurry, earthworms, and bacteria significantly increased the various C fractions, such as SOC and humin, indicating a rapid and positive effect of earthworms and bacteria on C accumulation. Besides, C sequestration by the integrated application was as high as 1.35 Mg C ha^?1 soil, half of which was stabilized.

Conclusions

The T(e?+?b) was an efficient strategy to sequestrate and stabilize SOC in arid hillside soils. The bacteria increased the labile OC, especially microbial biomass C, while the earthworms were apparently essential for the increase in stable OC.

     

Contrast effect of long-term fertilization on SOC and SIC stocks and distribution in different soil particle-size fractions

Purpose

The objectives of the study were (1) to quantify the long-term effects of nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizer (NP) and a combination of nitrogen-phosphorus with organic manure (NPM) on total soil organic carbon (SOC) and total soil inorganic carbon (SIC), (2) to identify the changes of SOC and SIC in soil particle-size fractions, and (3) to investigate the relationship between SOC and SIC.

Materials and methods

Two long-term field experiments (sites A and B) were performed in 1984 (site A) and 1979 (site B) in the North China Plain. The soil samples were collected in 2006 and separated for clay, silt and sand size particle fractions and then determined for SOC and SIC.

Results and discussion

The long-term fertilization significantly increased SOC in 0–20 cm soil layer by 9–68% but significantly decreased or had no effect on SIC. In total, soil carbon storage was little affected by NP, but significantly increased by NPM application (p < 0.05). Fertilization affected both SOC and SIC in sand- and silt-sized particles but not in clay-size fraction. Both NP and NPM increased SOC in sand- and silt-sized particles by 8.7–123.9% in the 0–20 cm layer but decreased SIC up to 80.4% in the 40–60 cm layer. The SOC concentration in the particle-size fractions was negatively correlated with SIC concentration, which may imply an antagonistic interaction between organic and inorganic carbon levels.

Conclusions

These results illustrate the importance of soil inorganic carbon pool in evaluating soil total carbon pool in semi-arid farmlands. Previous assessments of the effects of fertilizers on the soil carbon pool, using only SOC determinations, require re-evaluation with the inclusion of SIC determinations.

     

Comparison of ammonium fertilizers,EDTA, and NTA on enhancing the uptake of cadmium by an energy plant,Napier grass (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pennisetum purpureum</Emphasis> Schumach)

Purpose

The aim of this study was to quantify the effect of enhanced agronomic practices on cadmium (Cd) accumulation in the high-biomass energy plant Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach).

Materials and methods

Potted-plant experiments were performed to investigate the effects of ammonium fertilizers and chelating agents, alone or in combination, on the growth, accumulation of Cd, and phytoextraction efficiency of P. purpureum on Cd-contaminated soil. The fertilizers included ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, and ammonium chloride. The chelating agents included ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA).

Results and discussion

The addition of ammonium fertilizers and chelating agents generally stimulated growth of P. purpureum, and the shoots accounted for 90.1–94.1% of the total biomass. The concentrations of Cd in different parts of P. purpureum plants were in the order root > leaf > stem. Ammonium chloride alone showed effectiveness in increasing root and shoot Cd concentrations compared to other amendments alone. Both EDTA alone and NTA alone significantly decreased root Cd concentration and increased shoot Cd concentration, while EDTA alone was more efficient on shoot and total Cd accumulation than that by NTA alone. The total accumulation of Cd in P. purpureum ranged from 1.10 to 2.05 mg per plant with 47.3–73.5% of Cd accumulation concentrated in shoots. The results indicate that P. purpureum can remove more Cd through phytoextraction than that by other hyperaccumulators.

Conclusions

Ammonium chloride led to the highest total Cd accumulation. Ammonium chloride applied alone or in combination with either EDTA or NTA resulted in the most effective agronomic approaches for P. purpureum phytoextraction of soil Cd.

     

Cobalt accumulation and antioxidant system in pakchois under chemical immobilization in fluvo-aquic soil

Purpose

Cobalt (Co) is a toxic metal to the environment and human’s health. The purpose of the study is to achieve an investigation into the efficacy of calcium carbonate and cow dung for Co immobilization in fluvo-aquic soil, as well as their effects on the antioxidant system in plants.

Materials and methods

Calcium carbonate and cow dung were incorporated with the Co-polluted fluvo-aquic soil where pakchois (Brassica chinensis L.) were grown. Co concentration, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, catalase (CAT) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in the shoots of the mature plants were inspected.

Results and discussion

As calcium carbonate concentration rose (0 to 12 g kg^?1), Co concentration in shoots of the plants decreased firstly and then increased again (P < 0.05), while the accumulation level of Co kept decreasing with cow dung concentration rising (P < 0.05). Under the amendment treatments, the SOD activity, CAT activity, and MDA concentration in the shoots were all positively correlated to the Co concentration in the plant tissue (r = 0.792, 0.904, and 0.807, P < 0.01), indicating the antioxidant system receptivity to the Co accumulation. The amendments in soil can alleviate the oxidative stress in pakchois owing to Co pollution. As calcium carbonate concentration ranged from 5.64 to 7.86 g kg^?1, the parameters reached a maxima (minimum), respectfully.

Conclusions

Calcium carbonate and cow dung in fluvo-aquic soil are effective for Co immobilization and mitigating any pertinent oxidative stress in pakchoi plants. Calcium carbonate concentration within a range of 5.64 to 7.86 g·kg^?1 will achieve optimum efficacy.

     

An exploratory study of potential As and Pb contamination by atmospheric deposition in two urban vegetable gardens in Rome,Italy

Purpose

A preliminary study was carried out in Rome (Italy) to assess the potential role of atmospheric deposition in trace element contamination in urban vegetable gardens relative to human health risk from crop consumption.

Materials and methods

Two sites were selected on the basis of previously known contamination issues. Atmospheric deposition, parent material, soils properties affecting trace element mobility, and various anthropogenic inputs were considered. Soil samples were taken at depth from two points in each garden, within 5 cm of sampled crops. Inputs and crops were sampled and analysed for As and Pb content. A rain and dust gauge was set up in each garden for the duration of 93 days (late spring to late summer) for atmospheric deposition sampling.

Results and discussion

Atmospheric deposition influx was high at both sites (2.22 and 2.32 As and 2.67 and 3.42 Pb μg m^?3 day^?1). Soil pH was between 6.70 and 7.57 and texture varied from loamy sand to clay loam (3.4 to 31.9 % clay content). CEC ranged between 21.6 and 54.2 meq/100 g within rooting depth, rising almost commensurately with soil organic carbon (SOC) content (1.87–8.37 %). Somewhat high total soil Pb content (80.8–522.7 ppm) contrasted with negligible exchangeability and crop content (<0.01 ppm). Total soil As (17.0–32.0 ppm) corresponded with exchangeable and crop As for one site in one of the gardens. Leaves evinced high As accumulation levels (16.0–41.2 ppm) in all crops. High amounts of atmospheric Pb combined with negligible amounts of extractable Pb and Pb plant tissue content point to particulate inhalation and ingestion as a main health threat in the case of Pb. In contrast, food intake seems to be of greater concern relative to high As contamination. Greater soil As solubility may be explanatory, but the mostly low amounts of extractable As and the high atmospheric As suggest an airborne route being playing an important role.

Conclusions

Preliminary results suggest that research on trace element contamination in urban gardens should consider atmospheric deposition as a major contributing source.

     

Changes in the activity and abundance of the soil microbial community in response to the nitrification inhibitor 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP)

Purpose

The application of organic and inorganic fertilizers to soil can result in increased gaseous emissions, such as NH₃, N₂O, CO₂, and CH₄, as well as nitrate leaching, contributing to climate warming and ground and surface water pollution, particularly in regions with hot climates, where high temperatures and high soil nitrification rates often occur. The use of nitrification inhibitors (NIs) has been shown to effectively decrease nitrogen (N) losses from the soil-plant system.

Materials and methods

Non-disruptive laboratory incubation experiments were conducted to assess the extent to which temperature (20 and 30 °C) and nutrient source (mineral and organic fertilizers) influence the rate of carbon (C)- and N-related microbial processes in soil in response to the NI 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP). Furthermore, short-term changes in the ability of microbes to degrade C substrates were evaluated in disruptive soil microcosms using microbial community-level physiological profiling and the abundance of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene as a measure of total bacterial population size.

Results and discussion

DMPP reduced net nitrification after 2 and 4 weeks of incubation at 30 and 20 °C by an average of 78.3 and 84.5 %, respectively, and with similar dynamics for mineral or organic fertilization. The addition of labile organic matter with cattle effluent led to a rapid increase in C mineralization that was significantly reduced by DMPP at both temperatures, whereas no changes could be detected after the addition of mineral fertilizer. The culturable heterotrophic microorganisms showed metabolic diversification in the oxidation of C sources, with organic fertilizer playing a major role in the substrate utilization patterns during the first week of incubation and the DMPP effects prevailing from day 14 until day 28. Furthermore, the copy number of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene was reduced by the application of DMPP and organic fertilizer after 28 days.

Conclusions

Our results show the marked efficiency of DMPP as an NI at elevated temperatures of incubation and when associated with both mineral and organic fertilization, providing support for its use as a tool to mitigate N losses in Mediterranean ecosystems. However, we also observed impaired C respiration rates and bacterial abundances, as well as shifts in community-level physiological profiles in soil, possibly indicating a short-term effect of DMPP and organic fertilizers on non-target C-related processes and microorganisms.

     

The risk element contamination level in soil and vegetation at the former deposit of galvanic sludges

Purpose

Hazardous waste deposits with high contents of risk elements can represent a potential environmental hazard via penetration of these elements into soil and vegetation. In this case, the former deposit of galvanic sludges in Dolní Lipka, Czech Republic, was investigated. The deposit was temporarily remediated by a thick soil layer cover. The total and mobile risk element contents were determined within the profile of the soil cover as well as the element contents in the vegetation growing on the cover to assess the potential environmental threat of the deposit

Materials and methods

The plant samples were collected from nine sampling areas, each of 3?×?3 m. The stratification of risk elements within the soil profile was determined where the soil samples were collected in depths of 0–10, 10–40, 40–70, 70–100, and 100–140 cm. The total element contents were determined in aboveground biomass and roots of selected plant species and pseudo total content (extractable with aqua regia) in soils. The mobilizable pool of elements in soils was determined after extraction with a 2 mol L^?1 solution of HNO₃ and a plant-available pool of elements after extraction with 0.11 mol L^?1 solution of CH₃COOH.

Results and discussion

From the perspective of the vegetation and soil’s risk elements content, the dump did not meet criteria for a safe hazardous waste landfill in any way during the sampling time. According to the results, the elements can be divided into three groups: (i) low levels of elements within whole profile—As and Cr; (ii) high levels of elements concentrated in the deepest layer of the soil without significant penetration of the upper layers—Cu, Mo, Pb, Ni, and Zn; and (iii) the elements penetrating the upper layers of the soil—Cd and Hg.

Conclusions

The third case poses a serious environmental risk requiring more intensive investigation on the bioavailability of these elements at the site, and subsequently, permanent remediation of the deposit.