Different Levels of Irrigation Water Salinity and Biochar Influence on Faba Bean Yield,Water Productivity,and Ions Uptake

Greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of irrigation water salinity (0.5, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 dS m^?1) and wheat straw biochar (0%, 1.25%, 2.5%, and 3.75% w/w) on growth and yield of faba been using complete randomized design with three replications. Stomatal conductance (green canopy temperature) of faba bean increased (decreased) by application of biochar at each salinity level. The results showed increasing salinity to 2.5 dS m^?1 at zero biochar application increased the seed yield through osmotic adjustment, while by declining the osmotic potential, the nutritional values of biochar caused the seed yield to increase by increasing salinity to 5 dS m^?1. The root length density and root dry weight density in 0–8 cm soil layer declined under application of 3.75% w/w biochar in all salinity levels in comparison with that obtained in 2.5% w/w biochar, due to higher saline condition of the soil as result of higher biochar application. The results showed that addition of 2.5% w/w biochar can significantly mitigate salinity stress due to its high salt sorption capacity and by increasing potassium/sodium ratio in the soil. In general, since 2.5 % w/w biochar and salinity of 5 dS m^?1 increased dry seed yield and irrigation water productivity compared with that obtained in control (B₀S_0.5), these levels are recommended to improve faba bean growth and yield; however, these levels have to be evaluated under field conditions.     

Nodulation and root growth increase in lower soil layers of water‐limited faba bean intercropped with wheat

Below‐ground niche complementarity in legume–cereal intercrops may improve resource use efficiency and root adaptability to environmental constraints. However, the effect of water limitation on legume rooting and nodulation patterns in intercropping is poorly understood. To advance our knowledge of mechanisms involved in water‐limitation response, faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were grown as mono‐ and intercrops in soil‐filled plexiglass rhizoboxes under water sufficiency (80% of water‐holding capacity) and water limitation (30% of water‐holding capacity). We examined whether intercropping facilitates below‐ground niche complementarity under water limitation via interspecific root stratification coupled with modified nodulation patterns. While no significant treatment effects were measured in intercropped wheat growth parameters, water limitation induced a decrease in shoot and root biomass of monocropped wheat. Likewise, shoot biomass and height, and root length of monocropped faba bean significantly decreased under water limitation. Conversely, water limitation stimulated root biomass of intercropped faba bean in the lower soil layer (15–30 cm soil depth). Similarly, total nodule number of faba bean roots as well as nodule number in the lower soil layer increased under intercropping regardless of water availability. Under water limitation, intercropping also led to a significant increased nodule biomass (48%) in the lower soil layer as compared to monocropping. The enhanced nodulation in the lower soil layer and the associated increase in root and shoot growth provides evidence for a shift in niche occupancy when intercropped with wheat, which improves water‐limited faba bean performance.     

Coffee‐husk biochar application increased AMF root colonization,P accumulation,N2 fixation,and yield of soybean grown in a tropical Nitisol,southwest Ethiopia

Low soil fertility and soil acidity are among the major bottlenecks that limit agricultural productivity in the humid tropics. Soil management systems that enhance soil fertility and biological cycling of nutrients are crucial to sustain soil productivity. This study was, therefore, conducted to determine the effects of coffee‐husk biochar (0, 2.7, 5.4, and 16.2 g biochar kg^?1 soil), rhizobium inoculation (with and without), and P fertilizer application (0 and 9 mg P kg^?1 soil) on arbuscular mycorrhyzal fungi (AMF) root colonization, yield, P accumulation, and N₂ fixation of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill cv. Clark 63‐K] grown in a tropical Nitisol in Ethiopia. ANOVA showed that integrated application of biochar and P fertilizer significantly improved soil chemical properties, P accumulation, and seed yield. Compared to the seed yield of the control (without inoculation, P, and biochar), inoculation, together with 9 and 16.2 g biochar kg^?1 soil gave more than two‐fold increment of seed yield and the highest total P accumulation (4.5 g plant^?1). However, the highest AMF root colonization (80%) was obtained at 16.2 g biochar kg^?1 soil without P and declined with application of 9 mg P kg^?1 soil. The highest total N content (4.2 g plant^?1) and N₂ fixed (4.6 g plant^?1) were obtained with inoculation, 9 mg P kg^?1, and 16.2 g biochar kg^?1 soil. However, the highest %N derived from the atmosphere (%Ndfa) (> 98%) did not significantly change between 5.4 and 16.2 g kg^?1 soil biochar treatments at each level of inoculation and P addition. The improved soil chemical properties, seed yield, P accumulation and N₂ fixation through combined use of biochar and P fertilizer suggest the importance of integrated use of biochar with P fertilizer to ensure that soybean crops are adequately supplied with P for nodulation and N₂‐fixation in tropical acid soils for sustainable soybean production in the long term.     

间作小麦和接种AM真菌协同提高蚕豆抗枯萎病能力和根际微生物碳代谢活性

【目的】接种丛枝菌根 (arbuscular mycorrhizal,AM) 真菌和间作均是防治蚕豆枯萎病的有效方法,从土壤微生物学角度研究两者协同减轻蚕豆枯萎病的机理,对控制蚕豆枯萎病传播具有重要意义。【方法】利用盆栽试验方法,进行了间作和接种AM真菌摩西管柄囊霉 (Funneliformis mosseae,Fm) 和扭形球囊霉 (Glomus tortuosum,Gt) 试验。设蚕豆单作对照 (MF)、蚕豆小麦间作 (IF)、蚕豆单作接种Fm (MFFm)、蚕豆小麦间作接种Fm (IFFm)、蚕豆单作接种Gt (MFGt)、蚕豆小麦间作接种Gt (IFGt) 6个处理。于蚕豆开花期 (生长70天) 取土壤样品,测定蚕豆幼苗生长、枯萎病发生、根际镰刀菌数量和微生物碳代谢活性。【结果】间作显著增加蚕豆幼苗干重93.0%、降低蚕豆枯萎病病情指数71.4%,接菌显著增加蚕豆幼苗干重55.3%、降低病情指数76.6%,其中接种Fm真菌对蚕豆幼苗干重的影响更大,对病情指数的抑制效果更好。间作接菌显著增加蚕豆幼苗干重100%、降低病情指数89.8%。Biolog微平板测试结果显示,间作提高根际微生物碳代谢活性32.3%;接菌提高微生物活性85.4%;间作接菌提高微生物活性122%。主成分分析结果表明,间作和接菌均明显改变了根际微生物的群落结构,并主要改变了对碳水化合物类、氨基酸和羧酸类碳源的利用。相关性分析结果显示,枯萎病发病率和病情指数与根际镰刀菌数量呈极显著正相关关系,与AWCD值、Shannon多样性指数和丰富度指数均呈极显著负相关。【结论】蚕豆与小麦间作和接菌对抑制蚕豆枯萎病和促进蚕豆生长均具有积极效应,间作显著提高了AM真菌的定殖率,二者协同提高了根际微生物活性,改变了微生物群落结构,并抑制了病原菌增殖,进而控制蚕豆枯萎病发生。     

Impacts of biochar and processed poultry manure,applied to a calcareous soil,on the growth of bean and maize

Direct use of poultry manure on agricultural lands may cause environmental concerns, so there is a need to establish the suitability of the application of biochar derived from poultry manure for calcareous soil chemical properties and plant growth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of processed poultry manure (0, 5, 10 and 20 g/kg) and its biochar (0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 g/kg) on soil chemical properties of a calcareous soil and growth of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and maize (Zea mays) plants. In the incubation experiment, both processed poultry manure (PPM) and biochar decreased pH and the concentration of plant‐available Fe of soil but increased plant‐available P, Zn, Cu and Mn concentrations. PPM and biochar increased the concentrations of exchangeable cations (K, Ca and Mg) in soil. PPM and biochar applications increased the growth of maize and bean plants. PPM and biochar resulted in increased concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn in bean plants. In maize plants, PPM and biochar applications increased the N, P, K, Zn, Cu and Mn but decreased the Ca and Mg concentrations. Results of this study reveal that poultry manure biochar can be used effectively for agricultural purposes.     

Phosphorus uptake and rhizosphere properties of intercropped and monocropped maize, faba bean, and white lupin in acidic soil

Little information is available on phosphorus (P) uptake and rhizosphere processes in maize (Zea mays L.), faba bean (Vicia faba L.), and white lupin (Lupinus albus L.) when intercropped or grown alone in acidic soil. We studied P uptake and soil pH, carboxylate concentration, and microbial community structure in the rhizosphere of maize, faba bean, and white lupin in an acidic soil with 0–250 mg P (kg⁻¹ soil) as KH₂PO₄ (KP) or FePO₄ (FeP) with species grown alone or intercropped. All plant species increased the pH compared to unplanted control, particularly faba bean. High KP supply (>100 mg P kg⁻¹) significantly increased carboxylate concentration in the rhizosphere of maize. The carboxylate composition of the rhizosphere soil of maize and white lupin was significantly affected by P form (KP or FeP), whereas, this was not the case for faba bean. In maize, the carboxylate composition of the rhizosphere soil differed significantly between intercropping and monocropping. Yield and P uptake were similar in monocropping and intercropping. Monocropped faba bean had a greater concentration of phospholipid fatty acids in the rhizosphere than that in intercropping. Intercropping changed the microbial community structure in faba bean but not in the other corps. The results show that P supply and P form, as well as intercropping can affect carboxylate concentration and microbial community composition in the rhizosphere, but that the effect is plant species-specific. In contrast to previous studies in alkaline soils, intercropping of maize with legumes did not result in increased maize growth suggesting that the legumes did not increase P availability to maize in this acidic soil.     

不同磷水平下小麦蚕豆间作对根际有效磷及磷吸收的影响

【目的】探明不同磷水平下小麦–蚕豆间作对根际有效磷含量及作物磷吸收量的影响,提高磷肥利用率。【方法】2015—2016和2016—2017两季田间试验在云南农业大学试验基地耕作红壤上进行,供试小麦品种为云麦-52,蚕豆品种为玉溪大粒豆。设施P2O5 0 (P0)、45 (P45)和90 kg/hm^2 (P90)三个水平,和单作(M,包括小麦单作MW和蚕豆单作MF)和间作(I)两种种植模式。每季在小麦分蘖期、拔节期、抽穗期、灌浆期和成熟期,蚕豆分枝期、开花期、结荚期、籽粒膨大期、收获期采取根际土样测定有效磷含量。在小麦蚕豆收获期测定单、间作小麦、蚕豆产量,并测定作物地上部磷含量。计算土地当量比(LER)来衡量间作优势,并用磷肥农学利用率来反映磷肥的吸收效率。【结果】与单作相比,在P0、P45、P90水平下,2016年间作种植显著提高了小麦籽粒产量12.5%、21.7%和17.3%,2017年间作蚕豆产量较单作分别降低了16.8%、11.7%和8.2%。三个磷水平下,小麦–蚕豆间作具有产量优势,土地当量比(LER)为0.95~1.18。与常规施磷水平(P90)下的单作相比,小麦–蚕豆间作条件下,磷肥减施1/2 (P45)并未降低小麦和蚕豆产量。间作种植对小麦根际有效磷含量无显著影响(除2016年成熟期外),但2017年,在蚕豆分枝期、开花期、结荚期,间作则分别降低蚕豆根际有效磷含量20.8%、44.5%和18%。与P90单作相比,间作P45处理几乎不会降低小麦、蚕豆根际有效磷含量。小麦、蚕豆磷吸收量主要受磷水平的调控,种植模式对小麦和蚕豆磷的吸收量及磷肥农学利用率均没有影响。【结论】在本试验条件下,小麦–蚕豆间作提高了小麦籽粒产量,降低了蚕豆产量;间作种植主要是改变了蚕豆生育前期根际有效磷含量,但对作物的磷吸收量没有影响。小麦–蚕豆间作具有减施磷肥、维持作物产量和根际土壤有效磷的潜力。     

Complementary resource use in intercropped faba bean and cabbage by increased root growth and nitrogen use in organic production

Intercropping can improve yield and nitrogen use efficiency in organic vegetable production by pairing crops with complementary resource use. An intercrop field experiment was conducted to determine yield, root growth and nitrogen (N) dynamics using faba bean (Vicia faba L.) grown as a vegetable and pointed cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata cv. conica). Both crops were grown in monocropping (MC) and intercropping systems (IC). Minirhizotrons were used to measure root growth. Yield of pointed cabbage per metre row was 28% higher under the IC system than under MC, whereas faba bean yield as fresh seeds did not differ. The land equivalent ratio was 1.06, showing that improved yield under IC resulted from efficient land resource use. Even though MC cabbage had the highest aboveground biomass, total N accumulation was higher under IC and MC faba bean systems. Both root frequency and intensity were greater under IC faba bean rows compared with MC faba bean because of the presence of cabbage roots in faba bean rows. Monocropped cabbage had the highest root intensity and the lowest amount of soil mineral N in the 0–1.5 m depth after harvest. Monocropped cabbage was efficient in assimilating N, whereas MC faba bean was efficient in exporting N as harvestable yield. The nitrogen use efficiency using the IC system (75%) was higher than growing faba bean (44%) and cabbage (65%) alone. Thus, faba bean as an intercrop in organic cabbage production systems improves land and N use efficiency by complementary root growth.     

A multi-site field evaluation of granular inoculants for legume nodulation

The most common method of inoculating legume crops in Australia is the application of peat slurry inoculant to seed. The recent introduction of granular (solid) formulations of inoculants into the Australian market has provided the potential to apply rhizobia with greater ease, but their efficacy has not been independently evaluated. Here, we compare the efficacy of a range of experimental and commercially-available granular inoculants on chickpea, faba bean, lentil, lupin and pea crops in comparison with un-inoculated treatments, and with conventional seed-applied peat slurry inoculants. Thirty-seven field experiments were established in Victoria, South Australia and southern New South Wales over five years. Peat slurry inoculants provided effective nodulation of all legumes. Granular inoculants varied markedly in their ability to improve grain legume nodulation. The size of response depended inversely on background nodulation from soil rhizobial populations. At sites with median background nodulation, peat granules and attapulgite clay granules placed with seed resulted in nodulation similar to peat-slurry-based inoculation, but treatments with bentonite clay granules did not increase nodule numbers much above those in un-inoculated treatments. The generally lower numbers of rhizobia g⁻¹ in the bentonite granules, translated to lower rhizobia application rate to the soil. However, differences in number of rhizobia g⁻¹ granule did not fully explain the nodulation differences between granules. Granule moisture content and granule particle size differed markedly between granule types but their influence on nodulation was not tested. Grain yields did not differ between attapulgite granules placed with seed, peat granules and peat slurry inoculants (all well-nodulated treatments), but were lower with bentonite granule inoculants. Yield differences within sites were related to nodulation and the differences between treatments attenuated as background nodulation increased. Overall, these studies demonstrate that certain granule types have the potential to be used in Australia with grain legumes, particularly in circumstances when seed-applied inoculants are problematic, such as where seed fungicides or insecticides need to be applied. However, granular inoculant formulations differ substantially in their potential to produce nodules on a range of grain legumes.     

生物炭施用下潮土团聚体微生物量碳氮和酶活性的分布特征

  【目的】  探究生物炭配施化肥对不同粒级团聚体中微生物量碳、氮 (MBC、MBN) 含量和胞外酶活性的影响,分析影响团聚体胞外酶活性变化的主控因素,为提升土壤质量提供科学依据。  【方法】  田间微区试验在河南现代农业研究基地进行,供试土壤为石灰性潮土。设置4个处理:不施肥 (CK)、单施化肥 (NPK)、单施生物炭 (BC) 和生物炭配施化肥 (BC+NPK),生物炭是以花生壳为原料高温裂解制备而成,仅在试验开始前施用一次,化肥每季均施用。试验开始于2017年小麦季,于2019年9月玉米收获后采集耕层土壤样品,测定土壤养分含量,分析各粒径团聚体MBC、MBN含量和酶活性。  【结果】  与CK相比,NPK处理可显著提高耕层土壤有效磷、速效钾和硝态氮含量,BC处理可显著提高有机碳和全氮含量,BC+NPK处理则显著提高了以上各指标含量。与CK相比,BC处理显著降低了粒径2～0.25 mm团聚体MBN含量,并明显增加了该粒径的MBC/MBN值;BC+NPK处理显著增加了粒径 > 2 mm和0.25～0.053 mm团聚体中MBC含量 (增幅分别为59.57%和34.68%),也增加了耕层土壤、粒径 > 2 mm和2～0.25 mm团聚体中MBN含量 (增幅分别为17.33%、42.24%和19.28%)。与CK相比,NPK、BC和BC+NPK处理均显著增加粒径 > 2 mm团聚体微生物熵,而BC和BC+NPK处理则显著降低了耕层土壤、粒径2～0.25 mm和0.25～0.053 mm团聚体微生物熵。与CK相比,NPK和BC+NPK处理均显著提高了粒径2～0.25 mm和0.25～0.053 mm团聚体中β-葡糖苷酶、β-纤维二糖苷酶、α-葡糖苷酶和β-木糖苷酶活性;在粒径 > 2 mm团聚体中,仅BC+NPK处理明显提高了该四种酶的活性。与CK相比,NPK和BC+NPK处理均明显提高了粒径 > 2 mm团聚体中脲酶活性及粒径0.25～0.053 mm团聚体中乙酰氨基葡糖苷酶活性,仅BC+NPK处理可显著提高粒径 > 2 mm和0.25～0.053 mm团聚体中亮氨酸氨基肽酶活性。团聚体酶活性变化与MBC、MBN含量以及MBC/MBN值显著相关。粒径 > 2 mm团聚体中酶活性变化与微生物熵、全氮和MBC含量均显著相关,粒径2～0.25 mm团聚体中酶活性变化与MBC/MBN值显著相关,而粒径0.25～0.053 mm团聚体中酶活性变化与MBC含量显著相关。  【结论】  生物炭与化肥配施有利于土壤碳的固存,改善土壤微环境,提升土壤质量,且生物炭添加到土壤中有较长的后效。     

丛枝菌根真菌对蚕豆秸秆降解及玉米养分和镉铅吸收的影响

  【目的】   丛枝菌根真菌(arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi,AMF) 有利于作物对养分的吸收。在镉、铅污染的土壤中,作物常将镉、铅积累在秸秆中,随着秸秆的还田而释放回土壤。探究前茬蚕豆秸秆还田和丛枝菌根真菌 单施或联合施用对土壤肥力、后茬玉米的矿质养分与镉、铅吸收的影响,为AMF 在调控污染农田轮作体系矿质养分与镉铅累积的生态功能提供新认识。   【方法】   采用四室隔板分室系统进行蚕豆秸秆降解试验,供试土壤和蚕豆秸秆均来源于云南省会泽铅锌矿区污染区,土壤全镉和铅含量分别为4.5和269.0 mg/kg,蚕豆秸秆镉和铅含量分别为1.9和10.9 mg/kg。将蚕豆秸秆粉碎至粒径0.5～2.0 mm装入尼龙袋中,埋于土壤内进行腐解培养试验。玉米盆栽试验设4个处理:污染土壤对照 (CK)、接种AMF菌根 (AMF)、添加蚕豆秸秆 (SI)、接种AMF菌根同时添加蚕豆秸秆 (SI+AMF)。分析AMF对蚕豆秸秆降解、矿质养分 (N、P、K) 与镉铅释放、土壤速效养分含量、玉米生长、矿质营养和镉铅吸收的影响。   【结果】   接种AMF显著提高蚕豆秸秆的降解量、矿质养分和镉铅释放量,促进蚕豆秸秆降解。与AMF处理相比,AMF+SI处理玉米根系的AMF侵染率提高了12%。SI处理显著增加土壤速效养分含量和玉米植株钾含量,降低玉米根部的镉含量,但对玉米株高和生物量没有显著影响。接种AMF、SI+AMF处理显著提高土壤速效氮、磷、钾含量,增加玉米氮、磷、钾含量与吸收量,显著提高玉米株高和生物量,同时显著降低土壤有效态镉、铅含量和玉米植株镉、铅含量。双因素分析表明,接种AMF和添加秸秆对土壤速效氮、磷、钾含量影响显著,但接种AMF对植株矿质元素吸收量、土壤有效态镉、铅含量和植株镉、铅含量作用显著,接种AMF与添加秸秆对各测定指标没有显著的交互作用。   【结论】   AMF能促进前茬秸秆降解、养分和镉铅的释放。接种AMF在提高土壤氮、磷、钾养分含量,降低有效态镉、铅含量,提高玉米对氮、磷、钾的吸收,降低镉和铅在玉米植株内的积累量等方面,均显示出良好的应用前景。虽然接种AMF与秸秆还田没有表现出显著的交互作用,但秸秆还田可增加AMF在玉米根部的侵染率,因此,在使用AMF菌剂时应考虑秸秆还田。     

阿魏酸诱导蚕豆枯萎病发生及根系组织结构损伤的化感效应

  【目的】  酚酸类化合物是多种农作物根际土壤中常见的自毒物质，化感自毒物质与土传病害发生密切相关。研究阿魏酸对枯萎病发生的促进效应及机理，为阐明连作自毒物质–病原菌–寄主抗病性互作效应提供参考。  【方法】  采用水培试验研究阿魏酸对蚕豆幼苗生长和枯萎病发生的影响。在蚕豆幼苗长至4～6片真叶时，将其移入2 L Hoagland 营养液中进行培养，其中阿魏酸浓度分别为0、50、100、200 mg/L。待阿魏酸处理2 天后，加入25 mL 1 × 106 cfu/mL的尖孢镰刀菌孢子悬浮液。继续培养40天后，取样调查植株生长状况和枯萎病发病率。利用显微镜观察蚕豆根系细胞组织结构的变化，通过室内培养试验研究尖孢镰刀菌菌丝生长和致病力对阿魏酸胁迫的响应。  【结果】  与无添加阿魏酸 (0 mg/L) 处理相比，添加阿魏酸处理显著抑制蚕豆幼苗的生长，且阿魏酸浓度越高抑制作用越强。本试验条件下，阿魏酸处理显著提高蚕豆枯萎病发病率300.0%～500.0%，显著增加病情指数113.3%～1666.7%，发病率和病情指数均在阿魏酸处理浓度200 mg/L下达到最大值。阿魏酸处理抑制尖孢镰刀菌的菌丝生长，显著提高尖孢镰刀菌产生的果胶酶、纤维素酶、淀粉酶和蛋白酶活性44.8%～59.0%、78.2%～145.6%、975.6%～2435.4%和165.1%～622.9%；显著提高枯萎酸含量107.6%～236.2%。阿魏酸胁迫下，蚕豆根系表皮细胞扭曲变形，木质部导管变细，导管壁增厚，胶状物和内含物充满整个细胞，阻碍营养物质和水分的正常运输，进而加速蚕豆枯萎死亡。  【结论】  阿魏酸胁迫虽然抑制尖孢镰刀菌的菌丝生长，但显著提高蚕豆根系细胞壁降解酶活性和枯萎酸含量，进而增加尖孢镰刀菌致病力，加速根系细胞组织结构损伤，促进尖孢镰刀菌侵入蚕豆根系，加剧枯萎病发生和危害。阿魏酸在蚕豆连作障碍中扮演着初始诱因的角色。     

The amelioration effects of low temperature biochar generated from nine crop residues on an acidic Ultisol

Biochar was prepared using a low temperature pyrolysis method from nine plant materials including non‐leguminous straw from canola, wheat, corn, rice and rice hull and leguminous straw from soybean, peanut, faba bean and mung bean. Soil pH increased during incubation of the soil with all nine biochar samples added at 10 g/kg. The biochar from legume materials resulted in greater increases in soil pH than from non‐legume materials. The addition of biochar also increased exchangeable base cations, effective cation exchange capacity, and base saturation, whereas soil exchangeable Al and exchangeable acidity decreased as expected. The liming effects of the biochar samples on soil acidity correlated with alkalinity with a close linear correlation between soil pH and biochar alkalinity (R² = 0.95). Therefore, biochar alkalinity is a key factor in controlling the liming effect on acid soils. The incorporation of biochar from crop residues, especially from leguminous plants, can both correct soil acidity and improve soil fertility.     

Transient biochar effects on decomposer microbial growth rates: evidence from two agricultural case‐studies

We investigated the impact of biochar application on fungal (acetate incorporation into ergosterol) and bacterial (leucine incorporation) growth rates in two case studies: a temperate UK pasture soil and a Mediterranean Australian agricultural soil. We added biochar at similar rates per unit of soil organic carbon (SOC) and monitored both the immediate (after 1 week equilibration) and longer‐term (1–3 years) effects. The immediate effect of the biochar applied to the UK soil was a decreased fungal‐to‐bacterial growth ratio, driven by greater bacterial growth. The immediate effect of biochar application to the Australian soils was subtle, only slightly increasing the fungal‐to‐bacterial growth ratio. In both case studies, the biochar effects were transient, and no long‐term effects (1–3 years) on microbial growth rates could be detected in either soil. The bacterial growth increase in the UK soil was probably related to a release of large amounts of labile C from the biochar, or as C released from the resident SOM caused by the biochar‐induced pH increase. The increase in fungal‐to‐bacterial growth ratio could be related to a release of poor quality C in the Australian soils. There were immediate effects of biochar application on microbial growth in agricultural soils, but they were disparate between cases, making any generalization of mechanisms difficult. However, the microbial responses were consistently transient. Taken together, biochar application to agricultural soil appears to have an impact upon the decomposer community, suggesting limited resistance. However, the microbial functioning appeared resilient to these effects, stabilizing microbial communities to their initial state within 1–3 years of application.     

Wheat response to N2 fixed by faba bean (Vicia faba L.) as affected by sulfur fertilization and rhizobial inoculation in semi‐arid Northern Ethiopia

Nitrogen fixation in faba bean (Vicia faba cv. Mesay) as affected by sulfur (S) fertilization (30 kg S ha^–1) and inoculation under the semi‐arid conditions of Ethiopia was studied using the ¹⁵N‐isotope dilution method. The effect of faba bean–fixed nitrogen (N) on yield of the subsequent wheat crop (Triticum aestivum L.) was also assessed. Sulfur fertilization and inoculation significantly (p < 0.05) affected nodulation at late flowering stage for both 2004 and 2005 cropping seasons. The nodule number and nodule fresh weighs were increased by 53% and 95%, relative to the control. Similarly, both treatments (S fertilization and inoculants) significantly improved biomass and grain yield of faba bean on average by 2.2 and 1.2 Mg ha^–1. This corresponds to 37% and 50% increases, respectively, relative to the control. Total N and S uptake of grains was significantly higher by 59.6 and 3.3 kg ha^–1, which are 76% and 66% increases, respectively. Sulfur and inoculation enhanced the percentage of N derived from the atmosphere in the whole plant of faba bean from 51% to 73%. This corresponds to N₂ fixation varying from 49 to 147 kg N ha^–1. The percentage of N derived from fertilizer (%Ndff) and soil (%Ndfs) of faba bean varied from 4.3% to 2.8 %, and from 45.1% to 24.0%, corresponding to the average values of 5.1 and 47.9 kg N ha^–1. Similarly, the %Ndff and %Ndfs of the reference crop, barley, varied from 8.5 % to 10.8% and from 91.5% to 89.2%, with average N yields of 9.2 and 84.3 kg N ha^–1. Soil N balance after faba bean ranged from 13 to 52 kg N ha^–1. Beneficial effects of faba bean on yield of a wheat crop grown after faba bean were highly significant, increasing the average grain and N yields of this crop by 1.11 Mg ha^–1 and 30 kg ha^–1, relative to the yield of wheat grown after the reference crop, barley. Thus, it can be concluded that faba bean can be grown as an alternative crop to fallow, benefiting farmers economically and increasing the soil fertility.     

Combined effect of biochar and soil moisture on soil chemical properties and microbial community composition in microplastic-contaminated agricultural soil

Accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in agricultural environments has caused growing concern in recent years because of its detrimental impacts on soil quality, crop productivity and ecosystem function. This study was conducted to assess the impact of biochar on soil chemical and microbial properties in a MP-contaminated soil under two moisture regimes. Soil was contaminated with 1% (w/w) of low-density polyethylene MPs. Four types of standard biochar, that is, oil seed rape (OSR) biochar produced at 550°C (OSR 550) and 700°C (OSR 700) and soft wood pellet (SWP) biochar produced at 550°C (SWP 550) and 700°C (SWP 700), were applied at a rate of 5% (w/w). The control was maintained without MP addition. The samples were incubated in soil with two moisture regimes, that is, at 30% and 70% of the water holding capacity, and the soil chemical and microbiological properties were assessed after 100 days of incubation. OSR biochar application significantly increased soil pH (8.53–8.81) and electrical conductivity (0.51–0.58 dS/m) in both moisture regimes. The effect of biochar application on soil enzyme activity and microbial community composition did not show a clear trend. However, SWP 700 biochar improved soil enzyme activity compared with that of the control and improved bacterial diversity and evenness compared with those of other biochars, which was attributed to the high surface area available for microbial colonization. Low soil moisture content significantly reduced enzyme activity and bacterial richness even with biochar amendment, except for SWP 550 biochar. This study implies the suitability of biochar for improvement of soil quality in MP contaminated soil under both moisture regimes. However, further long-term studies are needed to get a clear understanding on the impact of different types of biochar on MP-contaminated soil.     

Effect of seed phosphorus concentration on nodulation and growth of three common bean cultivars

Abstract

An experiment was conducted in the greenhouse to evaluate the effects of seed phosphorus (P) concentration on growth, nodulation, and nitrogen (N) and P accumulation of three common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars. Seeds were produced under low or high soil P levels, and soaked, or not, in 200 mM KH₂PO₄ solution. The experiment had a 3×3×2×2 factorial block design: three cultivars (ICA Col 10103, Carioca and Honduras 35), three levels of applied P (15, 30 and 45 mg P kg^?1 soil), two native seed P concentrations, and two seed soaking treatments. Plants were harvested at flowering. Soaked seeds increased the number, dry mass and P content of nodules, but did not affect plant growth. Plants originated from seeds with high native P concentration presented higher shoot dry mass and nodule number and mass at every soil P level, and were less responsive to increased soil P supply, than plants from low seed P. In plants from seeds with high P, soil P levels did not alter significantly root dry mass, while in plants from seeds with low P bean cultivars expressed wider differences in root dry mass. The genotypic variability of nodulation was influenced by soil P levels and seed P concentration. Both higher soil or seed P supply enhanced N and P accumulation in shoots. These results indicate that a high seed P concentration produces plants less dependent on soil P supply, and can enhance nodulation and N₂ fixation of common bean. Seed P supply affected the cultivar performance, and should be considered in evaluation of bean genotypes.     

Nutrient availability and corn growth in a poultry litter biochar‐amended loam soil in a greenhouse experiment

Nutrient‐rich biochar produced from animal wastes, such as poultry litter, may increase plant growth and nutrient uptake although the role of direct and indirect mechanisms, such as stimulation of the activity of mycorrhizal fungi and plant infection, remains unclear. The effects of poultry litter biochar in combination with fertilizer on mycorrhizal infection, soil nutrient availability and corn (Zea mays L.) growth were investigated by growing corn in a loam soil in a greenhouse with biochar (0, 5 and 10 Mg/ha) and nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer (0, half and full rates). Biochar did not affect microbial biomass C or N, mycorrhizal infection, or alkaline phosphomonoesterase activities, but acid phosphomonoesterase activities, water‐soluble P, Mehlich‐3 Mg, plant height, aboveground and root biomass, and root diameter were greater with 10 Mg/ha than with no biochar. Root length, volume, root tips and surface area were greatest in the fully fertilized soil receiving 10 Mg/ha biochar compared to all other treatments. The 10 Mg/ha biochar application may have improved plant access to soil nutrients by promoting plant growth and root structural features, rather than by enhancing mycorrhizal infection rates.     

轮作提高土壤磷生物有效性改善后茬作物磷素营养

  【目的】  豆科作物与禾本科作物轮作能够提高轮作体系的磷效率,本研究调查了前茬作物收获后的土壤磷状况,并尝试采用基于生物有效性的磷素分级方法 (BBP) 评价其对后茬玉米磷营养状况的影响。  【方法】  设置室内模拟盆栽试验,前茬作物处理包括蚕豆 (Vicia faba)、小麦(Triticum aestivum)、黑麦草 (Lolium perenne) 和毛叶苕子 (Vicia villosa Roth),以不种植作物为对照。作物收获后,后茬均轮作玉米。每个轮作前茬作物处理均分为基施P₂O₅ 60 mg/kg和不施磷肥两个处理。在前茬作物收获后,测定土壤Olsen-P含量,并将土壤磷分为CaCl₂-P、Citrate-P、Enzyme-P、HCl-P,评价土壤的有效磷状况。玉米收获后,测定产量和植株地上部磷含量及吸收累积量。  【结果】  轮作显著提高了后茬玉米地上部生物量,前茬不施磷肥处理对后茬玉米的增产效果高于施用磷肥处理。不施磷肥条件下,与对照相比,蚕豆后茬玉米的地上部生物量增加最多 (185.7%),且增幅显著高于小麦和毛叶苕子的后茬;施磷条件下,蚕豆、黑麦草后茬玉米的地上部生物量之间没有显著差异,但均显著高于小麦和毛叶苕子后茬。不施磷条件下,轮作显著提高了后茬玉米地上部含磷量,以黑麦草茬口的增幅最高,达到66.7%,且显著高于蚕豆和毛叶苕子;施磷条件下,4个茬口玉米地上部磷含量与无前茬作物对照没有显著差异,但黑麦草茬口仍显著高于蚕豆、小麦和毛叶苕子茬口的。前茬不施磷肥条件下,Enzyme-P在蚕豆、小麦、黑麦草和毛叶苕子茬土壤显著高于对照土壤;施磷肥条件下,只有蚕豆和黑麦草茬土壤显著高于对照土壤,这与轮作处理的促生效应相吻合。不施磷蚕豆、小麦、黑麦草和毛叶苕子土壤Citrate-P含量比其对照显著低20.99%、13.30%、5.05%和10.66%,而施磷土壤降幅更大,分别比对照低32.56%、22.86%、20.32%和27.62%。不论是否施磷肥,蚕豆与毛叶苕子均显著降低了土壤的HCl-P含量,而小麦茬对土壤的HCl-P含量无显著影响。  【结论】  不论是否施用磷肥,轮作显著降低了土壤中Olsen-P的含量,但是却显著促进了后茬玉米的生长。依据BBP分级方法,轮作不同程度地降低了土壤中Citrate-P和HCl-P含量,而增加了Enzyme-P的含量,进而提高了土壤中磷的生物有效性,增加了玉米吸磷量。在4种前茬作物中,黑麦草挖掘土壤供磷能力的潜力最大。     

新垦灰钙土蚕豆/玉米间作系统土壤活性有机碳、氮的时空变异研究

以宁夏新垦的淡灰钙土为对象,研究了蚕豆/玉米间作系统不同施氮水平下土壤活性有机碳、氮的时空变异特征。结果表明:新垦淡灰钙土土壤微生物量碳、氮(SMBC、SMBN)及可溶性有机碳、氮(SOC、SON)等活性有机碳、氮含量较低;随着施氮量的增加土壤SMBC含量显著增加;玉米收获期土壤SMBC、SMBN含量显著高于蚕豆收获期;土壤SMBC、SMBN含量空间变异为:蚕豆行间(F-F)含量最高,玉米行(M)、玉米行间(M-M)最低。与不施氮相比,施氮显著提高了蚕豆收获期土壤SOC、SON含量,而玉米收获期各施氮水平间土壤SOC和SON含量无明显差异;土壤SOC、SON的空间变异为:玉米行间>蚕豆行间、蚕豆行(F)、蚕豆与玉米行间(F-M)>玉米行。玉米收获期土壤SMBC及SMBN含量的显著增加,说明土壤微生物对矿质氮的固持对于新垦土壤肥力的提高具有重要作用。