大青山不同林地类型土壤特性及其水源涵养功能

对内蒙古大青山4种林地类型的土壤特性、凋落物持水量及林地土壤贮水性能进行了研究。结果表明:①林地间土壤容重和孔隙度差异较大,容重大小依次为油松人工林>虎榛子灌丛林>落叶松人工林>白桦山杨天然次生林;总孔隙大小依次为白桦山杨天然次生林>落叶松人工林>虎榛子灌丛林>油松人工林;②林地间凋落物蓄积量和最大持水率差异较大,蓄积量大小依次为落叶松人工林>白桦山杨天然次生林>虎榛子灌丛林>油松人工林;最大持水率大小依次为落叶松人工林>白桦山杨天然次生林>虎榛子灌丛林>油松人工林;③依据林地总贮水量的大小,4种林地水源涵养功能大小依次为白桦山杨天然次生林(3 687.172 t/hm2)>落叶松人工林(3 553.229 t/hm2)>虎榛子灌丛林(3 035.698 t/hm2)>油松人工林(2 796.279 t/hm2)。     

六盘山林区四种植被类型对土壤物理性质的影响研究

植被恢复是改善土壤物理性质、保持水土的重要措施。为研究不同植被类型对土壤物理性质的影响,以六盘山林区华北落叶松、白桦、虎榛子和沙棘4种植物为研究对象,分别测定了不同层次的土壤容重、总孔隙度、毛管孔隙度、土壤含水量、最大持水量、毛管持水量和田间持水量等指标,并进行了分析。结果表明:4种植被类型的土壤容重,均表现出随着土层的增厚而增加的趋势;土壤总孔隙度、毛管孔隙度、非毛管孔隙度、土壤含水量、最大持水量、毛管持水量和田间持水量,均表现随着土层的增厚而降低的趋势。植被恢复更有利于提高土壤总孔隙度和非毛管孔隙度,改善土壤结构,提高土壤透气透水性和涵养水源的能力。沙棘和虎榛子在提高土壤总孔隙度方面更为有效,虎榛子更有利于改善土壤表层的土壤含水量、毛管持水量和田间持水量。     

四面山不同林地类型土壤特性及其水源涵养功能

通过对四面山不同林地类型土壤特性及水源涵养功能进行研究.结果表明:(1)在0-60 cm土层,杉木×马尾松混交林、木荷×石砾混交林和杉木×马尾松×木荷混交林的土壤容重分别为1.10 g/cm~2,1.03 g/cm~3,1.24 g/cm~3.(2)3种林地的土壤总孔隙度、毛管孔隙度、非毛管孔隙度均随深度的增加而减低.在0-60 cm土层,杉木×马尾松混交林、木荷×石砾混交林和杉木×马尾松×木荷混交林的土壤总孔隙度分别为42.32%,48.87%和39.82.而三者的土壤毛管孔隙度分别为33.53%,38.22%和33.97%,土壤非毛管孔隙度分别为8.79%,10.65%和5.86%.(3)木荷×石砾混交林饱和蓄水量最大,为2 932.4 t/hm~2;杉木×马尾松混交林.为2 539.2 t/hm~2;杉木×马尾松×木荷混交林最差,为2 389.6 t/hm~2.术荷×石砾混交林土壤贮蓄水分和调节水分的潜在能力比杉木×马尾松×木荷混交林高122.7%.(4)木荷×石砾混交林枯落物的总蓄积量最大为246.94 t/hm~2.而杉木×马尾松×木荷混交林林枯落物的总蓄积量最小为64.47 t/hm~2.枯落物最大持水率相差较大.变动范围为229%～327.5%之间.枯落物的最大持水量依次为:木荷×石砾混交林(254.28 t/hm~2)>杉木×马尾松混交林(191.72 t/hm~2)>杉木×马尾松×木荷混交林(60.35 t/hm~2).     

冀北山地阴坡枯落物层和土壤层水文效应研究

对冀北山地阴坡6种不同天然林分枯落物层及土壤层进行了初步研究,结果表明:(1)枯落物总蓄积量和最大持水量的顺序一致:华北落叶松-白桦-黑桦混交林>白桦-华北落叶松混交林>白桦-黑桦-华北落叶松混交林>蒙古栎-黑桦混交林>山杨-黑桦-蒙古栎混交林>白桦-黑桦混交林,枯落物的蓄积量为10.15~30.47 t/hm2,最大持水量的变化范围为24.33~63.57 t/hm2。华北落叶松-白桦-黑桦混交林的有效拦蓄能力最强,为48.60 t/hm2,山杨-黑桦-蒙古栎混交林的有效拦蓄能力最弱,为16.47 t/hm2;(2)未分解层枯落物与半分解层枯落物持水量与浸泡时间呈明显对数关系,吸水速率与浸泡时间呈明显幂函数关系;(3)土壤容重均值的变化范围为0.89~1.18 g/cm3,总孔隙度的变动范围为49.93%~63.08%。随着土壤厚度加深,土壤容重逐渐增大,总孔隙度逐渐减小;(4)山杨-黑桦-蒙古栎混交林有效持水能力最强,为65.43 t/hm2,华北落叶松-白桦-黑桦混交林持水能力最弱,为37.92t/hm2,土壤入渗速率与入渗时间呈明显幂函数关系,相关系数都在0.95以上。     

不同林分类型土壤水分物理性质及其海拔效应——以浙江省凤阳山为例

以浙江省凤阳山常绿阔叶林和针阔混交林为例,通过野外调查和室内测定土壤容重、土壤孔隙度及土壤含水量等,研究了中亚热带主要林分类型的土壤水分物理性质及其海拔影响.结果表明,在0-60 cm土层中,随着深度的增加土壤容重逐渐增大,土壤总孔隙度、毛管孔隙度、最大持水量、毛管持水量、最小持水量逐渐减小.在海拔300～I 355 m高程范围随着海拔升高土壤容重平均值逐渐减小,土壤总孔隙度、毛管孔隙度、最大持水量、毛管持水量、最小持水量、土壤贮水量平均值均增大;土壤排水能力平均值为:海拔900 m＞海拔600 m＞海拔1 355 m＞海拔300 m.同一海拔4种林分类型土壤容重平均值:人工杉木林＞针阔混交林＞人工柳杉林＞常绿阔叶混交林;土壤总孔隙度、土壤最大持水量、毛管持水量、最小持水量、土壤贮水量平均值均表现为人工柳杉林优于其他3种林分类型;土壤排水能力平均值表现为:常绿阔叶混交林＞人工杉木林＞人工柳杉林＞针阔混交林.综合分析,同一海拔常绿阔叶林水源涵养及保持水土能力要高于人工柳杉林.     

武夷山风景区不同林地类型土壤水分物理性质及土壤水库特性

对武夷山风景区6种林地类型的土壤容重、孔隙度、持水量及土壤水库容等性能进行了研究,结果表明,（1）0—60 cm土层土壤容重为杉木林〉马尾松林〉灌木林〉针阔混交林〉竹林〉常绿阔叶林。（2）6种林地土壤总孔隙度和最大持水量为常绿阔叶林〉竹林〉针阔混交林〉灌木林〉马尾松林〉杉木林;毛管孔隙度和田间持水量为竹林〉常绿阔叶林〉针阔混交林〉灌木林〉马尾松林〉杉木林;非毛管孔隙度为常绿阔叶林〉针阔混交林〉灌木林〉马尾松林〉杉木林〉竹林;毛管持水量为竹林〉常绿阔叶林〉灌木林〉针阔混交林〉马尾松林〉杉木林。（3）在0—60 cm土层内,常绿阔叶林和竹林的土壤总库容最大,针阔混交林、灌木林、马尾松林次之,杉木林的最小。竹林的储水库容最大,而通透库容最小。在相同的立地条件下,常绿阔叶林的土壤特性优于其它林分,最有利于涵养水源。     

宁夏六盘山不同森林类型林地的贮水量

 为评价宁夏六盘山不同森林类型的水源涵养生态功能,对宁夏六盘山地区华北落叶松人工纯林、辽东栎天然纯林、白桦+山杨天然混交林和华山松+红桦+白桦天然混交林4种林地枯落物和土壤的贮水特征进行研究。采用样方法和浸泡法测定枯落物不同层次的最大持水量和持水特性,采用环刀法和浸泡法测定土壤水分物理性质和贮水量。结果表明:林地枯落物层饱和贮水量为华山松+红桦+白桦天然混交林最大,华北落叶松人工纯林次之,辽东栎天然纯林其次,白桦+山杨天然混交林最小;除华北落叶松人工纯林枯落物未分解层和华山松+红桦+白桦天然混交林半分解层在浸泡6h时达到最大持水量外,其他森林类型各层次均在浸泡3h时达到最大持水量;土壤饱和贮水量为华山松+红桦+白桦天然混交林最大,辽东栎天然纯林次之,华北落叶松人工纯林其次,白桦+山杨天然混交林最小。     

冀北山地蒙古栎天然林土壤物理性质及水源涵养功能研究

对冀北山地不同坡位的蒙古栎天然林土壤水分物理性质及水源涵养能力进行了初步研究.结果表明,0-40 cm土层土壤容重、非毛管孔隙度、有效持水量均表现为:坡中＞坡下＞坡上,土壤容重在1.0～1.1 g/cm3之间;土壤非毛管孔隙度和有效持水量均值为8.9％和347.6 t/hm2.土壤毛管孔隙度、总孔隙度、毛管持水量和最大持水量均表现为:坡下＞坡中＞坡上,其均值分别是38.5％,47.5％,1 521.50t/hm2和l 869.1 t/hm2.枯落物厚度、蓄积量和最大持水量表现为:坡下＞坡上＞坡中,其均值分别是48.7 cm,23.5 t/hm2和49.3 t/hm2,最大持水率表现为:坡上＞坡中＞坡下,变化范围为219.3％～231.8％.蒙古栎天然林林地蓄水能力表现为:坡下(1 996.0 t/hm2)＞坡中(1 930.0 t/hm2)＞坡上(1 829.3 t/hm2),平均蓄水量为1 918.4 t/hm2.由此可知,蒙古栎天然林蓄水能力受坡位影响较大.     

祁连山不同林地类型土壤特性及其水源涵养功能

对甘肃祁连山4种不同林地类型的土壤特性、凋落物持水量、林地土壤蓄水性能、土壤渗透性能等进行了研究.结果表明,林地内土壤容重和孔隙度(0-60 cm)差异较大,容重大小依次为:牧坡草地＞祁连圆柏林＞高山灌丛林＞青海云杉林;总孔隙度大小依次为:青海云杉林＞高山灌丛林＞祁连圆柏林＞牧坡草地.林地间凋落物的最大持水量和最大持水率表现一致,趋势表现为:高山灌丛林＞青海云杉林＞祁连圆柏林＞牧坡草地.不同林地间土壤非毛管孔隙持水量差别较大,4种林地的土壤非毛管孔隙持水量由大到小依次为:青海云杉林＞高山灌丛林＞祁连圆柏林＞牧坡草地.有效涵蓄量大小与土壤涵蓄降水量一致,4种林地变化范围为184.98～222.27 mm,大小顺序依次为:青海云杉林＞牧坡草地＞高山灌丛林＞祁连圆柏林.     

冀北地区典型林分枯落物层与土壤层的水文效应

以丰宁县4种典型林分为研究对象,主要采用室内浸水法和环刀浸泡法,进行了枯落物的持水量、吸水速度以及土壤物理性质等的测定,并对其水文效应进行了研究。结果显示:枯落物的总蓄积在9.58~11.50t/hm~2,蓄积量大小排序为:杨树针阔混交林杂木林杨树阔叶混交林榆树阔叶混交林;杨树阔叶混交林的最大持水量最大为14.56t/hm~2,其最大持水率最大为295.46%。土壤的平均容重0.77~0.98g/cm~3,其大小顺序为:杨树针阔混交林杂木林杨树阔叶混交林榆树阔叶混交林;土壤总孔隙度48.98%~56.72%,其中最大为杨树阔叶混交林,最小为杂木林;土壤最大持水量在623.67~726.33t/hm~2,其中最大持水量的最大值是最小值的1.16倍。土壤初渗速率其变动范围在23.95~28.12mm/min,其中杨树针阔混交林土壤初渗速率最大为:28.12mm/min,榆树阔叶混交林的土壤初渗速率最小为:23.95mm/min。     

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