基于棉花红边参数的叶绿素密度及叶面积指数的估算

利用野外非成像高光谱仪，测试棉花两个品种4种配置种植方式两年关键生育时期的冠层反射光谱数据，应用光谱微分技术，获取棉花微分光谱680～750 nm波段的红边参数：红边面积（SDr）、红边斜率（Dr）以及红边位置（λr）变量；将棉花红边面积、红边斜率分别与其冠层叶绿素密度（CH.D）、叶面积指数（LAI）进行相关分析，它们的相关性均达到1%极显著水平，其中红边面积与叶绿素密度的相关性最好（RCH.D=0.8787**，n=137）；并且红边面积较红边斜率对叶绿素密度、叶面积指数的预测精度更高。以棉花新陆早13号和19号为建模样本，通过红边面积与叶绿素密度的线性相关模型，分别反演新陆早13号、19号冠层叶片的叶绿素密度，结果表明对这两个棉花品种的叶绿素密度估算精度分别达87.4%和83.3%，说明高光谱红边参数是估算棉花叶绿素密度和叶面积指数的一种简单、快捷、非破坏性的有效方法。     

水稻成熟过程中高光谱与叶绿素、类胡萝卜素的变化规律研究

通过大田和室内试验，测定了2个品种、3个供氮水平处理的水稻冠层、主茎剑叶、完全展开倒三叶和穗在成熟过程中的不同时期的高光谱反射率及对应叶片和穗的叶绿素、类胡萝卜素含量。结果表明：不同供氮水平的水稻冠层和叶片光谱差异明显，其叶片的叶绿素、类胡萝卜素含量随供氮水平的提高而增大；冠层光谱反射率随发育期推移在可见光范围内逐渐增大，在近红外区域逐渐降低；穗光谱的红边位置象冠层、叶片光谱一样也存在“蓝移”现象；叶片叶绿素、类胡萝卜素含量和高光谱植被指数VI1(R₉₉₀/R_{553相似文献}   

高温胁迫下水稻红边特征及SPAD和LAI的监测

为了促进高光谱遥感技术在水稻长势监测及其灾害评估中的作用，该文以扬稻6号与南粳43为试验对象，通过高温胁迫试验，测定孕穗期高温胁迫后2个品种在不同生育期冠层高光谱反射率、红边参数和叶片绿色度（SPAD）值及叶面积指数（LAI）。结果表明，2个水稻品种剑叶的SPAD值与LAI随生育期的进行呈先上升后下降的趋势，在开花期均达到最大值，在始穗期与蜡熟期时较低。随着高温胁迫的加剧，SPAD值和LAI不断减小。冠层光谱红边位置、红边幅值与红边面积在开花前呈“红移”，开花后呈“蓝移”现象。随着胁迫温度的提高，3个红边参数也呈现“蓝移”现象。不同生育期剑叶SPAD值和LAI与红边特征参数均具有显著或极显著的相关关系。相对于红边幅值，以红边位置为参数所建的模型能更好地预测水稻剑叶的SPAD值和LAI。     

玉米全氮含量高光谱遥感估算模型研究

该文对不同品种玉米测定了其室内光谱反射率及其对应的全氮含量，采用相关性分析以及单变量线性与非线性拟合分析技术，对全氮含量与原始光谱反射率、光谱反射率一阶微分、一些高光谱特征参数(如红边波长、红边位置以及红边面积等)以及由一阶微分光谱所构建的一些比值植被指数和归一化植被指数之间的关系进行了分析，结果表明：全氮含量与原始光谱在716 nm处具有最大相关系数(r=-0.847)，呈极显著负相关，并且基于此波长所构建的对数关系估算模型明显优于线性模型；与光谱反射率一阶微分值在759 nm处具有最大相关系数(r=0.944)，呈极显著正相关，并且基于此波长所构建的线性和非线性模型的拟合效果接近；对于所选取的3类高光谱特征变量，全氮含量除了与黄边位置(λy)以及由红边面积和黄边面积所构建的比值植被指数和归一化植被指数的相关性较弱之外，与其余变量均呈极显著相关关系，说明由这些变量对玉米全氮含量进行估算具有可行性；对所建立的各类方程进行精度检验，最终筛选确定由759 nm处的光谱反射率一阶微分值所构建的指数模型作为对玉米全N含量的预测模型最为理想。     

利用高光谱数据预测水稻籽粒粗蛋白含量研究

籽粒粗蛋白含量是水稻营养食味品质的重要指标之一。通过大田小区试验，测定了2个品种、3个供氮水平处理下水稻冠层和旗叶在成熟过程中不同时期的高光谱反射率，及茎、叶、穗和稻米的含氮量及粗蛋白含量，分析了它们之间的相关性。结果表明：稻穗和稻米粗蛋白质含量与孕穗期、灌浆期和乳熟期的茎、叶粗蛋白质含量极显著相关，与灌浆期、乳熟期的冠层光谱ρ_λ及其一阶导数光谱D_λ、冠层光谱RVI在某些波段也达到极显著相关；稻穗粗蛋白质含量与主茎旗叶某些高光谱指数极显著相关。这表明能用高光谱方法来估测水稻籽粒粗蛋白含量，它将为水稻品质遥感监测提供依据。     

水稻微分光谱和植被指数的作用探讨

通过两年两个不同品种水稻在不同供氮水平下的田间试验，测定了水稻冠层在生长过程中不同时期的高光谱反射率及对应的叶绿素、类胡萝卜素含量，分析了微分光谱对消除水稻冠层光谱的背景影响和植被指数在农学参数测定中的作用。结果表明：由微分光谱所得的红边位置、红边斜率与盖度和供氮水平之间有一定的相关性，与叶面积指数、地上生物量及冠层叶绿素、类胡萝卜素含量有显著相关；水稻多光谱植被指数RVI、NDVI与叶面积指数LAI及其地上部生物量之间有极显著相关性；高光谱植被指数及其变量与植被盖度、供氮水平、叶面积指数、地上生物量及叶绿素、类胡萝卜素含量之间存在相关性。这表明，用微分光谱技术与植被指数方法来监测水稻的色素含量和长势应该是可行的。     

不同氮营养冬小麦冠层光谱红边特征分析

利用FieldSpec FR2500光谱仪测定了不同氮素处理冬小麦冠层光谱，分析其红边特征变化规律及与农学成分的相关关系。结果表明，波长550 nm、680 nm、980 nm、1100 nm与350～680 nm和750～1100 nm可作为氮素营养诊断的敏感特征点与波段范围。随着施氮量的提高，拔节期、抽穗期以及灌浆期的红边位置（REP）、红谷位置（Lo）与光谱反射率一阶微分极大值（FD_Max）均增大，红边宽度（Lwidth）则有减小的趋势。总体上看，施氮与无氮处理在整个生育期均存在较大差异，施氮处理之间差异较小。冠层反射光谱的红边位置、红谷位置、随生育期向长波方向移动，呈现红移现象；从抽穗期开始逐渐减小，呈现蓝移现象。冬小麦红边参数中红边位置与农学组分之间的相关性优于其他参数，除与地上部生物量正相关显著外，与叶面积指数、叶含水率、叶绿素含量、叶可溶性蛋白含量、叶鲜重、叶含氮量均呈正相关且达到极显著水平。红谷位置则与叶面积指数、叶含水率、叶绿素含量、叶鲜重以及SPAD值呈极显著正相关；与可溶性蛋白呈显著正相关。红边宽度与叶面积指数、叶含水率、叶氮含量、叶绿素含量以及叶鲜重均呈极显著正相关；与可溶性蛋白含量呈显著正相关。反射率一阶导数极大值与叶面积指数、叶含水率、叶鲜重呈极显著正相关，与叶含氮量极显著负相关。通过红边参数与农学组分稳定良好的数学关系，可以对农学组分进行预测估算。     

无人机高光谱遥感估算冬小麦叶面积指数

为探讨利用低空无人机平台和高光谱影像对冬小麦叶面积指数进行遥感估算，该研究以拔节期冬小麦小区试验为基础，对原始冠层光谱进行一阶导数和连续统去除光谱变换，并在此基础上提取任意两波段组合的差值光谱指数（Difference Spectral Index，DSI）、比值光谱指数（Ratio Spectral Index，RSI）和归一化光谱指数（Normalized Spectral Index，NDSI），以最优窄波段光谱指数进行叶面积指数估算模型的构建。结果表明，最优窄波段指数的构成波段主要位于红边区域，最优窄波段指数与叶面积指数均呈现非线性关系；光谱变换显著提升了光谱变量与叶面积指数的相关性，其中连续统去除光谱所获取的NDSI（738，822）光谱指数与叶面积指数的相关性最佳；窄波段光谱指数和随机森林回归算法的叶面积指数估算模型精度最高，其相对预测偏差为2.01，验证集的决定系数和均方根误差分别为0.77和0.27。基于随机森林回归算法的无人机高光谱叶面积指数估算模型能够准确地实现小区域的叶面积指数遥感填图，为后期作物长势、变量施肥等提供理论依据。     

高光谱数据估测稻麦叶面积指数和叶绿素密度

该研究利用高光谱遥感技术分析水稻和小麦两种作物不同生育期的冠层光谱及其叶面积指数和叶绿素密度的变化，比较高光谱植被指数与两种作物的叶面积指数和叶绿素密度之间的关系，最后确定估算两种作物的叶面积指数和叶绿素密度最佳植被指数。结果表明：水稻和小麦两作物的叶面积指数和叶绿素密度在整个生育期内的变化规律基本一致，即先升高后下降的趋势，但两作物叶绿素密度与叶面积指数最大值出现的时期不同；稻麦两作物在整个生育期内的光谱反射率曲线，在可见光区域（400～700 nm）变化无明显规律，在近红外区域（700～1 000 nm），生育前期反射率由低到高，到生育后期则由高到低，其中最大值分别出现在抽穗期和灌浆期左右；通过14种植被指数与两作物的叶面积指数和叶绿素密度相关性比较分析得知，二次修正土壤调节植被指数（MSAVI2）与水稻农学参数相关性最好，相关系数r＞0.91，而小麦在800 nm处的光谱反射率(R800)与其农学参数相关性最好，相关系数r＞0.92；并利用线性回归的方法，建立了估算两作物叶面积指数和叶绿素密度的模型，决定系数R2＞0.85。这样为不同环境条件下（水作和旱作）农作物的动态监测和科学管理及决策提供了技术支持。     

不同筋力冬小麦冠层反射光谱的差异分析

为了利用冠反射光谱特征监不同筋力小麦品种的生理特征差异,利用不同筋力小麦冠层反射光谱的差异,可对不同小麦品种进行遥感识别与监测。试验以低筋小麦品种扬麦13和高筋小麦品种徐麦31为材料,结合不同生育时期两品种叶面积指数(LAI)、叶绿素含量和叶片氮含量的变化,以及相应的光谱参数,分析不同筋力小麦冠层反射光谱的变化特征。结果表明,在近红外和可见光波段,从拔节期到蜡熟期,扬麦13的冠层光谱反射率均高于徐麦31,在孕穗期两品种的差异最显著;LAI、叶片叶绿素和氮含量均在开花时达最大值,扬麦13的叶绿素含量明显高于徐麦31,而LAI和叶片氮含量则低于徐麦31。比值植被指数(RVI)、归一化植被指数(NDVI)与LAI;红边位置(λr)、红边幅值(Dr)与叶绿素含量,氮素反射指数(NRI)、抗大气植被指数(VARIgreen)与叶片氮含量极显著相关,表明RVI、NDVI可以反演LAI;λr、Dr可以反演叶绿素;NRI、VARIgreen可以反演叶片氮含量的变化。以上光谱参数能反映小麦相关指标的变化情况,不同时期可运用小麦冠层反射光谱进行不同筋力小麦品种识别,孕穗期为最佳识别时期。通过本研究,以期为不同筋力小麦品种的遥感识别提供依据。     

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