Monitoring the combined action of controlled‐release fertilizers and a soil conditioner in soil

Abstract

The combined action of a soil conditioner and a controlled‐release fertilizer was followed by conducting soil column leaching and tomato growth experiments. The change in soil water‐holding capacitiy and the release of potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄) from conventional and controlled‐release forms was evaluated using leaching experiments in soil columns. Tomato growth was followed by the comparison of biomass yields on a dry matter basis with experiments where different combinations of controlled‐release or conventional fertilizer rates and soil conditioner applications. It was demonstrated that the combined usage of controlled‐release fertilizers and soil conditioners increased tomato yield and enhanced the nutritional status of the tomato plants in comparison to conventional fertilizer materials.     

Lettuce plant growth with the use of soil conditioner and slow‐release fertilizers

Abstract

In two pot experiments, lettuce plant growth under different soil‐water conditions was examined. In the first experiment, the effect of soil conditioner in combination with slow‐release and water‐soluble fertilizers was considered. In the second experiment, lettuce plant resistance in moisture stress with the use of a soil conditioner was evaluated. The first experiment showed that the use of soil conditioner with slow‐release fertilizers gives greater yield than the use of water‐soluble fertilizers alone. The second experiment showed that there is no difference on the yield and quality of lettuce plants between the trials until the irrigation time of twenty days.     

RETRACTED ARTICLE: The bioremediation of metolachlor in soil using Rhodospirillum rubrum after wastewater treatment

Purpose

Reliable and effective techniques for removing contaminants from soil are highly desirable. However, metolachlor residue bioremediation and soil fertility improvement by Rhodospirillum rubrum (R. rubrum) in effluent after wastewater treatment have not yet been investigated. The aims of this study were to investigate the feasibility of bioremediation of metolachlor residues in soil and soil fertility improvement by R. rubrum in effluent and to explain the mechanism that R. rubrum in effluent was induced to express the regulatory gene.

Materials and methods

Soybean processing wastewater was obtained from Harbin Soybean Products Machining Factory. Soil samples were the surface soil (0–30 cm) from campus (1.77 g/kg total N, 4.15 g/kg total P, 1.58 g/kg total K, 17 g/kg SOM, 0.07 g/kg SMBC). Cytochrome P450 monooxygenase regulatory gene, MAPKKKs gene, was measured by RT-PCR.

Results and discussion

Compared to control treatment, metolachlor was removed efficiently and soil fertility was remediated by effluent containing R. rubrum. The removal in concentrations reached 2.97 mg/L (99%). Soil organic matter (SOM) and SMBC were enhanced 42 times. Molecular analysis revealed that metolachlor induced cpm gene expression to synthesize cytochrome P450 monooxygenase through activating MAPKKKs gene in MAPK signal transduction pathway.

Conclusions

Bioremediation of metolachlor in soil and improvement of soil fertility using R. rubrum in effluent were feasible. Metolachlor, as environmental pressure, induced cpm gene expression to synthesize cytochrome P450 monooxygenase and to remove metolachlor through activating MAPKKKs, MAPKKs, MAPKs genes in MAPK signal transduction pathway.

     

Detoxification effect of single inoculation and co-inoculation of Oudemansiella radicata and Serratia marcescens on Pb and fluoranthene co-contaminated soil

Purpose

In this study, the pot experiments were performed to investigate that Pb and fluoranthene toxicity can be reduced and soil biological properties in co-contaminated soil can be improved by Oudemansiella radicata (O. radicata) combining with Serratia marcescens (S. marcescens).

Materials and methods

The soil used in this study was air-dried in 25 °C and sieved through a 2-mm mesh sieve, then was artificially contaminated with the different concentrations Pb. The microbial counts, the ligninolytic enzymes (Laccase and MnP), and soil enzymes (dehydrogenase and acid phosphatase) were analyzed by different methods. The Pb accumulation in mushroom and soils samples were analyzed by using the flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS, SpectrAA-220Fs, United States Varian, Inc.). Fluoranthene content was analyzed using gas chromatograph-mass spectroscopy (GC–MS, Agilent 6890, USA).

Results and discussion

Results showed that Pb and fluoranthene had a negative effect on soil biological properties and mushroom. S. marcescens inoculation and O. radicata cultivation mitigated the adverse impact and improved the soil biological characteristics. S. marcescens inoculation could significantly increase the percentage of HOAc-extractable Pb and Pb concentration in O. radicata. Meanwhile, O. radicata and S. marcescens inoculation in soil could accelerate the removal of fluoranthene, and removal rate of fluoranthene was 86.39–91.95% in inoculated groups compared to 71.46–81.76% of non-inoculated groups (P?<?0.05). This study demonstrated that the interaction of O. radicata and S. marcescens was effective in promoting the bioremediation of co-contaminated soil with Pb and fluoranthene, and thus making it easier for us to detoxify the pollutants.

Conclusions

This study investigated that potential of O. radicata and S. marcescen on the bioremediation of Pb-fluoranthene co-contaminated soil. The combined effect of O. radicata and S. marcescen could significantly promote the bioremediation of Pb-fluoranthene co-contaminated soil, especially for the twice inoculation of S. marcescen groups. These results demonstrated that the presence of O. radicata and S. marcescen could significantly promote the bioremediation of Pb-fluoranthene co-contaminated soil, especially for the twice inoculation of S. marcescen groups.

     

Effects of Lumbricus terrestris, Allolobophora chlorotica and Eisenia fetida on microbial community dynamics in oil-contaminated soil

Oil spills are one of the most common types of soil pollution. Bioremediation has become an attractive alternative to physicochemical methods of remediation, where feasible. Earthworms have been shown to stimulate the degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil, and it was hypothesized that the role of earthworms in remediation lies in the enhancement of an oil degrading microbial community. The aim of this study was to characterize microbial activity and community dynamics in oil-contaminated soil incubated with or without earthworms. Three earthworm species (Eisenia fetida, Allolobophora chlorotica and Lumbricus terrestris) were incubated in crude oil polluted soil (ca. 10,000 mg/kg total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH)) and a reference soil for 28 d. Control treatments with manual mixing and/or cattle dung amendment were also included. In the oil-contaminated soil, respiration and concentration of microbial biomass was significantly enhanced by earthworm amendment, and TPH concentrations decreased significantly. These effects were less evident in treatments with A. chlorotica, possibly due to a difference in behavior, since individuals of this endogeic species were found in a state of inactivity (aestivation). Microbial community dynamics were described by phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analyses. After 28 d, similar shifts in the soil PLFA composition were observed in the oil-contaminated soil irrespective of worm species. Fungal:bacterial ratios were increased in the presence of worms, but also by addition of dung as a food source, indicating a non-specific effect of metabolizable substrates. In contrast, the fatty acids 17:1ω8 (=Δ9-heptadecenoic acid) and 20:4ω6c (arachidonic acid) were specifically stimulated by the presence of earthworms in the oil-contaminated soil. The results showed that earthworms can contribute positively to bioremediation of oil-contaminated soil, but that the effect may be species-dependent.     

Assessment of potassium speciation in soil using traditional single leaching and modified sequential extraction processes

Purpose

The bioavailability of potassium (K) depends on its speciation distribution in the soil. Different methods are commonly used to estimate K speciation including traditional single leaching (TSL) and sequential extraction process (SEP). However, K speciation is largely affected by soil pretreatment methods. The effects of both TSL and SEP soil pretreatment methods were evaluated.

Materials and methods

The TSL method classifies K speciation content based on bioavailability, while the SEP classifies the metal speciation based on the effects of environmental conditions. These two methods, together with a modified sequential single leaching (SSL) scheme, were used to evaluate five types of soil including soil without potassium fertilization, soil with long-term K fertilization, alkaline soil, red soil, and forest soil. The soil samples were gathered randomly at depths varying up to 30 cm before being dried in air at room temperature. The samples were then ground and mixed before passing through a sieve (10 mesh or 100 mesh) in order to perform K speciation analysis via the modified SSL technique, the TSL method, and the four schemes of SEP.

Results and discussion

Soil pretreatment influenced K speciation, with higher concentration in soil samples sieved through 100 mesh than through 10 mesh. In alkaline soil, potassium was observed to be associated with carbonate. For the various SEP schemes, K speciation was found to be greatest in the residual fraction, with only 3% observed in the carbonate, exchangeable, metal organic complex, or amorphous hydroxides of Fe or Mn. After following the first two steps of the SEP schemes, the available K was similar to that of the TSL method. Distribution of non-exchangeable K using the TSL method was comparable with the five combined SEP extraction steps which were all affected by environmental conditions.

Conclusions

Pretreatment affected K speciation distribution and total amount of metal in the soil. The 100 mesh sieve was more effective in estimating K soil speciation. The SEP method was acceptable for estimating K speciation, with the Krishnamurti et al. (Analyst 120:659–665, 1995) scheme as a useful appraisal of K bioavailability. Combination analyses using both TSL and SEP methods are useful techniques to enable a better understanding of K speciation transformation in soil.

     

Comparing two methods of sequential fractionation in the study of copper compounds in Haplic chernozem under model experimental conditions

Purpose

It is very important to obtain the information on the soils capacity to immobilize HMs and distribute them among soil components. The aim of this work was to study the fractional composition of Cu compounds in Haplic chernozem under model contamination conditions using different fractionation methods.

Materials and methods

The fractional composition of copper compounds in Haplic Chernozem artificially contaminated with copper acetate has been studied under model experimental conditions. General regularities and differences in the distribution of Cu forms in soils at the use of sequential fractionation by the Miller method modified by Berti and Jacobs (1996) and the Tessier method (Tessier et al. 1979) are revealed.

Results and discussion

The differences are related to the metal affinity for specific carrier phases, as well as to the selectivity and extraction capacity of the reagents used in these methods. A significant increase in the most mobile exchangeable Cu fraction is observed in contaminated soils. Aluminosilicates and soil organic matter make the largest contribution to the adsorption and retention of Cu.

Conclusions

The Tessier method is more suitable for the separation of the total technogenic component from contaminated soils. The Miller method is more informative at the determination of loosely bound HM compounds because of the use of weaker extractants.

     

Impact of soil organic matter on calcium carbonate equilibrium and forms of Pb in water extracts from Kastanozem complex

Purpose

Accounting for ionic strength and ion association, the degree of calculated supersaturation with CaCO₃ of gleyic solonetz and molic solonetz soil solution is high. The purpose of the research was to reveal the effect of the water-dissolved organic matter (DOM) on the calcium carbonate equilibrium (CCE) in soil solution, to create a thermodynamic model of carbonate association and complexation with DOM and heavy metals (HMs), and to correct the principal of soil management.

Materials and methods

Object of research—Kastanozem complex of the dry steppe, Rostov Oblast, Russia. The water extraction of soluble salts was made at the water-to soil-ratio 5:1 and analyzed using standard methods. DOM content was determined by Strosser (J Agrobiol 27:49–60, 2010). The soil solution macro-ion equilibrium composition was calculated using ION-2 program (Endovitsky et al. 2009). DOM role in soil solution supersaturation with СаСО₃ was assessed, comparing C content in real solution and in identical artificial solution prepared without organic matter. Taking into account the ion association, the molar fractions of free and bound HM ion were calculated using microelement association coefficient, k_as(ME). The soil liquid-phase saturation with CaCO₃ was characterized by the ratio of the real solubility product (S) to the thermodynamic solubility product (S⁰): К?=?S/S⁰.

Results and discussion

The soil solution supersaturation with CaCO₃ was characterized by the product of analytical concentrations (S), equilibrium concentrations [accounting ion activity (S^I), ion association (S^II), ion association and complexation (S^III)], and the thermodynamic solubility product (S⁰). To evaluate the role of DOM in soil solution supersaturation with CaCO₃, the initial pure Ca (HCO₃)₂ solution series was prepared. The humic and fulvic acids from the illuvial horizon of gleyic solonetz with concentrations of 20 mg C L^?1 and 120 mg C L^?1 decreased the CaCO₃ precipitation compared with initial soil solution. The release of CaCO₃ from soil water extracts containing water-soluble organic matter was 1.2–1.9 times less compared with identical artificial solution not containing organic matter. The HM binding by carbonates is proportional to the DOM content.

Conclusions

In molic solonetz and gleyic solonetz, the neutralization of the soda should be assessed by the soil solution supersaturation with CaCO₃. To calculate the degree of HM passivation in soil solution containing DOM, the coefficient of soil solution oversaturation with CaCO₃ is proposed. For reducing soil organic matter and DOM mobility and loss from soil, as well as for Pb passivation, intra-soil mechanical processing, intra-soil waste management, and intra-soil watering are proposed.

     

Physicochemical characteristics of a new organic soil conditioner from composted sludges from a pulp deinking process

Abstract

A new organic soil‐conditioner from composted sludge produced from a newspaper deinking process was examined compared with raw uncomposted sludge, its physical and chemical characteristics tested in order to study its effectiveness. The water‐holding capacity of the conditioner was almost 7.6 and 1.8 times higher than that of the pure soil and the raw sludge, respectively, and remained stable at temperatures between 9°C and 27°C. The composted sludge had a 53% organic matter content and 35% in humic substances which was 3.5 and 2.0 times lighter than the pure soil and the raw sludge. Incorporation of this‐material into the soil in concentrations of up to 25% resulted in a 1.7 times increase of the water‐holding capacity of the mixture, whereas 90% of the water‐holding capacity was achieved in less than 10 min. The apparent density of the mixture was decreased and was not affected by the residence time of the samples into the water. The pH of the mixture's eluates was shifted to higher values (pH=7.0). The specific conductivity of the eluates was increased. Due to this parameter, a limit was observed in the use of this conditioner. The amount of ammonium‐nitrogen (NH ‐N), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu)⁴, and manganese (Mn) in the eluates increased, while the amount of potassium (K) and iron (Fe) decreased in comparison to what would be expected from the separate contributions of soil and conditioner. Therefore, there exists an interaction between this material and soil that occurs when the conditioner is incorporated into soil.     

Effect of the addition of sewage sludge as a fertilizer on a sandy vineyard soil

Purpose

The application of sludge from wastewater in agriculture has increased in recent years, and it is therefore important to assess the effect that such treatment has on both the soil and the plant. The aim of the study described here was to ascertain whether there is a variation in the properties of the soil and to determine if this addition has an impact on the plant.

Materials and methods

The area of investigation was close to the municipality of Villarrubia de los Ojos (Ciudad Real). In this work, six samples were taken from the surface horizon in the studied plot at a depth of 35 cm. A further three samples were taken: (i) a surface horizon of a soil close to the area under investigation but without treatment (control sample), (ii) a sample of sludge from the wastewater treatment plant and (iii) a sample of the mixture used by farmers as fertilizer. Laboratory tests were conducted in accordance with the SCS-USDA (1972) guidelines. Trace element samples were analysed by X-ray fluorescence spectrophotometry (Philips PW 2404).

Results and discussion

The parcel of land studied is dominated by a sandy texture (88.3 % sand), and a decrease in pH was observed in areas in which the mixture (manure + sludge) was added (pH?=?8.0) compared to areas in which fertilizer was not applied (pH?=?8.5). It was observed that the addition of the compound led to an increase in the electrical conductivity of the soil. The trace elements can be organized into two groups based on the results obtained in this study. One group contains the trace elements that were only present in the rows that were treated with the fertilizer. The other group of trace elements was mobilized throughout the whole plot.

Conclusions

The application of sewage sludge on agricultural soils can be very useful as an organic amendment because it produces an increase in soil organic matter. However, sewage sludge must be applied with caution due to the changes in soil chemical properties (for example, pH and E.C.). The use of this type of waste for prolonged periods of time can cause problems of contamination in the soil.

     

A mathematical approach for the evaluation of nutrient elution kinetics from organic soil conditioners

Abstract

A new mathematical approach is presented for evaluating the inherent capacity of an organic soil conditioner to supply nutrients to plants in suitable proportions or to bind to prevent toxicities. This approach is based on the concept that the rate of elution of any nutrient follows a first‐order mathematical model. By using experimental data collected from an elution apparatus, the method enables the evaluation of two parameters, the specific nutrient elution rate and the maximum extractable amount of the nutrient. The elution rate coefficient can be used for the evaluation of the slow release ability that is imparted by a soil conditioner for an ion or a substrate. The maximum extractable amount can then be used for the evaluation of the soil conditioner's ability to hold the compounds, thereby inactivating them by immobilization. An example of this mathematical approach is given.     

Direct and indirect effects of elevated CO2 and nitrogen addition on soil microbial communities in the rhizosphere of Bothriochloa ischaemum

Purpose

Elevated CO₂ and nitrogen (N) addition both affect soil microbial communities, which significantly influence soil processes and plant growth. Here, we evaluated the combined effects of elevated CO₂ and N addition on the soil–microbe–plant system of the Chinese Loess Plateau.

Materials and methods

A pot cultivation experiment with two CO₂ treatment levels (400 and 800 μmol mol^?1) and three N addition levels (0, 2.5, and 5 g N m^?2 year^?1) was conducted in climate-controlled chambers to evaluate the effects of elevated CO₂ and N addition on microbial community structure in the rhizosphere of Bothriochloa ischaemum using phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) profiles and associated soil and plant properties. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to identify the direct and indirect effects of the experimental treatments on the structure of microbial communities.

Results and discussion

Elevated CO₂ and N addition both increased total and fungal PLFAs. N addition alone increased bacterial, Gram-positive, and Gram-negative PLFAs. However, elevated CO₂ interacting with N addition had no significant effects on the microbial community. The SEM indicated that N addition directly affected the soil microbial community structure. Elevated CO₂ and N addition both indirectly affected the microbial communities by affecting plant and soil variables. N addition exerted a stronger total effect than elevated CO₂.

Conclusions

The results highlighted the importance of comprehensively studying soil–microbe–plant systems to deeply reveal how characteristics of terrestrial ecosystems may respond under global change.

     

Soil fertility,enzyme activity,and microbial community structure diversity among different soil textures under different land use types in coastal saline soil

Purpose

This investigation assessed the responses of soil fertility, enzyme activity, and microbial community diversity to soil texture and land use type.

Materials and methods

The tested soils included five soil textures (sandy loam, medium loam, heavy loam, light clay, and medium clay soils) with two land use types (uncultivated and paddy soils) in the coastal zone of Zhejiang Province, China.

Results and discussion

Soil texture had a significant effect on soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), available nitrogen (AN), phosphorus (AP) and potassium (AK), catalase and protease activities, total phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs), bacterial and actinomycetes PLFAs, and microbial diversity (MD). The clay content was significantly positively correlated to soil EC, OC, TN, AN, AP, AK, catalase activity, total PLFAs, bacterial and actinomycetes PLFAs, and MD but significantly negatively associated with soil pH and protease activity. Land use type also had significantly influenced soil pH, EC, OC, TN, AN, AP, AK, catalase, protease and urease activities, total PLFAs, bacterial, actinomycetes, and fungal PLFAs, and MD. The paddy soil had higher OC, TN, AN, AP, catalase, protease and urease activities, total PLFAs, bacterial and actinomycetes PLFAs, and MD but lower soil pH, EC, and AK than the uncultivated soil. The interaction with soil texture and land use type had significantly affected soil pH, EC, OC, TN, AN, AP, AK, catalase and protease activities, total PLFAs, bacterial and actinomycetes PLFAs, and MD.

Conclusions

Soil texture and land use type could be considered important factors in improving soil fertility, enzyme activity, and microbial diversity in coastal saline soils.

     

Designing synthetic polymers as soil conditioners

Abstract

This work focuses on synthetic polymeric materials that are designed to function as soil conditioners. A classification of the various polymeric soil conditioners is given and a historical review is attempted. One hundred and three examples are examined, covering the period from 1950 up to today. The routes followed for the preparation of a synthetic polymeric soil conditioner are discussed. In this way, materials and/or properties are tailored for certain applications. Water‐soluble, water‐insoluble (crosslinked or hydrophobic), ionic, or non‐ionic conditioners are examined and pictures of their shapes are given. Finally, a discussion on the combination(s) of materials and/or properties outlines the future trends of this topic. Interpenetrating networks, blends of soil conditioning polymers, polymers combined with slow‐releasing compounds as well as transformable materials are included by examining certain works that are concerned with such materials presenting combined properties that are used in specific applications.     

Optimization of Process Parameters for Removal of Arsenic Using Activated Carbon-Based Iron-Containing Adsorbents by Response Surface Methodology

Rhizoremediation is a complex type of green clean-up technology that involves both plants and the rhizosphere-associated microorganisms to decompose hazardous compounds. The success of the strategy strongly depends on plant tolerance towards the pollutant, as well as plant's interactions with the rhizospheric microbes. The microorganisms may be stimulated by the secreted root exudates, which results in an increased breakdown of contaminants in the rhizosphere. The main goal of this study was to establish a potential rhizoremediation combination for a diesel-polluted site. Inoculation of plant roots or seeds with indigenous rhizospheric populations is a common approach in the rhizoremediation. However, we introduced hydrocarbon-degrading consortia (M10, R3, and K52) that were previously isolated from crude oil-contaminated soil instead of indigenous microbes. Bioaugmentation with these petroleum degraders was applied to screen four high biomass crop species (Indian mustard, alfalfa, high erucic acid rapeseed, HEAR, and low erucic acid rapeseed, LEAR) for their tolerance towards diesel oil. At no pollution, a promoting effect of M10 bacteria could be observed on germination and root elongation of all plant species. Moreover, M10 consortiums increased the germination index at 6,000 mg diesel oil per kilogram dry soil in the case of Indian mustard, alfalfa, and HEAR. The latter species was found to increment its dry weight upon bioaugmentation with M10 bacteria and all diesel oil treatments (6,000 and 24,000 mg diesel oil per kilogram dry soil). The initial results indicate HEAR and the M10 bacterial consortium as a promising plant–microbe tandem for a long-term rhizoremediation process.

     

Some characteristics of a new organic soil conditioner from the co‐composting of olive oil processing wastewater and solid residue

Abstract

The effectiveness of a new organic soil conditioner from the co‐composting of olive oil processing wastewater and solid residue was examined through the evaluation of some of its physical and chemical characteristics. The concentration of 25% w/w of this material into the conditioner‐soil mixtures appears to be the maximum level for the cultivation of tomato plants. The plants grown on this conditioner‐soil mixture were 1.52±8.5% times larger than those grown on a sandy loam soil. The pure conditioner cannot be used as a substrate for the growth of tomato plants. The water‐holding capacity of the conditioner was almost two times higher than that of the pure soil and remained almost stable for temperatures between 8–40°C. The apparent density of the conditioner was 0.5 times smaller than that of the pure soil. With increased application rate of the conditioner to the soil, there was a decrease in the pH, an increase in the specific conductivity, and an increase in the ammonium‐nitrogen (NH₄‐N) and phosphorus (P) concentration of the mixture.     

Effective bioremediation of heavy metal–contaminated landfill soil through bioaugmentation using consortia of fungi

Purpose

Heavy metals’ contamination of soil is a serious concern as far as public health and environmental protection are concerned. As a result of their persistent and toxic properties, heavy metals need to be removed from contaminated environments using an efficient technology. This study is aimed to determine the heavy metals’ (Ni, Pb, and Zn) bioremoval capacity of consortia of filamentous fungi from landfill leachate-contaminated soil.

Materials and methods

Three different groups of consortia of fungi, namely all isolated fungi, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota, were employed for the bioremediation of the contaminated soil. A total of thirteen fungal species were used to make up the three consortia. The setup was kept for 100 days during which regular watering was carried out. Soil subsamples were collected at day 20, day 60, and 100 for monitoring of heavy metal concentration, fungal growth, and other physicochemical parameters.

Results and discussion

Highest tolerance index of 1.0 was recorded towards Ni and Zn concentrations. The maximum metal bioremoval efficiency was observed for soil bioaugmented with the all isolated fungi for Ni and Pb with the removal efficiencies as 52% and 44% respectively. However, 36% was realized as the maximum removal for Zn, and was for Ascomycota consortium-treated soil. The order for the heavy metal removal for Ni and Pb is all isolated fungi > Basidiomycota?>?Ascomycota, while for Zn is Basidiomycota?>?all isolated fungi > Ascomycota. Spectra analysis revealed the presence of peaks (1485–1445 cm^?1) only in the consortia-treated soil which corresponded to the bending of the C–H bond which signifies the presence of methylene group.

Conclusions

Soil treated using bioaugmentation had the best heavy metal removal as compared to that of the control. This suggests the contribution of fungal bioaugmentation in the decontamination of heavy metal–contaminated soil.

     

Ecoenzymatic stoichiometry reveals phosphorus addition alleviates microbial nutrient limitation and promotes soil carbon sequestration in agricultural ecosystems

Purpose

Variation in soil microbial metabolism remains highly uncertain in predicting soil carbon (C) sequestration, and is particularly and poorly understood in agroecosystem with high soil phosphorus (P) variability.

Materials and methods

This study quantified metabolic limitation of microbes and their association with carbon use efficiency (CUE) via extracellular enzymatic stoichiometry and biogeochemical equilibrium models in field experiment employing five inorganic P gradients (0, 75, 150, 225, and 300 kg P ha^?1) in farmland used to grow peas.

Results and discussion

Results showed P fertilization significantly increased soil Olsen-P and NO₃^?-N contents, and enzyme activities (β-1,4-glucosidase and β-D-cellobiosidase) were significantly affected by P fertilization. It indicated that P fertilization significantly decreased microbial P limitation due to the increase of soil available P. Interestingly, P application also significantly decreased microbial nitrogen (N) limitation, a phenomenon primarily attributable to increasing NO₃^?-N content via increasing biological N fixation within the pea field. Furthermore, P fertilization increased microbial CUE because the reduction in microbial N and P limitation leads to higher C allocation to microbial growth. Partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) further revealed that the reduction of microbial metabolic limitation is conducive to soil C sequestration.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that P application in agroecosystem can alleviate not only microbial P limitation but also N limitation, which further reduces soil C loss via increasing microbial CUE. This study provides important insight into better understanding the mechanisms whereby fertilization mediates soil C cycling driven by microbial metabolism in agricultural ecosystems.

     

土壤微生物对除草剂乙草胺污染的响应和指示

采用除草剂乙草胺作为土壤污染因子, 在人工可控制条件下, 研究乙草胺对土壤微生物细菌、真菌和放线菌数量及土壤微生物量碳的影响, 并探讨这些微生物学指标对土壤中乙草胺污染状况的指示.研究结果表明: 在整个试验过程中, 除草剂乙草胺在短时间内对微生物区系能产生明显抑制作用, 但随着时间增加和污染物的分解, 微生物数量逐渐得到恢复.在短时间抑制过程中, 细菌、放线菌数量以及微生物量碳与乙草胺浓度的对数之间有很好的剂量效应关系, 第7 d细菌数量与乙草胺浓度对数的拟合公式为y = -2.97x + 12.36, R2 = 0.999 3; 放线菌数量与乙草胺浓度对数的拟合公式为y = -2.13x + 6.67, R2 = 0.956 4; 微生物量碳在第14 d与乙草胺浓度对数的拟合公式为y = -89.25x + 348.90, R2 = 0.995 4; 其相关性都达到显著水平.而真菌在受到乙草胺污染后, 受抑制现象并不明显, 真菌对乙草胺有较强的抗性.总之在短期污染条件下, 土壤中的细菌、放线菌数量以及微生物量碳可以很好地指示土壤中乙草胺的污染状况.     

Effect of an anionic soil conditioner on water stable aggregation of three Hawaiian soils

Abstract

The primary purpose of soil conditioner application is to enhance a soil's resistance to erosion processes by increasing the water stability of aggregates. In this study, a wrist‐action shaker was used to assess the aggregate stability of three Hawaiian soils treated with an anionic surfactant soil conditioner (AGRI‐SC). Aggregates of 2.00 to 4.00 mm in size were treated with Agri‐SC at rates of 1 to 100,000 times the manufacturer‐recommended rate of 0.30 L ha^‐1. The manufacturer‐recommended application rate of Agri‐SC was effective for only the most stable soil tested (Kaneloa Oxisol), ineffective for the Lualualei Vertisol, and adversely effective for the Molokai Oxisol. For higher application rates ranging from 10 to 10,000 times recommended, stability of large aggregate fractions increased for the Kaneloa Oxisol. In sharp contrast, the same application rates decreased aggregate stability of the Molokai Oxisol. For the third, least stable soil (Lualualei Vertisol), Agri‐SC was relatively ineffective, except at very high application rates (1, 000 and 10, 000 times recommend). Finally, at the extremely high application rate of 100, 000 times recommended, aggregates for all soils were peptized. These results suggest that careful attention should be given to the application of soil conditioners with anionic surfactants as active ingredients, for aggregate response to various application rates appears to be soil dependent.