湖南省典型农田土壤养分现状及近30年变化趋势

通过文献资料分析及实地调查和采样,对比研究了湖南省典型农田土壤的肥力状况及近30年变化趋势.结果表明:湖南省典型农田当前0 ～ 20 cm 和20 ～ 100 cm土壤有机质平均含量为30.43 g/kg和11.91g/kg,全氮平均含量为1.79 g/kg和0.82 g/kg,全磷平均含量为0.56 g/kg和0.44 g/kg,全钾平均含量为17.13 g/kg和17.17 g/kg.与第二次土壤普查结果比较:除20 ～ 100 cm土壤层次有机质和碱解氮含量呈下降趋势外,其他层次有机质、全氮、全磷、全钾、碱解氮、速效磷、速效钾等土壤养分指标呈显著增加趋势.0～20 cm土壤有酸化趋势.     

艾比湖主要补给河流下游河岸带土壤养分特征

以博尔塔拉河、精河下游河岸带不同植被覆盖条件下的土壤为研究对象,定量测定土壤中有机质与全氮、全磷、全钾的含量并进行统计分析,结果表明:两河下游河岸带土壤有机质、全氮含量呈现出较强的表聚性;博尔塔拉河下游河岸带土壤有机质与全氮含量之间存在显著相关性,与全磷、全钾相关性不强,精河下游河岸带土壤有机质与全氮、全磷、全钾相关性较强;空间变异特征显示:两河下游河岸带土壤各养分指标均表现为中等空间变异特征;对两河下游河岸带土壤养分指标测定结果进行对比,发现博尔塔拉河下游河岸带土壤养分含量高于精河下游河岸带土壤,但养分含量总体偏低.同时,因土壤类型及养分条件的不同,地表植物群落组成差异明显.     

江西省旱地土壤质地与土壤化学性状的相关性研究

通过研究江西省旱地土壤质地及其与化学性状的相关性,为江西省旱地土壤质地的改良提供理论依据。采用比重计速测法和常规化学指标分析方法测定了江西省不同地区的159个旱地土壤样品质地和氮、磷、钾、有机质含量、pH值和阳离子交换量指标,着重分析土壤中物理性粘粒含量及其他各级土粒含量与化学性状的相关性。结果表明:(1)江西省旱地土壤质地以壤土占绝对优势,高达93.71%,而在壤土中中壤土占比为51.57%;(2)土壤物理性粘粒含量与土壤中全氮、碱解氮、有机质含量、阳离子交换量呈显著正相关,与全钾含量呈显著负相关,即土壤颗粒越细,土壤全氮、碱解氮、有机质含量、阳离子交换量越高,土壤全钾含量越低;随着土壤颗粒变细,土壤pH值呈先升高后降低的趋势;土壤有效磷、速效钾、全磷含量与土壤各级土粒含量之间相关性不显著。     

伊金霍洛旗不同土地利用方式下的土壤养分特征

为分析内蒙古鄂尔多斯市伊金霍洛旗在4类土地利用方式(灌木林地、采矿用地、天然牧草地和农地)下,土壤养分质量分数的差异性,运用野外采样和室内化验、分析相结合的方法,测定4种土地类型在0～30 cm土层的土壤有机质和全量氮磷钾质量分数及pH值.结果表明:1)4类土地在0～ 30 cm土层的土壤有机质和全氮质量分数存在显著差异,土壤全磷量和全钾量差异不显著(P＜0.05),土壤有机质质量分数依次为农地＞天然牧草地＞灌木林地＞采矿用地,土壤全量氮磷钾最大值分别为天然牧草地、天然牧草地和灌木林地,最小值分别为采矿用地、灌木林地和天然牧草地;2)在垂直剖面上,采矿用地和天然牧草地的有机质质量分数随着土层深度的增加逐渐减小,农地和灌木林地的有机质质量分数最大值出现在20～30 cm深度的土层,4类土地的土壤全氮量和全磷量均有随土层深度的增加而下降的趋势,全钾量随土层深度的变化不明显.4类土地的土壤全氮和全钾质量分数整体而言较为理想,全磷和有机质质量分数欠缺.农地全磷质量分数基本能满足主要作物的生长需求,有机质和全氮质量分数不能满足主要作物的生长需求.本研究可为内蒙古中部工矿开采区土地合理利用以及退化的生态环境恢复等提供科学依据.     

四川西北部主要森林植被类型土壤养分库比较研究

在四川西北部沿都江堰-映秀-小金在不同海拔梯度选择16个典型群落类型森林土壤测定了土壤有机碳、活性有机碳、有机质、全氮、全磷、全钾含量,揭示了该区域不同群落类型森林土壤氮储量及其垂直分布和土壤养分库状况,分析了不同群落类型土壤碳氮关系和碳氮与养分因子关系。结果表明,不同森林植被类型土壤氮储量差异明显,全氮含量在0.78～3.51g/kg,密度在0.77～2.84kg/m2。亚高山森林植被类型土壤的氮含量整体上高于低山森林植被类型;16种森林植被类型土壤养分库有明显差异,在36.07～73.45kg/m2之间。总体上原始天然林较人工林的土壤养分库高,反映出植被越原始则养分库越高,16种森林植被类型土壤中总有机碳、活性有机碳、碳库管理指数和全氮均表现出显著线性关系,其中活性有机碳含量为29.63%～87.00%,密度分配为29.49%～76.08%,以落羽杉人工林为参照碳库管理指数为70.63%～2 138.11%,碳库质量优良;碳氮比为6.89～13.80,对林木生长较为适宜。其成果为该区域森林经营和因5.12地震植被恢复和生态重建提供科学依据。     

东北典型县域稻田不同肥力土壤剖面肥力变化特征及验证

研究东北典型县域稻田不同肥力土壤剖面特征,阐明东北典型县域高肥力土壤的特征及中、低肥力土壤的关键障碍因素,为进一步提升该区域稻田肥力和水稻产量提供科学依据。在黑龙江省方正县7个乡镇采集了9个稻田不同肥力土壤剖面样,测定了耕层和犁底层厚度、土壤容重、pH、有机质、全氮、全磷、全钾、碱解氮、有效磷、速效钾、硫离子(S2-)、锰离子(Mn2+)、阳离子交换量(CEC)、团聚体组分、微生物量碳/氮等指标,进行土壤综合肥力评价以及水稻产量与各土壤肥力指标的逐步回归分析,探究肥力差异的主控因子。结果表明,稻田不同肥力土壤剖面有机质、全氮、全磷、碱解氮、有效磷、速效钾、CEC、Mn2+含量随剖面土层深度增加逐渐降低,且均表现为高肥力土壤>中肥力土壤>低肥力土壤。方正县高肥力土壤(产量大于10000 kg/hm²)耕作层厚,容重低,耕作层有机质含量丰富,全氮含量高,全磷含量中等,且犁底层有机质、全氮和碱解氮含量高。中肥力土壤(产量介于7500～10000 kg/hm²)耕作层有机质含量高,全氮含量中等,全磷含量低。低肥力土壤(产量介于5500～7500 kg/hm²)耕作层薄,土壤S2-含量高,其他养分含量均低于高肥力土壤。高、中、低肥力土壤有效磷和速效钾养分达到丰富水平。高肥力土壤与中肥力土壤耕作层有机质、全氮、碱解氮、微生物量碳、0.25～0.053 mm团聚体含量和Mn2+差异显著,中肥力土壤与低肥力土壤耕作层除全磷和阳离子交换量外,其他指标无显著差异。高、中、低肥力土壤耕作层和犁底层土壤综合肥力指数分别为0.70和0.83、0.42和0.49、0.21和0.26。水稻产量与各土壤肥力指标的逐步回归分析表明,有机碳和全磷对产量的影响最大,耕作层微生物量氮和pH以及犁底层有效磷和全钾对产量影响较小。耕作层土壤有机碳和全磷对产量的影响最大,中、低肥力土壤有机碳和全磷养分供应不充足,全氮和碱解氮含量中等,低肥力土壤耕作层薄,因此,中、低肥力土壤建议采用增施有机肥和磷肥等措施,同时加强改良和培肥管理,以实现高肥力土壤的产量目标。     

陕北石油污染对土壤理化性质的影响

为了研究石油污染对土壤理化性质的影响,对安塞县8个类型油井井场周围土壤中的石油烃含量和理化性质进行分析测定。结果表明,井场周围土壤石油烃含量变化范围为0.08~71.49 g/kg,其中井场外0~5 m区域和5~20 m区域内土壤污染严重。石油污染导致土壤含水率、pH值、硝态氮、速效磷、全钾和速效钾含量显著降低,容重、有机质和铵态氮含量显著升高,全氮和全磷含量无显著变化;石油污染土壤中的石油烃含量与含水率、容重、有机质、铵态氮、速效磷和速效钾均呈极显著相关,与pH值和全钾呈显著相关,与全氮、硝态氮和全磷无显著相关关系。     

重庆市桃花溪受损河岸植被恢复初期物种多样性变化及其对土壤环境效应的影响

重庆市长寿区桃花溪由于人为干扰部分河岸受损,河岸植被破坏严重,经过生态治理修复,植被恢复效果良好。通过野外实地调查,并结合方差分析、相关分析及多元逐步回归分析法探讨了修复河岸初期各护坡模式下的植物多样性及其对土壤容重、毛管孔隙度、非毛管孔隙度、pH值、有机质、全氮、全磷、全钾、速效氮、有效磷、速效钾和阳离子交换量等土壤理化性质指标的响应。结果表明:植被护岸与天然材料织物垫护岸生物多样性最丰富,其物种多样性指标稍高于人工扁袋护岸,相比原生态的半裸地有了极显著的改善。各护岸模式的大多数土壤理化特征因子差异性极为显著,其中半裸地的土壤质地与水肥状况最差,说明各护岸措施对土壤的改善效果明显。通过对各生物多样性指数和土壤特征因子的一般相关分析与逐步回归分析,各多样性指标均与土壤容重呈显著负相关;Margalef丰富度指数、Simpson优势度指数与毛管孔隙度、速效N、阳离子交换量（CEC）呈显著性正相关,与有机质呈极显著正相关;Shannon-Wiener多样指数、Pielou均匀度指数与毛管孔隙度呈极显著的正相关,与有机质呈显著正相关。其中,全K、有机质、阳离子交换量CEC三个土壤养分因子与生物多样性的关系最为密切。     

秦岭火地塘林区不同海拔森林土壤理化性质

为了探究海拔高度与土壤理化性质之间的关系,对秦岭火地塘林区不同海拔高度土壤理化性质进行研究。在不同海拔高度设置样地,对土壤进行分层取样,室内测定土壤pH值、有机质、全氮、全磷、全钾、有效氮、有效磷和有效钾含量。结果表明：（1）在不同采样深度下,随着土壤深度增加,除土壤pH值逐渐升高外,有机质、全氮、有效磷和有效钾的含量逐渐降低,其他指标无明显变化规律;（2）土壤pH值、有机质、全氮和有效磷含量与海拔之间有显著的相关关系,土壤pH值随海拔升高先逐渐升高,最高点出现在海拔1 800～2 000m,后随海拔升高逐渐降低;有机质、全氮含量随着海拔升高而升高;有效磷含量随海拔升高而下降;有效氮、全磷、全钾和有效钾的含量和海拔之间不存在明显的相关关系。该林区应结合当地森林植被类型状况,针对不同海拔林地土壤的特点,调整林分模式,改善林地土壤性质,以维护该区林地的可持续发展。     

华南丘陵区村级景观下土地利用/土地覆盖对土壤质量的影响

利用IKONOS高分辨率（1m）卫星遥感图，根据Ellis提出的村级景观分类体系，研究华南丘陵区村级景观中的土壤容重、土壤有机质、土壤全氮和土壤全磷的含量和分布特征。结果表明：不同土地利用景观中，表层土壤（0～15cm）的土壤容重、有机质和全氮均有显著差异，最大值分别为：1．42gcm^-3（建设用地）、18．67g kg^-1（水田）和0．95g kg^-1（水田），而全磷差异不显著。由于林地面积最大，其土壤养分储量也最大，表层土壤有机质、全氮、全磷储量分别占整个地区表层总储量的55．05％、53．88％、46．23％。不同土地覆盖景观中，表层土壤的土壤容重、有机质、全氮也都有显著差异，最大值分别为：1．42gcm^-3（硬化地面）、15．96g kg^-1（混合植被）和0．68g kg^-1（混合植被），而全磷差异也不显著。多年生植被在土地覆盖景观中所占面积最大，其表层土壤有机质、全氮、全磷储量分别占整个地区表层总储量的55．01％、54．53％、59．02％。由于下层受人为干扰较小，不论是在不同土地利用方式还是在土地覆盖下，下层土壤（15～30cm）的土壤容重、有机质、全氮和全磷均无显著差异。人为强烈干扰下，植被覆盖度低的交通用地、房屋及其附近的干扰地和荒地与植被覆盖度高的林地、水田相比较，土壤容重高，而土壤有机质、土壤全氮和土壤全磷含量低。     

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