基于文献计量的贵州喀斯特地区石漠化等级土壤养分状况分析

明确贵州喀斯特地区不同石漠化等级土壤养分状况,为石漠化防治和生态系统恢复提供参考。收集公开发表的涉及贵州不同石漠化等级土壤养分的研究论文,对有关数据进行整理和分析。研究发现:(1)随石漠化等级增加,土壤容重不断增加,0.001 mm黏粒含量有下降趋势,0.05 mm砂粒含量则有增加趋势,但不同石漠化等级之间黏粒和砂粒含量均无显著差异;(2)土壤有机质、全氮、全磷、速效养分含量均表现为无石漠化(ND)轻度石漠化(LD)中度石漠化(MD)重度石漠化(SD),随石漠化等级增加呈幂函数下降,衰减速度为有机质有效磷碱解氮全氮速效钾全磷,从无石漠化到轻度石漠化演替过程土壤养分下降幅度最大;(3)土壤有机质和全氮与其他土壤理化指标之间极显著相关,且对石漠化地区土壤肥力贡献极大,可作为表征土壤-石漠化关系的敏感性土壤指示因子;(4)不同土地利用方式对石漠化地区土壤养分影响明显,土壤养分高低为林地草地耕地。土壤养分和地表植物群落结构与石漠化演替进程密切相关,贵州喀斯特石漠化地区增加地表覆盖度和开展有机培肥对防止土壤退化和石漠化生态恢复具有重要意义。     

喀斯特山区退耕地水稳性团聚体演变特征及土壤养分效应

以贵州省六盘水市钟山区喀斯特山区不同年限退耕还林地为研究对象,以中度石漠化样地和自然恢复松林为对照,采用时空替代法,分析探索了其水稳性团聚体演变特征及与土壤养分的协调效应关系.＃结果表明,喀斯特山区坡耕地退耕还林5～8 a后,>0.25 mm水稳性团聚体在土壤中的含量明显提高,最低含量已达60%以上,粒径多集中在5～2 mm,且有向大粒径明显转化的趋势.通过对水稳性团聚体与土壤养分相关性和回归分析显示,>0.25 mm水稳性团聚体与土壤有机质、全氮、全钾及速效钾显著相关,相关系数达0.7～0.97;与碱解氮、全磷相关性不显著.在喀斯特山区退耕还林过程中,适当考虑种植对土壤磷素返还作用明显的植物,避免人为干扰,将有利于退耕地林木的健康生长.     

退化喀斯特植被恢复过程中的土壤抗蚀性变化

运用时空互代法,以喀斯特山区不同植被恢复阶段为研究对象,坡耕地与人工林为对照,通过室内分析,采用主成分分析方法,探讨了其土壤抗蚀性。结果表明:土壤中有机质、0.25 mm水稳性团聚体含量、0.05 mm粉黏粒含量、0.001 mm黏粒含量和结构性颗粒指数可以作为评价土壤抗蚀性的最佳指标。各样地土壤抗蚀性综合指数大小排序为灌草丛乔灌过渡林灌木林乔木疏林人工林草坡坡耕地。喀斯特山区,坡耕地土壤抗蚀性能最差;植被恢复过程中,土壤的抗蚀性能先逐渐变好,后逐渐变差,转折点在灌草阶段。以灌草搭配的植被恢复模式可能比较适合喀斯特地区。     

退化喀斯特植被恢复过程中的土壤抗蚀性变化

运用时空互代法,以喀斯特山区不同植被恢复阶段为研究对象,坡耕地与人工林为对照,通过室内分析,采用主成分分析方法,探讨了其土壤抗蚀性。结果表明：土壤中有机质、>0.25 mm水稳性团聚体含量、<0.05 mm粉黏粒含量、<0.001 mm黏粒含量和结构性颗粒指数可以作为评价土壤抗蚀性的最佳指标。各样地土壤抗蚀性综合指数大小排序为灌草丛>乔灌过渡林>灌木林>乔木疏林>人工林>草坡>坡耕地。喀斯特山区,坡耕地土壤抗蚀性能最差;植被恢复过程中,土壤的抗蚀性能先逐渐变好,后逐渐变差,转折点在灌草阶段。以灌草搭配的植被恢复模式可能比较适合喀斯特地区。     

喀斯特石漠化过程中的土壤物理组分有机碳氮研究

以贵州省花江峡谷区典型喀斯特石漠化小流域为研究区域,对潜在、轻度、中度、强度石漠化等级样地代表性土壤物理组分有机碳氮进行了研究.结果表明,石漠化过程中土壤轻组和颗粒组分有机碳和全氮含量都高于矿质组分,轻组和颗粒组分的C/N值都高于全土;轻组、颗粒和矿质组分的有机碳氮含量随石漠化程度的增加而降低,与石漠化过程有一致性,颗粒组分数量和有机碳氮分配比例还与石漠化等级有同步性,而轻组组分数量和有机碳氮分配比例与石漠化等级没有同步性;轻组和颗粒组分中有机碳和氮的富集系数和分配比例不一致,在石漠化过程中轻组和颗粒组分SOC的下降明显快于氮;樵采石漠化的颗粒组分主要是有机质与黏粉粒结合成的有机无机复合体,其中的有机质易被保护;开垦石漠化中的颗粒组分大部分都是有机质与砂粒的结合,其中有机质腐殖化程度低,易被分解.     

草海上游石漠化过程中土壤抗蚀性变化

以草海流域上游的石漠化区为研究对象,研究不同等级石漠化条件下土壤抗蚀能力的差异,利用空间代替时间的方法,探讨草海上游区石漠化过程中土壤抗蚀性变化规律,为当地石漠化治理和湿地保护提供参考。通过实地调研,采集不同石漠化程度区的土样并进行室内指标测定,利用主成分分析方法选取了10个土壤理化指标对样地土壤抗蚀能力进行评价。结果表明:(1)所选10项理化指标可以较为全面地综合评价不同石漠化程度土壤抗蚀能力,土壤团聚状况、分散率、分散系数、0.25mm水稳性团聚体含量、0.5mm水稳性团聚体含量、结构破坏率、0.05mm粉黏粒含量这7项可以作为评价的优选指标,有机质含量、0.001mm黏粒含量、土壤团聚度这3项指标次之。(2)无石漠化CK样地(2.19)轻度石漠化L样地(1.19)重度石漠化S1样地(0.85)中度石漠化M样地(-1.35)重度石漠化S2样地(-2.88),其中中度石漠化样地(M)和重度石漠化样地(S_2)为负值,其余均为正值,差异明显。在石漠化过程中土壤抗蚀能力总体呈下降趋势,但是在石漠化发展后期,土壤抗蚀能力反而会有上升的可能。     

草海不同石漠化程度土壤分形特征研究

基于土壤粒径分形维数的计算方法,对草海不同石漠化程度土壤颗粒、微团聚体、团聚体粒径分布的分形维数进行了研究。结果表明:石漠化地区土壤颗粒分形维数与土壤粉粒(0.001~0.05mm)呈极显著负相关(r=-0.963**,P0.01),与土壤黏粒(0.001mm)呈极显著正相关(r=0.995**,P0.01);土壤微团聚体主要以0.01mm的大粒级微团聚体为主,其分形维数与大粒级(0.01mm)微团聚体表现出呈极显著的负相关(r=-0.964**,P0.01);土壤风干团聚体5mm粒级的含量达到70%以上。湿筛后,5mm土壤团聚体含量减少,其余粒级有不同程度的增加,其中0.25mm的增幅最大。石漠化程度的加剧,使土壤黏粒含量逐渐增多,土壤颗粒、土壤微团聚体分形维数逐渐增大。通过对草海地区石漠化土壤结构特征的研究,可为草海地区石漠化治理、草海湿地的保护提供参考。     

西南喀斯特地区典型石漠化阶段土壤氮素变异研究

我国西南喀斯特地区的石漠化问题已经严重制约了当地社会经济发展,揭示土壤养分变化规律对该区域生态系统适应性修复具有重要意义。以贵州省荔波县和普定县为研究区,通过野外采样和实验室分析,对西南喀斯特地区典型石漠化阶段土壤的铵态氮、硝态氮变异状况进行了研究。结果表明：（1）非石漠化的黑色石灰土中铵态氮、硝态氮的含量分别高达11．61和38．01mg·kg^-1.随着石漠化程度的加深,土壤中氮素含量逐渐减少。统计表明非石漠化土壤与轻度石漠化土壤铵态氮含量呈显著差异,硝态氮含量呈极显著差异。（2）土壤铵态氮含量表现为表土层高于心土层,而硝态氮在剖面中分布规律不一致。（3）土壤氮素含量随时间有明显变化。铵态氮和硝态氮含量均在7月达到峰值,然后呈现出下降趋势,至11月或翌年1月又逐渐增加。（4）土壤有机质与铵态氮和硝态氮含量呈一元二次线性相关,相关系数分别为0．7671和0．9493,均达到极显著水平;铵态氮和硝态氮含量也呈极显著的线性相关,相关系数为0．7743。喀斯特地区通过封山育林等措施增加有机质积累可提高土壤氮素含量,对防治石漠化具有重要意义。     

民勤绿洲-荒漠过渡带土壤粒径分形特征研究

通过野外采样与室内试验,分析了民勤绿洲-荒漠过渡带土壤粒径分布分形特征及其与土壤理化性质的关系,结果表明:(1)民勤绿洲-荒漠过渡带白刺群落土壤以细砂为主,梭梭、沙拐枣群落土壤以中砂、粗砂为主;土壤粒径分形维数为2.144～2.398,3种植被类型土壤粒径分形维数均为固定沙丘半固定沙丘流动沙丘(或平沙地流动沙丘)。(2)土壤粒径分形维数与黏粒(0.005 mm)、粉粒(0.005～0.05 mm)含量呈极显著正相关(p0.01),与细砂(0.1～0.25 mm)、中砂(0.25～0.5 mm)、粗砂(0.5～1 mm)含量呈负相关但不显著,与极细砂(0.05～0.1 mm)、极粗砂(1～2 mm)含量呈正相关但也不显著。(3)分形维数D值与全氮、速效磷含量分别呈极显著正相关(p0.01)和显著正相关(p0.05),土壤黏粒含量与有机质、全氮、速效磷含量呈显著正相关(p0.05),土壤粉粒、砂粒含量与有机质含量呈极显著正相关(p0.01),土壤分形维数D值和黏粒、粉粒、砂粒含量与土壤含水量、全钾、速效钾、全盐、p H值相关关系均不显著。     

贵州喀斯特地区棕色石灰土与黄壤有机质剖面分布及稳定碳同位素组成差异

贵州位于全球最大的喀斯特生态系统一中国西南喀斯特生态系统的中心，由于受到亚热带季风气候的冲击和人类不合理社会经济活动的破坏，其喀斯特生态系统已出现不同程度的石漠化，尤以乌江流域最为严重。现已认识到石漠化是一种与脆弱生态地质背景和人类活动相关联的土地退化过程，而土壤退化是土地退化的核心部分。在土壤侵蚀与退化及全球碳循环的过程中，作为土壤重要组成部分和代表一个主要碳库的土壤有机质在生态系统中扮演了一个十分重要的角色，开展对喀斯特地区不同土壤有机质剖面分布及稳定碳同位素组成的研究，将有利于提高对流域土壤侵蚀与退化过程中有机质的生物地球化学循环的认识。本研究选择乌江流域喀斯特地区二种主要土壤类型石灰土和黄壤，根据土壤有机质含量和稳定碳同位素组成，结合土壤pH值、粘粒含量等分析结果，探讨了喀斯特山区石灰土和黄壤有机质的剖面分布和稳定碳同位素组成差异，旨在为喀斯特生态系统土壤有机质的生物地球化学循环研究提供基础资料。     

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