不同磷水平下玉米和小麦植株亚细胞中镉的积累

Corn and wheat plants were grown in a nutrient culture solution at four levels of phosphorus (0,0.12,0.60 and 3.0mmol L^-1) and two levels of cadmium(0 and 4.0umol L^-1) in greenhouse for a 18-day period.The concentrations of phosphorus and cadmium in cell wall,cytoplasm and vacuoles of roots and leaves were examined by cell fractionation techniques.With increasing phosphorus in medium,the contents of P in cell wall,cytoplasm and vacuoles of corn and wheat roots and leaves increased.The highest content of P was observed in cell wall,next in vacuoles,and the lowest in cytoplasm.The wheat subcellular fractions in both roots and leaves hab higher concentrations of phosphorus than those of corn.Increasing phosphorus in medium significantly inhibited the intracellular Cd accumulation in both species,However,at P concentration up to 3.0mmol L^-1,the Cd content in cell wall was increased.Increasing phosphorus resulted in reduction of the subcellular Cd content in cell wall was increased.Increasing phosphorus resulted in reduction of the subcellualr Cd content in corn and wheat leaves.Compared with corn,the wheat roots had a higher Cd content in the cell wall and vacuoles and a lower in cytoplasm,while in leaf subcellular fractions the wheat cell had a higher Cd content in its vacuoles and a lower one in its cytoplasm,The results indicate that phosphorus may be involved in sequestration of Cd ionic activity in both cell wall and vaculoes by forming insoluble Cd phosphate.     

Root cell walls and phytochelatins in low-cadmium cultivar of Brassica parachinensis

‘Lvbao-701’ is a cultivar of Chinese flowering cabbage(Brassica parachinensis) that exhibits low cadmium(Cd) accumulation and high Cd tolerance.In this study, this cultivar was compared with a high-Cd accumulating cultivar, ‘Chixin-4’, to characterize the mechanisms influencing Cd accumulation in B. parachinensis. Root cell walls were isolated by dissolving the cytoplasm with an organic solvent, and root Cd and phytochelatin(PC) contents were analyzed. In addition, a PC synthase gene fragment was cloned and expressed under Cd stress conditions. The proportions of Cd bound to root cell walls were higher in the ‘Lvbao-701’ plants(68.32%–76.80%) than in the ‘Chixin-4’ plants(35.36%–54.18%) after exposure to Cd stress. The proportions of Cd bound to root cell walls measured using cell walls isolated with a non-destructive method were higher than those obtained using a conventional method that required grinding and centrifugation. Exposure to Cd stress induced the PC production and resulted in higher PC contents in the ‘Lvbao-701’ plants than in the ‘Chixin-4’ plants. Cloning and expression analysis of a B. parachinensis PC synthase cDNA fragment indicated that PC synthase gene expression was induced by Cd and occurred mainly in the roots of both ‘Lvbao-701’ and ‘Chixin-4’ plants. However, the PC synthase gene expression level was higher in the‘Lvbao-701’ roots than in the ‘Chixin-4’ roots. Therefore, a higher abundance of Cd in the root cell walls of ‘Lvbao-701’ and up-regulated PC production in the roots are probably the main reasons why ‘Lvbao-701’ exhibits lower Cd translocation to the shoots and higher tolerance to Cd than ‘Chixin-4’.     

铝和镉胁迫对两个大麦品种矿质营养和根系分泌物的影响

A hydroponic experiment was carried out to study the effect of aluminum （Al） and cadmium （Cd） on Al and mineral nutrient contents in plants and Al-induced organic acid exudation in two barley varieties with different Al tolerance. Al- sensitive cv. Shang 70-119 had significantly higher Al content and accumulation in plants than Al-tolerant cv. Gebeina, especially in roots, when subjected to low pH （4.0） and Al treatments （100 μmol L^-1 Al and 100 μmol L^-1 Al ＋1.0 μmol L^-1 Cd）. Cd addition increased Al content in plants exposed to Al stress. Both low pH and Al treatments caused marked reduction in Ca and Mg contents in all plant parts, P and K contents in the shoots and leaves, Fe, Zn and Mo contents in the leaves, Zn and B contents in the shoots, and Mn contents both in the roots and leaves. Moreover, changes in nutrient concentrations were greater in the plants exposed to both Al and Cd than in those exposed only to Al treatment. A dramatic enhancement of malate, citrate, and succinate was found in the plants exposed to 100 μmol L^-1 Al relative to the control, and the Al-tolerant cultivar had a considerable higher exudation of these organic acids than the Al-sensitive one, indicating that Al-induced enhancement of these organic acids is very likely to be associated with Al tolerance.     

Zn accumulation and subcellular distribution in the Zn hyperaccumulator Sedurn alfredii Hance

Zn accumulation and subcellular distribution in leaves of the hyperaccumulating ecotype （HE） and non-hyperaccumulating ecotype （NHE） of Sedum alfredii Hance were studied using radiotracer and gradient centrifugation techniques. Leaf Zn accumulation in the HE of S. alfredii was 18.5-26.7 times greater than that in the NHE when the plants were grown at 1-500μmol Zn L-1. Leaf section uptake of 65Zn was highly dependent on external Zn levels. Greater 65Zn uptake in HE was noted only at external Zn levels 〉 100μmol L-1. Zinc subcellular distribution in the leaves of the two ecotypes of S. alfredii was： cell wall 〉 soluble fraction 〉 cell organelle. However, more Zn was distributed to the leaf cell wall and soluble fractions for HE than for NHE. In the leaf of HE, 91%-94% of the Zn was found in the cell walls and the soluble fraction and only 6%-9% Zn was distributed in the cell organelle fraction. For NHE, about 20%-26% Zn was recovered in the cell organelle fraction. In stems, Zn distribution to the ceil wail fraction was approximately two fold greater in the HE than that in the NHE. For the hyperaccumulating ecotype of S. alfredii, the cell wall and the vacuole played a very important role in Zn tolerance and hyperaccumulation.     

Heavy Metal Accumulation in Plants on Mn Mine Tailings

The Xiangtan Manganese （Mn） Mine in the middle of Hunan Province, China, has been mined since 1913 with mine tailings including excavated wastes, wastewater, and smelting wastes. A survey was conducted on the Mn mine tailing soils and eight plants on the Mn mine tailings. The concentrations of soil Mn, Pb, and Cd and the metal-enrichment traits of these eight plants were analyzed simultaneously. Exceptionally high concentrations of these three metals were found in the soils, especially on the tailing dam. Each plant investigated in this study accumulated the three heavy metals, but no hyperaccumulator of these metals was found. However, analysis indicated that Poa pratensis Linn., Gnaphalium affine D. Don, Pteris vittata L., Conyza canadensis （L.） Cronq., and Phytolacca acinosa Roxb. possessed specially good metalenrichment and metal-tolerant traits. P. pratensis, G. affine, and P. vittata were Pb-tolerant plants; and C. canadensis, P. pratensis, and G. affine were Cd-tolerant plants. P acinosa had a great tolerance to Mn, and it was a valuable plant for on-site phytoremediation. Phragmites communis Trin. was found to have high metal tolerance and economic benefit as a raw material for paper and should be considered for soil remediation. G. affine and C. canadensis had excessive accumulation of Mn and could be useful in phytoremediation. However, although P. pratensis was a good accumulator, it was not a suitable plant for soil remediation because its biomass was too little.     

纳米银对城郊菜地土壤微生物群落结构及细菌硝化作用的影响

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used antimicrobial compounds;however,they may pose a threat to non-targeted bacteria in the environment.In this study high-throughput sequencing was used to investigate the effects of different concentrations of AgNPs (10,50,and 100 mg kg-1) on soil microbial community structure during short-term (7 d) exposure.The amounts of Acidobacteria,Actinobacteria,Cyanobacteria,and Nitrospirac significantly decreased with increasing AgNP concentration;meanwhile,several other phyla (e.g.,Proteobacteria and Planctomycetes) increased and dominated.Nitrosomonas europaea,a well-characterized ammoniaoxidizing bacterium,was used to study the sensitivity of bacteria to AgNPs and ionic silver (Ag+).Flow cytometry was used to monitor the toxicity of low (1 mg L-1),middle (10 mg L-1),and high concentrations (20 mg L-1) of AgNPs,as well as Ag+ (1 mg L-1) released into the medium from 20 mg L-1 concentration of AgNPs,towards N.europaea.After 12 h of exposure,the survival rate of N.europaea treated with 1 mg L-1 Ag+ was significantly lower than those treated with low (1 mg L-1) and middle concentrations (10 mg L-1) of AgNPs,but the survival rate in the treatment with high concentration (20 mg L-1) of AgNPs was much lower.Additionally,necrosis rates were higher in the treatment with 20 mg L-1 AgNPs.Electron microscopy showed that Ag+ caused serious damage to the cell wall of N.europaea,disintegrated the nucleoids,and condensed next to the cell membrane;however,dissolved Ag+ is only one of the antibacterial mechanisms of AgNPs.     

植物汁液化学组成及其与菜心抗性和Cd累积的关系

Sap mixtures of the xylem, phloem, and vacuoles from low and high Cd accumulator varieties of Brassica parachinensis L. H. Bailey were analyzed under Cd stress to understand the biochemical mechanisms of Cd accumulation in plants. Low Cd accumulator （‘Teqing-60＇） and high Cd accumulator （‘Chixin-2＇） plants were grown in Cd-treated soil in pots in a greenhouse. Percentage of cell wall-bound Cd was estimated, pH level and the concentrations of amino acids, organic acids, anions, and cations in both stem and root saps were determined for the calculation of Cd speciations using the computer program GEOCHEM. The results showed that ‘Teqing-60＇ had a significantly higher （P ≤ 0.05） percentage of Cd bound to cell walls in roots and a significantly higher （P ≤ 0.05） pH in the root sap. ‘Teqing-60＇ also contained a higher concentration of total amino acids in both roots and stems compared with the high Cd accumulator variety ‘Chixin- 2＇. However, between the two accumulators, for stems and for roots, there were no significant differences in non-amino organic acids. GEOCHEM calculations showed that Cd in the root sap of ‘Teqing-60＇ mainly combined with amino acids, especially alanine. Compared with ‘Chixin-2＇, in the root sap of ‘Teqing-60＇, much lower levels of Cd as free ions or bound to simple ligands were found, indicating that less ‘Teqing-60＇ is transferred to stems and leaves. Cadmium activity in the shoot sap of ‘Teqing-60＇ was much lower than that in ‘Chixin-2＇; therefore, ‘Teqing-60＇ exhibited higher Cd resistance. However, direct determination of the Cd complexes from xylem and phloem sap is needed to verify these results.     

缺铁水稻根表铁膜对硒的转运和吸收的影响

Under anaerobic conditions, ferric hydroxide deposits on the surface of rice roots and affects uptake and translocation of certain nutrients. In the present study, rice plants were cultured in Fe-deficient or sufficient solutions and placed in a medium containing selenium （Se） for 2 h. Then, FeSO4 was added at the various concentrations of 0, 10, 40, or 70 mg L-1 to induce varying levels of iron plaque on the root surfaces and subsequent uptake of Se was monitored. The uptake of Se was inhibited by the iron plaque, with the effect proportional to the amount of plaque induced. The activity of cysteine synthase was decreased with increasing amounts of iron plaque on the roots. This may be the important reason for iron plaque inhibition of Se translocation. At each level of iron plaque, Fe-deficient rice had more Se than Fe-sufficient rice. Furthermore, with plaque induced by 20 mg Fe L-1, plants from Fe-deficient media accumulated more Se than those from Fe-sufficient media, as the Se concentration was increased from 10 to 30 or 50 mg L^-1. We found that phytosiderophores, highly effective iron chelating agents, could desorb selenite from ferrihydrite. Root exudates of the Fe-deficient rice, especially phytosiderophores in the exudates, could enhance Se uptake by rice plants with iron plaque.     

万寿菊：铬植物修复的潜在价值

Environmental pollution with chromium(Cr) is harmful to humans, animals and plants, while in plants it causes diminished growth,anatomical alterations and death. In the present study, the potential value of marigold(Tagetes erecta) in the phytoremediation of Cr has been investigated. The randomized experimental design involved the exposure of plants to nutrient solutions containing 0.00,0.04, 0.08, 0.12, 0.16 or 0.24 mmol L~(-1)Cr(Ⅲ). Chromium toxicity was observed at Cr(Ⅲ) concentrations ≥ 0.12 mmol L~(-1) as demonstrated by diminished growth of the aerial parts and reduced density of the root system. Increasing Cr(Ⅲ) concentrations in the nutrient solution resulted in a higher bioaccumulation of total Cr in the tissues, although translocation from roots to aerial parts was not efficient(maximum value of 25% at 0.12 mmol L~(-1)Cr(Ⅲ)). The Cr bioaccumulation was up to 11-fold greater in roots than in the aerial parts. Tagetes erecta exhibited leaf plasticity when exposed to Cr, indicating the existence of a tolerance mechanism to Cr in this species. Chromium caused a reduction in xilem vases, resulting in a plastic effect in T. erecta leaves that increased the metal tolerance in culture solution. Tagetes spp. are potential Cr hyperaccumulators; at Cr(Ⅲ) concentrations up to 0.12 mmol L~(-1), the plants accumulated levels above that proposed for hyperaccumulators and still maintained a considerable growth and even flourished. However, this study was conducted in nutrient solution, and studies on species confirmation as Cr hyperaccumulator should be conducted in soils for further clarification.     

深色有隔内生真菌柱孢顶囊壳对玉米幼苗生长、光合作用及耐铅能力的影响

Dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi are ubiquitous and cosmopolitan,and occur widely in association with plants in heavy metal stress environment.However,little is known about the effect of inoculation with DSE fungi on the host plant under heavy metal stress.In this study,Gaeumannomyces cylindrosporus,which was isolated from Pb-Zn mine tailings in China and had been proven to have high Pb tolerance,was inoculated onto the roots of maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings to study the effect of DSE on plant growth,photosynthesis,and the translocation and accumulation of Pb in plant under stress of different Pb concentrations.The growth indicators (height,basal diameter,root length,and biomass) of maize were detected.Chlorophyll content,photosynthetic characteristics (net photosynthetic rate,transpiration rate,stomatal conductance,and intercellular CO2 concentration),and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters in leaves of the inoculated and non-inoculated maize were also determined.Inoculation with G.cylindrosporus significantly increased height,basal diameter,root length,and biomass of maize seedlings under Pb stress.Colonization of G.cylindrosporus improved the efficiency of photosynthesis and altered the translocation and accumulation of Pb in the plants.Although inoculation with G.cylindrosporus increased Pb accumulation in host plants in comparison to non-inoculated plants,the translocation factor of Pb in plant body was significantly decreased.The results indicated that Pb was accumulated mainly in the root system of maize and the phytotoxicity of Pb to the aerial part of the plant was alleviated.The improvement of efficiency of photosynthesis and the decrease of translocation factor of Pb,caused by DSE fungal colonization,were efficient strategies to improve Pb tolerance of host plants.     

Soybean root growth in relation to ionic composition in magnesium-amended acid subsoils: Implications on root citrate ameliorating aluminum constraints

Abstract

Hydroponic studies with soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) have shown that µmol L^?1 additions of Mg²⁺ were as effective in ameliorating Al rhizotoxicity as additions of Ca²⁺in the mmol L^?1 concentration range. The objectives of this study were to assess the ameliorative effects of Mg on soybean root growth in acidic subsoils and to relate the soil solution ionic compositions to soybean root growth. Roots of soybean cultivar Plant Introduction 416937 extending from a limed surface soil compartment grew for 28 days into a subsurface compartment containing acid subsoils from the Cecil (oxidic and kaolinitic), Creedmoor (montmorillonitic) and Norfolk (kaolinitic) series. The three Mg treatments consisted of native equilibrium soil solution concentrations in each soil (50 or 100 µmol L^?1) and MgCl₂ additions to achieve 150 and 300 µmol L^?1 Mg (Mg150 and Mg300, respectively) in the soil solutions. Root elongations into Mg-treated subsoils were compared with a CaCO₃ treatment limed to achieve a soil pH value of 6. Subsoil root growth responses to the Mg treatments were less than for the lime treatments. Root length relative to the limed treatments for all subsoils (RRL) was poorly related to the activity of the soil solution Al species (Al³⁺ and Al-hydroxyl species) and Mg²⁺. However, the RRL values were more closely related to the parameters associated with soil solution Ca activity, including (Ca²⁺), (Al³⁺)/(Ca²⁺) and (Al³⁺)/([Ca²⁺] + [Mg²⁺]), suggesting that Ca could be a primary factor ameliorating Al and H⁺ rhizotoxicity in these subsoils. Increased tolerance to Al rhizotoxicity of soybean by micromolar Mg additions to hydroponic solutions, inducing citrate secretion from roots to externally complex toxic Al, may be less important in acid subsoils with low native Ca levels.     

Chronic effects of low ph and elevated aluminum on survival,maturation, spawning and embryo-larval development of the fathead minnow in soft water

Fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) were exposed to a range of pH and A1 concentrations in soft water (8 mg Ca L^?1) to determine effect levels at various life stages. The tested pH levels ranged from 8.0 through 5.2 and inorganic monomeric Al from 15 through 60 μg L^?1. Reproductive processes including spawning, embryogenesis and early larval survival were more sensitive to acid stress than were juvenile growth and survival. Juvenile survival was significantly reduced at pH 5.2 + 60 μg Al L^?1 (P <0.05). Spawning success was reduced at pH 6.0 and 5.5 (P <0.10) and failed completely at pH 5.2, regardless of Al concentration. An apparant beneficial effect of added Al was observed during spawning at pH 7.5 + 35 μg Al L^?1, but this effect was not significantly greater than at pH 7.5 + 15 μg Al L^?1. A significant (P <0.05) decrease in larval survival occurred at pH 6.0 + 15 μg Al L^?1 and lower compared to the survival at pH 7.5 + 15 μg Al L^?1. Aluminum at 30 μg L^?1 provided protection resulting in short term increased embryo-larval survival at pH 5.5. The effect of parental exposure on progeny survival was assessed by an interchange of embryos from the spawning treatment to all tested exposure conditions. When reared at pH 8.0 + 15 μg Al L^?1 through 6.0 + 15 μg Al L^?1 or at pH 5.5 + 30 μg Al L^?1, parental exposure did not significantly influence progeny survival. However, survival was significantly reduced among progeny from brood fish reared at pH 5.5 + 15 μg Al L^?1 as compared to those spawned at pH 6.0 + 15 μg Al L^?1 and above, or at pH 5.5 + 30 μg Al L^?1 (P <0.05). Juvenile or 14 d larval growth effects were not detected under any exposure condition (P >0.05). Ultimately, fathead minnow young-of-the-year recruitment and production potential can be expected to diminish when environmental pH falls to 6.0, and to fail completely at 5.5 and lower.     

Identification and Characterization of High Acid Tolerant and Aluminum Resistant Yeasts Isolated from Tea Soils

From acidic tea soils of Kagoshima Prefecture in Japan, some soil properties were determined and 38 strains of acid tolerant microorganisms were isolated. Different Al³⁺ concentrations were applied to YG media to estimate Al resistance. Selected microbial strains could grow strongly in the liquid media in the presence of 100 mM Al³⁺ and survive even in 300 mM Al³⁺ at pH 3.0. Their base sequences of 28S rDNA-D1/D2 were determined and sequence data were searched using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) system. The results of sequencing revealed that the isolates belong to two different species, Cryptococcus sp. and Candida palmioleophila. When cultivated with various Al³⁺ concentrations, the yeast growth was inhibited at a concentration of 200 mM. Pre-cultivation of these strains with 0–30 mM Al³⁺ did not promote the growth response caused by Al³⁺. Inductively-Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to assess the elimination of Al. The amount of Al remaining in culture media was decreased considerably after cultivation. Due to a capacity for resistance to significant Al concentrations as well as high Al elimination, these acid tolerant and Al resistant yeasts may have potential applications in the bio- and phyto-remediation of Al and acid-contaminated soils.     

Biogeochemistry of aluminum in a forest catchment in the Czech Republic impacted by atmospheric inputs of strong acids

The Lysina catchment in the Czech Republic was studied to investigate the biogeochemical response of Al to high loadings of acidic deposition. The catchment supports Norway spruce plantations and is underlain by granite and podzolic soil. Atmospheric deposition to the site was characterized by high H⁺ and SO₄ ^2– fluxes in throughfall. The volume-weighted average concentration of total Al (Al_t) was 28 mol L^–1 in the O horizon soil solution. About 50% of Al_t in the O horizon was in the form of potentially-toxic inorganic monomeric Al (Al_i). In the E horizon, Al_t increased to 71 mol L^–1, and Al_i comprised 80% of Al_t. The concentration of Al_t (120 mol L^–1) and the fraction of Al_i (85%) increased in the lower mineral soil due to increases in Al_i and decreases in organic monomeric Al (Al_o). Shallow ground water was less acidic and had lower Al_t concentration (29 mol L^–1). The volume-weighted average concentration of Al_t was extremely high in stream water (60 mol L^–1) with Al_i accounting for about 60% of Al_t. The major species of Al_i in stream water were fluorocomplexes (Al-F) and aquo Al³⁺. Soil solutions in the root zone were undersaturated with respect to all Al-bearing mineral phases. However, stream water exhibited Al_i concentrations close to solubility with jurbanite. Acidic waters and elevated Al concentrations reflected the limited supply of basic cations on the soil exchange complex and slow weathering, which was unable to neutralize atmospheric inputs of strong acids.     

Localization of aluminum in tissues of fish

The concentrations of Al in fish gills has been used as a measure of fish exposure to this metal in acidified waters. This experiment was designed to determine if other fish tissues also accumulate Al and thus possibly contribute to the cause of death. Rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) were exposed to the following fours test conditions for 48 hr or until death: (1) pH 6.8, <0.001 mg.L^?1 Al (n=6); (2) pH 5.2, <0.001 mg₁L^?1 Al (n=2);(3) pH 5.2,1.0 mg.L^?1 Al (n=5); (4) pH 6.8, 1.0 mg.L^?1 Al (n=3). The trout were held in synthetic, low Ca water prior to, and during, experimentation. Esophagus-stomach, gonad, gall bladder, gill (left and right), heart, intestine, kidney, liver, muscle (epaxial), and spleen were digested in a 4:1 mixture of HNO₃:HClO₄ and analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectrophotometry. Elevated Al concentrations were found in gill and gastrointestinal tissues. Left and right gills of fish exposed to pH 5.2, 1.0 mg.L^?1 Al were the only tissues found to be significantly different (p<0.01) between the test conditions. The mean total Al concentrations of these test 3 fish, for the left and right gill were 3.61 and 4.33 mg.g^?1 Al dw. The Al concentration in thle gastrointestinal tissues of the fish exposed to pH 6.8 at 1.0 mg.L^?1 Al was greater than that of the control fish, but not statistically significant. These results suggest that the analysis of whole gill remains an effective indicator of Al exposure in fishes at low pH.     

Responses of Kentucky bluegrass cultivars to excess aluminum in nutrient solutions

Kentucky bluegrass, Poa pratensis L., is generally regarded as an acid‐soil‐sensitive species. However, previous studies in our laboratory showed that cultivars within the species differed widely in tolerance to acid Tatum subsoil (pH 4.6) which is used routinely to screen plants for aluminum (Al) tolerance. In the early studies, specific differential Al tolerance was not demonstrated. The objective of the current study was to test the hypothesis of differential Al tolerance more precisely in nutrient solutions. In one experiment, acid‐soil‐tolerant Victa and Fylking and acid‐soil‐sensitive Windsor and Kenblue cultivars were grown for 35 days in nutrient solutions containing 0, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 mg Al L^‐1, at initial pH 4.5, with no subsequent adjustment. In a second experiment, Victa and Windsor were grown for 30 days in solutions containing 0, 4, and 6 mg Al L^‐1, at initial pH 4.5, with no further adjustment. For Victa and Windsor, tolerance to Al in nutrient solution corresponded with tolerance to acid Tatum subsoil, however, the cultivar difference in tolerance, based on relative root dry weight, was only about 2‐fold, compared with 20‐fold in acid Tatum subsoil. Fylking and Kenblue cultivars, which showed a wide difference in tolerance to acid Tatum subsoil, did not show distinct differences in tolerance to Al in nutrient solutions. Possible reasons for this discrepancy are discussed. Superior Al tolerance of Victa (compared with Windsor) was associated with a greater plant‐induced increase in the pH of its nutrient solutions and a corresponding decrease in concentrations of soluble Al in the filtered solutions at the end of the experiments. Greater Al sensitivity in Windsor (compared with Victa) was not related to reduced uptake of phosphorus (P) or excessive uptake of Al; neither cultivar accumulated appreciable Al concentrations in its shoots. The observed differential acid soil and Al tolerance among bluegrass cultivars appears worthy of further study. Improved understanding of Al tolerance mechanisms would contribute to fundamental knowledge of plant mineral nutrition and could aid plant breeders in tailoring plants for greater tolerance to acid subsoils.     

Differential tolerances of oat cultivars to aluminum in nutrient solutions and in acid soils of Poland

Aluminum tolerant oat cultivars are needed for use on acid soil sites where neutralization of soil acidity by liming is not economically feasible. Oat germplasm in Poland has not been examined for range of Al tolerance. Eleven Polish oat cultivars were screened for Al tolerance in nutrient solutions containing 0, 5 and 15 mg L^‐1 Al. Three of these cultivars showing high to moderate tolerance to Al in nutrient solutions were also grown in greenhouse pots of soil and in field plots of soil over a pH range of 3.8 to 5.5 as determined in 1 N KC1.

The eleven oat cultivars differed significantly in tolerance to Al in nutrient solutions. Based on relative root yield (15 mg L^‐1 Al/no A1%), the cultivars ‘Solidor’ and ‘Diadem’ were most tolerant and ‘Pegaz’ and ‘B‐20’ were least tolerant. For these three cultivars, the order of tolerance to acid soil agreed with the order of tolerance to Al in nutrient solution ‐ namely, Solidor > Diadem > Leanda. Hence, for these cultivars, the nutrient solution methods used appear adequate for selecting plants that are more tolerant to Al in strongly acid soils. Additional study is needed to assess the value of this method for screening a broad range of germplasm.

Superior tolerance of the Solidor cultivar to acid soil was associated with significantly higher concentrations of N in the grain. Hence, results suggest that selecting for acid soil or Al tolerance may increase N efficiency in oats.     

Interactions of aluminium and fulvic acid in moderately acid solutions: stoichiometry of the H+/Al3+ exchange

Complexation with organic matter controls the activity of dissolved Al³⁺ in many soils. The buffering intensity of these soils is largely dependent on the H⁺/Al³⁺ exchange ratio, i.e. the number of protons consumed by the solid phase when one Al³⁺ is released. Here, the H⁺/Al³⁺ exchange ratio was determined from batch titrations using solutions of fulvic acid (FA) as a model for soil organic matter. Aluminium was added, from 1.04 to 6.29 mmol Al per g FA, which is within the range of humus‐bound Al found in the upper B horizon of podzolized soils. Furthermore, pH was varied with NaOH to give values between 3.5 and 5.0. The H⁺/Al³⁺ exchange ratio ranged between 1.49 and 2.23 with a mean of 1.94. It correlated positively with pH and the total concentration of Al present. Theoretically, this can be explained with a partial hydrolysis of bound Al. The slope of logAl (log₁₀ of Al³⁺ activity) against pH generally underestimated the actual exchange ratio, which can partly be attributed to the systems being diluted (100 mg FA l^?1). However, where 4 mmol Al or more had been added per g FA, the logAl slope gradually approached ?3 between pH 4.5 and 5.0. This might be the result of a shift from Al³⁺ activity control by humus complexation to control by Al(OH)₃(s).     

Soil Solution Chemistry in Forests with Granite Bedrock in Japan

Soil solutions were taken from three forest areas with granite bedrock in Japan (Abukuma, Tateyama and Hiroshima) to investigate pH values, forms of Al and the molar BC/Al ratios. In each area, 10 sites were chosen for study. At each site, a target tree was selected, and two soil solution samples were taken from 10 cm depth at points 10 cm and 100 cm from the trunk of the tree to evaluate the effects of stemflow and throughfall on soil solution chemistry. Values of pH of samples taken 10 cm from the trunks (referred to as S samples) and 100 cm from the trunks (referred to as T samples) ranged from 3.66 to 6.52 and from 4.55 to 6.48, respectively. For Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) and Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) trees, S samples showed lower pH than T samples, whereas the inverse relation was observed for broadleaf trees. In the Abukuma and Tateyama areas, the concentrations of monomeric Al (Al_m) were mostly below 30 µmol L^?1. In the Hiroshima area, however, extremely high Al_m concentrations (up to 293 µmol L^?1) were observed at some sites. The molar ratio of BC (= Ca + Mg + K) to inorganic monomeric Al was higher than 1 for all samples, except for an S sample from the Hiroshima area having a ratio of 0.72.