典型退化山地生态系统植被恢复阶段分类——以小浪底库区山地为例

 在调查黄河小浪底山地植物物种多样性指数和海拔、坡度、坡向、土壤状况等环境因素的基础上,采用主成分分析的方法对生态因子进行筛选,根据影响因子的作用大小,采用聚类分析的方法对样地进行群落恢复进程的分类,利用判别分析技术建立各恢复阶段的判别公式。结果表明:1)研究区植物群落可以划分为15种类型,其中乔木群落4个,灌草群落6个,草本群落5个;2)土壤和地形等环境因子、土壤流失等生态因子对多个公共因子都有较大的载荷。多样性指数H′/sup>,D1,P,Jsw,D2等在第1主分量上、石砾含量在第2主分量上、土壤流失程度、土壤厚度以及坡向和土壤类型在第2、第3主分量上都有较大载荷,海拔在3个主分量上载荷都较小;3)黄河小浪底山地植被恢复期可以分为4个恢复阶段:恢复初期阶段,其群落占27%;进展阶段,其群落占40%;恢复中期阶段,其群落占20%;恢复稳定阶段,其群落占13%;4)所建立的判别模型是可靠的,在判识植被恢复阶段有显著效果。     

新疆于田县25年来耕地变化驱动因子定量分析及气候响应

耕地作为最基本的自然资源,其数量和质量的变化直接关系到粮食安全与人类的生存,是土地可持续利用研究的重要方面之一.使用于田县1979-2004年的社会经济统计资料和气象资料,选取15个人为和自然因子进行主成分分析并建立耕地动态变化的多元回归模型.结果表明:影响于田县耕地变化的主要因素是人为因素,总人口变化贡献率最大,而自然因素影响不大.虽然气候对耕地面积变化影响不大,但耕地面积变化对气候有一定影响.随着于田耕地面积的增大在一定程度上促使于田县年蒸发量和年均风速减小,进而改善于田县恶劣的自然环境.     

嗜酸乳杆菌微胶囊的热稳定性及热动力学研究

为了使嗜酸乳杆菌微胶囊得到较好的应用，并为其保质期提供理论依据，根据其活菌数，对嗜酸乳杆菌微胶囊的热稳定性和热动力学进行分析研究。结果显示：在试验温度为45～60℃下，微胶囊的失活常数随温度的升高逐渐增大，90%微胶囊中的菌失活所需要的时间(D)分别为140.85 h、64.52 h、31.06 h及14.40 h，且在45～60℃范围内，D值变化90%时的温度变化量(Z)为15.20℃；利用Arrhenius方程计算出表观活化能(E)为124.43 kJ/mol。     

农业景观组成对玉米螟天敌数量的影响

高比例和多样的非耕作生境带来的农田景观高异质性是维持农业生物多样性的关键,推测提高非耕作生境组成能够促进农田中玉米螟天敌数量和种类增加。为揭示不同非耕作生境组成对玉米螟天敌数量的影响,本文选取东北平原玉米种植典型县——辽宁省昌图县,按照5个非耕作生境比例（0~10%、10%~20%、20%~30%、30%~40%和40%~50%）选取20个直径为600 m的样区。陷阱法采集玉米螟天敌,并用体视显微镜鉴别到科。主成分分析法筛选主要非耕作生境类型,逐步回归模型对非耕作生境组成（比例和类型）与玉米螟天敌数量进行拟合。并采用"赤池信息准则（AIC）"模型筛选,评估不同非耕作生境组成对玉米螟天敌数量的影响。研究结果表明,随着非耕作生境比例增加,玉米螟天敌数量呈先增后减的趋势,非耕作生境比例为20%~30%时天敌数量达最大值。非耕作生境比例20%~30%时,非耕作生境组成与玉米螟天敌数量关系最优模型（AIC=4.24,为最小值）是Y=b₀-b₁D+b₂PC2,最优模型表明PC2（β=3.787,P=0.005）代表以林地为主的非耕作生境组成与玉米螟天敌数量呈显著正相关,景观多样性指数D（β=-3.173,P=0.005）与玉米螟天敌数量呈显著负相关。该比例的非耕作生境组成与玉米螟天敌数量关系的其他模型表明,以草地和村落为主（PC1）的非耕作生境与玉米螟天敌呈显著正相关（β=1.957,P=0.000）。而其他比例下,所有关系模型说明农田周边林地生境和其他作物耕地有利于提高农田中天敌数量。最适宜玉米螟天敌聚集的非耕作生境比例为20%~30%,以林地为主或村落、草地为主的非耕作生境,以及分布有其他作物的耕作生境能够提高玉米螟天敌数量。研究结果可为今后从景观生态角度构建适宜非耕作生境组成来防治玉米螟提供理论依据和方法。     

太行山低山丘陵区不同植物群落物种多样性研究

 通过样地法对小浪底水库库区山地生态系统不同群落间的Shannon-Wiener指数(H′)、Simpson指数(D1)、Margalef物种丰富度(D2)、种间相遇概率(P)和Pielou均匀度指数(Jsw)等多样性指数进行研究,利用统计方法分析不同群落的物种多样性指数与其所处环境的关系。结果表明:1)物种多样性指数和丰富度指数与群落类型有密切关系,同一类型的群落中,多样性指数随演替时间表现出复杂的关系;2)土壤含水量对H′、P、Jsw、D1等呈极显著的正相关性,土壤厚度与H′、D1、P呈显著正相关性;多样性指数与坡度无相关性;土壤有机质、速效氮、速效磷等养分指标与多样性指数H′、D1有显著的正相关;3)多样性指数H′与乔木、灌木群落生物量表现为正相关关系,草本群落与D1相关性不显著;4)乔木林群落的恢复时间与Jsw、H′呈正相关关系,其余多样性指数(P、D1、D2)与恢复时间关系不显著(P>0.05);恢复时间每增加10a,群落物种数平均增加约6种;5)物种多样性指数H′与灌木的盖度和高度呈极显著正相关性;有些单优群落随高度增加和盖度提高,多样性指数反而表现出降低;6)草本植物群落的高度和盖度与物种丰富度指数D2与呈显著的负相关关系,与H′相关性不显著。     

江西省耕地的动态变化及驱动因子

利用江西省1990—2009年耕地变化数据以及社会经济资料,分析了该区域耕地动态变化的时空特征,并将主成分分析和多元线性回归分析相结合,揭示了江西省耕地数量变化的主要驱动力。结果表明,江西省耕地数量变化在时序上呈现出先减少后增加的趋势;在空间上区域差异性较大,不同时期各市耕地利用动态度波动较大;江西省耕地动态变化的主要驱动因子包括经济增长、社会发展和农业科技提高3个主要类别,总体上,耕地数量变化与人口、GDP、全社会固定资产投资、3大产业、耕地产出率以及农机机械总动力之间存在着显著相关性,在第1主成分中经济和人口两大因子是主要的驱动因素,第2主成分中农业科技进步是主要因子。     

禁牧对黄土高原半干旱草地土壤粒径多重分形特征的影响

研究半干旱地区草地禁牧后土壤粒径分布非均匀性和异质性的变化特征,揭示禁牧对草地土壤粒径分布的影响,为退化草地的恢复治理及科学合理利用提供理论支撑。以宁夏云雾山不同禁牧草地（0,10,15,27,35年）为研究对象,运用多重分形理论,探讨禁牧对草地不同土层（0—10,10—20,20—40,40—60 cm）土壤颗粒分布的影响,明确粒径分布变化的主要影响因素。结果表明：草地禁牧降低土壤容重,增加地下生物量、土壤养分（包括土壤有机碳及全氮）及土壤含水量,在禁牧27年达到峰值。多重分形谱函数Δf > 0,表明土壤结构特征由占比偏大的粒级主导,禁牧后期（35年）砂粒含量达到69.29%,显著高于禁牧前期（10年）;容量维数D₀变化幅度为0.866~0.891,并随禁牧年限递增;信息熵维数D₁和关联维数D₂随禁牧年限均呈先增加后减小的趋势,且在禁牧10年和15年时随土层深度递增,但在35年时随土层深度递减;D₁/D₀范围为1.012~0.904,随土层深度递减。土壤粒径分布与土壤有机碳呈显著正相关,表明土壤有机碳是影响颗粒分布的主要因素。结果表明,禁牧可以改善土壤养分及结构,但长期禁牧不利于半干旱区退化草地的恢复。     

崀山丹霞地貌区天然常绿阔叶林群落物种多样性研究

 采用样方法采集数据,以重要值为测度指标,以丰富度指数D2、Simpsom指数D1、Shannon-Wiener指数H′、Sheldon均匀度指数JSW和Pielou均匀度指数E为测度指数,研究了崀山丹霞地貌14个天然常绿阔叶林群落物种多样性。结果表明:1)在相似生境中,随着群落演替至亚顶极阶段,物种多样性的变化趋势是增加的,顶极群落中,生境变优,灌、草层物种多样性的变化趋势为增加,而乔木层无明显变化规律;2)群落物种多样性随海拔的变化,除一般常见的变化模式外,还出现一种双峰曲线模式;3)H′较D1,E较JSW具有较高的敏感度。D1与H′在描述群落乔、灌、草,H′与E、D1与E、JSW与E在描述乔木,JSW与E在描述草本之间物种生物多样性上有相似的作用。表明:丹霞地貌中海拔、生境和演替影响植物群落物种多样性,H′、D1JSW与E能单独表达丹霞地貌群落物种多样性。     

荒漠绿洲农业生态系统养分平衡与调控

通过研究新疆绿洲农业生态系统历年养分平衡演变情况发现，N盈余为-26.9%～+27.2%，P₂O₅盈余为188.1%，K₂O则亏缺，新绿洲化肥投入已占养分总投入的74.9%，有机养分投入逐年减少。提出了养分良性循环指数(M_N)概念，当前新绿洲M_N只有0.128。阐述了人为调控模式施肥制度，其M_N可达到0.581，有机氮再循环系数H接近1。为了培肥地力，模式养分平衡要求N盈余在40%以上，以实现绿洲农业生态系统养分良性循环。     

不同恢复方式下盐渍化弃耕地土壤生物学活性的变化

以干旱区新疆玛纳斯河流域冲积扇缘定点定位试验地为研究对象, 研究灌溉处理、人工草地处理和补植处理对盐渍化弃耕地土壤微生物量、酶活性及土壤呼吸速率的影响。结果表明, 不同恢复方式均明显增加了土壤微生物数量和土壤微生物量碳、氮及土壤酶活性。不同处理土壤微生物量碳、氮分别比原始弃耕地高17.80%、26.38%、5.33%和7.89%、12.75%、21.93%; 不同处理土壤微生物数量分别是原始弃耕地的4.72倍、6.04倍和4.56倍; 不同处理土壤蔗糖酶活性分别比原始弃耕地高3.4倍、3.2倍和7.7倍, 多酚氧化酶活性比原始弃耕地高1.7倍、1.2倍和1.5倍, 脲酶活性比原始弃耕地高11.1%、52.3%和37.1%; 灌溉处理土壤过氧化氢酶活性最高, 是原始弃耕地的1.53倍, 土壤呼吸速率变化表现为人工草地处理>灌溉处理>补植处理>原始弃耕地, 其中, 人工草地处理土壤呼吸速率比弃耕地高52.25%。相关分析表明, 微生物量碳与微生物C/N和微生物数量之间均呈显著正相关关系(P<0.05); 土壤呼吸速率与土壤脲酶、微生物数量和微生物量碳的相关性达到显著水平(P<0.05), 与土壤微生物量氮呈负相关关系, 但相关性不显著; 土壤蔗糖酶与其他3种酶以及微生物量氮呈显著正相关关系, 土壤脲酶与微生物数量呈显著正相关关系, 多酚氧化酶与过氧化氢酶相关性达到显著水平(P<0.05)。本研究表明干旱区盐渍化弃耕地采用灌溉与人工草地处理有利于土壤养分积累, 可在一定程度上改善土壤质量。     

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