外源碳磷的加入对农田土壤微生物碳磷比及磷素有效性的影响

设置室内培养试验,在较低养分和碳素质量分数的农田土壤中,通过加入外源的高、中、低质量分数的无机磷和碳源黑麦草基质的方式,研究不同梯度的磷素质量分数和不同培养时间序列的土壤微生物磷、微生物碳磷比的变化规律以及磷素利用的有效性。结果表明,低养分条件下外源无机磷的加入对土壤微生物碳的影响不大,黑麦草的加入引起微生物碳的巨大变化,即碳素的多少对于微生物碳的变化起着重要作用。低碳条件下,无机磷的加入对微生物磷的影响不大,而加入黑麦草后较高碳素质量分数下,微生物磷出现巨大变化,说明碳源多少对于微生物磷起着重要作用。微生物磷具有较快的周转周期。微生物碳磷比波动比较大,加入外源物质以后,分别在第5天和第25天出现高峰,大多数在第10天前后出现低谷,也就是第10天前后微生物活性较大,微生物磷质量分数较高,磷素利用较为活跃。可见,速效磷与微生物磷和微生物碳磷比具有很好的相关性,分别呈对数函数和二项式函数关系。     

Effects of application in spring of urea fertiliser on aspects of reproductive performance of pasture-fed dairy cows

AIMS: To assess if raising concentrations of crude protein (CP) in pasture in spring by the frequent application of urea fertiliser would affect ovarian follicular dynamics, luteal function, onset of oestrus and reproductive performance of dairy cows under farming conditions in New Zealand. METHODS: Spring-calved dairy cows were grazed for 101 days in paddocks that were either not fertilised (Control; n=20) during the course of the study, or were fertilised with 40-50 kg nitrogen (N)/ha every 4-6 weeks (High-N; n=20). Similar generous pasture allowances were offered to both groups. Concentrations of CP in pasture, urea in serum and progesterone in milk were measured. Ovarian follicular and luteal dynamics were determined using ultrasonography. Oestrous behaviour and the number, time and outcome of inseminations were also recorded. RESULTS: Mean concentrations of CP in pasture and urea in serum was higher in the High-N than the Control group (25.2 vs 21.6 and 8.3 vs 5.4 mmol/L for CP and urea, respectively; p<0.001). Intervals between calving and first oestrus, first insemination and conception, the time of first emergence of a dominant follicle, milk progesterone concentration, and the diameter of the corpus luteum (CL) in the first luteal phase did not differ significantly between groups. The interval from calving to first ovulation tended (p=0.10) to be lower and the diameter of the dominant follicle of the oestrous cycle at which cows conceived was greater (p=0.02) in Control than High-N cows. CONCLUSIONS: The use of large amounts of urea fertiliser during spring and the consequent increases in concentrations of CP in pasture and urea in serum did not negatively affect any of the parameters of reproductive performance of pasture-fed dairy cows that were assessed in this study.     

The properties and functions of biochars in forest ecosystems

Purpose

The production of large quantities of biochar from natural fires has been a part of human history for millennia, causing CO₂ emissions to the atmosphere and exerting long-term effects on soil processes. Despite its potential importance and recent work reflecting the wide interest in biochar, a general review of our deep understanding of biochar functions within forest soils is currently lacking. Gaps in research knowledge in this field are identified in this paper.

Materials and methods

This paper summarizes recent research to provide a better understanding of the concentrations, distribution, and characteristics of biochar produced from forest wildfire and its influences on soil processes. Perspectives and recommendations for future research on biochar in post-fire forest soils are also discussed.

Results and discussion

The concentration, distribution, and characteristics of biochar produced from forest wildfire largely depend on forest landscapes, regional climates, and mostly its feedstock and fire history, like, its duration and severity. The influences of biochar on soil processes, particularly carbon and nitrogen transformations and cycling, like, nitrification and nitrous oxide emissions reduction (Clough and Condron, J Environ Qual 39:1218–1223, 2010), are also determined mainly by the fire temperature and raw materials. Mechanisms can be attributed to the adsorption of organic compounds and nutrients or changed microenvironment, termed as charsphere, by biochar. We also identify the microbial mechanisms involved in the biochar-containing soils.

     

‘Morfeo’ Elm: a new variety resistant to Dutch elm disease

Dutch elm disease (DED) has spread through Europe and North America since the beginning of the twentieth century. In response, several independent genetic improvement programmes for breeding DED‐resistant elms have been established on both sides of the Atlantic. Assimilating a wide range of resistant clones of different parentage should help ensure survival of the elm in the event of mutation of the pathogen. The Italian elm breeding programme began in the late 1970s and has recently raised a new variety by crossing a specimen of U. chenmoui with the Dutch hybrid clone ‘405’. This new release, named ‘Morfeo’, is extremely resistant to DED and has an attractive form and foliage. It is also fast‐growing, tolerant of drought and soils waterlogged in winter, therefore proving well adapted to the climates of both north‐western Europe and the Mediterranean. Following trials in England, ‘Morfeo’ is considered of potential importance in the conservation of several invertebrates endangered by the consequences of DED.