Tracing Pb Pollution Penetration in Temperate Podzols

We combine high‐resolution soil sampling with lead (Pb) analyses (concentrations and stable isotopes) in two temperate podzols, together with previous data obtained with selective Al and Fe dissolution techniques. We aim to assess how atmospheric Pb is incorporated into the soils during pedogenesis. Partial least squares modelling for Pb concentrations shows that the podzolization process has the largest effect on Pb concentration (80·3% of the variance). The proportion of inorganic secondary compounds, the input of fresh organic matter from the soil surface and the relative abundance of Fe versus Al are responsible for a small part of the Pb concentration variance. Lead isotopic composition (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb ratios) depends on soil organic matter content either fresh/poorly humified (57·3% of the variance) or humified (24·7% of the variance). The Pb linked to inorganic compounds and the overall podzolization process play a minor role in isotopic signature (5·3 and 3·7% of the variance respectively). Soil pH appears to be the controlling variable of the different transport and retention mechanisms. The relatively low isotopic ratios observed in spodic horizons result from geogenic Pb released through the preferential dissolution of the isotopically distinct most weatherable minerals of the parent material in the eluvial horizons, which undergoes downward mobilization. An accurate knowledge of soil reactive components and formation mechanisms is essential to a correct diagnose of the scope of Pb pollution and a more effective design of remediation strategies. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

藏山羊若干行为观察研究

对全放牧藏山羊若干行为进行了昼夜连续24小时跟踪观测研究。结果表明,藏山羊昼夜采食时间为541.37±93.65分。反刍为280.21±67.59分,睡眠为173.30±45.92分,游走为136.15±62.79分,站立为133.35±34.88分,其他行为占175.62±53.18分。采食、游走、站立及其他行为多发生在白天,反刍和睡眠多在夜间。反刍与采食的时间比例为0.52:1。藏山羊母性较强,好喜戏和觅群,少争斗。此外,藏山羊还有搔痒、打喷嚏、啃食异物等异常行为。研究结果,可供藏山羊的培育和饲养管理作为参改。     

游离棉纤维长度的计算机测量

文中介绍了一种棉纤维长度测量的新方法,即用CCD捕获游离棉纤维图像,然后依据数字图像处理及模式识别的理论,建立起一个实际可行的算法,来完成对棉纤维多种长度指标的一次性测量。该算法涉及到数字图像的二值分割、补断、修剪、像素跟踪等几个方面,且针对棉纤维图像的特征,进行了优化。     

Organic matter turnover in soil physical fractions following woody plant invasion of grassland: Evidence from natural C and N

Soil physical structure causes differential accessibility of soil organic carbon (SOC) to decomposer organisms and is an important determinant of SOC storage and turnover. Techniques for physical fractionation of soil organic matter in conjunction with isotopic analyses (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N) of those soil fractions have been used previously to (a) determine where organic C is stored relative to aggregate structure, (b) identify sources of SOC, (c) quantify turnover rates of SOC in specific soil fractions, and (d) evaluate organic matter quality. We used these two complementary approaches to characterize soil C storage and dynamics in the Rio Grande Plains of southern Texas where C₃ trees/shrubs (δ¹³C=−27‰) have largely replaced C₄ grasslands (δ¹³C=−14‰) over the past 100-200 years. Using a chronosequence approach, soils were collected from remnant grasslands (Time 0) and from woody plant stands ranging in age from 10 to 130 years. We separated soil organic matter into specific size/density fractions and determined their C and N concentrations and natural δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values. Mean residence times (MRTs) of soil fractions were calculated based on changes in their δ¹³C with time after woody encroachment. The shortest MRTs (average=30 years) were associated with all particulate organic matter (POM) fractions not protected within aggregates. Fine POM (53-250 μm) within macro- and microaggregates was relatively more protected from decay, with an average MRT of 60 years. All silt+clay fractions had the longest MRTs (average=360 years) regardless of whether they were found inside or outside of aggregate structure. δ¹⁵N values of soil physical fractions were positively correlated with MRTs of the same fractions, suggesting that higher δ¹⁵N values reflect an increased degree of humification. Increased soil C and N pools in wooded areas were due to both the retention of older C₄-derived organic matter by protection within microaggregates and association with silt+clay, and the accumulation of new C₃-derived organic matter in macroaggregates and POM fractions.     

Growth and carbon sequestration by ectomycorrhizal fungi in intensively fertilized Norway spruce forests

A substantial portion of the carbon (C) fixed by the trees is allocated belowground to ectomycorrhizal (EM) symbionts, but this fraction usually declines after fertilization. The aim of the present study was to estimate the effect of optimal fertilization (including all the necessary nutrients) on the growth of EM fungi in young Norway spruce forests over a three year period. In addition, the amount of carbon sequestered by EM mycelia was estimated using a method based on the difference in δ¹³C between C₃ and C₄ plants. Sand-filled ingrowth mesh bags were used to estimate EM growth, and similar bags amended with compost made from maize leaves (a C₄ plant) were used to estimate C sequestration. Fertilizers had been applied either every year or every second year since 2002 and the estimates of EM growth started in 2007. The application of fertilizer reduced EM growth to between 0% and 40% of the growth in the control plots at one site (Ebbegärde), while no significant effect was found at the other three sites studied. The effect of the fertilizer was similar in sand-filled and maize-compost-amended mesh bags, but the total production of EM fungi was 3-4 times higher in maize-compost-amended mesh bags. The fertilizer tended to reduce EM growth more when applied every year than when applied every second year. The amount of C sequestered in maize-compost-amended mesh bags collected from unfertilized treatments was estimated to be between 0.2 and 0.7 mg C g sand⁻¹ at Ebbegärde and between 0.2 and 0.5 mg C g sand⁻¹ at Grängshammar. This corresponds to between 300 and 1100 kg C per ha, assuming a similar production in the soil as in the mesh bags. Fertilization at the Ebbegärde site reduced carbon sequestration, which confirmed the results based on estimates of fungal growth (ergosterol levels). A correlation was found between fungal biomass and δ¹³C in mesh bags amended with maize compost. Based on this, it was estimated that a fungal production of 1 μg ergosterol corresponded to 0.33 mg of sequestered carbon. In conclusion, the effect of the fertilizer on EM growth seemed to be dependent on the effect of the fertilizer on tree growth. Thus, at Ebbegärde, were tree growth was less stimulated by the fertilizer, EM growth was reduced upon fertilization. At other sites, where tree growth was more stimulated, the fertilizer did not influence EM growth. The large amounts of carbon sequestered during the experiment may be a result of fungal residues remaining in the soil after the death of the hyphae.     

C and N natural abundance of the soil microbial biomass

Stable isotope analysis is a powerful tool in the study of soil organic matter formation. It is often observed that more decomposed soil organic matter is ¹³C, and especially ¹⁵N-enriched relative to fresh litter and recent organic matter. We investigated whether this shift in isotope composition relates to the isotope composition of the microbial biomass, an important source for soil organic matter. We developed a new approach to determine the natural abundance C and N isotope composition of the microbial biomass across a broad range of soil types, vegetation, and climates. We found consistently that the soil microbial biomass was ¹⁵N-enriched relative to the total (3.2 ‰) and extractable N pools (3.7 ‰), and ¹³C-enriched relative to the extractable C pool (2.5 ‰). The microbial biomass was also ¹³C-enriched relative to total C for soils that exhibited a C3-plant signature (1.6 ‰), but ¹³C-depleted for soils with a C4 signature (−1.1 ‰). The latter was probably associated with an increase of annual C3 forbs in C4 grasslands after an extreme drought. These findings are in agreement with the proposed contribution of microbial products to the stabilized soil organic matter and may help explain the shift in isotope composition during soil organic matter formation.     

氮输入对森林土壤有机碳截存与损耗过程的影响

大气氮沉降对受氮限制的陆地生态系统碳截存/损耗的机理尚不清楚,尤其是对土壤有机碳(SOC)的输入、转化和输出过程的认识明显不足。本文论述了外源性氮素(氮沉降、人为增氮)对凋落物分解、土壤有机碳各组分周转的影响,以及土壤呼吸各组分(根系自养呼吸、根际微生物呼吸和SOM分解)对增氮的响应等领域的最新研究进展,指出了在上述研究领域中存在的问题,并提出拟解决的途径以及未来的可能研究方向,以期为该领域的研究提供参考。     

近十年来核素示踪技术在土壤侵蚀研究中的应用进展

随着核素示踪技术在土壤侵蚀研究中应用的深入,土壤侵蚀研究进入了一个快速发展阶段。本文阐述了近十年来137Cs2、10Pbex7、Be、复合示踪及REE-INAA示踪等几种主要核素示踪技术在土壤侵蚀速率、泥沙沉积速率、泥沙来源和坡面侵蚀过程等研究中的应用新进展,并对今后的研究方向和发展趋势进行了分析。     

Effect of acid rain on sandstone: The Royal Palace and the Riddarholm church,Stockholm

The deterioration of two kinds of sandstone is discussed for two 18:th century buildings in central Stockholm: the Royal Palace, and the Royal Carolean Burial Chapel (Karolinska gravkoret) annexed to the mediaeval Riddarholm church. The facades of calcitic Gotland sandstone show many signs of serious decay, such as gypsum formation, pulverized surface, exfoliation, discolouration, and salt efflorescence. The socles are built of the more resistant quartzitic Roslagen sandstone, displaying some discolouration, cracks, and slight exfoliation. In total about 300 samples have been analysed. The surface concentration of sulphur is highest at ground level and at rain-sheltered positions. Chemical and sulphur isotope data indicate that the stone decay to a large part may be attributed to anthropogenic sources like acid deposition and car traffic.     

Stable C and N isotope values of selected components of a tropical australian sugarcane ecosystem

The ¹³C and ¹⁵N values of sugarcane plant tissues, decomposing harvest residues, soil and the casts and body tissues of the earthwormPontoscolex corethrurus were determined. Little variation in ¹³C values was found between plant parts. The ¹³C values of the decomposing harvest residues declined and became more variable after 148 days of exposure in the field. In the decomposing residues, ¹³C values of the neutral detergent fibre fraction were similar to those of the whole tissues while those of the proximate lignin were more negative. The ¹⁵N values of the residues also declined over time after a short initial delay.P. corethrurus populations are more intimately associated with the roots of sugarcane than with the bulk soil. Tissue ¹³C values suggest that the earthworm diet is similar to or more enriched in¹³C than sugarcane tissues and is substantially more enriched than the soil C. Earthworm tissues have similar levels of¹⁵N enrichment to both the soil and plant tissues. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that this earthworm derives much of its assimilated C relatively directly from organic matter associated with the roots and decomposing harvest residues.