Soil Quality Indicators in Relation to Land Use and Topography in a Small Catchment on the Loess Plateau of China

Better understanding of how the loess soils respond to topography and land use under catchment‐scale vegetation restoration is needed to enable science‐based land management interventions for the policy‐driven “Grain‐for‐Green” eco‐restoration program in the Loess Plateau of China. The objective of this study was to characterize the relationships of four selected soil quality indicators to land use under vegetation restoration and topography for a small catchment (0·58 km²) in the Loess Plateau. The major land uses established in the catchment are cropland, fallow (i.e., natural revegetation), grassland, and jujube orchard. The four soil quality indicators were soil organic carbon (SOC), soil total nitrogen (STN), soil total phosphorus (STP), and mean root zone soil water content during the wet season (MRZSWwet). SOC, STN, and MRZSWwet were significantly different (p < 0·05) for different land uses. Grassland showed the highest values for these three properties, whereas cropland had relatively low values for SOC and STN. Land use had no effect on STP, although the lowest value was observed in grassland. Spatial analysis showed that various relations between soil quality indicators and topography (slope and elevation) were observed. These relations were generally weak for most of them, and they varied with land uses. Further analyses indicated that land uses, slope, and elevation had significant effects on the relations between different soil quality indicators. The results here should provide useful information for the further development of “Grain‐for‐Green” program. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Impacts of an inter‐basin water transfer: distribution and abundance of Micronecta poweri (Insecta: Corixidae) in the River Wear,north‐east England

1. Micronecta poweri (Insecta: Corixidae) is potentially sensitive to changes in river flow. A field experiment was designed to assess the impact of an inter‐basin water transfer on the distribution and abundance of M. poweri in the receiving River Wear, north‐east England. 2. The transfer increased river discharge threefold for a period of 1 h; the transfer discharge was then reduced to a rate equivalent to double the receiving flow. Velocity changes were variable: some parts of the river channel were subjected to order of magnitude increases in near‐bed velocity, others suffered no perceptible change. Losses of fine particulate organic material were associated with the areas of greatest velocity increase. 3. Downstream of the transfer outlet, average total M. poweri abundance in replicate samples was reduced by approximately 50% during the transfer. Losses were variable within the 250 m reach monitored, with some areas gaining and some losing animals. Differences could not be explained simply as a function of proximity to the transfer outlet. 4. Results suggest that transfer impacts are location specific, varying greatly even over short (250 m) distances. For flow sensitive taxa, even relatively minor flow changes (increasing discharge to the 50 percentile flow value) may be considered as disturbance events when viewed at the patch or reach scales. 5. Despite the impacts identified for M. poweri, transfers are generally viewed as having a beneficial effect on the conservation of aquatic habitat in the River Wear. They ensure that water abstractions for potable and industrial supply can continue during the summer months without reducing the availability of suitable salmonid habitat. However, there remains a need to assess the possible transfer of biological material from the donor River Tyne to the receiving River Wear. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A new record of the freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera L. (Bivalvia,Unionoida) from the River Narcea (Asturias,north‐western Spain)

1. A population of the freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera L. was found in the River Narcea in the province of Asturias (north‐western Spain). Primary analysis of the population shows that it is well distributed along the river and is particularly abundant in shady river banks with a gravel substrate. 2. The length of living mussels ranges between a minimum of 22 mm and a maximum of 116 mm, with most in the size class between 65 mm and 70 mm. There is a good proportion of young mussels, although no fertile females were found in the course of the investigation. 3. Although there is no specific legislation in Spain for the protection of M. margaritifera, it has recently been proposed to include M. margaritifera in the Spanish List of Threatened Species as ‘vulnerable’. 4. Although the River Narcea seems to provide suitable conditions for the pearl mussel (water quality, available salmonid hosts, etc.), the main conservation measures must be directed at avoiding river fragmentation from dams, channelization and organic enrichment from individual farms or towns situated close to the river bank. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Carbon input by plants into the soil. Review

The methods used for estimating below‐ground carbon (C) translocation by plants, and the results obtained for different plant species are reviewed. Three tracer techniques using C isotopes to quantify root‐derived C are discussed: pulse labeling, continuous labeling, and a method based on the difference in ¹³C natural abundance in C3 and C4 plants. It is shown, that only the tracer methods provided adequate results for the whole below‐ground C translocation. This included roots, exudates and other organic substances, quickly decomposable by soil microorganisms, and CO₂ produced by root respiration. Advantages due to coupling of two different tracer techniques are shown. The differences in the below‐ground C translocation pattern between plant species (cereals, grasses, and trees) are discussed. Cereals (wheat and barley) transfer 20%—30% of total assimilated C into the soil. Half of this amount is subsequently found in the roots and about one‐third in CO₂ evolved from the soil by root respiration and microbial utilization of rootborne organic substances. The remaining part of below‐ground translocated C is incorporated into the soil microorganisms and soil organic matter. The portion of assimilated C allocated below the ground by cereals decreases during growth and by increasing N fertilization. Pasture plants translocated about 30%—50% of assimilates below‐ground, and their translocation patterns were similar to those of crop plants. On average, the total C amounts translocated into the soil by cereals and pasture plants are approximately the same (1500 kg C ha^—1), when the same growth period is considered. However, during one vegetation period the cereals and grasses allocated beneath the ground about 1500 and 2200 kg C ha^—1, respectively. Finally, a simple approach is suggested for a rough calculation of C input into the soil and for root‐derived CO₂ efflux from the soil.     

Phosphorus dynamics in a long‐term P fertilization trial on Luvic Phaeozem at Halle

The soil of the long‐term experiment laid out 1949 in Halle has the potential to supply much P. The P taken up by plants where no P (P0) or 15 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ (P1) was applied was much greater than the P applied as fertilizer (P1). A decrease in yield was measured only after the first 25 years on P0 soils but the P1 treatment has, so far, shown no decrease. Lactate extractions of the soil did not reflect P‐uptake suitably. The release of P from insoluble into water soluble forms was at a minimum after 30 years in P0 soils. P1 soils have now also declined to this minimum value and it remains to be seen whether yields decrease in this treatment in the future. Parallel to this trend, the P sorption increased in P0 soils. The subsoil also seems to be an important source for P supply, possibly influenced by root exudates. Further work is needed to gain a better understanding of soil P dynamics in connection with root exudates and microbes and to identify parameters which will provide more reliable means of calculating fertilizer P requirements.     

Effects and residual effects of straw,farmyard manuring,and mineral fertilization at Field F of the long‐term trial in Halle (Saale), Germany

The effects and residual effects of farmyard manure (FYM), straw fertilization and mineral N fertilization were investigated in Field F of the long‐term fertilization trial in Halle (Saale), Germany. With sufficient mineral N fertilization, FYM and straw did not directly affect yield. The application of FYM alone increased the yield of potato less than those of silage maize and sugar beet. With low mineral N fertilization, however, residual effects of FYM, applied to root crops, were observed in the following cereal crops. Application of more mineral N to root crops had the same residual effects. In case of omitted mineral N fertilization, the humus content of the soil decreased rapidly. This implies that almost no stable humic material had been accumulated by application of FYM and straw. The calculated N loss increased with enhanced organic fertilization. In case of mineral N fertilization the content of organic C (C_org) was slightly higher (1.4 to 1.5%) than without any N fertilization (1.3%). FYM and straw (with same amounts of dry matter) likewise enhanced the C_org‐content and, consequently, the content of decomposable C (C_dec). In general, organic fertilizers should not be applied in too large amounts to avoid N losses.     

The influence of fertilization and rotation on soil organic matter and plant yields in the long‐term Eternal Rye trial in Halle (Saale), Germany

Six forms of fertilizers and three rotations have been examined for 120 years in the ”︁Eternal Rye trial” in Halle (central German arid region, Haplic Phaeozem on sandy loess). Rank analysis, trend analysis and a new component model have been found to be suitable statistical methods to evaluate long‐term results without true replications. In this trial it was shown that mineral fertilization maintains like farmyard manuring the yield potential although at lower content of soil organic matter (SOM). Without fertilization, yield decline was greater with potato and silage maize than winter rye (Secale cereale L.). Deficiencies in N fertilization lead immediately, and in PK supply after more than 20 years, to a significant yield decrease which could be quickly compensated by full fertilization. Rye and maize monocultures also resulted in yield decreases. The establishing of new steady states in the turnover of SOM took about 50 years after changes in fertilization. Contrary to rye monoculture, both silage maize monoculture and potato alternating with winter rye caused considerable decomposition of SOM. According to analytical pyrolysis (Py‐FIMS and Py‐GC/MS), fertilization affects the SOM composition more than rotation. Without fertilization, a higher percentage of thermically stable SOM remained in comparison to the FYM soils. The introduction of potato into the rotation enhanced the content of easily decomposable SOM.     

The long‐term fertilization experiments in Halle (Saale), Germany — Introduction and survey

Six of originally eight long‐term trials in Halle (Saale), Germany, are still continuing. Five are situated at Julius‐Kühn‐Feld, an experimental station launched by Julius Kühn in Halle in 1866. Apart from the Eternal Rye trial established in 1878, those are phosphorus, potassium, lime, and organic fertilization long‐term trials, all being launched by Karl Schmalfuß in 1949. Other long‐term trials have been terminated, but data are available on the effects of nitrogen fertilization and the physiological reaction of fertilizers. Another long‐term trial in Halle (Adam‐Kuckhoff‐Straße 17b) investigates the influence of fertilization on soil formation from loess. Up to now, the major results are as follows: 1. Changes in soil‐ecological properties due to fertilization and rotation were only evident after 30 years, and new steady states sometimes took 70 years to occur. 2. In the long term, the C‐ and N‐contents of the soil largely depend on the amount of hardly decomposable organic matter applied with organic fertilization. High mineral‐N doses, with consequent high crop and root residues, increased the humus content of the soil. 3. Mineral fertilization can replace organic fertilization in terms of sustainable yield capacity provided equal nutrient amounts were applied. 4. The high P‐supply ability of the soil in Halle could not be explained by traditional soil analysis methods of calculating plant‐available P. With some restrictions, the same is valid for K. 5. At the experimental site, soluble salts (nitrate, sulphate) accumulated in the subsoil. 6. A regular lime demand of central German chernozems could be proved, especially in case of low soil organic matter (SOM) and physiologically acid fertilization.     

The acquisition of cadmium by Lupinus albus L., Lupinus angustifolius L., and Lolium multiflorum Lam.

Das Cadmiumaneignungsvermögen von Lupinus albus L., Lupinus angustifolius L. und Lolium multiflorum Lam. Mehrere Pflanzenarten mobilisieren Bodenphosphate (P) und Kationen wie Fe und Al durch die Exsudation organischer Anionen und Protonen. Deshalb untersuchten wir das Cd‐Aneignungsver‐mögen von P‐, Fe‐, Al‐mobilisierenden Arten (Lupinus albus L., Lupinus angustifolius L.) im Vergleich zu einer nicht mobili‐sierenden Pflanzenart (Lolium multiflorum Lam.). Die Pflanzen wuchsen in zwei stark unterschiedlichen Böden (saurer Humuspodsol, karbonathaltiger Lössunterboden). Die Cd‐Aufnahme in die Sprosse war bei Weidelgras 5 bis 10 mal höher als bei Blauen bzw. Weißen Lupinen. Dieses Ergebnis hat mehrere Ursachen: 1. Das Wurzellängen/Sprossmasseverhältnis des Weidelgrases ist 2—3 mal größer als das der Lupinenpflanzen. 2. Bei Weidelgras wird ein größerer Teil des aufgenommenen Cd in die Sprosse verlagert. 3. Die Cd‐Aufnahme bei Lupinen ist im sauren Boden (Podsol) und bei P‐Mangel auch im Kalkboden niedriger als bei Weidelgras. Während im Podsol die Cd‐Konzentration der Bodenlösung unter Lupine geringer war als in der Kontrolle (Gefäße ohne Pflanzen), war sie im Kalkboden höher. Bei den Lupinen war der Efflux organischer Säureanionen, vor allem Citrat und Malat, um den Faktor 10—100 höher als bei Weidelgras. Diese Exsudation kann zu einer hohen Cd‐Komplexierung, insbesondere durch Citrat, in der Rhizosphärenbodenlösung führen (˜ 85%). Diese Ergebenisse deuten darauf hin, dass das komplexierte Cd von den Wurzeln schlechter aufgenommen wird als das freie Cd.     

Dispersion and migration of fine particles in two palygorskite‐containing soils of the Jordan Valley

Migration of different mineral particles within columns of soil‐sand mixtures containing 10 or 20 mass % of soil was investigated by establishing differences in the mineral suite between the ”︁bulk clay” and the ”︁mobile fine material” fractions. The ”︁bulk clay” fractions of all soils contained smectite, palygorskite, kaolinite, quartz, feldspar, and calcite. The soils were saturated with sodium by leaching with NaCl solution, and then leached with distilled water. Clay dispersion and particle migration occurred in the columns. Values of SAR (sodium adsorption ratio) of the effluent decreased with time due to carbonate dissolution. At a certain SAR value, the clays apparently formed aggregates, and as a consequence particle migration stopped in the column. In addition to clay‐sized particles (< 2 μm), very‐fine‐silt‐sized particles (2— 5 μm) were able to migrate in the soil‐sand mixtures, too, and to some extent fine‐silt‐sized particles (5—10 μm) as well. Average size of mobile particles decreases with increase of soil content in the soil‐sand mixtures. The mineralogical composition of the ”︁mobile fine material” changed during the experiment. At the beginning of the experiment, the ”︁mobile fine material” was enriched in the non‐phyllosilicates (especially in calcite, and in some cases in quartz, feldspar and dolomite) and contained low concentrations of phyllosilicates (smectite, palygorskite and kaolinite). At the end of the experiment, the proportion of non‐phyllosilicates decreased, and as a consequence, the proportion of phyllosilicates increased. Among the non‐phyllosilicates, calcite was the most mobile mineral. Among the phyllosilicates, palygorskite was preferentially mobilized in topsoil horizons. In subsoil horizons, on the other hand, kaolinite was preferentially mobilized. This difference was explained by the different nature of carbonates in the topsoil and subsoil horizons. Palygorskite is preferentially occluded within the soil carbonates of lacustrine origin over smectite and kaolinite. These carbonates are present mainly in the subsoil horizons. As a consequence, the presence of these carbonates in the subsoil horizons decreases the migration of mainly palygorskite.