Changes in soil and water quality at sediment–water interface of Penaeus vannamei culture pond at varying salinities

The health of the pond environment in shrimp farming is important for sustainable and profitable aquaculture, in which sediment–water interface is the most important influencing area. With this objective, the key parameters of water and sediment at the interface was studied in shrimp ponds with varying salinities and compared with the surface water and soil to understand the variations and the underlying causes. Total ammonia nitrogen and total alkalinity were higher in water at the interface as compared to surface water, whereas pH, nitrite, oxide forms of nitrogen (NO₃), phosphorus (PO₄) and oxidizing bacteria were observed to be lower. There was no significant difference with respect to macrominerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium between water at the interface and surface. These changes are profoundly influenced by the uppermost 1.0‐cm thick sediment layer, where the maximum transition of nutrients takes place with the water column. The outcome of the study highlights the effectiveness of water sampling for metabolites at the interface, which reflects at an early stage any potential deterioration of pond environment, which will help the farmer to initiate timely mitigation measures.     

Substitution of chemical fertilizer by Chinese milk vetch improves the sustainability of yield and accumulation of soil organic carbon in a double-rice cropping system

The double-rice cropping system is a very important intensive cropping system for food security in China. There have been few studies of the sustainability of yield and accumulation of soil organic carbon(SOC) in the double-rice cropping system following a partial substitution of chemical fertilizer by Chinese milk vetch(Mv). We conducted a 10-year(2008–2017) field experiment in Nan County, South-Central China, to examine the double-rice productivity and SOC accumulation in a paddy soil in response to different fertilization levels and Mv application(22.5 Mg ha~(–1)). Fertilizer and Mv were applied both individually and in combination(sole chemical fertilizers, Mv plus 100, 80, 60, 40, and 0% of the recommended dose of chemical fertilizers, labeled as F100, MF100, MF80, MF60, MF40, and MF0, respectively). It was found that the grain yields of double-rice crop in treatments receiving Mv were reduced when the dose of chemical fertilizer was reduced, while the change in SOC stock displayed a double peak curve. The MF100 produced the highest double-rice yield and SOC stock, with the value higher by 13.5 and 26.8% than that in the F100. However, the grain yields increased in the MF80(by 8.4% compared to the F100), while the SOC stock only increased by 8.4%. Analogous to the change of grain yield, the sustainable yield index(SYI) of double rice were improved significantly in the MF100 and MF80 compared to the F100, while there was a slight increase in the MF60 and MF40. After a certain amount of Mv input(22.5 Mg ha~(–1)), the carbon sequestration rate was affected by the nutrient input due to the stimulation of microbial biomass. Compared with the MF0, the MF100 and MF40 resulted in a dramatically higher carbon sequestration rate(with the value higher by 71.6 and 70.1%),whereas the MF80 induced a lower carbon sequestration rate with the value lower by 70.1% compared to the MF0. Based on the above results we suggested that Mv could partially replace chemical fertilizers(e.g., 40–60%) to improve or maintain the productivity and sustainability of the double-rice cropping system in South-Central China.     

一株耐铝甜瓜枯萎病拮抗细菌的分离鉴定及其耐铝特性研究

从甜瓜根际酸性土壤中分离筛选到1株耐铝甜瓜枯萎病拮抗菌，命名为A2。根据表型、生理生化特征和16S rRNA基因序列相似性分析，将其鉴定为Pseudomonas sp.。菌株A2对甜瓜枯萎病病原菌的相对防效为68.3%，且拮抗能力具有遗传稳定性。相比AlCl3处理，菌株A2对Al2(SO4)3表现出了更好的耐受性，最高可耐受50mmol/L Al3+。在含有A13+的S-LB培养基中，菌株最适生长温度为30 ℃；培养基初始pH值的降低会加剧A13+对菌株A2的毒害作用。研究结果可为含活性铝的酸性土壤中甜瓜枯萎病的生物防治提供优良菌株资源和理论基础。     

施用锌肥和遮阴互作对花生生长发育、抗病性及产量的影响

采用大田裂区试验，研究了施用锌肥和不同遮阴程度互作对花生生长发育、抗病性及产量的影响。结果表明，与不施锌肥相比，施用锌肥能提高花生不同部位锌含量、增加叶片SPAD值，提高花生叶片中可溶性糖、蛋白质和生长素含量，减少花生病害的发生，平均降低7.1个百分点，花生产量平均增加19.4%。相同施锌水平下，随着遮阴程度的增加，花生不同部位锌的含量和不同生育期叶片SPAD值以及花生叶片中可溶性糖、蛋白质和生长素含量呈增加趋势，花生的发病率比不遮阴对照增加4.8、10.2个百分点，花生产量平均降低16.5%、10.0%。在30%、70%的遮阴条件下，施用锌肥的花生产量比不施锌的分别提高21.1%、25.0%。本试验条件下，施用七水硫酸锌30 kg/hm2，使花生具有较强的抗低温寡照能力及抗病性能，增产显著，可在花生产区推广应用。     

Evidence of cormorant‐induced mortality,disparate migration strategies and repeatable circadian rhythm in the endangered North Sea houting (Coregonus oxyrinchus): A telemetry study mapping the postspawning migration

Life history theory predicts a trade‐off between migration and residency where migration is favoured when it infers elevated fitness. Although migration to more favourable environments may offer higher growth rates, migrants often experience increased mortality due to predation. Here, we investigated mortality and migration behaviour of the North Sea houting (Coregonus oxyrinchus), an anadromous salmonid endemic to the Wadden Sea. We used acoustic telemetry to map the migration of the only remaining indigenous population by applying stationary hydrophones combined with manual tracking. Data suggested a total mortality of 26%, with 30% of the total mortality attributed to predation by great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis), highlighting that North Sea houting conservation could be jeopardised by increased cormorant predation. Risk of cormorant predation was size‐dependent, with smaller fish suffering higher risk of predation. The study found North Sea houting to exhibit disparate migration strategies and identified a lentic area in the estuary as an important habitat. Two newly established artificial lakes within the river system significantly reduced the migration speeds, possibly indicating constrained navigation through the lakes. The migration into the Wadden Sea correlated with temperature perhaps indicating osmoregulatory constraints of sea entry. Unlike many salmonid species, migration occurred both day and night. Moreover, fish exhibited repeatable individual differences in diel activity patterns, suggesting that individuals differ consistently in their migratory activity throughout the 24‐hr period. Our study provides novel information on salmonid migration, which is crucial for the development of science‐based conservation strategies.     

A comparison of the effects of carbon dioxide and medical air for abdominal insufflation on respiratory parameters in xylazine-sedated sheep undergoing laparoscopic artificial insemination

AIMS: To determine if abdominal insufflation with medical air will improve oxygenation and ventilation parameters when compared to insufflation with CO₂ in xylazine-sedated sheep undergoing laparoscopic artificial insemination (AI).

METHODS: Forty-seven sheep underwent oestrus synchronisation and were fasted for 24 hours prior to laparoscopic AI. Each animal was randomised to receive either CO₂ or medical air for abdominal insufflation. An auricular arterial catheter was placed and utilised for serial blood sampling. Respiratory rates (RR) and arterial blood samples were collected at baseline, after xylazine (0.1?mg/kg I/V) sedation, 2 minutes after Trendelenburg positioning, 5 minutes after abdominal insufflation, and 10 minutes after being returned to a standing position. Blood samples were collected in heparinised syringes, stored on ice, and analysed for arterial pH, partial pressure of arterial O₂ (PaO₂), and CO₂ (PaCO₂). The number of ewes conceiving to AI was also determined.

RESULTS: Repeated measures ANOVA demonstrated temporal effects on RR, PaO₂, PaCO₂ and arterial pH during the laparoscopic AI procedure (p<0.001), but no difference between insufflation groups (p>0.01). No sheep experienced hypercapnia (PaCO₂>50?mmHg) or acidaemia (pH<7.35). Hypoxaemia (PaO₂<70?mmHg) was diagnosed during the procedure in 14/22 (64%) ewes in the CO₂ group compared with 8/23 (35%) ewes in the medical air group (p=0.053). Overall, 15/20 (75%) ewes in the CO₂ group conceived to AI compared with 16/22 (72.7%) in the medical air group (p=0.867).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There were no statistical or clinical differences in RR, PaO₂, PaCO₂, pH, or conception to AI when comparing the effects of CO₂ and medical air as abdominal insufflation gases. None of the sheep experienced hypercapnia or acidaemic, yet 42% (19/45) of sheep developed clinical hypoxaemia, with a higher percentage of ewes in the CO₂ group developing hypoxaemia than in the medical air group. Based on the overall analysis, medical air could be utilised as a comparable alternative for abdominal insufflation during laparoscopic AI procedures.     

Phenotypic plasticity of two invasive alien plant species inside a deciduous forest in a strict nature reserve in Italy

ABSTRACT

Invasive alien plant species (IAPs) represent one of the main biological threats to biodiversity worldwide. Information about their phenotypic plasticity are needed to increase awareness about their future invasive potential. A study about phenotypic plasticity in response to contrasting light regimes and its quantification by a plasticity index (PI) of two IAPs (Ailanthus altissima and Robinia pseudoacacia) inside a Strict Nature Reserve was conducted. R. pseudoacacia showed a 70% higher PI, with a strongly greater value at morphological leaf level, associated with a greater ability to survive and grow in forest understory, explaining its greater widespread. Otherwise, A. altissima showed its highest PI at physiological level, which was associated with the ability to colonize and grow in environments with high-light regimes. Based on these results, the conservative management has limited the presence of A. altissima by its lower ability to grow in forest understory. In fact, the small-scale gaps in the forest infrastructure, that could allow its recruitment, are originated only from the death of a single tree or small group of trees. Regarding R. pseudoacacia, it is critical to maintain this type of management because any disturbances resulting in large openings could further promote its presence inside the Reserve.     

基于距离相关系数和KNN回归模型的森林蓄积量估测研究

【目的】探究Landsat8 OLI数据和KNN算法在森林蓄积量估测中的潜力。【方法】以湖南省湘潭县为研究区,采用Landsat8 OLI数据和同时期的二类调查数据,通过距离相关系数筛选特征,分别采用线性回归模型(MLR)、K-近邻模型(KNN)、距离加权KNN模型(DW-KNN)和优化欧式KNN模型(FW-KNN)对森林蓄积量进行估测。使用十折交叉方法进行精度检验,对检验结果进行对比分析。【结果】3种KNN模型的估测结果均高于传统的线性模型,并且在3种KNN模型中,FW-KNN算法效果最好,决定系数达到0.69,为3种模型中最高;3种KNN模型中,本研究优化欧氏距离KNN模型的估测精度最高,其均方根误差为30.3%,相比于传统KNN模型的均方根误差降低了5.1%,相比于DW-KNN模型降低了3.3%。【结论】采用DW-KNN蓄积量估测结果明显优于其他两种模型,说明通过特征与蓄积量的相关性优化样本间的距离是一种可行的KNN优化方法。     

长期施肥处理对双季晚稻叶绿素荧光特征及籽粒产量的影响

研究施肥模式对水稻叶绿素含量及荧光参数的调节作用,对提高水稻光能利用效率及籽粒产量具有重要意义。本研究以水稻品种赣929为试验材料,比较长期定位施磷钾肥(PK)、施氮磷钾肥(NPK)、等养分条件下70%氮磷钾肥配合施用30%有机肥(70F+30M)、50%氮磷钾肥配合施用50%有机肥(50F+50M)、30%氮磷钾肥配合施用70%有机肥(30F+70M)条件下水稻叶绿素荧光参数和产量变化特征。结果表明,水稻旗叶叶绿素含量从齐穗期到成熟期呈下降趋势,且表现为30F+70M50F+50M70F+30MNPKPK。水稻叶绿素荧光参数Fv/Fm随水稻生育期的推进呈降低趋势,其中PK处理Fv/Fm值最低,而施氮处理比不施氮处理Fv/Fm值增加了2.85%～4.18%。叶绿素荧光参数qL、ΦPSII在NPK处理中表现为齐穗期较高, 20 d之后显著降低;在50F+50M、30F+70M处理中表现为齐穗期较低, 20 d以后显著增加;在PK处理、70F+30M处理中一直处于较高水平。NPQ变化趋势与qL基本相反。ETR-PAR光响应曲线拟合结果表明, 70F+30M处理ETRmax、?和Ek值在齐穗期和20 d后值均最高。综合看来,等养分条件下配施30%有机肥具有最优的叶绿素荧光指标组合及籽粒产量;而配施超过50%有机肥由于前期热耗散增大使得用于光合作用的光能份额减少,而施用氮磷钾肥处理则由于后期的衰老使得光能利用效率下降。