Variation in the relative abundance of the large pine weevil among Sitka spruce plantation sites

Between 1993 and 1994 over 160 forest sites were sampled toobtain indices of pine weevil (Hylobius abietisL.) densities.Overall 48 variables were tested for their ability to explainvariation in weevil numbers between compartments. The modelsgenerated from the sample data identified 14 variables as significantin influencing weevil densities. In this research note the variablesare identified, and their relationship to forest managementdiscussed     

Soil organic matter maps by nuclear magnetic resonance

Preliminary studies are reported on a soil and a litter fraction which have the aim of exploring the potential of two-dimensional ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy for the analysis of soil organic matter structure. It has been shown that contour plots can be obtained in which one co-ordinate gives chemical shift information and the other the magnitude of the dipolar interaction. For aromatic and oxygenated aliphatic carbon, the latter parameter is a measure of the degree of protonation. Hence the method is useful for distinguishing between soils containing highly substituted and condensed aromatic structures and those with protonated aromatic carbon. Likewise, it is possible to distinguish between soils containing dioxygenated carbon which is. protonated (e.g. ketal).     

AMORPHOUS CONSTITUENTS OF SOME HIGH ALTITUDE SOILS OF THE SOUTH ISLAND OF NEW ZEALAND

Soils developed at high altitudes in the South Island, New Zealand have several pedological properties similar to the volcanic allophane soils of the North Island. Their clay fractions consist of finely divided parent material with some degree of ordering and some oxidation of ferrous to ferric iron, but because they are so finely divided they give no X-ray diffraction patterns, and their IR spectra are typical of amorphous aluminosilicates. They are shown to have structure by electron microscopy and thermal analysis. It is suggested that the clays have been produced by the grinding together of stonesby frost action, and that similar material probably exists in other alpine areas and in polar regions where frost action is common.     

CLAY MINERALS IN SOILS DERIVED FROM LOWER OLD RED SANDSTONE TILL: EFFECTS OF INHERITANCE AND PEDOGENESIS

The clay mineralogy of thirty-two profiles located mainly in the Vale of Strathmore and developed on glacial till derived from Lower Red Sandstone sediments and lavas has been investigated by X-ray diffraction. The soils were selected so that the parent material was related predominantly to one of the rock types common in the Lower Old Red Sandstone succession—namely, marl, sandstone, lava, or conglomerate. Comparison of the < 1.4μm fractions separated from fresh rock samples with those separated from the C horizons of the soils clearly established the dominant influence of parent rock on the soil-clay mineralogy. The clay minerals inherited by the soil often include unusual trioctahedral expansible minerals such as saponite, interstratified vermiculite-chlorite, and smectite-vermiculite, as well as more common types like mica, montmorillonite, and chlorite. Kaolinite is also found but it is not certain that it is only of inherited origin. Weathering of the clays during soil formation brings about complete degradation of the expansible trioctahedral minerals, a process usually well advanced in the B or even at the top of the C horizon, and vermiculitization of mica. The latter process occurs mainly in the A horizon, with concomitant precipitation of interlayer aquohydroxy-aluminium ions thereby forming a vermiculite-chlorite intergrade. Chlorite and kaolinite appear to be little affected by weathering. The weathering transformations are most pronounced in freely drained acid soils (pH < s) and are at a minimum in poorly drained soils and where the pH remains above 6. The susceptibility to weathering of the trioctahedral expansible minerals results in relatively high values for exchangeable magnesium at the base of the profile.     

CROSS POLARISATION 13C-N.M.R. SPECTROSCOPY OF SOME GENETICALLY RELATED NEW ZEALAND SOILS

Cross polarisation ¹³C-n.m.r. spectra of seven New Zealand soils have been determined. Some of the soils are genetically related. The results show that the aromaticity of a soil may vary widely from soil to soil even when the parent material and vegetation are similar. The youngest of the soils examined (Hokitika, 300 years), was highly aromatic, and the oldest soil (Okarito, 22,000 years) was more aliphatic.     

APPLICATIONS OF NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY TO THE STUDY OF THE STRUCTURE OF SOIL ORGANIC MATTER

Recent developments in the application of nuclear magnetic resonance (n.m.r.) spectroscopy to soil science are reviewed. Progress in ¹H, ¹³C and CP-¹³C n.m.r. spectroscopy of humic substances is reported. Methods of determining the fraction of aromatic carbon in soil organic matter extracts are discussed, and methods by which structural group analysis can be carried out on in situ organic matter of whole soils are reviewed.     

Vascular Response of the Equine Radius to Cerclage Devices

The arterial blood supply to the diaphysis of the radius, and the vascular reaction when three cerclage devices (cerclage wire, Parham-Martin band, and a partially contacting band) were applied 2 cm apart, were studied in six adult ponies. The opposite radial diaphysis served as the control. Ponies were euthanatized at weeks 4 and 8. A centrifugal blood flow pattern was demonstrated by microangiography. Larger numbers of medullary arteries exist in equine than in canine and human long bones. Changes in centrifugal blood supply were not identified beneath any of the cerclage devices.     

Pharyngeal Mucoceles in Dogs

Eight cases of pharyngeal mucoceles were diagnosed in 49 dogs with salivary mucoceles over a 7 year period. Five of the eight pharyngeal mucoceles were seen in Miniature Poodles. The presenting complaint in all eight dogs was labored breathing, with or without coughing upon excitement or exercise. Diagnosis was made by aspirating a thick mucoid fluid from the pharyngeal swelling. Treatment consisted of resection of the mandibular and sublingual salivary glands on the affected side and aspiration of the mucocele in all eight dogs, and resection of redundant pharyngeal tissue in five dogs. Time to follow-up ranged from 1.5 to 7.5 years. There were no postsurgical complications or recurrences of the mucocele.