Influence of soil phosphorus status,texture, pH and metal content on the efficacy of amendments to pig slurry in reducing phosphorus losses

Cost‐effective strategies for using chemically amended organic fertilizers need to be developed to minimize nutrient losses in surface and groundwater. Coupling specific soil physical and chemical characteristics with amendment type could increase their effectiveness. This study investigated how water‐extractable phosphorus (P) was affected by chemical amendments added to pig slurry and how this effect varied with soil properties. A 3‐month incubation study was conducted on 18 different mineral soils, stored at 10 °C and 75% humidity and treated with unamended and amended slurry which was incorporated at a rate equivalent to 19 kg total P (TP )/ha. The amendments examined were commercial‐grade liquid alum, applied at a rate of 0.88:1 [Al:TP ], and commercial‐grade liquid poly‐aluminium chloride (PAC ), applied at a rate of 0.72:1 [Al:TP ]. These amendments were previously identified by the authors as being effective in reducing incidental losses of P. The efficacy of the amendments varied with the soil test P, the degree of P saturation (DPS ) and the Mehlich aluminium, iron and calcium, but not soil texture. Chemical amendments were most effective in soils with DPS over approximately 20%. Due to their high cost, the incorporation of amendments into existing management practices can only be justified as part of a holistic management plan where soils have high DPS .     

Sewage sludge processing determines its impact on soil microbial community structure and function

Composting and thermal drying are amongst the most commonly used post-digestion processes for allowing sanitation and biological stabilization of sewage sludge from municipal treatment plants, and making it suitable as soil conditioner for use in agriculture. To assess the impact of sludge-derived materials on soil microbial properties, fresh (LAF), composted (LAC) and thermally dried (LAT) sludge fractions, each resulting from a different post-treatment process of a same aerobically digested sewage sludge, were added at 1% (w/w) application rate on two contrasting (a loam and a loamy sand) soils and incubated under laboratory conditions for 28 days. Soil respiration, microbial ATP content, hydrolytic activities and arginine ammonification rate were monitored throughout the incubation period. Results showed that soil biochemical variables, including the metabolic quotient (qCO₂), were markedly stimulated after sludge application, and the magnitude of this stimulatory effect was dependent on sludge type (precisely LAT > LAF > LAC), but not on soil type. This effect was related to the content of stable organic matter, which was lower in LAT. Genetic fingerprinting by PCR–DGGE revealed that compositional shifts of soil bacterial and, at greater extent, actinobacterial communities were responsive to the amendment with a differing sludge fraction. The observed time-dependent changes in the DGGE profiles of amended soils reflected the microbial turnover dependent on the sludge nutrient input, whereas no indications of adverse effects of sludge-borne contaminants were noted. Our findings indicate that composting rather thermal drying can represent a more appropriate post-digestion process to make sewage sludge suitable for use as soil conditioner in agriculture.     

Organic input quality is more important than its quantity: C turnover coefficients in different cropping systems

Annual C input to soil is a major factor affecting soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics. However different types of C-sources can have different behaviour, in relation to their chemical characteristics and how they interact with soil. Root-derived C, in particular, should be more efficient than other organic materials as a result of the physicochemical and biological characteristics of the surrounding environment, leading to a reduction in the C decomposition rate.To test this hypothesis, we considered a long-term experiment underway in Northern Italy since 1962, comparing permanent meadow and 6 different crop rotations over a wide range of nutrient inputs, in both organic and inorganic forms. C inputs from amendments were measured and those from crops were calculated using allometric functions and crop and residues yields. The time evolution of SOC was studied through a single-pool, first-order kinetic model, allowing the estimation of humification coefficients for residues, roots, farmyard manure and cattle slurries.The highest value of the humification coefficient was estimated for farmyard manure, which confirmed its high efficiency in stabilising SOC content. Root C presented a humification coefficient 1.9 times higher than above-ground plant materials while slurries were intermediate, with a humification coefficient roughly half that of farmyard manure and even lower that of roots.The quality of C input thus seems of fundamental importance for evaluating the sustainability of different cropping systems in terms of SOC dynamics.     

Effect of temperature,organic amendment rate and moisture content on the degradation of 1,3‐dichloropropene in soil

1,3‐Dichloropropene (1,3‐D), which consists of two isomers, (Z)‐ and (E)‐1,3‐D, is considered to be a viable alternative to methyl bromide, but atmospheric emission of 1,3‐D is often associated with deterioration of air quality. To minimize environmental impacts of 1,3‐D, emission control strategies are in need of investigation. One approach to reduce 1,3‐D emissions is to accelerate its degradation by incorporating organic amendments into the soil surface. In this study, we investigated the ability of four organic amendments to enhance the rate of degradation of (Z)‐ and (E)‐1,3‐D in a sandy loam soil. Degradation of (Z)‐ and (E)‐1,3‐D was well described by first‐order kinetics, and rates of degradation for the two isomers were similar. Composted steer manure (SM) was the most reactive of the organic amendments tested. The half‐life of both the (Z)‐ and (E)‐isomers in unamended soil at 20 °C was 6.3 days; those in 5% SM‐amended soil were 1.8 and 1.9 days, respectively. At 40 °C, the half‐life of both isomers in 5% SM‐amended soil was 0.5 day. Activation energy values for amended soil at 2, 5 and 10% SM were 56.5, 53.4 and 64.5 kJ mol^?1, respectively. At 20 °C, the contribution of degradation from biological mechanisms was largest in soil amended with SM, but chemical mechanisms still accounted for more than 58% of the (Z)‐ and (E)‐1,3‐D degradation. The effect of temperature and amendment rate upon degradation should be considered when describing the fate and transport of 1,3‐D isomers in soil. Use of organic soil amendments appears to be a promising method to enhance fumigant degradation and reduce volatile emissions. Published in 2001 for SCI by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd     

知识经济环境下对财务会计假设的修正与创新

会计假设反映环境特征，是财务会计最基础的概念，决定财务会计的基本特征，属于财务会计概念框架的最高层次。知识经济的来临，使会计环境发生了巨大变革，且己对现有的财务会计假设产生震撼性冲击，势必要求对会计假设作进一步修正与创新。     

Organic Matter Added to Bareroot Nursery Beds Influences Soil Properties and Morphology of Fraxinus pennsylvanica and Quercus rubra Seedlings

Bareroot hardwood seedling production involves intensive soil management. To increase soil organic matter (OM), nurseries commonly grow a cover crop for 1 year after every 1–2 year of seedling production. Raising soil OM levels can also be achieved through addition of soil amendments. We studied the influence of chicken manure (CM) and composted leaf, tree, and lawn trimmings (Cp) on soil properties and morphology of green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh.) and northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) seedlings. CM was applied at 725, 1450, or 2900 kg ha⁻¹ (CM725, CM1450, and CM2900, respectively) and Cp was applied at 200 m³ ha⁻¹. Addition of CM and Cp significantly raised soil OM levels and altered soil chemical properties compared to the control (Ctrl). Root-collar diameter increased with addition of CM1450, CM2900, or Cp compared to CM725 or Ctrl plots for northern red oak, but was largest in soils amended with CM2900 for green ash. Conversely, height was greatest with addition of CM725 for northern red oak, but green ash seedlings were shorter in Ctrl plots than in all amendments except for CM725. Root volume of green ash and northern red oak seedlings was positively influenced by addition of CM or Cp. Seedling responses to nursery soil amendments vary with different forms and amounts of OM. Benefits to seedling growth through application of appropriate materials in the proper balance can improve seedling morphological quality and positively influence soil chemical properties.     

Dynamics of phosphatase activities in a cork oak litter (Quercus suber L.) following sewage sludge application

As part of a study of the processes involved in litter biodegradation following sewage sludge (SS) addition, the variations over 14 months of phosphatase activities in a cork oak litter (Quercus suber L.) were investigated. A field experimental design was carried out using the litter-bag method on both a fertilized plot receiving SS applications (twice ) and a control plot. Acid (APH) and alkaline (BPH) phosphatases were measured, along with several biotic and abiotic variables potentially involved in the regulation of these enzymes. These included moisture, temperature, pH, water-extractable inorganic P (P_W), culturable heterotrophic bacteria and fungi. Sludge addition had significant effects on all the variables measured. Indeed, sludge increased significantly BPH activities, available P_W, microbial densities (i.e. bacteria and fungi) and pH in the fertilized plot. In contrast, APH activities decreased significantly following sludge addition. As a consequence, the BPH/APH ratio increased markedly and immediately in the fertilized plot, but only after the 1st amendment. Following the 1st preconditioning SS amendment, the 2nd fertilization had fewer effects on biological variables, because of summer dryness. The different properties examined varied significantly with incubation time, and most were significantly related to the seasonal patterns of litter moisture in this Mediterranean forest ecosystem. Hence, sewage sludge application modified the intensity of microbial responses to environmental factors, but biological patterns regulating P turn-over were maintained.     

Dynamics of organic carbon and nitrogen in deep soil profile and crop yields under long-term fertilization in wheat-maize cropping system

Soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen (N) are two of the most important indicators for agricultural productivity. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the changes in SOC and N in the deep soil profile (up to 100 cm) and their relationships with crop productivity under the influence of long-term (since 1990) fertilization in the wheat-maize cropping system. Treatments included CK (control), NP (inorganic N and phosphorus (P) fertilizers), NPK (inorganic N, P and potassium fertilizers), NPKM (NPK plus manure), and M (manure). Crop yield and the properties of topsoil were measured yearly from 2001 to 2009. C and N contents were measured at five different depths in 2001 and 2009. The results showed that wheat and maize yields decreased between 2001 and 2009 under the inorganic fertilizer (NP and NPK) treatments. The average yield between 2001 and 2009 under the NP, NPK, NPKM, and M treatments (compared with the CK treatment) increased by 38, 115, 383, and 381%, respectively, for wheat and 348, 891, 2 738, and 1 845%, respectively, for maize. Different long-term fertilization treatments significantly changed coarse free particulate (cfPOC), fine free particulate (ffPOC), intramicroaggregate particulate (iPOC), and mineral-associated (mSOC) organic carbon fractions. In the experimental years of 2001 and 2009, soil fractions occurred in the following order for all treatments: mSOC>cfPOC>iPOC>ffPOC. All fractions were higher under the manure application treatments than under the inorganic fertilization treatments. Compared to the inorganic fertilization treatments, manure input enhanced the stocks of SOC and total N in the surface layer (0–20 cm) but decreased SOC and N in the deep soil layer (80–100 cm). This reveals the efficiency of manure in increasing yield productivity and decreasing risk of vertical loss of nutrients, especially N, compared to inorganic fertilization treatments. The findings provide opportunities for understanding deep soil C and N dynamics, which could help mitigate climate change impact on agricultural production and maintain soil health.     

Evaluation of immobilizing agents as soil quality conditioners in addition to their metal(loid) immobilizing effect

In trace metal (TM)-contaminated agricultural soils,management of TM availability is important for safe crop production.In addition,maintenance or improvement of soil quality is vital for sustainable crop cultivation.Decreased TM phytoavailability and increased soil quality can be achieved by the application of various immobilizing agents to soil,which can supply both macronutrients and organic matter.This study investigated the long-term influences of four common immobilizing agents on soil biogeochemical properties and the phytoavailability of TMs in mixed metal-contaminated soil from a cultivated upland near an abandoned mining site.Lime (L),gypsum (G),fly ash (F),and animal manure-based compost (C) were applied to pots containing contaminated soil,either individually or in combination.After incubation for three years under sequential cultivation of two crops and fallow,soil biogeochemical properties were determined,and Brassica rapa plant bioassay was performed.The phytoavailability of all TMs (both cationic metals and anionic metalloids) remained significantly lower in soils treated with immobilizing agents even after three years,when compared with the no-agent control (CK) soil.In addition,the soil quality was significantly improved by treatment with immobilizing agents.For instance,the C and L+C treatments were the most effective in improving soil physical (bulk density,porosity,and water-resistant aggregate stability),chemical (pH,organic matter,total nitrogen,cation exchange capacity,and plant-available phosphorus,magnesium,and potassium),and biological (microbial biomass carbon and dehydrogenase activity) properties.The improvement of soil properties and lowering of TM bioavailability were also consistent with the most significant increase in B.rapa biomass production observed in the C treatment,followed by the L+C,G+F,L,G,F,and L+G treatments,as compared with that in CK.These results indicate that the function of the TM-immobilizing agent as a soil quality conditioner,in addition to its TM immobilizing effect,should be considered when selecting such agents for agricultural or ecological applications.     

不同有机物料对苏打碱化土有机碳库和化学性质的影响

以内蒙古河套灌区苏打碱化土为研究对象开展田间试验,设置常规施肥(CK)、生物炭+常规施肥(BC)、牛粪+常规施肥(CD)、玉米秸秆+常规施肥(SW)和羊粪+常规施肥(GM)5个处理,研究不同有机物料添加对碱化土壤有机碳(SOC)库和化学性质的影响。分别于2019年和2020年收获季采集0—30 cm耕层土壤,分析不同有机物料添加下SOC及其活性碳组分和主要盐碱指标的变化特征及其相关关系。结果表明:与CK相比,2019年和2020年各有机物料添加处理下SOC平均增幅分别为22.7%和17.2%,土壤有机碳储量(SOCs)平均增幅分别为22.9%和18.2%;4种有机物料均提高了碱化土壤活性有机碳组分含量,其中,CD和GM处理下各活性碳组分含量增幅较其他处理更高;2019年各有机物料添加处理下碳库管理指数(CPMI)较CK提高53.8%~108.3%,2020年提高71.3%~144.1%(P＜0.05),CD和GM对CPMI的提升作用更明显。土壤化学性质方面,2020年各有机物添加处理下pH均显著下降,BC和CD处理下碱化度(ESP)分别显著下降36.9%和29.3%,CD处理下蔗糖酶活性提高36.7%(P＜0.05)。主成分分析(PCA)表明,影响苏打碱化土SOC含量变化的主要因素为活性有机碳组分和ESP。牛粪和羊粪施用对苏打碱化土有机碳库质量提升作用较好,生物炭施用对盐碱化指标改良效果最明显。