Possibilities of using the Landau–Deryagin law to evaluate soil degradation as a result of its contamination with chlorides

The contamination of heavy loamy chernozem by iron, sodium, magnesium, calcium, and hydrogen chlorides (2% of soil mass) decreases soil moisture content (W, percent of soil mass) in the interval of the soil moisture pressure (Р) from 0.0 to–0.6 atm, which indicate soil degradation. In a range of P from–0.2 to–0.6 atm, there is a close correlation between the logarithm of Р module (log|P|) and W and, therefore, a regression relationship log|P _W | = |P ₀|–kW, where |P ₀| and k are empirically determined parameters. This relationship is similar to the Landau–Deryagin law. The parameters |P ₀| and k are also in a close correlation, which is described by the regression equation |P ₀| = 29.3k–0.557. At chernozem contamination by chlorides, the |P ₀| and k parameters become smaller, and so they may be used for the evaluation of degradation of chloride-contaminated soils.     

Photo-Assisted Degradation,Toxicological Assessment,and Modeling Using Artificial Neural Networks of Reactive Gray BF-2R Dye

This work investigates the degradation of Reactive Gray BF-2R dye (a blend of reactive yellow 145, reactive orange 122 and reactive black 5 dyes) using UV/H₂O₂, Fenton, and photo-Fenton-advanced oxidative processes, with artificial sunlight and UV-C radiations. The photo-Fenton process employing UV-C radiation was the most efficient under the conditions studied. The ideal conditions for the degradation of the dye, determined using a factorial design 2³ and a study of the concentration of hydrogen peroxide ([H₂O₂]), were [H₂O₂] equal to 40 mg L^?1, iron concentration [Fe] of 1 mg L^?1, and pH between 3 and 4. The Chan and Chu non-linear kinetic model predicted the kinetic data with a degradation of over 98% for color and 68% for aromatics after 60 min. The behavior of the chemical oxygen demand fitted the first-order kinetic model well, with a degradation of 64% after 60 min. The Multilayer Perceptron 7-11-2 artificial neural network model enabled to model the degradation process of the aromatics and accurately predict the experimental data. Toxicity tests indicated that the post-treatment samples were non-toxic for Escherichia coli bacteria, and Portulaca grandiflora and Basil sabory seeds. However, they inhibited the growth of Lactuca sativa seeds and Salmonella enteritidis bacteria. The photo-Fenton process with UV-C radiation degraded the dye studied efficiently and the degradation percentages were, on average, 7% and 5% higher for color than those observed when employing the Fenton and UV/H₂O₂ processes, respectively. With the aromatic, however, they were 84% and 62% higher, thus justifying the use of this process.     

Investigation and taxonomy of wild <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fragaria</Emphasis> resources in Tibet,China

Tibet is one of the main distribution centers of wild Fragaria species in China. There are abundant, precious and rare wild strawberry resources. This paper focused on the classification, distribution and evaluation of the 65 wild strawberry accessions collected from 17 counties in Tibet. The main taxonomical characters, such as stolon branching, leaflet type, flower sex, fruit shape, status of achene and sepal, and chromosome number were observed for each accession. All accessions were identified and classified into seven Fragaria species and two forms, including F. daltoniana J. Gay (2x), F. nilgerrensis Schlecht. (2x), F. nubicola Lindl. (2x), F. pentaphylla Losinsk. (2x), F. gracilis A. Los. (4x), F. moupinensis (French.) Card. (4x) and F. tibetica Staudt et Dickoré. (4x). The two white-fruited forms were F. nubicola f. alba (2x) and F. moupinensis f. alba (4x). The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method was used to perform a comprehensive assessment on the value of seven Fragaria species and two forms. The results showed that F. nilgerrensis had better fruit quality, disease resistance and waterlogging tolerance than any other species in Tibet. The collection and identification of wild strawberry resources in Tibet would be helpful to improve the fruit quality and stress resistance of modern strawberry cultivars.     

Accumulation and phytoremediation of Pb,Zn, and Ag by plants growing on Koshk lead–zinc mining area,Iran

Purpose

This study investigated the extent of metal accumulation by plants colonizing a mining area in Yazd Province in Central Iran. It also investigated the suitability of these plants for phytoextraction and phytostabilization as two potential phytoremediation strategies.

Materials and methods

Plants with a high bioconcentration factor (BCF) and low translocation factor (TF) have the potential for phytostabilization, whereas plants with both BCFs and TFs >1 may be appropriate for phytoextraction. In this study, both shoots and roots of 40 plant species and associated soil samples were collected and analyzed for total concentrations of trace elements (Pb, Zn, and Ag). BCFs and TFs were calculated for each element.

Results and discussion

Nonnea persica, Achillea wilhelmsii, Erodium cicutarium, and Mentha longifolia were found to be the most suitable species for phytostabilization of Pb and Zn. Colchicum schimperi, Londesia eriantha, Lallemantia royleana, Bromus tectorum, Hordeum glaucum, and Thuspeinantha persica are the most promising species for element phytoextraction in sites slightly enriched by Ag. Ferula assa-foetida is the most suitable species for phytostabilization of the three studied metals. C. schimperi, L. eriantha, L. royleana, B. tectorum, M. longifolia, and T. persica accumulated Ag, albeit at low level.

Conclusions

Our preliminary study shows that some native plant species growing on this contaminated site may have potential for phytoremediation.

     

Predicting soil loss in central and south Italy with a single USLE-MM model

Purpose

The USLE-MM estimates event normalized plot soil loss, A_e,N, by an erosivity term given by the runoff coefficient, Q_R, times the single-storm erosion index, EI₃₀, raised to an exponent b₁?>?1. This modeling scheme is based on an expected power relationship, with an exponent greater than one, between event sediment concentration, C_e, and the EI₃₀/P_e (P_e = rainfall depth) term. In this investigation, carried out at the three experimental sites of Bagnara, Masse, and Sparacia, in Italy; the soundness of the USLE-MM scheme was tested.

Materials and methods

A total of 1192 (A_e,N, Q_REI₃₀) data pairs were used to parameterize the model both locally and considering all sites simultaneously. The performances of the fitted models were established by considering all erosive events and also by distinguishing between events of different severity.

Results and discussion

The b₁ exponent varied widely among the three sites (1.05–1.44) but using a common exponent (1.18) for these sites was possible. The A_e,N prediction accuracy increased in the passage from the smallest erosion events (A_e,N?≤?1 Mg ha^?1, median error =?3.35) to the largest ones (A_e,N?>?10 Mg ha^?1, median error =?1.72). The Q_REI₃₀ term was found to be usable to predict both A_e,N and the expected maximum uncertainty of this prediction. Soil erodibility was found to be mainly controlled by the largest erosion events.

Conclusions

Development of a single USLE-MM model appears possible. Sampling other sites is advisable to develop a single USLE-MM model for a general use.

     

Temporal variations of soil respiration at multiple timescales in a spruce-fir valley forest,northeastern China

Purpose

There is a paucity of data regarding the multiple timescale variations of heterotrophic respiration (R _H) and autotrophic respiration (R _A) as well as the primary controlling factors. The objective of this study is to find the temporal variations of total soil respiration (R _S) and its components, revealing the driving factors at different timescales.

Materials and methods

A trenching method was used to distinguish R _S, R _H, and R _A in a spruce-fir valley forest in northeastern China. We used the closed dynamic chamber method to measure the soil respiration rate. Analyses of R _S, R _H, and R _A in relation to biotic and abiotic factors were conducted to realize the temporal variations at different timescales.

Results and discussion

Only R _S and R _H showed a distinct diurnal variation and soil temperature (T _S) can explain 68 and 59 % of the daily variation, respectively. R _S, R _H, and R _A showed a pronounced, single peak curve seasonally, and T _S can explain 11–95 % of the seasonal variation. Soil moisture (W _S) maintained at a relatively high level and was not related to R _S, R _H, or R _A on a seasonal scale, and there was no significant relationship between the seasonal R _S, R _A, and root biomass. However, for 5 years, only the mean R _A of the growing season was significantly related to the mean W _S, which can explain 39 % of the inter-annual variation of R _A. The annual variations of litterfall and the relative growth rate of stems were not related to R _S, R _H, or R _A. The contribution of R _H to R _S was larger, and the temperature sensitivity was 2.01–3.71 for R _S, 1.90–3.08 for R _H, and 2.20–5.65 for R _A.

Conclusions

R _S, R _H, and R _A show different temporal variations at multiple timescales. When W _S is not restricted, T _S is the primary driving factor of daily and seasonal variation of R _S and R _H. In this site, R _H accounts for a large proportion of R _S and plays a crucial role in determining the magnitude and temporal variation of R _S.

     

C-banded karyotype of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thinopyrum bessarabicum</Emphasis> and identification of its chromosomes in wheat background

C-banded pattern in two accessions of Thinopyrum bessarabicum (Save ex Rayss) A. Löve (2n = 2x = 14, E^bE^b) and their idiogram was established. C-banding analysis was further used to identify the chromosomes of Tritipyrum amphiploid (2n = 6x = 42, AABBE^bE^b) and a BC₁F₂ genotype from wheat and Tritipyrum. Two 18S-26S rDNA loci were detected on Th. bessarabicum chromosomes by in situ hybridization using an 18S-26S rDNA probe. E^b chromosomes in Tritipyrum generally were identified by their distinctive C-banding patterns which reflected heterochromatin regions. C-banding procedure resulted in sharp and distinct bands in one or both ends of E^b chromosomes without interval bands. Observed C-bands in E^b genome mainly reflected the telomeric and subtelomeric sequences which also showed more strong signals in genomic in situ hybridization. Results showed the importance of the C-banding technique as a screening tool in identification of addition and substitution lines in the progenies of wheat and Tritipyrum crosses during segregating generations.     

Effects of cover crop in an apple orchard on microbial community composition,networks, and potential genes involved with degradation of crop residues in soil

Changes in the soil microbial communities and networks were monitored after planting the cover crop for 9 years. The field experiment included plots with a cover crop and without a cover crop but with weed control, and two subplots with or without chemical fertilizer (192 kg N ha^?1, 108 kg P₂O₅ ha^?1, and 168 kg K₂O ha^?1 each year). After applying the cover crop and chemical fertilizer for 9 years, the composition and activity of bacterial and fungal communities changed significantly (p?<?0.05), with the cover crop had greater effects than the chemical fertilizer on the composition of the soil microbial community. The relative abundances of 22 selected genera (in Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes) and two selected classes (Ascomycota) related to cover crop residue degradation increased significantly in the presence of the cover crop (p?<?0.05). Network analysis showed that the cover crop decreased the number of positive links between bacterial and fungal taxa by 25.33%, and increased the negative links by 22.89%. The positive links among bacterial taxa increased by 16.63% with the cover crop, mainly among Proteobacteria (increase of 39), Firmicutes (16), Actinobacteria (five), and Bacteroidetes (10). The links among fungal taxa were less than among bacterial taxa and were not significantly affected by cover crop. Taxa such as Thaumarchaeota, unidentified_Nitrospiraceae, unidentified_Nitrosomonadaceae, Faecalibacterium, Coprococcus_3, and Ruminococcaceae_NK4A214_group dominated the network without the cover crop but they were not dominant with the cover crop. The relative abundances of potential genes involved with the degradation of cellulose, hemicellulose, and cello-oligosaccharides increased significantly with the cover crop. Therefore, the SOC and TN contents were enhanced by the cover crop with the increase of the soil enzyme activities. Thus, the apple yield was improved by the cover crop.     

Organics Wastewater Degradation by a Mesoporous Chromium-Functionalized γ-Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> with H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> Assistance

In this study, a mesoporous chromium-functionalized γ-Al₂O₃ (Cr/γ-Al₂O₃) catalyst was prepared by an impregnation method, and the catalytic activity was evaluated by the degradation of organics wastewater. The prepared catalyst was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption-desorption experiments, and scanning electron microscopy. The characterization results confirmed that the pores in the Cr/γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst distributed broadly in the mesoporous region, and the active chromium species were highly dispersed on the catalyst surface. The catalytic activity tests showed that the Cr/γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst exhibited a superior performance for the degradation of organics wastewater with H₂O₂ assistance. And the methylene blue (MB) disappeared within 20 min and the COD removal reached 76.5% within 40 min for the MB-simulated wastewater; for the phenol-simulated wastewater, the phenol removal was above 95% and the corresponding COD removal reached 71% within 40 min. Such an excellent catalytic performance demonstrates that the Cr/γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst has a potential application in the degradation of complex organics wastewater simultaneously.     

Estimation of the cover and management factor based on stratified coverage and remote sensing indices: a case study in the Loess Plateau of China

Purpose

We attempt to describe the cover and management (C) factor more comprehensively through the use of a simple and efficient method.

Materials and methods

We measure the coverage of each vegetation layer and C factor for 152 sampled plots in the Ansai watershed. We propose four stratified coverage indices (green coverage (V _G), total coverage (V _T), probability coverage (V _P), weight coverage (V _W)), derive green and yellow vegetation indices from Landsat 8 OLI images to reflect green and residue cover, and construct and validate C factor estimation models from stratified coverage and remote sensing indices, respectively.

Results and discussion

(1) V _T and V _P present C factor estimation advantages for grassland and shrub land. V _W can better illustrate the C factor due to the relatively complete spatial structuring of woodland and orchard land. For cropland, four stratified coverage indices present the same estimation capacities for the C factor. Except for cropland and grassland, the estimation capabilities of V _G are relatively low because the residue layer is ignored. (2) The C factor is more sensitive to yellow vegetation indices, which indicates that senescent fractional cover and litter are important and cannot be ignored. The linear and non-linear models can explain 56.6 and 61.8% of C factor variation, respectively, and the linear model is more accurate than the non-linear model. (3) Compared to traditional indices (projective coverage and single remote sensing indices), stratified coverage indices and a combination of several remote sensing indices can estimate the C factor more effectively.

Conclusions

At the field scale, the C value estimation model can be selected according to the land-use type. At the watershed and regional scales, a linear model is recommended for C factor estimation.

     

Quantitative indices of the distribution of substances in the soil-plant system

New methodological approaches and an algorithm for the quantitative assessment of accumulating a substance by a plant (C _p ) with due regard for its concentration in the soil (C _n ) are proposed. The first approach is the approximation of concentration curves by the functions C _p = f(C _n ) and their parameters. The second one is the standardization of the coefficients of biological sorption (K _b ) of a substance upon its stable concentration in the soil using the function K _b = f(C _n ). As compared to the variation-statistical values of the mean and extreme concentrations, or the coefficients K _b , the proposed parameters are characterized by a higher accuracy and sensitivity. They may be successfully used for quantitative studies of the mechanism and the intensity of the absorption of substances by plants, for the prediction of the accumulation of substances in the trophic chain, and the assessment of soil self-purification (detoxification) and comparative ratings.     

Root Porosity Changes in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salix nigra</Emphasis> Cuttings in Response to Copper and Ultraviolet-B Radiation Exposure

Cuttings of black willow (Salix nigra), a naturally occurring wetland species, are used for restoration and streambank stabilization. As an adaptation to their wetland habitat, this species develops aerenchyma tissue to avoid root anoxia. To determine the effects of combined copper and ultraviolet-B radiation exposure on aerenchyma tissue (measured as root porosity), black willow cuttings were grown hydroponically and exposed to three ultraviolet-B (UV-B) intensities and three Cu concentrations in a completely randomized 3?×?3 factorial design. While both UV-B (F _2,42?=?11.45; p?=?0.0001) and Cu (F _2,42?=?6.14; p?=?0.0046) exposure increased root porosity, total biomass decreased in response to both UV-B (F _2,43?=?3.36; p?=?0.0441) and to Cu (F _2,43?=?4.03; p?=?0.0249). Root biomass decreased only in response to Cu (F _2,41?=?3.41; p?=?0.0427) resulting in a decrease in the root/shoot ratio (F _2,42?=?3.5; p?=?0.0393). Copper exposure also resulted in a decrease in the number of leaves/shoot (F _2,42?=?7.03; P?=?0.0023). No UV-B and Cu interaction was found. While the present research indicates the negative effects of Cu contamination and elevated UV-B intensities on S. nigra, it also points out potential mechanisms that S. nigra uses to alleviate these stresses.     

A Mechanistic Model for Secchi Disk Depth,Driven by Light Scattering Constituents

An optics theory-based mechanistic model for Secchi disk depth (Z _SD) is advanced, tested, and applied for Cayuga Lake, NY. Robust data sets supported the initiative, including for (1) Z _SD, (2) multiple light attenuation metrics, most importantly the beam attenuation (c) and particulate scattering (b _p) coefficients, and (3) measures of constituents responsible for contributions to b _p by phytoplankton (b _o) and minerogenic particles (b _m). The model features two serially connected links. The first link supports predictions of b _p from those for b _o and b _m. The second link provides predictions of Z _SD based on those for b _p, utilizing an earlier optical theory radiative transfer equation. Recent advancements in mechanistically strong estimates of b _m, empirical estimates of b _o, and more widely available bulk measurements of c and b _p have enabled a transformation from a theory-based conceptual to this implementable Z _SD model for lacustrine waters. The successfully tested model was applied to quantify the contributions of phytoplankton biomass, and minerogenic particle groups, such as terrigenous clay minerals and autochthonously produced calcite, to recent b _p and Z _SD levels and dynamics. Moreover, it has utility for integration as a submodel into larger water quality models to upgrade their predictive capabilities for Z _SD.     

High Zn concentration does not impair biomass,cutting radial growth,and photosynthetic activity traits in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Populus alba</Emphasis> L.

Purpose

Evaluate the efficiency of Populus alba clone Villafranca in the uptake and translocation of Zn from contaminated soils.

Materials and methods

The effects of 48 days of zinc treatment (Zn _t ) on the growth and the photosynthetic activities of P. alba L. clone Villafranca were studied using ZnSO₄ (375 ppm per unit of soil dry weight) added in sand and peat moss substrate at the beginning of the treatment (T ₀) and again after 30 days (T ₁) in order to reach a target Zn concentration of 375 ppm at T ₀ and 750 ppm at T ₁ per unit of soil dry weight.

Results and discussion

Zn uptake in the different organs was analyzed after 30 (T ₁) and 48 days (T ₂) from the beginning of treatment, showing the following order: root ? leaves ≥ woody cutting = stem. The leaf area increased by 12 % in comparison to control plants at the end of second treatment (48 days). Cutting radial growth showed a high synchronicity in the growth rate fluctuation among control and Zn _t plants, but a higher increase in radial diameter of Zn _t cutting was observed starting from day 38 (after 8 days of second Zn _t ) reaching after 48 days 38 % higher than control plants.

Conclusions

Although our data of leaf Zn concentration were in the range usually reported as toxic for plants, Villafranca clone in Zn _t substrate were unaffected in terms of net CO₂ assimilation and stomatal conductance to water vapor.

     

Diverse morphological and cytogenetic variation and differentiation of the two subspecies in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aegilops geniculata</Emphasis> Roth,a wild relative of wheat

Aegilops geniculata Roth, a wild relative of wheat (2n = 4x = 28, genome UUMM), is distributed over the Mediterranean basin and nearby areas. The species consists of two subspecies, subsp. geniculata and subsp. gibberosa (Zhuk.) Hammer. The former is distributed over the whole species area and has been genetically analyzed, and the latter is endemic to Spain and North Africa and has not been genetically evaluated. In this study, to clarify the genetic variation and delineation of the two subspecies from a biosystematic viewpoint, morphological variation among 23 accessions of subsp. geniculata and three of subsp. gibberosa and chromosome pairing at meiosis and fertility in their intra- and inter-subspecific F₁ hybrids were examined. A principal component analysis based on the 11 spike characteristics clearly divided the 26 accessions into two groups representing the two subspecies. The inter-subspecific F₁ hybrids showed significantly lower frequencies of chromosome pairing, significantly higher frequencies of multivalents, and significantly lower fertilities relative to those of the intra-subspecific F₁ hybrids. It was concluded that wide-ranging cytogenetic variation is included in subsp. geniculata, that subsp. gibberosa, the intra-subspecific variation of which is small, is morphologically and cytogenetically differentiated from subsp. geniculata beyond the range of the intra-subspecific variation of subsp. geniculata, and that the two subspecies are effectively isolated reproductively by hybrid sterility. The results strongly suggested that western North Africa is one of the important diversity centers of Ae. geniculata, where two subspecies were differentiated in the past and grow together in the present.     

Differential influence of four invasive plant species on soil physicochemical properties in a pot experiment

Purpose

This study compared the effects of four invasive plants, namely Impatiens glandulifera, Reynoutria japonica, Rudbeckia laciniata, and Solidago gigantea, as well as two native species—Artemisia vulgaris, Phalaris arundinacea, and their mixture on soil physicochemical properties in a pot experiment.

Materials and methods

Plants were planted in pots in two loamy sand soils. The soils were collected from fallows located outside (fallow soil) and within river valley (valley soil) under native plant communities. Aboveground plant biomass, cover, and soil physicochemical properties such as nutrient concentrations, pH, and water holding capacity (WHC) were measured after two growing seasons. Discriminant analysis (DA) was used to identify soil variables responsible for the discrimination between plant treatments. Identified variables were further compared between treatments using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s HSD test.

Results and discussion

Plant biomass, cover, and soil parameters depended on species and soil type. DA effectively separated soils under different plant species. DA on fallow soil data separated R. laciniata from all other treatments, especially I. glandulifera, native species and bare soil, along axis 1 (related mainly to exchangeable K, N-NH₄, total P, N-NO_3, and WHC). Large differences were found between R. laciniata and S. gigantea as indicated by axis 2 (S-SO₄, exchangeable Mg, total P, exchangeable Ca, and total Mg). DA on valley soil data separated R. japonica from all other treatments, particularly S. gigantea, R. laciniata, and native mixture, along axis 1 (N-NO₃, total N, S-SO₄, total P, pH). Along axis 2 (N-NO₃, N-NH₄, Olsen P, exchangeable K, WHC), large differences were observed between I. glandulifera and all other invaders.

Conclusions

Plant influence on soil differed both among invasive species and between invasive and native species. Impatiens glandulifera had a relatively weak effect and its soil was similar to both native and bare soils. Multidirectional effects of different invaders resulted in a considerable divergence in soil characteristics. Invasion-driven changes in the soil environment may trigger feedbacks that stabilize or accelerate invasion and hinder re-colonization by native vegetation, which has implications for the restoration of invaded habitats.

     

Changes in CH<Subscript>4</Subscript> production during different stages of litter decomposition under inundation and N addition

Purpose

Our aim was to examine linkages between mass loss, chemical transformation and CH₄ production during decomposition of leaf litters submerged under water. We hypothesised that (i) labile leaf litters would fuel a rapid, high rate of methane (CH₄) production and that recalcitrant litters would fuel long-lasting but lower emissions, (ii) leaf litters experiencing a greater alteration to chemical properties would stimulate increased CH₄ production and (iii) nitrogen (N) addition would increase CH₄ emissions.

Materials and methods

Litters from six plant species were collected from a riparian ecosystem adjacent to Wyaralong Dam, located in Queensland, Australia, i.e., Lophostemon confertus, Cynodon dactylon, Heteropogon contortus, Chamaecrista rotundifolia, Chrysocephalum apiculatum and Imperata cylindrica. We evaluated the rate of mass loss and CH₄ emissions for 122 days of incubation in inundated microcosms with and without N addition. We quantified the chemical changes in the decomposing litters with ¹³ C-cross polarization and magic angle spinning (CPMAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrum.

Results and discussion

The inundation treatment of plant litters significantly affected decomposition rates. All litters decomposed in either inundated or aerobic microcosms were quite distinct with regard to the NMR spectra of their initial litters. N addition altered the NMR spectra under both inundation and aerobic conditions. The N treatment only marginally influenced the decomposition rates of I. cylindrica and C. apiculatum litters. The diurnal patterns of CH₄ production in the H. contortus, C. rotundifolia and C. apiculatum litters under inundation incubation could be expressed as one-humped curves, with the peak value dependent on litter species and N treatment. N addition stimulated CH₄ emission by C. rotundifolia and C. apiculatum litters and inhibited CH₄ emission from microcosms containing the litters of the three gramineous species, i.e., I. cylindrica, C. dactylon and H. contortus.

Conclusions

Our results provide evidence that labile leaf litters could fuel a rapid, high rate of CH₄ production and that recalcitrant litters fuelled a lower CH₄ emission. We did not find that leaf litters with altered chemical properties stimulated increased CH₄ production. We also found that N addition was able to increase CH₄ emissions, but this effect was dependent on the litter species.

     

Geographical distribution of wild <Emphasis Type="Italic">Daucus</Emphasis> species in the natural grasslands of the Argentinian pampas

Three wild carrot species have been reported in the argentinian flora: Daucus montanus Humb. et Bonpl. ex Schult., D. montevidensis Link ex Sprengel and D. pusillus Michx. There is a discrepancy among authors about the distinctive morphological traits of the last two species; thus, it is difficult to ascertain if they are truly two distinct taxa. Based on the available literature and in the search of a paradigmatic site, four collection trips were carried out in 2004 and 2005 in Buenos Aires and Southern Entre Ríos provinces. Populations were sampled at 30 sites, and local environmental parameters and associated plant species were recorded. Morphological observations and chromosome counts were carried out on 10 plants/population. Three morphological phenotypes were distinguished: one in 18 populations, all with 2n = 2x = 18, and two in the remaining 12, with 2n = 2x = 22 or aneusomaty (2n = 2x = 20, 22). Populations of the first phenotype were assigned to wild D. carota and the rest, tentatively, to D. pusillus (D. montevidensis?), till further evaluations are carried out in test sites to verify this tentative conclusion.     

Spatial variation of soil respiration in a coastal protection forest in southeastern China

Purpose

Forest soil respiration is an important component of global carbon budgets, but its spatial variation is inadequately understood. This research aimed to measure soil respiration (R _s), soil water content (M _s-5), soil temperature (T), and carbon dioxide (M _co2) in a coastal protection forest (CPF), which is one kind of man-made forests designed for coastal protection primarily along the coast in China, to determine the relationships among them, and to analyze their spatial distributions in a small scale.

Materials and methods

We measured R _s, M _s-5, T, and M _co2 of 100 plots in an approximately flat grid (totally 4 hm²) by LI-8100A in a Casuarina equisetifolia L. forest on a state-owned forest farm of 326 hm² in SE China. Traditional statistics and geo-statistics including semivariance, Moran’s I index, and fractal dimension were used to analyze data.

Results and discussion

Key findings were that (1) the spatial mean of R _s, M _s-5, T, and M _co2 were 1.194 μmol m^?2 s^?1, 11.387 mmol mol^?1, 14.153 °C, and 407.716 ppm, respectively, in the forest; (2) the relationship between soil respiration and the other three factors was weak, while M _s-5, T, and M _co2 have strong relationships with each other; and (3) the four factors, especially soil respiration, had strong autocorrelation within given limits and showed great heterogeneity with 95 % confidence intervals around the means in the study area, all of which can provide important value for the study of carbon cycling and for the sustainable management of coastal protection forests.

Conclusions

According to geo-statistical analysis and field investigations, soil respiration in the coastal forest is less than in some broad-leaf forests but higher than in some conifers. Strong heterogeneity and autocorrelation are clear; however, its relation with other three factors is weak. CPF is a considerable potential forest for carbon conservation if it is well managed.

     

Estimation of natural outcrossing rate and genetic diversity in Lima bean (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Phaseolus lunatus</Emphasis> L. var. <Emphasis Type="Italic">lunatus</Emphasis>) from Brazil using SSR markers: implications for conservation and breeding

Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) is an important food source in Brazil, especially in the northeast region, where its production and consumption are high. The goals of the present study were to estimate natural outcrossing rates and genetic diversity levels of Lima bean from Brazil, using ten microsatellite loci to obtain information for their conservation and breeding. Fourteen accessions were selected from an experiment in field with open-pollinated and with the presence of pollinating insects. Twelve seeds of each of the 14 selected accessions were grown in screenhouse for tissue harvest and DNA extraction. The multilocus model was used to determine the reproductive system. The outcrossing rate was 38.1 % (t_m = 0.381; t_s = 0.078), and the results indicated a mixed mating system with a predominance of selfing (1 ? t_m = 61.9 %). The biparental inbreeding rate was high (t _m  ? t _s  = 0.303) and the multilocus correlated paternity was quite high (r _p(m) = 0.889), indicating that the progeny was mostly composed of full sibs. The average effective number of pollen donors per maternal plant (N _ep ) was low (1.12), and the fixation index for maternal genotypes (F _m ) was 0.945, indicating that most genitors resulted from inbreeding. The studied families presented considerable genetic variability: A = 6.10;  %P = 30; H _e  = 0.60 and H _o  = 0.077. Total diversity was high (H _T = 0.596), and a portion was distributed within families (H _S = 0.058). In addition, diversity was higher between families (D _ST = 0.538), and genetic differentiation was high (G _ST = 0.902). The results presented here can be used in the implementation of Lima bean conservation and breeding programs in Brazil.