IEA-Ⅰ型航空植保高速风洞的设计与校测

针对固定翼农用飞机所搭载航空喷头施药雾滴分布研究的需要,该文依照低湍流度风洞设计原理设计了IEA-I型高速风洞。该风洞型式为直流开口式,主要由动力段、过渡段、扩散段、稳定段、收缩段及试验段等部分组成,风洞总体尺寸为9.8 m×1.2 m×1.8m(长×宽×高);动力段选用离心风机;扩散段为小角度扩散,扩散角5°;稳定段采用六角形蜂窝器和9层阻尼网组合设计;收缩段缩比10.24;试验段截面直径为300 mm。该文采用热线风速仪,皮托管和高速PIV系统测定了风洞试验段气流品质,试验结果表明:试验段风速7.6~98 m/s连续可调,气流紊流度小于1.0%,试验段风场均匀度小于0.4%,平均气流偏角小于0.2°,气流动压稳定系数小于2.0%,归一化轴向静压梯度小于0.02。该风洞能模拟固定翼农用飞行器作业飞行条件,为进一步研究航空喷头的参数优化提供试验平台。     

NJS-1型植保直流闭口式风洞设计与试验

针对农药雾滴飘移特性研究的需要,依照流体力学、空气动力学及相似理论设计了NJS-1型植保低速风洞。该风洞型式为直流闭口式,主要由进气段、动力段、过渡段、扩散段、稳定段、收缩段及试验段等部分组成,采用理论计算确定各段结构,风洞总体尺寸为20 m×2.7 m×4.3 m(长×宽×高);动力段流道型式为R+S级,叶轮直径1.2 m,叶片数为8,后导叶叶片宽度0.18 m,叶片数为7;扩散段为大角度扩散,扩散角40°;稳定段采用六角形蜂窝器和两层阻尼网组合设计;试验段长度为7.5 m,出口截面尺寸为1.8 m×1.2 m(高×宽)。通过性能试验测定了风洞试验段气流品质,试验结果表明:试验段风速1.0~10 m/s连续可调,气流动压稳定系数小于1.5%,气流紊流度小于1%;同时在1.0~9.0 m/s风速下测定试验段入口截面风场均匀性,表明随着风速的增加,风场的风速分布更加均匀。该文为进一步研究植保风洞的结构设计和飘移试验参数优化提供依据。     

航空植保作业用喷头在风洞和飞行条件下的雾滴粒径分布

为了获得GP-81A系列航空喷头的雾滴粒径分布情况,该文针对GP-81A系列航空喷头进行了风洞条件和飞行条件下的雾滴粒径及分布测试,通过高速风洞测试系统模拟飞行时产生的高速气流开展了气流大小对雾滴粒径及分布的影响研究;基于农用航空常用的Y5B飞机开展了不同型号喷嘴航空喷雾时的雾滴粒径及分布研究;同时,比较了相近喷雾压力条件下,相同喷嘴在风洞条件和飞行条件下的雾滴粒径及分布差距。试验结果表明,风洞条件测试时,当风速小于33.8 m/s时,雾滴粒径随气流的增加而增大;而当风速大于33.8 m/s时,雾滴粒径随气流的增加而减小,足够大的气流可以使雾滴进一步雾化。当气流在33.8 m/s时,7#喷嘴雾滴粒径最大,为491.1μm;当气流在84.87 m/s时,2#喷嘴雾滴粒径最小,为202.1μm。该系列喷头的6种不同喷孔的喷头的雾滴粒径均大于150μm,说明该喷头航空喷雾时的飘移损失较小。在喷雾压力基本相同的条件下,风洞条件下的雾滴粒径测试结果略高于飞行试验结果,主要原因是距离喷头出口的测试位置不同。风洞条件和飞行条件下的雾滴谱相对宽度S值均较小,表明雾滴分布较均匀,而飞行条件下的雾滴分布更均匀些。该研究为进一步优化航空喷头的作业参数,开展减少雾滴飘移研究提供参考。     

NK-1型可移动式风蚀风洞洞体设计

针对土壤风蚀研究的需求,依据空气动力学要求设计了NK-1型可移动式风蚀风洞。该风洞由进气段、动力段、过渡段、转角段、稳定段、收缩段、实验段和扩散段组成,总高2456mm,全长15900mm,能量比0.41。该风洞主要特点为:进气口为双扭线形唇口;转角段为20°仰角设计;稳定段采用六角形蜂窝器和两层阻尼网组合设计;实验段风速为0.3～20m/s连续可调;尾部扩散段扩散角为20°。最后运用Fluent6.3流体模拟软件,对空风洞实验段纵截面的气流速率分布、静压分布进行了模拟,满足设计要求。     

高速气流条件下标准扇形喷头和空气诱导喷头雾化特性

标准扇形喷头与空气诱导喷头均为地面喷雾常用喷头,其在低速条件下的雾化特性已有较多研究,而在高速气流下的雾化特性尚不清楚。为了探究对比2种喷头在高速气流条件下的雾化特性,以及其用作航空喷头的可能性,基于北京农业智能装备技术研究中心自行设计制造的IEA-I型高速风洞,采用马尔文Spraytec喷雾粒度仪对德国Lechler公司生产的LU-120-03标准扇形压力喷头和IDK-120-03空气诱导喷头进行了测试。试验结果表明,两种类型喷头在距离出口0.15 m时,雾滴并未完全雾化。而在距离出口0.35 m时雾滴均已充分雾化。其中LU-120-03扇形压力喷头雾滴体积中径随风速增大从210μm逐渐减小至130μm,在管道压力达0.4 MPa以上时,其雾滴粒径分布跨度随风速增大逐渐从1.3增至1.5。而IDK-120-03空气诱导喷头产生的雾滴粒径相对较大,在风速为120 km/h时,达420~450μm,但其随着风速进一步增加快速减小,在风速达305 km/h时,其产生的雾滴体积中径降低到150μm。试验还发现管道压力变化对LU-120-03扇形压力喷头产生雾滴体积中径影响较大,而对IDK-120-03空气诱导喷头产生的雾滴体积中径影响较小。该研究可为固定翼有人机航空施药方案,如喷头选型、压力选择、作业速度选择等提供试验数据指导。     

旋转式射流喷头结构参数及组合间距对喷洒均匀性的影响

为了深入探索国内原创旋转式射流喷头结构参数与喷洒均匀性之间的关系,选用10型喷头为研究对象,在工作压力为300kPa下测量出9种不同位差H、作用区长度L、收缩角θ的喷嘴的径向水量分布。采用Matlab语言编制程序绘制出正方形布置其组合间距为8,9,10,11,12和13m喷嘴的三维水量分布图,并对组合均匀性系数进行了仿真计算。结果表明:旋转式射流喷头的水量分布同时受到位差×作用区长度(H×L)、收缩角θ等结构参数的影响,当位差×作用区长度(H×L)、收缩角θ增大时,距喷头近处水会更多,远处水会更少;当位差×作用区长度(H×L)=2.4mm×20mm和2.6mm×24mm时,组合喷洒均匀性系数的数值以及它随组合间距的变化趋势都很接近,位差×作用区长度(H×L)=2.8mm×28mm喷嘴的组合均匀性系数变化趋势更加平稳;组合间距为8～10m时,不同θ的组合均匀性系数相差在2%以内;组合间距为10m以上时,组合均匀性系数随着θ的增大而增加。对于9种试验喷嘴,组合均匀性系数均随着组合间距的增加而降低,初步提出了旋转式射流喷头在正方形布置时最佳组合间距为10～12m,为其在工程应用中提供理论数据。     

3WQ-400型双气流辅助静电果园喷雾机设计与试验

为解决农药雾滴难以沉积到果树叶片背面,克服荷电雾滴荷电量在环境空间中快速衰退的难题。该文提出双气流辅助系统与静电喷雾系统相结合的方法,以拖拉机动力输出轴为液压传动系统动力源,研制了牵引式双气流辅助静电果园喷雾机。试验结果表明,19 kW 的拖拉机动力配置可以满足系统动力要求,轴流风机和离心风机的转速分别为1400、1800 r/min 可以满足所选试验对象对气流速度的要求;单个喷头喷出的雾滴在0.2 m 处的荷质比为1.0 mC/kg,且在喷雾距离为1.8 m 处依然带电;风送喷雾系统的垂直雾量分布规律、气流速度分布规律与纺锤型果树生物量分布规律相一致,其最大雾量与气流速度均出现在0.5～1.5 m 范围内;在施药量为3.5 L/min,作业速度为0.84 m/s 条件下,单侧喷雾时果树叶片正反面雾滴覆盖密度分别为115和47个/cm2,可以满足防治害虫的要求;冠层前部静电喷雾雾滴覆盖密度比非静电喷雾提高了20%,而冠层后部雾滴覆盖密度仅提高了7.2%。该研究为风送静电喷雾机设计与使用提供了参考。     

基于数值模拟和风洞试验的分流对冲式集沙仪结构优化设计

集沙仪是研究土壤风蚀必不可少的仪器之一,为提高集沙效率和自动采集数据的准确性,需要不断地对集沙仪进行优化设计.该文以FLUENT软件和微型风洞为试验平台,对分流对冲式集沙仪风沙分离器的排气管直径、排气管长度、排沙口直径、排沙口收缩高度进行了优化设计.数值模拟和风洞试验的结果显示:改进型风沙分离器排气口和排沙口的降速性能与原风沙分离器相比有了明显的提高,强风条件(13.8 m/s)下,排气管直径、长度均为25 mm,排沙口直径、收缩高度分别为75、15ram时,气流对集沙仪自动采集传感器的冲击力最小,排气口最高风速比原风沙分离器降低了7.47％,排沙口最高风速比原风沙分离器降低了35.59％,改进后的集沙仪集沙效率比原集沙仪提高了1.56％.     

航空静电喷雾装置的改进及效果试验

航空静电喷头结构和性能的好坏是影响航空静电喷雾效果的主要因素。该文针对应用于轻型飞机上的单喷嘴航空静电喷头从静电电极、喷头材料、喷头加工工艺、高压导线与电极的连接方式、旋拧接头、溢流阀体等几个方面进行了改进设计,并就其雾化荷电机理及性能进行了理论分析和试验研究,将改进后的静电喷头挂载于轻型蜜蜂飞机上与原有的静电喷头及传统的扇形喷头进行了松毛虫防治对比试验研究。研究结果表明,改进后的航空静电喷头在压力为0.35Mpa,喷孔直径为0.8mm时,喷雾角度为96°,雾流速度较高并且均匀,荷质比最大可达到2.26mC/kg;与常规扇形航空喷雾相比,雾滴沉积平均提高18个/cm2,不仅作业时间短,使用农药量减少5.22L/hm2,而且有效防治率提高了33.8%,完全可以满足航空喷雾的需要,并可以达到满意的病虫害防治效果。     

全射流喷头结构参数正交试验

为进一步掌握全射流喷头的设计方法,本文初步提出全射流喷头设计方法.采用四因素三水平的正交试验,得出喷头最佳结构参数值.影响步进频率主次顺序为收缩角、取水孔角度、位差和作用区,影响步进角度主次顺序为位差、收缩角、取水孔角度和作用区.系列喷头重要结构参数中,基圆孔大小由喷头型号决定,补气孔和入水孔设计方法相同,收缩角选取14°,取水孔角度选取30°,二次曲线方程回归分析得出位差与喷头基圆孔函数关系式,作用区与喷头基圆孔函数关系式.     

低氮和干旱胁迫对富士和秦冠生长及氮素利用的影响

【目的】以富士（Fuji）、 秦冠（Qinguan）嫁接在平邑甜茶（Malus hupehensis Rehd.）上的当年生盆栽苗为试验材料,采用砂培方法,研究了缺氮胁迫和干旱对富士和秦冠生长情况、 光合参数、 植株各部位氮磷钾含量及氮素利用效率的影响,分析比较了低氮干旱条件下富士和秦冠生长及氮素利用的差异,以期为果树生产高效肥水利用提供理论指导。【方法】试验共设四个处理: 正常氮正常水（ZZ）、 低氮正常水（DZ）、 正常氮干旱（ZG）、 低氮干旱（DG）。氮素和水分均设置两个水平,分别为正常氮（6 mmol/L NO-3-N）、 低氮（0.3 mmol/LNO-3-N）、 正常供水（保持盆中砂子相对含水量为饱和含水量的80%~85%）、 干旱处理（保持盆中砂子相对含水量为饱和含水量的60%~65%）。【结果】富士和秦冠的生物量（茎和叶）、 株高茎粗等生长指标以及光合速率、 气孔导度、 蒸腾速率均为正常氮正常水（ZZ）＞低氮正常水（DZ）＞正常氮干旱（ZG）＞低氮干旱（DG）,并且相对应处理下秦冠的以上指标均高于富士;正常供水下,缺氮处理使富士、 秦冠的根冠比比正常氮处理均有所增加,富士提高了2.05%,秦冠提高了22.40%。富士和秦冠的氮、 磷、 钾含量均表现出正常氮正常水（ZZ）＞低氮正常水（DZ）＞正常氮干旱（ZG）＞低氮干旱（DG）; 氮、 钾元素含量在植株各部位的分布顺序依次是叶＞根＞茎,磷元素则是根＞叶＞茎;光合氮素利用效率（PNUE）和氮素利用效率表现为秦冠处理之间差异极显著,富士处理之间差异不显著;秦冠的PNUE和NUE明显高于富士,在低氮正常水（DZ）处理下,秦冠氮肥利用率比富士高42.07%,在低氮干旱（DG）处理下高64.14%;低氮胁迫下富士和秦冠的NUE显著提高,并且秦冠提高的幅度高于富士。【结论】施用氮肥能够显著提高富士与秦冠的干物质量,同等水肥条件下,秦冠生长优于富士;水分亏缺会减少叶片对氮的吸收,干旱条件下适度增施氮肥,可提高果树的抗旱能力;低氮干旱胁迫下秦冠的生长指标、 光合指标及氮素利用效率指标均优于富士,表现出较强的抗低氮干旱胁迫的能力。     

Pasture Vegetation Elemental Analysis by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a new technique for the analysis of plant material. This study investigates the application of LIBS to pasture-based plant samples. The LIBS measurements were obtained from pelletized pasture samples (100 samples) that had been also analyzed by inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) following microwave digestion for calibration and comparison purposes. Comparisons for elements sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), boron (B), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) showed that LIBS could be used for almost all the standard profile total elements with concentrations down to low mg/kg levels (observed error of Na: 0.024 percent, K: 0.18 percent, Mg: 0.016 percent, Ca: 0.073 percent, P: 0.017 percent, Mn: 31 mg/kg, Fe: 150 mg/kg, Zn: 6.6 mg/kg, and B: 1.1 mg/kg). Elemental analysis at less than mg/kg levels was not possible using LIBS. The elements S and Cu were particularly difficult to analyze with reliability using LIBS at the concentration levels found in the plant samples. Replacing microwave digestion and subsequent ICP analysis with a direct analysis of dried plant samples using LIBS has the potential to improve the productivity and reduce the cost of testing.     

Faculty positions:Center for Agricultural Resources Research,Chinese Academy of Sciences

正The Center for Agricultural Resources Research(CARR),the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology(IGDB),Chinese Academy of Sciences,invites applicants for several research group leader positions.CARR is one of the research organizations in Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS).We seek nominations and applications from individuals who have expertise and a record of accomplishment in research areas related to ecology,agro-hydrology,     

Macroinvertebrates in North American tallgrass prairie soils: effects of fire, mowing, and fertilization on density and biomass

The responses of tallgrass prairie plant communities and ecosystem processes to fire and grazing are well characterized. However, responses of invertebrate consumer groups, and particularly soil-dwelling organisms, to these disturbances are not well known. At Konza Prairie Biological Station, we sampled soil macroinvertebrates in 1994 and 1999 as part of a long-term experiment designed to examine the effects and interactions of annual fire, mowing, and fertilization (N and P) on prairie soil communities and processes. For nearly all taxa, in both years, responses were characterized by significant treatment interactions, but some general patterns were evident. Introduced European earthworms (Aporrectodea spp. and Octolasion spp.) were most abundant in plots where fire was excluded, and the proportion of the total earthworm community consisting of introduced earthworms was greater in unburned, unmowed, and fertilized plots. Nymphs of two Cicada genera were collected (Cicadetta spp. and Tibicen spp.). Cicadetta nymphs were more abundant in burned plots, but mowing reduced their abundance. Tibicen nymphs were collected almost exclusively from unburned plots. Treatment effects on herbivorous beetle larvae (Scarabaeidae, Elateridae, and Curculionidae) were variable, but nutrient additions (N or P) usually resulted in greater densities, whereas mowing usually resulted in lower densities. Our results suggest that departures from historical disturbance regimes (i.e. frequent fire and grazing) may render soils more susceptible to increased numbers of European earthworms, and that interactions between fire, aboveground biomass removal, and vegetation responses affect the structure and composition of invertebrate communities in tallgrass prairie soils.     

Variation in quality parameters between and within 14 Nordic tree fruit and berry species

Abstract

A 3-year study was carried out to investigate quality parameters in 14 tree fruit and berry species grown in southern Norway. The species were blueberry, apple, aronia, sour cherry, sweet cherry, red raspberry, strawberry, blackcurrant, gooseberry, red currant and elderberry, harvested along with wild bilberry, cloudberry and lingonberry. Significant differences between species were identified for all quality parameters. The coefficient of variation between species was lowest for pH (12.5%), dry matter (18.9%) and soluble solids (25.3%), followed by titratable acids (59.3%), total phenolics (83.8%), antioxidant capacity FRAP (85.7%) and antiradical power by the DPPH-assay (97.8%), total monomeric anthocyanins (132%) and ascorbic acid (137%). Average coefficient of variation within species were lower and ranged from 4 (pH) to 62% (ascorbic acid). Only the FRAP values were significantly affected by harvesting year with lower levels in 2004 than in 2005 and 2006. There were significant interactions between species and harvesting year for dry matter, soluble solids, pH, ascorbic acid and FRAP. The results indicate generic ranges in composition within species independent upon growing location and climate, and the composition of the tree fruits and berries is not likely to deviate from these ranges. It is concluded that desirable composition of tree fruits and berries and their products should primarily be achieved by selection among species rather than searching fors broadened variation within individual species.     

Potassium Fixation and Release Characteristics in Rhizosphere and Nonrhizosphere Soils for a Rapeseed–Rice Cropping Sequence

Potassium (K) fixation and release in soil are important factors in the long-term sustainability of a cropping system. Changes in K concentration and characteristics of K fixation and release in rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere soils in the rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)–rice (Oryza sativa L.) rotation were investigated using a rhizobox system. The concentrations of different forms of K in both rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere soils decreased with plants compared to without plants, regardless of K fertilizer application. Potassium uptake by crops mainly came from the rhizosphere soil. In the treatment without K fertilizer (–K), the main form of K supplied by the soil to the crops was 1.0 mol L^?1 nitric acid (HNO₃) nonextractable K, followed by nonexchangeable K, and then exchangeable K. In the treatment with K fertilizer (+K), the main K forms supplied by the soil to the crops were exchangeable K and nonexchangeable K. The amount and rate of K fixation after one cycle of the rapeseed–rice rotation was greater in rhizosphere soil than in nonrhizosphere soil. The amount and rate of K fixation of soil in the +K treatment were significantly less than in the –K treatment. The cumulative amounts of K released with 1.0 mol L^?1 ammonium acetate (NH₄OAc) and 1.0 mol L^?1 HNO₃ extraction increased with the increasing numbers of extractions, but the K-releasing power of soil by successive extraction decreased gradually and finally became almost constant. The release of K was less in rhizosphere soil than in nonrhizosphere soil. The release of K in the +K treatment was similar to that in the –K treatment in rhizosphere soil, but the K release in nonrhizosphere soil was greater with the +K than the –K treatment. Overall, the information obtained in this study will be helpful in formulating more precise K fertilizer recommendations for certain soils.     

Electron donor and pH relationships for biologically enhanced dissolution of chlorinated solvent DNAPL in groundwater

Biologically enhanced dissolution offers a method to speed removal of chlorinated solvent dense non-aqueous-phase liquid (DNAPL) sources such as tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichoroethene (TCE) from aquifers. Bioremediation is accomplished by adding an electron donor to the source zone where fermentation to intermediates leading to acetic acid and hydrogen results. The hydrogen and possibly acetic acid are used by dehalogenating bacteria to convert PCE and TCE to ethene and hydrochloric acid. Reductive dehalogenation is thus an acid forming process, and sufficient alkalinity must be present to maintain a near neutral pH. The bicarbonate alkalinity required to maintain pH above 6.5 is a function of the electron donor: 800 mg/L of bicarbonate alkalinity is sufficient to achieve about 1.2 mM TCE dechlorination with glucose, 1.7 mM with lactate, and a much higher 3.3 mM with formate. Laboratory studies indicate that in mixed culture, formate can be used as an electron donor for complete conversion to ethene, contrary to pure cultures studies indicating it cannot. Various strategies can be used to add electron donor to an aquifer for DNAPL dehalogenation while minimizing pH problems and excessive electron donor usage, including use of injection-extraction wells, dual recirculation wells, and nested injection-extraction wells.     

Biodiversity and ecogeography of wild Lactuca spp. in some European countries

Staff members of the Department of Botany of Palacký University in Olomouc and Gene Bank Department – Workplace Olomouc, Research Institute of Crop Production in Prague, Czech Republic, conducted an expedition in seven European countries (Austria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland) in August/September 1999 to collect wild Lactuca spp. germplasm and study its geographic distribution, ecology and biodiversity. During the mission, more than 600 locations were visited resulting in the collection of 602 seed samples (accessions) of wild Lactuca species and 13 seed samples of related genera (Chondrilla and Mycelis). Lactuca serriola f. serriola, L. serriola f. integrifolia, L. saligna and L. viminea subsp. chondrilliflora were prevalent in southern Europe (Italy, France), however, only L. serriola was common in central and western Europe (Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland). The greatest diversity of Lactuca species was found in France, where also the most seed samples (165) were collected. The most characteristic habitats with a high density of Lactuca spp. populations were observed along roads and highways, grassy ditches, ruderal communities, and dust-heaps. Natural infections by powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum) and downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) on some wild Lactuca spp. were observed. Recent observations concerning the geographic distribution, population structure, habitats, and natural occurrence of diseases of Lactuca spp. are discussed. This assemblage of genetic resources of Lactuca spp. can serve as the basis of future studies of species diversification, spatial population structure, plant microevolution, domestication processes, and genetic variability of host-parasite interactions.     

Increase in auxiliary photoprotective photosynthetic pigments in wheat seedlings induced by Azospirillum brasilense

Inoculation of wheat seedlings with the plant growth-promoting bacterium Azospirillum brasilense Cd was immobilized in alginate microbeads and, without applying any stress, significantly increased the quantity of several photosynthetic pigments, such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and the auxiliary photoprotective pigments violaxanthin, zeaxanthin, antheroxanthin, lutein, neoxanthin, and β-carotene. This resulted in greener plants with no apparent visible stress. After monitoring the quantity of photosynthetic pigments for 4 weeks, we observed that inoculated plants had higher quantities of pigments in shoot and stem. The greatest difference in the quantity of all pigments between inoculated and noninoculated plants occurred in the first week of growth. Regardless of treatment, the quantity of pigments in stems was three to four times less than the quantity of these pigments in shoots. Application of Azospirillum, either as liquid inoculant or as alginate microbeads, did not alter the positive effect of the bacteria on pigment production or the positive response of the plants towards A. brasilense Cd inoculation.     

In-situ enrichment and analysis of atrazine-degrading microbial communities using atrazine-containing porous beads

We examined the community composition of microbes that colonized atrazine-containing beads buried in agricultural soils that differed in atrazine treatment history. Bacterial abundance was 5-40-fold greater in atrazine-fortified beads. In beads containing 20 mg atrazine kg⁻¹ buried in soil with a history of atrazine application (conditioned soil), the abundance of Actinobacteria increased approximately 80-fold whereas in control soil, Actinobacteria were enriched only 10-fold and the gamma-Proteobacteria and Planctomycetes increased by 60- and 25-fold, respectively. The gamma-Proteobacteria were enriched by 120- and 230-fold in beads containing 200 mg atrazine kg⁻¹ in conditioned and control soil, respectively. The results demonstrate that BioSep^® beads are a suitable matrix for recruiting a diverse subset of the bacterial community involved in atrazine degradation.