华北平原春绿豆-夏玉米种植模式经济效益和碳足迹评价

华北平原是我国重要的粮食生产基地,长期集约化的冬小麦-夏玉米种植导致氮肥施用过量、地下水超采及碳排放增加等生态环境问题日益突出。因此,调整现有种植结构,构建资源节约型种植制度对缓解该区域生态环境问题具有重要意义。为明确新型春绿豆-夏玉米模式的可行性,本研究基于大田试验和生命周期评价方法(life cycle assessment, LCA),定量评估了春绿豆-夏玉米模式与冬小麦-夏玉米模式的产量、经济效益、碳排放和碳足迹。结果表明,春绿豆-夏玉米模式中绿豆与玉米的产量分别为1 760.1 kg·hm~(-2)和8 775.8 kg·hm~(-2),当量产量(换算为玉米产量)为18 833.4kg·hm~(-2),比冬小麦-夏玉米模式低20.4%(P0.05);周年净收入为27 085$·hm~(-2)(包括每年7 500$·hm~(-2)的冬季休耕补贴),比冬小麦-夏玉米模式高20.2%;周年碳排放为4 642.1 kg(CO2-eq)·hm~(-2),比冬小麦-夏玉米模式低36.1%;单位产值碳足迹为0.17kg(CO_2-eq)·$~(-1),比冬小麦-夏玉米模式低48.5%(P0.01)。综合来看,在华北平原引入春绿豆-夏玉米模式部分替代传统冬小麦-夏玉米模式,能够改善种植结构,同时提高农民收入、降低农业生产系统碳排放和碳足迹。     

基于生命周期评估的冬小麦-夏玉米种植系统碳足迹核算——以山东省高密地区为例

粮食生产过程中的原材料生产、能源消耗、氮肥施用以及农机作业等过程均会排放大量的温室气体。本研究通过对山东省高密市冬小麦-夏玉米种植系统粮食种植过程的原材料投入和农业管理措施等进行问卷调查,采用生命周期评估(Life cycle assessment,LCA)方法学核算当地小麦和玉米生产过程的碳足迹(Carbon footprint,CFP)。结果表明,高密市小麦、玉米生产和冬小麦-夏玉米种植系统单位面积的碳足迹分别为5 183.33、3 778.09 kg CO_2-eq·hm~(-2)和8 961.42 kg CO_2-eq·hm~(-2),单位产量的碳足迹分别为0.69、0.40 kg CO_2-eq·kg~(-1)和0.53 kg CO_2-eq·kg~(-1),单位净现值的碳足迹分别为1.82、0.40 kg CO_2-eq·元~(-1)和0.44 kg CO_2-eq·元~(-1)。冬小麦-夏玉米种植系统粮食生产的碳足迹主要来自氮肥的生产(48.30%)和氮肥施用(12.04%)、灌溉耗电(12.94%)和农业机械耗油(11.20%)等方面。综上可知,优化肥料施用、减少氮肥用量和节水灌溉等措施是实现当地粮食清洁生产的重要途径。     

江苏省种植业碳排放的测算及达峰分析

在实现“碳达峰、碳中和”的目标背景下，明确农业温室气体排放现状，模拟预测峰值，为促进江苏省农业低碳减排提供科学依据。基于农业物资投入和农田土壤利用2类碳源，采用IPCC碳排放系数法和清单法综合测算江苏省1990—2020年间种植业碳排放量，运用Tapio脱钩模型对农业碳排放量与农业经济增长的脱钩关系进行分析，并根据灰色预测模型GM(1,1)对2021—2060年碳排放量进行预测。结果表明：(1)2020年江苏省种植业碳排放为1 999.53万t, 1990—2020年间呈现先增加后降低再增加然后趋于平稳的趋势；种植业碳排放主要来源于农田土壤利用，农田土壤利用碳排放占比为77.73%～86.95%,农资投入碳排放占比为13.05%～22.27%;(2)化肥是农资投入碳排放源中最主要的排放源，其占比为69.15%～79.20%,其次是农药和农膜，农机、灌溉、翻耕占比均较低；(3)水稻是农田土壤利用排放源中最主要的排放源，其占农田土壤利用碳排放的79.76%～87.23%,其次是小麦和蔬菜，大豆、玉米、棉花占比均较低；(4)脱钩关系以弱脱钩和强脱钩为主，表明随着种植业生产总值的提高，农业种植...     

有机肥和秸秆炭分别替代部分尿素和秸秆降低黑土温室效应的效果

【目的】 农田条件下研究用有机肥替代部分尿素、用秸秆生物炭替代秸秆对黑土有机质提升和温室气体排放的影响,为秸秆有效还田和“固碳减排”提供理论依据。 【方法】 2013—2015年在东北典型春玉米区进行田间定位试验,所有处理采用相同方法施用同量磷钾化肥,磷肥为磷酸氢二铵 (P₅O₂ 60 kg/hm2),钾肥为硫酸钾 (K₂O 75 kg/hm2),在施用4 t/hm2玉米秸秆前提下,设置:1) 不施尿素氮 (N0);2) 尿素氮100% (N 165 kg/hm2,N1);3) 尿素氮60% + 有机肥氮20% + 缓释氮20% (N2)。另外,处理4) 除了用2 t/hm2玉米秸秆炭替代4 t/hm2玉米秸秆外,其他与N2一致 (N3)。各生育期测定生态系统温室气体 (CO₂、N₂O和CH₄) 排放量,收获期测定作物产量和地上部生物量。 【结果】 N1、N2、N3处理间玉米产量差异不显著。在等氮条件下,N1、N2、N3处理生态系统CO₂排放分别为13170、10521、9994 kg/hm2,N2和N3处理降低CO₂排放的效果显著好于N1,N2和N3处理差异不显著 (P < 0.05),N1、N2、N3处理N ₂O累积排放分别为6.092、6.597、3.604 kg/hm2,N3降低N₂O累积排放的效果显著好于N1和N2处理;N1、N2、N3处理CH₄累积排放分别为0.694、1.652、–2.107 kg/hm2,N3处理降低CH₄累积排放的效果显著好于N1和N2处理。农田系统净碳收支 (NECB,除土壤固碳外,作物?土壤系统产生的碳收支,如作物光合、呼吸和产量移出等),N2处理为C 766.5 kg/hm2,是碳汇,而N1和N3处理是碳源 (C ?621.3 kg/hm 2和?673.3 kg/hm2)。当季作物尺度上用NECB估算的土壤固碳效应N1、N2和N3处理分别为C ?142.9、176.3、1385.1 kg/hm 2,N3处理土壤固碳效应显著好于N2和N1处理。在化肥生产和运输以及农事操作等投入产生的间接碳排放量方面,化肥氮是农业投入的主要碳源,分别占N1、N2和N3处理农业投入的73%、71%和66%。综合考虑农事操作带来的碳排放,化学品投入带来的碳排放,以及农田系统温室气体排放和土壤固碳的收支,综合净温室效应N1、N2、N3处理分别为2535.2、1488.2、–3769.7 CO₂ eq. kg/hm2,只有N3处理是碳汇。 【结论】 在供试黑土条件下,用有机肥替代部分化肥增加生态系统净碳收入;用秸秆生物炭替代秸秆显著增加土壤固碳效应、减少N₂O排放;从综合净温室效应看,有机肥与秸秆生物炭分别替代部分化肥与秸秆“固碳减排”效果最佳。      

有机无机氮肥配施对菜地土壤二氧化碳和甲烷排放的影响

采用静态箱—气相色谱法研究不同种类有机无机肥料配合施用对盆栽莴苣土壤二氧化碳(CO_2)和甲烷(CH_4)排放规律及排放量的影响。以等氮(N)用量为基准,磷(P)、钾(K)用量相应折算,分别以猪粪、沼渣沼液、猪粪堆肥与化肥进行配施,且各处理N、P、K总施用量一致。共设置6个处理:不施肥(CK);不施氮肥(PK);施纯化肥(NPK);有机无机肥配施1(20%猪粪N+80%化肥N,NPKM1);有机无机肥配施2(20%沼渣沼液N+80%化肥N,NPKM2);有机无机肥配施3(20%猪粪堆肥N+80%化肥N,NPKM3)。结果表明:莴苣全生育期内土壤CH_4排放各处理呈现"源"、"汇"交替现象,各时间测点排放通量在每次施肥后均呈现升降波动趋势,直至总体趋于平稳;各阶段排放累积量随着生育期的变化,处理间差异逐渐明显。莴苣盆栽土壤CH_4累积排放量为-5.90～-0.42 kg·hm~(-2),大小表现为CK=PKNPKNPKM3NPKM1NPKM2。莴苣全生育期内土壤CO_2的各时间测点排放通量总体呈现上升趋势,受施肥影响略有波动;各阶段排放累积量随着生育期的增加,处理间差异更加明显。莴苣盆栽土壤CO_2累积排放量为1 506.37～2 260.58 kg·hm~(-2),大小表现为NPKM3NPKM1NPKNPKM2PKCK。莴苣盆栽全球增温潜势为1.50～2.23 t CO_2eq·hm~(-2),大小表现为NPKM3NPKM1NPKNPKM2PKCK。总体而言,不同有机无机肥料配施表现为菜地土壤的CH_4汇,以沼渣沼液配施效果最佳,而猪粪类有机肥配施会导致菜地全球增温潜势升高,应合理搭配进行施用。     

三江平原水稻生产的碳足迹评价

农田作为重要的陆地生态系统,人们在生产过程中为追求产量,往往会使用大量农药、化肥等化学物质,导致农业生产成为温室气体排放的一个重要源头。三江平原位于黑龙江省东北部,水稻作为这一地区的主要农产品,在种植过程中往往释放大量温室气体,对生态环境造成一定影响。本文在稻田温室气体排放观测研究的基础上,应用生命周期评价(LCA)方法,计算了三江平原地区水稻生产的碳足迹。结果表明,三江平原地区水稻全生命周期生产的碳足迹为0.500 8 t(CE)·t^-1,其中CH₄排放量占全部碳足迹的71.8%,N₂O排放量占全部碳足迹的8.68%,温室气体占到了全部碳足迹的80.4%,是最为主要的碳排放源。化肥和农药施用所产生的碳排放占到了总碳排放的15.6%,机械化生产过程中所消耗的柴油碳排放,仅占到了总碳排放的3.99%。因此,三江平原地区水稻生产的碳排放控制应以控制温室气体排放为主体,改变以淹灌为主的传统水稻灌溉模式,大力推广水稻节水减排灌溉新技术,配以合理的施肥技术和田间管理方式,推广低温室气体排放的水稻品种,以达到低碳排放的环境友好型水稻...     

化肥减量配施有机肥对旱地小麦产量、品质和水分利用率的影响

探讨有机肥与化肥配施对旱地小麦产量、品质和水分利用率的影响,为黄土丘陵区旱地麦田有机肥替代化肥比例和减小年际间产量波动提供理论依据。于2017—2019年,定位研究了常量化肥(B)、猪粪替代常量化肥(A_1B_1,替代20%;A_1B_2,替代30%;A_1B_3,替代40%)和羊粪替代常量化肥(A_2B_1,替代20%;A_2B_2,替代30%;A_2B_3,替代40%)对旱地小麦产量及其构成、籽粒营养品质和面粉加工品质、水分利用率的影响。结果表明,与仅施常量化肥相比,化肥减量配施有机肥可提高旱地小麦产量、籽粒容重、硬度指数、蛋白质含量和面粉沉降值,有机肥替代适量化肥可提高水分利用率。猪粪和羊粪在不同年型下对产量和水分利用率效应有差异,其中猪粪在丰水年但生育期阶段性干旱且春季遭遇冻害年型下,可提高旱地小麦成穗数和穗粒数,较羊粪配施化肥增产,且提高了水分利用率;羊粪在干旱年份但关键生育期均有降水且休闲期贮水量较高的年型下,可提高成穗数,较猪粪配施化肥增产,水分利用率也提高。有机肥替代常量化肥比例因有机肥种类而有差异,其中猪粪替代20%常量化肥最好,2年度分别较仅施常量化肥增产39.76%和2.46%,2018年度水分利用率提高4.91 kg/(hm~2·mm);羊粪替代40%常量化肥最好,2年度分别较仅施常量化肥增产18.88%和2.28%,水分利用率分别提高2.57,12.68 kg/(hm~2·mm)。本试验的2个年型下,化肥减量配施猪粪或羊粪可提高旱地小麦产量和水分利用率,改善小麦品质,同时耕层土壤有机质含量提高。山西南部丘陵区雨养旱地麦田,猪粪替代20%常量化肥或羊粪替代40%常量化肥,是实现小麦高产稳产及提质增效的化肥减施和有机替代模式。     

基于京津翼一体化的农田生态系统碳足迹年际变化规律研究

基于京津冀一体化背景下,以农田生态系统作为研究对象,对2005—2014年农田生态系统的碳汇、碳源、碳足迹的年际变化进行了研究,为京津冀一体化的规划和产业布局提供理论依据。结果表明:京津冀地区农田生态系统的碳汇功能呈下降趋势,近10年降幅为6.6%,年均固碳量为485.5万t·a~(-1),碳汇功能的主要决定因素是粮食作物中玉米与小麦的经济产量及种植面积。京津冀地区农田生态系统碳排放量年均727.8万t·a~(-1),基本上呈现出逐年降低的趋势,碳排放量的主要决定因素为农业化学品中氮素化肥的施用量。京津冀地区农田生态系统碳足迹年均为161.2万hm~2·a~(-1),呈现出逐年减少趋势,处于碳生态盈余状态。     

基于京津冀一体化的农田生态系统碳足迹年际变化规律研究

基于京津冀一体化背景下,以农田生态系统作为研究对象,对2005—2014年农田生态系统的碳汇、碳源、碳足迹的年际变化进行了研究,为京津冀一体化的规划和产业布局提供理论依据。结果表明:京津冀地区农田生态系统的碳汇功能呈下降趋势,近10年降幅为6.6%,年均固碳量为485.5万t·a~(-1),碳汇功能的主要决定因素是粮食作物中玉米与小麦的经济产量及种植面积。京津冀地区农田生态系统碳排放量年均727.8万t·a~(-1),基本上呈现出逐年降低的趋势,碳排放量的主要决定因素为农业化学品中氮素化肥的施用量。京津冀地区农田生态系统碳足迹年均为161.2万hm~2·a~(-1),呈现出逐年减少趋势,处于碳生态盈余状态。     

江苏省农田生态系统碳源/汇、碳足迹动态变化

[目的]了解江苏省农田生态系统近年来碳源碳汇的基本演变趋势,识别江苏省农业发展过程中的重要碳排放源,指导江苏农业低碳化发展。[方法]利用模型对农田碳排放量、碳吸收量及碳足迹进行测算,并对其动态变化进行分析。[结果](1)江苏省农田生态系统碳排放总量总体趋向于增加,2001年江苏省碳排放量为4.44×10~6 t,2016年碳排放量为4.60×10~6 t,增幅为3.4%,化肥为碳排放的主要贡献因子。碳排放强度总体表现为下降趋势,各阶段碳排放强度均低于1t/hm~2。(2)碳吸收量总体呈现增加趋势,2001—2016年农作物总碳吸收量增加了3.57×10~7 t,年均复合增长率约为2.2%,单位面积碳吸收量呈整体增加趋势。园艺作物的碳吸收量明显高于粮食作物和经济作物。(3)农田生态系统碳足迹总体呈现降低趋势,存在较大的生态盈余。[结论](1)2001—2016年江苏省农田生态系统的碳吸收量明显高于碳排放量,具有良好的固碳能力,农田生态系统呈现碳汇;(2)农业投入物品对碳排放的影响程度不同,化肥是影响农业碳排放的最关键因子。     

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.