微波预处理对玉米秸秆的组分提取及糖化的影响

为了分离得到玉米秸秆中的半纤维素、木质素,改善纤维素的酶水解可及性,对玉米秸秆进行了二步微波预处理法研究.考察了秸秆粒径、液固比、碱及甘油用量、微波功率与处理时间对半纤维素和木质素得率的影响;探讨了预处理后秸秆的酶水解性能.得到的优化预处理条件为:玉米秸秆粒径40～80目;微波-碱预处理功率116.7 W/g、时间10 min、液固比20 mL/g、碱用量150％(质量分数);微波-甘油预处理功率66.7 W/g、处理时间30 min、液固比20mL/g、甘油质量分数100％.试样结果表明:经微波预处理后每10 g玉米秸秆最终可得到2.48 g半纤维素、0.95 g木质素,3.55 g还原糖;二步微波预处理不仅能够提取出玉米秸秆中的半纤维素、木质素,而且提高了纤维素水解的酶可及性,实现了组分的分离.     

膨化预处理玉米秸秆提高还原糖酶解产率的效果

为了提高玉米秸秆的可发酵还原糖转化率,采用膨化技术对玉米秸秆木质纤维素进行预处理。扫描电镜观察,玉米秸秆的纤维束受到破坏,木质素包裹作用减弱,纤维素酶的空间作用面积提高。红外光谱分析表明有部分半纤维素和少量木质素水解;X射线衍射测定纤维素结晶度降低了12.68%。通过进一步纤维素酶解试验,与未处理的相比膨化处理后原料酶解时间可缩短16 h,未经膨化处理原料还原糖的酶解产率为13.48%,膨化处理后原料还原糖的酶解产率可达24.91%。结果表明,膨化预处理技术可明显提高玉米秸秆木质纤维素的能源化利用效率。该     

复合菌系MC1预处理对玉米秸秆厌氧发酵产甲烷效率的提高

采用高效纤维素分解菌复合系MC1对玉米秸秆进行预处理,以提高玉米秸秆厌氧甲烷发酵的效率和产气量。复合菌系预处理的结果表明,预处理发酵液的pH值呈先下降后升高的趋势,与以往的复合菌系发酵产物pH值特性相似。在14 d的预处理过程中,秸秆质量减少了59.0%,其中纤维素减少了53.1%,半纤维素减少了76.4%。发酵液中的可溶性糖含量最大值出现在第2 d,为1.44 g/L。化学需氧量（COD）和挥发性产物最大值均出现在第4 d,监测到的5种挥发性产物的量分别为乙醇2.38 g/L、乙酸0.57 g/L、丙酸0.11 g/L、丁酸0.62 g/L和甘油0.22 g/L,因此,处理4 d后最适合甲烷发酵。厌氧发酵的结果表明,与未处理的玉米秸秆的厌氧发酵相比,预处理后的秸秆总产气量和总甲烷量分别了提高了33.0%和58.1%。结果表明,MC1对玉米秸秆预处理后,可明显提高甲烷产量,具有较高的利用潜力。     

复合微生物预处理玉米秸秆提高其厌氧消化产甲烷性能

为促进微生物预处理方法在提高玉米秸秆高效厌氧消化产甲烷方面的应用效果,该文研究了由黑曲霉(Aspergillus)、木霉(Trichoderma)、草酸青霉(Penicillium)和白腐真菌组成的复合微生物菌系HK-4,对玉米秸秆预处理及厌氧消化产气性能的影响。将复合微生物菌系加入到粒径为0.7~1 cm玉米秸秆中,在28℃恒温条件下190 r/min震荡培养15 d,测得纤维素、半纤维素和木质素的降解率分别可达64.52%、51.06%和3.89%。使用经HK-4处理过的玉米秸秆,用于沼气生产,发酵32 d,复合微生物菌系组共产生7364 m L气体,比未处理组提高了27.4%;预处理4 d,复合微生物处理组甲烷体积分数即可提升到40%以上,之后20 d在45%~53%之间波动,而未经HK-4处理过的玉米秸秆,甲烷体积分数在第6天才稳定到36.7%。     

外源添加剂对黄贮小麦秸秆产甲烷潜力及微生物群落的影响

为探讨添加不同外源添加剂对黄贮小麦秸秆产甲烷潜力和微生物群落结构的影响,该研究以小麦秸秆为黄贮原料,添加乙酸(3‰ACE组)和异型发酵乳酸菌复合系(3‰MI1组,6‰MI2组),调整含水率至50%,黄贮65 d后,以黄贮小麦秸秆为厌氧发酵原料,探究发酵过程中的指标性质和微生物群落结构。研究发现黄贮预处理后,发酵系统中的初始挥发性有机酸中的乳酸和乙酸增加、甲烷含量增加、可溶性化学需氧量(sCOD)增加。添加了外源添加剂的ACE组、MI1组、MI2组的累积甲烷产量较干黄小麦秸秆(WS组)提高了4.7%～10.6%,而未添加添加剂的CK组的累积甲烷产量较WS组降低了9%。发酵系统中的主要优势细菌为Bacteroidetes、Firmicutes和Proteobacteria,优势古菌为甲烷鬃菌属Methanosaeta,黄贮预处理改变了发酵系统微生物的群落结构,促进了小麦秸秆的甲烷转化,为木质纤维素的沼气转化提供参考。     

蒸汽爆破预处理和微生物发酵对玉米秸秆降解率的影响

为了提高玉米秸秆的利用效率,首先对玉米秸秆进行蒸汽爆破预处理（压力2.5 Mpa,维压200 s）,然后再进行米曲霉发酵,研究物理和生物学处理对秸秆成分及相关酶活变化的影响。结果表明,蒸汽爆破使秸秆中纤维素、半纤维素和木质素的降解率分别达到8.47%、50.45% 和36.65% （p＜0.05）。爆破预处理的秸秆再经米曲霉发酵6 d后,秸秆中纤维素和半纤维素的降解率分别为27.89%和64.80% （p＜0.05）,发酵秸秆中的滤纸酶、羧甲基纤维素酶、淀粉酶和蛋白酶活力分别达到335.10、1138.92、1954.20和201.99 U/g。爆破预处理后进行米曲霉发酵,对于提高玉米秸秆的降解率具有非常重要的意义。     

不同预处理玉米秸秆对猪粪厌氧发酵重金属镉钝化效果

由于养殖饲料中重金属添加剂的使用,使畜禽粪便中重金属含量增加。为减少畜禽粪便重金属的污染,该研究以猪粪为发酵原料,通过添加不同预处理(稀H2SO_4处理、Na OH处理)的玉米秸秆,在温度35℃,接种物量30%,总固体(Total Solid,TS)浓度为10%,pH值为7.0,C/N比为25的条件下进行90 d厌氧发酵试验,旨在研究添加玉米秸秆对重金属Cd钝化效果的影响。结果表明:猪粪厌氧发酵过程中添加玉米秸秆有利于重金属Cd从有效态转化为稳定态;猪粪在厌氧发酵过程中添加玉米秸秆能提高重金属Cd的钝化效果,添加碱处理玉米秸秆钝化效果最佳,为32.38%,添加稀酸处理玉米秸秆的处理钝化效果次之,为32.00%。显著性分析表明,猪粪厌氧发酵过程中添加酸碱处理玉米秸秆对重金属Cd的钝化效果显著高于猪粪单独发酵和添加不经过处理的玉米秸秆(P0.05),而添加稀酸处理秸秆与添加碱处理秸秆重金属钝化效果差异不显著(P0.05);傅立叶红外光谱法(Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer,FTIR)显示厌氧发酵后,沼渣中碳水化合物、蛋白质、脂肪族化合物等有机物含量减少,腐殖质含量增加,添加玉米秸秆后有机物腐殖化程度有所提高,且添加碱处理玉米秸秆时有机物腐殖化程度较好,其次是添加酸处理玉米秸秆的处理。因此在猪粪厌氧发酵过程中适量添加经过酸、碱处理的玉米秸秆,可以降低沼渣中重金属Cd的生物有效性。研究结果可为畜禽粪便厌氧发酵重金属钝化提供参考。     

不同NaOH/球磨复合预处理对玉米秸秆酶解效果的影响

农作物秸秆的生物转化是木质纤维类生物质能源化利用的重要手段之一。为了探究室温条件下不同机械化学复合预处理对玉米秸秆酶解效果的影响,该研究以玉米秸秆为研究对象,以单独NaOH处理为对照,在不同NaOH质量分数（0、1%、2%和3%）条件下,分别进行了干法和湿法2种NaOH/球磨复合预处理。使用CellicCtec2（Novozymes,丹麦）进行了不同预处理玉米秸秆72 h酶解试验,系统表征了不同预处理玉米秸秆的粒径、结晶度、表面微观形貌、木质纤维组成和官能团变化,分析了不同预处理玉米秸秆理化性质对酶解影响及其相关性。结果表明：干法和湿法NaOH/球磨复合预处理均显著提高了玉米秸秆葡萄糖产率,且随NaOH质量分数增加（从1%提升至3%）,不同NaOH/球磨复合预处理玉米秸秆葡萄糖产率显著提升（P＜0.01）,当NaOH质量分数为3%时,其葡萄糖产率分别达到71.0%和73.1%。无论干法和湿法NaOH/球磨复合预处理,其酶解葡萄糖产率均与纤维素质量分数和平均粒径D50显著正相关（P＜0.01）,与木质素质量分数显著负相关（P＜0.01）;干法NaOH/球磨复合预处理显著降低了玉米秸秆的结晶度,从而一定程度增强改善了玉米秸秆酶解葡萄糖产率。该研究为深入揭示和解析玉米秸秆机械化学复合预处理作用机理提供了数据支撑。     

秸秆高固厌氧发酵回流液剖面渗滤特性

探明秸秆高固厌氧发酵回流液剖面渗滤特征,对提高秸秆高固厌氧发酵产气效率十分重要.该研究以搓揉麦秸为底物,在(37±1)℃、TS为14%的发酵条件下,通过隔板将发酵罐中物料均分成3层(T1)、2层(T2)与不分层(T3)3个处理,以氯化锂为示踪剂,分析了剖面上物料残留锂离子、物料胞外多聚物(extracellular polymeric substances,EPS)含量、各处理产气以及发酵前后物料湿容重的变化.结果表明:各处理总产气量、累积总固体产气量与甲烷含量差异不显著;不同处理纵剖面各层物料湿容重,呈现上低下高的趋势,其中T3处理物料湿容重随高度的降低先增加后基本稳定,稳定在0.6 g/cm3左右,大于初始发酵物料湿容重0.58 g/cm3;T1、T2、T3剖面残留锂离子质量分数低于2 mg/kg的区域面积占比为2.32%、12.69%、20.66%,表明3个处理回流液淋滤存在着"回流液死区",EPS等值线图与物料残留锂离子等值线图相互印证,表明秸秆高固厌氧发酵中,回流液的淋滤在剖面上表现出非均态性特性.该研究为改善秸秆高固厌氧发酵回流液回流技术提供了科学依据.     

一株高活性纤维素降解细菌的筛选鉴定及酶学特性

利用小麦/玉米秸秆还田土壤样品,通过富集培养和刚果红平板染色法筛选分离出纤维素降解细菌XWS-12;对分离的菌株进行16S rRNA基因序列系统发育分析,初步鉴定为伯克氏菌属(Burkholderia),定名为Burkholderia sp.XWS-12。以玉米秸秆和麸皮为碳源,研究了氮源、发酵时间、初始发酵温度、培养基初始pH等条件对该伯克氏菌产纤维素酶的影响。结果显示,该菌株产纤维素酶最适氮源为硝酸钠,培养时间为60 h,培养温度为37℃,培养基初始pH为4,该菌株的CMC酶活力最高,可达25 U/ml。其粗酶液的最适反应温度为50℃,最适反应pH为5,在pH 4~8的范围内酶活力较稳定。粗酶液的热稳定较差,当温度超过50℃时,该酶活力显著下降;当温度为50℃时,保温1 h,该酶活力损失53%。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Properties of anaerobically digested and composted municipal solid waste assessed by linking soil mesofauna dynamics and nitrogen modelling

We have studied the effect of anaerobically digested (ADMSW) and composted municipal solid waste (CMSW) on mineralization and foodweb dynamics to verify the hypothesis that ADMSW would immobilize N right after addition to soil in contrast to addition with CMSW. Another hypothesis was that the mesofauna (enchytraeids and microarthropods) would stimulate N release from the decomposer community. We measured excretion of -N and urea-N from the mesofauna and hypothesized that enchytraeids would release urea. ADMSW and CMSW were amended to pots with sandy loam and barley. The pots were divided into treatments with or without mesofauna. Mesofauna, plant N and biomass, soil N and ergosterol (fungal biomass) were measured over a 113-day period of four equidistant samplings. Soil respiration, N mineralization and N release by the mesofauna were modelled from concurrent studies. ADMSW- and CMSW-treated soils initially (<20 days) immobilized N. The amendments did not increase plant growth substantially, and this was probably due to N-limitation in the early stages of plant growth. Enchytraeid abundance was about three times higher in ADMSW- than CMSW-treated soils, indicating that ADMSW contained more labile compounds, bacteria, and microfauna. The mesofauna did not affect N-content, but the cumulated -N excreted by the mesofauna was estimated to be substantial and about one-fifth of total plant N in ADMSW. An explanation for this discrepancy might be that in the absence of the mesofauna, other members of the detrivore and microbivore community performed the mesofauna’s function. Neither enchytraeids nor microarthropods excreted urea.