岩溶山区林地景观梯度变化分析

运用景观生态学的理论与方法,以贵州省麻江县为研究区,分析了1992年和2012年两个时期的林地景观的地形梯度变化规律。结果表明:(1)研究期间,各林地景观的类型面积、斑块数、斑块密度、各景观类型的面积比重、平均斑块面积以及斑块形状指数都随坡度和海拔梯度带的变化而变化。在坡度大和海拔高区域林地景观破碎度降低,景观格局趋于简单,而坡度小和海拔低的区域林地景观破碎度增大,景观格局趋于复杂。(2)坡度小和海拔低区域的连通性指数和聚集度指数呈下降趋势,而分离度指数呈上升趋势,反映出该区域林地景观分布趋于分散,聚集度和连通性减低。坡度大和海拔高区域的连通性指数和聚集度指数呈上升趋势,而分离度指数呈下降趋势,反映出该梯度带林地景观分布趋于集中,聚集度和连通性提高。     

基于RS与GIS的内蒙古武川县退耕还林生态成效监测

为监测半干旱地区退耕还林工程实施的效果,基于MODIS NDVI时间序列数据及土地利用数据,该文对内蒙古武川县的土地利用变化及植被覆盖变化进行了研究。结果表明:1)2000-2013年,武川县植被覆盖呈增加趋势发展的面积占33.55%,呈减少趋势发展的面积占30.15%,无显著变化的占36.30%,植被覆盖变化的空间差异明显,植被退化的区域重点集中于武川县的西北部。2)1999-2010年间,研究区耕地面积净减少18 809.29 hm2,耕地转为草地13 873.48hm2,转为林地5 429.81 hm2,草地转为林地13 554.25 hm2;结合地形特征,退耕地重点分布于2°~15°坡度与1 500~2 000 m海拔范围,并随着坡度与海拔的增加,退耕的幅度越来越大。3)退耕区中,植被覆盖下降的面积占20.98%,植被覆盖增加的面积占43.89%;在非退耕区,植被覆盖下降的区域面积占29.40%,植被覆盖增加的占34.14%。整体来看,退耕区植被的改善程度要高于非退耕区。4)进一步分析发现,退耕区中,耕地-草地的植被呈退化趋势发展,退化区域集中于2°~15°坡度与1 500~2 000 m海拔范围;在耕地-林地与草地-林地区域,其整体植被覆盖均显著提高,其中,耕地-林地的植被改善区域集中于2°~6°坡度与1 500~1 750 m海拔范围,草地-林地的植被改善区域重点分布于6°~15°、2°~6°及15°~25°坡度范围与1 500~2 000 m海拔范围。在非退耕区,耕地保持区、林地保持区与林地-草地区域的植被覆盖整体增加,而草地保持区、草地-耕地与草地-沙地区域的植被覆盖整体下降。     

三峡库区景观生态安全格局优化研究——以重庆市开州区为例

[目的]探究重庆市开州区景观生态安全格局变化规律,根据不同功能区划进行分区优化,以提高景观生态格局稳定性及完善生态功能分区,为该区生态建设及城市可持续发展提供科学参考。[方法]采用地形位指数分析开州区各类用地在地形梯度上的分布特征,结合景观生态学原理,利用土地利用、高程及地形坡度等因子,选取生态"源"地,构建最小累积阻力模型(MCR),对开州区景观生态安全格局进行分区。[结果](1)开州区的地形位指数范围是0.046~1.069,其中林地和草地的地形位指数较大,耕地的地形位指数值较小。(2)根据最小累积阻力值及突变点分区原理,将研究区域划分为核心保护区,生态缓冲区、生态敏感区、生产生活区等4个敏感区,1990—2010年核心保护区面积较少,生态缓冲区与生态敏感区面积变化不大,生活生产区面积增加。[结论]在分析低海拔、高程与坡度组合复杂的区域景观空间分布特点时,地形位指数更具优势。     

基于地形梯度的皖南地区土地利用分布特征

以安徽省皖南地区为例,利用GIS空间分析技术,通过计算高程、坡度和地形位指数等地形梯度上的土地利用分布指数,分析了3种地形梯度上不同土地利用类型的分布特征,探讨了该区土地利用分布特点与地形间的关系。结果表明:(1)研究区在高程0~600 m、坡度0~21°和地形位指数0~1.575 0区域内的面积占皖南地区总面积的93.10%、83.11%和93.89%,影响着该区的土地利用类型分布;(2)土地利用类型分布分层明显,耕地、水域和建设用地主要分布在海拔较低、坡度平缓和地形位指数较小的区域,相应的土地利用分布指数随地形梯度的增大而减少直至趋于0;林地、草地分布则与之相反;(3)依据土地利用和地形的关系,皖南地区土地利用格局趋于合理,但不合理的土地利用方式仍然存在,需要加强其土地利用的规划管理。     

生态脆弱区景观生态风险时空分异及其地形梯度分析——以陕西省米脂县为例

目前,生态脆弱区已成为景观生态风险评价研究的热点区域之一。以黄土丘陵沟壑区陕西省米脂县为研究区,以2009年、2015年土地利用数据为基础数据,将研究区划分为耕地、林地、草地、果园、水域、城镇工矿用地和荒地7类土地利用类型,基于干扰度与脆弱度构建生态风险模型,并结合地形分布指数进一步分析了生态风险随高程和坡度梯度的动态变化规律,得出如下结论:(1)米脂县土地利用格局变化明显,耕地面积减少3 168.45 hm~2,林地与荒地面积分别增加1 102.95,1 609.47 hm~2;(2)米脂县2009年、2015年景观生态风险指数分别为0.221 7,0.228 9,且呈现西高东低,中间高南北低的空间分布格局。Ⅰ级风险主要转化为Ⅱ级风险,面积比例由28.17%降为13.59%;Ⅲ风险达到研究区面积的1/3,主要由Ⅱ风险区转化而来;Ⅳ与Ⅴ风险区面积变化不大,面积比例整体上升3.9%;(3)生态风险等级时空分布随高程和坡度梯度变化显著。Ⅰ级风险向低海拔、低坡度转移的趋势明显;Ⅱ与Ⅲ级风险均向高海拔转移;Ⅳ与V级风险在地形梯度上无明显的风险转移。     

山地流域土地利用时空演变的地形梯度特征——以乌江北源为例

地形因子是丘陵山区土地利用空间分布格局的重要影响因素之一,对土地的利用方式和空间格局有着直接作用。以乌江北源2000年、2005年和2010年Landsat TM/ETM遥感影像为数据源,采用高程、坡度、地形位指数3个指标,分析了山地流域土地利用时空演变的地形梯度特征。结果表明:（1）2000—2010年,林地、建设用地和水域用地面积增加,耕地和草地面积减少。土地利用类型以林地和耕地为主,反映了山地流域土地利用结构特点;（2）研究区土地利用类型的地形梯度特征明显。耕地、建设用地、水域用地在低地形梯度上有明显分布优势。林地、未利用地分布优势在高地形梯度上;（3）耕地、建设用地优势分布主要受坡度梯度的影响,高程梯度决定了水域用地的分布,这与其他平原、丘陵地区有所不同。地形因素是山地流域土地利用结构演变的决定性因素,其他社会、经济、人文因素都对该区域土地利用格局的转变起到推动作用。在对山地流域土地开发利用过程中,应兼顾生态效益和社会经济效益,保障河流源区生态经济的持续发展。     

泾河流域土地利用区域分异与驱动力的关系

 为正确理解黄土高原土地利用区域分异的驱动力机制,改善黄土高原人地关系,借用植被数量排序方法,对黄土高原中部泾河流域的土地利用区域分异与驱动力的关系进行多元定量分析,认为:泾河流域土地利用格局存在明显的区域分异现象,地形坡度、降水、人口密度、农业机械化程度和河网密度是影响黄土高原土地利用格局区域差异的主要因子。地形坡度与林地、灌丛地的分布呈正相关,与居住、工矿用地的分布呈负相关;降水与林地的分布呈正相关;人口密度与耕地、居住工矿用地的分布呈正相关;农业机械化程度与耕地、灌丛的分布呈负相关。进而定量诊断出各种驱动力因子对该地区土地利用格局区域分异的贡献大小。     

基于地形的黄土区矿-农-城复合区土地利用景观变化研究

以黄土区矿-农-城复合区(平朔矿区)为研究对象,采用1986、2013年的遥感影像和数字高程数据,通过海拔分级、坡度分级、坡向划分及叠加分析等方法,分析了研究区1986、2013年土地利用景观基于不同地形要素的分布及1986—2013年期间各土地利用景观的时空变化规律。研究结果表明:1海拔1 300—1 400 m范围内是土地利用景观变化最明显的区域,在不同海拔上耕地转换的方向也存在差异;2坡度≤6°区域是土地利用景观变化最明显的区域,不同坡度的区域景观变化存在差异,在坡度15°以下区域景观类型面积的增加以占用耕地为主,在坡度15°区域以占用草地为主;3阳坡是土地利用景观变化最明显的区域,并且主要景观类型的转换在各个坡向均比较明显。     

秦巴山区土地利用时空格局及地形梯度效应

自然景观的垂直地带性为区域土地利用的垂直景观格局奠定了基础,同时也决定了垂直景观带上土地利用的强度及其变化情况。该文采用地形位指数、分布指数、土地利用程度综合指数和土地利用信息图谱法等,分析了1989-2010年秦巴山区土地利用格局的地形梯度效应和图谱信息,揭示地形控制下土地利用时空格局和土地转移的变化规律。结果表明:1)秦巴山区土地利用以林地和耕地为主,呈西林东耕分布;1989-2010年间林地减少显著,建设用地增加明显,其中耕地是建设用地主要转入来源,林、草地是耕地主要转入来源。2)秦巴山区各生态亚区用地类型差异明显,各生态亚区土地利用转移方向也存在差异性。3)秦巴山区土地利用强度指数呈东高西低,中高周低的态势;土地利用强度变化率稳定少动,增加趋势不明显;土地利用动态度呈中高周低的态势,整体变化不大。4)水域、建设用地和耕地主要集中在地形起伏度小和坡度小的低地形位,且耕地主要转移为其他两种用地类型,建设用地有向中低地形位分布的趋势。林地和草地集中在地形起伏大、坡度陡的中高地形位,且存在着相互转移演替现象,中低地形位往往是耕地、林地、草地间的相互转换,未来势必加强坡耕地和低山丘陵区林草地的管治工作。     

拉林河流域土地利用变化及其生态环境效应分析

拉林河为松花江的一级支流,发源于张广才岭山脉的老爷岭,流域内土地肥沃、人口密集,是国家重要的商品粮生产基地。基于TM卫星遥感数据及调查资料,对拉林河流域1976-2015年土地利用时空变化特征及其生态效应进行了研究,结果表明:随着流域人口的增加和经济的发展,流域内耕地面积和建设用地面积不断增加,林地、草地、水域、未利用地面积趋于减少;耕地是拉林河流域最主要的土地利用类型,林地、草地转为耕地是其最主要的土地利用转变类型;1976-2015年整个流域景观斑块数量呈现减少趋势,景观破碎度逐渐降低,集中分布的趋向性愈加明显。拉林河流域的土地利用变化导致了诸多环境问题,如土壤侵蚀加剧、水资源短缺、水质恶化、湿地面积萎缩、生态功能下降等,使流域生态环境更加趋于脆弱。     

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.