低分子量有机酸对石灰性土壤磷素形态转化及有效性的影响

采用室内培养和化学分析的方法研究了几种低分子量有机酸对石灰性土壤中磷的活化作用。结果表明:供试有机酸通过溶解、螯合等作用均能不同程度地促进合成磷酸盐的磷素释放。活化DCP、ODP、Fe-P、A l-P的能力依次为柠檬酸>草酸>苹果酸>酒石酸>乙酸;活化FA的能力是草酸>柠檬酸>苹果酸>酒石酸>乙酸。同种有机酸作浸提剂时,有机酸浓度越高磷酸盐中磷素释放量也越大。施加各种有机酸可以不同程度地降低土壤中Fe-P、A l-P和Ca10-P,增加Ca2-P、Ca8-P和O-P含量,总的趋势是促进土壤中植物难以利用的无机磷形态向有效性较高的形态转化。这种促进作用大小顺序为草酸>柠檬酸>酒石酸。     

Low-molecular weight organic acids improve plant availability of phosphorus in different textured calcareous soils

Understanding the role of organic acids on phosphorus (P) sorption capacity of soils is very important for its economic and friendly management. Combining P application with low-molecular weight organic acids could result in its higher plant availability for prolonged time. Therefore, citric and oxalic acid (at the rate of 1.0 mM kg^?1 soil) were evaluated for their effect on P sorption capacity and its plant availability in two different textured calcareous soils. Organic acids decreased P sorption capacity and organic carbon partition coefficient (K_oc) whereas increased Gibbs free energy (ΔG) of P. Organic-acid-treated soils required lesser quantity of P fertilizer to produce soil solution P concentration optimum for plant growth (external P requirement [EPR_0.2]), that is, 0.2 mg L^?1. Citric acid was efficient than oxalic acid in the above effects. P sorption parameters of Freundlich model were negatively correlated with lime potential and ΔG whereas had positive correlation (P < 0.05) with EPR_0.2 and K_oc. Incubation with oxalic acid increased available P in loamy sand and loam soil by 20% and 30%, respectively. Thus, organic acids could help reduce application rate of P fertilizer through lowering its adsorption in highly P-fixing soils without compromise on yield.     

Citric acid enhances the mobilization of organic phosphorus in subtropical and tropical forest soils

Low-molecular-weight organic acids are considered to be effective in the release of inorganic phosphorus (P) but their effectiveness to mobilize organic P is not well understood. The aim of this study was to examine the role of three common organic acids (maleic, oxalic, and citric acids) in mobilizing organic P in forest soils. Soil samples tested in this study were collected from either native or plantation forests in subtropical and tropical Australia with 16–87% of soil total P being in organic form. At a concentration of 10 mM organic acid kg^?1 soil, all three organic acids did not enhance the release of inorganic P as compared with water, whereas the three organic acids displayed different capacities in mobilizing organic P. Citric acid significantly enhanced the solubilization of organic P by 34.7% as compared with water; whereas no significant differences were observed in the mobilization of organic P among maleic acid, oxalic acids, and water. The amount of organic P solubilized by citric acid was not correlated with soil pH but increased with increasing soil organic P as the values were below 200 mg kg.^?1 The possible mechanisms of the effective mobilization of organic P by citric acid were discussed. Our results implied that organic P might play an important role in P nutrition of plants in subtropical and tropical forests due to its substantial proportion in soil P and the effective mobilization by organic acids.     

Effect of Oxalic and Citric Acids on Zinc Release Kinetic in Two Calcareous Soils

Rate of zinc (Zn) release from solid to solution phase by organic acids can influence Zn availability in calcareous soils. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of different concentrations (1.1, 2.2, and 3.3 mM) of oxalic acid and citric acid on the kinetic release of Zn from two calcareous soils from Eastern Iran. The two organic acids showed significant difference in Zn release from studied soils. Cumulative Zn release during 72 h ranged from 5.85 to 10.4 mg kg^?1 in soil 1 and ranged from 8.7 to 16.9 mg kg^?1 in soil 2 using different concentrations of oxalic acid. The amount of cumulative Zn release after 72 h in soil 1 ranged from 13.65 to 28.77 mg kg^?1 and from 17.63 to 23.13 mg kg^?1 when different concentrations of citric acid was used. In general, Citric acid released 38% more Zn from soils than oxalic acid. The release of Zn from soils increased with citric acid concentration but decreased with increasing of oxalic acid concentrations in the solution. The simplified Elovich equation best described Zn release as a function of time (r² = 0.93 and SE = 0.78). From the present study, Zn release from soils can be limited by the higher concentration of oxalic acid, while citric acid is suitable for enhancing soil lability of Zn.     

低分子量有机酸对不同合成磷源的释磷效应

采用化学浸提方法,研究了5种低分子量有机酸(草酸、柠檬酸、酒石酸、苹果酸、乙酸)对不同合成磷源的释磷效应。结果表明:供试有机酸(低浓度乙酸除外)均能促进不同合成磷源(DCP、OCP、FA、Fe-P、A l-P)中磷素的释放;其释磷效果与有机酸的种类和浓度有关,强弱顺序依次为柠檬酸、草酸、酒石酸、苹果酸、乙酸,有机酸浓度越高其释磷效果越好;有机酸与氟磷灰石(FA)反应后,溶液pH值升高。低浓度条件下pH值变化较大,而高浓度条件下pH值变化较小。     

Comparison of Low-Molecular-Weight Organic Acids and Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid to Enhance Phytoextraction of Heavy Metals by Maize

We compared acetic, ascorbic, and oxalic acids with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to enhance phytoextraction of nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) by maize. Except ascorbic acid, acids significantly (P < 0.05) decreased shoot dry weight with maximum (5.60 g pot^?1) recorded with ascorbic acid and minimum with oxalic acid (4.06 g pot^?1). Maximum ammonium bicarbonate–diethylenetriaminepenta acetic acid (AB-DTPA)–extractable nickel (19.94 mg kg^?1) was recorded with EDTA and it was minimum (10.57 mg kg^?1) with oxalic acid. The EDTA significantly (P < 0.05) increased AB-DTPA-extractable lead while other acids decreased it. Except acetic acid, other acids significantly (P < 0.05) increased Ni and Zn concentration in shoots with maximum Ni (9.22 mg kg^?1) and Zn (37.40 mg kg^?1) with EDTA.     

Remediation of Metal Contaminated Soil by Organic Metabolites from Fungi I—Production of Organic Acids

Investigations were made on living strains of fungi in a bioremediation process of three metal (lead) contaminated soils. Three saprotrophic fungi (Aspergillus niger, Penicillium bilaiae, and a Penicillium sp.) were exposed to poor and rich nutrient conditions (no carbon availability or 0.11 M d-glucose, respectively) and metal stress (25 µM lead or contaminated soils) for 5 days. Exudation of low molecular weight organic acids was investigated as a response to the metal and nutrient conditions. Main organic acids identified were oxalic acid (A. niger) and citric acid (P. bilaiae). Exudation rates of oxalate decreased in response to lead exposure, while exudation rates of citrate were less affected. Total production under poor nutrient conditions was low, except for A. niger, for which no significant difference was found between the poor and rich control. Maximum exudation rates were 20 µmol oxalic acid g^?1 biomass h^?1 (A. niger) and 20 µmol citric acid g^?1 biomass h^?1 (P. bilaiae), in the presence of the contaminated soil, but only 5 µmol organic acids g^?1 biomass h^?1, in total, for the Penicillium sp. There was a significant mobilization of metals from the soils in the carbon rich treatments and maximum release of Pb was 12% from the soils after 5 days. This was not sufficient to bring down the remaining concentration to the target level 300 mg kg^?1 from initial levels of 3,800, 1,600, and 370 mg kg^?1in the three soils. Target levels for Ni, Zn, and Cu, were 120, 500, and 200 mg kg^?1, respectively, and were prior to the bioremediation already below these concentrations (except for Cu Soil 1). However, maximum release of Ni, Zn, and Cu was 28%, 35%, and 90%, respectively. The release of metals was related to the production of chelating acids, but also to the pH-decrease. This illustrates the potential to use fungi exudates in bioremediation of contaminated soil. Nonetheless, the extent of the generation of organic acids is depending on several processes and mechanisms that need to be further investigated.     

低分子量有机酸对砖红壤动电性质的影响

研究了 5种低分子量有机酸 ,即醋酸、柠檬酸、马来酸、苹果酸和草酸 ,对昆明和徐闻两种砖红壤动电性质的影响。结果表明 ,在试验条件下 ,两种砖红壤的 ζ电位随醋酸浓度的递增逐渐正移 ,而后 ζ电位正移速率显著增大 ,再后 ζ电位渐趋稳定 ;两者的 ζ电位随柠檬酸浓度的增加向更负的方向移动 ,在试验浓度范围 (0～ 0 .1 5mmolL-1 )内 ,负移的速率没有明显差别。在pH 3.2至 6 .0之间 ,含有不同有机酸的两种砖红壤悬液的ζ电位均具有如下顺序 :醋酸 >马来酸 >苹果酸 >柠檬酸 >草酸 ;含同一有机酸的悬液在相同pH下的 ζ电位 ,昆明砖红壤总是高于徐闻砖红壤。在不同有机酸存在下 ,两种砖红壤悬液等电点的顺序与上述的 ζ电位顺序相同 ;对于相同处理来说 ,昆明砖红壤的等电点高于徐闻砖红壤者 0 .5～ 1 .0pH单位。     

Can root exudate components influence the availability of pyrene in soil?

Purpose

Little information is currently available regarding the influence of different root exudate components (RECs) on the availability of persistent organic pollutants in the soil environment. In this study, we investigated the impacts of different RECs including organic acids, amino acids, and fructose on the availability of pyrene as a representative polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) in soils.

Materials and methods

Citric acid, oxalic acid, malic acid, serine, alanine, and fructose were used in the experiments as representative RECs. Pyrene-spiked soils (TypicPaleudalfs) with present RECs were incubated for 30 days, and the available fraction of pyrene was determined using n-butanol extraction procedure.

Results and discussion

The amount of n-butanol-extractable pyrene in soil increased with the addition of tested RECs and increased when REC concentrations are enhanced within the range of 0–21 g kg^?1. The extractability of pyrene in soil with REC treatments and the enhancement ratio (r, %) of the extractable pyrene in soil by the addition of RECs after a 30-day incubation decreased in the following order: organic acids (oxalic acid ≥ citric acid > malic acid) > amino acid (alanine > serine) > fructose. This decrease was observed irrespective of soil sterilization, although the concentrations of extractable pyrene were lower in non-sterilized soils compared to sterilized soils. The concentrations of metal cations and dissolved organic matter (DOM) in solution increased when organic acids were added.

Conclusions

The tested RECs at concentrations of 0–21 g kg^?1 clearly enhanced the availability of pyrene in soils, and larger amounts of RECs resulted in higher pyrene availabilities in the tested soils. Microbial biodegradation diminished the amount of available pyrene irrespective of the presence of RECs. The mechanism of REC-influenced availability of pyrene in soil may be related to the metal dissolution and release of DOM from soil solids. The results of this study will be useful in assessing PAH-related risks to human health and the environment and will be instructive in food safety and remediation strategies at contaminated sites.     

低分子量有机酸对石灰性土壤有机磷组成及有效性的影响

为探索提高土壤磷素有效性的途径,采用室内培养的方法,研究不同有机酸对土壤速效磷含量及有机磷组分的影响。结果表明,添加有机酸后土壤速效磷含量发生显著变化,其中草酸处理下土壤速效磷含量显著高于其他处理,而柠檬酸和苹果酸对土壤速效磷含量具有抑制作用,其活化量为负值;随着培养时间的延长,速效磷含量缓慢降低。速效磷含量随着草酸浓度的升高而升高,随着苹果酸、柠檬酸浓度的升高而降低;有机酸处理后,土壤活性、中活性、中稳性有机磷升高,高稳性有机磷降低,这说明有机酸能促进土壤有机磷由有效性低的形态逐步向有效性高的形态转化,其中草酸的作用效果总体上较柠檬酸和苹果酸强。     

低分子量有机酸对土壤磷活化影响的研究

研究两种低分子量有机酸（柠檬酸和苹果酸）对土壤磷活化影响,并用修正的Hedley法测定土壤磷活化前后磷组分的变化。结果表明,低分子量有机酸能持续活化土壤磷,活化强度随低分子量有机酸浓度的增大而增强,并且柠檬酸活化土壤磷的能力强于苹果酸。低分子量有机酸能促进作物有效态无机磷组分（H2O-P和NaHCO3-Pi）的释放;同时还促进有机磷组分（NaHCO3-Po和NaOH-Po）的矿化。在低分子量有机酸浓度达到0.5 mmol/L以上时,其对土壤磷组分的活化量的顺序为:NaOH-Pi HCl-P NaHCO3-Pi H2O-P,即铁铝结合态磷 钙结合态磷 作物有效态磷。低分子量有机酸活化土壤磷的过程中伴有大量铁、铝释放,且铁或铝的释放量与磷活化量之间显著正相关（P0.05）。说明铁、铝结合态磷是低分子量有机酸活化土壤磷的主要磷源,并且其活化机制可能与铁、铝结合态磷的螯合溶解有关。     

The possible role of organic acids as allelochemicals in Tamarindus indica L. leaves

Tamarindus indica L. is well known for its acidic nature and allelopathic potential, but to date, little is known about its organic acids playing their role as allelochemicals. Hence, in the present study, identification, quantification, and contribution of organic acids present in its leaf extract were conducted using the principle of bioassay-guided procedure. High pressure liquid chromatography identified four organic acids, viz. citric, malic, oxalic, and tartaric acids, in its leaf aqueous extract with the predominance of oxalic acid (7.5 g kg^?1 leaves fresh weight) followed by tartaric acid (7.3 g kg^?1). The allelopathic activity of identified acids and aqueous extract was evaluated on lettuce seedlings growth based on the specific activity (EC₅₀). The crude extract reduced radicle growth more adversely than hypocotyl at the concentration of 2.5 g L^?1 (EC₅₀). It hindered the normal physiological growth process through weak and curly seedlings, and necrosis of their tips. Among the identified acids, oxalic acid had the highest specific activity (40 mg L^?1) and citric acid had the lowest (>1000 mg L^?1). As a consequence of its high contents, the total activity, a function of specific activity and concentration, of oxalic acid (188) was found higher followed by tartaric acid (146). The contribution of both acids influencing the specific activity of the crude extract was then turned out to be 74%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report identifying the oxalic and tartaric acids as growth inhibitors in tamarind leaves and quantifying their contribution in its allelopathic expression. Based on the total activity, the results suggested that oxalic and tartaric acids are the major allelochemicals in tamarind leaves. The allelopathic potential of these acids might promote the development of natural herbicides as an alternative to the synthetic ones in a most sustainable manner.     

Growth,yield and yield components of dry bean as influenced by phosphorus in a tropical acid soil

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the most yield limiting factors for dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) production in tropical acid soils. Dry beans are invariably grown as mono-crops or as inter-crops under the perennial tropical crops. Information is limited regarding the influence of phosphorus fertilization on dry bean yield and yield components and P use efficiency in tropical acid soils. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of phosphorus fertilization on dry bean growth, yield and yield components and P uptake parameters. Phosphorus rates used were 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mg P kg^?1 of soil. Soil used in the experiment was an acidic Inceptisol. Grain yield, shoot dry weight, number of pods, and 100 grain weight were significantly (P < 0.01) increased with phosphorus fertilization. Maximum grain yield, shoot dry matter, number of pods, and 100 grain weight were obtained with the application of 165, 216, 162, and 160 mg P kg^?1 of soil, respectively, as calculated by regression equations. Grain yield was significantly and positively associated with shoot dry weight, number of pods, P concentration in grain and total uptake of P in shoot and grain. Phosphorus use efficiency defined in several ways, decreased with increasing P rates from 50 to 250 mg P kg^?1 of soil. Maximum grain yield was obtained at 82 mg kg^?1 of Mehlich 1 extractable soil P. Results suggest that dry bean yield in Brazilian Inceptisols could be significantly increased with the use of adequate rates of phosphorus fertilization.     

低分子量有机酸强化烟草修复镉污染土壤的适用性研究

采用盆栽试验,以0.125mmol/kg EDTA为对照,研究3种低分子量有机酸(酒石酸、柠檬酸和草酸)在强化烟草修复镉污染土壤中应用的可行性。3种低分子量有机酸(LMWOA)均可显著降低土壤pH,提高镉的有效含量,酒石酸和草酸对镉在烟草中转运有抑制作用,柠檬酸在酸性土壤中促进镉在烟草中转运,在中性土壤中则起抑制作用。31.25mmol/kg LMWOA对烟草地上部的生长有一定的促进作用,该浓度的柠檬酸和草酸使酸性土壤中烟草地上部镉累积量分别提高42.95%和28.67%,柠檬酸还使中性土壤中烟草地上部镉的累积量提高40.91%,所有酒石酸处理镉在烟草地上部的累积量均降低,EDTA使酸性土壤中烟草地上部镉的累积量提高24.56%,对中性土壤中烟草地上部镉累积量的影响不显著。表明柠檬酸和草酸具有强化烟草地上部对镉的吸收、提高烟草提取土壤镉效率的作用,但要获得与EDTA相当的效果,需大大提高其用量,这必然导致修复成本大大提高,故不宜用于强化烟草修复镉污染土壤。     

有机酸和磷对两种污染土壤铅的释放作用研究

用土壤培养和化学浸提法研究了不同低分子量有机酸和磷对污染土壤中铅释放的影响。结果表明,随有机酸浓度增加,铅污染红壤、棕壤中可溶出铅量均增加。当供试有机酸浓度≥1mmol·L-1时,相同浓度有机酸溶出铅量为柠檬酸〉乙酸〉草酸;当有机酸浓度≤0.5mmol·L-1时,溶出铅量为草酸〉柠檬酸〉乙酸。将2g·kg-1磷及50mmol·kg-1有机酸与铅污染红壤以不同方式混合后,柠檬酸处理的溶出铅比率（在污染土壤中加入P、有机酸后溶出铅含量与单加有机酸溶出铅含量之比）为66%（先加有机酸再加磷）、58%（有机酸与磷同时加入）、70%（先加磷再加有机酸）,草酸处理（方式同上）的溶出铅比率为90%、89%、94%,乙酸处理（方式同上）的为10%、8%、10%。铅污染棕壤上,以上处理的溶出铅比率分别为106.46%、104.43%、105.19%（柠檬酸）;43%、48%、58%（草酸）;38%、42%、55%（乙酸）。供试条件下,红壤最低溶出铅比率低于棕壤。     

Effects of Molybdenum and Phosphorus Fertilizers on Cold Resistance in Winter Wheat

A pot trial with acid yellow-brown soil was conducted to investigate the effects of molybdenum (Mo) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers on cold resistances of winter wheat. Molybdenum was applied at two rates (0 and 0.15 mg Mo kg^?1 soil) and P at four rates [0, 100, 200, and 300 mg phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅) kg^?1 soil] in experiment 1. Both Mo and P fertilizers were applied at two rates (0 and 0.15 mg Mo kg^?1 soil; 0, 150 mg P₂O₅ kg^?1 soil) in experiment 2. Seed yield, soluble sugar, water-soluble protein, ascorbic acid (AsA), malondialdehyde (MDA), and abscisic acid (ABA) concentrations were studied. The results indicated that Mo and P fertilizer increased seed yield, soluble sugar, water-soluble protein, and AsA but decreased the MDA. It implied that appropriate Mo applied with P application had beneficial effects on increasing seed yield and enhancing the cold resistance ability through changing biological substances concentration in winter wheat.     

绿肥腐解液中有机酸组成对铝磷和铁磷活化能力的影响

  【目的】  研究绿肥还田腐解过程中产生的有机酸阴离子对土壤中难溶性磷素的活化效果,以深化理解绿肥作物提高土壤养分供应能力的机理。  【方法】  供试6种绿肥作物为紫云英 (Astragalus sinicus L.)、肥田萝卜 (Raphanus sativus var. Longipinnatus)、二月兰 (Orychophragmus violaceus)、双低甘蓝型油菜 (Brassica napus L.)、双高甘蓝型油菜 (Brassica napus L.) 和芥菜型油菜 (Brassica juncea)。将绿肥植株切碎后,置于离心管中,加入土壤浸提液于室外背光处密闭腐解45天,采用离心法提取植株腐解液。测定腐解液中10种有机酸组分 (丙二酸、苹果酸、柠檬酸、草酸、乳酸、酒石酸、乙酸、琥珀酸、马来酸和富马酸阴离子) 含量。采用室内模拟方法,分别用6种绿肥腐解液溶解难溶性铝磷 (Al-P,AlPO₄) 和铁磷 (Fe-P,FePO₄·2H₂O),测定溶液中的无机磷含量。  【结果】  二月兰腐解液中10种有机酸组分总含量最高,其次为肥田萝卜、双低甘蓝型油菜和芥菜型油菜,双高甘蓝型油菜和紫云英腐解后腐解液中较低。所有绿肥作物腐解液中10种有机酸组分含量大小依次为酒石酸、丙二酸、柠檬酸、琥珀酸、乳酸、苹果酸、乙酸、草酸、马来酸和富马酸阴离子。其中酒石酸和丙二酸阴离子占上述10种主要有机酸总量的15%以上,马来酸和富马酸阴离子占比最低,不到总量的1%。不同绿肥腐解液对Al-P和Fe-P的活化能力有显著差异,肥田萝卜对两种难溶性磷素的活化能力最高,理论上1000 kg肥田萝卜绿肥可活化0.6～1.2 kg的Al-P和Fe-P,其次为紫云英和芥菜型油菜,对Al-P和Fe-P的活化量均约为0.6～1.0 kg,而二月兰的活化量最低,约为0.2～0.6 kg。对不同有机酸含量与难溶性磷活化量进行相关性分析发现,Al-P活化量与柠檬酸、苹果酸和草酸阴离子的含量呈现正相关关系,Fe-P的活化量与酒石酸的含量呈现正相关关系。  【结论】  与Al-P和Fe-P的活化密切相关的是有机酸中含有较高的柠檬酸、草酸、苹果酸和酒石酸。供试6种绿肥作物腐解液中的10种有机酸的总含量及各有机酸组分的占比差异很大。二月兰虽然有机酸总量高,但是柠檬酸、草酸和酒石酸比例均较低;而肥田萝卜腐解液中的酒石酸含量及其占比高于其他绿肥,且柠檬酸和琥珀酸占比较高,对Fe-P的活化能力强;芥菜型油菜和紫云英腐解液中草酸、柠檬酸和琥珀酸占比高于其他绿肥,对Al-P的活化能力强。供试6种绿肥中以肥田萝卜腐解液的活化能力最强,芥菜型油菜和紫云英腐解液的活化能力次之。     

Integrated Fertilizer Management: Influence on Soil Nitrogen,Available Phosphorus,Potassium, Nutrient Uptake and Maize Yield

A field experiment was conducted on an Alfisol (kandic paleustalf) in Abeokuta, Southwestern Nigeria, for two seasons to assess the influence of inorganic and organic fertilizers on nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), nutrient uptake and maize yield. The treatments consisted of three rates of organic fertilizer 0, 5 and 10 t ha^?1 in the form of poultry manure and NPK fertilizer (20:10:10) applied at 0 and 120 kg ha^?1. Maize (Zea mays) was used as the test crop. The results showed that the combined application of 10 t ha^?1 poultry manure and 120 kg ha^?1 NPK fertilizer enhanced the uptake of N, P and K better than other treatment combinations. Application of 10 t ha^?1 poultry manure alone gave the highest grain yield, which was 67.02% higher than the control in the first season. Complementary application of 5 t ha^?1 poultry manure with 120 kg ha^?1 NPK 20–10-10 was recommended for grain yield.     

Organic anion-to-acid ratio influences pH change of soils differing in initial pH

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the effect of initial soil pH and organic anion-to-acid ratio on changes in soil pH.

Materials and methods

Two soils (Podosol and Tenosol) along with two carboxylic acids (malic and citric acid) and their anions (sodium malate and citrate), commonly found in plant residues, were used in this study. Stock solutions of either malic acid and disodium malate or citric acid and trisodium citrate were added to pre-incubated soils at anion-to-acid ratios of 0:100, 10:90, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, 90:10, 100:0 and at 0.25 g C kg^?1 soil. Soils were adjusted to 80 % field capacity and mixed thoroughly, and three replicates of 50 g of each soil were transferred into individual plastic cores and incubated at 25 °C in the dark for 30 days. Soil pH, respiration, NH₄ ⁺, and NO₃ ^? were determined.

Results and discussion

Soil pH increased linearly with increasing organic anion-to-acid ratio. The addition of organic anions to soil resulted in net alkalinisation. However, the addition of organic acids immediately decreased soil pH. During subsequent incubation, soil pH increased when the organic anions were decomposed. Alkalinity generation was lower in the Podosol (initial pH 4.5) than in the Tenosol (initial pH 6.2), and was proportional to anion-to-acid ratio across all the treatments. Cumulative CO₂-C release was approximately three times lower in the Podosol than the Tenosol at day 2 due to lower microbial activity in the low-pH Podosol.

Conclusions

Increasing anion-to-acid ratio of organic compounds increased soil pH. Increases in soil pH were mainly attributed to direct chemical reactions and decomposition of organic anions. Low pH decreased the amount of alkalinity generated by addition of organic compounds due to incomplete decomposition of the added compounds. This study implies that organic anion-to-acid ratio in plant residues plays an important role in soil pH change.     

PHOSPHORUS UPTAKE AND USE EFFICIENCY IN FIELD CROPS

Phosphorus (P) is required by crop plants for many physiological and biochemical functions. Knowledge of phosphorus uptake and its use by crop plants is essential for adequate management of this essential nutrient. A field experiment was conducted during four consecutive years to determine P uptake and use efficiency by upland rice, dry bean, corn and soybean grown in rotation on a Brazilian Oxisol. Plant samples were taken at different growth stages during the growth cycle of each crop for phosphorus analysis. Phosphorus concentration (content per unit dry matter) significantly decreased in a quadratic fashion with the advancement of plant age in four crop species. Phosphorus concentration was higher in legumes compared to cereals. Phosphorus uptake in shoot, however, significantly increased in an exponential quadratic fashion with the advancement of plant age of crop species. At harvest, P uptake was higher in grain compared to shoot, indicating importance of this element in improving crop yields. Phosphorus use efficiency (grain or straw yield per unit P uptake) was higher in cereals compared to legumes. The P use efficiency for grain production was 465 kg kg^?1 for upland rice, 492 kg kg^?1 for corn, 229 kg kg^?1 for dry bean and 280 kg kg^?1 for soybean. The higher P use efficiency in cereals was associated with higher yield of cereals compared to legume species.