Soil moisture affects the interaction between Gaeumannomyces graminis var. Tritici and antagonistic bacteria

Reduction in the soil moisture from a potential of ?10 to?108 kPa reduced the growth of Gaeumannomyces graminis. The antagonist Bacillus cereus only spread through the soil or sand at potentials between ?10 and ?60 kPa. The spread of B. pumilus was not affected by the water potential within the range tested. Both B. cereus and B. pumilus were less antagonistic in the drier sand and soil. When the bacteria and the fungus were grown together the maximum growth of the fungus occurred at those potentials when bacterial antagonism was reduced but the fungus was still able to grow.     

两种根际促生菌在不同氮磷条件下对油菜生长 和养分吸收的影响

油菜是我国和世界主要油料作物,对氮磷肥需求量大,但是氮磷肥利用率低,会造成资源浪费和环境污染等问题。由于根际促生菌能够改善植物生长并提高养分吸收,近些年来不少生物肥料中添加有根际促生菌。采用土培试验,探究了两种根际促生菌(巨大芽孢杆菌和短小芽孢杆菌)在不同氮磷条件下对油菜生长和养分吸收的影响,以期为油菜肥料研制和施肥技术提供帮助。结果表明:油菜在缺氮或缺磷条件下的地上部干重仅为正常氮磷供应的20%;巨大芽孢杆菌在正常氮磷供应条件下改善了油菜生长,促进了油菜对P、K、Zn和B 4种营养元素的吸收,而在缺氮和缺磷条件下没有效果;短小芽孢杆菌在缺氮、缺磷和正常氮磷条件下均没有效果。因此,氮磷肥对油菜生长至关重要,巨大芽孢杆菌能够在适当氮磷供应的条件下发挥促生作用。     

Effects of removing the litter and humic layers on heathland establishment following plantation removal

We investigated ways of optimising the establishment of Calluna vulgaris-dominated heathland vegetation following removal of pines from afforested heathland using a randomised block experiment. Removal of the litter layer, or both the litter and humic layers, resulted in a higher initial establishment rate of C. vulgaris compared to in the control plots. The effect of adding heathland clippings suggested that the rate of establishment of C. vulgaris was limited by seed availability in plots from which both the litter and humic layers had been removed, but not in those from which just the litter layer had been removed. Removal of both the litter and humic layers did, though, result in a long-term reduction in the depth of the humic layer, a lower loss-on-ignition and lower level of nitrate and total nitrogen compared to in the control plots. The optimal method for establishing heathland vegetation at a site will depend on: (1) whether there is a viable seedbank of C. vulgaris and other desirable heathland species present; (2) the importance of quickly establishing a high cover of desirable heathland species; (3) the likely long-term effects of soil nitrogen levels on the maintenance of C. vulgaris dominance; (4) the practicality of removing and disposing of the litter and humus layers.     

Enhanced root uptake of acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM) by tomato plants inoculated with selected Bacillus plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)

The combination of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and plant resistance inducers is an alternative crop protection approach in modern agricultural systems. Despite the numerous reports regarding the improved suppression of plant pathogens by their combined application, little is known about the interactions among these components. In the present study, the persistence behavior of the plant activator acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM) in the rhizosphere of tomato plants and its root uptake as well as systemic translocation ability in aboveground parts after combined use with certain Bacillus PGPR strains (B. amyloliquefaciens IN937a, B. pumilus SE34, B. subtilis FZB24 and GB03) were investigated. Additionally, the population dynamics of the PGPR strain B. subtilis GB03 at the tomato root system and rhizosphere soil applied with or without the pesticide were studied. The results showed that the addition of PGPR inocula did not affect the dissipation rate of ASM in rhizosphere soil. Also, the formation of its major metabolite CGA 210007 in soil was rapid, since it was detected one hour after root drench and it was maintained at high levels during the sampling period without considerable variations among the bacterial treatments compared to the control. The uptake and systemic translocation of ASM and its metabolite CGA 210007 from root to shoot was rapid and maximum concentrations were observed at 48–96 h after its application. It was revealed that in plants treated with the PGPR strains B. subtilis GB03 and B. pumilus SE34 the uptake and systemic translocation of ASM and CGA 210007 in the aerial parts of the tomato plants was significantly higher compared to the control receiving no bacterial treatment. Also, the populations of the strain B. subtilis GB03 showed high colonizing ability in the root system and the rhizosphere soil. PGPR strains that lead to enhanced pesticide uptake by plants should be further evaluated as components in integrated management systems.     

Effect of humic acids on the metabolism of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chlorella vulgaris</Emphasis> in a model experiment

The effect of humic acids (HAs) on physiological processes (photosynthesis, respiration, and abundance) of green microalga Chlorella vulgaris has been studied, and the relationships between the physiological activity of HAs and their structural parameters have been investigated. It has been found that the optimum range of HA concentrations for the growth of C. vulgaris is 0.01–0.03%. In this range, the highest positive effect on total photosynthesis increment is due to hydrophilic HA preparations from fallow soddypodzolic soil (Albic Retisol) and virgin gray soil (Luvic Greyzemic Phaeozem). The minimum stimulation of respiration is noted for all HA preparations in the region of the maximum photosynthesis stimulation. At concentrations above 0.003%, all HA preparations have a negative effect: the rate of photosynthesis in C. vulgaris cells decreases, and their respiration is strongly enhanced. The abundance of C. vulgaris under the effect of all of the studied preparations under illumination increases more rapidly than in the dark. A high positive coefficient of correlation is found between the hydrophilicity of HAs calculated from ¹³C NMR data and the photosynthesis rate in C. vulgaris.     

Iron mobilization by heathland plant extracts

Aqueous extracts of leaves and shoots of Calluna vulgaris, Erica tetralix, and Betula pendula were reacted with iron compounds in the laboratory. Extracts of B. pendula were found to be most active in solubilizing iron. The iron mobilizing capacity of extracts of C. vulgaris depended upon plant age, season, and soil conditions. C. vulgaris shoots were found to be more readily leached of their soluble organic matter than those of B. pendula but yielded little soluble inorganic material. C. vulgaris extracts were the most acid (pH 4.2–4.5) of those examined.     

Appraisal of the crop-rotation effect of rhizobial inoculation on potato cropping systems in relation to soil bacterial communities

Non-legume crops grown in rotation with legumes usually have reduced N-fertilizer requirement, which has both economic and environmental benefits. In this study, we aimed to assess the indirect effect of Phaseolus vulgaris inoculation with two indigenous rhizobia strains on potato growth promotion and disease control in relation to inoculation effects on soil bacterial communities. T-RFLP profiling demonstrated that inoculation significantly increased the phylotype richness of the bacterial communities at the end of P. vulgaris life cycle. A significant difference in richness between simple and dual inoculation was found. Effects on bacterial structure are clearly sensed with both inoculants. Various bacteria like Halomonas, Arthrobacter, Rahnella, Actinobacterium and Frankia were enhanced by inoculation irrespective of the inoculant type. However, other bacteria like Clostridium, Bacillus, Stenotrophomonas and Xanthomonas were enhanced by rhizobial mono-inoculation only and not by co-inoculation with both strains. Some bacteria may potentially behave like plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) towards potatoes grown in rotation with common bean, as indicated by the 32% increase observed in potato yield, and also by the 56% decrease in potato wireworm infection. Therefore, rhizobia inoculation may contribute to the rotational benefits of legumes in potato cropping systems not only by providing fixed nitrogen, but also by increasing microbial diversity and structure, potentially stimulating plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and enhancing disease control. However, these effects depend largely on inoculant formulation.     

植烟土壤中微生物特性及氨化、亚硝化菌分离鉴定与活性研究

针对烤烟生产中施用有机肥后植烟土壤有机态氮素分解速率不易调控的问题,并为配制有机氮分解微生物菌剂提供优良菌株,本研究以化肥、牛粪、玉米秸秆、油枯处理下的烤烟根区土壤为材料,分离筛选出高活性氨化、亚硝化土著菌,并分别测定其对有机氮降解及氨氮分解的效果。结果表明:在烤烟生长旺长期,施用有机肥处理的土壤可培养细菌、真菌、放线菌、氨化菌数量均高于单施化肥处理;在烤烟成熟期,施用有机肥处理,烤烟根区土壤氨化菌、亚硝化菌、真菌、放线菌数量均高于单施化肥。通过各类菌株的土样来源分析,氨化作用强度较高的优势菌株均来源于有机肥处理的土样,植烟土壤施用有机肥较单施化肥能够获得较高活性的氨化细菌。各类菌活性研究显示,短小芽孢杆菌(Bacillus pumilus)、嗜热脂肪地芽孢杆菌(Geobacillus stearothermophilus)、巨大芽孢菌(B.megaterium)培养液有机氮含量降幅最大,较初始有机氮含量分别降低84.74%、92.74%、79.52%;寡养单胞菌(Stenotrophomonas sp.)兼具有亚硝化作用及硝化作用,培养7 d后,培养液中硝态氮含量增加了0.617 mg·L~(-1);嗜麦芽寡单胞菌(S.maltophilia)亚硝化作用最强,培养7 d后,培养液中亚硝态氮含量为0.518 mg·L~(-1)。氨化菌培养48 h后有机氮分解速率降低,具有亚硝化及硝化作用的菌株培养到第7 d活性仍处于较高水平。因此,试验分离出的不同功能细菌在配制解氮复合微生物菌剂时需在不同时间加入菌株进行发酵,以获得高活性微生物菌剂。根据分解有机氮、解氨试验及相关文献中各菌株作用功能分析,筛选出纳西杆菌(Naxibacter sp.)、寡养单胞菌、短小芽孢杆菌、嗜热脂肪地芽孢杆菌、同温层芽孢杆菌(B.stratosphericus)、纤维菌(Cellulosimicrobium cellulans)、高地芽孢杆菌(B.altitudinis)和巨大芽孢菌8株高效氮素功能菌株用于有机氮分解微生物菌剂的配制。     

Effects of Single and Dual Applications of Selected Trichoderma and Bacillus Isolates on Performance of Dry Bean Seedlings Grown in Composted Pine Bark Growth Medium under Shadehouse Conditions

A shadehouse pot trial was conducted to study the efficiency of single and dual inoculations with selected Trichoderma and Bacillus isolates on performance of dry bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) grown in composted pine bark (CPB) potting medium. All the plant treatments inoculated with Trichoderma spp. and/or Bacillus spp. had higher photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm values). Of the treatments, only B. subtilis B69 showed a significant increase (P = 0.02) in Fv/Fm values over the growth period. The Trichoderma and Bacillus treated plants showed increase in dry shoot biomass. The greatest degree of nodulation was observed in Trichoderma and/or Bacillus treated plants. Increase in nitrogen concentrations were observed in leaves of plants inoculated with Trichoderma and Bacillus isolates. Only T. atroviride SY3A significantly increased phosphorus concentrations in leaves. These results depict and highlight the role these organisms can play in plant root-plant growth promoting rhizobacteria or plant growth promoting fungi (PGPR/PGPF) interaction in a nutrient-poor growth medium.     

Relationships of Spectral Reflectance with Plant Tissue Mineral Elements of Common Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) Under Drought and Salinity Stresses

ABSTRACT

Salinity and drought stresses are critical for Phaseolus vulgaris L. growth and development. They affect plants in various ways, including tissue mineral element content. Micro- and macro-elements in leaves of Phaseolus vulgaris L. (cv. ‘Blue lake’ and cv. ‘Terli’) subjected to deficit irrigation and salinity treatments were investigated, both analytically and with regards to their effect on the leaves’ spectral reflectance. B (boron), K (potassium), Mn (manganese), Na (sodium), Si (silicon) and Zn (zinc) appeared to be influenced by stress factors, mainly responding to salinity increase. The leaf spectral reflectance of the plants appeared to be significantly correlated with most of the elements under investigation. Multivariate regression identified a relationship of the reflectance at particular regions of the spectrum with phosphorus and NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) and indicated a significant correlation with B, Fe (iron), K, Mn, P (phosphorus) and Zn. Moreover, customized spectral indices, exhibiting significantly high correlation with B, Fe, K, Mg (magnesium), Mn, Na, P, Zn and N (nitrogen), were developed.     

Comparative studies on the biochemistry of Penicillium albicans (alkalosensitive) and Vertiallium lateritium, (facultative alkalophile) with special reference to the role of sodium ion in alkalophily

High alkalinity inhibited sugar utilization by the alkalosensitive fungus (P. albicans) and increased the polysaccharide content in its fungal mats. The total amino-N content decreased in the culture of P. albicans, whereas its quantity increased in the biomass with progressive alkalinity. Alkalinity inhibited nitrogen uptake and protein synthesis leading to a corresponding decline in growth, and hence apparent alkalosensitivity. High alkalinity caused enhancement of sugar uptake by the facultative alkalphile V. lateritium associated with higher reducing sugar contents and decreased polysaccharide accumulation in mycelial mats. The amino-N content increased in the culture medium of V. lateritium and decreased in the biomass with pH increase. The utilization of soluble nitrogen increased, accompanied by increased protein synthesis, leading to maximum growth at higher pHs, and hence apparent alkalophilicity. The sodium content in the medium of the alkalosensitive fungus decreased at high pHs associated with a respective increase in the biomass. In contrast, in the alkalophilic fungus, the sodium content increased in the culture and decreased in the biomass with increased alkalinity, indicating an important role played by this ion. No clear relationship could be obtained between phosphorus content in cultures or biomass of the two tested fungi and alkalophilicity.     

Five years of simulated atmospheric nitrogen deposition have only subtle effects on the fate of newly synthesized carbon in Calluna vulgaris and Eriophorum vaginatum

To understand the implications of atmospheric nitrogen deposition on carbon turnover in peatlands, we conducted a ¹³C pulse labeling experiment on Calluna vulgaris and Eriophorum vaginatum already receiving long-term (5 years) amendments of 56 kg N ha⁻¹ y⁻¹ as ammonium or nitrate. We examined shoot tissue retention, net ecosystem respiration returns of the ¹³C pulse, and soil porewater DOC content under the two species. ¹³C fixation in Eriophorum leaves was enhanced with nitrogen addition and doubled with nitrate supply. This newly fixed C appeared to be relocated below-ground faster with nitrogen fertilization as respiration returns were unaffected by N inputs. By contrast, increases in ¹³C fixation were not observed in Calluna. Instead, net ecosystem respiration rates over Calluna increased with N fertilization. There was no significant label incorporation into DOC, suggesting a conservative strategy of peatland vegetation regarding allocation of C through root exudation. Greater concentrations of total DOC were identified with nitrate addition in Calluna. Given the long-term nature of the experiment and the high N inputs, the overall impacts of nitrogen amendments on the fate of recently synthesized C in Eriophorum and Calluna in this ombrotrophic peatland were surprisingly more moderate than originally hypothesized. This may be due to N being effectively retained within the bryophyte layer, thus limiting, and delaying the onset of, below-ground effects.     

Comparison of in vitro solubilization activity of diverse phosphate-solubilizing bacteria native to acid soil and their ability to promote Phaseolus vulgaris growth

To identify plant growth promotion ability of phosphorus-solubilizing native bacteria, we have examined a collection of isolates representing the diversity of culturable phosphate-solubilizing bacteria from acid soils of the northeast of Argentina. Assays in growth medium supplemented with tricalcium phosphate revealed different phosphorus solubilization activity and temporal patterns of solubilization. Acidification of the broth medium coincided with phosphorus solubilization. The isolates were grouped according to their Rep fingerprinting profiles and phylogenetically classified by 16S rDNA and biochemical analyses. These isolates were assigned to the genera Enterobacter, Pantoea, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Burkholderia, and Exiguobacterium. Four isolates showing high phosphorus solubilizing activity in in vitro assays were inoculated on common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris); some of them promoted plant growth and increased photosynthesis and the P and N content of leaves. The results indicated that the ability to in vitro solubilize P is not necessarily associated to the promotion of plant growth.     

Evaluation of inoculation with nitrogen and phosphorus biofertilizers on yield and radiation use efficiency of black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) under Mashhad climatic conditions

The purposes of this study were evaluate the effects of biofertilizers inoculation on growth indices, yield and radiation use efficiency (RUE) in black cumin under Mashhad climatic conditions. This field experiment was carried out based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. This experiment was performed at Agricultural Research Station, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, during two growing seasons 2007–2008 and 2008–2009. Treatments were (A) Azotobacter paspali, (B) Azospirillum brasilense, (C) Rhizophagus irregularis, A + C, B + C, A + B, A + B + C and control. In all treatments, except control, 100 g of seeds were inoculated with15 mg of each biofertilizer. Results indicated that leaf area index (LAI) and accumulative dry matter (DM) showed an increasing trend up to 1863°Cd and a short declining trend afterwards. The relation between accumulative DM and absorbed photosynthesis active radiation (PARa) was linear. Radiation use efficiency (RUE) fluctuated from 0.55 gMJ^?1 (control) to 0.89 gMJ^?1 (B+C). Inoculation with biofertilizers enhanced root development and hence availability of moisture and nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus. Since these ecological fertilizers produce many growth regulators for the plant which promote LAI and accumulative DM and therefore yield, PARa and RUE enhanced.     

Comparative Studies on the Green Algae Chlorella homosphaera and Chlorella vulgaris with Respect to Oil Pollution in the River Nile

The effect of oil pollution on growth and metabolic activitiesof the fresh water algae Chlorella homosphaera and C.vulgaris was studied. The study was conducted on two locationsin the river Nile, one is oil polluted and the other is notpolluted. The assemblage of the different algal groups wasmonitored in both locations. Chlorophyta was more dominant thanCyanophyta and Bacillariophyta in both locations during allseasons except in winter when Bacillariophyta is the mostdominant group. The presence of crude oil or its refineryproducts (solar and lubricating) in the culture media of algaemarkedly influenced their growth, proteins and nucleic acidcontents. The toxicity of oil was a concentration dependent. Thelow concentrations stimulated growth, protein content andnucleic acids, whereas high concentrations had an inhibitoryeffect. Although DNA and RNA responded similarly to crude oil inthe two tested organisms, DNA showed more sensitivity than RNAto solar oil. Lubricating oil had a little phytotoxic effect onnucleic acids. Different species of algae response differentiallyto oil pollution; Chlorella vulgaris can be referred to asoil-sensitive, while Chlorella homosphaera can toleraterelatively higher concentrations of oil.     

南方丘陵地区生物黑炭和有机肥配施化肥的应用研究

研究生物黑炭和有机肥配施化肥对旱地作物种植和养分损失的影响,旨在进一步探索高温多雨的南方丘陵地区旱地作物合理施肥和高产高效种植以及资源优化利用的有效途径。采用田间小区试验,设置了5个处理:不施肥(CK)、单施化肥(CF)、化肥+生物黑炭(CF+B)、有机无机肥配施(OF+CF)和有机无机肥配施且添加生物黑炭(OF+CF+B),探讨了生物黑炭和有机肥施用对春玉米产量、地表氮磷径流损失、作物氮磷肥料利用率的影响。结果表明:生物黑炭或有机肥的施用可显著增产8.2%~11.1%,但有机肥和生物黑炭结合施用增产效果最佳,增产率可高达13.7%。相比CF处理,CF+B处理可显著降低15.9%的氮素径流损失和24.2%磷素径流损失,显著提高26.3%和11.8%的地上部氮磷累积量;OF+CF处理可显著降低17.5%的氮素径流损失和25.0%磷素径流损失,提高36.5%(P0.05)和8.2%(P0.05)地上部氮磷累积量;OF+CF+B处理可显著降低33.3%的氮素径流损失和35.2%磷素径流损失,显著提高52.1%和29.0%地上部氮磷累积量,且氮磷肥料利用率最高,分别达49.1%和26.4%。OF+CF+B处理施肥方式一方面可促进春玉米旺盛生长,增加地表植被覆盖度和增强土壤的抗蚀性,显著降低了地表的径流体积;另一方面可以全面降低土壤氮磷养分溶解态和颗粒态的径流损失,培肥了地力。因此,从产量经济效益和环境效益方面综合来看,认为添加生物黑炭和有机肥部分替代化肥结合化肥施入土壤是最合理的施肥方式,值得在该区域进行推广和应用。     

Sugarmill effluent effects on growth,photosynthetic pigments and nutrient uptake in wheat seedlings in aqueous vs. soil medium

Germination, seedling growth, concentrations of photosynthetic pigments and nutrient uptake inTriticum vulgare L. (Var. W-H-147) were studied in response to sugarmill effluent application (10% concentration) in aqueous Vs. soil medium. The effluent rich in various nutrients showed particularly high concentration of sodium. Germination was not affected by the effluent treatment. Seedling growth was reduced significantly by the effluent in aqueous medium, but not in soil. The effluent treatment increased the concentrations of various pigments, however, the pigment ratios got changed in the aqueous medium only. The uptake of nitrogen, magnesium and carbon by the seedlings decreased while that of calcium, sodium and phosphorus increased in effluent treated plants, the changes being more marked in aqueous medium except for phosphorus. In the effluent treated plants, uptake of potassium and chloride increased in aqueous medium, hut decreased sharply in soil.     

Genetic diversity of Rhizobium present in nodules of Phaseolus vulgaris L. cultivated in two soils of the central region in Chile

Although Phaseolus vulgaris L. is native from the Americas and is currently cultured in diverse areas, very little is known about the diversity of symbiotic nitrogen fixing Rhizobium (mycrosymbiont) in many of those cultures. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the genetic diversity of Rhizobium present in nodules of P. vulgaris in the central region of Chile. A method to extract DNA from surface-sterilized nodules was applied to two populations of the same seed variety grown in different fields. The 16S rRNA and nifH genes were amplified directly from the DNA extracted. DGGE analysis and clone libraries showed a restricted genetic diversity of the microsymbiotic populations that nodulate P. vulgaris. Both molecular markers revealed the presence of a microsymbiont closely related to Rhizobium etli in all the plants from the soils studied, indicating that the populations of Rhizobium sp. nodulating P. vulgaris in the central region of Chile displayed an extremely low genetic diversity. The level of genetic diversity in microsymbiont populations in plants grown in soils with different origin suggested that other factors rather than the indigenous soil rhizobial populations play a major role in the selection of the symbiotic partner in P. vulgaris.     

Competitiveness and effectiveness of strains of Rhizobium phaseoli isolated from the sonoran desert

Four strains of Rhizobium phaseoli were examined for N₂ fixation effectiveness and for competitiveness for nodule occupancy by utilizing strain-specific fluorescent antibodies. Competition studies in Leonard jars held in a growth chamber showed strain KIM-5 (a cool season isolate from Kimberly, Idaho) consistently occupied the majority of nodules on bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cv. Kentucky Wonder, when applied as a mixed inoculant with desert strains (K-1, 36 or 90). Competitiveness of KIM-5 was relatively independent of cell numbers as shown by the high recovery of KIM-5 from nodules, even when extensively outnumbered in the inoculant. KIM-5 out-competed the desert strains regardless of whether they were ineffective (strains 36 and 90) or highly effective (K-1). Although KIM-5 was more competitive than K-l, no difference in infectiveness (as shown by nodule mass) or effectiveness (as shown by % N, total plant N, C₂H₂ reduction and total plant weight) was observed.In YEM broth, strain K-l showed increasing growth rates when the temperature was increased from 27° to 35°C, and was viable at 40°C. These data indicate K-1 to be an unusually heat-tolerant strain. Growth rates of KIM-5 were constant from 27° to 35°C and the organism was not viable at 40°C. Both strains produced acid in a defined broth medium.The effectiveness of KIM-5 and K-l was also evaluated under field conditions using single strain inoculants with two cultivars of pinto beans (P. vulgaris L.) ev. Mexicali 80 and Delicias 71. Inoculation with K-1 resulted in yield increases with both cultivars over uninoculated plants, whereas there was little difference between KIM-5 inoculated and uninoculated plants.     

Simulation of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Losses in Loess Landforms of Northern Iran

Population growth, urban expansion and intensive agriculture and thus increased use of fertilizers aimed at increasing the production capacity cause extensive loss of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus and lead to reduced quality of soil and water. Therefore, identification of nutrients in the soil and their potential are essential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capability of the SWAT model in simulating runoff, sediment, and nitrogen and phosphorus losses in Tamer catchment. Runoff and sediment measured at Tamar gauging station were used to calibrate and validate the model. Simulated values were generally consistent with the data observed during calibration and validation period (0.6 < R² and 0.5 < NS). In the case of nitrogen loss, the model performed an almost good simulation (0.6 < R² and 0.47 < NS), but phosphorus simulation yielded better results (0.76 < R² and 0.66 < NS). The results showed that cultivated lands had higher loss of nitrogen and phosphorus than other types of land use. Among the various forms of nitrogen and phosphorus, the loss of organic nitrogen and nitrate and soluble phosphorus and mineral phosphorus attached to the sediments showed the greatest sensitivity to the type of land use. Results also showed that the average nutrient loss caused by erosion in this catchment, was 6.99 kg/ha for nitrogen, 0.35 kg/ha for nitrate, 1.3 kg/ha for organic phosphorus, 0.015 kg/ha for soluble phosphorus, and 0.45 kg/ha for mineral phosphorus.