膜下滴灌土壤水盐与玉米产量对节水控盐灌溉模式响应的模拟

土壤盐渍化是干旱灌区农业可持续发展亟待解决的关键问题,膜下滴灌加适宜的节水控盐灌溉制度可有效控制根区土壤盐分,并提升作物产量。该研究以河套灌区玉米膜下滴灌田间试验为基础,应用农业水文模型（Agro-Hydrological & Chemical and Crop systems simulator, AHC）模拟分析了膜下滴灌农田土壤盐分胁迫和玉米产量对不同灌溉制度的响应,以期获得不同程度盐渍化土壤膜下滴灌玉米适宜的节水控盐灌溉制度。结果表明,土壤盐渍化、灌水下限及淋盐灌溉显著影响玉米灌溉制度和玉米耗水、产量与水分利用效率。轻度和中度盐渍化土壤玉米膜下滴灌适宜的节水-控盐-增产灌水下限分别为–25和–15 kPa,次灌水量为对应灌水下限无淋盐处理的灌水量与淋盐水量之和。轻度盐渍化土壤灌水下限为–25 kPa时,与不淋盐处理相比,淋盐处理盐分胁迫系数平均值可提高12.4%,产量可提高16.9%;中度盐渍化土壤灌水下限为–15 kPa时,与不淋盐处理相比,淋盐处理盐分胁迫系数平均值可提高31.1%,产量可提高25.2%。研究结果为河套灌区及类似干旱灌区玉米农田土壤水盐调控与灌溉管理提供科学依据。     

不同灌溉制度下河套灌区玉米膜下滴灌水热盐运移规律

为探明干旱地区膜下滴灌玉米土壤水热盐效应及秋浇洗盐灌溉的效果,该文根据2014—2015年进行的田间试验,分析膜下滴灌不同灌溉制度下生育期土壤水分盐分剖面分布特性、土壤温度变化及对玉米产量品质的影响和非生育期洗盐灌溉(秋浇)效果。结果表明,不同滴灌制度下土壤剖面水分、盐分剖面分布极不均匀,盐分均由膜内向膜外地表裸露区定向迁移,趋于膜外地表积累。膜下滴灌土壤温度受气温、玉米叶面积指数、灌水及土壤含水率共同作用。灌水后各处理土壤温度均剧烈下降,2~3 d后恢复,玉米营养生长阶段控制灌水下限为-30 k Pa最有利于土壤温度积累。玉米生育期各处理膜内0~40 cm不积盐,控制灌水下限为-10 k Pa可有效淋滤0~100 cm土壤盐分,而其他处理对0~100 cm土层盐分的影响差异性短期内不明显,需对不同处理长期膜下滴灌的盐分进一步观测。非生育期洗盐灌溉效果显著,秋浇灌黄河水180 mm后,次年春播前0~100 cm土壤盐分平均下降10.86%~26.14%,剖面分布较均匀。河套灌区膜下滴灌土壤盐分调控建议为生育期滴灌灌溉制度和非生育期洗盐灌溉双重调控。玉米生育期灌水下限建议控制为-30 k Pa,非生育期洗盐灌溉由于河套灌区冻融影响及特殊的水文地质条件,膜下滴灌盐分累积到何种程度洗盐灌溉及具体合理的洗盐灌溉制度还需进一步深入研究。     

滴灌灌水下限对夹砂层农田土壤水盐分布和玉米生长的影响

为探明滴灌灌水下限对夹砂层土壤水盐分布和作物生长的影响,在河套灌区开展连续2年的田间试验。供试土壤60~100 cm深度为砂土层,供试作物为玉米。基于土壤基质势,设置5个滴灌灌水下限：-10 kPa（S1）,-20 kPa（S2）,-30 kPa（S3）,-40 kPa（S4）和-50 kPa（S5）。结果表明夹砂层显著影响土壤水盐运移。0~60 cm根层含水量较低,而砂层较高;土壤盐分受水分影响,更多聚集在砂层。灌水下限显著影响土壤水盐分布和各层储量,下限越高,根层土壤含水量越高、含盐量越低,而砂层及以下处理间差异不显著。S1、S2和S3处理玉米籽粒产量显著高于S4和S5（P < 0.05）,且前三者之间差异不显著,S3水分利用效率最高。因此,针对河套灌区夹砂层农田,建议膜下滴灌灌水下限为-30 kPa。     

旱区垄膜沟灌不同灌水量对土壤水盐及春玉米产量的影响

为了研究垄膜沟灌系统下不同灌水量对河套灌区土壤水盐运移规律及春玉米生长特性的影响,于2019年4—10月在河套灌区曙光试验站开展田间试验,通过布设5个典型灌水量(T1,200 mm; T2,275 mm; T3,350 mm; T4,425 mm; T5,500 mm),深入研究垄膜沟灌土壤水盐运移特征及其对春玉米产量和水分利用效率(WUE)的影响,尝试寻求轻度盐渍化农田的垄膜沟灌适宜灌水量。结果表明:T4与T5处理0—120 cm土层的土壤贮水量接近,T5处理的玉米耗水量显著高于其他处理。T1～T5处理垄上平均储盐量分别为48.37,26.84,19.34,21.38,22.79 t/hm~2。T1、T2和T5处理垄体储盐量较播种前分别增加27.33,1.54,5.88 t/hm~2,T3和T4分别减少10.04,3.42 t/hm~2,积盐量呈先减少后增加的"V"形变化;200,275 mm灌水量下土壤严重缺水,储盐量高,350 mm处理的土壤水盐环境适宜,WUE最高,且产量与T4和T5处理无显著差异,425,500 mm的深层渗漏大,积盐量有逐渐升高的趋势。因此,在引黄水量减少前提下,河套灌区使用垄膜沟灌350 mm的灌水量可达到节水控盐增产的目标。     

滴灌灌水下限对夹砂层农田土壤水盐分布和玉米生长的影响

为探明滴灌灌水下限对夹砂层土壤水盐分布和作物生长的影响,在河套灌区开展连续2年的田间试验。供试土壤60～100 cm深度为砂土层,供试作物为玉米。基于土壤基质势,设置5个滴灌灌水下限：–10 kPa(S1),–20 kPa(S2),–30 kPa(S3),–40 kPa(S4)和–50 kPa(S5)。结果表明夹砂层显著影响土壤水盐运移。0～60 cm根层含水量较低,而砂层较高;土壤盐分受水分影响,更多聚集在砂层。灌水下限显著影响土壤水盐分布和各层储量,下限越高,根层土壤含水量越高、含盐量越低,而砂层及以下处理间差异不显著。S1、S2和S3处理玉米籽粒产量显著高于S4和S5(P <0.05),且前三者之间差异不显著,S3水分利用效率最高。因此,针对河套灌区夹砂层农田,建议膜下滴灌灌水下限为–30 kPa。     

不同农田防护林配置结构下玉米水分来源研究

由于气候条件干旱,合理平衡防护林与农田作物水分需求是河套灌区农田防护林林网体系建设的关键问题。为研究河套灌区典型农田防护林对农田作物水分来源的影响,选择河套灌区3种典型配置的防护林系统,测定并分析附近农田距农田边缘0.3,0.4,0.6,2 H处土壤含水率、土壤和作物茎秆水氢氧同位素值。结果表明：(1)7—9月各农田样地土壤含水率普遍较低,4,5行样地在近林端处土壤含水率均低于远林端处,8行样地各处土壤含水率没有明显差异。(2)各样地土壤水氢氧同位素随着土层深度的增加而贫化,其中,8行样地距农田边缘0.4～0.6 H处40—60 cm土层的土壤出现较大的同位素富集。(3)4行样地内距农田边缘0.3～0.4 H处玉米主要利用40—80 cm土层土壤水,0.6～2 H处玉米利用0—40 cm土层土壤水。5行样地0.3 H处玉米利用20—60 cm土层土壤水,0.4～2 H处玉米利用0—60 cm土层土壤水。8行0.3,2 H处玉米主要利用0—40 cm土层土壤水,0.4～0.6 H处玉米则更多地利用20—80 cm土层土壤水。研究认为,8行配置的防护林对农田作物水分利用范围影响更广,在不影...     

基于ANN技术的大型灌区节水改造后农田水环境预测

为了研究大型灌区节水改造后区域农田水环境的变化及可能引起的环境负效应,该文以中国黄河河套灌区为案例,通过区域水盐动态的监测和多年水文、地下水资料的分析,以三个不同尺度下的试验区为研究对象,用人工神经网络技术中的BP、RBF模型对农田地下水文和土壤水盐变化进行了系统预测,求得中国内蒙古河套灌区在未来不同节水水平下灌区地下水文、土壤水盐的变化趋势,并与传统的有限元数值法和水均衡法的结果进行了对比,得出的预测结果具有一定的合理性和一致性。说明人工神经网络技术在进行复杂系统的模拟预测中显示突出的优势,可获得较好预测效果,适合未来因子变化的区域趋势估计,提出了在气候干旱、土壤盐渍化灌区的科学引水量应存在一个适度的环境安全阀值,可以为大型灌区节水改造提供宏观管理决策依据。     

产芝水库灌区农田水分转化及节水灌溉模式分析

在长期田间试验的基础上,建立了产芝水库灌区典型农田的土壤水分运动模型。结果表明,常规灌溉条件下灌区农田水分的无效渗漏量较大,降水和灌溉与土壤深层渗漏和农田蒸散量之间存在明显的正相关关系。基于作物的土壤水分调节标准,模拟得到灌区不同降水年型的节水灌溉模式,与常规灌溉相比,节水灌溉模式在丰水年可节省水240 mm,平水年140 mm,枯水年为90 mm,并且农田渗漏量显著低于常规灌溉,丰水年、平水年和枯水年的全年平均农田渗漏强度分别减少了0.66、0.35和0.27 mm/d。在作物关键生育期合理控制灌水量,能够保证作物正常需水的同时减少土壤水的无效渗漏,从而提高灌溉水的利用效率。     

河套灌区土壤水盐和作物生长的HYDRUS-EPIC模型分布式模拟

土壤水盐是影响干旱灌区作物产量的主要因素。分布式模型可综合考虑土壤、水文和气象因子在灌区的时空变异特征,为评估区域尺度土壤水盐与作物生长状况提供有效工具。该文以河套灌区解放闸灌域为研究区,根据气象-土壤-作物-灌溉等因子的空间分布特征进行均质单元划分,建立基于一维农业水文模型HYDRUS-EPIC的灌区尺度分布式模型。利用2012年和2013年定点观测数据(土壤水分、盐分、叶面积指数和作物产量)进行模型率定与验证;进一步应用模型以求探明现状灌溉条件下研究区土壤水盐与作物生长状况及存在的问题。结果表明:生育期内灌区根区土壤(0~100 cm)有效饱和度为0.44~0.90,基本满足作物耗水需求;根区土壤溶液平均盐分浓度为3.1~13.5 g/L,相应地作物的相对产量为0.35~1.33,土壤盐分过高成为限制研究区作物产量的主因。为调控根区土壤水盐状况,对地下水深埋区(东北部)需进行灌水量的适宜补充,宜将浅埋区(西北、西南等)地下水平均埋深控制在1.3 m以下。     

土壤水盐与玉米产量对地下水埋深及灌溉响应模拟

引黄水量的削减将进一步加剧宁夏银北灌区农业用水短缺问题,合理应用地下水进行灌溉对保障作物产量具有重要意义。为探究地下水灌溉条件下土壤水盐与作物生长的互馈机制,该研究修正了HYDRUS-1D的土壤蒸发模块,并嵌入可模拟作物生长与产量的EPIC模块,以此提高该模型在农田水文过程模拟中的适用性。采用2008年银北灌区不同水质灌水处理的玉米田间试验数据对模型进行了率定与验证。进一步应用该模型探寻地下水灌溉条件下,土壤水盐动态及玉米产量对地下水埋深变动及灌溉的响应规律。结果表明,玉米产量随地下水埋深增大呈现先增后减趋势,为保障玉米产量应将地下水适宜埋深控制在140~155 cm,且灌水量不宜低于现状灌水量,即玉米生育期内灌3水,每次900 m3/hm2。该研究对干旱银北灌区农业生产具有重要意义。     

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.     

Responses of native legume desert trees used for reforestation in the Sonoran Desert to plant growth-promoting microorganisms in screen house

Three slow-growing legume trees used for desert reforestation and urban gardening in the Sonoran Desert of Northwestern Mexico and the Southwestern USA were evaluated whether their growth can be promoted by inoculation with plant growth-promoting bacteria (Azospirillum brasilense and Bacillus pumilus), unidentified arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (mainly Glomus sp.), and supplementation with common compost under regular screenhouse cultivation common to these trees in nurseries. Mesquite amargo (Prosopis articulata) and yellow palo verde (Parkinsonia microphylla) had different positive responses to several of the parameters tested while blue palo verde (Parkinsonia florida) did not respond. Survival of all tree species was over 80% and survival of mesquite was almost 100% after 10 months of cultivation. Inoculation with growth-promoting microorganisms induced significant effects on the leaf gas exchange of these trees, measured as transpiration and diffusive resistance, when these trees were cultivated without water restrictions.