Starved bacteria retain their size but lose culturability - Lessons from a 5000 years old undisturbed A-horizon

The vast majority of soil bacteria are unable to form visible colonies on agar media. One hypothesis is that unculturable soil bacteria are dwarf cells that may either be small starved forms derived from larger species or represent inherently small species. We test the hypotheses that cells of extremely starved soil bacterial communities are smaller and less culturable than cells of bacterial communities from a richer soil, and that culturability is related to cell size by comparing an extremely starved community from a 5200-year-old A-horizon buried under a burial mound with a community from a modern agricultural A-horizon.We serially filtered cell suspensions through filters with successively smaller pore sizes (0.8 μm, 0.6 μm and 0.4 μm) and assessed total cell number and culturability, i.e. the ability to form colonies on two types of agar media, in each size fraction. Cell size distributions were assessed in unfiltered suspensions. Average cell size was only moderately reduced in the starved community, where culturability was low for all size classes. In contrast, culturability was much higher in the modern community, where culturability decreased dramatically with decreasing cell sizes.     

Effect of Salinization of Soil on Growth and Nutrient Accumulation in Seedlings of Prosopis cineraria

ABSTRACT

Greenhouse experiments were conducted to assess the effects of salinization of soil on emergence, seedling growth, and mineral accumulation of Prosopis cineraria (Linn.) Druce (Mimosaceae). A mixture of chlorides and sulfates of sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) was added to the soil and salinity was maintained at 5.1, 7.2, 9.3, 11.5, and 13.3 dS m^?1. A negative relationship between seedling emergence and salt concentration was obtained. Seedlings did not emerge when soil salinity exceeded 11.5 dS m^?1. Results suggested that this tree species is salt tolerant at seed germination and seedling stages. Elongation of stem and root was retarded by increasing salt stress. Young roots and stem were most tolerant to salt stress, followed by old roots and leaves. Leaf tissue exhibited maximum reduction in dry-mass production in response to increasing salt stress. However, production of young roots and death of old roots were found to be continuous and plants apparently use this process as an avoidance mechanism to remove excess ions and delay onset of ion accumulation in this tissue. Plants accumulated Na in roots and were able to regulate transfer of Na ions to leaves. Stem tissues were a barrier for translocation of Na from root to leaf. Moreover, K decreased in root tissues with increased salinization. Nitrogen (N) content significantly (P < 0.01) decreased in all tissues (leaf, stem, and root) in response to low water treatment and salinization of soil. Phosphorus (P) content significantly (P < 0.01) decreased while Ca increased in leaves as soil salinity increased. Changes in elements-accumulation patterns and the possible mechanisms for avoidance of Na toxicity in tissues and organism level are discussed.     

Effect of Phosphorus in Alleviation of Adverse Impacts of Salinity on Wheat Grown on Different Soils

Fertilization management is an important technique to alleviate the adverse effects of salinity stress on plants. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the ameliorative role of inorganic phosphorus (P) and organic P sources on wheat grown under salt stress in three soil types deficient in available P. Wheat (Triticum asetivum L. cv. Shakha 93) was grown on alluvial, sandy, and calcareous soils under salinity levels of 4, 8, and 12 dS m^?1 of saturated paste extract (EC_e) and supplied with constant rate of 30 mg P₂O₅ kg soil^?1 as superphosphate (SP), cattle manure (CM), and 1:1 mixture of SP and CM. The results revealed that plants grown on the sandy soil were more susceptible to the adverse effects of salinity compared with those planted on the alluvial one, especially at zero P. Plants grown on the calcareous soil were moderately affected. Varying soil type caused significant differences in the aboveground biomass and uptake of nitrogen (N), potassium (K), P, and zinc (Zn). It was obvious that P ameliorated wheat growth under salt stress, and this role was greater under moderate and high salinity. The increases in N, P, K, and Zn uptake appeared driven by P application were more conspicuous in the sandy and calcareous soils. Results also indicated that combined application of inorganic and organic P sources surpassed both when applied solely under all soil types and salinity levels.     

Influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and salinity on growth,biomass, and mineral nutrition of<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Acacia auriculiformis</Emphasis>

The effect of salinity on the efficacy of two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Glomus fasciculatum and G. macrocarpum, alone and in combination was investigated on growth, development and nutrition of Acacia auriculiformis. Plants were grown under different salinity levels imposed by 0.3, 0.5 and 1.0 S m^-1 solutions of 1 M NaCl. Both mycorrhizal fungi protected the host plant against the detrimental effect of salinity. The extent of AM response on growth as well as root colonization varied with fungal species, and with the level of salinity. Maximum root colonization and spore production was observed with combined inoculation, which resulted in greater plant growth at all salinity levels. AM fungal inoculated plants showed significantly higher root and shoot weights. Greater nutrient acquisition, changes in root morphology, and electrical conductivity of soil in response to AM colonization was observed, and may be possible mechanisms to protect plants from salt stress.     

Effect of salinity and soil temperature on the growth and physiology of drip-irrigated rice seedlings

Drip irrigation offers potential for rice (Oryza sativa L.) production in regions where water resources are limited. However, farmers in China’s Xinjiang Province report that drip-irrigated rice seedlings sometimes suffer salt damage. The objective of this study was to learn more about the effects of soil salinity and soil temperature on the growth of drip-irrigated rice seedlings. The study consisted of a two-factor design with two soil salinity treatments (0 and 1.8 g kg^?1 NaCl) and three soil temperature treatments (18°C, 28°C and 36°C). The results showed that shoot biomass, root biomass and root vigor were greatest when seedlings were grown with no salt stress (0 g kg^?1 NaCl) at 28°C. Moderate salt stress (1.8 g kg^?1 NaCl) combined with high temperature (36°C) significantly reduced root and shoot biomass by 39–53%. Moderate salt stress and high temperature also increased root proline concentration by 77%, root malonyldialdehyde concentration by 60% and seedling mortality by 60%. Shoot and root Na⁺ concentrations, shoot and root Na⁺ uptake and the Na⁺ distribution ratio in shoots were all the greatest when moderate salt stress was combined with high temperature. In conclusion, high soil temperature aggravates salt damage to drip-irrigated rice seedlings. Therefore, soil salinity should be considered before adopting drip-irrigation for rice production.     

Alleviation of Salt Stress in Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) by Plant-Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria

This study was conducted to elucidate the effects of inoculation with plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on eggplant growth, yield, and mineral content under salt stress [0, 25, and 50 mM sodium chloride (NaCl)]. The PGPR strains Xanthobacter autotrophicus BM13, Enterobacter aerogenes BM10, and Bacillus brevis FK2 were isolated from the salt-affected maize and kidney bean fields. The increase in salinity decreased the growth and yield and increased the sodium (Na⁺) uptake of eggplant. However, inoculation with PGPR strains reduced the negative effects at each level of salinity tested. The E. aerogenes strain was capable of promoting eggplant growth and yield when compared to an uninoculated control. The B. brevis was the most effective strain for reducing the negative effects of salinity, and its effects occurred through increasing the potassium (K⁺)/Na⁺ ratio and K⁺-Na⁺ selectivity in the eggplant shoots. Inoculation of the eggplant seedlings with PGPR could alleviate the negative effects of salt stress.     

盐胁迫环境下接种根际促生细菌对白蜡树根际生物学特征及其生长的影响

[目的]探讨不同盐胁迫生境中接种根际促生细菌(PGPR)对白蜡树根际的作用效果,为明确PGPR对白蜡树耐盐性的改善效果以及盐胁迫环境下PGPR的推广应用提供理论依据。[方法]通过盆栽试验,研究不同盐胁迫(轻度、中度、重度)及其接种阴沟肠杆菌(PGPR)对白蜡树根际生物学特征与生长的影响。[结果]盐胁迫显著降低了白蜡树根际微生物数量、微生物量碳、氮含量和脲酶、多酚氧化酶、过氧化氢酶、蔗糖酶活性,且其降幅随盐胁迫梯度的增加而增大;当接种PGPR后,白蜡树根际微生物数量、微生物量碳、氮含量和脲酶、多酚氧化酶、过氧化氢酶、蔗糖酶活性均呈上升趋势,其中轻度盐胁迫接种PGPR处理的细菌数、放线菌数和微生物总量达最高,分别较对照显著提高14.64%,24.01%和17.04%,而脲酶、多酚氧化酶、蔗糖酶活性与对照差异不显著,但显著高于其他处理。同时,白蜡树的根体积、根系总吸收面积与活跃吸收面积随着盐胁迫程度的加剧呈递减趋势,但接种PGPR后,对应的根系指标均有增加,其中轻度盐胁迫接种PGPR处理的活跃吸收面积显著高于对照15.97%。此外,同对照相比,不同程度盐胁迫均显著降低了白蜡树的地径、株高,而接种PGPR却显著提高了地径、株高,其中轻度盐胁迫接种PGPR处理的地径、株高与对照差异不显著,但显著高于其他处理。[结论]轻度盐胁迫下(盐分含量0.2%)接种阴沟肠杆菌能显著改善白蜡树根际生物学特征,并促进白蜡树生长,其作用效果显著优于中度、重度盐胁迫下接种阴沟肠杆菌。     

Effects of Putrescine Foliar Spray on Nutrient Accumulation,Physiology, and Yield of Wheat

The effects of putrescine was studied on the growth, physiology, and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) exposed to salinity stress. Foliar spray of putrescine at the rate of 0.24 g/l was made to plants grown in saline-sodic soil of the field and also to plants grown under axenic condition in pots. The foliar spray was made twice at 14 and 30 d after seed germination. Under salt stress, putrescine application decreased the Na accumulation concomitant with the increase in the accumulation of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). The putrescine-induced salt tolerance was mediated by the enhanced production of proline, stimulation in the activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase, and modulating the endogenous level of phytohormones such that increased abscisic acid (ABA) (70%), indole acetic acid (IAA), and gibberellic acid (GA) (40–50%) were produced. It is inferred that putrescine application can be a strategy to mitigate salinity stress in plants.     

水分调控降低盐分对夏玉米的影响

环渤海低平原冬小麦夏玉米一年两作种植系统中,冬小麦季微咸水灌溉造成土壤含盐量增加,影响下茬玉米正常出苗。通过水分调控消减根层土壤盐分是有效可行的途径,并利于冬小麦夏玉米一年两作的微咸水安全利用。该研究通过盆栽与田间试验相结合的方法,研究玉米出苗对土壤水盐阈值的响应以及玉米播后灌水对出苗、生长、根层水盐和产量的影响。盆栽试验结果表明:1)玉米在低土壤盐分含量(全盐含量0.8g·kg–1)下,60%田间持水量即可达到正常出苗;2)在高土壤盐分含量(全盐含量3.5 g·kg–1)下,出苗时间延长,出苗率降低;3)土壤盐分对出苗的影响,随着土壤含水量降低而越趋严重。因此在较高的盐分条件下,维持出苗期间一定土壤含水量,更利于缓解土壤盐分对玉米出苗的影响。大田试验中灌溉水盐分梯度为淡水(对照)、3g·L–1、4 g·L–1和5 g·L–1。田间试验结果表明:1)随着灌溉水盐分浓度增加冬小麦收获时0~20 cm土壤盐分含量明显增加;2)淡水、3 g·L–1、4 g·L–1和5 g·L–1灌溉冬小麦,收获期0~20 cm土壤盐分含量分别为1.0 g·kg–1、1.3g·kg–1、1.6 g·kg–1、2.0 g·kg–1;3)夏玉米播种后立即灌溉一次75 mm淡水,玉米出苗期耕层土壤含水量维持在田间持水量的70%以上,土壤含盐量下降到1.0 g·kg–1左右,夏玉米生长进程和产量不受影响。2年(2015年和2016年)淡水、3 g·L–1、4 g·L–1和5 g·L–1微咸水拔节期灌溉冬小麦,下茬夏玉米产量分别为9 510.4 kg·hm–2、9 913.6 kg·hm–2、9 910.6 kg·hm–2、9 986.0 kg·hm–2和9 621.8 kg·hm–2、9 455.3 kg·hm–2、9 460.2 kg·hm–2、9 221.4kg·hm–2,产量差异不显著。考虑该地区降水的时间分布,与玉米生长同期的充足夏季降水的淋洗作用,微咸水灌溉小麦的积盐可得到很好淋洗。因此,该地区在冬小麦生长季实施不超过5 g·L–1微咸水灌溉,利用冬小麦夏玉米关键生育期水分调控,可消减微咸水灌溉土壤盐分积累对玉米出苗影响,结合夏玉米出苗水管理和雨季淋盐,实现周年稳产和水盐平衡,根层土壤不积盐。     

Identification and characterization of salt- and thermo-tolerant Leucaena-nodulating Rhizobium strains

 Rhizobium-legume symbioses are important for their nitrogen input, but salinity and elevated temperature in arid and semi-arid areas limit their effectiveness, and therefore plant growth and productivity. Sixteen Rhizobium strains isolated from root nodules of Leucaena trees grown in different geographical areas of Egypt varied in their degree of tolerance to salinity and in their symbiotic effectiveness with Leucaena leucocephala under saline conditions. Three strains were tolerant to >3% NaCl. L. leucocephala grown in the greenhouse at concentrations of NaCl up to 1.0% and inoculated either with strain DS 78 or strain DS 158 displayed significantly better growth than those plants grown at the same levels of salinity and inoculated with reference strain TAL 583. Although nine of the Rhizobium strains grew at 42  °C, their mean generation times were lengthened two- to fourfold. When daylight growth temperatures were elevated from 30  °C to 42  °C, nodule number and mass, nitrogenase activities and shoot top dry weight of plants inoculated with strains DS 78, DS 157 and DS 158 significantly increased, whereas these parameters decreased in plants inoculated with strain TAL 583. Rhizobium strains that effectively nodulate Leucaena under adverse saline conditions and at high temperatures were thus isolated, identified and characterized. Received: 12 September 1997     

Growth response of barley and wheat to salt stress

Dry matter yield and water uptake by barley (Hordeum vulgare L., cv. ‘Gus') and wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cv. ‘Inia 66') grown in full strength Hoagland nutrient solution were compared under three NaCl salinity levels in a growth chamber. Total dry matter yield decreased with increasing salinity for both plants, but wheat was more severely affected than barley at the high salinity level. Reduction in dry matter weights of barley and wheat were 57% and 67%, respectively, at the 1.2 MPa stress. Salt stress substantially decreased the number of tillers in both crops, however, this reduction was more severe for wheat than barley. The numbers of tillers were 10 and 7 for barley plants at 0.6 and 1.2 MPa stress, respectively. The respective values were 6 and 4 for wheat plants. Water uptake in both plants was substantially decreased by increasing salinity stress. This reduction was essentially similar for both plants. Water uptake per gram dry weight was not significantly affected by salt stress for barley. For wheat, only 1.2 MPa stress increased the amount of water absorbed per g dry matter produced.     

Salinity Effects on Yield and Yield Components of Contrasting Naked Oat Genotypes

ABSTRACT

Global crop production systems are challenged by the increasing areas of saline soil in arid and semi-arid regions. Two naked oat (Avena sativa L.) lines (‘VAO-7’ and ‘VAO-24’) with distinct seedling tolerance to salinity were subjected to six levels of salt concentrations in a controlled greenhouse, and the response of yield and yield components to salinity stress was determined. The salt treatments 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mM sodium chloride (NaCl) (corresponding to EC: 3.42, 6.74, 9.66, 12.40, 15.04 dS m^?1) imposed through modified Hoagland solution. Plain Hoagland was used as control. Complete nutrient elements were provided during the entire growth period. At maturity, the number of tillers with emerged heads was counted; the plant was then harvested and separated into shoots, seeds, and roots. Both plant height and days to maturity were shortened with increasing salt stress. Among the yield components, spikelet, tiller number, and grain dry weight per plant were significantly reduced by increasing salt concentration. Number of spikelets and grain weight per plant were the most salt-sensitive yield components. Thousand grain weight also varied as salinity stress increased. Harvest index remained relatively unchanged until the salinity reached 150 mM and higher. Our data indicate that grain yield reduction in oat due to salinity stress is associated with reduced number of grains per plant and mean grain weight.     

Salinity tolerance of earthworms and effects of salinity and vermi amendments on growth of Sorghum bicolor

Salinity is a major factor limiting irrigated agriculture in arid regions. Vermi amendments can be used for improving the fertility of salt-affected soils. Current study was aimed to find out the response of different earthworm species to soil salinity and to check the effects of salinity and different vermi amendments on growth of Sorghum bicolor under salt stress. Eight earthworm species were subjected to different salinity levels for 4 weeks. Various vermi amendments and salinity treatments were provided in a factorial combination to S. bicolor plants to see their effect on growth and biomass parameters. L. mauritii, E. incommodus and P. posthuma were found to be the most salt-tolerant species showing good survival and growth till soil EC_e value of 10.48 mS cm^?1. Results showed that salinity significantly decreased plant growth that was enhanced by the application of different vermi amendments. Maximum growth of S. bicolor was recorded when vermicompost and vermiwash were used together under both saline and non-saline conditions. The results showed that the application of vermi amendments improved nutritional balance of the soil, delayed salt-induced damage to the plants and supported their growth so can be helpful in increasing crop production on saline soils.     

EFFECTS OF SOIL SALINITY IN THE GROWTH OF AMBROSIA ARTEMISIIFOLIA BIOTYPES COLLECTED FROM ROADSIDE AND AGRICULTURAL FIELD

Morphological differences were observed between roadside (R) and agricultural field (F) biotypes of Ambrosia artemisiifolia, in which R-type seedlings were shorter and produced larger and heavier seeds under greenhouse grown conditions. Previous findings indicated that A. artemisiifolia R-types exhibited greater salt tolerance with respect to germination. However, the impact of biotype and salt tolerance on morphological variation has not been investigated in A. artemisiifolia plants. After performing replicated greenhouse experiments with both biotypes, it was shown that salinity level was a critical factor influencing both seedling and mature plant size and this response was dependent upon biotype. The R-type exhibited slight but significant increases in growth at low/mild salinity levels (50–100 mM) compared with non-saline conditions, while the F-type exhibited significantly reduced growth at the low/mild salinity levels. The reductions in growth of F-type plants in low/mild salinity were similar to those reductions of R-types observed in non-saline conditions. As both biotypes produced seeds at low/mild salinity levels, we conclude that low/mild salinity affects A. artemisiifolia plant size and overall growth rate, and secondly, certain F-type plants may acclimate to the roadside environment over time by reducing their size while producing larger seed under saline conditions. It is possible that this species may exhibit changes in morphology after several generations of exposure to saline roadside conditions. Toxicity due to salt treatment at high salinity (400 mM) was observed in both biotypes, whereas the R-type was more tolerant to both low and high salinity levels with respect to seed germination. Differential A. artemisiifolia growth responses which occur from seed germination to plant maturity may be partially attributed to its ability to tolerate saline soil conditions both under greenhouse and field conditions. This ability to tolerate saline conditions may be especially important in early spring when roadside soils experience increased salinity, caused by de-icing salt treatments applied during the winter season.     

Variable inhibition of iron uptake by oat phytosiderophore in five soybean cultivars

Abstract

Greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on plant growth, and nutrient uptake in saline soils with different salt and phosphorus (P) levels. The following treatments were included in this experiment: (i) Soil A, with salt level of 16.6 dS m^?1 and P level of 8.4 mg kg^?1; (ii) Soil B, with salt level of 6.2 dS m^?1 and P level of 17.5 mg kg^?1; and (iii) Soil C, with salt level of 2.4 dS m^?1 and P level of 6.5 mg kg^?1. Soils received no (control) or 25 mg P kg^?1 soil as triple super phosphate and were either not inoculated (control) or inoculated with a mixture of AM (AM1) and/or with Glomus intraradices (AM2). All pots were amended with 125 mg N kg^?1 soil as ammonium sulfate. Barley (Hordeum vulgar L., cv. “ACSAD 6”) was grown for five weeks. Plants grown on highly saline soils were severely affected where the dry weight was significantly lower than plants growing on moderately and low saline soils. The tiller number and the plant height were also lower under highly saline condition. The reduced plant growth under highly saline soils is mainly attributed to the negative effect of the high osmotic potential of the soil solution of the highly saline soils which tend to reduce the nutrient and water uptake as well as reduce the plant root growth. Both the application of P fertilizers and the soil inoculation with either inoculum mixture or G. intraradices increased the dry weight and the height of the plants but not the tiller number. The positive effect of P application on plant growth was similar to the effect of AM inoculation. Phosphorus concentration in the plants was higher in the mycorrhizal plant compared to the non mycorrhizal ones when P was not added. On the other hand, the addition of P increased the P concentration in the plants of the non mycorrhizal plants to as high as that of the mycorrhizal plants. Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) uptake increased with AM inoculation. The addition of P had a positive effect on micronutrient uptake in soil with low level of soil P, but had a negative effect in soil with high level of soil P. Micronutrient uptake decreases with increasing soil salinity level. Inoculation with AMF decreases sodium (Na) concentration in plants grown in soil of the highest salinity level but had no effect when plants were grown in soil with moderate or low salinity level. The potassium (K) concentration was not affected by any treatment while the K/Na ratio was increased by AM inoculation only when plant were grown in soil of the highest salinity level.     

Salinity Tolerance Ranking Of Various Wheat Landraces From The West Of The Urmia Saline Lake In Iran By Using Physiological Parameters

In recent years, considerable interest has been focused on the use of physiological parameters as selection criteria in salt tolerance ranking. Eighteen bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) landraces from the west area of the Urmia Saline Lake were grown in a greenhouse in the Department of Plant Biology and Halophytes Biotechnology Center, Azarbaijan University of Tarbiyat Moallem, Tabriz, Iran to study the effects of increasing levels of sodium chloride (NaCl) (control, 75, and 150 mM) on the plant leaves. The experimental design was factorial with a randomized complete block with three replications. The results showed salinity caused an obvious decrease in growth of all landraces. Physiological parameters such as lipid peroxidation, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) content, and cell membrane injury increased with increasing salinity levels with different degrees among the landraces. Salt stress increased the sodium (Na⁺) accumulation coupled with a decrease in leaf potassium (K⁺) depending on salinity levels. The analysis of variance showed significant effects of salinity, landraces and their interactions in all studied parameters. The landraces were ranked for salt tolerance indexes, and cluster group ranking ordered landraces from tolerant to sensitive and their properties for salt stress tolerance are open for further research.     

不同水分状况下施锌对玉米生长和锌吸收的影响

选择潮土(砂壤)和土(粘壤)两种质地不同的土壤,进行盆栽试验,研究不同土壤水分条件下施锌对玉米生长和锌吸收的影响。结果表明,施锌显著增加了玉米植株根、茎、叶以及整株干物质重;缺锌条件下玉米植株根冠比、根叶比和根茎比趋向增大。施锌显著提高了玉米植株各器官中锌的浓度和吸收量,并明显促进锌向地上部运移。干旱胁迫抑制了玉米植株生长,根冠比、根茎比、根叶比增大;随着土壤水分供应增加,植株生长加快,各器官生物量以茎和叶增加大于根。水分胁迫下,在潮土上玉米叶片中锌浓度上升;在土上叶片中锌浓度下降。但增施锌后,根和茎锌浓度增加幅度较大,叶片增加幅度较小;施锌和水分胁迫对根和茎锌浓度的交互作用极显著。水分胁迫下,玉米植株对锌的吸收总量减少。水分胁迫和锌肥施用对玉米叶片、茎锌吸收量的交互作用十分显著,但对根锌吸收量的交互影响不显著。     

Salinity and Defoliation Effects on Soybean Growth

An experiment was conducted to determine if salinity stress alters the response and tolerance of soybean to defoliation. Four soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] cultivars (‘Tachiutaka,’ ‘Tousan 69,’ ‘Dare’ and ‘Enrei’) in a growth chamber were exposed to two salinity treatments (0 and 40 mM NaCl) and two defoliation treatments (with and without defoliation). The interactive effects of salinity stress and defoliation on growth rate, leaf expansion, photosynthetic gas exchange, and sodium (Na⁺) accumulation were determined. The decrease in growth rate resulting from defoliation was more pronounced in plants grown under salinity stress than in those grown without the stress. Without salinity stress, defoliated plants of all four cultivars had leaf-expansion similar rates to those of the undefoliated ones, but the photosynthetic rates of their remaining leaves were higher than those of undefoliated plants. However, with salinity stress, defoliated ‘Tachiutaka’ and ‘Tousa 69’ had lower leaf expansion and photosynthetic rates than undefoliated plants. For cultivars ‘Dare’ and ‘Enrei,’ the defoliated plants had leaf-expansion rates similar to undefoliated ones, but the photosynthetic rate of the remaining leaves did not increase. Except for cultivar ‘Dare,’ defoliated plants grown under salinity stress had higher Na⁺ accumulation in leaves than undefoliated ones, and this result may be related to slow leaf expansion and photosynthesis. Salinity stress negatively affects soybean response and tolerance of defoliation, and the effects varied according to the salt tolerance of the cultivar.     

滨海盐碱地水盐时空变化特征及对棉花光合生产的影响

为研究滨海盐碱地土壤水盐空间分布及运移变化对棉花光合生产和产量的影响,并探讨棉田地形和土壤容重对滨海盐碱地水盐空间分布的影响方式,在位置相近区域选取海拔和容重差异较大的4块棉田,于4—10月份测定土壤0～200 cm深度水分、盐分和pH等空间分布特征,分析其对棉花光合生产和产量的影响。研究表明,轻度盐碱棉田海拔较高,在141～160 cm处形成"高容重隔层",土壤盐分和pH较低,雨季(7—8月份)土壤水分较低,生育后期(9—10月份)土壤水分明显高于中度盐碱棉田,棉花遭受盐碱胁迫较小,光合生产与水热资源吻合度高,长期处于物质积累活跃期;中度盐碱棉田较高的海拔和容重阻滞了土壤盐分和pH上升,在雨季盐碱胁迫得到解除,但棉花生育早期(4—6月份)和后期仍有明显盐碱胁迫,光合生产与光热资源丰富期吻合度较差;重度盐碱棉田海拔较低,容重差异未对水盐运移规律产生明显影响,长期处于高度盐碱胁迫之下,光合生产能力和产量水平低下。滨海盐碱地改良采用适当抬高地表高度并形成一定厚度的高容重"隔层",增强土壤蓄排水能力,是一种效果持续并有利于作物光合生产的改良措施。     

Different Levels of Irrigation Water Salinity and Biochar Influence on Faba Bean Yield,Water Productivity,and Ions Uptake

Greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of irrigation water salinity (0.5, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 dS m^?1) and wheat straw biochar (0%, 1.25%, 2.5%, and 3.75% w/w) on growth and yield of faba been using complete randomized design with three replications. Stomatal conductance (green canopy temperature) of faba bean increased (decreased) by application of biochar at each salinity level. The results showed increasing salinity to 2.5 dS m^?1 at zero biochar application increased the seed yield through osmotic adjustment, while by declining the osmotic potential, the nutritional values of biochar caused the seed yield to increase by increasing salinity to 5 dS m^?1. The root length density and root dry weight density in 0–8 cm soil layer declined under application of 3.75% w/w biochar in all salinity levels in comparison with that obtained in 2.5% w/w biochar, due to higher saline condition of the soil as result of higher biochar application. The results showed that addition of 2.5% w/w biochar can significantly mitigate salinity stress due to its high salt sorption capacity and by increasing potassium/sodium ratio in the soil. In general, since 2.5 % w/w biochar and salinity of 5 dS m^?1 increased dry seed yield and irrigation water productivity compared with that obtained in control (B₀S_0.5), these levels are recommended to improve faba bean growth and yield; however, these levels have to be evaluated under field conditions.