乌鲁木齐南山森林生物量和碳储量空间分布特征

乌鲁木齐南山分布有大面积的雪岭云杉林,探究其生物量和碳储量的空间分布特征,能够为该地区碳储量的研究和森林生态系统管理提供依据。以2015年4—5月的Landsat TM遥感影像为主要数据源,结合样地实测数据,基于遥感统计模型法,利用逐步回归法建立模型估算了乌鲁木齐南山雪岭云杉林的生物量。以此为基础,分析了生物量的空间分布规律和碳储量的空间分布格局。结果表明:生物量模型估算值与实测值的平均相对误差为12.72%,精度较高。雪岭云杉林的平均生物量为91.21t/hm,生物量总量为8.2×10~6 t,山区生物量密度的分布总体呈现西南高、东北低的趋势。森林生态系统碳储量为4.1×106 t,平均碳密度为45.61t/hm,山区及其周边的森林碳密度分布不均衡。研究表明,乌鲁木齐南山生物量密度分布不均可能和人类活动有关,且碳储量主要集中在中高密度等级。     

秦皇岛市森林植被碳储量、碳密度及其空间分布

[目的]分析区域森林资源的碳储量大小及分布规律,为地方森林碳汇经营管理和规划提供科学依据。[方法]基于河北省森林资源清查数据,乔木树种采用方精云建立的生物量换算因子连续函数法,灌木和经济林采用平均生物量法,结合不同树种分子式含碳率,对秦皇岛市森林植储量和碳密度进行了估算,并运用ARCGIS软件对其空间分布进行了分析。[结果]2005年,秦皇岛市森林植被总碳储量为4.30×106 t,森林植被平均碳密度为11.72t/hm2。全市各区县森林植被碳储量空间分布上有显著差异,表现为"北部山区和中部丘陵高,南部平原低"的空间格局,而植被碳密度呈现相反的趋势。林分碳储量占总碳储量的56.04%,林分平均碳密度为12.09t/hm2。林分针阔分明,阔叶林碳储量略大于针叶林碳储量,天然林碳储量大于人工林碳储量。全市林分碳储量以中、幼龄林为主,二者各自占林分总碳储量的24.07%和56.31%。[结论]未来秦皇岛市森林植被仍具有较大的固碳能力。     

重庆市柑橘林生态系统碳储量的动态变化

通过调查重庆市柑橘产业情况,以生物量回归模型及碳密度分配状况为基础,探讨重庆柑橘林生态系统碳储量的动态变化。结果表明,重庆柑橘林生态系统碳储量随时间的变化规律与重庆柑橘种植面积、产量随时间的变化规律相似;直辖初至2000年果树碳储量、土壤碳储量和总碳储量增幅较小,2000年至2010年增幅较大,为118.4%。重庆柑橘林生态系统碳储量主要集中在10个柑橘生产重点区县,总碳储量为27.348×106t,占全市柑橘林总碳储量的88.94%,在全市森林生态系统碳储量中占有重要的地位(占7.23%);在空间分布上呈现由渝西向渝东北递增的规律。     

2005-2020年淮海经济区耕地碳储量时空演变特征及碳汇区识别

淮海经济区垦殖率约70%，是中国粮食主产区之一，掌握其耕地碳储量时空变化规律、识别耕地碳汇碳源区，对保护区域耕地质量和发挥耕地生态系统碳汇功能，助力"双碳"目标实现有重要意义。该研究基于淮海经济区土壤类型碳密度计算耕地土壤碳储量，再运用NEP（Net Ecosystem Productivity）模型计算耕地植被固碳量，同时借助ArcGIS空间分析和地理探测器等方法研究2005-2020年淮海经济区耕地碳储量时空演变特征、耕地"碳"属性及其驱动因子。结果表明：1）2005-2020年淮海经济区耕地土壤碳储量由于地类转移总体减少了1.393×107 t，在空间上呈"东高西低"分布；耕地植被固碳量则呈现出以2015年为拐点"先增加后减少"变化趋势，NEP在空间上呈现出"东南高，西北低"分布特征；随时间推移，耕地总碳储量空间分布集聚性呈下降趋势，其"高-高"类型区数量也逐渐减少，主要向不显著区和"低-高"离散区转变；2）淮海经济区耕地碳汇区县数32个，中强度碳汇区21个主要分布于淮海经济区西部，高强度碳汇区5个集中分布于东北部；3）驱动淮海经济区耕地碳储量时空分异的因子中，主要因子是交通通达度、粮食产量、归一化植被指数（Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, NDVI）、高程、坡度和坡向，次要因子是人口。未来耕地保护过程中，耕地碳源区县可借鉴碳汇区耕地保护政策和管理措施，以减少耕地碳储量的流失、维持耕地质量，同时也让更多区县的耕地生态系统发挥碳汇作用。     

黄土高原子午岭森林碳储量与碳密度研究

基于样地林分调查与室内分析,运用清查平均生物量法和林木相对生长模型,研究了黄土高原子午岭林区3种森林碳储量及碳密度空间分布特征。结果表明:研究区森林生态系统植被含碳率变化范围为0.331 6～0.553 2 g/g;变异系数介于2%～14%,而枯落层含碳率为0.294 8～0.335 9 g/g;3种林地平均碳密度:柴松林为238.22 t/hm2,辽东栎林为235.75 t/hm2,油松林为191.58 t/hm2,柴松林及辽东栎林碳密度约是油松林的1.24倍;从研究空间尺度上土壤层植被层枯落层,其碳密度分别为105.21,88.11,28.53 t/hm2,其中植被层各分层碳密度大小差异显著,而土壤层碳密度随着土壤深度的增加而递减;3种森林生态系统有机碳库总储碳量为31.70 Tg,其中土壤层碳储量占整个碳库的49%,是植被层和枯落层碳储量的1.3倍和3.5倍,且碳储量空间分布呈现出:土壤层乔木层枯枝落叶层灌木层草本层。     

基于森林资源清查资料的森林碳储量计量方法

基于森林资源清查资料的森林碳储量估算是在景观、区域甚至全球尺度上评估森林碳收支的重要手段,且在陆地生态系统碳循环和全球变化研究中有着重要作用。森林植被碳储量的估计,常通过测定森林植被的生物量乘以生物量中碳元素的含量（0.45～0.55）推算而得。基于森林清查资料的森林生物量的估算方法主要有IPCC法,BEF为常数的生物量转换因子法,生物量转换因子连续函数法和生物量经验（回归）模型估计法等。概述了基于森林资源清查资料的森林植被碳储量的4种定量研究方法,并提出了该领域研究存在的主要问题与发展建议。分析结果表明,在今后的森林碳储量研究中,需要加强遥感技术手段的利用,增加碳通量在森林资源清查中的调查,开发适合我国实际情况的反演模型。     

退耕还林地在植被恢复初期碳储量及分配格局研究

利用标准样方法研究了川西最主要的两种退耕还林植被(苦竹林和桦木林)在恢复初期生态系统碳储量、碳素密度以及空间分配特征.结果表明:(1)苦竹不同器官碳素密度为0.348 5～0.518 6 gC/g,桦木不同器官碳素密度为0.451 9～0.513 7 gC/g;(2)苦竹林林下枯落物的碳素密度为0.341 7 gC/g,桦木林林下枯落物的碳素密度为0.395 3 gC/g;(3)不同植物器官的碳储量分配与各器官的生物量显著相关.苦竹林分中竹秆生物量占48.87%,其碳储量占53.06%;桦木林树干生物量占57.25%,其碳储量占57.27%;(4)两种森林生态系统碳储量的空间分布格局表现为以土壤碳储量最大,占64.19%～82.59%,其次是乔木层,占21.93%～33.90%,最小是桔落物层,占0.27%～1.91%;(5)在退耕还林初期,植被恢复后土壤各层碳素密度小于对照的各层土壤碳素密度,土壤有机碳储量减少;(6)退耕地转变为森林后,成为大气CO2的一个重要碳汇.     

2013年河南省乔木林植被碳储量特征

准确评估区域范围内森林生态系统的固碳能力和趋势,系统分析不同森林类型的固碳能力时空异质性,对于实现森林可持续经营和固碳增汇具有重要意义。以河南省第八次森林资源清查数据为基础,运用生物量扩展因子法,研究了河南省乔木林植被的碳储量及碳密度特征。结果表明:2013年河南省乔木林植被碳储量7 422.78万t,其中栎类、杨树2个（组）树种植被碳储量占全省乔木林植被碳储量的67.32%。河南省乔木林植被平均碳密度为24.31 t/hm²,低于全国平均水平。河南省乔木林以幼、中龄林为主,其植被碳储量分别占全省乔木林植被碳储量的34.09%和40.84%。河南省天然林、人工林植被的碳储量相差不大,分别为3 512.35万t和3 910.43万t;平均碳密度分别为26.72 t/hm²,22.49 t/hm²。研究表明河南省乔木林植被,特别是人工林,未来固碳潜力巨大,将会在森林植被碳储量中占有越来越重要的地位。     

滇桂黔石漠化片区生态系统碳储量时空演变及其驱动因子

[目的]探究特殊生态脆弱区——滇桂黔石漠化片区的生态系统碳储量时空演变规律及其驱动因子，为科学评估其生态治理效果、优化土地利用格局、提高生态系统碳储量、提升生态系统碳汇能力等提供理论参考。[方法]综合运用土地利用转移矩阵、InVEST模型和地理探测器等方法，分析滇桂黔石漠化片区1990—2018年土地利用变化特征、生态系统碳储量时空演变规律及空间分异驱动因子。[结果]滇桂黔石漠化片区城市建设蓬勃发展，石漠化治理效果良好。研究期内，建设用地和水域面积分别增加116.38%和76.40%,以石漠化裸岩石质地为主的未利用地则减少47.45%并主要转化为草地和林地；滇桂黔石漠化片区生态系统碳储量呈波动下降趋势，2018年降至30.61亿t,较1990年减少了0.52%。建设用地扩张对耕地和林地的侵占是碳储量减少的主要原因；滇桂黔石漠化片区生态系统碳储量空间分布差异明显，始终维持西南较高、南部次之、北部较低的空间分异特征，整体依次对应云南片区、广西片区以及贵州片区；滇桂黔石漠化片区生态系统碳储量空间分布差异受自然地理要素和社会经济要素共同作用，但人类活动影响最为显著。“距离县中心”始终是影响力最...     

河北省青龙满族自治县2005-2050年森林植被碳储量及碳密度估算

基于河北省青龙满族自治县第七次森林资源清查数据,运用生物量转换因子法和平均生物量法,结合不同树种的分子式含碳率,估算了2005年青龙满族自治县森林植被碳储量和碳密度;利用回归分析法拟合青龙满族自治县林龄与碳密度之间的曲线关系。以2005年为基准年,假定林分面积保持不变,林木保持生长,推算2020年、2030年、2050年青龙满族自治县林分的碳储量和碳密度。研究结果表明:2005年青龙满族自治县森林植被碳储量为255.5万t,平均碳密度为10.73t/hm2,植被碳储量和碳密度大体呈现"北部和东南部山区较高,中部河谷丘陵地带低"的空间格局,植被碳密度国有林场高于其他乡镇;油松、灌木、柞树和经济林是青龙满族自治县森林植被碳储量的主体;2020年、2030年、2050年青龙满族自治县林分的碳储量分别为181.57万t,256.37万t,398.25万t,林分碳储量保持稳定增长的趋势。     

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.