Zur Geschichte des Mineralnamens “Goethit”

The history of the mineral name Goethite (α-FeOOH) In 1806 the mining official J.H. Engels found in Eisenfeld near Siegen (Westphalia) two excellent pieces of a “ruby coloured iron mica”, already known as “Rubinglimmer”. He and his friend H.A. Achenbach, a parson, teacher and hobby mineralogist, proposed to J.G. Lenz, professor for mineralogy at Jena, to dedicate this mineral with the new name “Goethenit” to the famous poet J.W. von Goethe, who was also a great natural scientist. Lenz altered this name according to a proposal of F.W. Riemer, the secretary of Goethe, to “Goethit” and published it 1806 in his tables of minerals (printed as “Göthit”). However some years before the mineral was already described by J.C. Ullmann, professor for mining at Marburg, as “Pyrrhosiderit”. “Rubinglimmer” and the other mentioned names designated at that time the γ-form of FeOOH. In 1901 F.A. Lacroix reported, in order to avoid confusions, that the name “Goethit” was transferred to the α-form of FeOOH and that the γ-form had got the name “Lepidokrokit”.     

Characterization of a Unique “Super Soft” Kernel Trait in Wheat

Kernel texture in wheat (Triticum sp.) is central to end‐use quality and utilization. Here we report the discovery of a novel soft kernel trait in soft white winter wheat (T. aestivum L.). Two heritable kernel phenotypes were selected among F₃‐derived sibs, hereafter designated “normal soft” (wild‐type) and “super soft.” Normal soft lines exhibited single kernel characterization system (SKCS) hardness index (HI) values typical of soft wheat (HI ≈ 20), whereas the super soft lines were unusually soft (HI ≈ 5). Under some environments, individual super soft lines exhibited HI values as low as HI = –4. The super soft trait was manifested in reduced SKCS kernel texture and higher break flour yields, with some increase in sodium carbonate SRC (solvent retention capacity) values and sponge cake volumes. Straight‐grade flour yield, flour ash, milling score, and cookie diameter were largely unaffected. With the possible exception of the sodium carbonate SRC values, we observed no indication that the super soft trait conferred any negative aspects to commercial soft wheat quality. As such, the super soft trait may provide wheat breeders with new opportunities to modify the end‐use quality of wheat.     

On the Determination of the Constant Parameters of the “Two-surface” Langmuir Equation

The constant parameters k₁, k₂ (in ml/μg P) and b₁, b₂ (in μg P/g soil) of the two-surface Langmuir Equation for phosphate adsorption were determined by three methods for ten high pH montmorillonitic soils. The techniques included a graphical approach in which a curve is resolved into two straight line components (“Hofstee” method) and two methods utilizing the regression characteristics of the experimental adsorption data. The first regression method obtains estimates of k₁, k₂, b₁ and b₂ indirectly through various relationships resulting from the mathematical representation of the sorption isotherm as a “Stieltjes” transform (“Sposito” method). The second regression method obtains the parameters directly, assuming that k₁ ? k₂ and b₁ ? b₂ (“Approximation” method). Statistical analyses showed that each method yielded significantly different k₁ and k₂ constants compared to the other two. With regard to b₁ and b₂, the “Approximation” method produced significantly higher b₁ and lower b₂ values in all samples, though no difference was found among the three methods for the theoretical adsorption maximum (b_T=b₁+b₂). The relationship between k₁ and k₂ as well as b₁ and b₂, as expressed by their ratios, changed significantly from one method to another. This indicates the need for a more precise arithmetic definition of the condition k₁ ? k₂ and b₁ ? b₂ which is necessary for the “Approximation” method, accepted so far to be valid for k₁ ～ 100 k₂ and b₁ ～ 0,3 b₂ respectively.     

Bioaccumulation of mineral elements in grapevine varieties cultivated in “La Mancha”

The capacity of a plant to take up chemical elements is measured as the ratio of the element concentration in the plant and its concentration in the soil. This ratio is called the bioaccumulation index (BAC). The choice of rootstock and variety can differentially affect nutrient uptake of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.). Generally, only slight differences can be observed in the accumulation of N, P, and Zn. In contrast, wide variations are found in the absorption of K, Ca, Mg, and Cl. While studies on plant nutrients and major elements have been carried out in vineyards, very few references concern the trace‐element concentrations in leaves. In the study described here, five varieties (Airén, Cencibel, Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay) grown on a Calcisol Petric or Typic Calcixerept (typical of La Mancha) were compared in terms of leaf trace‐element concentrations. A total of three samples (20 healthy and completely developed leaves from the middle part of the shoot) were collected from three different plants of the same variety. Leaves were dried, milled, and x‐ray fluorescence analysis was performed. It was found that the variety of grapevine influences the uptake of four of the major elements: Al (low in Garnacha, [0.4 ± 0.2] g kg^–1), Ca (high in Cencibel, [32.6 ± 8.1] g kg^–1), P (low in Airén, [0.9 ± 0.4] g kg^–1) and K, which showed significant differences in almost all of the varieties (from [4.7 ± 1.8] g kg^–1 in Cencibel to [8.0 ± 10.1] g kg^–1 in Chardonnay). No statistically significant varietal differences were found for trace elements. The only exception was La, which was present at higher levels in the variety Cencibel ([7.5 ± 0.3] mg kg^–1). This finding allows to assess the geochemical fingerprinting of calcareous soils regardless of the grapevine variety studied.     

Definition of the “Purity Protocol” for Producing Gluten‐Free Oats

Several oat processors in the United States and Canada operate under what is referred to as a Purity Protocol for the provision of gluten‐free oats. This term is derived from a Health Canada position statement that indicated that pure oats, which they defined as oats that are harvested, transported, stored, processed, and manufactured under good manufacturing practices (GMPs) to minimize the presence of gluten, can safely be consumed by some persons with celiac disease. While proprietary definitions of the appropriate GMPs have been used in industry for many years, no independent definition of the requirements to make a Purity Protocol claim has been published. This paper provides a consensus definition of the Purity Protocol requirements based on input from the four largest Purity Protocol oat processors in North America. This definition provides transparency to gluten‐free consumers and allows for auditing of a Purity Protocol claim.     

Quartärgeomorphologische untersuchungen im Nordteil der “Tunesischen dorsale”

Seven Quaternary profiles from the Mediterranean region of northern Tunisia are described and their geomorphological significance assessed. Fifteen radiocarbon datings permit the field observations to be arranged in a chronosequence.The results indicate that the Late Pleistocene period witnessed the production and displacement of coarse debris, a process extending down to low altitudes. Until now, however, the only evidence for this has been found in the vicinity of steep slopes or rock walls. The coarse sediments partly overlie slope deposits derived from reddish soils; to some extent they contain fine reddish pedogenic material, and in part they are covered by it.In the Holocene, the displacement of fine alluvial sediments alternated several times with the formation of humic horizons. Anthropogenic influences on landscape evolution must be admitted as a possibility as from at least three thousand years ago.The aeolian sands of the Late Pleistocene and Middle Holocene are correlated with regressions of high sea levels.     

Communication of the results of the “Primary Production in the Sahel (PPS)” research project

The main conclusions of the Malian-Dutch “Primary Production in the Sahel (PPS)” research project, which was carried out during 1976–1981 (Penning de Vries and Djitèye, 1982), may be summarized as follows: (1) poor soil quality is just as great a barrier to rural development as water shortage; (2) animal production is high per unit area, compared with similar ecological zones in the U.S.A. and Australia; (3) attempts to increase production without due attention to the shortage of soil nutrients are bound to fail; (4) socio-economic conditions determine the feasibility of productive investments in agriculture in the Sahel. This article presents the PPS approach to publicizing these results and promoting a badly needed revision of development policy in the Sahel.     

Determination of “normal” levels and upper limit values of trace elements in soils

To determine “normal” levels of trace elements in soils, soil samples taken all over Belgium were analysed. The selection of the sampling places was based on the geological substrata, from which the soils originate and on the texture class to which they belong. The elements As, B, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Ti, V and Zn were determined using an extraction method with strong acids. The found concentrations were called “total acid extraction concentrations”, although this extraction does not extract all the elements which are incorporated into the minerals. This has been done, however, by arc emission spectrography which was applied to determine the elements Ag, B, Co, Cr, Ga, Mo, Ni, Sn, Sr and V. The greatest difference between the “overall total” concentrations and the “total extractable concentrations” were found for chromium. Based on the obtained results, an upper limit for normal levels of trace elements was fixed. For Ag, Cd, Hg, Pb and Sb, this upper limit value is almost the same for all the investigated soils irrelevant of their texture. The same conclusion could not be made for the other elements. For these elements, the soil texture and also the geological parent material, on which the soil was formed, have an influence on the upper limit value.     

Accumulation soils like “Ockererde”—forgotten soil units in soil‐classification systems

Accumulation soils like those known as “Ockererde” are not yet represented in the German and in international soil‐classification systems, even though they represent important members of catenas found in humid low‐mountain areas influenced by the translocation of interpedon matter. Currently, this soil is referred to as “(Hang‐)Oxigley”, though this does not take into account its water and matter dynamics. Six representative catenas in the Black Forest (SW Germany) will be used to describe the occurrence, extent, and properties of the accumulation‐affected “Ockererde” derived from a variety of parent materials at specific altitudes. On the basis of their morphological, chemical, and physical properties as well as matter dynamics, it is possible to distinguish “Ockererde” clearly from soil units with similar characteristics (“Lockerbraunerde”, Andosols). Finally, suggestions will be given for the classification of “Ockererde”.     

Micromorphology of a “welded” Sangamonian to Wisconsinan age paleosol in southwestern Wisconsin

Micromorphological characteristics indicate that in southwestern Wisconsin pedogenesis transgressed the Sangamonian-Wisconsinan chronostratigraphic boundary in conjunction with colluvial and eolian sedimentation. The use of micromorphology helps to distinguish between pedological, colluvial, and eolian components in the paleosol horizon sequence, which can be difficult to resolve and interpret solely from field investigations and from other laboratory analyses. Results show that a basal loess “mixed zone” within the welded paleosol profile contains features that are the products of colluvial reworking processes. We present micromorphology data which support stratigraphic relationships suggesting that colluvial processes were important in the formation of basal loess “mixed zones” in addition to other possible mixing processes such as pedoturbation and bioturbation.     

Ertragssimulation mit “Ceres Wheat” an Grundwasserböden gemäßigter Klimazonen. Teil 2: Verifizierung des geänderten Modelles “Ceres Wheat”

Calibration of the simulation model “Ceres Wheat” under conditions of soils with shallow watertable and temperate climate. Part 2: Verification of the modified model “Ceres Wheat” The Ceres Wheat yield model has been adopted to soils under wet conditions and to humide climate. The basic assumptions of the modified model have been checked. The simulated results of the soil water balance, the plant development and the nitrate losses by drain discharge give fairly well agreements to field data from a Calcaric Fluvisol (Speicherkoog, Schleswig-Holstein). The modification improves the model and leads to the opportunity to simulate special aspects in agronomical and ecological advices.     

Factors influencing patterns of ascomycete sporulation following simulated “burning” of prairie soils

The interaction of elevated soil temperature, ash deposition and biotic factors associated with untreated subsurface soils on the patterns of sporocarp appearance among populations of carbonicolous ascomycetes in a prairie soil was studied in the laboratory. Ash or unheated prairie soil, when separately combined with aerated steam-heated soil, disrupts the biotic associations, affecting both the production of sporocarps and their order of appearance. With either of these treatments, the interval required for sporocarp appearance among several species was extended but never abbreviated. When ash and a subsurface layer of unheated soil were applied together to create a “simulated burn,” the successional pattern was similar to that observed in soil samples collected immediately following prairie burning. The biological causes of this disturbance-mediated heterotrophic succession include: (1) the growth rate and minimal time required for sporulation among individual species populations, and (2) an overall pattern of competitive hierarchy. We suggest that the order of appearance of ascomycetes on recently-burned soils may be the evolutionary outcome of interspecific competition.     

“Preferential flow”: Eine Übersicht über den heutigen Kenntnisstand

Preferential flow: A review of current knowledge Despite intensive research neither suitable methods of measurement, nor complete theoretical statements give an adequate account of preferential flow due to the exceptional complexity and variability of the soil system. In particular it is not possible to make predictions of preferential flow for a given soil due to observations and measurements. In this work we describe theoretical and technical problems of preferential flow and initiate ideas for future work in this field.     

The role of “effective microorganisms” in the composting of banana (Musa ssp.) residues

“Effective microorganisms” (EM) are a poorly defined mixture of supposedly beneficial microorganisms that are claimed to enhance microbial turnover in compost and soil. In Costa Rica, EM are used to produce organic compost (bokashi) from banana residues (Musa ssp.). Given the scarcity of scientific data about the effects of EM on the mineralization of plant residues, this study aimed at investigating the effects of EM addition on the decomposition of banana residues during Bokashi production. To this end, the following non‐EM treatments were compared to EM Bokashi: Bokashi produced with water (W), with molasses (M) as an EM additive, and with sterilized EM (EMst). Subsequently, the effects of the resulting Bokashi treatments on the growth of young banana plants were evaluated. Compared with non‐EM controls, the effect of EM on the mineralization of banana material was negligible. Dry‐matter losses of the composts with different EM treatments were similar, with about 78% over 5 weeks. Ergosterol concentration was highest in EM Bokashi (77 µg (g dry soil)^–1) and lowest in EMst Bokashi (29 µg (g dry soil)^–1). Microbial biomass carbon (C_mic) and microbial biomass nitrogen (N_mic) were both lowest in EM (C_mic = 3121 µg g^–1; N_mic = 449 µg g^–1), while C_mic was highest in Bokashi produced with molasses (3892 µg g^–1) and N_mic was highest in EMst (615 µg g^–1). Treatment effects on adenylate concentrations and adenylate energy charge were negligible. Application of all Bokashi variants to young banana plants significantly increased shoot growth under greenhouse conditions compared to plants grown in a control soil without amendments. However, these effects were similar for all Bokashi treatments, even if EM Bokashi increased the K concentrations in banana leaves significantly compared to Bokashi produced with EMst and the control. Bokashi produced with only molasses and EM Bokashi decreased the number of root nematodes under greenhouse conditions compared to the control. Overall, the results confirmed the expected influence of composting on the degradation of organic material and the effect of compost application on plant growth. Hower, under the conditions of this study, EM showed no special effects in this, except for increasing the K concentrations in the leaves of young banana plants.     

Constructing China's Roads as Works of Art: A Case Study of “Esthetic Greenway” Construction in the Shennongjia Region of China

Sustainable development based on economic growth that is environmentally sound is increasingly essential. To achieve both ecological and social progress without detracting from China's primary economic objectives, China's Ministry of Communications has promoted the strategy of harmonious road systems, for which artistic principles are incorporated in the road's design to balance the needs of the environment with those of socioeconomic development without neglecting human esthetic needs. To illustrate the new strategy's impact, we examined a project that has been conducted following this approach in the Shennongjia region of China's Hubei Province since 2004. As in the use of ecological corridors, the new strategy emphasizes the need to decrease the impact of road construction on plant and animal habitats by emphasizing the protection of existing natural habitats and the use of local species for revegetation of the land surrounding the roads. However, it also emphasizes the need to improve traffic safety, promote local tourism and economic growth, and provide a demonstration to citizens (including bureaucrats) of the need for environmental protection both during and after road construction. After 6 years of monitoring, we found that the new strategy both satisfies the human desire for beauty and improves the road's harmony with nature and the surrounding visual landscape while promoting environmental conservation, ecotourism, traffic safety, socioeconomic development, and cultural values. This approach will help to guide future landscape design, planning, and management. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Adsorption of “real” dissolved organic matter on the clay and fine silt fractions of a forested Stagnic Gleysol

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) in soils is partially adsorbed when passing through a soil profile. In most adsorption studies, water soluble organic matter extracted by water or dilute salt solutions is used instead of real DOM gained in situ by lysimeters or ceramic suction cups. We investigated the adsorption of DOM gained in situ from three compartments (forest floor leachate and soil solution from 20 cm (Bg horizon) and 60 cm depth (2Bg horizon)) on the corresponding clay and fine silt fractions (< 6.3 μm, separated together from the bulk soil) of the horizons Ah, Bg, and 2Bg of a forested Stagnic Gleysol by batch experiments. An aliquot of each clay and fine silt fraction was treated with H₂O₂ to destroy soil organic matter. Before and after the experiments, the solutions were characterized by ultra‐violet and fluorescence spectroscopy and analyzed for sulfate, chloride, nitrate, and fluoride. The highest affinity for DOM was found for the Ah samples, and the affinity decreased in the sequence Ah > Bg > 2Bg. Dissolved organic matter in the 2Bg horizon can be regarded as slightly reactive, because adsorption was low. Desorption of DOM from the subsoil samples was reflected more realistically with a non‐linear regression approach than with initial mass isotherms. The results show that the extent of DOM adsorption especially in subsoils is controlled by the composition and by the origin of the DOM used as adsorptive rather than by the mineralogical composition of the soil or by contents of soil organic matter. We recommend to use DOM gained in situ when investigating the fate of DOM in subsoils.     

Mineralization of “non‐metabolizable” glucose analogues in soil: potential chemosensory mimics of glucose

Glucose is widely used to study the dynamics of easily available organics in soil. Pure culture studies have revealed that many microorganisms can sense and respond to glucose through chemosensory mechanisms that are not directly reliant on energy catabolism. However, the rapid mineralization of glucose by microorganisms makes it difficult to disentangle its energy effects from such non‐catabolic interactions. “Non‐metabolizable” glucose analogues have proven useful in mechanistic studies of glucose in pure culture, but have never been applied to complex microbial communities in soil. We sought to determine how their mineralization in soil differs from that of glucose, and whether they have potential as a new approach for investigating chemosensory mechanisms in soil microbiology. We incubated soil from an agricultural Haplic Luvisol under controlled conditions for 24 d and monitored CO₂ efflux after addition of (1) glucose, and three “non‐metabolizable” glucose analogues: (2) 2‐deoxyglucose (DG), (3) α‐methylglucoside (αMG), and (4) 3‐O‐methyl‐glucose (OMG), at three concentration levels, along with a control. All three analogues did in fact produce a large increase in soil CO₂ efflux, but the dynamics of their mineralization differed from the rapid degradation seen for glucose. At medium and high concentrations, CO₂ efflux peaked between 2.5 and 4 d after amendment with DG and αMG, and was delayed by about one week for OMG. The markedly different patterns of mineralization between glucose and OMG offer a new tool for investigating the behavior of glucose in soil. By using OMG as a glucose model, chemosensory mechanisms could be studied with limited interference from energy catabolism.     

Quantitation of Amines in Cereal Products: Thermal Processes Are Able to Generate “Biogenic” Amines

On the basis of a derivatization with dansyl chloride prior to LC‐MS/MS measurement, a new quantitation method by means of stable isotope dilution analysis was developed for different amines, such as 2‐ and 3‐methylbutylamine, methylpropylamine, and 2‐phenylethylamine. The method was applied both to different cereal products and to a model system, revealing that the amines stemming from the parent amino acids l ‐isoleucine, l ‐leucine, l ‐valine, and l ‐phenylalanine can also be generated by a “thermogenic” pathway besides the well‐established enzymatic formation. A model system simulating the Strecker reaction by heating single amino acids with an α‐dicarbonyl compound (2‐oxopropanal) showed besides the formation of the well‐known desired aroma‐active Strecker aldehydes also the generation of the corresponding Strecker amines, which are undesired in food due to their negative physiological impacts on human health. Thus, a thermal formation of “biogenic” amines was shown, both in cereal‐based foods and in a model system. A contribution of these amines to the overall food aroma is also possible. With this knowledge at hand, mitigation strategies for the formation of amines undesired for health reasons in parallel with a favored generation of the corresponding aroma‐active aldehydes, depending on the processing parameters, can be suggested to food manufacturers.