星载高分五号高光谱耕地主要土壤类型土壤有机质含量 估测——以黑龙江省建三江农垦区为例

为了评价国产星载高分五号(GF-5)高光谱影像估测土壤有机质(SOM)含量的潜力,以及不同土壤类型对SOM含量光谱估测精度的影响,本研究以黑龙江省建三江农垦区为研究对象,获取了覆盖研究区域的GF-5高光谱影像和188个土壤样本。对提取的样点GF-5光谱反射率数据进行了反射率倒数、对数、一阶微分等9种光谱数学变换,并采用相关系数法确定了SOM含量的光谱敏感波段。采用偏最小二乘回归(PLSR)线性统计建模方法,对研究区域全部土壤类型以及草甸土、沼泽土、黑土等主要土壤类型,分别构建了光谱全波段和敏感波段的SOM含量估测模型,并进行了精度评价。结果表明,基于GF-5光谱数据的研究区域全部土壤类型的SOM含量估测精度不理想,最优模型精度决定系数(R2)为0.265,均方根误差(RMSE)为4.647%,相对分析误差(RPD)为1.135;不同类型土壤在SOM含量光谱估测精度差异较大,草甸土和沼泽土的SOM含量估测精度不高,但黑土的SOM含量估测精度较高,其中全波段光谱反射率对数一阶微分(LnR)′的SOM含量估测精度最高,R~2=0.729,RMSE=1.065%,RPD=1.850,SOM含量估测模型可用。按照不同土壤类型构建SOM含量估测模型可以进一步挖掘GF-5高光谱遥感估测SOM含量的潜力。     

黑土典型区土壤有机质遥感反演

土壤有机质（SOM）含量时空变异规律研究对于土壤肥力评价、土壤碳库估算、土壤资源利用与保护具有重要意义,而地貌、成土母质、土壤类型等差异、高光谱卫星影像较少等因素制约了区域尺度的SOM含量遥感反演方法研究的开展。该文以黑龙江省黑土带典型区为例,采集区域土壤样本,获取Landsat TM遥感影像,基于有机质含量与土壤反射率的定量关系,建立区域SOM遥感预测模型。结果表明：黑土区SOM含量高,一般大于2%,决定了有机质对土壤反射光谱特性的主要作用,而且该区SOM空间变异性显著,且耕作方式、气候等因素决定了裸土时间长,因而该区适于SOM含量遥感反演;有机质与TM各波段反射率均显著相关,最大相关系数在第3波段（0.63～0.69 μm）,为-0.710,其次为4波段（0.76～0.90 μm）,与实验室基于高光谱反射率数据分析的结果一致;基于TM影像2、3、4波段的SOM指数模型最优,预测精度高、稳定性好,可以用于揭示黑土典型区SOM含量的空间分布特征。该研究将为改进土壤理化参数遥感反演、土地质量评价、土壤碳库估算等工作方法提供理论与技术支持。     

利用高光谱和GF-1模拟多光谱进行土壤有机质预测和制图研究

利用土壤有机质(SOM)高光谱数据和模拟GF-1多光谱影像的波段响应函数生成的宽波段多光谱模拟数据,对比高光谱预处理和构建土壤植被指数,探索模拟GF-1光谱预测SOM的潜力。研究表明,SOM的一阶微分高光谱和模拟GF-1光谱数据构建的土壤指数与SOM的相关性最好。PLSR建模分析表明采用一阶微分高光谱数据可以很好的对SOM进行预,而且模型稳健(R2=0.962,RPD=4.87);模拟GF-1光谱也可以较好的进行SOM的预测,但是模型的稳定性相对较差R2=0.557,RPD=1.43。同时,SOM制图的空间分布表明,采用一阶微分光谱数据和模拟GF-1数据预测得到的SOM含量与实测的SOM表现出相似的空间分布特征。这为采用多光谱数据进行大尺度、大范围的SOM预测提供了基础。     

引入时相信息的耕地土壤有机质遥感反演模型

土壤有机质(soil organic matter,SOM)是土壤质量评价的重要指标。监测SOM含量及其空间分布对土壤利用与保护、土壤有机碳库估算等具有重要意义。该文以松嫩平原典型区为研究区,采集4种主要土壤类型样本共147个,获取裸土期多时相MODIS地表反射率8 d合成产品,以单期、多期影像所构建光谱指数作为输入量,构建包含含水量变化与有机质含量信息的多光谱指数,建立SOM线性回归遥感反演模型,揭示SOM空间分布规律。结果表明:由于土壤含水量空间差异随时间变化,基于单期影像构建的模型主要输入量发生规律性改变,其中年积日137 d裸土条件最好,反演模型最优;比值光谱指数R61与SOM显著相关,而和含水量相关性极小,适于作为反演模型输入量;基于多期影像构建的模型引入时相信息后,精度与稳定性较单期影像模型显著提高,其中基于年积日137、105 d两期影像光谱指数所建立的多元线性模型最优;松嫩平原SOM呈现由东北向西南递减趋势。     

干旱区典型绿洲土壤有机质的反演及影响因素研究

为了大面积、高精度地反演土壤有机质含量,为农业可持续发展提供数据支撑。以新疆渭干河-库车河三角洲绿洲为研究区,采用波段平均法将实测高光谱窄波段拟合为Landsat 8 OLI遥感影像的宽波段,建立土壤有机质含量的估算模型,并将最优估算模型应用到经过波段校正的Landsat 8OLI遥感影像中。结果表明:(1)反射率进行倒数、对数、平方、一阶微分等数学变换后与有机质含量的相关性显著提高;(2)土壤有机质的高光谱估算模型拟合度较高,最优估算模型的决定系数R2为0.852,采用比值法对多光谱波段反射率进行校正,校正后的遥感影像反演结果得到了较大提高,检验样本的决定系数R2从0.711提升至0.849。从反演结果来看,将高光谱估算模型应用到经过订正的多光谱影像,土壤有机质反演模型的精度得到了大幅度提高,运用此方法可以实现高精度的土壤有机质区域化反演。(3)有机质的分布受土地利用类型、土壤颗粒组成、土壤质地的影响,其中土壤质地对有机质的空间分布影响最为显著。     

基于多光谱数据的荒漠矿区土壤有机质估算模型

目前运用高光谱数据估算土壤有机质的模型精度已经可以达到精准农业的要求,但其数据的整理和运算过程较为复杂且观测尺度较小.为节省资源,提高效率并为多光谱遥感估算土壤有机质积累经验,该文将Landsat8_OLI多光谱遥感影像各波段的反射率数据与地面土壤有机质SOM(soil organic matter)实测数据相结合,利用SPSS软件及多元线性回归分析方法建立基于反射率R、反射率倒数1/R、反射率倒数对数LN(1/R)、反射率一阶导数FDR(first derivative reflectance)的土壤有机质定量估算模型,精度检验后择取最优模型通过多光谱遥感波段运算的方式推广至整个研究区.结果表明:FDR模型的精度更高,RMSE为0.215,F检验结果为4.072,预测值与实际值之间的决定系数R2为0.963.基于该模型估算研究区空间范围的土壤有机质含量,得出土壤有机质含量在0～5 g/kg之间的面积占总研究区的84.065％,＞10 g/kg的面积仅仅为0.001 5％.在4种土地类型中工矿用地SOM平均含量为最高的7.35 g/kg,受开采的煤炭中有机质影响较大.裸地面积2 674.44 km2,占研究区面积的63％,SOM平均含量6.12 g/kg;盐渍地和荒漠林地SOM含量偏低.总之,运用多光谱遥感数据估算干旱区土壤有机质的方法可行,也为遥感估算其他地表参数提供参考.     

黑土区田块土壤有机质空间分异及分布研究

本文选取东北典型黑土区田块为研究区,实测获取土壤样点数据,基于遥感影像和地形数据,分别利用单一地统计、混合地统计和遥感反演方法预测土壤有机质(SOM)空间分布。结果表明:研究区SOM含量变异系数为31.897%呈中等程度变异,且存在强烈空间自相关性;对光谱反射率进行数学运算得到的光谱指数"Tan345"(Landsat8影像345波段夹角正切值)与SOM极显著相关,相关系数最高达0.570;以光谱指数"Tan345"与地形因子"G"(高程)为输入量、利用回归克里格法预测的SOM精度最高;研究区SOM含量西高东低,沟底和平缓的坡顶含量较高。研究结果对于促进精准农业、估算土壤碳库有着重要的意义,并为小尺度SOM预测提供借鉴。     

黄河三角洲土壤有机质含量的高光谱反演

【目的】土壤有机质(SOM)具有改良土壤结构、 促进团粒结构形成、 增加土壤疏松性、 改善土壤通气性和透水性以及促进植物生长发育的作用。传统测定土壤有机质的方法,虽然精度高,但是实时性差。本文通过对土壤高光谱数据进行变换和分析,筛选出与土壤有机质含量相关性高的敏感波长,构建能够实时、 快速反演黄河三角洲土壤有机质含量的数学统计模型。【方法】60个土壤样品采于黄河三角州。利用ASD Fieldspec3光谱仪,在室内环境下对黄河三角洲不同有机质含量的风干土壤样本进行了光谱测量,利用化学方法测定了土壤的有机质含量。在对土壤样品高光谱反射率进行去包络线处理的基础上,与土壤有机质含量进行相关分析,筛选敏感波长;运用主成分回归分析、 多元线性回归分析、 二次多项式逐步回归分析和支持向量机回归分析方法,分别建立了有机质含量的反演模型。【结果】确定了估测土壤有机质含量的敏感波长,建立了能够快速反演黄河三角洲土壤有机质含量的数学统计模型。从土壤光谱反射率曲线可以看出在1400 nm、 1900 nm和2200 nm等波段附近有十分明显的水分吸收谷。经对比相关性可以看出,去包络线的数据处理方法明显提高了光谱反射率与土壤有机质之间的相关性。1278 nm、 1307 nm、 1314 nm、 1322 nm、 1328 nm、 1334 nm、 1343 nm 7个相关性较高的波长作为估测土壤有机质含量的敏感波长。基于主成分回归分析、 多元线性回归分析、 二次多项式逐步回归分析和支持向量机回归分析方法,分别构建了反演有机质含量的模型。其中,二次多项式逐步回归模型校正集的决定系数达到了0.865,验证集的决定系数最大,达到了0.837,为黄河三角洲土壤有机质含量的最佳反演模型。【结论】去包络线的数据处理方法可提高光谱反射率与土壤有机质之间的相关性,确定的1278 nm、 1307 nm、 1314 nm、 1322 nm、 1328 nm、 1334 nm、 1343 nm 7个波长是估测黄河三角洲土壤有机质含量的敏感波长。由于二次多项式逐步回归模型校证集的决定系数最高、 均方根误差最小,其拟合效果最好。因此二次多项式逐步回归模型对反演黄河三角洲土壤有机质含量是最佳的。     

HJ-1A高光谱影像的表层土壤游离氧化铁含量反演

实时监测土壤游离氧化铁含量对于获取区域土壤理化特征数据、监测区域土壤环境具有重要意义。该试验基于HJ-1A 高光谱遥感影像,结合研究区土壤采样的游离氧化铁含量化验数据,分析遥感影像的反射率与土壤游离氧化铁含量的相关性,建立土壤游离氧化铁含量的多元线性反演模型,反演研究区表层土壤游离氧化铁含量。研究结果表明,HJ-1A高光谱遥感影像的反射率与研究区土壤游离氧化铁含量呈负相关性,且在第104波段达到峰值,相关系数为-0.455;利用反射率指数变换建立的反演模型Y=34.11-0.079X23+0.151X72-0.072X79-0.017X90,模型的决定系数为0.837,均方根误差为1.59 g/kg;土壤中有机质对游离氧化铁含量反演精度影响的检验结果显示,研究区土壤的有机质对游离氧化铁含量的反演精度无显著影响。该试验为土壤游离氧化铁的光谱分析提供借鉴,为区域土壤生态环境监测提供数据支持。     

含水率对土壤有机质含量高光谱估算的影响

土壤含水率对有机质(soil organic matter,SOM)含量高光谱估算精度有很大的影响。为了探讨SOM高光谱估算中土壤含水率的影响,该文对烘干土、风干土和质量含水率为5%~40%(按5%递增)的土壤样本进行了室内高光谱测量,对光谱数据进行了反射率、反射率一阶导数和反射率倒数对数3种光谱数据变换,运用偏最小二乘回归法(partial least squares regression,PLSR)建立了相应的SOM估算模型。结果表明,风干土的SOM高光谱估算精度较好;当含水率水平小于25%时,SOM估算模型精度受含水率的影响较大,光谱数据进行反射率倒数对数变换后的模型精度最高;当含水率水平大于等于25%时,水分对土壤光谱反射率的影响要大于SOM,不适宜利用土壤光谱数据进行SOM含量高光谱估算。该研究可为大田环境不同含水率情况下光谱估算SOM提供参考。     

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.