Evaluation of Cadmium,Copper, Lead,and Zinc Levels in Soil Samples near Locust Pods

The genus Prosopis is a tree or shrub in the leguminosae family, subfamily fabaceae (mimosaceae). Many plants of the genus Prosopis are known to have medicinal properties. Only one species of Prosopis is found in Jordan, Prosopis farcta (Banks & Sol.) J.F. Macbr. The local name is Yanbout, and the English name is locust pods.

The aim of this study was to investigate some selected heavy metals including cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in Prosopis farcta, an unexplored Jordanian species of the Prosopis genus, because no data are available about these levels in this medicinal plant. These metals were tested in different parts of Prosopis farcta including root, aerial, and fruit as ethanolic extract plant and dry plant. Moreover, these metals were investigated in soil samples collected from the same area in which Prosopis farcta was grown. Results revealed that there was a significant difference between root and fruit for all test elements (P < 0.05). Roots were found to contain high average concentrations of Pb (2.14 µg g^?1), Cu (18.56 µg g^?1), and Zn (13.74 µg g^?1). Copper and Zn concentrations in Prosopis farcta were within the permissible limits, whereas Pb concentration exceeded the permissible limit. Moreover, soil samples were analyzed for the metals. Results revealed that there was a positive correlation between the levels of Cu and Zn in medicinal plants and soils, whereas there was a negative correlation for Pb.

Two certified reference materials (tea leaves, NCSDC 73351; soil, GBW 07406) were analyzed to authenticate the accuracy of the method, and the precision was expressed by relative standard deviation.     

Effect of Soil Organic Matter on Adsorption of Nitrification Inhibitor Nitrapyrin in Black Soil

ABSTRACT

Experiments were conducted to study the adsorption kinetics and isothermal adsorption mechanism of nitrification inhibitor nitrapyrin onto the black soil of northeastern China. The nitrapyrin adsorption kinetics of the black soil were fitted with a quasi-second-order kinetics equation before and after organic matter removal (R² ≥ 0.8320, p < .05). The adsorption isotherm was obtained by the Langmuir equation (R² ≥ 0.9400, p < .05). Isothermal adsorption requires less energy and is a spontaneous endothermic reaction with an L-type isothermal curve (n > 1), dominated by surface physical adsorption. With the decrease of organic matter content in black soil, the adsorption mechanism of nitrapyin changed from distribution mechanism to surface adsorption. The black soil’s organic matter content exhibited a quadratic relation with the maximum adsorption capacity and adsorption constant (Kf) at the different temperatures, reaching significant levels (R² ≥ 0.6484, p < .05).     

Changes in Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and Soil Biological Parameters in a Revegetated Coal Mine Spoil

Coal mining leads to severe land degradation and creates huge amounts of mine spoil. Coal mine spoil contains toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) derived from coal, which can be alleviated through revegetation with suitable tree species. The present study was aimed at evaluating the impact of different tree species (Albizia lebbeck , Cassia siamea , Delonix regia , and Dalbergia sissoo ) on the quality of coal mine spoil and changes in PAH concentration. Soil samples were collected from the revegetated coalmine overburden dumps of Jharia coalfield, Dhanbad, India and analysed by GC‐MS for 16 priority PAHs and soil quality parameters were analyzed by standard analytical protocols. Reclamation improved the biological properties of the mine spoil: microbial biomass (+59–176%), dehydrogenase activity (+46–198%), fluorescein diacetate hydrolase activity (+104–127%), phenol oxidase activity (+150–250%), and peroxidase activity (+93–181%). PAH concentration in revegetated mine spoil ranged from 0 · 51 to 1 · 35 mg kg⁻¹, with a significance reduction in total as well as individual PAHs. For individual tree species, total PAH reduction decreased in the order: C. siamea (81 · 6%) > A. lebbeck (55 · 6%) > D. regia (51 · 9%) > D. sissoo (51 · 5%). Correlation analysis showed significant association between the degradation of PAHs and soil biological properties of revegetated site. Microbial biomass carbon and soil enzymes were negatively correlated with PAH content in the mine spoil. But microbial stress indicators like respiration/microbial carbon ratio were not correlated, which revealed no adverse effect of PAH on soil microbes. Principal component analysis revealed that most of the biological parameters were closely associated with the degradation of low molecular weight PAHs. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Impact of Compost Application during 5 Years on Crop Production,Soil Microbial Activity,Carbon Fraction,and Humification Process

Compost amendment is considered as a practical tool to increase the soil organic matter (SOM), which contributes to agricultural sustainability. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the impacts of organic soil management over 5 years on orchard prune production (Prunus salicina), microbial activity, soil carbon (C) fraction, and stabilization degrees of soil humification. Plot experiment was designed with two different soil managements: i) for minimizing anthropogenic disturbances, only mulching of orchard residues derived from prune tree plot area was applied to soil surface (S + V); and ii) the amendment of composted manure was annually practiced in addition to the utilization of orchard residues inside the plot area (S + V + C). After 5 years, the soil with the continuous compost application (S + V + C) showed higher productivity of Prunus salicina (21.4%), greater fruit diameter (7.8%), and heavier fruit weight (22.4%) than the soil without compost application (S + V). Nutrient content in foliar analysis showed no difference between the two treatments (S + V and S + V + C). By contrast, the amended soil by compost (S + V + C) increased the SOM and water-soluble C fraction in parallel with the increase of microbial parameters (microbial biomass C, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), basal respiration, and dehydrogenase). Analyzing soil humic acid character by chemical spectra techniques of Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (¹³C-NMR), gradual reformation of a more stabilized structure was shown in both soils (S + V and S + V + C), due to the selective biodegradation and humification process after the amendments over 5 years. Especially, in the soil treated with compost application (S + V + C), the increase of functional C groups (aromatic and carboxylic groups), which reinforce the recalcitrant character of soil humified fraction, was clearly observed. The continuous application of composted manure for the duration of 5 years improved the orchard soil fertility as well as productivity.

Abbreviations: ATP, adenosine triphosphate; CPMAS, cross-polarization magic angle spinning; EC, electrical conductivity; FT-IR, Fourier-transform infrared; HA, humic acid; HS, humic substance; INTF, iodonitrotetrazolium formazan; K, Potassium; LSD, least significant differences, N, nitrogen; NMR, nuclear magnetic resonance; O, oxygen; OM, organic matter; MBC, microbial biomass C; P, phosphorous; SD, standard deviation; SE, standard error; SOM, soil organic matter; TOC, total organic carbon; WSC, water-soluble C; WS-Ch, water-soluble carbohydrate     

Gross N transfer rates in field soils measured by 15N-pool dilution

Abstract

A micro-plot ¹⁵N-tracer experiment was established in three different soils of a long-term soil fertility field experiment. The nutrient-poor loam sand has been subjected to various treatments over the years and this has resulted in different organic C (0.35% – 0.86%), microbial biomass (38.3 – 100.0 µg C _mic g^?1 soil), clay and fine silt contents. Using the ¹⁵N-pool dilution technique, we assessed gross N-transfer rates in the field. Gross N mineralization rates varied strongly among the three plots and ranged between 0.4 and 4.2 µg N g^?1 soil d^?1. Gross nitrification rates were estimated to be between 0 and 2.1 µg N g^?1 soil d^?1. No correlation between gross N mineralization rates and the organic matter content of the soils was established. However, gross nitrate consumption rates increased with increasing soil C content. The ¹⁵N-pool dilution technique was successfully used to measure gross N transfer rates directly in the field.     

Diffusive Mobility of Fluoride in Soil: Some Mechanistic Aspects

Abstract

The diffusive mobility of fluoride (F) in soil (Entisol heplaquent) has been investigated as a function of soil water content and F‐concentration gradient. The data on F‐diffusion coefficients were recorded by determining the F‐concentration profile in horizontally incubated and homogenized soil columns, under varied experimental conditions (volumetric soil water content (θ)=0.12?0.25 cm³ cm^?3, initial concentration of F at source ([F]^t=0)=8?32 µM/g, pH=7.6±0.5, incubation time (t)=96 and 384 h, temperature=303±1.2 K). The effects of aluminum (Al) and calcium (Ca) ions, which are known to be strong binders for F in soil, on the F mobility have also been investigated by observing F diffusion in soils amended with externally added Al and Ca. The study suggests that F diffusion in soil increases with increase in θ and [F]^t=0. Further, when the soil was amended with Ca, F diffusion was observed to decrease regularly with the increase in Ca amount. In Al‐amended soil, when Al concentration is raised, F diffusion increases, at 96 h incubation time but decreases at 384 h incubation.     

Effect of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients on soil microbial activity and soil organic carbon build-up under rice in west coast of India

The effect of medium-term (5 years) application of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients (as mineral or inorganic fertilizers) on soil organic carbon (SOC), SOC stock, carbon (C) build-up rate, microbial and enzyme activities in flooded rice soils was tested in west coast of India. Compared to the application of vermicompost, glyricidia (Glyricidia maculate) (fresh) and eupatorium (Chromolaena adenophorum) (fresh) and dhaincha (Sesbania rostrata) (fresh), the application of farmyard manure (FYM) and combined application of paddy straw (dry) and water hyacinth (PsWh) (fresh) improved the SOC content significantly (p < 0.05). The lowest (p < 0.05) SOC content (0.81%) was observed in untreated control. The highest (p < 0.05) SOC stock (23.7 Mg C ha^?1) was observed in FYM-treated plots followed by recommended dose of mineral fertilizer (RDF) (23.2 Mg C ha^?1) and it was lowest (16.5 Mg C ha^?1) in untreated control. Soil microbial biomass carbon (C_mb) (246 µg g^?1 soil) and C_mb/SOC (1.92%) were highest (p < 0.05) in FYM-treated plot. The highest (p < 0.05) value of metabolic quotient (qCO₂) was recorded under RDF (19.7 µg CO₂-C g^?1 C_mb h^?1) and untreated control (19.6 µg CO₂-C g^?1 C_mb h^?1). Application of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients impacted soil enzyme activities significantly (p < 0.05) with FYM causing highest dehydrogenase (20.5 µg TPF g^?1 day^?1), phosphatase (659 µg PNP g^?1 h^?1) and urease (0.29 µg urea g^?1 h^?1) activities. Application of organic source of nutrients especially FYM improved the microbial and enzyme activities in flooded and transplanted rice soils. Although the grain yield was higher with the application of RDF, but the use of FYM as an organic agricultural practice is more useful when efforts are intended to conserve more SOC and improved microbial activity.     

Effect of Mycorrhiza,Organic Sources,Lime, Secondary and Micro-nutrients on Soil Microbial Activities and Yield Performance of Yam Bean (Pachyrhizus erosus L.) in Alfisols

Effect of integrated use of mycorrhiza, lime, inorganic fertilizers, and organic manures on microbial activities and yield performance of yam bean (Pachyrhizus erosus L.) was studied for two consecutive kharif (rainy) seasons during 2013–14 and 2014–15 in an acid Alfisol. The experiment was laid out with 16 treatments consisting of graded doses of soil test–based nitrogen, phosphors, and potassium (NPK); lime; mycorrhiza; organic sources, that is, farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost, and green manure; secondary magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) and micronutrients zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄ and borax). Significantly highest mean tuber yield (29.61 t ha^?1) was recorded due to integrated application of lime + FYM + NPK + ZnSO₄. Graded doses of NPK showed a mean yield response of 65%, 134%, and 191% due to addition of 50%, 100%, and 150% of NPK over control, respectively. Inoculation of vesicular–arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) combined with NPK and FYM recorded a mean tuber yield of 25.14 t ha^?1. Highest mean dry matter (18.85%) was recorded due to application of 150% NPK, whereas highest starch content on fresh weight basis was recorded due to integrated use of lime + FYM + NPK + MgSO₄ (11.11%). Application of 150% NPK has recorded highest dehydrogenase activity (2.018 µg TPF h^?1 g^?1) and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis assay (2.012 µg g^?1 h^?1). Fungal inoculation of VAM in combination with lime + FYM + NPK recorded highest acid and alkaline phosphatase activities (82.20 and 67.02 µg PNP g^?1 soil h^?1, respectively). Soil biological activities and phosphatase activities had highly significant relationship with tuber yield and biochemical constituents of yam bean. The study emphasized the conjunctive use of soil test–based inorganic fertilizers, lime, and organic manures to enhance the enzymatic activities and to realize higher crop yields of yam bean in acid Alfisols.     

Response of Mycorrhiza,Organic Sources,Secondary and Micro Nutrients on Soil Microbial Activities and Yield Performance of Colocasia (Colocasia esculenta L.) in Alfisols

Response of the integrated use of mycorrhiza, inorganic and organic manures on microbial variables and yield performance of colocasia (Colocasia esculenta L.) was studied in an acid Alfisol. Significantly highest mean cormel yield (14.13 t ha^?1) was recorded due to application of super optimal doses of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). Integrated application of lime + farmyard manure (FYM) + ½ NPK + zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) has recorded the highest dehydrogenase activity (2.048 µg TPF hr^?1 g^?1) and Fluorescein Diacetate Hydrolysis assay (1.855 µg g^?1 hr^?1). The highest acid and alkaline phosphatase activities (77.67 and 51.18 µg PNP g^?1 h^?1, respectively) were observed due to Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (VAM) inoculation in combination with lime + FYM + ½ NPK. Dehydrogenase and phosphatase activities had a highly significant relationship with cormel yield and the biochemical constituents of colocasia. The study emphasized the conjunctive use of balanced inorganic fertilizers and organic manures to enhance the enzymatic activities and to realize higher crop yields of colocasia in acid Alfisols.     

Impact of Pseudomonads and Ethylene on the Cadmium and Nickel Rhizofiltration of Sunflower,Squash, and Indian Mustard

Three hydroponic experiments were set up to study the rhizofiltration of cadmium (Cd) or nickel (Ni) from artificially contaminated nutrient solution with sunflower, squash, or Indian mustard. After 48 h of exposure with 2 mg L^?1 Cd‐contaminated water, 460, 415, or 1092 µg Cd g^?1 (dry weight) was detected in roots of 33‐day‐old sunflower and squash or in 50‐day‐old Indian mustard, respectively. As calculated, 1 g of root dry matter of the tested crop species removed 5.7–12.4% of total Cd content present in the nutrient solution. It was supposed that pseudomonads (soil rhizoplane bacteria) and the plant growth hormone ethylene can enhance the specific surface of roots and hence roots' metal adsorption capacity. As a trend, pretreatment of Indian mustard with Pseudomonas fluorescens bacteria enhanced slightly the Cd (from 1793 to 2346 µg g^?1) or Ni (from 1088 to 1192 µg g^?1) concentration of roots. Cadmium concentration in roots was also enhanced from 2694 to 3273 µg g^?1 when the roots of Indian mustard were pretreated with Cd‐tolerant rather than Cd‐sensitive Pseudomonas cepacia. In spite of the occurrence of new root hairs, the pretreatment of roots with ethylene proved to be ineffective in enhancement of the Cd rhizofiltration capacity of Indian mustard.     

Soil affects on the cadmium and zinc contents of Chinese cabbage in Yunnan Province,China

Chinese cabbage and surface soil samples (0–20 cm) from a periurban market garden in Yunnan Province (P.R. China) were collected to determine variations of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) contents in Chinese cabbage and the influence of soil factors. Mean Cd content was 0.49 mg kg^?1 dry materials (DM) in Chinese cabbage, ranging between 0.23 and 1.34 mg kg^?1 DM (n = 21 samples). Mean Zn content was 51.2 mg kg^?1 DM, ranging from 34.9 to 157.5 mg kg^?1 DM (n = 21 samples). The soil factors best predicting Chinese cabbage Cd and Zn contents were total and available Cd and Zn contents and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Soil samples and corresponding Chinese cabbage samples were divided into two groups: soils with low pH (<6.5, n = 10) and soils with high pH (>6.5, n = 11). Positive correlation between CEC with pH > 6.5 and Cd and Zn contents in Chinese cabbage were observed. Available trace element contents and CEC explained 77% and 69% of variation of Cd and Zn contents in Chinese cabbage, respectively. AEC (enrichment coefficient related to trace element availability) and BCF (bioaccumulation factors) could be used to understand Cd and Zn accumulation in Chinese cabbage.     

Optimizing the Nutritional Status of a Typic Kandiustult of Kerala,India, Using Sorption Study

Abstract

Nutrient sorption studies were carried out as a part of a mega project on “Yield maximization in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) through systematic approach in fertilizer use” to find out the sorption characteristics of major, secondary, and micronutrients [i.e., phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and boron (B)] in a typic kandiustult of Kerala, India. The sorption curve fitted by using this study along with the results of preliminary soil analysis and critical level of these nutrients were used to optimize the nutritional status of this soil. Sorption study revealed that P, K, S, and B were limiting and others were sufficient for this soil. The quantities of the limiting nutrients required to optimize the soil nutritional status were estimated from the sorption curve as P, K, S, and B at 136 µg mL^?1, 0.338 meq 100 mL^?1, 20 µg mL^?1, and 6.025 µg mL^?1, respectively.     

Effect of biochar soil-amendments on Allium porrum growth and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus colonization

Application of biochar to soil to achieve any number of goals should also consider unintended effects upon soil biology, including symbioses such as arbuscular mycorrhizas. We conducted an experiment to examine the interaction of biochar addition and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus inoculation upon growth and phosphorus (P) uptake by Allium porrum L. and relate these responses to physicochemical properties of the biochars. A. porrum seedlings were grown with and without Glomus intraradices Schenck & Smith, and either without biochar or in the presence of one of 12 different biochars created by pyrolysis of three biomass feedstocks. Fast pyrolysis biochars greatly reduced colonization of roots by the AM fungus. Among biochars produced by a given pyrolysis method, higher surface areas were accompanied by higher AM fungus colonization. These findings are pertinent in selecting biochars for application to agricultural soils for such purposes as inactivation of pathogenic bacteria while being mindful of potential impacts upon the AM symbiosis.     

人为侵入体对城市绿地土壤水分入渗特征的影响

在快速城市化过程中,人为侵入体大量混入绿地,改变了土壤的三相组成及孔隙特征,但其对城市绿地土壤的入渗影响仍不清楚。基于一维垂直土柱入渗模拟,以典型人为侵入体砖块和混凝土碎块为例,研究其对城市绿地土壤水分入渗的影响特征。结果表明:(1)人为侵入体的混入均会抑制城市绿地土壤水分下渗,导致其稳定入渗速率降低,累积入渗量、湿润锋距离和土壤体积含水量减小,深层土壤水分变化滞后。同一配比下,以混凝土碎块对土壤水分入渗的抑制作用更为明显(P0.1);(2)随着人为侵入体配比从10%增加到20%,土壤稳定入渗率、累积入渗量、湿润锋距离和土壤体积含水量仍持续减小或略有增加,但差异均不显著(P0.1),其对土壤水分下渗的抑制作用渐趋减弱。(3)不同类型人为侵入体及配比下,城市绿地土壤水分的入渗量随时间变化更加符合Kostiakov模型。研究结果可为未来海绵城市的高效建设提供科学依据。     

Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration by Long-Term Application of Manures Prepared from Trianthema portulacastrurm Linn

ABSTRACT

A 6-year field experiment was conducted at Maharashtra, India, from 2011 to 2017 on a silty clay soil, to study the impact of organic manure prepared from common weed Trianthema portulacastrurm Linn. on soybean-fodder maize crop system and soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration. Organic manures were prepared from Trianthema as compost, vermicompost, dry leaf powder and were compared with application of Farm Yard Manure (FYM), chemical fertilizer treatment (NPK), and control. All treatments were repeated to same earlier treated plots every year for subsequent 6 years. Soil samples were analyzed before experiment and after harvesting of crops at the end of 6 years. All organic manures prepared from Trianthema and FYM increased SOC, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content in the soil as compared to chemical fertilizer treatment and control. The overall increase in SOC content in the 0–60-cm soil depth in vermicompost treatment was 3.51 Mg C ha^?1 as compared to control at the end of this 6 years experiment at the carbon sequestration rate of 585 kg ha^?1 year^?1. Preparation and use of different manures from Trianthema will increase the carbon sequestration in soil, a measure to mitigate global warming.     

Zinc Tolerance in Wheat Cultivars as Affected by Varying Levels of Phosphorus

Abstract

The effect of zinc–phosphorus (Zn‐P) interaction on Zn efficiency of six wheat cultivars was studied. The higher dry matter yields were observed when Zn was applied at 5 µg g^?1 soil than with no Zn application. Phosphorus applications also increased dry matter yield up to the application of 25 µg P g^?1 soil. The dry matter yield was significantly lower at the P rate of 250 µg g^?1 soil. At the Zn‐deficient level, the Zn‐efficient cultivars had higher Zn concentrations in the shoots. Zinc concentrations in all cultivars increased when the P level in the soil was increased from 0 to 25 µg P g^?1 soil except for the cv. Durati, in which Zn concentrations decreased with increases in P levels. However, when Zn×P interactions were investigated, it was observed that at a Zn‐deficient level, Zn concentrations in the plant shoot decreased with each higher level of P, and more severe Zn deficiency was observed at P level of 250 µg g^?1 soil.     

Improved Nutrient Uptake and Growth of Maize in Response to Inoculation with Thiobacillus and Mycorrhiza on an Alkaline Soil

Most plant nutrients are optimally available when soil pH is close to neutral. In this experiment the effects of Thiobacillus and Mycorrhiza on nutrient uptake and grain yield of maize were studied on an alkaline soil as a factorial experiment with randomized complete blocks design. Treatments consisted of Mycorrhiza fungi (M): inoculated (m₁) and noninoculated (m₀), Thiobacillus (T): inoculated (t₁) and noninoculated (t₀), and sulfur (S) (S₀, S₁: 250, and S₂: 500 kg ha^?1). Inoculation of Mycorrhiza, Thiobacillus, and S application decreased soil pH and increased grain yield and seed oil content. The lowest soil pH and the greatest S content were obtained from the combination of Thiobacillus and 500 kg ha^?1 S. Inoculation of Thiobacillus and S application significantly decreased root colonization. The greatest iron (Fe) content was in the combination of Mycorrhiza inoculation and 500 kg ha^?1 S. Grain P content significantly increased with Mycorrhiza inoculation and S application. The greatest grain yield obtained from combination of Thiobacillus with 500 kg ha^?1 S.     

Organic Carbon Dynamics along a Toposequence in a Peri‐urban Site

Abstract

The pattern of carbon (C) storage in soils has implications for agriculture and the environment. Dynamics of organic C, in the 0‐ to 20‐cm soil depth along a toposequence in a peri urban site in Sierra Leone, West Africa, were studied. Organic C was determined by the dry‐combustion method on the following aggregate size fractions: whole soil (<2000 µm), 250–2000 µm, 53–250 µm, and <53 µm.

Mean organic C content of whole soil ranged from 4.8% on the backslope to 9.3% on the toeslope. Organic C content of aggregate size fractions increased with decreasing aggregate size. The amount of soil and organic C present in aggregate size fractions, at all positions on the toposequence, decreased with decreasing aggregate size. In general, convex upper slopes had lower contents and amounts of organic C compared to lower concave areas. This study provided benchmark levels and patterns against which changes resulting from imminent urbanization can be measured.     

Experimental Warming Effects on Soil Respiration,Nitrification, and Denitrification in a Winter Wheat-Soybean Rotation Cropland

A field experiment was conducted to examine responses of soil respiration, nitrification, and denitrification to warming in a winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr) rotation cropland. The results showed that seasonal variations in soil respiration were positively related to seasonal fluctuations in soil temperature. Seasonal mean soil respiration rates for the experimental warming (EW) and control (CK) plots were 3.98 ± 0.43 and 2.54 ± 0.45 μmol m^?2 s^?1, respectively, in the winter wheat growing season, and they were 4.59 ± 0.16 and 4.36 ± 0.08 μmol m^?2 s^?1, respectively, in the soybean growing season. There was a marginally significant level (p = 0.097) for mean nitrification rates between EW and CK plots. Soil temperature and moisture accounted for 58.2% and 58.1% of the seasonal variations observed in the winter wheat and soybean plots, respectively.     

EFFECT OF VESICULAR-ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI ON THE RELATIONS OF PLANT GROWTH, INTERNAL PHOSPHORUS CONCENTRATION AND SOIL PHOSPHATE ANALYSES

The effect of infection by vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza on the predictive value of soil analysis for available P was tested in a glasshouse experiment. Leeks (Allium porrum) were grown on ten Rothamsted soils with a wide range of initial NaHCO₃-soluble P, each of which also received 5 levels of added P. Soils were partially sterilized with 1 Mrad of γ-radiation, or left untreated; plants on sterilized soil were infected with yellow-vacuolate endophyte (Glomus mosseae) or left non-mycorrhizal. The NaHCO₃-soluble P in the soils was measured 5 days after phosphate addition. Yields from all P levels on all soils were plotted against soil NaHCO₃-soluble P content and separate smooth response curves were obtained for non-infected and artificially-infected plants. Infection increased yield only on soils with less than 100 mg P kg^?1. In contrast, naturally-infected plants gave no clearly defined response curve to P, and on three soils the yields were consistently low. These soils gave very low natural infections and had low spore densities probably due to the cropping history of the sites. Artificially-infected plants had much higher shoot P concentrations than did uninfected plants of similar dry weight, over a large range of soil phosphate levels; this effect was also noted with the endophyte G. fasciculatus. Naturally-infected plants showed a poor relationship between shoot P concentration and yield.