EFFECTS OF CALCIUM/MAGNESIUM QUOTIENTS AND NICKEL IN THE GROWTH MEDIUM ON GROWTH AND NICKEL ACCUMULATION IN PISTACIA ATLANTICA

We selected two serpentine (ultramafic) and non-serpentine populations of P. atlantica and a cultivar of P. vera cv. ‘Badami’, to compare their responses to two growth limiting factors of serpentine soils: low calcium (Ca)/ magnesium (Mg) quotients and high concentrations of nickel (Ni). A solution culture system using perlite as a neutral substrate was used for growing the plants. Growth and elemental composition of plants then were analyzed. All populations/species proved to be excluders of Ni but, interestingly the excluding ability of P. vera to prevent translocation of Ni from root to shoot was higher than that of both populations of P. atlantica. The plants of serpentine population of P. atlantica were more resistant to lower Ca/Mg quotients and higher concentrations of Ni. We suggest that the growth and exclusion responses of the tested plants to Ca/Mg quotients and Ni result from adaptations to their natural substrates, ultramafic or saline soils.     

Elemental composition of serpentine plants depends on habitat affinity and organ type

Serpentine soils represent a stressful growing environment for most plants due to a number of edaphic factors, including low concentrations of plant nutrients and high concentrations of heavy metals. Plants in these environments range from weakly resistant to strictly endemic, yet it remains unclear whether serpentine habitat affinity affects plant chemistry, including elemental distribution among various organs. We address this knowledge gap using three confamilial pairs of endemic and non‐endemic plants. First, we determined total and phytoavailable soil concentrations of four nutrients (Ca, Mg, P, K) and three heavy metals (Co, Cr, Ni) across 11 serpentine study sites. Next, we determined the concentrations of these elements in leaves, flowers, and seeds in plants of each species growing on serpentine soil. Soils at the study sites were characteristically high in concentrations of Mg, Ni, Co and Cr, and low in K, P and Ca relative to non‐serpentine soils. Habitat affinity was critical in determining the organ concentrations of Ca, Mg, K, and Co, although concentration often varied by organ type. Relative to non‐endemics, endemics had higher concentrations of Mg and K across all organ types, whereas Ca concentrations were higher for non‐endemics in the leaves but equal for the two reproductive organs. While no difference was observed in Ni or Cr concentrations, endemics contained 56% less Co than non‐endemics across all organ types. These results suggest that serpentine endemics are more effective at acquiring potentially limiting nutrients compared to non‐endemic species, but both endemic and non‐endemic plants exclude most phytotoxic heavy metals. Therefore, growth on serpentine requires common physiological responses of all plants, though high variation in uptake of some key nutrients and exclusion of some metals may reflect differential adaptation to serpentines by non‐endemic and endemic plants.     

Chemical and Mineralogical Properties of Norwegian Alum Shale Soils,with Special Emphasis on Heavy Metal Content and Availability

Abstract

Alum shale and till soils overlying alum shale bedrock were analysed for aqua regia and NH₄OAc/EDTA extractable Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Mn and Cd. The means of these determinations were compared with those of Norwegian, Finnish and Swedish non-alum shale soils. Alum shale soils seemed to contain higher amounts of both total and easily extractable Cu, Zn, Ni and Cd. Total Pb content also seemed to be higher in the alum shale soils. The relative availability of Cd, Ni and Mn, expressed as the ratio of NH₄OAc/EDTA to aqua regia extractable, was found to be greater than that of Pb, Cu and Zn in the alum shale and till soils.     

An Investigation on Nutritional Problems of Hazelnut Grown on Acid Soils

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the nutritional problems of hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) grown on acid soils. For this purpose, soil and leaf samples were taken from 30 different hazelnut growing areas from Trabzon Region in Turkey. Some physical and chemical properties and some nutrient element contents of soil and leaf samples were determined. These determined values were compared with critical values, and the degree of sufficiency was evaluated. In general, organic matter, total nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P), exchangeable potassium (K), and magnesium (Mg) contents of soil samples were sufficient. Calcium (Ca) deficiency was obtained in 93.4% of the soil, because of acid property of the soils. Available iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) contents of the soils were found to be sufficient. In 70% of the soils, Zn deficiency was found. Nitrogen, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Zn deficiencies of leaf samples were 20.0, 26.7, 6.7, 73.4, 50.0, and 66.7%, respectively. Iron, Cu, and Mn contents of leaf samples were found to be sufficient.     

Chemical analysis of Teucrium species (Lamiaceae) growing on serpentine soils in Bulgaria

Trace elemental concentrations (Fe, Ni, Mn, Cr, Co, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, and As) in aerial biomass (stems, leaves, and flowers) of the medicinal plants Teucrium chamaedrys, T. montanum, and T. polium growing on serpentine soils in Bulgaria were examined in relation to the total element contents in their respective rhizospheric soils. The objectives of the study were to evaluate: (1) elemental concentrations in plant tissues and associated soil samples together with the plants ability to tolerate/accumulate metal concentrations; (2) correlations between total metal concentrations in plants and their rhizospheric soils. Metal concentrations varied across species and sites. Their levels in plant tissues from nonserpentine sites were always lower compared to those from serpentine ones. The highest concentrations for Fe, Ni, Mn, Cr, As, Cu, and Pb were found in T. polium. Positive correlation coefficients were established between Ni, Cr, Fe, Co, and Cu in plants and Ca in the soil. None of the species tested hyperaccumulated metals although the metal concentration in some of them exceeded the range naturally found in plants. The Teucrium species can be considered as “excluders”, containing relatively low metal concentrations in their aerial parts (stems, leaves, and flowers) even in cases of high elemental concentrations in the rhizospheric soil. In all three medicinal plants, metal concentrations for toxic elements were above the permissible limits for pharmaceutical purposes. Therefore, plants found on serpentine bedrock are not recommended to be collected for pharmaceutical purposes.     

Nutrient indexing of peanut in some selected villages of the Punjab

Abstract

Samples of peanut plants from 5 selected villages of Ludhiana and Kapurthala (Punjab, India) were analysed for P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, Cu, Mn and B. The dominant nutrient deficiencies were of B > K > S > Zn> P >Mn> Cu. Potassium and magnesium seem to interact antagonistically for their absorption. The inherent low status of nutrients in these soils appears to be the reason for their wide‐spread deficiency and consequent low yield of peanut crop.     

Variation of forage and extractable soil minerals over two grazing seasons in North Florida

Abstract

A two‐year experiment was conducted at a north Florida farm to evaluate the mineral status of bahiagrass forages and soils. Forage samples were collected every 28 d throughout the grazing season, and soils evaluated twice yearly. The minerals calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) were uniformly below the dietary requirements for growing beef cattle in both years. Forage magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), crude protein (CP), and manganese (Mn) were generally adequate throughout the grazing season, with the exception of low P concentration at the end of the growing season for both years. Extractable soil concentrations of Ca, P, K, Mg and Zn were adequate but low in Cu. Although CP was adequate (>7.0%) throughout the grazing season, IVOMD values were relatively low. There was a general trend for forage P, K, and IVOMD to decrease (P<0.05) with time.     

间作五指毛桃土壤和根主要中微量元素含量及其相关性

为了解在成龄胶园间作的五指毛桃根际与非根际土壤及其根中主要中、微量元素含量情况，测定了实验区根际与非根际土壤各30个和对应五指毛桃根的钙、镁、铁、锰、铜和锌含量，分析了两者之间的关系，并评价了根际与非根际土壤中、微量元素丰缺状况。结果表明，非根际土壤钙、镁、铁、锰含量的平均值都高于根际土壤的，而铜、锌含量的平均值都低于根际土壤的。土壤钙、镁含量80%以上处于缺水平，而铁、锰含量处于丰或很丰水平，铜和锌含量处于适中水平。五指毛桃根际与非根际土壤中、微量元素存在空间上的广泛变异。五指毛桃根中、微量元素的平均值从大到小的排序是钙>镁>锰>铁>锌>铜。土壤中、微量元素与五指毛桃根中相对应的中、微量元素的相关性不强，且表现复杂。本研究结果揭示，在成龄胶园间作五指毛桃应当适量施用钙肥、镁肥和喷施一些铜元素叶面肥，并实行科学施肥，减少养分淋失。     

Elemental and/or cation ratio efficiency of corn hybrids grown on an infertile soil inadequate in magnesium

Abstract

Magnesium deficiency in corn (Zea mays L.) is often attributed to the low levels of Mg in soils. This study was conducted to determine elemental and/or cation balance efficiency of corn hybrids grown on a soil low in available Mg, Among the 15 hybrids tested, no differential efficiency in ear leaf concentration of P was found at two planting dates. Leaf concentrations of Zn and Fe were influenced by planting date for all hybrids but interactions between hybrids and planting date were found only for K, Ca, Mg concentrations and the sum of the Meq Ca + Mg/100 g, the Meq K + Ca + Mg/100 g, and the K/Ca and K/Ca + Mg ratios. Planting dates did not Influence the K/Mg ratio among hybrids. Large differences in efficiency of K, Ca, and Mg were found but these cations were found to have large Interactions. Data show that Ca and Mg efficient hybrids are less efficient in K than Ca and Mg inefficient hybrids. It should be possible to breed corn hybrids for better cation balance efficiency for use on infertile soils low in avallable Mg.     

Influence of soils and planting dates on mineral element efficiency of corn hybrids

Abstract

Magnesium (Mg) deficiency In corn (Zea mays L.) is a major problem in many parts of the world because of widespread soil Mg deficiency. One approach to growing corn on infertile soils is to develop hybrids by breeding for better mineral element efficiency. This study was conducted on two soils low and medium in available Mg with corn planted on different dates to determine if hybrids were consistent for differences in mineral element efficiency. Hybrids did not differ in yield at each location but differed between soils. Yield decreased from late plantings. Ear leaf concentrations were greatly affected by soils and planting dates for most elements. Hybrids differed In efficiency of all elements but P, Zn, and Mn efficiency was not consistent between soils. Iron, K, Ca, and Mg concentrations in the ear leaf were genetically consistent in relative efficiencies among hybrids on both soils. Concentrations of K, Ca, and Mg In leaf tissue appeared to be positively related to soil test. Cation sums and ratios were different among hybrids and were rather consistent between soils. Data indicate that hybrids do differ in Mg efficiency as well as other elements and cation balance. The use of genetics to manipulate hybrids for efficiency on low Mg Infertile soils should be feasible.     

我国几种土壤中铁锰结核的元素组成和地球化学特点

The objective of this research was to isolate a dichlorvos （2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate）-degrading strain of Ochrobactrum sp., and determine its effectiveness in remediation of a dichlorvos-contaminated soil. A dichlorvos-degrading bacterium （strain DDV-1） was successfully isolated and identified as an Ochrobactrum sp. based on its 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Strain DDV-1 was able to utilize dichlorvos as a sole carbon source, and the optimal pH and temperature for its cell growth and degradation were 7.0 and 30 ℃, respectively. Also, the growth and degradation of strain DDV-1 showed the same response to dissolved oxygen. In addition, the soil degradation test indicated that in soil spiked with 100 mg L^-1 or 500 mg L^-1 dichlorvos and inoculated with 0.5% or 1.0% （v/v） strain DDV-1, complete degradation of dichlorvos could be achieved in 24 h. The present study showed that strain DDV-1 was a fast dichlorvos-degrading bacterium in soil. However, further research will be needed to clarify the degradation pathway and the properties of the key enzymes involved in its biodegradation.     

Differential leaching of cations and sulfate in gypsum amended soils

Abstract

An adequate supply of available Ca in the soil solution of the pegging zone during fruit development is required for production of high yields of high quality peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.). On low Ca soils, application of gypsum during early bloom is recommended in order to ascertain adequate availability of Ca. Reaction of gypsum in soils under leaching conditions vary considerably and play an important role in fruit development and yield of peanuts. A laboratory study was conducted in leaching soil columns to investigate the effects of one gypsum amendment on leaching of Ca, K, Mg, and SO₄ to a depth of 8 cm (fruiting zone of peanut). Six soils of varying physical and chemical properties representative of major peanut growing soils in Georgia were utilized. Following leaching with 15 cm water through gypsum‐amended soil columns, 50% to 56% and 74% to 77% of applied Ca and SO₄, respectively, were leached below 8 cm in the sandy‐Carnegie, Dothan, Fuquay and Tifton soils. The respective values for the sandy clay loam‐Greenville and Faceville soils were 28% to 36% and 58% to 69%. Lower initial Ca status and greater leaching of Ca from the applied gypsum in the sandy soils as compared to sandy clay loam soils suggest greater beneficial effects of supplemental gypsum application for peanut production in the former soils than in the latter soils. Leaching of K or Mg (as percentage of Mehlich 1 extractable K or Mg) in gypsum‐amended treatment was considerably greater in sandy soils than that in the sandy clay loam soils. In view of the reported adverse effects of high concentrations of soil K and Mg in the fruiting zone on the yield and quality of peanuts, greater leaching of K and Mg from the fruiting zone in gypsum amended sandy soils enable them to maintain a favorable cation balance for the production of high yields of quality peanuts.     

Plant tolerance to nickel toxicity: II nickel effects on influx and transport of mineral nutrients in four plant species

Nickel (Ni) is an essential micronutrient for higher plants but is toxic to plants at excess levels. Plant species differ extensively for mineral uptake and accumulation, and these differences often help explain plant tolerances to mineral toxicities/deficiencies. Solution culture experiments were conducted under controlled conditions to determine the effects of Ni on influx into roots (IN) and transport from roots to shoots (TR) of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) in white clover (Trifolium repens L.), cabbage (ßrassica oleracea van capitata L.), ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and maize (Zea mays L.). Nickel decreased both IN and TR of Zn, Cu, Ca, and Mg, but only TR of Fe and Mn in white clover. Both IN and TR of Cu, Fe, Mn, Mg, and S were markedly decreased by Ni >30 μM in cabbage, whereas IN and TR of P increased with Ni treatment. For ryegrass, TR of Cu, Fe, Mn, Ca, and Mg was decreased, but IN of these elements except Mg was not affected by Ni. The IN and TR of P and S were increased in ryegrass with increasing external Ni levels. Nickel inhibited IN of Cu, Ca, and Mg, and TR of Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ca, and Mg in maize. Plant species differed in response to Ni relative to IN and TR of mineral nutrients. Plant tolerance to Ni toxicity was associated with the influence of Ni on IN and TR of Cu, Fe, and Mn in white clover and cabbage but not in maize and ryegrass.     

An Improved Procedure for Determining Magnesium Fertilizer Dissolution in Field Soils

Abstract

The sequential extraction procedure currently used to measure magnesium (Mg) fertilizer dissolution in soils consists of removing dissolved Mg (step 1), and partially dissolved Mg (step 2), followed by an 18‐h extraction with 2 M HCl at room temperature to determine undissolved Mg (step 3). This procedure is satisfactory for soluble and moderately soluble Mg fertilizers but is not an accurate procedure for slightly soluble fertilizers, such as serpentine. When step 3 is replaced by a digestion procedure using 2 M HCl for 4 h at 90–95°C (improved step 3), the total serpentine Mg recovery (dissolved and undissolved Mg) from soil samples, either immediately after serpentine was added to soil or after a 21‐day incubation with moist soil, was about 100% compared to 40–50% by the original procedure. The improved procedure also increased the recovery of serpentine Mg applied to field soils. Therefore, this study recommends that the third step of the sequential extraction procedure be replaced by a 4 h digestion using 2 M HCl (90–95°C).     

A nutritional survey of peach orchards in the murrumbidgee irrigation areas of New South Wales

Abstract

A nutritional survey of 23 commercial peach orchards was carried out in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Areas (M.I.A.) of New South Wales during three growing seasons (1961–62, 1962–63 and 1963–64). Sampling sites were chosen to provide the widest possible coverage of peach orchards of above average productivity. Leaf and soil samples were taken from each site for chemical analysis.

The lighter textured (loamy sand) soils were found to have low reserves of N, P, Ca, Mg and K which could limit growth and yield. The heavier textured colluvial (sandy loam) and alluvial (clay loam) soils contained adequate reserves of most nutrients except N and P. Colluvial soils were particularly low in P. On all soils organic matter contents were very low, generally being below 1.0%.

Leaf N, P, K and B contents decreased during the growing season from October to April. In contrast, leaf Ca, Mg, Na and Cl contents increased over the same period. Since there was a tendency for the leaf N and P contents to decrease slightly during January, this month is suggested as being the most suitable for the collection of leaf samples for diagnostic purposes. Despite the low reserves of some nutrients as indicated by soil analysis, generally satisfactory levels of leaf N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Cl, B, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn were found.     

Determining baseline element composition of lichens

Element-concentration baselines are given for Parmelia sulcata and associated soils. Parmelia chlorochroa was found sporadically and therefore only representative concentration ranges are reported for this species. Element data include (1) for lichens; Al, As, Ba, B, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, P, Sr, S, Ti, V, Y, and Zn; and (2) for soils: Al, Ba, Be, Ca, Cs, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Ni, Nb, P, Pb, Sr, S, Ti, V, Y, and Zn. Very little (usually < 10 %) of the variability in the element data for lichen material occurs regionally (> 7.2 km); thus, P sukata is, in general, chemically similar throughout the park. This same uniformity was found for soil geochemistry. Numerous samples collected at close intervals would be required, therefore, to produce detailed element-concentration maps for P. sulcata and soils. No instances of elemental phytotoxic conditions were found; however, P. sulcata apparently possesses large concentrations of Ba, Cu, Fe, Pb, S, V, and possibly Zn.     

Level of trace elements in Pteridophytes growing on serpentine and metalliferous soils

A screening of Pteridophytes growing on serpentine and metalliferous soils in Northern Italy was carried out to assess the ability of these plants to tolerate or accumulate trace elements of toxicological interest. Few data are available on metal tolerance/accumulation of terrestrial ferns growing in the Mediterranean region, and several species presented here have never been investigated for this purpose. The trace‐element composition (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn) and P content of aerial parts of plants (12 fern and 2 horsetail species) and of their associated soils were measured. An analysis of the relationship between element concentrations in soil and in shoot revealed a significant correlation only for Zn (p < 0.05). Hierarchical cluster analysis based on element concentrations in plant aerial parts showed two outliers, viz. Equisetum ramosissimum Desf., showing the highest levels of Cr, Fe, Cu, Ni, and As, and Nephrolepis cordifolia C. Presl., showing the highest Pb value. The bioaccumulation factor exceeded 1 only for Cd in two species, Athyrium filix‐femina and Dryopteris filix‐mas. However, also in these cases the corresponding values of the metal in the shoots were below the thresholds for hyperaccumulators. The examined Pteridophytes seem to have developed their adaptation prevalently through mechanisms of tolerance based on metal exclusion. None of these plant species seem suitable for phytoextraction, but N. cordifolia, Pteridium aquilinum ssp. aquilinum, and E. ramosissimum have potential to be used for stabilization and restoration of soils rich in heavy metals.     

Multiple-nutrient limitation of upland rainfed rice in ferralsols: a greenhouse nutrient-omission trial

Abstract

To optimize the nutrient management of upland rice production on tropical ferralsols, a greenhouse experiment was established using the multi-nutrient omission approach. A reciprocal soil origin-rice cultivar transplant experiment was also conducted to better understand the relative contributions of the soil origin and the rice cultivar in rice nutrient limitation. We tested the deficiency of seven major and secondary nutrients [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and silicon (Si)] and a solution of six micronutrients (B, Mn, Cu, Co, Na, Mo) likely to limit the growth of two upland rice cultivars, Chhomrong Dan and Nerica 4, on two Ferralsols from the highlands of Madagascar. We found severe multiple nutrient deficiencies. For both cultivars, P, Ca, N, Mg omission significantly depressed the shoot and root dry biomass and their amounts in plant tissues. However, the main limiting nutrients were not the same in both soils. We conclude that the multinutrient deficiencies observed for rice growth in the Ferralsols are site-specific, even though P limitation appears to be in common, and requires a holistic consideration of the mineral fertility, including micronutrients.     

Leaf elemental concentrations and grain yield of sorghum grown on an acid soil

Abstract

Determination of the nutrient requirements of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] grown on acid soils is, a critical step in the development of plants which are adapted to these problem soils. Sorghum genotype, environment, and soil type interact with the uptake of elements and affect plant growth and production. This study compared the yields of a sorghum grain hybrid grown on a sandy loam soil at four acid pH levels. Nutrient concentrations in sorghum leaves on these soil regimes were also investigated. Grain yields declined 96% as soil pH decreased from 5.5 to 4.4. Leaf element analysis revealed that as pH decreased from 5.5 to 4.4, there was an increase in plant Al, Fe, Mn, K, P and a decrease in Cu, Zn, Mg, Ca. Interactions among several of these elements were readily apparent. Additional data involving different sorghum genotypes and different soil types are needed to establish a consistent pattern of element uptake on acid soils in relation to yield and plant production.     

Nutrient status of wheat crop in Ludhiana

Abstract

Samples of wheat plants from 5 selected villages of Ludhiana (Punjab, India) were analysed for P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn. The dominant nutritional deficiencies are found to be those of zinc and copper. The extent of hidden hunger is in the order of Zn > Mg > Cu > K. The low concentrations of Zn and Cu are ascribed to the inherent poor fertility status associated with the lighter texture and low organic matter content. The data suggest that the low concentrations of Mg may be due to high availability of K in some soils. A sharp decline in the higher concentrations of P, K, Mg and Zn with the advancement in the growth stage suggests the importance of stage of growth at the sampling time in evaluating the leaf analysis data.