Seed priming in nanoparticles of water treatment residual can increase the germination and growth of cucumber seedling under salinity stress

Abstract

A laboratory experiment was carried out to evaluate the impact of the nanoparticles of water treatment residuals (nWTRs) and salt stress on germination and growth parameters of cucumber seedling. The interaction between three nWTRs treatments (0, 500, and 1000 mgL^?1) nWTRs and five saline solution (fresh water: sea water) treatments had 0.70, 2, 3, 6, and 11?dSm^?1 were studied. The results revealed that increasing salinity levels significantly reduced the percentage of germination (GP) for the primed seeds treated in fresh water and nWTRs. The GP reduction was higher in seeds primed in fresh water compared to which primed in nWTRs. Salt stress negatively affected radicle length of cucumber seedling for both priming treatments. However, this impact was more pronounced for the primed seeds treated in fresh water than which treated in nWTRs at high salinity stress. Priming in nWTRs significantly decreased the root radius of cucumber seedlings, and the1000 mgL^?1 priming treatment obtained a lowest value of radicle radius. Increasing salt concentration in culture medium reduced total biomass of cucumber seedling, however for the primed seeds treated in nWTRs, the total biomass was increased in comparison with which treated in fresh water. Salt tolerance and vigor indices were significantly (p?<?0.01) affected by salinity levels, nWTRs treatments and their interaction. It can be concluded that nWTRs are ameliorating materials for plant growth under salt stress conditions.     

Pig manure vermicompost (PMVC) can improve phytoremediation of Cd and PAHs co-contaminated soil by Sedum alfredii

Purpose

A major challenge to phytoremediation of co-contaminated soils is developing strategies for efficient and simultaneous removal of multiple pollutants. A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the potential for enhanced phytoextraction of cadmium (Cd) by Sedum alfredii and dissipation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in co-contaminated soil by application of pig manure vermicompost (PMVC).

Materials and methods

Soil contaminated by Cd (5.53?mg?kg^?1 DW) was spiked with phenanthrene, anthracene, and pyrene together (250?mg?kg^?1 DW for each PAH). A pot experiment was conducted in a greenhouse with four treatments: (1) soil without plants and PMVC (Control), (2) soil planted with S. alfredii (Plant), (3) soil amended with PMVC at 5?% (w/w) (PMVC), and (4) treatment 2?+?3 (Plant?+?PMVC). After 90?days, shoot and root biomass of plants, Cd concentrations in plant and soil, and PAH concentrations in soil were determined. Abundance of PAH degraders in soil, soil bacterial community structure and diversity, and soil enzyme activities and microbial biomass carbon were measured.

Results and discussion

Application of PMVC to co-contaminated soil increased the shoot and root dry biomass of S. alfredii by 2.27- and 3.93-fold, respectively, and simultaneously increased Cd phytoextraction without inhibiting soil microbial population and enzyme activities. The highest dissipation rate of PAHs was observed in Plant?+?PMVC treatment. However, neither S. alfredii nor PMVC enhanced PAH dissipation when applied separately. Abundance of PAH degraders in soil was not significantly related to PAH dissipation rate. Plant?+?PMVC treatment significantly influenced the bacterial community structure. Enhanced PAH dissipation in the Plant?+?PMVC treatment could be due to the improvement of plant root growth, which may result in increased root exudates, and subsequently change bacterial community structure to be favorable for PAH dissipation.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that remediation of Cd and PAHs co-contaminated soil by S. alfredii can be enhanced by simultaneous application of PMVC. Long-term evaluation of this strategy in co-contaminated field sites is needed.     

Fertilizer use efficiency of drought-stressed oat (Avena sativa L.) following soil amendment with a water-saving superabsorbent polymer

Abstract

In arid and semiarid regions of northern China, there is an increasing interest in using reduced rates of chemical fertilizer along with water-saving superabsorbent polymer for field crop production. Field experiments were conducted during the year 2009 and 2010 to study the growth performance and yield characteristics of forage oat (Avena sativa L.) as well as soil moisture and nutrient status of the experimental field under different fertilizer (standard, 300; medium, 225; and low, 150 kg ha^?1) treatments with (60 kg ha^?1) or without application of superabsorbent polymer. Our results show that above-ground biomass accumulation fell by 14.8% under medium and 32.6% under low fertilizer levels whereas application of superabsorbent polymer increased it significantly by 39.7%. Similarly plant height, tiller fertility rate, grain yield, relative water content in the leaves as well as quality of forage also increased for superabsorbent polymer treatment. Considering the trends of growth reduction (qualitative and quantitative) due to fertilizer reduction and progressive influence of superabsorbent polymer on those parameters, it was clear that application of superabsorbent polymer plus only half the conventional fertilizer rate (150 kg ha^?1) would be a more appropriate practice for forage oat production under arid and semiarid conditions of northern China or in areas with similar ecologies.     

灌溉和施氮对河西走廊紫花苜蓿生物量分配与 水分利用效率的影响

确定河西地区紫花苜蓿栽培草地的合理施氮量和灌溉量,对优化当地紫花苜蓿栽培草地生物量分配和提高水分利用效率具有重要意义。本研究利用田间试验研究了不同灌溉量(W1:当地灌溉量的60%;W2:当地灌溉量的80%;W3:当地灌溉量1 920 m3·hm-2)和施氮量[N1:0 kg(N)·hm-2;N2:40 kg(N)·hm-2;N3:80 kg(N)·hm-2;N4:120 kg(N)·hm-2]对2年生紫花苜蓿生物量分配特征及水分利用效率的影响。结果表明:灌溉量为W2和W3时均显著增加了紫花苜蓿株高、单株分枝数、地上生物量,及20~40 cm、40~60 cm和0~60 cm土层的根系体积、根系生物量和水分利用效率,且W2和W3的紫花苜蓿株高、单株分枝数和地上生物量差异不明显,说明采用当地灌溉量的80%水量时,紫花苜蓿水分利用效率最高。随着施氮量增加,紫花苜蓿单株分枝数、叶茎比、根系体积、根系生物量、地上和地下生物量比和水分利用效率均呈现先增加后降低的趋势,且在施氮量为80 kg(N)·hm-2时最大,说明紫花苜蓿根系发育和水分利用效率对氮的响应均存在剂量效应。在水氮互作条件下,处理W2N2或W2N3中紫花苜蓿株高、单株分枝数、根系体积和0~20 cm、20~40 cm、0~60 cm根系生物量及地上生物量与地下生物量比值和水分利用效率达到最优。结合上述分析得出在灌溉量W2和施氮N3时,紫花苜蓿地上地下生物量比值和水分利用效率达最大值,表明河西走廊紫花苜蓿栽培草地的适宜灌溉量为当地灌溉的80%,施氮量为80 kg·hm-2,此时紫花苜蓿水分利用效率和地上地下生物量比值配置最优。     

Effect of salinity and soil temperature on the growth and physiology of drip-irrigated rice seedlings

Drip irrigation offers potential for rice (Oryza sativa L.) production in regions where water resources are limited. However, farmers in China’s Xinjiang Province report that drip-irrigated rice seedlings sometimes suffer salt damage. The objective of this study was to learn more about the effects of soil salinity and soil temperature on the growth of drip-irrigated rice seedlings. The study consisted of a two-factor design with two soil salinity treatments (0 and 1.8 g kg^?1 NaCl) and three soil temperature treatments (18°C, 28°C and 36°C). The results showed that shoot biomass, root biomass and root vigor were greatest when seedlings were grown with no salt stress (0 g kg^?1 NaCl) at 28°C. Moderate salt stress (1.8 g kg^?1 NaCl) combined with high temperature (36°C) significantly reduced root and shoot biomass by 39–53%. Moderate salt stress and high temperature also increased root proline concentration by 77%, root malonyldialdehyde concentration by 60% and seedling mortality by 60%. Shoot and root Na⁺ concentrations, shoot and root Na⁺ uptake and the Na⁺ distribution ratio in shoots were all the greatest when moderate salt stress was combined with high temperature. In conclusion, high soil temperature aggravates salt damage to drip-irrigated rice seedlings. Therefore, soil salinity should be considered before adopting drip-irrigation for rice production.     

Heavy Metal Biosorption by Plant Biomass of the Macrophyte Ludwigia Stolonifera

Ludwigia stolonifera biomass of roots, floating roots and leaves were tested for their performance as heavy metal biofilters. Cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni) (50 ppm) solutions were filtered through 0.5–1.5 g packed columns with each biomaterial, to determine their metal removal efficiency. Root column was more efficient in removing Ni (as low as 6 ppb in the effluent) than of Cd (as low as to 22 ppb in the effluent). This tendency was also observed upon treatment of a mixed solution of both metals. Floating roots column reduced Cd content to the same level as the root column, but its metal binding capacity was higher; 93 mg Cd g^-1 DW in floating roots in comparison to 43 mg Cd g^-1DW in the roots biofilter. Leaf biomass column demonstrated the best metal binding capacity; 128 mg Cd g^-1 DW, and Cd concentration in the effluent was 17 ppb. Pectin content was 5, 8 and 10% W/W in roots, leaves and floating roots biofilters, respectively. It seems that ion exchange is the major mechanism by which the metal is biosorbed. Evidence for the exchange of the bound heavy metal ions against the discharge of light metal ions such as calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K) and sodium (Na) was provided.     

Growth and root architecture responses of zoysiagrass to changes in fertilizer nitrate : urea ratio

Although zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) responds to nitrogen (N) application in the field, especially during the establishment phase, no guidelines are available for the preferred form of N for these species. A greenhouse experiment was performed to see how zoysiagrass responds to nitrate and urea as N sources. Z. japonica cv. El Toro (fast‐growing) and cv. Meyer (slow‐growing) and Z. matrella cv. Zorro (fast‐growing) and cv. Diamond (slow‐growing) were chosen for this study. Plants were clonally propagated as phytomers, established in 21 cm deep cone‐tainers filled with a sand‐based growth medium. The treatment consisted of a modified, half‐strength Hoagland's solution with five different nitrate : urea ratios (100 : 0, 75 : 25, 50 : 50, 25 : 75, 0 : 100). Plant responses were assessed in terms of biomass production (leaf, culm, roots, and total plant dry weight) and rooting characteristics (length, area, diameter, volume, tips, forks, crossings, and root volume ratio) 10 weeks after the initiation of the experiment. The differing sources of N resulted in changes in plant growth and development. The cultivars had different above and below‐ground biomass and root architecture traits. El Toro had the highest total biomass production (2.083 g plant⁻¹ DW), while Meyer and Zorro together averaged 0.734 g plant⁻¹ DW (65% less than El Toro). Diamond was the least productive in terms of leaf, culm, and root biomass (0.278 g plant⁻¹ DW; 87% less than El Toro). Furthermore, above‐ and below‐ground DW production was greatest following treatment with 25 : 75 nitrate:urea, whereas 100% nitrate produced plants with the lowest DW. Zoysiagrass rooting traits were only minimally influenced by N source; as the concentration of urea increased, slight increases in root surface area and volume were observed, accompanied by a decline in the root volume ratio.     

Assessment of the AquaCrop Model for Simulating Maize Response to Different Nitrogen Stresses under Semi-arid Climate

ABSTRACT

AquaCrop applies an automatic calibration procedure through semi-quantitative approach to determine degree of soil fertility stress on crop production and water productivity. The objective of this study was to assess this capability of AquaCrop to simulate maize grain yield and biomass production, canopy cover and soil water content in the root zone under different nitrogen (N) applications in a semi-arid environment. The field experiments were conducted at the research farm located in Tehran, over the 2015 and 2016 growing seasons. Five N treatments were investigated including no nitrogen (N0), 50(N1), 100(N2), 150(N3) and 200 kg N. ha^?1 (N4) for each year. Calibration was carried out using the data of N0 and N4 in 2015 and validation in the field was performed with remaining data. The results indicated that the range of relative root-mean-square error (RRMSE), coefficient of determination (R²) and mean bias error (MBE), for estimating final biomass production were obtained as 5.16%, 0.966, 0.28 ton. ha^?1, and for final grain yield were 14.64%, 0.939, 0.56 ton. ha^?1, respectively. The AquaCrop simulated canopy cover and biomass production development with RRMSE of 16.23–24.12% and 6.09–32.39%, respectively. The performance of the model for simulating soil water content was also good with RRMSE< 10.78%. Over all, these results confirmed that the AquaCrop model could be an applicable tool for managing maize production under different N stresses in a semi-arid environment.     

不同水分调控对晋西黄土区苹果×大豆间作系统细根分布与耗水特性的影响

为探求适于晋西黄土区果农间作系统的水分调控措施,选取该地区典型的苹果×大豆间作系统为研究对象,结合覆盖与调亏灌溉2种节水措施,分析了不同水分调控措施对苹果和大豆根系空间分布、耗水量与水分利用等指标的影响。试验设置灌溉上限3个水平:田间持水量的55%(W1,低水),70%(W2,中水)和85%(W3,高水),2种覆盖材料:秸秆覆盖(M1)和地膜覆盖(M2)。结果表明:水分调控措施增加了苹果和大豆总根长密度,且扩大了苹果在水平和垂直方向上的根长分布。苹果根长密度与距树行距离呈负相关,而大豆则呈正相关,且均与垂直深度存在负相关关系。大豆鼓粒期土壤水分随距树行距离的增加先减后增,最小值为距树行1.5～2.0m,与清耕(CK0)和单一覆盖(CK1和CK2)相比,水分调控措施能显著提高0—60cm土层内的土壤水分。聚类分析表明水分调控下苹果和大豆主要水分竞争区域为距树行0.5～1.5m、垂直方向0—40cm土层范围内。M2W2处理苹果细根集中分布在20—40cm土层,大豆细根主要在0—20cm土层,根系错位分布缓解了种间水分竞争,其耗水量可较W3组减少40～50mm,且其产量和水分利用可分别较其他水分调控措施提高29.37%～41.92%,12.29%～53.35%,同时可使间作系统净收益最大,可达2 976.5元/hm~2。由此建议在未坐果的幼龄苹果树行间间作大豆时采用地膜覆盖措施,同时在分枝期灌水150m~3/hm~2,结荚期灌水400m~3/hm~2,鼓粒期灌水300m~3/hm~2,可显著提高间作系统水分利用水平和经济效益。     

不同根系含量对山原红壤抗剪强度的影响

[目的]探讨云南省昆明市呈贡区段家营一植被覆盖的斜坡区不同含量植被根系对山原土壤抗剪强度的增强效应,为相关研究提供理论依据。[方法]制备0(无根系空白样),0.467,0.93,1.4 mg/cm~3这4种根系含量以及20%,25%,30%,35%,40%这5种含水量的根—土复合体试验样品进行抗剪强度试验。[结果]根—土复合体中,植被根系能提供给土壤额外的抗剪能力和抵抗土体变形来增强土体的抗剪强度,植被根系对土体抗剪强度有明显的增强效应,但这种增强效应是有限的。根系含量在0.93 mg/cm~3时,根系对土体的抗剪强度增强效果最好。随着根系含量的增加,黏聚力和内摩擦角总是呈现负相关性的关系,在低含水量情况下,黏聚力随根系含量增加而先降低后增加,内摩擦角随根系含量变化则相反。当含水量低且根系含量相对较少时(当含水量≤35%,根系含量≤0.93 mg/cm~3时),土壤参与剪切整个过程且为被剪主体,得到的黏聚力和内摩擦角均为正值,符合库仑定律;当含水量较高且根系含量较多时(当含水量=35%,根系含量=1.4 mg/cm~3时以及当含水量=45%,根系含量≥0.467 mg/cm~3时),被剪主体为根系,得到的黏聚力为负值,不符合库仑定律。[结论]库仑定律不适用于高含水量和高含量植被根系的根—土复合体抗剪强度的研究。在采用植被护坡时可用试验确定边坡土壤抗剪强度最高时的最佳含根量和含水量。     

Growth Response and Selenium and Boron Distribution in Broccoli Varieties Irrigated with Poor Quality Water

Abstract

Selenium (Se), and boron (B), and salinity contamination of agricultural drainage water is potentially hazardous for water reuse strategies in central California. This greenhouse study assessed tolerance and Se, B, and chloride (Cl^?) accumulation in different varieties (Emerald City, Samurai, Greenbelt, Marathon) of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.) irrigated with water of the following different qualities: (1) non‐saline [electrical conductivity (EC) of <1 dS m^?1]; (2) Cl^?/sulfate salinity of ～5 dS m^?1, 250 µg Se L^?1, and 5 mg B L^?1; and (3) non‐saline and 250 µg Se L^?1. One hundred and ten days after transplanting, plants were harvested and dry weight (DW) yields and plant accumulation of Se, B, and Cl^? was evaluated in floret, leaf, and stem. Irrespective of treatments floret yields from var. Samurai were the lowest among all varieties, while floret yields from var. Marathon was the only variety to exhibit some sensitivity to treatments. For all varieties, plant Se concentrations were greatest in the floret (up to 51 mg kg^?1 DW) irrespective of treatment, and B and Cl^? concentrations were greatest in the leaves; 110 mg B kg^?1 DW and 5.4% Cl^?, respectively. At post harvest, treatment 2 (with salinity, B, and Se) increased soil salinity to almost 6 dS m^?1, total Se concentrations to a high of 0.64 mg kg^?1 DW soil, and water soluble B concentrations to a high of 2.3 mg B L^?1; soluble Se concentrations were insignificant. The results indicate that var. Emerald City, Greenbelt, and Marathon should be considered as recipients of moderately saline effluent enriched with Se and B under field conditions.     

禾豆间作系统水分和根系分隔对牧草氮素吸收利用及转移的影响

[目的] 禾豆间作可兼顾生产和生态效益,提高氮素利用效率并减少氮肥污染。目前对不同水分条件下禾豆间作体系氮素利用吸收及转移分配过程尚不清晰。[方法] 通过设置2时段总水量相同但间隔3,5天的不同频次水处理,结合根系分隔(不分隔、尼龙网分隔、塑料板分隔)和氮同位素标记方法,研究间作禾豆牧草的地上生物量、氮素的吸收利用、固氮率和氮转移率。[结果] 间作披碱草的地上生物量、氮含量和氮素累积量相较单作披碱草显著提升,而苜蓿间作相比单作均降低。在总水量持平的情况下,高频水分处理使牧草的地上生物量比中低频水分处理分别提高6.28%,17.32%,苜蓿的固氮率也在高频水处理下比中低频水处理分别提高39.82%,44.81%,但部分中低频水分处理下氮含量和氮素累积量显著高于高频水分处理(p<0.05),且促进氮素的转移。根系分隔使禾豆相互作用减弱,表现为根系分隔增加间作苜蓿的地上生物量、各部位氮含量及地上部氮素累积量,减小间作披碱草的对应指标。间作苜蓿的固氮和氮转移率表现为不分隔＞尼龙网分隔＞塑料板分隔。[结论] 适度的水分调控可以提高禾豆间作的优势,且根系互作是促进豆科牧草生物固氮和氮转移的关键。     

Greenhouse gas emissions in response to straw incorporation,water management and their interaction in a paddy field in subtropical central China

A field experiment was conducted to study the effects of combination of straw incorporation and water management on fluxes of CH₄, N₂O and soil heterotrophic respiration (Rh) in a paddy field in subtropical central China by using a static opaque chamber/gas chromatography method. Four treatments were set up: two rice straw incorporation rates at 0 (S1) and 6 (S2) t ha^?1 combined with two water managements of intermittent irrigation (W1, with mid-season drainage) and continuous flooding (W2, without mid-season drainage). The cumulative seasonal CH₄ emissions for the treatments of S1W2, S2W1 and S2W2 increased significantly by 1.84, 5.47 and 6.63 times, respectively, while seasonal N₂O emissions decreased by 0.67, 0.29 and 1.21 times, respectively, as compared to S1W1 treatment. The significant increase in the cumulative Rh for the treatments S1W1, S2W1 and S2W2 were 0.54, 1.35 and 0.52 times, respectively, in comparison with S1W2. On a seasonal basis, both the CO₂-equivalents (CO₂e) and yield-scaled CO₂e (GHGI) of CH₄ and N₂O emissions increased with straw incorporation and continuous flooding, following the order: S2W2>S2W1>S1W2>S1W1. Thus, the practices of in season straw incorporation should be discouraged, while mid-season drainage is recommended in paddy rice production from a point view of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.     

Olive mill wastewater spreading and AMF inoculation effects in a low-input semi-arid Mediterranean crop succession

ABSTRACT

The study aimed to evaluate, in a marginal semi-arid Mediterranean agro-ecosystem (Sicily-Italy), the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation and raw olive mill wastewater (OMW) (40 and 80 m³ ha^?1) on forage (durum wheat-snail medick intercropping) yield, and grain production of broad bean and chickpea. AMF inoculation significantly increased (+13.6%) forage dry biomass and durum wheat nitrogen (+22.8%) and phosphorus (+32.5%) uptake. AMF inoculation, significantly promoted broad bean phosphorus uptake (+11.5%) and root nodule number (+13.9%) in the absence of OMW. OMW spreading reduced weeds in the forage (?31.3%), root nodule number (?29.7%) and dry weight (?22.7%) in broad bean. OMW also significantly increased snail medick dry biomass (+19.3%) as compared to control treatments (0, 40 and 80 m³ H₂O ha^?1, average production 361 g m^?2), and broad bean grain yield with a production of 2.46 ± 0.12 and 1.94 ± 0.09 Mg ha^?1 with and without OMW, respectively. During the experiment AMF colonization was not affected by OMW volumes. The results obtained showed that in a marginal Mediterranean agro-ecosystem: 1) OMW, notwithstanding spreading volumes, is a valuable amendment to maximize legume yield while 2) AMF inoculation is a valuable practice to improve biomass production and N and P uptake in wheat.     

Biomass Production,Forage Quality,and Cation Uptake of Quail Bush,Four‐Wing Saltbush,and Seaside Barley irrigated with Moderately Saline–Sodic Water

Abstract: Beneficial use of water of impaired quality has gained attention globally as society's demand for domestic quality water has increased. Additionally, concerns about the environmental implications of disposal of water of impaired quality have necessitated assessment of alternatives to disposal of such water. The study reported here investigated capacity of Atriplex lentiformis (Torr.) S. Wats. (Quail bush), Atriplex X aptera A. Nels. (pro sp.) (Wytana four‐wing saltbush), and Hordeum marinum Huds. (seaside barley) to produce biomass and crude protein and take up cations when irrigated with moderately saline–sodic water, in the presence of a shallow water table. Water tables were established at 0.38, 0.76, and 1.14 m below the surface in sand‐filled columns. The columns were then planted to the study species. Study plants were irrigated for 224 days; irrigation water was supplied every 7 days equal to water lost to evapotranspiration (ET) plus 100 mL (the volume of water removed in the most previous soil solution sampling). Water representing one of two irrigation sources was used: Powder River (PR) [electrical conductivity (EC) = 0.19 Sm^?1, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) = 3.5 (mmol_c L^?1)^1/2 ] or coalbed natural gas (CBNG) wastewater [EC = 0.35 Sm^?1, SAR = 10.5 (mmol_c L^?1)^1/2]. Biomass production did not differ significantly between water quality treatments but did differ significantly among species and water table depth within species. Averaged across water quality treatments, Hordeum marinum produced 79% more biomass than A. lentiformis and 122% more biomass than Atriplex X aptera, but contained only 11% crude protein compared to 16% crude protein in A. lentiformis and 14% crude protein in Atriplex X aptera. Atriplex spp. grown in columns with the water table at 0.38 m depth produced more biomass, took up less calcium (Ca²⁺) on a percentage basis [(g Ca²⁺ g^?1 biomass) ×100], and took up more sodium (Na⁺) on a percentage basis than when grown with the water table at a deeper depth. Uptake of cations by Atriplex lentiformis was approximately twice the uptake of cations by Atriplex X aptera and three times that of H. marinum. After 224 days of irrigation, crop growth, and cation uptake, followed by biomass harvest, EC and SAR of shallow groundwater in columns planted to A. lentiformis were less than EC and SAR of shallow ground water in columns planted to either of the other species.     

Straw and biochar effects on soil properties and tomato seedling growth under different moisture levels

ABSTRACT

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of wheat straw and its biochar on tomato seedling growth and soil physicochemical properties under different moisture levels. Treatments included control (no amendments, CK), three biochar amendments (B1: 1%, B2: 3% and B3: 6% w/w) and three straw amendments (S1: 1%, S2: 3% and S3: 6% w/w), under two moisture levels (M1: 40% water holding capacity (WHC) and M2: 70% WHC). The straw and biochar had contrasting effects on soil physiochemical properties and physiology of tomato seedlings. The B1 treatment significantly increased the soil urease activity (15%) and decreased the activity of dehydrogenase and β glucosidase enzymes (67% and 56%), as compared to the S1 treatment, especially for the high moisture condition. Biochar significantly improved shoot and root dry weights, biomass and altered chlorophyll contents. Plant antioxidants, superoxide dismutase (SOD), Peroxidase (POD) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly decreased in biochar treatments, however, an increasing trend was observed for straw treatments. The current findings suggest that application of high amount of biochar (6%) or low amount of straw (1%) would be a reasonable management practice in semi-arid regions to improve soil physiochemical properties and the physiology of tomato seedlings.     

水氮耦合对黍稷幼苗形态和生理指标的影响

盆栽试验条件下,研究水氮耦合对黍稷幼苗形态和生理指标的影响。结果表明,在供水量相同条件下,黍稷幼苗株高、叶面积、根系总表面积、总体积与总根长均随施氮量的增加而增加,供水量相同时根冠比随施氮量增加而降低;施氮量相同条件下随灌水量的增加黍稷幼苗各指标呈相似变化趋势,各处理与对照差异均达到了显著水平。不同的水氮处理组合,黍稷叶片叶绿素含量差异显著,以高水高氮的W3N3处理[土壤田间持水量70%~80%,尿素用量4.6 g.kg 1(土)]为最大值,低水低氮的W1N1处理[土壤田间持水量30%~40%,尿素用量为0 g.kg 1(土)]为最小值;灌水量相同,叶绿素含量随施氮量增加而增加;施氮量相同,叶绿素含量也随灌水量增加而增加,水分和氮素对叶片叶绿素含量的影响表现为明显的协同效应;黍稷幼苗叶片电解质外渗率的变化趋势则相反。黍稷根系超氧化物歧化酶活性以低水中氮的W1N2处理[土壤田间持水量30%~40%,尿素用量2.3 g.kg 1(土)]为最高,达213.71 U.g 1(FW);W3N3最低,为72.93 U.g 1(FW)。水分相同条件下黍稷幼苗根系过氧化物酶活性、丙二醛含量、可溶性糖含量均随施氮量的增加而降低,施氮量相同时则随灌水量的增加而降低。根系活力则相反,且各处理间差异均达到显著水平。在干旱胁迫条件下,适当的增施氮肥可以提高苗期黍稷的叶绿素含量和根系活力,增加根系总表面积、总体积与总根长,降低根系丙二醛含量,在一定程度上缓解干旱胁迫的影响。     

水分和磷对苗期玉米根系形态和磷吸收的耦合效应

水分亏缺和土壤缺磷已经成为玉米(Zea mays L.)生产的主要限制性因素,但水分和磷如何调节玉米根系形态和磷吸收尚不完全清楚。本研究采用盆栽土培试验,设置4个水分梯度[田间持水量的35%(W1)、55%(W2)、75%(W3)和100%(W4)]和2个磷处理[高磷:205 mg(P)·kg~(-1);低磷:11 mg(P)·kg~(-1)],探究水分和磷对苗期玉米根系生长和磷吸收的耦合效应。结果表明:(1)不管土壤磷供应如何,玉米苗干重、根干重、总根长和根表面积随水分供应强度的增加呈现先增加后降低的趋势,土壤有效磷含量也表现出相似的变化趋势,根质量比和平均根直径随水分供应强度的增加呈现下降的趋势,植株磷含量和磷累积量随水分供应强度的增加呈现稳定增加的趋势;(2)水分亏缺(W1)和过量供应(W4)均不利于玉米根系生长和干物质累积,水分亏缺(W1)抑制玉米对土壤磷素的获取,水分过量供应(W4)引起土壤磷素的奢侈吸收(W4),轻度的水分胁迫(W2)能够促进玉米根系的生长和干物质累积,减少对土壤磷的奢侈吸收,充足的水分供应(W3)能够促进玉米根系的生长、干物质累积和土壤磷素的吸收;(3)磷供应显著增加了玉米苗干重、根干重(W4除外)、总根长、根表面积、植株磷含量(W4除外)和磷累积量,但降低了玉米的根质量比。(4)两因素方差分析结果表明,水分对苗干重、根干重、根质量比、总根长、根表面积、平均根直径、植株磷含量、植株磷累积量和土壤有效磷含量的相对贡献分别为45.94%、36.71%、67.95%、59.63%、58.34%、81.86%、24.75%、35.66%和3.00%,磷对这些参数的相对贡献分别为34.78%、21.19%、14.84%、9.22%、9.21%、1.56%、35.54%、49.75%和94.40%,可见水分是控制玉米根系形态和干物质累积的关键因子,磷是控制玉米地上磷吸收和土壤有效磷含量的关键因子。总体来说,低磷条件下玉米根系对土壤磷的获取偏向于以根形态为主导的适应策略,高磷条件下玉米根系对土壤磷的获取偏向于以根生理吸收为主导的适应策略。水分和磷之间较好的耦合能够促进玉米根系生长、干物质累积,减少对土壤磷素的奢侈吸收。     

豆科绿肥替代化学氮肥促进柑橘幼苗生长和氮素吸收

  【目的】  果园豆科绿肥还田是实现有机肥替代化肥的重要途径。研究不同绿肥替代化学氮肥比例对柑橘幼苗生长、氮素吸收、根系形态及土壤微生物量的影响,以期为柑橘减施氮肥和实现绿色有机生产提供理论依据。  【方法】  以1年生柑橘(Citrus reticulate L.)幼苗为材料进行盆栽试验,供试绿肥为拉巴豆(Dolichos lablab L.)和印度豇豆(Vigna sinensis Hayata)。在相同氮磷钾养分施用量下,设置5个绿肥氮替代比例:0 (100%F)、25% (25%G+75%F)、50% (50%G+50%F)、75% (75%G+25%F)和100% (100%G),磷钾量不足时由化肥补齐。在柑橘抽春梢期测定其各部位干物质量和氮素累积量,分析柑橘根系形态和根系活力,并测定土壤微生物量碳氮含量。  【结果】  相比100%F处理,两种豆科绿肥替代化学氮肥均显著提高了柑橘干物质量和氮素累积量,以75%G+25%F和100%G处理的效果最好,其干物质量和氮素吸收量分别提高42.71%～82.95%和38.88%～53.31%;土壤微生物量碳含量提高了5.12%～48.42%,土壤微生物量氮含量提高了6.35%～133.67%,并且微生物量碳氮含量随着绿肥替代化学氮肥比例的增加而增加。绿肥替代化学氮肥处理明显提高了柑橘幼苗总根长和根表面积,其中以< 1.5 mm径级根提高最多。相比100%F处理,绿肥替代化学氮肥处理的柑橘幼苗总根长和根表面积分别提高88.34%～324.87%和78.82%～372.91%;柑橘根径级<1.5 mm 根长和根表面积随着拉巴豆替代化学氮肥比例增加而增加,而印度豇豆处理则以替代50%和100%化学氮肥处理最高。同时,相比单施化肥处理,拉巴豆和印度豇豆替代化学氮肥处理柑橘根系活力分别提高43.95%～47.48%和40.61%～66.14%。相关性和结构方程分析表明,两种豆科绿肥替代化学氮肥可直接影响柑橘干物质量,也可通过改善柑橘根系形态和活力,增加土壤微生物量碳氮含量,直接或间接地影响柑橘氮累积量和干物质量;绿肥C/N值和柑橘氮素累积量存在显著正相关性,其通过直接影响柑橘氮素累积量,或间接改变柑橘根系形态、根系活力和微生物量,进而直接或间接影响柑橘干物质量。  【结论】  在等氮磷钾养分条件下,拉巴豆和印度豇豆替代化学氮肥均明显促进了土壤微生物增殖,提高柑橘根系活力、根系长度和根表面积,促进柑橘氮素吸收和干物质积累。在不改变柑橘常规氮磷钾施用量的前提下,豆科绿肥替代75%～100%的化学氮肥为较适宜的替代比例,其能够促进柑橘幼苗氮素吸收和干物质积累。     

施氮对单作和套作小麦产量和氮素利用特征的影响

小麦/玉米套作是四川主要的旱作模式,研究小麦的氮素吸收利用效率及套作玉米对小麦的影响有助于进一步提示套作小麦的增产优势、养分高效利用及了解玉米小麦间相互作用机理。本研究通过田间试验研究了不同氮水平下[0 kg(N)·hm-2、60 kg(N)·hm-2、120 kg(N)·hm-2和180 kg(N)·hm-2,分别记为N1、N2、N3和N4]小麦单作、小麦/空带和小麦/玉米套作3种模式中小麦的产量、氮素吸收利用特征和玉米对小麦的影响。结果表明:在不同的氮处理下,与单作小麦相比,小麦玉米套作的小麦始终表现出明显的产量优势,其生物量和籽粒产量比单作小麦平均增加15.7%和17.8%;套作小麦边行优势明显,其边行的地上部生物量、产量、吸氮量和氮肥偏生产力比单作行分别增加23.8%、27.3%、48.9%和19.1%,说明套作小麦比单作小麦对氮利用效率更高。不施氮(N1)和低氮(N2)处理小麦/玉米套作模式中小麦的生物量、产量比小麦/空带模式平均低6.5%和5.7%,但在中氮水平(N3)时小麦/玉米套作模式中小麦产量、地上部生物量、地上部吸氮量和氮肥偏生产力分别比小麦/空带模式高14.1%、5.0%、6.8%和4.5%。说明在小麦/玉米套作模式中套入玉米在施氮不足时小麦生长受到抑制,而在施氮充足时小麦生长得到促进。因此,套作小麦有边行优势和产量优势,小麦行间套作玉米时需要配施一定量的氮肥以消除小麦、玉米间的氮素竞争从而促进小麦的生长。