Improved Structural Stability of an Acidic Hardsetting Soil Attributable to Lime Application

Abstract

Lime [calcium carbonate (CaCO₃)] has been used for acid soil amelioration of acid soils in Australia and elsewhere, but its effects on soil physical properties are not clear. Mechanisms responsible for the beneficial changes in the soil physical and structural properties of an acidic hardsetting soil in southern NSW, Australia, as a result of lime application were investigated. Changes in water‐stable aggregation, a mechanical property, were related to changes in physicochemical properties, and soil organic carbon forms as a result of liming. The improved soil structure due to liming can be explained in terms of reduction in SAR (Sodium absorption ratio) and increase in EC (Electrical conductivity) (both lead to less dispersion) as well as increases in labile carbon (less slaking). The combined effects of reduced dispersion and slaking were responsible for the reduced bulk density and tensile strength of the hardsetting surface soil. These beneficial effects of liming on soil structural and physical properties were detectable 4 years after but not 18 years after lime application.     

施用石灰与钙蒙脱石对酸性土壤硝化动力学过程的影响

土壤酸化是粘土矿物缓慢风化的自然过程,但近年来随着人类高强度的农业利用,土壤酸化现象逐渐加剧,而铵态氮肥的硝化作用是土壤酸化的主要贡献者之一。传统的施用石灰改良酸性土壤,常常会有反酸现象,并可能导致土壤板结。蒙脱石是碱性或中性土壤的主要粘土矿物组分,而在土壤酸化的过程中,蒙脱石被进一步风化掉。本文通过室内模拟实验,采用硝化动力学拟合及对净硝化速率的计算,分别研究了蒙脱石(Ca-M)和石灰(Ca-OH)对酸性黄壤硝化作用的影响。结果表明:酸性黄壤添加石灰或蒙脱石后,土壤均发生了显著的硝化作用,且硝化过程符合一级动力学模型N_(NO3)=N_0+N_p(1-exp(-k_1t))(P0.001)。Ca-OH处理土壤样品的净硝化速率(3.429 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1))显著大于Ca-M处理(2.381 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1));Ca-OH处理土壤样品的潜在硝化速率(V_p)和平均硝化速率(V_a)在pH值5.7和6.2时分别为6.42、8.58 mg N·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)和2.71、3.87 mg N·kg~(-1)·d~(-1),均显著大于钙基蒙脱石处理(pH值5.7和6.2时分别为3.40、4.56 mg N·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)和2.36、3.04 mg N·kg~(-1)·day~(-1))。结果表明采用石灰改良酸性土壤发生复酸化现象的可能性及程度大于钙基蒙脱石,本研究为酸性土壤改良提供了新的参考。     

Organic Amendment Effects on the Transformation and Fractionation of Aluminum in Acidic Sandy Soil

Addition of organic amendments can alleviate the level of aluminum (Al) phytotoxicity in acid soils by affecting the nature and quantity of Al species. This study evaluated the transformation of Al in an acidic sandy Alaquod soil amended with composts (10 and 50 g kg^?1 soil of yard waste, yard + municipal waste, GreenEdge^®, and synthetic humic acid) based on soil Al fractionation by single and sequential extractions. Though the organic compost amendments increased total Al in soil, they alleviated Al potential toxicity in acidic soil by increasing soil pH and converting exchangeable Al to organically bound and other noncrystalline fractions, stressing the benefits of amending composts to improve acid soil fertility. The single‐extraction method appears to be more reliable for exchangeable Al than sequential extraction because of the use of nonbuffered pH extract solution.     

Performance of Slag-Based Gypsum on Maize Yield and Available Soil Nutrients over Commercial Gypsum under Acidic and Neutral Soil

ABSTRACT

Effect of slag-based gypsum (SBG) and commercial gypsum (CG) on maize was investigated in acidic and neutral soils. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven treatments consisting of three levels (150, 450, and 750 kg ha^?1) of SBG and CG with recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) and one control was maintained. Application of SBG @750 kg ha^?1 recorded significantly higher (8.61 and 8.69 t ha^?1, respectively) cob yield of maize compared to CG and control treatments in both soil condition. Increased levels of SBG application increased soil pH and EC in both the soils, but decreased with the application of CG. Application of 750 kg SBG ha^?1 recorded significantly higher soil available nutrients like phosphorus in acidic soil and potassium in neutral soil. Higher exchangeable calcium and magnesium in acidic soil and exchangeable calcium in neutral soil were recorded with the application of CG @750 kg ha^?1. Available sulfur was significantly higher with CG @750 kg ha^?1 applied treatment in both soils. CaCl₂Si content in acidic soil varied significantly and recorded higher with application of SBG, while CaCl₂Si content in neutral soil and AASi in both soils had no significant effect by application of SBG. Significantly higher DTPA extractable micronutrients in acidic and neutral soil were noticed in SBG @750 kg ha^?1 applied treatment. However, application of SBG had no significant effect on iron and copper content in neutral soil. Higher uptake of nutrients was recorded with 750 kg SBG ha^?1 compared CG applied and other treatments.     

Vegetative and Reproductive Responses of Apple Trees to Zinc Fertilization under Conditions of Acid Coarse-Textured Soil

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to examine response of apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) trees to zinc (Zn) fertilization under conditions of acid coarse-textured soil with low 1M hydrochloric acid (HCl)-soluble Zn level. The experiment was carried out during 2004-2005 at a commercial orchard in Central Poland on mature ‘Jonagold’ apple trees/M.26 EMLA, planted at a spacing of 4 × 2.5 m. The trees were sprayed with Zn: (i) prebloom, at the stage of silver tip, and tight cluster at a rate of 140 and 100 g ha^{? 1}, respectively, (ii) postbloom, at the stage of petal fall, and 2 weeks later at a rate of 80 g ha^{? 1} in each spray treatment, and (iii) postharvest, 4–5 weeks before the natural leaf fall at a rate of 500 g ha^{? 1}. Other trees were supplied with Zn to soil at a rate of 3 kg ha^{? 1}. In all the studied treatments, Zn was used as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Trees unsupplied with Zn served as the control. Tree vigor, fruit set, yield and fruit quality at harvest (mean fruit weight, firmness, color, russeting, soluble solids concentration, and acidity) were not influenced by Zn fertilization. Postharvest Zn sprays slightly damaged leaf tissues but did not cause defoliation. Soil Zn application raised Zn concentrations in flowers, and leaves 28, 56, and 84 days after petal fall. Pre- and postbloom Zn sprays increased Zn status in flowers and leaves 28 days after flowering, respectively. The obtained results indicate that Zn fertilization of ‘Jonagold’ apple trees with Zn status in mid-summer leaves and flowers of 17 mg kg^{? 1} and 27 mg kg^{? 1}, respectively, is not successful in improving vigor and tree yield.     

Liming and Cultivars Affect Root Growth,Nodulation, Leaf to Stem Ratio,Herbage Yield,and Elemental Composition of Alfalfa on an Acid Soil

Abstract

Soil acidity is one of the limiting factors affecting the production and sustainability of pastures and crops in many parts of the world. An on‐farm experiment was conducted in Australia to investigate the cultivar variation in alfalfa (lucerne) (Medicago sativa L.) with respect to soil acidity and response to applied lime. The experimental site was a brown sandy clay loam with a soil pH of 4.8 (1:5 calcium chloride). Ten cultivars (Hunter River, Hunterfield, Sceptre, Aurora, Genesis, Aquarius, Venus, PL90, PL55, and breeding line Y8804) were tested at two levels of lime (0 and 2 t ha^?1). Lime application significantly increased the root growth, nodulation, leaf retention, leaf to stem ratio, herbage yield, and crude protein content of alfalfa. Liming had a significant effect on elemental composition of alfalfa shoots. Aluminum (Al) concentration was reduced from 93 mg kg^?1 DM in nil lime treatment to 45 mg kg^?1 DM in +lime treatment. Similarly, manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) shoot concentrations were reduced from 74 mg kg^?1 DM and 92 mg kg^?1 DM to 59 mg kg^?1 DM and 76 mg kg^?1 DM, respectively. Liming significantly improved the calcium (Ca) concentration of shoots, while there was a little effect on phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) concentrations of alfalfa shoots. Cultivars had differential response to lime application. Response to lime application was greater in Y8804 and Aurora alfalfa where yield increased by 32% and 31%, while yield increase was 11–22% in other cultivars. Cultivars also differed significantly in root growth, nodulation, leaf drop, leaf to stem ratio, crude protein content, and elemental composition of shoots. Cultivars with better performance in no liming treatment had comparatively lower shoot Al, Mn, and Fe concentrations compared with other cultivars.     

Responses of Growth and Chemical Composition of Pistachio Seedling to Phosphorus Fertilization Under Saline Conditions

A greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate effects of phosphorus (P) levels (0, 50 and 100 mg kg^?1 soil) under saline (0, 1000 and 2000 mg sodium chloride (NaCl) kg^?1 soil) conditions on growth and chemical composition of pistachio seedlings (Pistacia vera L.) cv. ‘Badami-zarand’ in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications. Results showed that salinity application decreased leaf, stem, and root dry weights, number of leaf, length of stem and leaf area, while this effect diminished with P fertilization. By increasing salinity levels, all of the nutrients concentration in leaf, stem and root except sodium (Na) content were reduced. P application increased P and potassium (K) concentrations in the leaves, stem and root, while decreased Na and Zinc (Zn) leaf, stem and root concentrations. However, the results indicated that proline accumulation and reducing sugar content were increased by salinity, P and their interaction application. The results suggest that fertilization of phosphorus can diminish some adverse effects of high salinity on growth and chemical composition of pistachio seedlings.     

Effect of boron and sulfur interaction on some important biological indices in an inceptisol

In most soil ecosystems, soil biological activity and associated processes are concentrated in the rhizosphere soil and is influenced by the external application of plant nutrients. The impacts of boron and sulfur on soil biological properties were evaluated in an Aeric Haplaquept (pH 5.7) growing rapeseed (Brassica campestris L.) as a test crop. Application of boron (B) at 2 mg kg^?1 in combination with sulfur (S) at 30 mg kg^?1 (B₂S₃₀) resulted in highest available Boron and sulfur of 0.239 and 15.4 mg kg^?1, respectively and registered 62.5% and 71.3% increase over control (B₀S₀) at 60 days of crop growth compared to individual applications. The microbial populations viz. phosphate solubilizing microorganisms (PSM) and nitrogen fixing bacteria (NFB) were the highest of 52.63 and 85.87 × 10⁵ g^?1 soil, respectively, CFU in B₂S₃₀ treatment at 60 days and adjudged as the best treatment combination for enhancement of soil biological indices and seed yield.     

Effect of Limestone of Different Sizes on Soil Extractable Phosphorus and Its Concentrations in Grass and Clover Species

Phosphorus (P) is often reported as a nutrient whose availability increases by lime application, although some research suggests a decline in the short-term P availability upon liming. This study addresses the effects of applying different sized limestone (2–4, 0.5–2, 0.25–0.5, and <0.25 mm) on the forms and availability of soil P, P concentrations and extraction by pasture, and yields of plant species. Soil P was partitioned into organic and inorganic forms, using an ignition method. Available P was determined by the Olsen and Mehlich 3 methods. Phosphorus in plants was determined after acid digestion. Most P was present in organic form. One year after sowing, inorganic P increased and organic P decreased. Liming had no significant influences on soil P. Phosphorus extracted by Mehlich 3 explained 40% of the total dry-matter yield in the first harvest. No significant effect of liming on P concentration in plants was observed.     

Waterlogging Induces High to Toxic Concentrations of Iron,Aluminum, and Manganese in Wheat Varieties on Acidic Soil

Six wheat varieties with different tolerance to waterlogging were studied in acidic soil (pH 4.5), neutral soil, and potting mix (pH 6.7–7.8) under controlled conditions. Waterlogging for 49 d reduced shoot dry weight by 48% to 85% compared with drained treatments. The ranking of varieties for waterlogging changed under different soils, and this change explains why waterlogging tolerance of these varieties may vary in different environments. In waterlogged acidic soil, shoot concentrations of aluminum (Al), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) increased by two- to 10-fold, and in some varieties they were above critical concentrations compared with plants in drained soil. These elements decreased or remained the same in shoots of plants grown in waterlogged neutral soil. Marginal nitrogen (N) deficiency was induced in most varieties in all soil types. The results support the importance of screening in soils from the target environment for accurate germplasm characterization for waterlogging tolerance.     

Response of Gemlik Olive Trees to Soil and Foliar Treatments of Iron in Combination with Zinc and Boron

This research was conducted to determine the effectiveness of various treatments in correction of single deficiency of iron (Fe) and multiple deficiencies of Fe, zinc (Zn), and boron (B) in an olive cultivar (Gemlik) in the southeastern Marmara region of Turkey. This study was consisted of four field experiments, which included control, soil and foliar applications of Fe alone, and combinations with Zn and B. Soil applications of the compounds were only performed in the first year of the experiments to estimate residual effect of soil applications in the following year. Foliar applications were sprayed onto leaves two and four times at two doses in consecutive years. Soil application of iron sulfate did not increase Fe concentrations in the both leaves and fruits. Foliar applications of iron sulfate considerably elevated leaf total and active Fe concentrations, but the effect of the foliar applications on fruit Fe concentrations was small. Two foliar applications of iron in each season seemed to be appropriate treatment in the all experiments, as well. To maintain sufficient Fe concentrations, especially in the newly developing tissues of olive trees, foliar application of Fe should be conducted at least four times at the lowest dose as performed in the experiments. Foliar applications of double and triple combinations of iron sulfate with zinc sulfate and borax increased significantly B and Zn concentrations in the trees, as well.     

Long-Term Application of Chemical Fertilizers and Rice Straw on Soil Aluminum Toxicity

The red soil region in China is very important to agriculture. However, soil aluminum (Al) toxicity often occurs as a result of the high soil acidity. In a long-term experiment, we analyzed soil samples to determine the effect of fertilization on soil acidity and potential Al toxicity. The results showed that after 12 years of utilization, Al toxicity occurred in the soil of the control plot. Chemical fertilizer further decreased soil pH and intensified Al toxicity. However, rice straw effectively improved soil pH and ameliorated soil Al toxicity from 0 to 50 cm deep, which may be attributed to the accumulated soil organic matter (SOM) and the decomposition of the rice straw. Corresponding to the lower Al content in soil, peanut crops grew healthier with greater yields in the rice straw plot, indicating that returning crop stalks to the field should be a feasible fertilization strategy in the region.     

Maize Inbreds' Response to Riecito Phosphate Rock and Triple Superphosphate on an Acidic Soil

Abstract

Tropical acidic soils require large inputs of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers to sustain crop production. Attempts to use phosphate rock (PR) as a cheaper P source have shown limited success because of low rock solubility. The objective of this study was to evaluate growth and P nutrition of aluminum (Al)‐tolerant maize inbreds fertilized with PR. Twelve Al‐tolerant inbreds from CIMMYT were planted in 2‐kg pots filled with an acidic soil very low in available P and fertilized with 0, 40, or 100 mg kg^?1 of Riecito PR or triple superphosphate (SP). Plant shoots were harvested 35 days after planting, and biomass, root length, P uptake, and soil residual P were determined. Inbreds were able to sustain growth when fertilized with PR. There was indication that various mechanisms were involved in the responses to PR fertilization. Cultivars combining high uptake and conversion efficiencies should improve maize utilization of PR.     

谷胱甘肽对小麦幼苗铜毒害的缓解作用及其与氮、硫、磷积累的相关性

采用水培法,对外源谷胱甘肽（GSH）缓解小麦幼苗铜毒害及其与氮、硫、磷等元素积累的相关性进行了研究。结果表明,Cu处理（T0组）显著抑制小麦幼苗的生长发育,导致根长、茎叶长、生物量、叶绿素和类胡萝卜素含量以及氮元素积累量下降,诱导了植株蛋白质、内源GSH含量以及硫、磷元素积累量上升。随施用外源GSH浓度的升高,GSH处理（T1、T2、T3组）的小麦幼苗茎叶长、根长、生物量,叶绿素a、b和类胡萝卜素含量、蛋白质含量先上升后下降,内源GSH含量以及氮、硫、磷等营养元素积累量持续上升;其中,T2组小麦幼苗的各项指标与T0组差异均达到显著水平（P〈0.05）,与对照组（CK）无显著差异。外源GSH促进了植株对铜离子的吸收、转运和积累,而外源和内源GSH均与铜胁迫下小麦幼苗氮、硫、磷等营养元素的积累呈极显著正相关（P〈0.01）,其中以T2处理组缓解小麦幼苗铜毒害的作用最显著。     

石灰性褐土中磷锌镉相互作用对其有效性的影响

采用室内培养的方法,研究了石灰性褐土中磷、锌、镉相互作用对土壤中磷、锌、镉有效性的影响。结果表明：（1）磷锌共同培养时,施锌提高了土壤速效磷含量,且随培养时间的延长而降低。在相同锌浓度处理下,土壤中的有效锌含量随施磷量的增加而增加,不同锌浓度处理下,有效锌含量随土壤培养时间的延长而显著降低。（2）磷镉共同培养时,施镉对土壤速效磷含量影响不明显;施磷降低了有效镉含量,但效果不显著;且都随时间的延长而降低。（3）锌镉共同培养时,在培养的前30d,土壤中有效锌含量随施镉浓度增加而降低,但在30d后,有效锌含量有增加的趋势。土壤中有效镉含量在不同锌-镉处理下随培养时间变化有较大差异：在Cd3处理下,加入高浓度锌后显著降低土壤有效镉含量;Cd30处理下,在培养前30d,锌的施入对土壤中有效镉含量影响不明显,但30d以后,土壤有效镉含量随施入锌浓度的增加而显著降低。说明两者的竞争机制随时间的延长发生变化,且施锌能明显降低镉的毒性。     

丛枝菌根真菌对紫花苜蓿吸收土壤中镉和锌的影响

采用温室盆栽试验方法,研究了镉（Cd）、锌（Zn）污染土壤中,8种不同丛枝菌根真菌（AMF）Glomus lamellosum（G.la）、Acaulospora mellea（A.m）、Glomus mosseae（G.m）、Glomus intraradices（G.i）、Glomus etunicatum（G.e）、Glomus constrictum（G.c）、Diversispora spurcum（D.s）、Glomus aggregatum（G.a）对紫花苜蓿（Medicagosativa L.）吸收Cd、Zn的影响。结果表明,Cd、Zn污染下AMF仍然明显侵染紫花苜蓿,并促进紫花苜蓿对Cd、Zn的吸收积累,但不同AMF影响的效应和植株不同部位对重金属的吸收积累规律存在差异。AMF处理下紫花苜蓿根部Cd、Zn含量和积累量明显增加,但地上部Cd、Zn的含量则降低,地上部Zn的积累量也减小,这表明AMF处理减弱了Cd、Zn由根部向地上部的运移,减轻了植物地上部毒害。接种AMF条件下,植株尤其是根部生物量增加是Cd、Zn在其体内含量和积累量增加的重要因素,不同种类AMF促进植株生物量增加的幅度不同,导致植株对Cd、Zn的积累和抗性存在差异。     

Research on the Threshold of Aluminum Toxicity and the Alleviation Effects of Exogenous Calcium,Phosphorus, and Nitrogen on the Growth of Chinese Fir Seedlings under Aluminum Stress

Chinese fir (Cunninghamia Lanceolata Lamb, Hook) is generally considered a superior timber in southern China and other areas in the world. In the past few decades, aluminum (Al) toxicity has become one of biggest stress factors in the production and growth of Chinese fir, although this species prefers an acidic environment. To date, the selection of indicator species for Al toxicity remains critical in the field, and Al toxicity has not been successfully treated by artificially controlling Chinese fir plantations. To assess the Al toxicity risk, the height of the dominant tree, the concentration of calcium (Ca²⁺)/Al³⁺ in soil solution, and the concentration of Ca²⁺?/?[Ca²⁺ + iron (Fe³⁺) + Al³⁺] in litter leached organic acids were introduced. The results indicated that eight plots had suffered Al toxicity. The threshold of Al toxicity was 37.53 mg kg^?1 in soil or 1.39 mmol L^?1 in soil solution, a pH of 4.15, a Ca²⁺?/?(Ca²⁺ + Fe³⁺ + Al³⁺) molar ratio of 0.487, and a Ca²⁺/Al³⁺ molar ratio of 1.599. The positive effects of exogenous nutrition (Ca, phosphorus [P], and nitrogen [N]) on the growth of Cunninghamia lanceolata seedlings was also studied in pot experiments based on results in the field. The cation nutrition can lead to detoxification, and the exogenous nutrition thresholds were Ca²⁺/?Al³⁺ ≥ 2.8, phosphorus (P)/?Al³⁺ ≥ 4.4, ammonium (NH₄ ^?)–nitrogen (N)?/?Al³⁺ ≥ 4.5. The data presented in this study are very helpful for the understanding of the degree of Al toxicity and have notable significance for the management of Chinese fir plantations.     

土地利用方式变化对土壤养分与有机碳、氮的影响

对云南省双江县不同土地利用方式下的表层土壤进行的实地调查研究表明:随土地利用方式从自然林地(对照)变为灌丛草地、经济林地、农耕地,土壤自然含水量、pH值和水解N、速效P、速效K含量逐渐降低,且部分达到显著水平(p0.05),变化程度为农地经济林地灌草地自然林地,土壤SOC、TN含量也明显降低并达到显著水平(p0.05)(除灌草地SOC外),土壤碳密度相应减小。     

不同硫酸铝用量对苏打盐碱土磷素形态及吸附特性的影响

通过室内模拟盆栽改良试验,研究了硫酸铝的改良效果及施用后对土壤中磷素营养状况的影响。硫酸铝配施磷肥和氮肥对小麦的出苗和生长起着明显促进作用。无机磷分级及相关分析结果表明,施加不同用量的硫酸铝后,各级无机磷平均含量的大小顺序为Ca2-P>Ca8-P>Al-P>O-P>Fe-P>Ca10-P,其中,Ca8-P和O-P是Ca2-P的有效补充。磷的吸附实验表明,各处理土壤磷的等温吸附曲线与Langmuir方程的吻合程度最好,其相关程度达极显著水平。根据简单Langmuir方程,将C/x/m对C作图,得到的是具有一个折点的直线,表明随着磷平衡浓度的不同,土壤对磷的吸附存在着两个不同能量水平的吸附点位。磷的解吸结果表明,在磷平衡浓度较低的条件下,土壤与磷的结合能力较强,大多以固定态磷的形式被吸附,并且,解吸也较困难;随着磷平衡浓度的增加,可交换磷所占的比例增加,有较多的磷可被解吸下来。     

寒区旱区间歇性干旱对接种根瘤菌苜蓿草地土壤养分动态的影响

通过盆栽法模拟田间土壤的干湿交替变化过程和强度,研究了寒区旱区间歇性干旱条件对接种根瘤菌(Rhizobia)苜蓿(Medicago sativa L.)草地土壤养分的影响。结果表明:1年龄苜蓿接种根瘤菌能显著提高土壤全N、有机质、速效N、速效K和速效P含量,而对土壤pH和全P含量影响不大,间歇性干旱处理能显著降低土壤全N、有机质、全P、速效N、速效P和速效K含量,且土壤养分下降量总体上为有机质>全P>全N>速效K>速效N>速效P;通过相关和回归分析,土壤全P和有机质含量的下降量与干湿交替间隔周期呈显著直线正相关(P<0.05),土壤速效K和速效P含量的下降量与干湿交替间隔周期呈显著直线负相关(P<0.05);当干湿交替间隔周期相同时,土壤全N、全P、速效N和有机质含量的下降量,50%田间持水量的处理大于80%田间持水量的处理,而土壤速效K和速效P含量的下降量,50%田间持水量的处理小于80%田间持水量的处理。