Characteristics of dissolved organic matter and phenolic compounds in forest soils under silver birch (Betula pendula), Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris)

The aim was to characterize dissolved organic matter in soils under different tree species. Molecular size distribution and chemical composition of dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen were determined in water extracts from humus layers and mineral soils taken from silver birch ( Betula pendula Roth.), Norway spruce ( Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and Scots pine ( Pinus sylvestris L.) stands. Concentrations of tannins and 15 phenolic acids in the humus layers were measured. Per unit of organic matter, the concentrations of dissolved organic C and N were larger in birch and spruce humus layers than in the pine humus layer. In the underlying mineral soil, the concentrations of dissolved organic C were similar at all sites, but the concentration of dissolved organic N was greater in spruce and pine soils than in birch soil. In all soils, the 10–100 kDa fraction was the most abundant molecular size group and hydrophobic acids the most abundant chemical group of dissolved organic C. In all humus layers, hydrophobic acids and hydrophilic bases were the major components of dissolved organic N. There were only minor differences in the concentrations of total tannins in the humus layers under different tree species. Small-molecule tannins (about < 0.5 kDa) were most abundant in the birch humus, and large-molecule tannins in the pine humus. Coniferous humus contained more ferulic and p -coumaric acids than did the birch humus. The concentrations of 3,4 and 3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid were similar in all soils.     

Amelioration of Magnesium Deficiency in a Norway Spruce Stand (Picea abies) with Calcined Magnesite

Norway spruce has shown needle yellowing and defoliation symptoms on manysites of the Bohemian Forest in north central Austria since theearly 1980s. A forest amelioration experiment was set up toevaluate the response of spruce to magnesite based fertilizerswith different solubilities. Response variables were a crownvigor index, diameter growth, nutrient contents in needles,soil solution chemistry, and soil chemistry. Soil solution atfertilized plots showed an immediate response in base cationconcentrations, nitrate concentrations and pH-values.Fertilization increased the pool of exchangeable cations in theupper 15 cm of the soil and reduced levels of exchangeable Al. Themagnesium and calcium content of the needles of dominant trees wasgreatly improved. Fertilization has increased the mineralizationrate of soil organic matter. Diameter growth, as a measure of treevigor, showed a pronounced positive response with a time delay of5 years. Our results demonstratethat magnesite based fertilizers are a viable option to improvethe nutritional status of spruce forests on granitic bedrock.     

Difference in Needle Length - a New and Objective Indicator of Pollution Impact on Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

Needle fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) was studied south of the Severonikel nickel-copper smelter in the Kola Peninsula, Russia. We measured the difference in length of two needles of the same pair, and calculated FA as the ratio between this difference and the average length of the two needles of this pair. Needle FA did not depend on tree age, distance from the nearest neighbour or branch position within the crown, but increased with an increase in branching order. Needles originating in different years (1993-1997) demonstrated among-year variation in FA, which, however, was not related to annual fluctuations in SO₂ emission by the smelter. FA increased with decreasing distance from the smelter, and in the sites proximate to the smelter FA was double that found at the most distant (background) sites. The increase in FA was primarily due to an increased difference in the length of the two needles, and this difference may serve as a practicable indicator of pollution-induced stress in Scots pine.     

Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) Growth Suppression and Adverse Effects on Human Health Due to Air Pollution in the Upper Silesian Industrial District (USID), Southern Poland

Air pollution emissions were not continually monitored in the Upper Silesian Industrial District (USID), southern Poland, and data is only available for the last 20?years. Long-lasting and severe tree ring reductions in pines growing 5-20 km north of the USID area recorded particularly high levels of air pollution emissions in the period 1950-1990. Especially high amounts of reductions and many missing rings were found in the period 1964-1981. At the same time, pines growing 60?km west of the USID do not record deep ring reductions; this proves that the phenomenon is of a regional nature. Increases in infant mortality and lung, bronchial, and tracheal cancer morbidity rates among males were also recorded in the USID during periods of high air pollution. Infant mortality rates increased several years after the tree ring reductions. Therefore, it may be possible to use tree ring reductions as an early indicator of the occurrence of adverse effects on human health.     

Differential effects of potassium and molybdenum deficiency and fertilization on nitrogen metabolism in Norway spruce (Picea abies)

A field study on mineral nutrition of 12 year old Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) was carried out on a Lower Triassic region in the Eifel mountains in a plantation where the juvenile trees exhibited marked visual differences on adjacent plots, thus indicating a patchy pattern concerning the fertility status of the soil. This was confirmed by geological, pedological and chemical analyses, including X-ray diffraction analyses of the clay minerals and soil water as well as needle element analyses. A combined K and N deficiency was diagnosed for those trees, which exhibited growth retardation and small, rigid, and yellowish-green needles. Chlorophyll and protein content and glutamine synthetase activity were reduced while triphenyltetrazoliumchloride (TTC) reduction was enhanced in the sick trees as compared to adjacent healthy looking trees of the same age and provenance. A diagnostic fertilization treatment with K and Mo, respectively, yielded the following results. One year after administration of Mo a marked increase in total N content of the needles was observed, due to an increase of the storage pools for soluble (nonprotein) nitrogen, namely the basic amino acids arginine, histidine and lysine and also of ornithine. Yet, no visual recovery of the trees was observed. On the other hand, K fertilization caused an improvement of all biochemical parameters, except protein content and soluble N storage pools. The relationships between Mo dependent nitrate reduction, potassium content and nitrogen metabolism are discussed.     

Long‐term effects of liming on microbial biomass and activity and soil organic matter quality (13C CPMAS NMR) in organic horizons of Norway spruce forests in Southern Germany

Long‐term effects of liming on microbial biomass and activity and soil organic matter (SOM) were investigated in samples from organic horizons (Of/Oh) in spruce forests at Adenau, Höglwald, Idar‐Oberstein, and Schluchsee (Southern Germany) where plots have been manually treated 7 to 13 years ago with dolomitic limestone. At all sites, pH values were markedly increased after liming. The contents of C and N in the organic horizons of the limed plots appeared to be lower with the greatest decrease at Höglwald (Dystric Luvisol) where liming has affected the soil properties for the longest time of all sites. Catalase activity was promoted after liming at Adenau (Cambic Podzol). This was also the case for the Dystric Luvisol where liming resulted also in higher basal respiration. Biomass‐C was higher in samples from the limed plot at Idar‐Oberstein (Dystric Cambisol). The ¹³C CPMAS NMR spectra of organic horizons from the control plots indicate no differences in the gross carbon composition of SOM. Furthermore, spectra from the limed Cambic Podzol, Dystric Cambisol, and Haplic Podzol (Schluchsee) were remarkably similar. However, for the Dystric Luvisol, the lime‐induced promotion of microbial activity resulted in lower O‐alkyl‐C intensity. The observed patterns of microbial biomass and activity were site‐dependent rather than a result of liming. Obviously liming had only small long‐term effects on the humus quality in the organic horizons, as far as detectable by CPMAS NMR spectroscopy. More sensitive techniques like pyrolysis‐GC/MS should be applied to analyze differences in C composition.     

Influence of Potassium Substitution by Rubidium and Sodium on Growth,Ion Accumulation,and Ion Partitioning in Bean under High Alkalinity

ABSTRACT

The effects of partial and complete substitution of potassium (K⁺) by rubidium (Rb⁺) and sodium (Na⁺) on plant growth and ion accumulation and partitioning was studied in bean young plants cultivated in nutrient solution with or without bicarbonate (HCO₃ ^?)-induced alkalinity. Plant growth was significantly decreased due to alkalinity and the substitution of K⁺, being leaves more affected than roots. Rubidium caused a severe toxicity reflected in a reduction in root dry mass and total chlorophyll concentration. Ion partitioning was markedly altered by alkalinity. Content of nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), K, and Na were more accumulated in the roots in HCO₃ ^?-treated plants, while decreased in the shoot. Iron (Fe) was accumulated at similar extent in plants with and without high alkalinity, except in plants grown in Rb⁺ solutions. However, Fe was more accumulated in the roots, suggesting that chlorophyll synthesis was impaired by reduced translocation or internal inactivation of Fe. Zinc total uptake was severely reduced under high alkalinity in plants grown in Na⁺ solutions, maybe due to decreased Zn activity. Calcium was translocated more actively to the leaves and Mg was accumulated more in the roots of plants in Na⁺solutions. Despite the severe decrease in plant dry mass caused by Rb⁺, there was a higher translocation of N, phosphorus (P), Ca, Mg, Fe, zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) from the roots to the leaves.     

Effects of Shrub Islands Created by Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) Hassk. on the Growth,Chlorophyll Fluorescence,and Chloroplast ultrastructure of Pine Seedlings in Degraded Land of South China

In degraded land of South China, the shrub Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) Hassk. grows in aggregations and creates “shrub islands” with increased soil porosity and soil moisture but reduced soil nutrient content and light penetration. Previous researches indicated that these shrub islands can facilitate establishment of broad‐leaved tree seedlings. Because conifers are commonly used in reforestation projects, we determined whether shrub islands created by R. tomentosa also facilitate coniferous seedlings. Two common conifers, the native Pinus massoniana and the exotic Pinus elliottii, were transplanted on shrub islands and in open spaces (controls) between islands, and their growth, chlorophyll fluorescence, and chloroplast ultrastructure were investigated. Neither of the pine species was facilitated by the shrub islands. P. elliottii grew obviously higher in the open than under the R. tomentosa canopy, while P. massoniana was not facilitated by shrub islands, but it was not hindered either. The reduced growth of P. elliottii on shrub islands was associated with dilation of thylakoids in chloroplasts of mesophyll cells, lowered chlorophyll content, and reduced electron transport rate values. The results of this study indicate that P. elliottii should be transplanted in open spaces, and P. massoniana can be transplanted in open spaces or on shrub islands as part of restoration efforts, and the restoration technology of shrub island should be carefully used in degraded land of South China according to the species identity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of Predominant Integrated Nutrient Management Practices on Soil Quality Indicators and Soil Quality Indices under Post Monsoon (Rabi) Sorghum (Sorghum Bicolor) in Rainfed Black Soils (Vertisols) of Western India

A long-term study was conducted to study the impact of integrated nutrient management on soil quality in post-monsoon sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) at Solapur in Maharashtra State in Western India under All India Coordinated Research Project for Dryland Agriculture. The experiment was laid out with ten Integrated Nutrient Management Treatments in a randomized block design with three replications. The results of the study indicated that among all the integrated nutrient management treatments practiced, the application of 25 kg nitrogen (N) ha^?1 through crop residue (CR) + 25 kg N ha^?1 (urea) showed the highest soil quality index of 2.36, which was at par with other treatments receiving farmyard manure (FYM) and crop residues along with urea. The relative order of performance of the integrated nutrient management treatments in influencing soil quality was: T₆: 25 kg N ha^?1 (CR) + 25 kg N ha^?1 (urea) (2.36) >T₅: 25 kg N ha^?1 (FYM) (2.31) > T₇: 25 kg N ha^?1 (FYM) +25 kg N ha^?1 (urea) (2.30) = T₈: 25 kg N ha^?1 (CR) +25 kg N ha^?1 (Leucaena loppings) (2.30) > T₁₀: 25 kg N ha^?1 (Leucaena loppings) +25 kg N ha^?1 (urea) (2.17) > T₄: 25 kg N ha^?1 (CR:crop residues) (2.16) > T₉: 25 kg N ha^?1 (Leucaena loppings) (2.15) > T₃: 50 kg N ha^?1 (urea) (2.10) > T₂: 25 kg N ha^?1 (urea) (1.99) > T_1: 0 kg N ha^?1 (control) (1.77). The results of the study also indicated that average percent contribution of each soil key indicator towards soil quality indices was: pH (3.97%), EC (1.94%), organic carbon (18.6%), available P (2.80%), available K (6.57%), exchangeable Ca (7.02%), available S (3.45%), Available Zn (17.9%), dehydrogenase (DHA) (16.2%), microbial biomass carbon (MBC) (18.5%) and mean weight diameter (MWD) (3.14%). Thus, the results of the present study will be highly useful to the land managers in planning effective management of soil quality.     

Influence of Spent Mushroom Compost (SMC) as an Organic Fertilizer on Nutrient,Growth, Yield,and Essential Oil Composition of German Chamomile (Matricaria Recutita L.)

To investigate the effect of Spent Mushroom Compost (SMC) as an organic fertilizer on German chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) nutrient, growth, yield, essential oil and osmolytes a greenhouse experiment was conducted through a randomized complete design in six replications. A mixture of sandy loam soil with 5, 10 and 15% volume rates of spent mushroom compost was used as the partial substrate for German chamomile pot culture. Finding of results revealed that usage of SMC in the growing media increased significantly plant growth, flower yield, essential macro nutrient uptake, sodium concentration, proline and soluble sugars content as well as essential oil percentages in compared to control. Comparison between the treatments indicated that addition of 10% SMC to the plant soil substrate cause to higher growth and addition of higher rates of SMC (10% and 15%) led to better yield. The obtained results showed that absorption of K and Na enhanced significantly by increasing of SMC percentage in growing media but there was no significant difference in N and P uptake in SMC treatments. The results of GC and GC-MS analysis presented that the main compositions of essential oil extracted from German chamomile flowers accounted for 83.99–99.84% of total essential oil in SMC treatments. Regarding important role of SMC on the essential oil yield, we can consider SMC could be a suitable substitute for chemical fertilizers as environmentally friendly material in cultivation medicinal plant German chamomile.     

Influence of Drought Applied at Different Growth Stages on Kernel Yield and Quality in Maize (Zea Mays L.)

Drought severely affects yield and its quality in different plants. In a field experiment, maize was exposed to drought stress at vegetative, silking, and kernel-filling growth stages to determine the drought-induced changes in kernel yield and quality traits. The experiment was laid-out in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Withholding water at the vegetative stage was very effective in increasing protein, total amino acids, total soluble sugars, glucose, and sucrose contents in maize kernels. In contrast, drought applied at the kernel-filling stage increased the total free amino acids, total phenolics, and activities of catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) in maize kernels. Drought at the vegetative stage improved the kernel quality while at the silking stage severely affected kernel yield in maize. Taken together, the results suggested that incidence of drought should be avoided at the silking stage to minimize kernel yield losses and decrease in kernel quality in maize.     

外源NO对Ca(NO3)2胁迫下黄瓜幼苗生长和抗氧化系统的影响

本研究以黄瓜为试材,采用营养液水培,研究了外源NO对Ca(NO3)2胁迫下黄瓜幼苗生长和抗氧化酶系的影响.结果显示,在70mmol·L-1的Ca(NO3)2胁迫下,植株生长受到抑制,干重和叶绿素含量显著下降,叶片和根系抗氧化酶SOD、POD、CAT和APX活性均升高,膜脂过氧化产物MDA及可溶性 蛋白含量增加.而叶面喷施NO供体SNP显著缓解了Ca(NO3)2胁迫对黄瓜幼苗生长的抑制,植株干重显著增加.同时,抗氧化酶活性、可溶性蛋白和叶绿素含量也有不同程度的上升,MDA含量显著下降.以上表明,NO能够增强黄瓜幼苗对Ca(NO3)2胁迫的耐性.喷施SNP对正常营养液培养的黄瓜幼苗无显著影响.     

Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) Inoculation on Growth and Flowering in Crossandra infundibuliformis (L.) Nees

Commercially important ornamental flowering plant Crossandra infundibuliformis (L.) Nees. commonly known as ‘Fire cracker’ plant was evaluated for the possible effects of inoculation of different Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) fungal species on growth, yield, flower quality, and phosphorus (P) nutrition. Five pure cultures of AM species, Acaulospora laevis, A. scrobiculata, Glomus coremioides, G. intraradices and Gigaspora albida and an un-inoculated control were used. Mycorrhizal inoculation showed positive effect on plant height, early flowering, increased flower number, increased flower weight, reduced fresh weight loss over 24 h, increased leaf P concentration, and increased total dry weight compared to un-inoculated control. The studies indicate mycorrhizal inoculation can enhance commercial flower production of this plant. Glomus intraradices proved to be the most efficient AM fungal bioinoculant and thus have the potential to enhance commercial flower production of this plant.     

Influence of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria,Compost, and Biochar of Azolla on Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis L.) Growth and Some Soil Quality Indicators in a Calcareous Soil

In order to study the effect of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), Azolla compost and Azolla biochar on some soil quality indicators and rosemary growth, a greenhouse experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with six replications. Treatments consisted of T₁ (control), T₂ (1% Azolla compost), T₃ (1% Azolla biochar), T₄ (PGPR (P. fluorescens), T₅ (1% compost + PGPR) and T₆ (1% biochar + PGPR). Rosemary growth parameters and nutrients concentration increased in all treatments compared to control. Treatments increased soil nutrient concentrations, soil microbial respiration (SMR) and microbial biomass C (MBC) but decreased soil metabolic quotient (qCO₂) compared to control treatment. A significant enhancement in rosemary growth occurred due to the improved soil quality as a result of organic fertilizers application, particularly by co-application of P. fluorescens and compost or biochar of Azolla.     

贵州山地气候条件对魔芋生长的影响及种植区划

根据魔芋生长发育特性及其对气象条件的要求，结合贵州的气候资料，综合分析和评价贵州魔芋栽培的有利气候资源和不利气候因素，用模糊数学的理论和方法进行气候适宜性分区，提出开发利用魔芋气候资源的建议和获取高产、优质、高效的适用技术。