Spring dynamics of soil carbon, nitrogen, and microbial activity in earthworm middens in a no-till cornfield

Earthworm activity may be an important cause of spatial and temporal heterogeneity of soil properties in agroecosystems. Structures known as “earthworm middens,” formed at the soil surface by the feeding and casting activities of some earthworms, may contribute significantly to this heterogeneity. We compared the temporal dynamics of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and microbial acitivity in Lumbricus terrestris middens and in surrounding non-midden (bulk) soil during the spring, when seasonal earthworm activity was high. We sampled soil from middens and bulk soil in a no-till cornfield on four dates during May and June 1995. Soil water content and the weight of coarse organic litter (>2mm) were consistently higher in middens than in bulk soil. Total C and N concentrations, C:N ratios, and microbial activity also were greatest in midden soil. Concentrations of ammonium-nitrogen and dissolved organic N were greater in middens than in bulk soil on most dates, suggesting accelerated decomposition and mineralization in middens. However, concentrations of nitrate were usually lower in middens, indicating reduced nitrification or increased leaching and denitrification losses from middens, relative to bulk soil. Fungal activity, as well as total microbial activity, was consistently greater in middens. The contribution of fungae to overall microbial activity differed significantly between middens and bulk soil only on one date when both soils were very dry; the contribution of fungae to microbial activity was lower in the middens on this date. We conclude that the midden-forming activity of L. terrestris can be a major determinant of spatial heterogeneity in some agricultural soils, and that this can potentially affect overall rates of soil processes such as organic matter decomposition, N mineralization, denitrification, and leaching. Received: 4 April 1997     

Indirect effects of earthworms on microbial assimilation of labile carbon

Interactions between earthworms and microorganisms can be important in regulating the rate of soil carbon turnover and maintaining soil fertility in agroecosystems. Despite the significance of earthworms in nutrient cycling in agroecosystems, the indirect influence of earthworms on C assimilation by microorganisms has not been adequately quantified. We assessed microbial assimilation of ¹³C-labeled acetate in earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) middens and surrounding soil collected from maize agroecosystems. Incorporation of ¹³C into microbial lipids was used as an indicator of microbial growth rates. Earthworm middens had significantly lower concentrations of microbial phospholipid phosphates and lower natural abundance δ¹³C than the surrounding soil. After incubation with ¹³C-labeled acetate, microbial communities in earthworm middens had greater ¹³C/¹²C ratios of microbial lipids than microbial communities from surrounding soil. The ¹³C enrichment per unit of microbial phospholipid was much greater in middens than in surrounding soil indicating that: (i) microbial lipid synthesis was significantly higher in the earthworm middens; (ii) microbial assimilation efficiency for ¹³C-labeled acetate was greater in midden soil; or (iii) assimilation of ¹³C-labeled acetate relative to other C sources was proportionately greater in middens than in the surrounding soil. Our results suggest that there were functional differences between microbial communities in earthworm middens and surrounding soil, probably due to a combination of physical, chemical, and biological changes in the midden microenvironment. The resulting differences in microbial communities or activity increased microbial growth rates and assimilation of readily available C substrates in middens relative to surrounding soil.     

Influence of earthworm middens on the distribution of soil microarthropods

Summary Earthworm middens and non-midden soil were sampled for microarthropods in a mowed recreational field and and adjacent woodlot site. Samples were taken in fall 1983 and spring 1984. The earthworm middens of the mowed field supported a higher density of micrarthropods (especially Collembola and prostigmatid mites) than adjacent non-midden soil. This positive midden effect in the mowed field was more pronounced in the fall than in the spring. Woodlot earthworm middens examined in the fall had lower densities of microarthropods (especially oribatid mites) than adjacent non-midden soi, but in the spring woodlot middens supported greater densities of microarthropods (especially Collembola) than adjacent, non-midden soil.     

Soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics in Lumbricus terrestris. L. middens in four arable, a pasture, and a forest ecosystems

Lumbricus terrestris' middens contain large concentrations of organic material and have been characterized as microenvironments distinct from the surrounding soil. The direct and indirect consequences of midden formation on nutrient cycling dynamics and organic matter pools in various ecosystem types have not received much consideration. Therefore, we focused on the differences in C and N dynamics between midden and bulk soil samples in four corn (Zea mays L.) agroecosystems, a rotational pasture and a deciduous forest, in June, July and August of 1996, in Ohio, USA. Paired earthworm midden and bulk soil samples were analyzed for mineral N (NH₄⁺-N and NO₃^--N), dissolved organic N, microbial biomass N (MBN) and carbohydrate C (CarbC). Additionally, coarse litter, fine litter, particulate organic matter, and soil organic matter fractions were separated and analyzed for total C, total N and C:N ratios. Mineral and dissolved N levels were higher in the midden soil relative to those in the bulk soil for all ecosystem types, except for only NO₃^--N levels in two highly fertilized agroecosystems and in the pasture. MBN, CarbC, and total C and N levels for all organic fractions were significantly greater in the earthworm midden samples relative to these in the bulk samples across all ecosystem types. The plan defined by principal component analysis clearly separated two main groups: (1) includes the forest, the pasture and the less fertilized cornfields and the midden effect is to increase slightly the organic matter content and strongly the inorganic N content, and (2) includes the heavily fertilized agroecosystems and the midden effect is also to increase the organic matter content but to decrease the inorganic N content. We concluded that L. terrestris' middens significantly raised overall soil C and N levels relative to the bulk soil, in a variety of ecosystem types, and, given the abundance of earthworm middens, these macrosites should receive important attention when evaluating nutrient cycling processes at the systems level.     

Straw mulching with fertilizer nitrogen: An approach for improving crop yield,soil nutrients and enzyme activities

Field experiments were conducted to study soil properties, soil enzymes activities, water use efficiency (WUE) and crop productivity after six years of soya bean straw mulching in the semi‐arid conditions of China. The experiment included four treatments: CK (Control), N (240 kg N ha^‐1), H (soya bean straw mulching at half rate 700 kg ha^‐1 with 240 kg N ha^‐1) and F (soya bean straw mulching at full rate 1,400 kg ha^‐1 with 240 kg N ha^‐1). Soil organic carbon (SOC), soil labile organic carbon (LOC), soil available N (AN), available P (AP) and enzyme activities were analysed after wheat harvesting in 2016 and 2017. Results show that straw amounts had positive effects on the soil fertility indices being higher for treatment F. The SOC, LOC, AN, AP and enzyme activities (i.e. saccharase, urease and alkaline phosphatase) were in the order of F > H > N > CK. High wheat grain yield and WUE were observed for F treatment. A total of six years mulching along with 240 kg ha^‐1 nitrogen fertilizer application is sufficient for wheat yield stability and improving soil properties except urease activities in the semi‐arid condition of China. However, the straw mulching amount should be further studied with minimum nitrogen fertilizer for an environment‐friendly and effective approach for improving the soil biological properties with adequate crop production on a sustainable basis in the semi‐arid region of China.     

Microbial communities of Lumbricus terrestris L. middens: structure, activity, and changes through time in relation to earthworm presence

Background, aim, and scope  Earthworms make a major contribution to decomposition in ecosystems where they are present, mainly acting in the drilosphere, that is, galleries, burrows, casts, and middens. Earthworm middens are hot-spots of microbial activity and nutrient dynamics and represent a suitable model for studying earthworm-mediated influences on soil microbial communities by alteration of the patch structure of the microbial environment. We studied the structure and activity of the microbial communities in the soil system formed by middens of Lumbricus terrestris and the soil below and surrounding them and the role of earthworms in maintaining these structures through time. Material and methods  We set up an experiment in which middens were either left (control) or removed from their original place (translocated) and left in a nearby area free of earthworm activity for 2 months. After 1 and 2 months we sampled middens, soil below them, and surrounding soil. We analyzed the phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) profiles and measured respiratory fluxes of CO₂ and CH₄. Results  Microbial communities of middens clearly differed from those of soil below and surrounding soil samples, showing higher bacterial and fungal PLFAs (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.01, respectively); furthermore, changes in microbial communities were stronger in control middens than in translocated middens. Moreover, gram positive and negative bacterial PLFAs were greater in translocated than control middens (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.001, respectively), as well as total organic carbon (p < 0.001). Microbial activity was higher in middens than in soil below and surrounding soil samples both for CO₂ (p < 0.0001) and CH₄ (p < 0.0001). Discussion  Soil bioturbation by the earthworm L. terrestris was strong in their middens, but there was not any effect on soil below and surrounding soil. Microbial communities of middens maintain their biomass and activity when earthworms were not present, whereas they decreased their biomass and increased their activity when earthworms were present. Conclusions  Earthworms strongly enhanced microbial activity measured as CO₂ production in middens, which indicates that there are hot spots for soil microbial dynamics and increasing habitat heterogeneity for soil microorganisms. Moreover, our data strongly support the fact that the impact of this earthworm species in this soil is restricted to their middens and increasing soil heterogeneity. Recommendations and perspectives  Our data indicate that it is not clear if earthworms enhance or depress microbial communities of middens since the microbial activity increased, but did not modify their biomass and this was not dependent on soil organic C content. These results indicate no competence for C pools between this anecic earthworm and microorganisms, which has been found for other earthworm species, mainly endogeics. Conversely, they suggest some type of facilitation due to the release of additional nutrient pools in middens when earthworms are present, through the digestion of middens' material or the addition of casts produced from other food sources.     

Effect of Cropping System on Physical Properties of Clay Soil Under Intensive Rice Cultivation

Cropping systems are thought to alter soil quality in paddy rice fields. This study was conducted to quantify the long‐term effects of continuous crop production under different cropping systems with different crop rotations on physical properties of alluvial clay soil in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Soil samples were collected from four treatments: (i) traditional intensive rice monoculture with three rice crops per year (R–R–R); (ii) rotation with two rice crops and maize (R–M–R); (iii) rotation with two rice crops and mung bean (R–Mb–R); and (iv) rotation with one rice and two upland crops, mung bean and maize (R–Mb–M). We hypothesized that cropping systems with rotations of upland crops and their temporary beds improve the physical quality of paddy rice soil; hence, they are better options towards sustainable agriculture. Results show an improvement of soil physical quality for systems with two rice crops and one upland crop (R–M–R and R–Mb–R) and those with one rice crop with two upland crops (R–Mb–M) compared with intensive rice monoculture (R–R–R). This was translated in decreased bulk density and soil strength, increased soil organic carbon and total porosity, and higher aggregate stability index, plant‐available water capacity, and Dexter's S index, especially at depths of 10–20 and 20–30 cm. The systems with different upland crops (maize or mung bean) showed similar high physical quality improvement. To maintain soil quality in future seasons, introducing a cropping system with at least one upland crop in rotation with rice is recommended. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Impact of newly introduced perennial bioenergy crops on soil quality parameters at three different locations in W‐Germany

The land areas used for bioenergy crop cultivation are increasing across Europe. For several years now, various perennial crops have been cultivated, including Miscanthus , switchgrass and reed canary grass, and the newly introduced cup plant, giant knotweed, tall wheatgrass, virginia mallow, and wild plant mixtures. We investigated the impact that many of these perennial bioenergy crops (PECs) have on the soil organic C and N pools, microbial properties, and earthworm activity at three different study sites in W‐Germany with varying soil conditions after an experimental period of five years. Silage maize (Zea maize ) in rotation with green rye (Cecale cereale ) or Triticale was used for comparison (= annual energy crops; AEC). The overall intention of this study was to gain insights into the future trends of soil quality with changes in land‐use towards bioenergy production. Our results emphasized that in general, soil quality was improved through the cultivation of perennials. For example, after five years of investigation, the mean soil organic carbon contents increased, on average, by 1–2% at two of the three study sites, the soil microbial biomass increased from 13% (virginia mallow) to 27% (tall wheatgrass) (p < 0.05) compared to AEC treatment and the mean earthworm activity (cast production) was significantly improved in PECs compared to AEC. These trends were mainly found in silty to loamy soils, but the results were slightly different in sandy soils and dry climate conditions. We suggest that this might be traced back to unfavourable growing conditions for perennial crops during the first years of establishment. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive field investigation of the impact of these newly introduced perennial crops on soil quality indicators that considers various site‐ and soil‐specific growth conditions.     

接种蚯蚓对施加秸秆的旱作稻田N2O排放的影响

通过田间试验研究了秸秆不同施用方式下接种蚯蚓(威廉腔环蚓,Metaphire guillelmi)对水稻旱作土壤N2O排放通量的影响。结果显示施加秸秆和接种蚯蚓增加了N2O的排放量。在秸秆表施的情况下,接种蚯蚓处理显著提高了N2O的排放量,从12.54 kg/hm2提高到14.94 kg/hm2 (P<0.05);但是在秸秆混施的情况下,接种蚯蚓处理未显著提高N2O的排放量。蚯蚓的存在使土壤NO3--N的含量显著提高,尤其是在混施秸秆的情况下。由于栽培期内NH4+-N变化幅度较小,不同处理NO3--N含量的变化决定了土壤矿质氮的分异。农田生态系统中蚯蚓对N2O排放的贡献主要体现在促进秸秆混入土壤,从而加快秸秆的分解和N2O的排放。     

Decomposition and mineralization of energy crop residues governed by earthworms

Energy crops are increasingly cultivated in agricultural management systems world-wide. A substitution of food crops (e.g. cereals) by energy crops may generally alter the biological activity and litter decomposition in soil due to their varying structural and chemical composition and subsequently modify soil functioning. A soil microcosm experiment was performed to assess the decomposition and microbial mineralization of different energy crop residues in soil compared to a food crop, with or without earthworms. Residues of the energy crops winter rape (Brassica napus), maize (Zea mays), miscanthus (Miscanthus giganteus) and the food crop oat (Avena sativa) were each provided as food source for a mixed earthworm population, each consisting of one individual of Lumbricus terrestris, Aporrectodea caliginosa, and Octolasion tyrtaeum. After 6 weeks, the rate of litter loss from the soil surface, earthworm biomass, microbial biomass-C and -N, microbial activity, and enzyme activities were determined. The results emphasized, that litter loss and microbial parameters were predominantly promoted by earthworms and were additionally influenced by the varying structural and chemical composition of the different litter. Litter decay by earthworms was highest in N-rich maize litter treatment (C-N ratio 34.8) and lowest in the case of miscanthus litter (C-N ratio 134.4). As a consequence, the microbial biomass and basal respiration in soils with maize litter were higher, relative to other litter types. MBC-MBN ratio in soil increased when earthworms were present, indicating N competition between earthworms and microorganisms. Furthermore, enzyme activities responded in different ways on the varying types of litter and earthworm activity. Enzymes involved in the N-cycle decreased and those involved in the C-cycle tended to increase in the presence of earthworms, when litter with high C-N ratio was provided as a food source. Especially in the miscanthus treatments, less N might remain for enzymatic degradation, indicating that N competition between earthworms and microorganisms may vary between different litter types. Especially, an expansion of miscanthus in agricultural management systems might result in a reduced microbial activity and a higher N deficit for microorganisms in soil.     

Effects of earthworms on soil enzyme activity in an organic residue amended rice–wheat rotation agro-ecosystem

The effect of earthworms on soil hydrolases (protease, urease, invertase, and alkaline phosphatase) and dehydrogenase activities was investigated in maize residue amended rice–wheat rotation agro-ecosystem. Experimental plots in the rotation had five treatments, i.e. incorporation or mulching of maize residues with or without added earthworms and an untreated control. The application of maize residues to soil without earthworms significantly enhanced the five soil enzyme activities compared with the control treatment during rice and wheat cultivation. The presence of earthworms further significantly enhanced protease activity in the soils with both incorporated and mulched maize residues during two cultivation seasons, but only significantly increased alkaline phosphatase activity in the soil with incorporated maize residue during the rice cultivation season. Invertase activity was significantly enhanced by the presence of earthworms in the soil with maize residue incorporation during two cultivation seasons. There were no changes in dehydrogenase activity when earthworms were present. Additionally, the five enzyme activities in earthworm casts were significant higher than those in the surrounding soil, especially dehydrogenase and invertase activities. Whatever the treatment, the values obtained for the enzyme activities in both soil and casts, except for dehydrogenase activity in earthworm casts, were significantly higher under wheat than those in rice-cultivated soil. These results indicate that the presence of earthworms strongly affected soil enzyme activities, depending on the method of organic residue application, and the enhanced enzyme activities of earthworm casts probably contributed to the surrounding soil enzyme activities.     

Biofumigation effects of brassicaceous cover crops on soil health in cucurbit agroecosystems in Hawaii, USA

Brassicaceous cover crops, such as brown mustard(Brassica juncea) and oil radish(Raphanus sativus), are commonly used for biofumigation, a process that utilizes isothiocyanates(ITCs) generated from the hydrolysis of glucosinolates in Brassica plants to suppress soil-borne pathogens, including plant-parasitic nematodes. Given the biocidal nature of ITCs, limited information is available on the non-target effects of biofumigation on free-living nematodes, which are reliable soil health indicators....     

起垄覆膜栽培技术的增产增效作用与发展

我国北方水资源短缺限制着农业的可持续发展。作物起垄覆膜栽培可以显著提高产量及水分利用效率。本文从起垄覆膜栽培技术的发展与现状、对几种主要作物的增产效果及其原因、未来发展等几个方面进行了综述,期望为推动起垄覆膜技术的进一步发展、缓解北方水资源紧缺提供指导。作物起垄覆膜栽培是垄作与薄膜覆盖的有机结合,是将地面修整成垄台、地膜覆盖于垄台之上,在双垄之间或双垄之上种植作物的一种栽培方式。其增产原因主要包括：1）提高土壤水的有效性。地膜覆盖抑制地表蒸发,通过集雨、水汽凝结提高土壤含水量。2）调节地温。垄作覆膜能够提高土壤温度,尤其是作物苗期的土壤温度,增加出苗率、成苗率,促进作物生长发育;提高昼夜温差,降低高温期地温,有利于作物产量的提高。3）改善土壤理化性质,改善土壤结构,调整土壤酶的活性,为作物生长提供良好的土壤环境。起垄覆膜栽培模式在华北地区未来发展方向：提高农机配套、新型无害地膜应用、构建不同作物技术规程。     

Effects of different mulching practices on the photosynthetic characteristics of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in a greenhouse in Northwest China

Mulching is considered a desirable management technology for improving and stabilizing agricultural crop production. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different mulching practices on hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) performance in terms of leaf photosynthetic capacity, photosynthetic light response (PLR) curves, and growth parameters, under greenhouse conditions. Consequently, field experiments were conducted during the 2011 and 2012 growing seasons in Northwest China using four types of mulching practices (without mulch; wheat straw mulch; plastic film mulch; and combined mulch with plastic film and wheat straw). The results showed that mulching increased the leaf net photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance to water vapor, intercellular CO₂ concentration, water-use efficiency, and transpiration rate. Mulching significantly affected the PLR curves, and important parameters (such as the apparent quantum yield, maximum net photosynthetic rate, light compensation point, and light saturation point) were all improved under combined mulching conditions when compared with other mulching practices. Therefore, it is inferred that hot pepper leaf photosynthetic capacity and light-use efficiency were significantly improved under combined mulching, and thereby the combined mulching is recommended for hot pepper cultivation in greenhouses due to working well to facilitate soil condition (moisture and temperature), plant growth, and marketable photosynthetic characteristics.     

Soil enzyme activities and abundance of microbial functional genes involved in nitrogen transformations in an organic farming system

Organic farming systems receive organic amendments to maintain soil fertility and supply nutrients for plant growth. This study investigated the effect of organic fertilizers (no amendment as control, compost, and manure), and their interaction with cover crops (millet, buckwheat, and black turtle bean) on soil enzyme activities, N transformation rates, and functional gene abundances under an organic production system. Organic N fertilizers had a stronger effect than cover crop type on soil function and functional gene abundances. Soil enzyme activities were increased by both compost and manure, but there were few differences between these treatments. Nitrification potential, nitrite oxidation potential, and denitrification potential were significantly higher in manure-treated than in control and compost-treated soils, indicating application of manure had a higher N loss potential than compost application in this organic farming system. Organic N fertilizers significantly increased the abundance of some genes involved in N mineralization, ammonification, and nitrification (sub, ureC, bacterial amoA and nxrB). The activity of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and archaea were both increased by organic N fertilizers, and their activities were higher in manure-treated than in compost-treated soils. Overall, the abundance of functional genes was significantly correlated with their corresponding enzyme activity. However, functional gene abundance was less important than soil chemical and microbiological properties in explaining the variation in the corresponding enzyme activity.     

等高反坡台阶整地对不同耕作系统根土微生态的影响

[目的] 为探究坡耕地等高反坡台阶整地对玉米连作和玉米—芸豆轮作系统根土微生态特征的影响。[方法] 以玉米—芸豆轮作为研究对象,玉米连作为对照,采用野外原位监测采样和室内试验分析相结合的方法,通过GC-MS和高通量测序技术分析作物根系分泌物和土壤微生物群落组成、结构特征,揭示坡耕地等高反坡台阶整地对玉米连作和玉米-芸豆轮作根系分泌物种类、含量和土壤微生物群落组成及多样性的影响。[结果] (1)根系分泌物相对含量变化在CRT措施上更为突出,在轮作模式中更为显著。(2) CRT2处理提高土壤微生物群落数量、丰富度和多样性效果更显著。(3)在根系分泌物与土壤微生物互作下,根系分泌物、土壤微生物、土壤环境因子的两两相关性在CRT2处理下更显著。[结论] 坡耕地等高反坡台阶整地通过改变玉米连作和玉米—芸豆轮作的根系分泌物含量,使作物根土微生态环境发生变化,提高土壤微生物数量、多样性及丰富度,且该措施与玉米—芸豆轮作结合的提升效果更佳,对根土微生态的改善作用更显著。研究结果为坡耕地作物种植、耕作方式选择及改善土壤微环境和水土流失综合治理提供理论基础。     

不同覆盖方式对绿豆水分利用效率的影响

绿豆是陕北旱区特色经济作物和主要农作物之一,探索适合地区特色的绿豆高产抗旱栽培技术对完善该区小杂粮栽培模式和提高区域农业水平意义重大。通过田间试验,设置垄膜覆盖、双沟覆膜、全膜覆盖、秸秆覆盖和露地5种处理,分析了不同覆盖方式对绿豆土壤温度、耗水量、水分利用效率、生长和经济性状以及产量的影响。结果表明,地膜覆盖对陕北地区绿豆增产效果极为显著,秸秆覆盖可提高水分利用效率,但同时降低地温,增产作用不明显。3种地膜覆盖方式中,又以垄膜覆盖方式提高水分利用效率和增加绿豆产量的效果最好,且操作简单,在陕北地区绿豆抗旱栽培中应优先考虑。     

旱地不同绿肥品种和种植方式提高土壤肥力的效果

【目的】黄土高原旱地土壤贫瘠,夏闲期雨热资源难以被充分利用。本研究通过田间试验研究不同夏季绿肥品种及其种植方式对绿肥鲜重、绿肥养分还田量、土壤养分含量、土壤酶活性、土壤水溶性有机碳和微生物量碳含量的影响,旨在筛选出适宜当地夏闲期种植的绿肥品种及种植方式,为促进黄土高原地区农业可持续发展提供理论依据和技术支持。 【方法】本研究采用随机区组设计,以夏季裸地休闲为对照,设绿肥 (绿豆、长武怀豆、毛叶苕子、油菜) 和绿肥种植方式 (麦后播种、麦田套种) 为研究因素,共 9 个处理。绿肥盛花期全区齐地收割地上部并称重计鲜草产量,分析绿肥地上部氮磷钾含量;每个小区采集 50 株绿肥下长、宽、深均为 20 cm 的土体中的根系,称重并进行分析;绿肥收获翻压 20 天后,于各小区采集 0—20 cm 土壤样品,测定土壤养分含量,土壤微生物量碳,土壤水溶性有机碳含量以及主要酶含量。【结果】绿肥麦后播种生物量要高于麦田套种;麦后播种以怀豆和油菜生物量较高,套种以油菜生物量显著高于其他处理。不同种植方式下绿肥总养分还田量与生物量规律类似;麦后播种长武怀豆显著提高了氮素和磷素还田量,麦后播种油菜显著提高了磷素和钾素还田量;套种时氮、磷和钾还田量由高到低顺序为油菜 > 毛叶苕子 > 绿豆 > 长武怀豆,不同绿肥间差异达到显著水平。翻压油菜土壤有机质、速效磷及速效钾含量都要显著高于休闲处理;麦后播种长武怀豆并翻压 2 年后,0—20 cm 土壤有机质、总氮、矿质氮、速效磷及速效钾含量较休闲分别提高了 12.4%、22.2%、95.9%、28.6% 和 11.2%。种植绿肥与休闲相比,土壤水溶性有机碳和微生物量碳含量均有所提高,其中套种油菜增加达显著水平,麦后播种各绿肥间土壤微生物量碳含量差异不显著,但都显著高于休闲。与休闲相比,麦后播种绿肥均提高了土壤酶活性;套种绿肥除绿豆处理的脲酶和过氧化氢酶低于休闲外,其他处理均提高了土壤酶活性。土壤各测定指标与绿肥生物量之间均有显著或极显著的正相关关系,表明土壤肥力的提高主要取决于还田绿肥的生物量。【结论】长武怀豆和油菜翻压入土后,能够增加土壤的养分含量和酶活性,培肥效果优于绿豆和毛叶苕子。麦后播种绿肥的生物量、养分还田量显著高于套种,土壤养分含量及土壤酶活性也较高。所以在黄土旱塬地区可选择麦后播种长武怀豆和油菜可有效改善土壤肥力。     

Maize grain production,plant nutrient concentration and soil chemical properties in response to different residue levels from two previous crops

ABSTRACT

The incorporation of previous crop residues in agricultural management benefits soil fertility, crop production, and environment. However, there is no enough information about maximum residue application level without negative effect over next crop yield. To evaluate maize (Zea mays L.) yield under short-time conservation management with incorporation and/or importation of different residue levels, a biannual rotation experiment was conducted in ash volcanic soil in south-central Chile. The experiment consisted of two previous crops, canola (Brassica napus L.) and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), and four levels of residue incorporation (0%, 50%, 100%, and 200% of generated residue; from 0 to 21.4?Mg?ha^?1 for canola and from 0 to 19.0?Mg?ha^?1 for bean). Previous crop species and residue level affected some nutrients concentrations in grain and plant and some soil chemical properties, without effect in maize yield, which averaged 16.6?Mg?ha^?1. Bean residue increased Ca and reduced S in maize plant, increasing soil P, Ca, Mg and K (P?<?0.05). Maize grain Ca content was positively and proportionally affected by canola residue level and negatively and proportionally affected by bean residue level. All canola residue levels increased soil pH and Mg, but the highest level reduced soil S; soil P concentration increased proportionally with bean residue level. The highest bean residue level increased soil S. Different crop and levels of residue did not affect maize yield but did some plant nutrient concentration, and also affected some soil chemical properties.     

降解地膜和渗水地膜覆盖对中国北方主要旱地作物产量和水分利用效率效应的Meta分析

[目的] 明确降解地膜和渗水地膜的最佳适宜区域、适宜作物,以及和普通地膜的效应差异,为降解地膜和渗水地膜的应用提供理论指导。[方法] 通过文献检索,分析整理关于降解地膜和渗水地膜的田间试验研究成果,进行了Meta分析。[结果] 降解地膜覆盖的所有作物产量及水分利用效率均显著高于无覆盖;和普通地膜比,降解地膜覆盖下玉米减产,棉花增产,对其他作物产量无差异;在降雨量小于500 mm时,降解地膜覆盖下作物产量低于普通地膜,而降雨量高于500 mm时产量无显著差异。渗水地膜覆盖下玉米、小麦、谷子和高粱等作物的产量和水分利用效率均显著高于无覆盖;和普通地膜比,渗水地膜覆盖下玉米和谷子产量及水分利用效率高于普通地膜,尤其是谷子增产效果显著。在降雨量小于500 mm的地区,渗水地膜和普通地膜比增产显著,高于500 mm则无差异。降解地膜生育后期的土壤温度低于普通地膜,而渗水地膜在低温下增温效果优于高温,且整个生育期温度更适合作物需求。[结论] 降解地膜在降雨量大于500 mm的短生育期作物上基本可以替代普通地膜,但是在长生育期作物上及降雨量较低地区应用有风险;而渗水地膜应该优先在降雨量低于500 mm地区的短生育期高叶面积指数作物上应用。