Soil seed banks in the Arasbaran Protected Area of Iran and their significance for conservation management

The Arasbaran Protected Area is an important but little studied nature reserve in NW Iran. In the past habitat heterogeneity and biodiversity have been threatened by over-exploitation; in the future depopulation may lead to partial abandonment. The soil seed bank was examined to see whether there are sufficient species represented as persistent seeds to reconstitute the vegetation in the event of habitat deterioration. There were differences between seed banks from different soils and vegetation types but essentially all soil seed banks contained few species and low densities of seed. Moreover, the species in the seed bank were unrepresentative of the vegetation. During future periods of changing land use it will be important to maintain the existing vegetation. There are however indications of successful recent conservation management. Annuals are abundant in the woodland seed bank but absent from the vegetation. The forest is recovering from the disturbance of collecting fire-wood.     

Moderate impacts of plant invasion and management regimes in coastal hind dune seed banks

Plant invaders may directly or indirectly affect ecosystem resilience through their impact on soil seed banks. The invaders, and the application of control measures, change seed bank dynamics by altering the number of seeds entering and leaving the seed bank. We tested the impact of bitou bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. rotundata), on the seed bank. We examined seed banks in heavily-invaded, sparsely-invaded and managed dunes, where bitou bush biomass had been controlled. While management of bitou bush may have reduced the density of bitou bush seeds in the soil, it did not reduce the richness of other weed species. Native tree species richness was significantly higher in seed banks of sparsely-invaded than either heavily-invaded or managed sites, perhaps indicating a permanent shift in community structure following invasion. However, remaining indices of native seed bank diversity were similar across all invasion categories, indicating that seed banks of many native species were unaffected by both invasion and management. While examination of seed banks is informative in assessing past and potential community dynamics, low similarity between the standing vegetation and seed bank at all sites indicated that many hind dune species had other storage or regeneration modes and seed banks cannot be relied upon for comprehensive dune restoration.     

The wetland plant and macroinvertebrate assemblages of temporary ponds in England and Wales

The biodiversity value of Northern European temporary ponds has been little recognised, and there are many gaps in our understanding of their ecology. This study investigated the wetland (including aquatic) plant and macroinvertebrate assemblages, and the physico-chemical characteristics of 71 temporary ponds in semi-natural habitats. Temporary ponds supported on average 17 (SD ± 8) wetland plant and 25 (SD ± 10) macroinvertebrate species. Over 75% of temporary ponds supported at least one uncommon (local, nationally scarce or Red Data Book) species. The number of uncommon wetland plant species and total number of macroinvertebrate species were both positively correlated with the total number of wetland plant species (richness), but there was no correlation between the number of uncommon and common macroinvertebrate species. Almost three-quarters of temporary ponds supported at least one nationally scarce macroinvertebrate and 8% supported at least one nationally scarce plant across a wide range of physico-chemical characteristics. The main environmental factor influencing the composition of temporary pond communities was water chemistry, particularly pH and alkalinity. The occurrence of facultative as well as obligate temporary pond species suggested that this habitat may play an important role in the interchange of species between waterbodies at the landscape scale.     

Non-native anecic earthworms (Lumbricus terrestris L.) reduce seed germination and seedling survival of temperate and boreal trees species

Recent studies have shown that the introduction of non-native earthworms in previously earthworm-free soils may have negative impacts on the recruitment of certain understory plant species in northern temperate forests. There is a need, therefore, to understand the mechanisms that may underlie this phenomenon. A microcosm study was conducted to test the effects of the anecic earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris L., on the number of days for germination, % seed germination, seedling survival and seedling biomass of 14 tree species native to southern Quebec (Canada). Seeds of these species were germinated and grown in the presence or absence of L. terrestris. The presence of earthworms significantly reduced % seed germination of seven tree species, as well as seedling survival of three tree species. The germination date of three tree species was significantly affected, either positively or negatively, by the presence of earthworms. Earthworms had no effect on seedling biomass. Results suggest that the introduction of L. terrestris into forested ecosystems of southern Québec may potentially alter overstory composition through several mechanisms that differentially affect the recruitment of various tree species in the understory.     

Historical land use and environmental determinants of nonnative plant distribution in coastal southern New England

The factors that influence the invasion of natural habitats by nonnative plants remain poorly understood. We investigated abiotic, biotic, and human influences on the distribution and abundance of nonnative species in coastal upland habitats of southern New England and adjacent New York, US. We censused vegetation and sampled soils in 776, 20 × 20 m plots in natural areas and constructed a spatially referenced GIS database of the region that included land-use history, distance from roads, and surficial geology. Our results indicate that the modern distribution of nonnative plants is influenced by multiple, interdependent current and historical factors. Glaciolacustrine landforms had greater nonnative species richness and cover than beach-dune, moraine, and glacial outwash sand plain landforms. Extant open-canopied areas (i.e., grasslands, dunes, heather barrens, and old fields) harbored significantly greater nonnative species richness and cover than closed-canopy forests, heathlands, and shrublands. Additionally, soil calcium levels and native species richness were positively associated with nonnative species richness. Sites that were cultivated historically or experienced other soil disturbance had higher nonnative species richness than areas without soil disturbance. Overall, abiotic, biotic and historical land use affected levels of nonnative species richness whereas nonnative cover was largely associated with abiotic conditions, particularly soil characteristics. Because many rare coastal sandplain plants reach their greatest abundance on extant open-canopied habitats, efforts to restore native plants will involve tradeoffs between the benefits of expanded habitat for these species and increased risk of invasion by nonnative species.     

莱州湾南岸滨海湿地的氮、磷循环过程及调控对策

在莱州湾南岸滨海湿地的生物地球化学循环过程中,N、P元素主要来源于通过河流输入的工业废水、城市生活污水、农田地表径流、灌溉余水和海水养殖池养殖废水,通过潮上带、潮间带湿地最终被输送到潮下带近海湿地,引起潮下带近海湿地水体N、P含量的不断升高,2000年通过河流输入到莱州湾南岸的N总量为46271.1t,P总量为2092.1t.潮上带、潮间带自然湿地的底质、土壤和植物对N、P元素有显著的吸收、净化作用.以2000年为例,若不考虑自然湿地的吸收、净化作用,仅靠水体交换、扩散稀释,输送到潮下带近海湿地的N、P在海水中的含量为6.74mg·L-1、0.299mg·L-1,而当年潮下带近海湿地水体N、P含量实测值分别为0.086mg·L-1、0.029mg·L-1,计算值分别是实测值的78.4倍、10.3倍;说明自然湿地对输入的N、P有明显的吸收净化效应.为降低莱州湾南岸潮下带近海湿地海水中的N、P含量,提出了发展循环经济,减小莱州湾南岸滨海湿地的N、P输入通量,对自然湿地进行有效的保护和生态恢复,建设人工湿地、提高湿地的环境净化功能等调控措施.     

Effects of phenolic acids on seed germination and seedling growth in soil

Summary It is commonly assumed that the adverse effect of plant residues on crop yields is largely or partly due to phytotoxic compounds leached from these residues or produced by their decomposition. There has been substantial support for the hypothesis that the phytotoxic compounds responsible for reduced crop yields are phenolic acids such as p-coumaric acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and ferulic acid. To test the validity of this hypothesis, we studied the effects of nine phenolic acids (caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, ellagic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, syringic acid, and vanillic acid) on (1) seed germination of corn (Zea mays L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), oats (Avena sativa L.), rye (Secale cereale L.), sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) on germination paper and soil, (2) seedling growth of alfalfa, oats, sorghum, and wheat on germination paper and soil, and (3) early plant growth of corn, barley, oats, rye, sorghum, and wheat in soil. The results showed that although the phenolic acids tested affected germination and seedling growth on germination paper, they had no effect on seed germination, seedling growth, or early plant growth in soil even when the amounts applied were much greater than the amounts detected in soil. We conclude that the adverse effect of plant residues on crop yields is not due to phenolic acids derived from these residues.     

Time of seed collection and germination in rocket, Erucavesicaria (L.) Cav. (Brassicaceae)

The increasing importance of rocket Erucaspp. as a leaf and oil crop, and especially as a Fourth Generationvegetable, calls for a better understanding of several basic aspectsof its biology. Knowledge on seed germination behaviour is necessaryto optimize the management of the plant in the field and inseedbanks. Seed germination of several samples of rocket was assayedin the laboratory under different incubation conditions. Germinationin the two studied populations was fairly high, ranging from68% to 96%. However, remarkable variation was foundwithin one of them according to the date of collection of the sample,ranging from 78–96% for those collected in summer(LG1 and LG2) to 21–29% for that collected inautumn (LG3). Neither time of storage nor GA₃treatments had any significant effect on this low percentage, whichcould only be significantly improved with scarification, up to47% by dry heat and up to 66% by immersion in liquidnitrogen. Dormancy and low seed viability probably originating fromeffects of environmental factors during seed formation and maturationseem to play a role in the low germination percentage of sampleLG3.     

氮素对NaCl胁迫下甜高粱种子萌发及芽苗生长与生理的影响

为了研究NaCl胁迫下氮肥对甜高粱种子萌发及芽苗生长和生理特性的影响,探索提高甜高粱耐盐能力的措施,室内设置不同盐分浓度、不同氮源及浓度条件下甜高粱萌芽试验。结果表明:NaCl胁迫和不同氮源对甜高粱发芽和芽苗生长的影响各有不同。NaCl浓度对甜高粱种子萌发有显著影响,在甜高粱芽苗生长阶段,通过提高保护酶活性和渗透调节物质而增强耐盐伤害能力是有限的。100 mmol.L 1NaCl胁迫下,根系POD活性最低,而叶片MDA积累量、可溶性糖含量、POD活性最高,受盐害程度最大。没有盐胁迫情况下增加不同氮源及氮量对甜高粱根叶生理特性的影响差异显著,当氮浓度在20 mmol.L 1时,细胞受伤害程度最低,生长最好。不同形态氮源对甜高粱发芽和幼苗生长的影响差异明显,NH4Cl的促进效果优于KNO3。在100mmol.L 1的NaCl胁迫下,施加铵态氮或硝态氮源均可以增强甜高粱芽苗期的POD活性,减少MDA积累,从而缓解盐胁迫带来的伤害。研究表明采取适当的氮肥调控措施可以提高甜高粱的耐盐能力。     

Bragg soybeans grown on a southern coastal plain soil III. Seasonal changes in nodal Fe,Zn, and Mn concentrations

Determinate soybean [Glyclne max (L.) Merr.] has been characterized by few detailed micronutrlent partitioning studies. Knowledge of the variation in mlcronutrient concentrations with plant part, nodal position, and plant age is needed for a better understanding of plant functions. In this field study, ‘Bragg’ soybean were grown on an Aquic Paleudult soil (Series Goldsboro loamy sand). Plants were sampled at 10–14 day intervals beginning 44 days after planting (July 7) until harvest. Maximum observed Fe concentrations were 152, 276, 259, and 191 ppm for stem internodes, petioles (+ branches), leaf blades, and pods, respectively. Maximum observed Zn concentrations were 118, 91, 95, and 112 ppm for the same respective plant parts. Maximum observed Mn concentrations were 41, 73, 134, and 63 ppm for the same respective plant parts. Nodal and temporal mean concentra tlons of Fe, Zn, and Mn generally varied considerably due to plant age and nodal position, respectively, in all plant parts. These data document that for plant analysis, mean concentrations of elements in all four plant parts can vary by several fold depending upon plant age and nodal composition of the sample. Regression equations and associated response surfaces will be extremely useful in the development of accurate plant growth models which describe Fe, Zn, and Mn concentrations and translocations among parts of determinate soybean.     

Variation in seed oil composition of species from the genera Barbarea and Lepidium

The seed oil composition and content in a number of accessions from species of the genera Barbarea and Lepidium were analysed. The oil from most accessions of B. verna contained more than 50% erucic acid, while the oil from B. vulgaris contained ～ 30% erucic acid, and 22% each of oleic and linoleic acid. The oil from B. intermedia resembled that of B. verna. The oil content was ～ 30% in all three species. The oil composition of L. campestre and L. heterophyllum is ～ 35% linolenic acid and 23% erucic acid. Other Lepidium species had up to 47% linolenic acid in the oil. The oil content of L. campestre and L. heterophylhim was just below 20%, but other species had more than 30% oil in their seeds. The variation in oil composition found within and between species is considered sufficient for the breeding of valuable oil qualities in both genera.     

Comparative biodiversity of rivers, streams, ditches and ponds in an agricultural landscape in Southern England

Information about the relative biodiversity value of different waterbody types is a vital pre-requisite for many strategic conservation goals. In practice, however, exceptionally few inter-waterbody comparisons have been made. The current study compared river, stream, ditch and pond biodiversity within an 80 km² area of lowland British countryside. The results showed that although all waterbody types contributed to the diversity of macrophytes and macroinvertebrates in the region, they differed in relative value. Individual river sites were rich but relatively uniform in their species composition. Individual ponds varied considerably in species richness, with the richest sites supporting similar numbers of taxa to the best river sections, but the poorest sites amongst the most impoverished for all waterbody types. At a regional level, however, ponds contributed most to biodiversity, supporting considerably more species, more unique species and more scarce species than other waterbody types. Streams typically supported fewer species and fewer unique species at local and regional level than either ponds or rivers. Ditches (most of which were seasonal) were the least species-rich habitat, but supported uncommon species, including temporary water invertebrates not recorded in other waterbody types. Multivariate analysis indicated that permanence, depth, flow and altitude were the main environmental variables explaining invertebrate and plant assemblage composition. The findings, as a whole, suggest that ponds and other small waterbodies can contribute significantly to regional biodiversity. This contrasts markedly with their relative status in national monitoring and protection strategies, where small waterbodies are largely ignored.     

Nest site selection of the great spotted woodpecker Dendrocopus major in two oak woods in southern England and its implications for woodland management

Nest site selection of the great spotted woodpecker Dendrocopus major in two mature oak woods in southern England over an 11-year period is examined. Data describing the characteristics of 106 nest trees and sample surveys of available trees in the woods are used in the analyses. Although approximately equal numbers of nests were found in living and dead trees the latter were so rare in the study woods that this result represented an extremely strong selection for dead trees. Birch Betula spp. and elm Ulmus sp. were the major dead trees used. The smallest diameter tree used for nesting was 18 cm at breast height, although overall 90% of the nests were in trees of diameter 28 cm or greater. Apart from the minimum diameter, there was no strong selection for the use of large diameter trees for nesting, although this would probably not be expected in mature woodlands such as those in this study. The implications of the results for the management of woodlands for nesting woodpeckers are discussed.     

外源NO对不同作物种子萌发、幼苗生长及抗氧化酶活性的影响

以浓度分别为0、0.01、0.1、1.0 mmol/L的硝普钠（Sodium nitroprusside, SNP; NO供体）处理玉米、小麦、花生、小白菜、萝卜、黄瓜的种子和幼苗,研究了以上几种浓度的SNP对作物种子萌发和幼苗生长及抗氧化酶活性的影响。结果表明:SNP对多数种子萌发影响表现为低浓度（0.01 mmol/L和0.1 mmol/L）促进,高浓度（1.0 mmol/L）抑制,其中对萝卜发芽率的促进作用最显著;低浓度SNP可有效促进植物幼苗地上部的生长,其中对小麦、黄瓜的促进效果最显著,同时可显著促进根系的伸长,其中对萝卜的促进效果最显著,且对植物幼苗生长的影响与作物种类有关;SNP对多数植物的根系活力有明显的促进作用,其中对萝卜的促进效果最显著;适宜浓度的SNP可以提高作物CAT、POD和SOD活性以及可溶性蛋白含量,并降低MDA含量,不同作物SNP的适宜浓度不同,其中0.1 mmol/L SNP对多数作物处理效果最好。     

Effect of seed rate and nitrogen fertilizer on weed species composition,density and diversity in two sesame varieties

To evaluate the effect of seed and nitrogen rates on weed species composition, density, biomass and diversity in two sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) varieties, a field experiment was conducted in 2009, 2010 and 2011 rainy seasons at Samaru, Nigeria. Four seed rates, 2, 4, 6 and 8 kg ha^?1, four nitrogen rates, 0, 30, 60 and 90 kg N ha^?1 and two sesame varieties NCRIBEN 01M and E8 were arranged as factorial in a split plot design. Weeds with the highest important values in sesame field were Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Ludwigia decurrens, Ageratum conyzoides and Cyperus esculentus. Year had a significant effect on weed density, biomass, diversity, evenness and richness. Weed density, biomass, diversity and richness were lowest in the 2011 trial and weed species evenness in 2009. Variety E8 reduced weed biomass better than NCRIBEN 01M. Averaged over years, weed diversity and evenness were lowest at 4 kg seeds ha^?1. Seed × nitrogen rates effect of 4 kg seed ha^?1 and 30 kg N ha^?1 produced the lowest weed species diversity and evenness. The result suggests that variety E8 at 4 kg seed ha^?1 and 30 kg N ha^?1 with hoe weeding at 3 and 6 WAS may provide better weed control, and it is recommended in sesame production.     

玉米与赤霉素对向日葵列当种子萌发、防除以及对后茬作物向日葵生长的影响

向日葵列当(Orobanche cumana Wallr.)是一种根寄生草本植物,对向日葵等经济作物造成严重危害。为了减少向日葵列当对向日葵的寄生,降低土壤中向日葵列当种子库,本试验以新疆地区广泛种植的玉米品种‘京糯一号’和‘新玉57号’为研究材料,通过穴盘试验研究在不同时期(出苗后10 d和15 d)施加两种不同浓度赤霉素(10~(-4 )mol·L~(-1)和10~(-5 )mol·L~(-1))对上述两个品种玉米生长发育和分泌列当萌发刺激物质的影响;24 d后收集并提取玉米根系分泌物,用其进行刺激向日葵列当种子的萌发试验,从而筛选出刺激向日葵列当种子萌发能力较强的玉米品种进行盆栽试验。通过盆栽试验,在玉米种植后的不同时期(20 d和40 d)喷施10~(-4 )mol·L~(-1)赤霉素以探究玉米与赤霉素共同防除向日葵列当种子的效果,收获时(105 d后)采集玉米地上部、根和根际土样品,用其甲醇浸提液刺激向日葵列当种子萌发;次年在种植过玉米的盆中种植后茬作物向日葵,收获时测定向日葵的农艺指标并统计向日葵列当的出土数。结果表明:穴盘试验中施加赤霉素对玉米的株高有显著增高作用,对玉米根系分泌萌发刺激物质没有抑制作用,即在玉米生长时期可以施加10~(-4 )mol·L~(-1)和10~(-5 )mol·L~(-1)赤霉素。此外,‘新玉57号’根系分泌物的100倍稀释液刺激向日葵列当种子的萌发率显著高于‘京糯一号’,因此选取‘新玉57号’作为盆栽试验的玉米品种。盆栽试验中不同时期施加10~(-4 )mol·L~(-1)赤霉素,玉米株高同样显著高于对照,增长率分别为22.5%、19.1%。次年种植后茬作物向日葵,在第20 d向玉米施加赤霉素处理的盆中种植的向日葵的花盘直径比对照(种植玉米时不施加赤霉素)显著增加57.1%。与对照相比,在种植玉米后的20 d和40 d施加赤霉素的处理种植向日葵,向日葵列当的出土数分别是1.3个·盆~(-1)、1.8个·盆~(-1),分别降低76.4%和67.3%。因此,可以在玉米种植的后20 d和40 d施加10~(-4 )mol·L~(-1)赤霉素,与玉米共同诱导向日葵列当种子"自杀发芽",以减少向日葵列当对向日葵植株的危害。     

Inbreeding and small population size reduce seed set in a threatened and fragmented plant species, Lupinus sulphureus ssp. kincaidii (Fabaceae)

Willamette Valley upland prairie in western Oregon, USA, has been reduced to less than 1% of its original historic range following European settlement in the 1850s. Lupinus sulphureus ssp. kincaidii (Kincaid's lupine), a threatened species and the primary larval host plant of the endangered Icaricia icarioides fenderi (Fender's blue butterfly), was historically a panmictic metapopulation. Habitat fragmentation may be causing many of the Kincaid's lupine colonies to display typical symptoms of inbreeding depression, such as low seed production. Hand outcrosses on bagged inflorescences significantly increased seed set and seed fitness compared to open pollination and within-colony pollen treatments. Natural seed set was positively correlated with an increase in the number of Kincaid's lupine patches, suggesting that population size limits seed set. An increase in fruit set was positively correlated with Kincaid's lupine raceme number, raceme density, and the number of lupine patches, demonstrating that floral display and population size increase pollinator service. Restoration of Kincaid's lupine populations should consider measures that lessen the effects of inbreeding depression, especially in small, isolated populations, for the long-term persistence of the species.     

19种湿地植物对铜、铬、镍吸收与分配的差异

An experiment was carried out to investigate the variations in metal uptake and translocation among 19 wetland plant species in small-scale plots of constructed wetland using artificial wastewater containing 2.0 mg L^-1 copper (Cu), 1.0 mg L^-1 chromium (Cr), and 2.0 mg L^-1 nickel (Ni). More than 97% of Cu, Cr, and Ni were removed from the wastewater by the wetland plant species. There were more than 100-fold differences in the metal accumulation and more than ten-fold differences in the metal concentrations among the 19 plant species. These plants accumulated as high as 8.8% of Cu, 20.5% of Cr, and 14.4% of Ni when they were grown in the wetland soaked with the wastewater. Several plant species were found to be highly capable of accumulating one, two or all the three metals. The results indicated considerable variations in the metal removal abilities through phytoextraction among the 19 wetland plant species. It can be concluded that the selection of appropriate plant species in constructed wetland can be crucial for the improvement of metal removal efficiency of the wetland system.     

RAPD and seed coat morphology variation in annual and perennial species of the genus Cicer L.

Molecular and morphological variation of six perennial and five annual species including domesticated chickpea, C. arietinum, were inferred on the basis of RAPD and S.E.M. seed coat features using three outgroup taxa (Lens ervoides, Lathyrus japonica and Pisum sativum). Of the 66 decamer arbitrary primers tested, eight primers revealed 87 informative fragments. Neighbor-joining cluster analysis using Jaccard's coefficient of similarity on the basis of polymorphic fragments indicated a narrow variation in C. arietinum and recognized two major clusters in the genus Cicer. The first one included four species of sect. Monocicer: C. echinospermum, C. arietinum, C. reticulatum and Iranian material of C. bijugum. The second cluster contained annual and perennial species belonging to sections Chamaecicer, Polycicer and Acanthocicer. The character state of morphological and ecological traits on the RAPD phenogram indicated no monophyletic incision. Our results suggested that the high genetic difference between annual and perennial species might be regarded as a rapid speciation of section Monocicer. Reconsideration of traditional classification of sections Polycicer and Acanthocicer is necessary. The Desi and Kabuli types of C. arietinum could not be separately grouped at the DNA level, and the low level of genetic variation of C. arietinum may result from a bottleneck during the domestication process.     

Ionic composition of rainwater and atmospheric aerosols in Sardinia,southern Mediterranean

The ionic composition of 55 aerosol samples and 31 precipitation events collected in a coastal site in southern Sardinia (Capo Carbonara, 39°06 N; 09°31 E) were compared. The samples were collected during one year period (Oct'90/Oct'91) and showed high variability in composition according to meteorological conditions. Rain and soluble part of aerosol showed a strikingly similar ionic composition: most significant anions were chlorine and sulphate, and sodium is the principal cations, followed by magnesium and calcium. The acid events are associated with N-NW trajectories (anthropogenic influxes from N. Europe) with avg. pH=4.65, non sea salt (nss) Ca=60 eq/l and NO₃/_nssSO₄=0.6. Southern precipitations are influenced by Saharan dust alkaline effects, with avg. pH=6.75,_nssCa=271 eq/l and NO₃/_nssSO₄=0.4. Na/Cl ratio in rain is similar to sea water (0.87), whilst in aerosols there is a Cl loss (Na/Cl=1.10), probably due to reaction with nitric acid. Total fluxes of Ca, Mg, NO₃ and SO₄ were 104, 9, 64 and 113 g/cm², and wet deposition exceeded (65–90%) dry deposition. Scavenging ratios (SR) as defined by the equation:SR=[(Ci)rain/(Ci)air] ^*d, (d=1200g/m³) were calculated, using geometric means (Ci) of precipitation and aerosols collected concurrently during the period (a total of 23 samples). The SR values are Ca=3400, Cl=2400, Na, K, SO₄=1700, Mg=1000 and NO₃=750. These numbers could be useful to infer total fluxes by using simply rainwater ionic composition in Mediterranean semi-arid sites like Sardinia.