The Determination of Soil Boron Fractions,Their Relationships to Soil Properties and the Availability to Olive (Olea europea L.) Trees

This study was conducted to investigate the various boron fractions in olive tree grown soils. The correlations between boron fractions in leaves, fruits and soil properties were examined. For this purpose cv “Gemlik” olive (Olea europaea L.) orchards were visited. Soil samples from 0–30 cm and 30–60 cm deep, the leaf and fruit samples were collected. The greatest proportion of total soil boron is present in residual form (85–88%). It is followed by organically bound B (2.84–4.50%), specifically adsorbed on soil colloid surfaces (0.93–1.31%), oxides (manganese oxyhydroxides, amorphous Fe and Al oxides, crystalline Fe and Al oxides) bound B (7.27–8.31%). The smallest one readily soluble (extracting plant available) boron values were composed of only 0.40–0.50% of total boron ranging. To determine readily soluble boron five different extraction solutions were in the order Hot water ? 0.01 M CaCl₂ ? 1 M NH₄OAc ? 0.1 M KCl ? 0.005 M DTPA. Fruit boron concentration and soil boron fractions showed close correlations than leaf boron concentration.     

Effect of Effective Microorganism Application on Crop Growth,Yield, and Nutrition in Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek in Different Soil Amendment Systems

A pot experiment was conducted in heat-sterilized soil to evaluate the effect of effective microorganism (EM) application on growth, yield, and nutrient uptake in Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek var. NIAB Mung 98 in different soil amendment systems. Pot soil was amended with farmyard manure (FYM), Trifolium alexanrinum L. crop residues (TCR), and half (½NPK) and recommended dose (NPK) of chemical fertilizers. The EM application significantly enhanced shoot and root biomass in TCR-amended soil. However, grain yield was significantly enhanced in FYM, TCR, and NPK amendments by 24%, 15%, and 84%, respectively, as a result of EM application. Effect of EM application on nutrient uptake was variable with respect to soil amendment and plant growth stage. In general, EM application enhanced plant nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) nutrition in organic amendments while its effect was either negative or insignificant in chemical fertilizer amendments. Effects of EM application on plant nutrient uptake were more pronounced at maturity than at flowering stage.     

Morpho-physiological Response of Saffron (Crocus Sativus L.) to Particle Size and Rates of Zinc Fertilizer

A field study was conducted during 2015–2017 in order to evaluate effects of the foliar application of different sources and concentrations of zinc oxide (ZnO) on the yield and morpho-physiological characteristics of saffron. Experimental treatment included the foliar application of nano ZnO at a concentration of (3, 6, and 9 g L^?1), foliar application of normal ZnO at a concentration of (3, 6, and 9 g L^?1) and the control. Both types of ZnO had positive effects on the saffron yield and number of flowers, but the highest yield and flower number were obtained by the foliar application of 9 g L^?1 normal ZnO followed by 6 g L^?1 nano ZnO. Increasing concentrations of both fertilizers up to 3 g L^?1 had no significant effect on crocin, but the crocin content significantly decreased at higher concentrations. Effects of experimental treatments were significant on all morpho-physiological traits. The maximum chlorophyll a (1.74 mg.g^?1) was observed in normal ZnO at a concentration of 9 g L^?1 followed by nano ZnO at a concentration of 3 g L^?1. The increasing application of different types of fertilizers linearly increased the Peroxidase activity, but the highest activity of Catalase in normal ZnO and nano ZnO was measured after the foliar application at concentrations of 3 and 6 g L^?1, respectively.     

Effect of Primary Treated Biomethanated Spentwash on Soil Properties and Yield of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) on Sodic Soil

The field experiment on effect of primary treated biomethanated spentwash (PBSW) on physiochemical and biological properties of soil and yield of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) on sodic soil was conducted at the Postgraduate Farm, Mahatma Phule Agricultural University, Ahmednagar, India, during 2008–9. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with nine treatments [control, varying doses of PBSW (30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 m³ ha^?1), farmyard manure (FYM) + recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), and FYM + gypsum at 50% gypsum requirement (GR) + RDF] with three replications. The FYM dose was 5 Mg ha^?1. The experimental soil was sodic calcareous, being of the Sawargaon series of isohyperthermic family of Vertic haplustepts with high exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), low available nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), and high available potassium (K). The results revealed that the physical properties [bulk density, mean weight diameter (MWD) of water-stable aggregates, and hydraulic conductivity] of soil were improved in both layers of sodic soil (0–30 and 30–60 cm) as a result of the addition of increased doses of PBSW. The significant reduction in pH, calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), ESP and increase in organic carbon, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and electrical conductivity (EC) were observed in both soil layers as a result of the addition of PBSW at 180 m³ ha^?1. The changes in chemical properties were also seen in the treatment of FYM + GR + RDF, but it was at par with lower doses of PBSW (30 to 90 m³ ha^?1). The microbial populations [bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, azotobacter, and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria] increased with an increase in the levels of application of PBSW. However, it was maximum in FYM + GR + RDF treatment, and it showed an overall increase up to the flowering stage and thereafter reduced at harvest. The soil basal respiration as mg carbon dioxide (CO₂) increased with the increase in levels of PBSW application but it was the greatest in the FYM + gypsum + RDF treatment. Among the PBSW treatments, the greatest activities of soil enzymes (urease, dehydrogenase, and acid phosphatase) under the treatment of 180 m³ ha^?1 PBSW were observed at the flowering stage. The available N, P, and K after harvest of sunflower crop were significantly greater in the PBSW treatment applied at 180 m³ ha^?1; however, N, P, and K uptake and yield of sunflower were significantly greater in FYM + RDF + gypsum treatment followed by FYM + RDF and 180 m³ ha^?1 of PBSW.     

Effects of Soil Fertility Management on Growth,Yield, and Water-Use Efficiency of Maize (Zea mays L.) and Selected Soil Properties

Maize was grown for two cropping years to investigate the supplementary effect of inorganic fertilizer with cow dung on growth, yield, water-use efficiency, and soil properties. Five treatments were imposed: unfertilized control and four different fertilization packages comprising two different levels of inorganic fertilization with cow dung as supplements, sole inorganic fertilizer, and sole cow dung. Results analyzed after the two cropping years showed significant differences in growth and yield. A reduction in yield was observed for the unfertilized plots, whereas yields in the plots of supplemented inorganic fertilizer with cow dung increased and were significantly at par with the sole inorganic fertilizer plot. Water-use efficiency was improved for the fertilized plots. Significant improvement was observed in the water-stable aggregates with plots that received cow dung as organic manure either in part with inorganic fertilizer or as sole cow dung.     

Effect of nitrogen,phosphorus and potassium fertilizer on growth and seed germination of Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medikus

We investigated how plant height, number of stem and branch, seed production and seed germination of Capsella bursa-pastoris were affected by nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizer using a pot fertilizer experiment. Plant growth parameter was determined, and fully ripen seeds were tested for germination. C. bursa-pastoris exhibited great phenotypic variation in plant height, number of stem and branch in relation to N, P and K supply. Seed production per plant was lowest in the control and low P treatment, and highest in NPK treatment. More than 16,000 seeds per plant were produced in treatments where N and P were applied together. A balanced N, P and K supply results in producing a high percentage and fast germinating seeds, while a deficiency of P and K together with a high N supply results in low germination ability and fast germinating of the produced seeds in C. bursa-pastoris.     

Enzyme Responses to Phytoremediation of PAH-Contaminated Soil Using Echinacea purpurea (L.)

Water, Air, &; Soil Pollution - This article evaluates mercury-resistant autochthonous filamentous fungi’s role in mercury transformation and mobility with respect to mercury...     

Boron Deficiency in Mango (Mangifera indica L.): A Cause Delineation Study in Acidic Soils of Maharashtra, India

Boron deficiency is a major production constraint of Mango cv Alphonso in western coast, Maharashtra, India. The soils are sandy-loam, light, acidic in reaction and receive high annual precipitation of above 2,500 mm. The leaf and soil B status was low with an average of 23 and 0.25 mg kg⁻¹ respectively. About 60% of the orchards were found to be deficient in B. The B adsorption study using Langmuir adsorption isotherm revealed that the adsorption capacity of B by these soils was low with an average adsorption maxima (b) of 16.62 μg g⁻¹ and bonding energy constant ( K ) of 0.09 mL μg⁻¹ making soil B susceptible to leaching. The Mango leaf N status was in excess range, which aggravated B deficiency through growth dilution. A significant negative correlation was observed between leaf B and leaf N (statistically significant at 1% level (p=0.01)). The free Al status of the soils was found to be fairly high, and its detrimental effect on root growth was observed which led to inefficient absorption of limited soil B by roots. The climatic conditions of Konkan like high humidity, high temperature and long sunshine hours also favored widespread incidence of B deficiency, low yield and poor quality. The response of Mango cv Alphonso to the B application was found to be more in foliar than in soil application.     

Drought-Tolerant Pseudomonas spp. Improve the Growth Performance of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) Under Non-Stressed and Drought-Stressed Conditions

Application of plant growth-promoting bacteria(PGPB)is an environmentally sustainable option to reduce the effects of abiotic and biotic stresses on plant growth and productivity.Three 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid(ACC)deaminase-producing drought-tolerant bacteria were isolated from a rain-fed agriculture field in the Central Himalaya of Kumaun region,Uttarakhand,India and evaluated for their efficiency in improving finger millet(Eleusine coracana(L.)Gaertn.)plant growth under non-stressed and drought-stressed conditions.These bacteria withstood a substrate metric potential of -1.0 MPa(30% polyethylene glycol 8000)and therefore were considered drought-tolerant.These strains were identified as Pseudomonas spp.by fatty acid methyl ester analysis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing.The ACC deaminase activity of these strains was characterized at the biochemical level,and the presence of acd S gene,the structural gene for ACC deaminase,was confirmed by the polymerase chain reaction.Two sets of pot trials in glass house were set up,one for normal(non-stressed)and the other for drought-stressed conditions.After 5 weeks,one set of plants was subjected to drought stress for 5 d,while the other set continued to be watered.The same growth parameters were recorded for both sets of plants after 40 d of plant growth.The results of pot trials showed that treatments inoculated with ACC deaminase-producing bacterial strains significantly improved the growth performance of finger millet plants and foliar nutrient content as compared to uninoculated treatments under both non-stressed and drought-stressed conditions.In addition,a significant increase in antioxidant activity was observed,wherein bacterial stain inoculation improved plant fitness by protecting it from oxidative damage induced by drought.     

Growth and Phosphorus Uptake of Oat (Arena nuda L.) as Affected by Mineral Nitrogen Forms Supplied in Hydroponics and Soil Culture

Plants show different growth responses to N sources supplied with either NH4+ or NO3-.The uptake of different N sources also affects the rhizosphere pH and therefore the bioavailability of soil phosphorus,particularly in alkaline soils.The plant growth,P uptake,and P availability in the rhizosphere of oat (Arena nuda L.) grown in hydroponics and in soil culture were investigated under supply with sole NH4+-N,sole NO3--N,or a combination.Sole NO3-fed oat plants accumulated more biomass than sole NH4+-fed ones.The highest biomass accumulation was observed when N was supplied with both NH4+-N and NO3--N.Growth of the plant root increased with the proportion of NO3-in the cultural medium.Better root growth and higher root/shoot ratio were consistently observed in NO3--fed plants.However,root vigor was the highest when N was supplied with NO3-+NH4+.NH4+ supply reduced the rhizosphere pH but did not affect P uptake by plants grown in soils with CaHPO4 added as P source.No P deficiency was observed,and plant P concentrations were generally above 2 g kg-1.P uptake was increased when N was supplied partly or solely as NO3--N,similarly as biomass accumulation.The results suggested that oat was an NO3-prcferring plant,and NO3--N was essential for plant growth and the maintenance of root absorption capacity.N supply with NH4+-N did not improve P nutrition,which was most likely due to the absence of P deficiency.     

石灰岩山地侧柏纯林非生长季土壤氮矿化研究

为探明石灰岩山地侧柏纯林非生长季土壤氮矿化能力,采用PVC管原位培养法对济南南部山区石灰岩山地人工恢复不同年限(5,10,25年)的侧柏纯林土壤的氮矿化能力进行研究。结果表明:3种不同恢复年限侧柏纯林NO3--N含量先升高后降低然后再有所升高,NH4+-N含量变化没有明显的规律性。其净硝化速率和净氮矿化速率均在11月份达到最大值,分别为(0.07±0.04)mg/(kg.d),(0.11±0.01)mg/(kg.d),(0.15±0.02)mg/(kg.d)和(0.15±0.04)mg/(kg.d),(0.29±0.02)mg/(kg.d),(0.33±0.03)mg/(kg.d)。石灰岩山地侧柏纯林土壤的净氮矿化速率与土壤湿度表现为二次函数关系,但随湿度增加,土壤净氮矿化能力降低。土壤净氮矿化与土壤pH值呈显著负相关(r=-0.452,p=0.018),与土壤有机碳含量、微生物量碳含量和C/N比均呈正相关关系,但相关性不显著(r=0.076,p=0.707;r=0.374,p=0.055;r=0.337,p=0.086)。非生长季石灰岩山地侧柏纯林土壤有较强的氮转化能力,气温变化所导致的土壤环境因素对氮矿化有显著影响。     

Effect of leonardite application on leaf nutrient content and fruit chemical parameters of cherry (Prunus avium L.)

Abstract

Organic fertilizers have an important role in plant nutrition practices by protecting the environment, human health, ecological balance and supporting sustainable productivity. Hence, the use of leonardite which has high humic acid content is becoming increasingly common. Objectives of the study were to examine the effects of leonardite application on leaf nutrient contents and some fruit chemical parameters (pH, total soluble solids, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity) of cherry (Prunus avium L.). Cherry Ziraat 900 was used as a test plant and grafted on a Gisela 6 rootstock. The research was carried out in a randomized block design with three replications and 12 parcels. The 10-year-old orchard was chosen as the research area with having planting space of 5.0?m × 2.5?m. Each parcel consists of 25 trees. Four different doses (0-2-4-8?kg tree^?1) were applied to drip lines of trees at a depth of 20?cm. Chemical fertilizers (N-P-K) were also added. The effect of the applications in the research has a statistically significant effect on all parameters analyzed in leaves and fruits except for Mg in leaves. In addition, as the dose of leonardite is increased, its effect was also increased and the results appeared in different groups due to the increase of ionization, mobility and adsorption of chemical fertilizers applied in the research. Nutrient absorption was increased because of the increased permeability of stem cell membrane by leonardite applications. Consequently, nutrient levels in the leaves were sufficient and/or excessive and fruit contents were found optimum.     

Assessment of Soil Fertility Characteristics of Chemical-Fertilized Banana Fields of South India

Soil fertility status of continuously cultivated, chemical-fertilized banana fields of the south Indian states, Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamilnadu, in relation to seasons and varieties is assessed. The major goals were to identify soil types in terms of soil fertility characteristics and specific banana varieties of the region. The focus was to assess specific soil parameters favoring specific varieties, if any, towards global applications. Altogether 286 soil samples collected at random from 143 fields of 13 cultivated varieties, representing 47 different soil series in two seasons, are analyzed and compared. Soil pH and nutrient parameters of different banana variety cultivated fields remained significantly different. Total phosphorus and potassium content of these soils remained normal, but soil nitrogen content was low. The investigation remains a good model for the inventory of specific soil types, soil nutritional characteristics, and ecological amplitude of specific crop of high varietal diversity over a broad area.     

Mutual Effects of Boron and Zinc on Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Growth and Mineral Nutrition

The mutual effects of boron (B) and zinc (Zn) on growth, total chlorophyll (Chl), membrane permeability (MP), and nutrient content were investigated in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). The soil was treated with five levels of B (0, 4, 8, 16, 32 mg kg^?1) and three levels of Zn (0, 10, 20 mg kg^?1). Plant growth was progressively depressed with increasing of B. However, Zn addition had an inhibitory effect on B toxicity and decreased growth reduction caused by excess B. In Zn-untreated plants, B and Zn contents were enhanced by increasing of B; moreover, both Zn and B addition enhanced Zn content. The Chl content decreased and MP increased, resulting from B toxicity; however, Zn addition partially ameliorated the adverse effects of B toxicity on Chl and MP. Increasing B enhanced phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), Zn, copper (Cu), and sodium (Na) contents in peanut shoots.     

Effect of Silicon on Growth, Physiology, and Cadmium Translocation of Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) in Cadmium-Contaminated Soil

Silicon(Si) offers beneficial effect on plants under cadmium(Cd) stress such as promoting plant growth and increasing resistance to heavy metal toxicity. In this study, a pot experiment was performed to study the role of Si in alleviating Cd toxicity in tobacco(Nicotiana tabacum L.) plants on a yellow soil taken from Guiyang, China. Nine treatments consisting of three concentrations of Cd(0, 1, and 5 mg kg~(-1)) together with three Si levels(0, 1, and 4 g kg~(-1)) were established. Plant growth parameters, Cd concentration,and the malondialdehyde(MDA), chlorophyll, and carotenoid contents were determined 100 d after transplanting of tobacco seedlings.Application of exogenous Si enhanced the growth of tobacco plants under Cd stress. When 5 mg kg~(-1) Cd was added, Si addition at 1 and 4 g kg~(-1) increased root, stem, and leaf biomass by 26.1%–43.3%, 33.7%–43.8%, and 50.8%–69.9%, respectively, compared to Si addition at 0 g kg~(-1). With Si application, the transfer factor of Cd in tobacco from root to shoot under both 1 and 5 mg kg~(-1) Cd treatments decreased by 21%. The MDA contents in the Si-treated tobacco plants declined by 5.5%–17.1% compared to those in the non-Si-treated plants, indicating a higher Cd tolerance. Silicon application also increased the chlorophyll and carotenoid contents by 33.9%–41% and 25.8%–47.3% compared to the Cd only treatments. Therefore, it could be concluded that Si application can alleviate Cd toxicity to tobacco by decreasing Cd partitioning in the shoots and MDA levels and by increasing chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, thereby contributing to lowering the potential health risks of Cd contamination.     

细胞分裂素对沟叶结缕草愈伤组织生长及其抗氧化系统的影响

为探究细胞分裂素对长期继代培养的愈伤组织细胞系分裂、增殖的影响,以及对梢和根的诱导作用,以继代10年的沟叶结缕草愈伤组织为材料,研究0~0.20 mg·L~(-1)的6-苄基氨基嘌呤(BA)、激动素(KT)、玉米素(ZT)、反式玉米素核苷(ZR)、噻苯隆(TDZ)及正交设计组合对其生长和再生的影响。结果表明,继代培养4周后,愈伤组织鲜重增长率最高的处理是0.10 mg·L~(-1)BA+0.20 mg·L~(-1)KT+0.15 mg·L~(-1)ZT+0.10 mg·L~(-1)TDZ,达到331.3%,略高于0.10 mg·L~(-1)KT(315.0%),但差异不显著。以1/2MS+30.0 g·L~(-1)蔗糖+3.0 g·L~(-1)Phytagel为基本培养基,添加不同浓度的5种细胞分裂素再生培养6周,再生率和再生梢总数最高的是含0.15 mg·L~(-1)ZT的培养基,再生率为60.3%,再生梢总数为142.0个,分别是对照的2.41倍和3.67倍。再生过程中过氧化物酶(POD)活性(6.694~14.569U·g~(-1)FW·min-1)显著低于对照(20.802~32.303 U·g~(-1)FW·min-1),超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性的峰值(382.353 U·g~(-1)FW·min-1)显著高于对照(326.760 U·g~(-1)FW·min-1),而第3周再生高峰期过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性(0.312 U·g~(-1)FW·min-1)显著高于对照(0.141 U·g~(-1)FW·min-1)。因此,适宜浓度的细胞分裂素不仅显著促进愈伤组织的生长和分化,也明显影响抗氧化酶的活性。合理调控SOD和POD活性有助于提高胚性愈伤组织的再生能力,为沟叶结缕草现代育种提供基础资料。     

Soil Fertility Status and Disorders in Arecanut (Areca Catechu L.) Grown on Clay and Laterite Soils of India

In arecanut, disorders like crown choking and crown bending lead to death of palms within a short span. Spatial and temporal variability in soil and leaf nutrient status was used as a tool to find out the causes for disorders in clay and laterite soils. Availability of nutrients in soils was sufficient to excess. Deviation from optimum percentage index was negative for nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and zinc (Zn) in both soils. Zinc deficits of –26 to –63 in higher number of palms (84–97%) indicate the reduction in Zn uptake. Regression between leaf Zn and soil fertility parameters indicated negative relation with soil Zn and calcium (Ca) in clay and soil organic carbon, soil P, and soil boron (B) in laterite soils. Multiple regression indicated negative relation of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable Zn with nutrients like Ca, magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), and iron (Fe) in soil in different years. The grouping of soil nutrients in opposite directions in first two components of principal component analysis supports negative nutrient interactions in both soil types. The results reveal that nutrient interactions in soil affect the uptake of nutrients despite sufficient nutrient availability. Zinc deficiency in arecanut may be the result of complex interactions between DTPA-extractable Zn and other nutrients in soil.     

Nutrition and Production of Phaseolus vulgaris (BRS estilo) Following Boron Application on Soil

Boron (B) application is an important strategy in highly productive systems, since this micronutrient is involved in amide syntheses, which is related to the grain yield. In this way, the aim of this work was to evaluate the B fertilization effect in nutrition and production of common beans. The experiment was carried out under greenhouse condition, in an entirely randomized design, with five B doses (0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 kg ha^?1) and four repetitions. The relative chlorophyll index, dry mass production, level and accumulation of B were measured. Boron levels in leaves of common beans are linearly enhanced after application of increasing B doses. When B level in soil is low (<0.5 mg kg^?1), boron doses lower than 4.9 kg ha^?1 increase dry mass production, with the highest production observed at a dose of 4.8 kg ha^?1, promoting a 56% in dry mass production compared with control.     

黄土高原植被恢复对土壤肥力质量的影响研究

在野外调查分析的基础上,测定了沙棘、黄刺玫、油松以及草地和农田的土壤有机质和速效养分,采用新负极差法检验了有机质含量的差异性,结果表明:(1)黄土高原半湿润地区恢复植被能够显著提高土壤的有机质含量,且草地>沙棘>黄刺玫>油松;(2)植被恢复对土壤有机质的提高效益随深度增加而明显减小,土壤有机质有一定表聚性,草地和灌木林植被下更为显著;(3)不同植被类型土壤速效氮均有大幅度增加,土壤速效磷增幅较小;土壤速效钾在草地、黄刺玫植被下有少量增加,沙棘、油松林地却有所下降。     

Corn (Zea mays L.) Grain and Stover Yield as Affected by Soil Residual Mineral Nitrogen

Evaluation of nitrogen (N) dynamic in soil using regression equations is important for proper determination of N fertilization. A 3-year field experiment was conducted to (1) develop the best-fitted regression model relating corn grain and stover yield to soil residual ammonium (NH₄)-N and nitrate (NO₃)-N for corn yield prediction and (2) evaluate how such a model can be beneficial to the health of ecosystem by predicting the appropriate rates of N fertilization for corn production. Soil NH₄-N and NO₃-N were determined at corn harvest at the depths of 0–30 and 30–60 cm. Nitrogen fertilizer rates and soil mineral N accounted for a maximum of 93% variation in corn grain yield. Soil mineral N enhanced corn yield more than N fertilizer. Totals of 63.1 and 14.1 kg/ha of soil residual NO₃-N and NH₄-N were found in the 0- to 60-cm depth, indicating the importance of performing soil N tests.