Use of blue-green algae and bryophyte biomass as a source of nitrogen for oil-seed rape

Summary Blue-green algal (Nostoc muscorum) or bryophyte (Barbula recurvirostra) growth on the surface of a brown earth silt loam contained in flooded columns significantly increased soil C (+20.9% and ±23.0%, respectively) and soil N (+25.1% and +9.6%, respectively) after 5 weeks in the surface 0.7-cm soil layer. Differences in the lower layers were not significant since there was no movement of C or N metabolites down the profile, even after 21 weeks. The input of C by the inoculated blue-green algae was estimated at 0.48 Mg C 100^-1 g soil or 0.45g C ha^-1; the bryophyte growth gave 0.5 Mg C ha^-1. N fixation by the blue-green algae alone was estimated at 60 kg N ha^-1 after 5 weeks of growth. Blue-green algae associated with bryophyte growth had fixed 23 kg N ha^-1 after 5 weeks, rising to 40 kg ha^-1 after 21 weeks. Decomposition of the bryophyte biomass led to a significant increase in the dry weight (+16.8%) and the N uptake (+27.5%) of spring oil-seed rape planted in homogenised soil. In contrast, soil incorporation of the blue-green algal biomass had no significant effect on yield. The equivalent mineralized N from the blue-green algal and bryophyte incorporation was estimated as 24 and 58 kg N ha^-1, respectively.     

Changes in aggregate stability,nutrient status,indigenous microbial populations,and seedling emergence,following inoculation of soil withNostoc muscorum

The potential of the N₂-fixing cyanophyteNostoc muscorum for improving the aggregate stability of a poorly structured silt loam soil was studied in a greenhouse experiment. Inoculum rates were 1.61×10⁵ cells g^-1 soil dry weight (low rate) and 4.04×10⁵ cell g^-1 soil dry weight (high rate), approximately equivalent to a field application of 2 and 5 kg ha^-1 cells dry weight, respectively.N. muscorum numbers had increased 8-fold (low rate) and 10-fold (high rate) by 300 days after inoculation, indicating not only survival but proliferation. Increases in soil polysaccharides, determined as soil carbohydrate C, were 2.96–3.49 time the values in the non-inoculated soils and aggregate stability had incrased by an average of 18% on day 300. Inoculation withN. muscorum also had a pronounced effect on soil chemical and biological properties, with total C increasing by 50–63% and total N increasing by 111–120%. Increases in the soil indigenous microbial population were recorded, with numbers of bacteria 500, fungi 16, and actinomycetes 48 times the non-inoculated values on day 300 in the high-rate soil. The emergence of lettuce seedlings (Lactuca sativa var. Saladin) in undisturbed inoculated 300-day soils was 56% (low rate) and 52% (high rate) higher than in non-inoculated soils. However, homogenising soils and irrigating (to smulate ploughing and surface crusting) significantly reduced this increase in both treatments, although emergence in inoculated soils was still greater by 45% (low) and 24% (high). It is recommended that inoculated soils be left undisturbed prior to planting. The effects ofN. muscorum on soil physical, chemical, and biological properties indicate the possible benefits of cyanobacteria as soil inoculants, not only for the improvement of soil aggregate stability but also as a means of improving seedling emergence.     

Mass loss and nutrient release during litter decay in peatland: The role of microbial adaptability to litter chemistry

In peatlands the reduced decomposition rate of plant litter is the fundamental mechanism making these peat-accumulating ecosystems effective carbon sinks. A better knowledge of litter decomposition and nutrient cycling is thus crucial to improve our predictions of the effects of anthropogenic perturbation on the capacity of peatlands to continue to behave as carbon sinks. We investigated patterns of plant litter decomposition and nutrient release along a minerotrophic-ombrotrophic gradient in a bog on the south-eastern Alps of Italy. We determined mass loss as well as P, N, K, and C release of seven vascular plant species and four moss species after 1 year in both native and transplanted habitats. Hence, differences in litter decay were supposed to reflect the degree of adaptability of microbial communities to litter quality. Polyphenols/nutrient and C/nutrient quotients appeared as the main parameters accounting for decomposition rates of Sphagnum litter. In particular, litter of minerotrophic Sphagnum species decomposed always faster than litter of ombrotrophic Sphagnum species, both in native and transplanted habitats. Decomposition rates of vascular plant litter in native habitats were always higher than the corresponding mass loss rates of Sphagnum litter. Minerotrophic forbs showed the fastest decomposition both in native and transplanted habitats in accordance with low C/P and C/N litter quotients. On the other hand, C/P quotient seems to play a primary role also in controlling decomposition of graminoids. Decomposition of deciduous and evergreen shrubs was negatively related to their high lignin content. Nitrogen release from Sphagnum litter was primarily controlled by C/N quotient, so that minerotrophic Sphagnum litter released more N than ombrotrophic Sphagnum litter. Overall, we observed slower N release from litter of ombrotrophic vascular plant species compared to minerotrophic vascular plant species. No single chemical parameter could predict the variability associated with different functional groups. The release of K was very high compared to all the other nutrients and rather similar between ombrotrophic and minerotrophic litter types. In Sphagnum litter, a higher C/P quotient was associated with a slower P mineralisation, whereas a faster P release from vascular plant litter seems primarily associated with lower C/P and polyphenols/P quotients.     

不同生境条件下西藏原始冷杉林凋落物分解特征与土壤养分的关系

[目的]研究不同生境条件下(林内、林外、林缘)藏东南急尖长苞冷杉林(Abies georgei var.smithii)凋落物分解特征与土壤养分特征之间的关系,为深入了解高寒高山森林生态系统物质循环过程提供依据。[方法]采用野外分解袋法和室内分析相结合,在林内、林外、林缘3种不同生境条件下对藏东南急尖长苞冷杉林凋落物进行了原位分解试验。[结果]分解速率总体上呈现出:林内林缘林外的特点,逐月分解率的变异系数表现为:林内(34.83%)林缘(57.35%)林外(72.09%);Olson指数衰减模型的模拟结果显示不同生境条件下(林内、林缘、林外)凋落物分解50%需要的时间为2.11,2.52,2.34 a,分解95%需要的时间为8.96,10.01,10.84 a;3种不同生境土壤养分在空间上差异显著,林内生境中与凋落物分解速率呈现极显著相关的土壤养分因子有土壤总有机碳(TOC)含量、N含量、土壤微生物量碳(SMBC)含量、土壤微生物量氮(SMBN)含量以及W_C∶W_N值;林外、林缘生境中与凋落物分解速率相关性最大的为土壤TOC含量,其次为W_C∶W_N值。[结论]生境条件的差异对凋落物分解速率有显著影响,在不同的生境条件下对凋落物分解影响起主导作用的土壤养分因素不同,凋落物—土壤生物地化循环紧密联系,相互作用关系复杂,生境作用效应突出。     

Can acidification associated with nitrification increase available soil phosphate or reduce the rate of phosphate fixation?

Summary Using microcosms containing decomposing Pinus nigra litter, the effects of introducing two species of soil arthropods, the fungivorous collembolan Tomocerus minor and the detritivorous isopod Philoscia muscorum, have been studied. The effects of these animals on microbial respiration, on dehydrogenase and cellulase activity, and on the concentration of exchangeable macronutrients (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, NO _inf3 ^sup- , NH _inf4 ^sup+ , PO _inf4 ^sup3- ) were measured. Both species enhanced microbial activity and the concentration of exchangeable nitrate, ammonium, and phosphate. Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ concentrations were lowered in the microcosms with animals. The differences between the two species were mainly quantitative, and it appears that the effect of isopods is direct, whereas the collembolans show direct and indirect effects. Positive effects of the presence of animals were found when microbial activities or concentrations of exchangeable nutrients in microcosms without animals were low; negative effects were found when they were relatively high. Thus, soil arthropods have a buffering role in soil processes. These results ae discussed against a background of a supposed succession of sugar fungi/bacteria to more slowly growing decomposing fungi.Dedicated to the late Prof. Dr. W. Kühnelt     

巨尾桉工业原料林下植物多样性与土壤因子的关系

采用野外调查与室内分析相结合的方法,研究了巨尾桉工业原料林下植物多样性、土壤因子的变化特征以及二者之间的关系。结果表明,物种丰富度指数是草本层最高,而Simpson指数,Shannon—Wiener指数和均匀度指数是灌木层最高。巨尾桉林地土壤水分含量的变化规律为:母质层淀积层腐殖质层,有机质、水解氮、有效磷和速效钾含量的变化规律为:腐殖质层淀积层母质层。腐殖质层、淀积层和母质层的土壤水分含量、有机质含量与灌木层或草本层丰富度指数、多样性指数和均匀度指数无显著相关性;腐殖质层速效钾含量与草本层Simpson指数极显著相关;淀积层速效钾含量与灌木层Simpson指数极显著相关;水解氮与灌木层及草本层以Simpson指数为基础的均匀度指数,以Shannon—Wiener指数为基础的均匀度指数极显著相关;母质层土壤各因子含量与灌木层或草本层多样性指数无显著相关。研究结果为巨尾桉林的可持续经营管理提供理论基础和科学依据。     

Morphological biodiversity and local use of the Himalayan pear (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pyrus pashia</Emphasis>) in Central Bhutan

A survey was undertaken in two valleys of the Bumthang area in Central Bhutan to study the morphological diversity, farmers’ knowledge, management practices, yield and income generation potential of the neglected Himalayan Pear (Pyrus pashia Hamilton ex D. Don). For this study a total of 148 Pyrus pashia accessions were collected and 103 households interviewed. Three quantitative and 14 qualitative traits such as colour, size, shape and texture of fruits and tree habit were used for morphological characterization of the accessions. The results demonstrated a high morphological diversity within the P. pashia trees. Fruit shape varied widely from globose to pyriform, fruit skin colour from light yellow and glossy to brown and dull. The observed diversity is likely due to the fact that under farmers’ conditions trees are propagated through seedlings rather than by grafting. None of the characters were specific and correlated with region or altitude. Distinct local cultivars with specific characters were absent making it impossible to group the pears morphologically. Interviews revealed low numbers of trees per farmers, lacking marketability of the fruits and farmers’ subsequent preference for improved varieties as major obstacles for the in situ preservation of biodiversity in P. pashia in this area.     

Assessment of the effects of the photosynthesis-inhibiting herbicides Diuron,DCMU, metamitron and metribuzin on growth and nitrogenase activity of Nostoc muscorum and a new cyanobacterial isolate,strain G4

Summary The influence of the photosynthesis-inhibiting herbicides Diuron, DCMU, metamitron, and metribuzin on growth and nitrogenase activity of Nostoc muscorum and a new cyanobacterial isolate, strain G4, was studied. The experiments were performed under N₂-fixing photoautotrophic conditions. Both cyanobacteria showed a high degree of tolerance towards the herbicides tested. In the presence of metamitron (35, 70, and 140 ppm) and metribuzin (7, 14, 35, and 70 ppm) strain G4 proliferated as well as the control culture. Metamitron and metribuzin had no influence on the nitrogenase synthesis of strain G4 and N. muscorum. When treated with 1 M DCMU, strain G4 and N. muscorum showed partial inhibition for the first few days, but entirely recovered during succeeding incubation. In the presence of 10 ppm Diuron, N. muscorum and strain G4, compared to the control, showed 30% and 80% nitrogenase activity, respectively.     

The effects of feeding byOniscus asellus (Isopoda) on nutrient cycling in an incubated hardwood forest soil

Summary Oniscus asellus produced changes in the nutrients leached from Oie and Oa horizons of a hardwood forest soil. Soil with isopods lost more K⁺ (54%) from the Oie horizon and more Ca²⁺ (25%), Mg²⁺ (40%), and water-extractable S (23%) from the Oa horizon than soil without isopods. In contrast, soils with isopods lost less Ca²⁺ (39076) from the Oie horizon and less dissolved C-bonded S (33%) from the Oa horizon than soil without isopods. In addition, the Oia and Oa horizons exhibited different nutrient dynamics. When isopods were present, the Oa horizon leachates accumulated more Na⁺ K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, NO₃ ^– , water-soluble SO₄ ^2–, and dissolved C-bonded S, and the Oie horizon retained more of these nutrients. The type of leaching solution also had a major effect on nutrients. Leaching with a simulated soil solution resulted in smaller nutrient losses for K⁺ and Mg²⁺ in both horizons and for Na⁺, Ca²⁺, and NO₃ ^– in the Oa horizon than leaching with distilled water.     

Direct contribution by soil arthropods to nutrient availability through body and faecal nutrient content

Summary The direct contribution made by soil arthropods to nutrient dynamics was investigated in pine forests that differed in soil nutrient status. Nutrient concentrations (K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, PO ₄ ^3– , N, C) in the most abundant species and groups of arthropods in two Pinus nigra forests were compared, and distinct differences were found among taxonomic groups. In the rank order: collembolans, oribatides, isopods, diplopods, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ concentrations increased, while N and C concentrations decreased. The nutrient concentrations in individuals of the same species but originating from the different forests were similar, except for the isopod Philoscia muscorum. The total and available nutrient concentrations in food and faeces of the collembolan Tomocerus minor and the isopod Philoscia muscorum were compared. The isopod faeces contained relatively less K⁺ and Mg²⁺, and more Ca²⁺, PO ₄ ^3– , and greater N availability, compared with the food material. The collembolan faeces showed a higher availability of all nutrients measured. The N species appeared to be changed by collembolans; their faeces contained high NO ₃ ^– concentrations, while their food contained relatively high concentrations of NH ₄ ⁺ . These findings were examined in relation to their significance for ecosystem functioning. It was concluded that about 12% of the total K⁺, PO ₄ ^3– , N and 2% of the Ca²⁺ in the organic layer was found in the mesofauna. It was calculated that faeces production by the collembolans resulted in a 2.4 times higher NO ₃ ^– availability in the forest floor.     

Nematofauna associated with exotic and native leguminous plant species in West Africa: effect of<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Glomus intraradices</Emphasis> arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis

Ten leguminous trees, four exotic species (Australian Acacia) and six indigenous species (three Sahelian Acacia spp. and three Sesbania spp.), were grown for 4 months in a natural Sahelian soil inoculated with or without the endomycorrhizal fungus, Glomus intraradices. In control trials, the determinant factor structuring the soil nematode fauna was the plant species, related plants having a similar influence on the nematode community in the soil. Soil nematode abundance increased from exotic acacias (3.3 g^-1 dry soil) to native acacias (11.5 g^-1 dry soil) and Sesbania species (17.6 g^-1 dry soil). Plant feeding nematodes (mainly Scutellonema and Tylenchorhynchus) were significantly less abundant under exotic acacias (1.4 g^-1 dry soil) than under native acacias (7.2 g^-1 dry soil) or Sesbania species (7.3 g^-1 dry soil). Bacterial feeding nematode density increased from exotic acacias (1.2 g^-1 dry soil) to native acacias (3.0 g^-1 dry soil) and Sesbania species (7.7 g^-1 dry soil) as total densities. However, the differences in the structure of the nematode communities between plant groups were suppressed in the presence of the mycorrhizal fungus. In fact, no difference in nematode densities remained between plant groups when G. intraradices developed in several dominant taxa belonging to different trophic groups, particularly: Tylenchorhynchus, Apelenchina, Cephalobus and Dorylaimoidea. This study clearly indicated that inoculation with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus G. intraradices diminished the plant-specific effect on the structure of the soil nematode community.     

用田间实测法研究我国亚热带土壤的可蚀性K值

本文在自然降雨条件下用全裸地小区田间实测了我国亚热带七种有代表性的不同类型土壤可蚀性Ｋ值。结果表明这七种不同类型土壤间的Ｋ值差别很大，其中紫色和红砂岩发育的耕种普通红壤的Ｋ值最大，分别达到０．４４４和０．４３８，最小的是第四纪红色粘土发育的红色土，其值只人０．１０４，还不到紫色土Ｋ值的１／４。我们变用国际上十分流行的诺谟图方法估算了这七种不同类型土壤的可蚀性Ｋ值，其中有二类土壤用这种方法所估算的Ｋ     

Chemical deterrents in podurid Collembola

Four aromatic compounds (2,4-dimethoxyaniline, 1,3-dimethoxybenzene, 2-aminophenol, phenol) found in Neanura muscorum (Collembola, Neanuridae) have been investigated for their role as deterrents against the predatory mite Pergamasus norvegicus (Acarina, Parasitidae). 2-Aminophenol has deterring properties against P. norvegicus, the other substances show no effect as single substances nor is there a synergistic effect.The reaction of three predators, Microvelia reticulata (Heteroptera, Veliidae), Gambusia affinis (Teleostei, Cyprinodontidae) and Rana temporaria (Amphibia, Ranidae) on Podura aquatica (Collembola, Poduridae) is reported. The strongest deterring effects of P. aquatica could be observed with G. affinis. M. reticulata also shows behavioural changes that can be attributed to deterring effects of P. aquatica. The collembolan has no deterring effects on R. temporaria.A synopsis of literature dealing with deterring effects of collembola on arthropod predators is given.     

Diversity distribution and collection of genetic resources of cultivated and weedy type in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Perilla frutescens</Emphasis> (L.) Britton var. <Emphasis Type="Italic">frutescens</Emphasis> and their uses in Indian Himalaya

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton is a traditional crop of East Asia and sporadically cultivated in different parts of the Himalayas. The Western and the Eastern Himalayan regions of India exhibit rich variability in oilseed Perilla, Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton var. frutescens. The present communication deals with the distribution pattern of diversity and survey, exploration and germplasm collection and its uses in India. Brief information on botanical characterization on the basis of systematic study of cultivated and weedy types and thrust on areas for germplasm collection from diverse habitats have been discussed.     

Co-selection of compatible rhizobia and vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi for cowpea in sterilized and non-sterilized soils

Summary We selected two isolates of Rhizobium for cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) with sterilized soil tests and two different isolates by non-sterilized soil testing. The four rhizobia were then paired individually with either Glomus pallidum, Glomus aggregatum, or Sclerocystis microcarpa in separate, sterilized, or non-sterilized soil experiments. The purpose of the experiments was to determine the effect of soil sterilization on the selection of effective cowpea rhizobia, and to see whether these rhizobia differed in their effects on cowpea growth when paired with various vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi. Our experiments showed that the rhizobia selected in sterilized soil tests produced few growth responses in the cowpea compared to the other introduced rhizobia, irrespective of pairing with VAM fungi in sterilized or non-sterilized soil. In contrast, the two rhizobia initially selected by non-sterilized soil testing significantly improved cowpea growth in non-sterilized soil, especially when paired with G. pallidum. Our results suggest that it is important to select for effective rhizobia in non-sterilized soil, and that pairing these rhizobia with specific, coselected VAM fungi can significantly improve the legume growth response.     

Nutrient availability and interactions between soil arthropods and microorganisms during decomposition of coniferous litter: a mesocosm study

Summary The functional roles of the fungivorous collembolan Tomocerus minor and the detritivorous isopod Philoscia muscorum during the decomposition of Pinus nigra needles were studied in mesocosms filled with two different types of F1 litter, obtained from two different forest soils. The effects of the animals on the availability of K⁺, Ca²⁺, NO _inf3 ^sup- , NH _inf4 ^sup+ , and PO _inf4 ^sup3- and on the respiration, dehydrogenase, and cellulase activity of microorganisms were measured over one growing season. The animals were introduced into the F1 litter in three densities. The most important animal effect was a buffering effect, in that addition of the animals increased nutrient availability and microbial activity where the corresponding values in control mesocosms without animals were low, and decreased the nutrient availability and microbial activity where control values were high. This effect occurred for both species and was most evident in the substrate with the highest temporal fluctuations. The effects on nutrient availability are attributed to an animal effect on the activity of and successional stage reached the microbial community, with NH _inf4 ^sup+ availability seen as the most important factor. The concept of functional groups in relation to these animal effects is discussed.     

Changes in potassium availability and other soil properties due to soil ingestion by earthworms

An incubation experiment was conducted to study the changes that occur in potassium availability and other soil properties with ingestion of soil by earthworms. Two soils were used. Raumai soil with high non-exchangeable K and Milson soil with low non-exchangeable K were incubated with two species of earthworm, Aporrectodea caliginosa and Lumbricus rubellus, for 8 weeks. The casts and soil samples were analysed for exchangeable K, Ca, Mg, Na, and H, pH, organic C, and texture. The results indicated that in Raumai soil, the exchangeable K levels of the casts of both earthworm species were significantly higher than for the control soil, the effect being more marked for L. rubellus than for A. caliginosa. In Milson soil, the exchangeable K levels were significantly lower in the casts of both types of earthworm than in the control soil. The nitric acid-extractable K of the soil and casts was not markedly different for either soil type, but available non-exchangeable K values were significantly higher for the casts of L. rubellus from Milson soil than for the noningested Milson soil. In Raumai soil, the exchangeable Ca was higher in the casts of L. rubellus, exchangeable Mg and H were reduced, and exchangeable Na did not change markedly in the cast compared to the control soil. For Milson soil, the casts contained lower exchangeable Ca and H but higher Na and Mg than the control. The casts of both species of earthworm had significantly higher pH values for both soil types. There was no marked difference in the organic C content of the control soil and cast samples for Milson but a reduction in the casts of A. caliginosa for the Raumai soil. Finer fractions increased in the casts of both earthworm species in both soil types.     

亚热带不同林龄次生林与杉木林土壤氮淋溶损失特征

为分析不同林龄亚热带常绿阔叶次生林和杉木(Cunninghamia lanceolata)种植对土壤氮淋溶的影响,采用土柱微宇宙原位培养,分别比较9年生和45年生次生林(以米槠Castanopsis carlesii为建群种)之间、米槠和杉木人工林(均为9年生)之间的土壤总氮、硝态氮和铵态氮浓度及通量。结果表明：(1)4种类型森林土壤总氮和硝态氮浓度均表现为45年生次生林>9年生次生林>杉木人工林>米槠人工林;铵态氮浓度则为45年生次生林>杉木人工林>9年生次生林>米槠人工林。(2)4种类型森林土壤总氮和硝态氮的淋溶通量在整个试验期表现为9年生次生林>45年生次生林>杉木人工林>米槠人工林;5—8月4种类型森林土壤氨态氮淋溶通量差异较大,但大体上表现为杉木人工林>45年生次生林>9年生次生林>米槠人工林。(3)9年生和45年生次生林、米槠人工林、杉木人工林土壤总氮年淋溶量分别为14.24,13.27,7.26,10.97 [g/(m²·a)],硝态氮年淋溶量分别为10.88,9.97,5.35...     

Estimating habitat suitability and potential population size for brown bears in the Eastern Alps

According to the Habitats Directive of the European Union, a favorable conservation status for the brown bear (Ursus arctos) should be targeted at the population level in large contiguous habitats such as the Alps, the largest mountain range in Europe. However, in most of the Alps brown bears are extinct and habitat suitability in these areas is often questionable. For this paper, radio-tracking data from four projects with 42 individual bears was compiled to assess habitat suitability. Discrete-choice models with random bear effects were fitted and compared to results obtained from compositional analysis and logistic regression. Sound definition of the available area in the discrete-choice model turned out to be essential. Brown bears showed a preference for forested and steep habitats and an avoidance of roads.Results from the three approaches were used to predict habitat suitability across the entire range of the Eastern Alps. Minimum potential population size was projected based on observed densities in Trentino and Central Austria, and ranged from 1228 to 1625 individuals, with 518–686 mature bears. This would satisfy a favorable conservation status. The developed methodology also has wide applicability to quantification of habitat suitability and potential population size in other cases where species are at risk.     

Phenotypic diversity of the big seed type subcollection of wild soybean (Glycine soja Sieb. et Zucc.) in China

Wild soybean (Glycine soja), the progenitor of soybeans, has become an important germplasm source for soybean breeding. The Chinese G. soja germplasm collection includes two subcollections, one typical wild soybean (G. soja) and the other ‘big seed type’ (semi-wild soybean, G. gracilis). In order to understand the nature of this big seed type subcollection, a considerable number of 1,185 accessions were investigated focusing on phenotypes, compositional structure and genetic diversity of this subcollection. The results showed that there were 617 combined morphotypes formed by six major morphological traits. The morphotype number and diversity gradually decreased among four sections from small to large 100-seed weight sizes. The big seed subcollection accumulated distinctly high frequencies for white flower, grey pubescence, seed non-bloom and four seed coat colours (green, yellow, brown and black), differing from the typical G. soja. Between the two subcollections, only the compositional structures of leaf shapes were almost in agreement. A rare strip-shaped leaf only appeared in typical G. soja and small-seeded grade (100-seed wt) of the big seed type. Seed non-bloom trait showed that the increased frequencies were concomitant with the augmenting of 100-seed weight. The data suggested that white flower accumulated rapidly in the big seed type, followed by seed non-bloom, while the slowest rate of accumulation was grey pubecence, and that the ‘large-seeded type (2.51–3 g 100-seed wt)’ of typical G. soja and the ‘smallest-seeded type (3.01–3.5 g 100-seed wt)’ of the big seed type could have a closer genetic relationship. The morphotype number and genetic diversity showed reduced values with increased 100-seed weights. The geographical distribution of genetic diversity indicated two tendencies: decreased from north to south and also from east to west. Our results suggested that Northeast China was the first centre of morphological diversity for the big seed type, and the North was the secondary centre in China.