1990-2018年东江流域土地利用变化及其驱动力

[目的] 分析东江流域1990-2018年土地利用时空变化特征及驱动机制,为该流域土地利用优化提供科学参考。[方法] 利用流域土地利用数据及统计年鉴数据,结合土地利用评价指标、主成分分析法及灰色关联分析法分析流域土地利用变化特征及其驱动机制。[结果] ①东江流域1990-2018年土地利用以耕地和林地为主,流域建设用地面积持续增加,其余地类面积均呈减少趋势,耕地和林地是建设用地面积的主要来源;②流域土地利用综合指数逐年增加,变化率为0.038,土地利用处于上升发展阶段;③流域土地利用变化驱动力主要为经济增长、人口增长、社会富裕程度和农业发展;各类驱动因子对各土地利用类型的驱动作用不同。[结论] 1990-2018年,东江流域土地利用结构不断优化,土地利用集聚程度增加,随着粤港澳大湾区的建设开发,未来流域内土地开发利用活动将更加频繁。     

宁夏沿黄生态经济带耕地的时空演变及驱动力

[目的] 研究耕地空间分布格局与演变的驱动机制,为严守耕地保护红线及宁夏沿黄生态经济带制定耕地资源保护政策与措施,优化耕地保护格局提供参考。[方法] 利用土地变更调查数据和社会经济数据,采用核密度、空间自相关、土地利用动态度、转移矩阵、二元Logistic回归模型等方法,分析2010—2018年宁夏沿黄生态经济带耕地的空间分布、时空演变及其驱动机制。[结果] ①研究区耕地的空间分布呈现出明显的差异性,整体以中、低密度区分布为主,且由低、高密度区向中密度区演变;②耕地空间分布呈正相性,高—高聚类区域主要集中在银川平原,低—低聚类区域分布在灵武市东部、沙坡头区中西部等生态相对脆弱区;③研究区耕地的双向流转是以未利用地—耕地—建设用地为主的生态转换系统,耕地数量稳中有增;④耕地动态度变化有明显的空间聚类现象,且与距离城市的距离成正比,与城市规模成反比;⑤自然条件因子是耕地增加的主要驱动因素,社会经济因子是耕地减少主要驱动因素。[结论] 宁夏沿黄经济带耕地保护基本实现动态平衡。耕地变化是以一定的自然条件因子为基础,受经济、人口等社会经济因子综合作用下的效益择优过程。     

生态脆弱区土地利用变化及驱动力——以河北省张北县为例

[目的]研究河北省张北县的土地利用变化及其驱动因素,为该区域土地管理决策和土地资源可持续利用供科学依据。[方法]以1989,1995,2000,2010年TM遥感影像为数据源,运用遥感、地理信息系统、数理统计分析等技术与方法,系统分析了张北县土地利用变化的时空特征,剖析了土地利用变化的驱动因素。[结果]张北县主要地类为耕地、林地和草地,1989—2010年土地利用数量变化主要表现为耕地和草地面积的减少,林地和建设用地面积的增加,其中2000—2010年土地利用变化更为剧烈;地类转换主要表现为耕地、草地向林地转变以及耕地、草地向建设用地的转变;空间变化主要表现为东部坝头地区林地增加明显,中部平原地区建设用地扩张明显。[结论]近20年来张北县土地利用变化明显,主要受自然及社会经济因素综合影响。此外政策因素也是该区域土地利用变化的主要驱动因素。     

滇桂黔石漠化片区生态系统碳储量时空演变及其驱动因子

[目的]探究特殊生态脆弱区——滇桂黔石漠化片区的生态系统碳储量时空演变规律及其驱动因子，为科学评估其生态治理效果、优化土地利用格局、提高生态系统碳储量、提升生态系统碳汇能力等提供理论参考。[方法]综合运用土地利用转移矩阵、InVEST模型和地理探测器等方法，分析滇桂黔石漠化片区1990—2018年土地利用变化特征、生态系统碳储量时空演变规律及空间分异驱动因子。[结果]滇桂黔石漠化片区城市建设蓬勃发展，石漠化治理效果良好。研究期内，建设用地和水域面积分别增加116.38%和76.40%,以石漠化裸岩石质地为主的未利用地则减少47.45%并主要转化为草地和林地；滇桂黔石漠化片区生态系统碳储量呈波动下降趋势，2018年降至30.61亿t,较1990年减少了0.52%。建设用地扩张对耕地和林地的侵占是碳储量减少的主要原因；滇桂黔石漠化片区生态系统碳储量空间分布差异明显，始终维持西南较高、南部次之、北部较低的空间分异特征，整体依次对应云南片区、广西片区以及贵州片区；滇桂黔石漠化片区生态系统碳储量空间分布差异受自然地理要素和社会经济要素共同作用，但人类活动影响最为显著。“距离县中心”始终是影响力最...     

近30年来滇中城市群生态用地变化轨迹时空演变特征及其驱动机制

[目的]生态用地在维持生态平衡和支撑经济发展方面发挥着重要作用。研究滇中城市群生态用地的时空演变特征和驱动机制对优化生态安全格局、推进云南生态文明建设、筑牢国家西南生态安全屏障具有重要现实意义。[方法]利用Google Earth Engine(GEE)云平台对滇中城市群1990—2020年生态用地进行识别的基础上,采用变化轨迹分析、热点分析和地理探测器对滇中城市群生态用地时空变化轨迹和驱动机制进行了探索。[结果](1)滇中城市群生态用地变化以非生态用地与林地互换为主,并集中发生在林地和非生态用地的过渡地带,而生态用地内部之间(林地和草地)的转换主要发生在研究区北部和南部的山地区域。(2)生态用地变化以低频次变化为主,高频次较少,频次变化在元江干热河谷、金沙江干热河谷区域、滇东滇东南喀斯特地带表现出明显的聚集效应。(3)耕地面积变化是影响滇中城市群生态用地变化的主要驱动力,社会经济因素对生态用地的影响力显著高于自然因素,在自然环境、耕地扩张、生态修复政策等多重驱动下,多因子交互作用对生态用地变化更具解释力。[结论]滇中城市群生态用地破碎,自然环境的改变和人类活动的日益增强极易导致生态用...     

2005-2018年澜沧江下游流域景观生态安全时空变化及其驱动因素

[目的] 分析澜沧江下游流域景观生态安全时空变化规律和驱动机制,为该流域及流经国家的人与自然协调可持续发展提供科学依据。[方法] 以2005,2010,2015和2018年4期遥感影像为数据源,通过景观指数和GIS空间分析方法评价流域景观生态安全,采用双变量空间自相关方法明确城市、道路、河流、高程、坡度、气温和降水等因素对景观生态安全的驱动作用。[结果] ①2005—2018年,澜沧江下游流域的整体景观生态安全度呈先升后降的变化特征。其中,北部和中西部景观生态安全较差,东部、南部和东南部较好,但也有恶化趋势;②各景观类型中,景观生态安全度从大到小为：水域 > 林地 > 草地 > 耕地 > 建设用地 > 裸地。其中,林地和草地的景观生态安全度存在波动,耕地和水域的景观生态安全度一直上升,而建设用地和裸地的景观生态安全度持续下降;③距城市距离、距道路距离、气温和降水等社会和气象因素对景观生态安全时空变化的驱动作用最强,距河流距离也对景观生态安全的时空变化有一定解释作用,而高程和坡度等地形因素并非澜沧江下游流域景观生态安全时空变化的主要驱动因素。[结论] 应尽量降低由人类活动引起的生态环境负荷,积极发挥气象因素对生态安全的正向效应,促进澜沧江下游流域的人与自然协调可持续发展。     

抚仙湖流域生态用地时空演变及其驱动因素

[目的] 研究生态用地时空演变规律及形成机制,为维持区域生态平衡和保障生态文明建设提供科学参考。[方法] 运用土地利用变化幅度、洛伦兹曲线、基尼系数、回归分析及GIS技术等方法,分析2010-2018年抚仙湖流域生态用地时空演变特征及其形成机理。[结果] ①抚仙湖流域生态用地以耕地、林地和水域及水利设施用地为主。8 a来,耕地面积减少5.15 km²,林地面积减少1.94 km²,草地面积减少0.81 km²,园地面积减少0.19 km²,其他土地面积减少1.40 km²,水域及水利设施用地面积增加0.03 km²。②流域各种生态用地空间分布差异较大,耕地、林地空间分布较均匀,洛伦兹曲线比较靠近绝对均匀线,基尼系数居0~0.25之间。草地、园地、水域及水利设施用地和其他土地分布相对集中,洛伦兹曲线下凹程度较大,基尼系数多处于0.5之上。生态用地空间分布不均的趋势有所加强。③从驱动机制来看,导致流域生态用地时空变化的主要驱动因素为人口密度、城镇化水平、政策、到主要公路距离、到水域距离、到城镇建成区距离。[结论] 研究时段内,抚仙湖流域生态用地时空变化较显著,其变化是自然条件、社会经济条件及空间区位条件多种因素协同作用的结果。     

广东省1992-2015年土地覆被变化的时空差异及其成因

[目的] 从地形和社会经济两个因素出发探讨广东省土地覆被变化的时空差异及成因，为土地资源的可持续利用提供依据。[方法] 基于1992-2015年间广东省土地覆被数据，使用土地利用动态度、土地利用转移矩阵、灰色关联分析等方法量化土地覆被变化的时空特征与差异。[结果] 广东省土地覆被变化以2000年为节点可分为前期（1992-2000年）和后期（2000-2015年）两个阶段。前期耕地面积显著增加，建筑用地面积增速缓慢；后期耕地面积减小，建筑用地面积扩张迅速。地形因素造成土地覆被变化存在空间差异性。在高程低，坡度缓的区域土地覆被变化主要是耕地转化为建筑用地，而在坡度中等区域主要是林地转为耕地。社会经济因素造成土地覆被变化呈现较明显时间差异性，多种因子驱动广东省土地覆被发生变化。但对于不同的土地覆被类型，驱动因子前后期的关联度大小不同，土地覆被发生变化是多种因子驱动叠加的结果。[结论] 地形因素会造成土地覆被变化的空间差异，而社会经济因素导致土地覆被变化的时间差异。     

1990-2015年阿克苏市建设用地的扩展与驱动力

[目的]探讨新疆阿克苏市建设用地扩展特征及其驱动因素和存在的问题,为绿洲城市发展和建设决策提供一定的利用依据。[方法]以1990,2000,2010,2015年的Landsat TM/ETM⁺卫星遥感影像为数据源,借用ENVI进行监督分类,得出阿克苏市4个时间段的建设用地、耕地、林地、水体、未利用地等信息。应用建设用地扩展强度、速度,重心坐标转移、紧凑度、弹性系数等指标,研究阿克苏市建设用地变化规律。[结果]1990年建设用地面积为18.34 km²,2015年建设用地面积为91.61 km²,25 a里总扩展面积为73.24 km²,净增加了1990年的4倍。建设用地扩展中主要占用的土地类型为未利用地和耕地,面积分别为43.84,28.04 km²。建设用地重心坐标向EN,WS,WS方向迁移,靠近交通路线移动。1990-2000年重心坐标移动距离不大,移动距离为243.7 m。2000-2010年移动距离为832.2 m。2000-2015年移动距离最大（为1 568.2 m）,扩展形状为面状和条带状。建设用地外围紧凑度一直呈下降趋势,从1990年的0.201下降到2015年的0.066,城市空间形态越来越复杂。[结论]阿克苏市1990-2015年建设用地不断往外扩展。阿克苏市建设用地扩展速度在研究期间一直高于人口增长速度,而两者之间差距不断扩大,弹性系数为1990-2000年2.3,2010-2015年10.13,城市扩展与人口增长高度不合理。非农业人口因子、经济因子、政策因子、交通因子是引起阿克苏市土地利用变化最主要的驱动因素。     

基于LMDI模型的黄河中游城市群水土资源利用影响因素分析

[目的]水土资源是城市发展的重要生产要素,是探索黄河中游城市群水土资源利用过程中的关键因素,对科学促进黄河中游城市群经济快速发展具有重要意义。[方法]以黄河中游三大城市群为例,通过运用LMDI加法模型对2010—2019年黄河中游三大城市群分别构建影响水资源消耗量变化及城市建设用地数量变化的因素分解模型,计算并比较不同驱动因素的效应值。[结果](1)水资源利用效率提高和产业结构的优化能够抑制水资源消耗量的增加,而经济规模和人口规模扩大则促进其增加。(2)产业规模、经济规模及人口规模扩大对建设用地扩张存在推动作用,而城市建设用地消耗强度对建设用地扩张具有抑制作用。(3)对于水资源利用量变化,黄河中游不同城市之间产业结构优化水平存在较大差距;对于城市建设用地变化,三大城市群总效应值比较结果为关中平原城市群>中原城市群>晋中城市群。[结论]基于区域差异和时间差异角度探讨黄河中游城市群水土资源利用的影响因素,有助于丰富水土资源可持续利用的相关研究,为黄河中游城市群的可持续发展提供理论指导。     

低氮和干旱胁迫对富士和秦冠生长及氮素利用的影响

【目的】以富士（Fuji）、 秦冠（Qinguan）嫁接在平邑甜茶（Malus hupehensis Rehd.）上的当年生盆栽苗为试验材料,采用砂培方法,研究了缺氮胁迫和干旱对富士和秦冠生长情况、 光合参数、 植株各部位氮磷钾含量及氮素利用效率的影响,分析比较了低氮干旱条件下富士和秦冠生长及氮素利用的差异,以期为果树生产高效肥水利用提供理论指导。【方法】试验共设四个处理: 正常氮正常水（ZZ）、 低氮正常水（DZ）、 正常氮干旱（ZG）、 低氮干旱（DG）。氮素和水分均设置两个水平,分别为正常氮（6 mmol/L NO-3-N）、 低氮（0.3 mmol/LNO-3-N）、 正常供水（保持盆中砂子相对含水量为饱和含水量的80%~85%）、 干旱处理（保持盆中砂子相对含水量为饱和含水量的60%~65%）。【结果】富士和秦冠的生物量（茎和叶）、 株高茎粗等生长指标以及光合速率、 气孔导度、 蒸腾速率均为正常氮正常水（ZZ）＞低氮正常水（DZ）＞正常氮干旱（ZG）＞低氮干旱（DG）,并且相对应处理下秦冠的以上指标均高于富士;正常供水下,缺氮处理使富士、 秦冠的根冠比比正常氮处理均有所增加,富士提高了2.05%,秦冠提高了22.40%。富士和秦冠的氮、 磷、 钾含量均表现出正常氮正常水（ZZ）＞低氮正常水（DZ）＞正常氮干旱（ZG）＞低氮干旱（DG）; 氮、 钾元素含量在植株各部位的分布顺序依次是叶＞根＞茎,磷元素则是根＞叶＞茎;光合氮素利用效率（PNUE）和氮素利用效率表现为秦冠处理之间差异极显著,富士处理之间差异不显著;秦冠的PNUE和NUE明显高于富士,在低氮正常水（DZ）处理下,秦冠氮肥利用率比富士高42.07%,在低氮干旱（DG）处理下高64.14%;低氮胁迫下富士和秦冠的NUE显著提高,并且秦冠提高的幅度高于富士。【结论】施用氮肥能够显著提高富士与秦冠的干物质量,同等水肥条件下,秦冠生长优于富士;水分亏缺会减少叶片对氮的吸收,干旱条件下适度增施氮肥,可提高果树的抗旱能力;低氮干旱胁迫下秦冠的生长指标、 光合指标及氮素利用效率指标均优于富士,表现出较强的抗低氮干旱胁迫的能力。     

Pasture Vegetation Elemental Analysis by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a new technique for the analysis of plant material. This study investigates the application of LIBS to pasture-based plant samples. The LIBS measurements were obtained from pelletized pasture samples (100 samples) that had been also analyzed by inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) following microwave digestion for calibration and comparison purposes. Comparisons for elements sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), boron (B), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) showed that LIBS could be used for almost all the standard profile total elements with concentrations down to low mg/kg levels (observed error of Na: 0.024 percent, K: 0.18 percent, Mg: 0.016 percent, Ca: 0.073 percent, P: 0.017 percent, Mn: 31 mg/kg, Fe: 150 mg/kg, Zn: 6.6 mg/kg, and B: 1.1 mg/kg). Elemental analysis at less than mg/kg levels was not possible using LIBS. The elements S and Cu were particularly difficult to analyze with reliability using LIBS at the concentration levels found in the plant samples. Replacing microwave digestion and subsequent ICP analysis with a direct analysis of dried plant samples using LIBS has the potential to improve the productivity and reduce the cost of testing.     

Faculty positions:Center for Agricultural Resources Research,Chinese Academy of Sciences

正The Center for Agricultural Resources Research(CARR),the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology(IGDB),Chinese Academy of Sciences,invites applicants for several research group leader positions.CARR is one of the research organizations in Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS).We seek nominations and applications from individuals who have expertise and a record of accomplishment in research areas related to ecology,agro-hydrology,     

Macroinvertebrates in North American tallgrass prairie soils: effects of fire, mowing, and fertilization on density and biomass

The responses of tallgrass prairie plant communities and ecosystem processes to fire and grazing are well characterized. However, responses of invertebrate consumer groups, and particularly soil-dwelling organisms, to these disturbances are not well known. At Konza Prairie Biological Station, we sampled soil macroinvertebrates in 1994 and 1999 as part of a long-term experiment designed to examine the effects and interactions of annual fire, mowing, and fertilization (N and P) on prairie soil communities and processes. For nearly all taxa, in both years, responses were characterized by significant treatment interactions, but some general patterns were evident. Introduced European earthworms (Aporrectodea spp. and Octolasion spp.) were most abundant in plots where fire was excluded, and the proportion of the total earthworm community consisting of introduced earthworms was greater in unburned, unmowed, and fertilized plots. Nymphs of two Cicada genera were collected (Cicadetta spp. and Tibicen spp.). Cicadetta nymphs were more abundant in burned plots, but mowing reduced their abundance. Tibicen nymphs were collected almost exclusively from unburned plots. Treatment effects on herbivorous beetle larvae (Scarabaeidae, Elateridae, and Curculionidae) were variable, but nutrient additions (N or P) usually resulted in greater densities, whereas mowing usually resulted in lower densities. Our results suggest that departures from historical disturbance regimes (i.e. frequent fire and grazing) may render soils more susceptible to increased numbers of European earthworms, and that interactions between fire, aboveground biomass removal, and vegetation responses affect the structure and composition of invertebrate communities in tallgrass prairie soils.     

Variation in quality parameters between and within 14 Nordic tree fruit and berry species

Abstract

A 3-year study was carried out to investigate quality parameters in 14 tree fruit and berry species grown in southern Norway. The species were blueberry, apple, aronia, sour cherry, sweet cherry, red raspberry, strawberry, blackcurrant, gooseberry, red currant and elderberry, harvested along with wild bilberry, cloudberry and lingonberry. Significant differences between species were identified for all quality parameters. The coefficient of variation between species was lowest for pH (12.5%), dry matter (18.9%) and soluble solids (25.3%), followed by titratable acids (59.3%), total phenolics (83.8%), antioxidant capacity FRAP (85.7%) and antiradical power by the DPPH-assay (97.8%), total monomeric anthocyanins (132%) and ascorbic acid (137%). Average coefficient of variation within species were lower and ranged from 4 (pH) to 62% (ascorbic acid). Only the FRAP values were significantly affected by harvesting year with lower levels in 2004 than in 2005 and 2006. There were significant interactions between species and harvesting year for dry matter, soluble solids, pH, ascorbic acid and FRAP. The results indicate generic ranges in composition within species independent upon growing location and climate, and the composition of the tree fruits and berries is not likely to deviate from these ranges. It is concluded that desirable composition of tree fruits and berries and their products should primarily be achieved by selection among species rather than searching fors broadened variation within individual species.     

Potassium Fixation and Release Characteristics in Rhizosphere and Nonrhizosphere Soils for a Rapeseed–Rice Cropping Sequence

Potassium (K) fixation and release in soil are important factors in the long-term sustainability of a cropping system. Changes in K concentration and characteristics of K fixation and release in rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere soils in the rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)–rice (Oryza sativa L.) rotation were investigated using a rhizobox system. The concentrations of different forms of K in both rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere soils decreased with plants compared to without plants, regardless of K fertilizer application. Potassium uptake by crops mainly came from the rhizosphere soil. In the treatment without K fertilizer (–K), the main form of K supplied by the soil to the crops was 1.0 mol L^?1 nitric acid (HNO₃) nonextractable K, followed by nonexchangeable K, and then exchangeable K. In the treatment with K fertilizer (+K), the main K forms supplied by the soil to the crops were exchangeable K and nonexchangeable K. The amount and rate of K fixation after one cycle of the rapeseed–rice rotation was greater in rhizosphere soil than in nonrhizosphere soil. The amount and rate of K fixation of soil in the +K treatment were significantly less than in the –K treatment. The cumulative amounts of K released with 1.0 mol L^?1 ammonium acetate (NH₄OAc) and 1.0 mol L^?1 HNO₃ extraction increased with the increasing numbers of extractions, but the K-releasing power of soil by successive extraction decreased gradually and finally became almost constant. The release of K was less in rhizosphere soil than in nonrhizosphere soil. The release of K in the +K treatment was similar to that in the –K treatment in rhizosphere soil, but the K release in nonrhizosphere soil was greater with the +K than the –K treatment. Overall, the information obtained in this study will be helpful in formulating more precise K fertilizer recommendations for certain soils.     

Electron donor and pH relationships for biologically enhanced dissolution of chlorinated solvent DNAPL in groundwater

Biologically enhanced dissolution offers a method to speed removal of chlorinated solvent dense non-aqueous-phase liquid (DNAPL) sources such as tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichoroethene (TCE) from aquifers. Bioremediation is accomplished by adding an electron donor to the source zone where fermentation to intermediates leading to acetic acid and hydrogen results. The hydrogen and possibly acetic acid are used by dehalogenating bacteria to convert PCE and TCE to ethene and hydrochloric acid. Reductive dehalogenation is thus an acid forming process, and sufficient alkalinity must be present to maintain a near neutral pH. The bicarbonate alkalinity required to maintain pH above 6.5 is a function of the electron donor: 800 mg/L of bicarbonate alkalinity is sufficient to achieve about 1.2 mM TCE dechlorination with glucose, 1.7 mM with lactate, and a much higher 3.3 mM with formate. Laboratory studies indicate that in mixed culture, formate can be used as an electron donor for complete conversion to ethene, contrary to pure cultures studies indicating it cannot. Various strategies can be used to add electron donor to an aquifer for DNAPL dehalogenation while minimizing pH problems and excessive electron donor usage, including use of injection-extraction wells, dual recirculation wells, and nested injection-extraction wells.     

Biodiversity and ecogeography of wild Lactuca spp. in some European countries

Staff members of the Department of Botany of Palacký University in Olomouc and Gene Bank Department – Workplace Olomouc, Research Institute of Crop Production in Prague, Czech Republic, conducted an expedition in seven European countries (Austria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland) in August/September 1999 to collect wild Lactuca spp. germplasm and study its geographic distribution, ecology and biodiversity. During the mission, more than 600 locations were visited resulting in the collection of 602 seed samples (accessions) of wild Lactuca species and 13 seed samples of related genera (Chondrilla and Mycelis). Lactuca serriola f. serriola, L. serriola f. integrifolia, L. saligna and L. viminea subsp. chondrilliflora were prevalent in southern Europe (Italy, France), however, only L. serriola was common in central and western Europe (Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland). The greatest diversity of Lactuca species was found in France, where also the most seed samples (165) were collected. The most characteristic habitats with a high density of Lactuca spp. populations were observed along roads and highways, grassy ditches, ruderal communities, and dust-heaps. Natural infections by powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum) and downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) on some wild Lactuca spp. were observed. Recent observations concerning the geographic distribution, population structure, habitats, and natural occurrence of diseases of Lactuca spp. are discussed. This assemblage of genetic resources of Lactuca spp. can serve as the basis of future studies of species diversification, spatial population structure, plant microevolution, domestication processes, and genetic variability of host-parasite interactions.     

Increase in auxiliary photoprotective photosynthetic pigments in wheat seedlings induced by Azospirillum brasilense

Inoculation of wheat seedlings with the plant growth-promoting bacterium Azospirillum brasilense Cd was immobilized in alginate microbeads and, without applying any stress, significantly increased the quantity of several photosynthetic pigments, such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and the auxiliary photoprotective pigments violaxanthin, zeaxanthin, antheroxanthin, lutein, neoxanthin, and β-carotene. This resulted in greener plants with no apparent visible stress. After monitoring the quantity of photosynthetic pigments for 4 weeks, we observed that inoculated plants had higher quantities of pigments in shoot and stem. The greatest difference in the quantity of all pigments between inoculated and noninoculated plants occurred in the first week of growth. Regardless of treatment, the quantity of pigments in stems was three to four times less than the quantity of these pigments in shoots. Application of Azospirillum, either as liquid inoculant or as alginate microbeads, did not alter the positive effect of the bacteria on pigment production or the positive response of the plants towards A. brasilense Cd inoculation.     

In-situ enrichment and analysis of atrazine-degrading microbial communities using atrazine-containing porous beads

We examined the community composition of microbes that colonized atrazine-containing beads buried in agricultural soils that differed in atrazine treatment history. Bacterial abundance was 5-40-fold greater in atrazine-fortified beads. In beads containing 20 mg atrazine kg⁻¹ buried in soil with a history of atrazine application (conditioned soil), the abundance of Actinobacteria increased approximately 80-fold whereas in control soil, Actinobacteria were enriched only 10-fold and the gamma-Proteobacteria and Planctomycetes increased by 60- and 25-fold, respectively. The gamma-Proteobacteria were enriched by 120- and 230-fold in beads containing 200 mg atrazine kg⁻¹ in conditioned and control soil, respectively. The results demonstrate that BioSep^® beads are a suitable matrix for recruiting a diverse subset of the bacterial community involved in atrazine degradation.