Landscape,Soil, and Plant Analysis of Japanese Stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) Invasion in the Piedmont Region,SC

Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum), an exotic invasive plant, is native to Southeast Asia. This study was conducted to determine the chemical composition of Japanese stiltgrass as well as soil and landscape characteristics that correlate with invasion of Japanese stiltgrass around Lake Issaqueena in the upper Piedmont of South Carolina. Geographic Information Systems (GISs) and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) were used to determine the spatial pattern of invasion with respect to the aspect, slope, canopy cover, soils, and distance to roads and trails. Japanese stiltgrass was distributed on both sides of Lake Issaqueena in Pacolet and Madison soil map units (Fine, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Kanhapludults) on the average slopes of 21%, but it was particularly common on the eastern shore of the lake in low-lying wet and shaded areas (mean canopy cover 51%). In addition, invasion by Japanese stiltgrass was correlated with the proximity to roads and trails. Plant tissue analysis revealed many differences in the distribution of macronutrients, macrominerals, and micronutrients in the leaves, stems, and roots of Japanese stiltgrass, although those differences were not always statistically significant. Concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and calcium (Ca) were the highest in leaves while zinc (Zn) concentrations were the highest in stems and concentrations of magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and sodium (Na) tended to be higher in roots. Carbon (C), sulfur (S), and potassium (K) concentrations were generally higher in above-ground tissues versus roots. Soil chemical analysis revealed no statistical differences between control and invaded plots. Our findings suggest that watershed areas surrounding lakes may be particularly susceptible to the invasion of Japanese stiltgrass due to their microclimates, low-lying wet pathways for seed distribution and recreational uses.     

Inhibitory effects of acidic minesoil on the sericea lespedeza/Bradyrhizobium symbiotic relationship 1

Effects of acidic minesoil on sericea lespedeza [Lespedeza juncea (L.F.) var. sericea (Mig.)] and its nitrogen (N₂)‐fixing symbiotic relationship with Bradyrhizobium spp. were examined. Sericea lespedeza was grown in pots with N fertilization, without N fertilization, or with commercial Bradyrhizobium as a seed inoculant. Minesoil (pH 5.2) was fertilized with calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), molybdenum (Mo), and potassium (K), and the pH level was adjusted to 4.8 or 4.5 with aluminum or iron sulfate [Al₂(SO₄)₃; Fe₂(SO₄)₃]. Minesoil was also limed to pH 6.1. Shoot dry weights, shoot N concentrations, nodule dry weights, and nodule numbers were significantly lower (P < 0.05) when inoculated plants were grown in soil at pH 4.5 and 4.8 compared to limed soil. Thus, the N₂ fixation process was adversely affected below pH 5.0. Nitrogen‐fertilized plants grew well in acidified soil, and there were no significant differences in shoot dry weights of such plants among the soil acidification treatments including limed soil. Thus, the N₂‐fixing symbiosis appeared to be more sensitive to acidified soil than the plant host. The effects of Al toxicity versus other factors could not be determined because Al₂(SO₄)₃‐ and Fe₂(SO₄)₃‐amended soils contained similar levels of toxic Al at the highest pH (4.8) that prevented N₂ fixation.

Time periods required for cells of Bradyrhizobium strains to multiply by a factor of 10⁴ were significantly longer (P ≤ 0.05) in extracts of Al₂(SO₄)₃‐amended soil (pH 4.8 and 4.5) than in extracts of calcium carbonate [CaCO₃]‐amended soil (pH 6.1). These increases suggested that reduced multiplication of Bradyrhizobium in acidified minesoils may have been at least partially responsible for the large decreases in nodulation and N₂ fixation observed in these soils. It was also reasoned that the inability of existing bacteria to infect and nodulate plant roots may also have been a factor, based on the high inoculation rates used and the abilities of Bradyrhizobium cells to survive and multiply (albeit at a reduced rate) in extracts of acidified soil. Sericea lespedeza is known to tolerate soils of pH 4.5. However, results of this study suggested sericea lespedeza may not fix appreciable N₂ in acidic soil below pH 5 when inoculated with commercial Bradyrhizobium, even after the establishment of lespedeza plants tolerant of such conditions.     

胡枝子栽培香菇试验

利用豆科多年生落叶灌木胡枝子的木屑做培养基主料栽培香菇,所产香菇味美可口,营养丰富,符合卫生标准。一亩水土流失山地栽植胡枝子800株,第二年便可产干枝条500公斤。用以栽培香菇,可产鲜菇约500公斤,获纯收入约650元。这不仅大大提高群众种植胡枝子的积极性,促进治理水土流失,而且也为水土流失地区找到了一条脱贫致富的新门路。     

施用磷、钙对红壤上胡枝子生长和矿质元素含量的影响

采用红壤土培试验,研究了施用P、Ca对耐Al性不同的两个胡枝子品种的生长和矿质元素含量的影响.结果表明,单独 +P处理显著增加了耐Al 品种根和地上部生物量,而对Al敏感品种无影响;单独 +Ca处理显著促进了Al敏感品种根部的生长,而对耐Al品种的生长无影响;+P+Ca处理显著增加了两个品种根和地上部生物量.耐性品种地上部Al含量显著低于敏感品种,而根部Al含量无显著差异.两个品种体内P含量在 +P处理时耐性品种显著高于敏感品种,其他处理品种间无显著差异.整体上,胡枝子体内Ca、K、Mn和Mg含量耐性品种大于敏感品种,Fe含量反之.结果表明,低P胁迫是酸性土壤上耐Al胡枝子品种生长的主要限制因子,增施P肥效果明显,而对于Al敏感品种,Al毒是其生长的首要限制因子,只有施用石灰后对其加P,生物量才能提高.耐性品种根部有阻碍Al 向地上部运输的机制,而这种机制与体内P含量较高有着直接或间接的关系.另外,推测耐Al胡枝子品种对其他养分的吸收利用能力也较强.     

Effects of soil acidity on the growth of sericea lespedeza

Field experiments were conducted in 1992 and 1993 to examine effects of soil acidity on growth and N₂ fixation by “Serala”; sericea lespedeza [Lespedeza juncea (L.F.) var. sericea (Mig.)]. Effects of acidified soil on N₂ fixation could not be determined because nodulation was suppressed, apparently by sufficient availability of N. Apparently‐suppressive, mean 1993 levels of KCl‐extractable NH₄ and NO₃ in zero nitrogen (N) control treatments were 20 and 13 mg‐kg^‐1, respectively. In soil acidified with sulfur (S), growth of sericiea lespedeza was significantly reduced (PO.05) when the concentration of water‐extractable Mn exceeded 1.3 mM or calculated Mn²⁺ activity exceeded 0.4 mM. This occurred at pH values of 4.1 to 4.3 depending on S treatment. At a given value of pH, shoot dry weight production was greater in S‐amended soil than in Al₂SO₄‐amended soil. Reduced growth in the latter did not appear to be directly related to higher measured levels of toxic Al but may have been caused by a combination of aluminum (Al), hydrogen (H), manganese (Mn), and phosphorus (P) effects. Lespedeza growth was lowest in nonacidified soil with pH values near 6.0, indicating a preference for acid soils by the variety “Serala.”; The demonstrated tolerance of sericea lespedeza to acid soils make it a valuable reclamation species. However, Mn may inhibit growth in acidic soils when the activity of water‐extractable Mn²⁺ exceeds 0.4 mM, and it may not fix appreciable N₂ unless available soil N is quite low.     

不同水分状况下施锌对玉米生长和锌吸收的影响

选择潮土(砂壤)和土(粘壤)两种质地不同的土壤,进行盆栽试验,研究不同土壤水分条件下施锌对玉米生长和锌吸收的影响。结果表明,施锌显著增加了玉米植株根、茎、叶以及整株干物质重;缺锌条件下玉米植株根冠比、根叶比和根茎比趋向增大。施锌显著提高了玉米植株各器官中锌的浓度和吸收量,并明显促进锌向地上部运移。干旱胁迫抑制了玉米植株生长,根冠比、根茎比、根叶比增大;随着土壤水分供应增加,植株生长加快,各器官生物量以茎和叶增加大于根。水分胁迫下,在潮土上玉米叶片中锌浓度上升;在土上叶片中锌浓度下降。但增施锌后,根和茎锌浓度增加幅度较大,叶片增加幅度较小;施锌和水分胁迫对根和茎锌浓度的交互作用极显著。水分胁迫下,玉米植株对锌的吸收总量减少。水分胁迫和锌肥施用对玉米叶片、茎锌吸收量的交互作用十分显著,但对根锌吸收量的交互影响不显著。     

再生水灌溉不同滴头布置方式下PPCPs在土壤和番茄中的累积

随着药品和个人护理品(Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products,PPCPs)生产和使用量的增加,PPCPs及其代谢产物在再生水中的检出种类、检出量不断增多,再生水灌溉可影响PPCPs在土壤-作物(蔬菜)系统中的分布及累积,但其规律及驱动机制尚不明确。为探明再生水滴灌条件下滴头布置方式对PPCPs在土壤-作物(蔬菜)系统累积的影响,该研究采用盆栽试验比较2种滴头布置方式(在番茄根部、在两番茄中间)对土壤剖面及番茄各器官中PPCPs累积量的影响,并进一步分析PPCPs在土壤-作物(蔬菜)系统累积的驱动机制。结果表明,再生水灌溉条件下不同滴头布置方式造成了PPCPs在土壤、作物(蔬菜)中累积规律的差异性,滴头布置在两番茄中间处理较其他处理而言增加了0～5cm土层吉非罗齐累积量(P0.05),降低了番茄叶部卡马西平和根部吉非罗齐的累积量(P0.05),较滴头布置在番茄根部处理降低了番茄叶部吉非罗齐和根部三氯生的累积量(P0.05);不同再生水灌溉方式通过影响土壤微环境指标导致了土壤中PPCPs分布规律的差异性,滴头布置在植株中间处理较其他处理增加了0～5 cm土层pH值,导致该土层下吉非罗齐的累积量高于其他处理(P0.05)。研究可为基于新兴污染物PPCPs防控的再生水农业安全利用提供理论依据。     

Effects of simulated acid precipitation on cadmium- and zinc-amended soil and soil-pine systems

In order to determine the effect of acid precipitation on the movement of Cd and Zn in metal-contaminated systems, Cd- and Zn-amended soil systems, with and without eastern white pine seedlings, were treated with solution at pH levels of 2, 3, 4, and 5.3 for a 10-week period. While the soil parameters measured were not significantly altered by the higher pH treatments, treatment at pH 2 decreased soil pH, base saturation, and leachate pH, and increased leachate metal content. The presence of the seedlings moderated the effects of the pH 2 treatment by a probable combination of root cation exchange capacity and plant uptake. Seedlings receiving the higher pH treatments exhibited the expected metal distribution pattern (roots ? stems = leaves), while the pH 2 seedlings exhibited a different pattern (roots = stems = leaves). Cadmium and Zn levels in the stems and needles of the pH 2 plants were significantly higher than levels in those of the higher pH seedlings, while levels in the roots treated with pH 2 solution were significantly lower. This unusual distribution pattern may be the result of root injury due to the highly acidic solution. Although metal distribution was clearly affected by the acid treatments, increased toxicity symptoms were not observed in seedlings subjected to soil applications of acidified solutions.     

Excess trace metal effects on cotton: 4. Chromium and lithium in Yolo loam soil

Abstract

Two cultivars of cotton (Gossypium spp) were grown in Yolo loam soil in a glasshouse to determine phytotoxicity effects of Cr and Li and possible interactions with other metals. The Cr at 100 μg/g soil had no adverse effects on either cultivar studied. A Cr increase was not observed in either stems or leaves. Both cultivars tolerated 25 and 50 μg Li/g soil. The 50 μg Li/g soil resulted in leaves of Acala SJ‐2 with 432 μg Li/g leaves and 720 in Giza 45. The 100 μg Li/g soil resulted in 74% and 87% leaf yield reductions in Acala SJ‐2 and Giza 45 respectively. Leaf concentrations of Li respectively were 1950 and 1850 μg/g. Except at the highest level of Li, leaves had higher concentrations of Li than did roots. The Cr and Li resulted in some plant metal interactions.     

Heavy metal uptake and translocation by Justicia gendarussa Burm F. from textile sludge contaminated soil

Abstract

Heavy metals are dangerous environmental pollutants that can be transferred and accumulated in human and animal bodies causing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage and carcinogenic effects. A glass house experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of Justicia gendarussa Burm F. to absorb heavy metals from textile industry sludge. Justicia gendarussa seedlings were planted on six different growth media (soil+sludge) comprising: 100% soil, 100% sludge, 80% sludge+20% soil, 60% sludge+40% soil, 40% sludge+60% soil and 20% sludge+80% soil. The maximum height increment and number of leaves were found in 20% sludge+80% soil while the highest basal diameter increment was recorded in the 100% sludge. Copper and iron were highly concentrated in the roots, zinc in the leaves, while aluminium was concentrated in both leaves and stems. Justicia gendarussa seems to have a high potential to absorb high amounts of Al and Fe in the leaves and roots. This species showed high translocation (TF) and low bioconcentration factor (BCF) in the contaminated soil. Justicia gendarussa was able to tolerate and accumulate a high concentration of heavy metals. Therefore, this species can be considered as a potential phytoremediator.     

养殖废水灌溉下施用生物质炭和果胶对土壤养分和重金属迁移的影响

【目的】 养殖废水中含有丰富的养分,但也含有一定的重金属。本文研究了生物质炭和果胶对养殖废水灌溉下的土壤–植物系统养分和重金属迁移规律的影响,以利用养殖废水中的养分,并对其重金属进行调控。 【方法】 选取新乡市郊区农田土壤为供试土壤,采用根箱试验方法种植玉米。设置根箱土壤中添加1%的生物质炭和果胶,分别灌溉蒸馏水和养殖废水发酵产生的沼液。测定了土壤中养分和重金属的含量,探讨了其在土壤–植物系统的迁移规律。 【结果】 沼液灌溉的植株地上部生长与蒸馏水灌溉无显著差异。果胶相比于生物质炭可以促进植株生长。沼液灌溉时,果胶处理的根系和地上部生物量分别比对照增加了25.38%和31.21%。沼液灌溉普遍降低了根际和非根际土壤的pH,生物质炭处理和果胶处理与对照根际和非根际土壤的pH均无显著差异。沼液灌溉增加了非根际土壤的电导,生物质炭相比于果胶增加了土壤的电导。沼液灌溉增加了土壤全氮、有效磷、速效钾和有机质含量。果胶根际土壤的全磷、碱解氮、有效磷、有效Fe、有效Mn均高于生物质炭处理,生物质炭处理根际和非根际土壤的全钾和速效钾含量均高于果胶处理。沼液灌溉相比于蒸馏水灌溉,增加了植株根、茎中N含量和Ca含量。生物质炭处理植株根茎叶N含量、根茎P含量、茎K含量、根茎叶Ca含量、根茎Mg含量高于果胶处理,但果胶处理养分的转运系数较高。养殖废水灌溉增加了根际和非根际土壤中有效Cu和Zn尤其是Zn的含量。与对照相比,生物质炭降低了根际土壤Cu、Pb、Ni的含量,而果胶增加了它们的含量。沼液灌溉增加了植株根茎叶中Cu、Zn、Pb含量,果胶处理植株根系Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd、Ni含量最高,但向地上部转运较少。 【结论】 在北方碱性土壤灌溉养殖废水发酵产生的沼液时,施用生物质炭和果胶可以提高土壤肥力和植株养分含量,生物质炭通过减少土壤中有效态重金属含量以减少重金属在植物体内累积,果胶虽然增加土壤有效态重金属含量,但可以降低其向地上部的转运,避免了重金属在植物体内的累积。      

Lithium toxicity in plants

Abstract

The toxicity of Li to three plant species was studied to determine if there were interactions with other elements and to determine if a chelating agent modified Li toxicity. Bush beans (Phaseolus vulgarls L. C.V. Improved Tendergreen), grown in solution culture, were sensitive to 0.5 X10^‐3Li which resulted in 10 μg/g in leaves, 48 in stems, and 24 in roots. Higher concentrations of Li produced marked reductions in plant yield accompanied by increased Li concentrations in leaf, stem, and root tissues. For most treatments, root concentrations of Li were lower than those in shoots, but those in stems were higher than those in leaves. Higher levels of Li decreased Zn in leaves, increased Ca in stems, and generally increased Fe and Mn in all plant tissues. Ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) resulted in slightly increased Ii levels in leaves, stems, and roots. Bush bean plants were injured slightly with 25 μg Li/g of Yolo loam soil applied as LiCl; 50 μg Li/g soil caused more severe injury. Leaf concentrations of about 200 μg Li/g resulted in significant yield reduction and around 600 μg//g of leaves resulted in severe toxicity. There were some interactions of Li with other elements which resulted in an increase of them in both leaf and stem tissues. Barley plants (Hordeum vulgare L. C.V. Atlas 57) were severely stunted when grown with 500 and 1000 μg Li/g soil as Li oxalate. Increasing the soil pH even further with lime and decreasing it with S had no influence on the toxicity. Shoot concentrations of Li ranged from 800 to over 2000 in the various treatments resulting in severe disruption of the Ca and K balance. Leaf concentrations of Li were higher than those for stems in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. C.V. Acala 442). Cotton was tolerant of a leaf concentration of 587 μg Li/g. High levels of Li increased concentrations of several elements in cotton leaves and in stems. Cotton leaves accumulated more Li than did bush beans.     

干旱与Cd双重胁迫对土壤-小麦-蚜虫系统Cd转移规律影响的研究

为探究干旱和重金属双重胁迫对土壤-小麦-蚜虫系统内Cd转移规律的影响,为小麦蚜虫的生态调节提供理论依据,本研究以麦长管蚜[Sitobionavenae(Fabricius)]为研究对象,用原子吸收分光光度法分别测定不同土壤Cd含量(100 mg?kg-1、200 mg?kg-1)及不同程度干旱胁迫(无胁迫、中度胁迫、重度胁迫)处理下小麦根茎叶及蚜虫体内的Cd含量。结果表明:土壤Cd含量及干旱单一胁迫均对小麦及蚜虫体内的Cd含量造成了显著影响(P0.05)。两者交互作用对小麦根部及叶部的Cd含量影响显著,而对小麦茎部及蚜虫体内Cd含量影响不显著。在相同胁迫条件下, Cd在小麦中的积累分布为根茎叶。随着干旱胁迫程度增大,小麦根部Cd含量及土壤-根转移系数降低,茎部Cd含量及根-茎转移系数升高,麦长管蚜Cd含量在土壤Cd含量100mg?kg-1下高于土壤Cd含量200 mg?kg-1;中度干旱胁迫增加了麦长管蚜体内Cd累积量,而重度干旱胁迫则降低了其体内Cd累积量。叶-蚜虫的Cd转移系数明显大于土壤-根、根-茎和茎-叶转移系数且大于1,说明Cd在麦长管蚜体内产生了生物富集作用。综上所述,干旱胁迫促进了Cd从土壤向小麦茎部转移和根部Cd累积,但抑制了Cd从根部到茎部转移和茎部Cd累积;中度干旱胁迫促进了麦长管蚜体内Cd的积累,而重度干旱胁迫抑制了麦长管蚜体内Cd的积累。     

Genotypic Variation of Sweetpotatoes Grown Under Low Potassium Stress

Abstract

Ninety‐four sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) genotypes were compared under low potassium (K) stress (35 mg kg^?1 dry soil) over two growing seasons. Potassium utilization efficiency ratio (KER), defined as the dry matter weight/K content, was significantly different among genotypes. Genotypes were divisible into four KER categories: high efficient, efficient, fairly efficient and inefficient with most of the genotypes falling in the efficient and fairly efficient groups. The K contents varied significantly within individual plants. Potassium concentration on a dry weight basis was greatest in the petioles followed by leaves, stems, and roots. On a total plant basis, K content in roots was greatest followed by stems, leaves, and petioles. Several genotypes (including 602 × 81‐3, Zhe15‐47 and Xushu18) were selected as most suitable for growth on soils low in available K due to their appreciable yields and higher KER under low K stress.     

Heavy‐metal mobilization and uptake by mycorrhizal and nonmycorrhizal willows (Salix × dasyclados)

Ectomycorrhizal fungi have been shown to affect metal transfer from the soil to the host plant, but the use of these fungi for increased phytoextraction of heavy metals has been scarcely investigated. Therefore, a two‐factorial pot experiment was conducted with Salix × dasyclados and (1) two contaminated soils with different concentrations of NH₄NO₃‐extractable metals and (2) two strains of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Paxillus involutus (one strain originating from a noncontaminated site—Pax1, and another from a contaminated site—Pax2). The inoculation with Pax2 increased the phytoavailability of Cd in the soils. Inoculation with both fungal strains increased the stem and root biomass, but had no effect on metal concentrations in the stems. Decreased Cd and increased Cu concentrations were observed in the roots of inoculated willows. The inoculation with P. involutus increased Cd (up to 22%), Zn (up to 48%), and Cu content in the stems. Decreased Pb content (Cu and Pb content were always <1 mg per plant) occurred in the stems from plants at the soil with the higher concentration of NH₄NO₃‐extractable metals. Contrary to this, in the soil with lower concentrations of NH₄NO₃‐extractable metals, the inoculation had no significant effects on the total uptake of Zn and Cu and even caused decreased Cd (Pax2) and Pb (Pax1) contents in the stems. Strain Pax2 had higher colonization densities, but the plants had lower mycorrhizal dependencies in the contaminated soils than after inoculation with the strain Pax1. Generally, metal extractability in the soils substantially affected the mycorrhizal dependency and heavy‐metal uptake of the willows. We concluded, that the inoculation with P. involutus offers an opportunity to particularly increase the phytoextraction of Zn, but the metal extractability and fungal strain effects have to be tested.     

Cadmium bioavailability to Nicotiana tabacum L., Nicotiana rustica L., and Zea mays L. grown in soil amended or not amended with cadmium nitrate

Summary Mature (flowering) tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum cv. PBD6, Nicotiana rustica cv. Brasilia) and maize (Zea mays cv. INRA 260) plants were grown in an acid sandy-clay soil, enriched to 5.4 mg Cd kg^–1 dry weight soil with cadmium nitrate. The plants were grown in containers in the open air. No visible symptoms of Cd toxicity developed on plant shoots over the 2-month growing period. Dry-matter yields showed that while the Nicotiana spp. were unaffected by the Cd application the yield of Z. mays decreased by 21%. Cd accumulation and distribution in leaves, stems and roots were examined. In the control treatment (0.44 mg Cd kg^–1 dry weight soil), plant Cd levels ranged from 0.4 to 6.8 mg kg^–1 dry weight depending on plant species and plant parts. Soil Cd enrichment invariably increased the Cd concentrations in plant parts, which varied from 10.1 to 164 mg kg^–1 dry weight. The maximum Cd concentrations occurred in the leaves of N. tabacum. In N. rustica 75% of the total Cd taken up by the plant was transported to the leaves, and 81% for N. tabacum irrespective of the Cd level in the soil. In contrast, the Cd concentrations in maize roots were almost five times higher than those in the leaves. More than 50% of the total Cd taken up by maize was retained in the roots at both soil Cd levels. The Cd level in N. tabacum leaves was 1.5 and 2 times higher at the low and high Cd soil level, respectively, than that in N. rustica leaves, but no significant difference was found in root Cd concentrations between the two Nicotiana spp.Cd bioavailability was calculated as the ratio of the Cd level in the control plants to that in the soil or as the ratio of the additional Cd taken up from cadmium nitrate to the amount of Cd applied. The results showed that the plant species used can be ranked in a decreasing order as follows: N. tabacum > N. rustica > Z. mays.     

Plant Response to Copper Toxicity as Affected by Plant Species and Soil Type

ABSTRACT

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the bioavailability of copper (Cu) in clay loam and sandy clay loam soil. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea) were grown in pots for 45 d. When mature, plants were treated for 15 additional days with 0, 100, 250, 500, or 1000 mg Cu kg^?1 as CuSO₄·5H₂O. After harvest, Cu in soils and plant tissues was determined. In soils, applied Cu raised total and EDTA-extractible Cu. Results also revealed that the amounts of Cu extracted from sandy clay loam soil (80%) were higher than those extracted from clay loam soil (70%). In plants, increasing soil Cu concentration increased plant concentration of the metal. Plant species vary in their capacity for Cu accumulation: Lettuce has a relatively higher potential for Cu uptake and translocation than does spinach. Cu accumulation also differs among plant organs. In lettuce, metal accumulation is higher in roots than in shoots, where 60% to 80% of the total Cu of the plant is located in the roots. However, in spinach, there is no significant difference in Cu content between roots and shoots. The transfer of the metal from soil to plant is higher for plants grown on sandy clay loam soil. For a given rate of applied Cu, metal content in plant tissues is higher on sandy clay loam soil due to its higher transfer coefficient (C_T) from soil to plant. Nevertheless, all crops studied showed a positive linear relationship between extractible soil Cu and plant Cu.     

Chloride depth in soil and uptake by soybean

Abstract

Soybean [Glycine max.(L.) Merr.] yield reductions due to chloride (Cl) toxicity, as a result of KCl application, have been recognized. A field study was conducted to determine whether Cl uptake by soybean could be minimized by incorporating Cl deeper in the soil profile and to predict the most probable depth of Cl after surface application by a weather‐based model. Essex, a Cl‐susceptible soybean cultivar, was grown on a Mexico silt loam (fine montmorillonitic, mesic Udollic Ochraqualfs) with Cl incorporated at depths of 0–15, 30–45, or 60–75 cm and analyzed for Cl through the growing season. Chloride applied at the 0 to 15‐cm depth significantly increased Cl concentrations in soybean leaves, stems, and roots, especially, in early stages of growth. Chloride concentration was higher in roots > stems > leaves. There was no significant increase in Cl uptake when Cl was applied below 30 cm in the soil. Chloride added to the surface of reformed soil profiles moved with the water front as the soil was wetted. In the field, Cl added to the soil surface in May was uniformly distributed throughout the profile by mid‐September. The weather‐based model, under Missouri conditions, predicts a 9 out of 10 chance that Cl added in the fall would move below a depth of 50 cm by June. Results suggest that the risk of Cl toxicity to soybean can be minimized by applying fertilizers containing Cl far enough in advance to insure a soil wet‐dry cycle prior to soybean planting.     

Initial formation of soil organic matter from grass residues in a long-term experiment

Summary The formation of soil organic matter from grass residues was studied using samples of a long-term experiment (34 years) on humus and soil formation at Rostock, Germany (Hu 3), by elemental analyses (C and N) and pyrolysis-field ionization mass spectrometry of grass residues, humus-free loamy marl, mixtures of this loamy marl with grass roots, and whole soil samples from the 2nd, 7th, 13th, 19th, 25th, 29th, and 34th year of the experiment. The pyrolysis-field ionization mass spectra of the two grass species Phleum pratense and Lolium multiflorum were similar insofar as signals characteristic of lignin dimers and phytosterols dominated at higher masses and for mono-and polysaccharides at lower masses. The most prominent differences between overand underground plant constituents were indicated by higher relative abundances of lignin dimers in the stems and leaves and of sugars and suberin-derived phytosterols in the roots. In the investigation of the influence of mineral to organic matter ratios, comparatively weak effects of the inorganic matrix were obtained: firstly, in the lower mass range (m/z<250), secondly, for organic matter concentrations between 1.0% and 2.0%, and thirdly, for certain classes of compounds such as phenols, alkanes/alkenes, N heterocycles and mono-and polysaccharides. The qualitative differences in the molecular composition of soil organic matter were clearly attributed to its rapid increase during the first 7 years of the experiment and largely originated from a relative enrichment of lignin dimers. Then, in the period of steady-state soil organic matter levels, dynamic changes were indicated by slight enrichments of mono-and polysaccharides, alkanes/alkenes, fatty acids, N heterocycles, and fluctuating data for phenols/lignin monomers, lignin dimers, and the sum of N compounds. Alkylaromatics showed a steep increase between the 13th and 19th years and remained then on a high level.     

Interelemental relationships in the soil and plant tissue and photosynthesis of field‐cultivated wheat growing in naturally enriched copper soils

Several interelemental relationships have been examined in field‐cultivated wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv Vergina) growing on naturally enriched copper (Cu) soils. Mean soil Cu concentration per site ranged from 103–394 μg.g^‐1 dry weight (DW). Interrelationships between Cu, iron (Fe), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), and magnesium (Mg) concentrations in the soil and plant tissue (roots, stems, and leaves) were examined using Principle Components Analysis. Soil samples were clustered according to collection site and were primarily differentiated according to their Cu concentrations. Soil Cu concentrations were positively correlated with Zn, Ca, Fe, and K in the soil, with Cu, K, and Ca in the roots, and Cu and Fe in the leaves and negatively correlated with Fe in the roots. The increase in Cu in the roots and leaves was positively correlated with increases in K and Ca in the roots and Fe and Ca in the leaves, but negatively with Fe in the roots. Increases in leaf Ca concentrations were correlated with increases in Mg and decreases in Zn concentrations in the leaf. Plants growing in soil with high Cu concentration exhibited toxicity symptoms with reduced height, decreased total leaf area and lower chlorophyll concentrations. Photosynthesis expressed per unit leaf area was not affected by increasing Cu concentrations in the soil or plant tissue.