Function of sodium and potassium in growth of sodium-loving Amaranthaceae species

We observed that the growth of three Amaranthaceae species was promoted by sodium (Na), in the order dwarf glasswort (Salicornia bigelovii Torr.) >> Swiss chard (Beta Burgaris L. spp. cicla cv. Seiyou Shirokuki) > table beet (Beta vulgaris L. spp. vulgaris cv. Detroit Dark Red). In the present study, these Na-loving plants were grown in solutions containing 4 mol m^?3 nitrate nitrogen (NO₃-N) and 100 mol m^?3 sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium chloride (KCl) under six Na to potassium (K) ratios, 0:100, 20:80, 40:60, 60:40, 80:20 and 100:0, to elucidate the function of Na and K on specific characteristics of Na-loving plants. The growth of dwarf glasswort increased with increasing Na concentration of the shoot, and the shoot dry weight of plants grown in 100:0 Na:K was 214% that of plants grown at 0:100. In Swiss chard and table beet, growth was unchanged by the external ratio of Na to K. The water content was not changed in Swiss chard or table beet by the external Na to K ratio. These observations indicate that both Na and K have a function in osmotic regulation. However, dwarf glasswort could not maintain succulence at 0:100; therefore, Na has a specific function in dwarf glasswort for osmotic regulation to maintain a favorable water status, and the contribution of K to osmotic regulation is low. NO₃-N uptake was promoted by Na uptake in dwarf glasswort and Swiss chard. NO₃-N uptake and transport to shoots was optimal at 100:0 in dwarf glasswort and at 80:20 in Swiss chard. These functions are very important for the Na-loving mechanism, and the contribution of K was lower in dwarf glasswort than in Swiss chard.     

Osmotic potentials and solute concentrations in sugar beet plants cultivated with varying potassium/sodium ratios

Cell saps from leaves, petioles and storage root of sugar beet plants were analysed to indicate the possible specific and/or non-specific (osmotic) function of K and Na ions for the regulation of assimilate partitioning in sugar beet. Plants were cultivated up to 94 days in nutrient solutions containing either 4.5 mol m^?3 K + 0.5 mol m^?3 Na (K plants) or 0.5 mol m^?3 K + 4.5 mol m^?3 Na (Na plants) or 0.5 mol m^?3 K + 0.5 mol m^?3 Na (control). Osmotic potentials of the cell sap of leaf blades (?1.4 to ?1.6 MPa) and petioles (?1.6 to ?2.0 MPa), respectively, were rather low and similar. It was concluded that in these organs Na may replace K in its osmoregulatory functions. While shoot growth was favoured by Na, a principally improved translocation of K into the taproot was noted. This was - especially in the K-treatment - associated with increased growth of the storage root and a simultaneously stimulated sucrose accumulation. The results are discussed in terms of a different compartmentation of K, Na and Cl within the cell and within the whole plant and of a specific role of potassium in the process of assimilate translocation and storage.     

Growth response of Suaeda salsa (L.) Pall to graded NaCl concentrations and the role of chlorine in growth stimulation

Abstract

Growth response of a halophyte species, Suaeda salsa (L.) Pall, to graded NaCl concentrations was examined under water culture conditions. Growth increased with increasing NaCl concentration from 2 to 200 mol m^?3, but decreased at NaCl concentrations above 200 mol m^?3. Maximum growth was attained at 50 to 200 mol m^?3. The role of Na and Cl in the growth stimulation by NaCl was examined by growing S. salsa in nutrient solutions with or without Na and Cl separately at 5 and 50 mol m^?3. The growth stimulation induced by Cl was greater than that induced by Na, and Na did not significantly induce growth stimulation. The effect of Na or Cl on O₂ evolution from leaves was examined under 5 and 50 mol m^?3 concentrations using an oxygen electrode. Oxygen evolution from leaves in –Cl treatments was smaller than that in +Cl treatments both at 5 and 50 mol m^?3. The O₂ evolution in Na treatments with Cl was similar to that at NaCl. These results indicated that the mechanism of growth stimulation induced by Cl was mainly an increased photosystem II of photosynthesis in leaves. The contribution of Na on the growth stimulation of S. salsa by NaCl was smaller than Cl.     

Nitrate,arsenic, cadmium,and lead concentrations in leafy vegetables: expected average values for productive regions of Chile

High arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and nitrate (NO₃^?) concentrations in soil pose a risk for the human population and compromise food safety. The goal of this study was to obtain preliminary approximations for the expected mean values of As, Cd, Pb, and N-NO₃ in three leafy vegetables (lettuce, spinach, and chard) grown in the central farming regions of Chile. Representative samples (n = 148) of these crops were collected from the Coquimbo, Valparaíso, and Metropolitana Regions. Water extraction and an ion-selective electrode were used to determine NO₃^? contents, while total As, Cd, and Pb contents were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The recorded values were 23.8%, 59.2%, and 97.9% below detection limits for As, Cd, and Pb, respectively. Furthermore, As and Cd intake by leafy vegetables reached 0.26 and 2.30% of the daily intake levels estimated by Chilean authorities. The daily NO₃^? intake by leafy vegetables was 0.44 mg per kg of bodyweight per day (kgbw^?1day^?1), or 12% of the WHO-recommended intake. No analyses were performed for Pb due to highly left-censored data. While the recorded NO₃^?, As, and Cd concentrations in lettuce, spinach, and chard do not apparently pose a health risk, further detailed studies are suggested.     

TREATED EFFLUENT AND SALINE WATER IRRIGATION INFLUENCES SOIL PROPERTIES,YIELD, WATER PRODUCTIVITY AND SODIUM CONTENT OF SNOW PEAS AND CELERY

To determine the effects of irrigation water quality, plants were irrigated with normal potable water [0.25 dS m^?1 electrical conductivity (EC), 25 mg L^?1 sodium (Na), 55 mg L^?1 chloride (Cl)], treated effluent (0.94 dS m^?1 EC, 122 mg L^?1 Na, 143 mg L^?1 Cl) and saline water with low salinity (1.24 dS m^?1 EC, 144 mg L^?1 Na and 358 mg L^?1 Cl) and high salinity (2.19 dS m^?1 EC, 264 mg L ^?1Na and 662 mg L^?1 Cl) for snow peas, and high salinity (3.07 dS m^?1 EC, 383 mg L^?1 Na and 965 mg L^?1 Cl) and very high salinity (5.83 dS m^?1 EC, 741 mg L^?1 Na and 1876 mg L^?1 Cl) for celery. The greater salts build up in the soil and ion toxicity (Cl and Na) with saline water irrigation contributed to significantly greater reduction in root and shoot biomass, water use, yield and water productivity (yield kg kL^?1 of water used) of snow peas and celery compared with treated effluent and potable water irrigation. There was 8%, 56% and 74% reduction in celery yield respectively with treated effluent, high salinity and very high salinity saline water irrigation compared with potable water irrigation. The Na concentration in snow peas shoots increased by 54%, 234% and 501% with treated effluent, low and high salinity saline water irrigation. Similarly, the increases in Na concentration in celery shoots were 19%, 35% and 82%. The treated effluent irrigation also resulted in a significant increase in soil EC, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) content compared with potable water irrigation. The heavy metals besides salts build up appears to have contributed to yield reductions with treated effluent irrigation. The study reveals strong implications for the use of saline water and treated effluent for irrigation of snow peas and celery. The salt build up within the root zone and soil environment would be critical in the long-run with the use of saline water and treated effluent for irrigation of crops. To minimize the salinity level in rhizosphere, an alternate irrigation of potable water with treated effluent or low salinity level water may be better option.     

Effect of gypsum on exchangeable sodium percentage and electrical conductivity in the Daeho reclaimed tidal land soil in Korea—a field scale study

Purpose

A reclaimed tidal land along the shore has poor soil properties such as high exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), and electrical conductivity (EC) due to excess sodium (Na) content. Therefore, Na content should be decreased to improve the land productivity, and for this, gypsum has been widely used. The objective of this study was to determine the changes in ESP and EC of the gypsum-treated reclaimed tidal soil in a field scale.

Materials and methods

For this, gypsum was applied to Daeho reclaimed tidal land (500 ha) in Korea for 5 years (2006 to 2010). The Daeho reclaimed tidal land has been used as reclaimed paddy fields since 1993. The application rate of gypsum was calculated based on exchangeable calcium (Ca) contents and soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) to maintain 60 % exchangeable calcium percentage (ECP) of CEC in soil and the average amount treated was 1570 kg ha^?1 year^?1. The changes in ESP and EC were monitored from 2006 to 2010, and 2013.

Results and discussion

The ESP dropped from 80 % in 2006 to 34 % in 2013. The EC of the soil was decreased by 73 %, from 11.5 dS m^?1 in 2006 to 3.1 dS m^?1 in 2013. Eventually, it was estimated that the ESP will be lowered below 15 % in 2023 with continuous treatment of gypsum according to ECP calculation, and EC will be declined to reach at 0.5 dS m^?1 in 2035, the average EC level of Korean rice paddy.

Conclusions

This field scale study evidenced that gypsum application effectively improves the soil properties of reclaimed tidal soil by decreasing ESP and EC.

     

COLONIZATION WITH BACTERIAL FERTILIZER IMPROVES RESISTANCE TO LOW LIGHT INTENSITY IN CUCUMBER SEEDLINGS

Irradiance level is a limiting factor for plant growth, especially in a greenhouse. A bacterial fertilizer was applied to test its role on cucumber seedlings to overcome low light intensity. Five light intensity levels of 100, 200, 400, 600 and 800 μmol? m^?2s^?1 were used. The results revealed that the bacterial fertilizer can stimulate nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) uptake at 400 and 600 μmol? m^?2s^?1 and phosphorus (P) uptake except for 800 μmol? m^?2s^?1. Nitrogen, P, and K in soils were highly improved at various light intensities. The effect of promoting iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) was stronger in roots than in shoots. The significant improvements of chlorophyll, carotinoid, soluble sugar, and photosynthesis rate were also observed. The bacterial fertilizer increased plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, fresh and dry weight except for the decline of height at 100 and 200 μmol? m^?2s^?1. The sharp decline or increase occurred mostly at the light intensity of 400 μmol? m^?2s^?1.     

Silicon Leaf Fertilization Promotes Biofortification and Increases Dry Matter,Ascorbate Content,and Decreases Post-Harvest Leaf Water Loss of Chard and Kale

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of silicon (Si) leaf fertilization in different concentrations and sources on the production and quality of chard and kale. We carried out two experiments with chard and kale under a completely randomized design with four replicates in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme and two sources of silicon: potassium silicate and stabilized sodium potassium silicate with four concentrations of Si: 0.00; 0.84; 1.68 and 2.52 g L^?1. We performed three leaf sprays every 10 days. The chard and kale were harvested at 48 and 54 days after transplanting the seedlings, respectively. Silicon leaf fertilization is important for leafy vegetables like chard and kale because it increases the content and the accumulation of Si and the growth and production of the vegetables. It also improved growth, productivity, and quality. The Silicon leaf fertilization of 2.52 g L^?1 in the form of potassium silicate was the most notable.     

Sediment denitrification in waterways in a rice-paddy-dominated watershed in eastern China

Purpose

Rice-paddy-dominated watersheds in eastern China are intensively cultivated, and lands with two crops receive as much as 550–600 kg?ha^–1?year^–1 of nitrogen (N), mainly through the addition of N-based fertilizers. However, stream N concentrations have been found to be relatively low. Waterways in the watersheds are assumed to be effective “sinks” for N, minimizing its downstream movement. We directly measured net sediment denitrification rates in three types of waterways (ponds, streams/rivers, and a reservoir) and determined the key factors that control net sediment denitrification. Such information is essential for evaluating the impact of the agricultural N cycle on the quality of surface water.

Materials and methods

The pond–stream–reservoir continuum was sampled every 2 months at nine sites in an agricultural watershed between November 2010 and December 2011. Net sediment N₂ fluxes/net sediment denitrification rates were determined by membrane inlet mass spectrometry and the N₂/Ar technique. A suite of parameters known to influence denitrification were also measured.

Results and discussion

Net denitrification rates ranged between 28.2?±?18.2 and 674.3?±?314.5 μmol N₂–N?m^–2?h^–1 for the streams, 23.7?±?23.9 and 121.2?±?38.7 μmol N₂–N?m^–2?h^–1 for the ponds, and 41.8?±?17.7 and 239.3?±?49.8 μmol N₂–N?m^–2?h^–1 for the reservoir. The mean net denitrification rate of the stream sites (173.2?±?248.4 μmol N₂–N?m^–2?h^–1) was significantly higher (p?<?0.001) than that of the pond sites (48.3?±?44.5 μmol N₂–N?m^–2?h^–1), and the three types of waterways all had significantly higher (p?<?0.01) mean net denitrification rates in summer than in other seasons. Linear regression and linear mixed effect model analysis showed that nitrate (NO₃ ^?–N) concentration in surface water was the primary controlling factor for net sediment denitrification, followed by water temperature. Using monitoring data on NO₃ ^?–N concentrations and temperature of the surface water of waterways and an established linear mixed effect model, total N removed through net sediment denitrification in the pond–stream–reservoir continuum was estimated at 46.8?±?24.0 t?year^–1 from July 2007 to June 2009, which was comparable with earlier estimates based on the mass balance method (34.3?±?12.7 t?year^–1), and accounted for 83.4 % of the total aquatic N. However, the total aquatic N was only 4.4 % of the total N input to the watershed, and thus most of the surplus N in the watershed was likely to be either denitrified or stored in soil.

Conclusions

High doses of N in a rice-paddy-dominated watershed did not lead to high stream N concentrations due to limited input of N into waterways and the high efficiency of waterways in removing N through denitrification.     

Reclamation of saline calcareous soils using vegetative bioremediation as a potential approach

Vegetative bioremediation of saline calcareous soil (EC_1:1 11.01 dS m^?1) was practised through growing fodder beet (Beta Beta vulgaris var. magnum) and millet (Panicum spp.) in soil columns. Beet was grown at a planting density of 4427 plants m^?2, whereas millet was grown at two planting densities: 5202 (M1) and 8928 (M2) plants m^?2. Some plants were irrigated with 233 μ S cm^?1 water throughout the experiment (70 days), while for others non-saline water was replaced with saline water (2.52 dS m^?1) at the middle of the experiment. The control was leaching of uncropped soil. Beet had higher ash content and efficiently extracted higher amount of salts (particularly Na and Cl) along with their aboveground biomass than millet under the two irrigation regimes. Millet grown at high planting density had higher ash content and extracted higher amount of salts (particularly Cl) than those at low planting density. Bioremediation, particularly in the case of millet (M1), considerably enhanced soil hydraulic conductivity as compared with leaching treatment; thus, facilitating the removal of some soluble salts beyond the root zone. Accordingly, soil electrical conductivity was considerably decreased by 54–69% compared with the untreated soil. It is concluded that mainly fodder beet is a potential candidate for efficient bioremediation of saline calcareous soils.

     

Trace metals in the soils of Water Conservation Area of Florida Everglades: Considerations for ecosystem restoration

Purpose

Inorganic contaminants present a major challenge for the restoration of aquatic ecosystems. The objectives of this study were to determine the extent of trace metal contamination and investigate the influence of different plant communities on trace metal accumulation in the soils of the Florida Everglades.

Materials and methods

Soil samples (n?=?117) were collected from 0 to 10-cm depth using a stainless steel coring device from sites with three dominant plant communities—cattail, sawgrass, and slough—of Water Conservation Area-2A (43,281 ha) of Florida Everglades.

Results and discussion

The mean pH in soils collected from three plant communities was 6.75–6.82, whereas electrical conductivity was slightly greater in the sawgrass (0.69 dS m^?1) than cattail (0.58 dS m^?1) and slough (0.40 dS m^?1). Mean reduction–oxidation potential was greatest in cattail (?113 mV) than sawgrass (?85.3 mV) and slough (?48.3 mV) soils. Among 11 trace metals (As, B, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Zn) found in soil samples, Na had the greatest contents and was greater in cattail (2070 mg kg^?1) and sawgrass (1735 mg kg^?1) than slough (1297 mg kg^?1). Four trace metals (B, Cu, Mo, Ni) were significantly greater in cattail than sawgrass and slough. Whereas, Mn was significantly lower in cattail (31 mg kg^?1) than both sawgrass (84 mg kg^?1) and slough (51 mg kg^?1). Cattail also had significantly lower Cr (1.97 mg kg^?1) and Pb (10 mg kg^?1) than sawgrass (Cr 2.5 mg kg^?1; Pb 20.8 mg kg^?1). As (<6.9 mg kg^?1), Co (<1.3 mg kg^?1), and Zn (<17.2 mg kg^?1) were not significantly different among soils collected from three plant community-dominant sites. Contents of Cd and Se were below the method detection limits (Cd 0.01 mg L^?1; Se 0.2 mg L^?1) and are not reported.

Conclusions

None of the trace metals in the soils exceeded the US Environmental Protection Agency sediment toxicity thresholds. Results from this study provided baseline concentrations of trace metals, which can be used to measure the success of restoration efforts in Florida Everglades.

     

Interactive effect of brassinolide and lime on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) on acid soils of South-East Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Our aim was to determine the combined effect of brassinolide (BR) and lime on the growth and yield of maize on acid soils of South East Nigeria using two BR levels (0 and 250 mL), two maize varieties [Ikom White (IKW) and Oba-98] and two lime levels (0 kg ha^?1 and 500 kg ha^?1). The IKW was better (P ≤ 0.05) in growth morphology than Oba-98; however, Oba-98 was more (p ≤ 0.05) efficient in intercepting radiation (420.16 μmol m^?2s^?1) than IKW (325.08 μmol m^?2s^?1). The 500 kg ha^?1 lime plus BR improved (P ≤ 0.05) nitrogen (N) uptake, dry matter yield, harvest index, shoot to root ratio, and grain yield, especially in Oba-98. Thus, the interactive action of BR and lime could increase the soil pH to an extent for enhanced yield of hybrid maize.     

The Odd–Even Behaviour of Dicarboxylic Acids Solubility in the Atmospheric Aerosols

The solubility and the enthalpy of dicarboxylic acids have been determined in water at intervals between 278.5 and 543.5 K. At 298.15 K, the values derived were: Δ_sol H _m (m?=?1.33 mol kg^?1)?=?29.80 kJ mol^?1for oxalic acid; Δ_sol H _m (m?=?16.03 mol kg^?1)?=?12.82 kJ mol^?1 for malonic acid; Δ_sol H _m (m?=?0.75 mol kg^?1)?=?28.20 kJ mol^?1 for succinic acid; Δ_sol H _m (m?=?8.77 mol kg^?1)?=?48.01 kJ mol^?1 and Δ_sol H _m (m?=?0.17 mol kg^?1)?=?40.30 kJ mol^?1 for glutaric and adipic acid respectively. The solubility value exhibits a prominent odd–even effect with respect to terms with even number of carbon atoms with the odd carbon numbers showing much higher solubility. Observations made in the atmospheres suggest that this odd–even effect may have implications for the relative abundance of these acids in aerosols.     

Increased supply of boron to swiss chard plants did not affect the level of boron in a cell wall-bound form: A possible application to the diagnosis of nutrition of plants

Swiss chard plants were water-cultured under various B levels ranging from 0.01 to 20 g B m^-3 culture solutions for 4 weeks. The B content of the shoot increased with the increase in the B supply. The increase, however, was entirely ascribed to acetate buffer (20 mol m^-3 pH 4.0)-soluble B, and the content of acetate buffer-insoluble, cell wall-bound B did not increase.. More than ca. 80% of the cell wall-bound B was associated with rhamnogalacturonan II under various B levels. The amount of acetate buffer-soluble B could be estimated from the B levels in the expressed leaf sap.     

Effect of drip fertigation system on nitrate control in spinach Spinacea oleracea L.

(pp. 9–16)

Nitrate is a major form of uptake and storage of nitrogen for upland plants. However, nitrate is harmful to human health · ingestion of a large quantity can lead to cancer or methemoglobinemia. The effectiveness of drip fertigation for reducing nitrate in spinach was investigated in this study. Fertilizer application can be controlled effectively by drip fertigation. Field experiments were conducted in September 2002 and June 2003 at the National Agricultural Research Center for Hokkaido Region. Two spinach cultivars were grown in each cultivation in a plastic greenhouse, and the plants were treated with 4, 8 or 12 g N m^?2 of fertilizer applied by drip fertigation, and with 8, 12 or 16 g N m^?2 of fertilizer applied as basal application. The nitrogen was applied at the rate of 0.15 g m^?2 per day for the first 15 days, and 0.25 g m^?2 for the following 23 days in 8 g N m^?2 treatment of drip fertigation.

The rate of growth and nitrogen absorption of spinach in the early growth stages was very slow, but they increased quickly from around day 23 after sowing. The amount of nitrogen absorbed by spinach was close to the amount applied in 8 g N m^?2 treatment. This treatment resulted in spinach with a low nitrate concentration without reduction in yield. Although the same results were obtained by treatment with 8 g N m^?2 of fertilizer by basal application, there was a tendency for nitrate concentration to fall further with drip fertigation. The rate of nitrate-nitrogen to total-nitrogen rose sharply when the total-nitrogen concentration was higher than 42 g kg^?1 DW in leaf blade and 18 g kg^?1 DW in leaf petiole. The total-nitrogen concentration was lowered a little and for that reason the rate of nitrate-nitrogen to total-nitrogen was lower in spinach treated with 8 g N m^?2 of drip fertigation than in spinach treated with 8 g N m^?2 of basal application. Thus, drip fertigation was considered to reduce nitrate more stably.     

Foliar Applied Phosphorous Enhanced Growth,Chlorophyll Contents,Gas Exchange Attributes and PUE in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the foliar applied phosphorous with and without pre-plant dose (50 kg hac.^?1) of phosphorous on growth, chlorophyll contents, gas exchange parameters and phosphorous use efficiency (PUE) of wheat. The experiment was conducted in net house at Department of Crop Physiology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan. Two promising wheat cultivar AARI 2011 and FSD 2008 were used as a test crop with 5 foliar phosphorus (P) rates (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 kg ha^?1). The foliar applied P with pre-plant performed better than without pre-plant and control treatments. Foliar treatment of phosphorus at 6 kg ha^?1 P proved to be the best among other foliar treatments followed by 8 kg ha^?1 P. The foliar application of phosphorous at 6 kg hac.^?1 with pre-plant soil applied P increased the shoot length, root length, shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight, shoot dry weight and root dry weight. The chlorophyll contents (Chl. a and b) were increased with the foliar application of phosphorous. The gas exchange parameters (net carbon dioxide (CO₂) assimilation rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and sub-stomatal CO₂ rate) were significantly improved by foliar applied P. The maximum values of net CO₂ assimilation rate (5.27 μ mol m^?2 sec.^?1), transpiration rate (3.44 μ mol m^?2 sec.^?1), stomatal conductance (0.81 μ mol m^?2 sec.^?1) and sub-stomatal CO₂ (271.67 μ mol m^?2 sec.^?1), were recorded in the treatment where P was foliar applied at 6 kg hac.^?1 with pre-plant soil applied Phosphorous. The foliar application of phosphorous with pre-plant soil applied P enhanced Phosphorous use efficiency (PUE) in both varieties. The maximum value of PUE (15.42%) was recorded in the treatment where foliar feeding of P was done at 6 kg hac.^?1 with pre-plant soil applied P in both genotypes.     

Temporal change in soil macropores measured using tension infiltrometer under different land uses and slope positions in subtropical China

Purpose

Soil macropores play a principal role in water infiltration but they are highly variable. The objectives of this study were (1) to investigate the temporal change in macropores of an Ultisol as affected by land use and slope position and (2) to analyze contribution of macropores to water infiltration.

Materials and methods

Water infiltration was measured at upper and lower slopes in citrus orchard and watermelon field once every 2 months for 1 year using tension infiltrometers at a successive pressure head from ?12, ?6, ?3, to 0 hPa.

Results and discussion

Hydraulic conductivity (K) was significantly affected by land use and slope position except at 0 hPa pressure head, showing a significant temporal variation. Effective macroporosity, derived from the increment of hydraulic conductivity between ?3 and 0 hPa, showed a significant temporal variation. Such temporal variation was land use (P?<?0.05) and slope position (P?<?0.001) dependent. Despite of low proportion in total soil volume (averaged 3.5 cm³ m^?3), the macropores contributed 47 % of water flux on average. The macroporosity was more stable and higher in the citrus orchard (2.43 cm³ m^?3, coefficient of variance (CV)?=?75 %) than in the watermelon field (1.72 cm³ m^?3, CV?=?117 %) and contributed more to infiltration in the citrus orchard (60 %, CV?=?16 %) than in the watermelon field (33 %, CV?=?43 %) as well, because tillage was operated only in the watermelon field.

Conclusions

No-tillage increased water conducting macropores but did not increase hydraulic conductivity irrespective of slope position.

     

Bulk density and content,density and stock of carbon,nitrogen and heavy metals in vegetable patches and lawns of allotments gardens in the northwestern Ruhr area,Germany

Purpose

In view that soils are bodies and that processes such as storage and release of water, carbon, nutrients and pollutants, and aeration and rooting happen in these bodies, it is of interest to know the density of elements and compounds in soils. On the basis of soil bulk and element density of organic carbon (OC), N, and heavy metals in soils and of horizon thickness, stocks of these elements for garden soils were calculated.

Materials and methods

Fourteen gardens in four allotments of the northwestern part of the Ruhr area, Germany were investigated. The research included 14 vegetable patches, 13 lawns, 2 compost heaps, and 1 meadow. Volume samples were taken. The soil analysis included pH, soil bulk density, and OC, N, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, and Ni contents.

Results and discussion

The soils were from sandy loam to loamy sand. The pH was slightly acid and C/N ratio about 20. Soil bulk density was between 0.8 and 1.4 g cm^?3 and mean bulk density was 1.1 g cm^?3. Mean OC content was for compost 7.4 %, vegetable patches 5.2 % (0–30 cm depth), and lawns and meadow 5.8 and 5.2 % (0–5 cm depth). OC density for compost was 76 mg cm^?3, vegetable patches 56 mg cm^?3, and lawns 67 mg cm^?3 (0–5 cm). Mean OC stock in 0–30 cm soil depth in vegetable patches was 16.4 kg m^?2, lawns 15.5 kg m^?2, and meadow 11.1 kg m^?2. N contents were between 0.06 and 0.46 %. For compost, the mean was 0.39 %, vegetable patches 0.27 % (0–30 cm), lawn 0.28 %, and meadow 0.26 % (0–5 cm). Mean stock of N in 0–30 cm depth for vegetable patches was 0.84 kg m^?2, lawn 0.76 kg m^?2, and meadow 0.55 kg m^?2. For heavy metals in compost, vegetable patches, lawn and meadow, Cd contents were in the range of 1.7 to 3.0 mg kg^?1, Pb 49 to 152 mg kg^?1, and Zn 52 to 1830 mg kg^?1. The amounts stored per square meters in 30 cm depth were for Cd 0.6–1.1 g, Pb 15–52 g, Zn 41–440 g, Cu 4–39 g, and Ni 1–8 g.

Conclusions

Allotment gardens have a high capacity to store CO₂ as OC. Roughly, there will be 7–8 million tons of OC stored in the 1.3 million allotment gardens of Germany. The high amount of 8000 kg N ha^?1 could damage the groundwater when released by wrong soil management. Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu, and Ni amounts of 7.8, 1000, 300, 135, and 30 kg ha^?1, respectively, are a lasting burden.

     

Evaluation of Vertical-Flow Constructed Wetlands for Swine Wastewater Treatment

In this study, the role of Cyperus sp. was evaluated for removal of pollutants from swine wastewater. Vertical-flow pilot scale constructed wetlands (CWs) operating with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 72 h were monitored in a greenhouse, located in Viçosa, Brazil. Significant differences were observed for the following parameters: Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorus, alkalinity and electric conductivity, with averages removals of 37.5 and 28.5%, 55.9 and 44.4%, 30.2 and 25.6 and 26.1% and 22.9% (for planted and unplanted CWs, respectively). The rate of dry matter yield from Cyperus sp. was 7.5 g?m^?2 day^?1, and the nutrient uptake capacities were 21.8, 2.1, 14.0 and 0.9 g?m^?2 of N, P, K and Na, respectively. Evapotranspiration (2.7 mm day^?1) was statistically higher in the planted CWs. Plants in the CWs are important for achieving high nutrient removal.     

Nutrients management strategies to improve yield and quality of sugar beet in semi-arid regions

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the yield and quality of sugar beet genotypes (Beta vulgaris L.). Therefore, a field trial was carried out in Peshawar, Pakistan, during the winters in 2012–2013. The field experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with split plots, having three replications. Fertilizer treatments (control, composted manure Higo Organic Plus at 5 t ha^?1, Maxicrop Sea Gold seaweed extract at 5 L ha^?1, farm yard manure at 10 t ha^?1, inorganic nitrogen–phosphorus (NP) at 90:60 kg ha^?1, NP at 120:90 kg ha^?1 and NP at 150:120 kg ha^?1) were allotted to main plots, while genotypes (Sandrina, Serenada and Kawe Terma) were allotted to the sub-plots. Plots treated with the application of NP at 120:90 kg ha^?1 produced the highest beet yield (76.4 t ha^?1) and sugar yield (11.1 t ha^?1), and had the second highest polarizable sugar content (14.52%) and more economic return (Rs. 553,000 per hectare) as compared to control plots. Sugar beet genotype Serenada had significantly higher beet yield (55.5 t ha^?1) and sugar yield (7.9 t ha^?1) and a higher economic return (Rs. 380,000 per hectare) than the other genotypes. Sugar beet genotype Serenada supplied with NP at 120:90 kg ha^?1is recommended for the general cultivation in the agro-climatic conditions of Peshawar valley.