Spatial optimization of soil and water conservation practices using coupled SWAT model and evolutionary algorithm

Soil and water conservation practices have been extensively used in effective watershed management. The impact of each conservation practice is site specific and dependent on the implementation site in the watershed. In order to select cost effective placement of conservation practices with high impact, a large number of spatial combinations is needed to be compared. In this study, an optimization model framework is presented to find cost effective solutions for sediment yield and runoff control in the Fariman dam watershed in the Northeast of Iran. This was accomplished by integrating soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) for simulation of watershed hydrology and multi objective genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) for spatial optimization of soil and water conservation practices. The optimized solutions provided a trade-off between the two objective functions. The final Pareto-optimal shows that the impact of soil and water conservation practices on sediment yield is more than stream flow. The trade-offs between the objective functions show that the implementation of the median cost can lead to a significant decrease of 22.1% in the amount of sediment yield, and 10% in stream flow. Also, percent change achieved through median cost is very close to percent reduction with the highest cost. Results of low cost solution show that the vegetative practices are a suitable economic scenario for soil and water conservation. The introduced framework can be adapted as a suitable tool for selecting cost effective conservation practices in different regions.     

Estimation of nitrogen and phosphorus losses to surface water and groundwater through the implementation of the SWAT model for Norwegian soils

Scope and Background

It is acknowledged that diffuse sources cause the most important nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) losses to the river system and substantially enrich the groundwater in nitrates. These losses arise primary from agricultural activities mainly fertilizer applications, and they are determined by soil attributes. In cold climates, winter conditions and freezing of soils may influence the infiltration capacity of the soil and thereby can have a serious effect on the partitioning of excess precipitation and subsequently on the soil and nutrient transportation. The purpose of this article is to investigate the behaviour of six widespread and different textured soil types, on nutrient (N, P) losses under cold climate conditions. The investigation was conducted in the Norwegian Vansjø-Hobølv catchment through the application of a physical model named Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), taking into consideration the additional aspect of freezing soils during winter, which distinguishes Scandinavian from other European soils.

Methods

SWAT is a physical river basin model that was developed for the U.S.D.A. Agricultural Research Service, by the Blackland Research Center in Texas. In the current modeling approach the catchment was divided into 43 Hydrologic Response Units (HRUs) which consist of different combinations of the existed landcover and soil types. Nitrogen and phosphorus losses arising from these HRUs were estimated for the period 1990–2001 through the simultaneous simulation of water and sediment processes that are closely linked to the nutrient processes. The model took into account soil temperature in order to quantify water and nutrient transport to deeper layers, considering negligible downward movement when the soil temperature was under 0°C. It also simulated the aboveground development of the snowpack and the snowmelt processes on a daily basis. The six different soil types were distinguished in two groups according to their similarity in texture and other physical properties, one group of fine-textured soils and a group of coarse soils. The results were evaluated for different crop cultivations (barley, oats and wheat) of the aforementioned soils. Finally, the model was calibrated and validated by comparing predicted results with measured data.

Results and Discussion

Fine-textured soils caused significant runoff, sediment, total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) yields to the river system while coarser soils were characterized by high water drainage and nitrates leaching. The first soil group caused a mean of 517 mm of runoff in annual basis, 200 mm higher than this arising from coarse soils. Moreover, 3 tonnes of sediments per hectare, 24.6 kgN/ha and 0.54 kgP/ha were lost annually to surface water from fine soils while the average respective losses originating from coarse soils were only 1.3 tn of sediments/ha, 13.6kgN/ha and 0.17kgP/ha. The sensitivity ranking of the soil types to TN and TP losses was silty-clay-loam>silty-loam>clay>loamy>sandy-loam>sandy. An average of 277 mm of water was percolated annually under the bottom of the soil profile in coarse soils causing the additional leaching of 5.6 kgN-NO₃/ha whereas the losses originating from fine-textured soils were 153 mm and 2.5 kg/ha respectively. According to their sensitivity in nitrates leaching, the six soil types were ranked in the following order: sandy>loamy>sandy-loam>silty-loam>silty-clay-loam>clay.

Conclusions and Perspectives

The results showed that even though under cold climate conditions, with monthly periods of average air-temperatures below zero, the overall amounts of annual TN and TP losses to surface waters as well as nitrates leaching to groundwater were considerable. This demonstrates that the cold climate conditions did not affect the long-term behavior of the six widespread Norwegian soils, which on an annual basis responded similarly to the respective European soils. According to the model’s estimations, infiltration with N and P transport still occur in wintertime, and comparing to other studies that reported similar results, different possible explanations were considered. The results demonstrate the need of considering the soil differentiation in Scandinavian countries similarly to the rest of Europe in order to apply mitigation measures against nitrogen and phosphorus losses to surface and groundwater.

     

Prediction of soil and water conservation structure impacts on runoff and erosion processes using SWAT model in the northern Ethiopian highlands

Purpose

Land degradation due to soil erosion is a serious threat to the highlands of Ethiopia. Various soil and water conservation (SWC) strategies have been in use to tackle soil erosion. However, the effectiveness of SWC measures on runoff dynamics and sediment load in terms of their medium- and short-term effects has not been sufficiently studied.

Materials and methods

A study was conducted in 2011 to 2015 in the Gumara-Maksegnit watershed to study the impacts of SWC structures on runoff and soil erosion processes using the soil and water analysis tool (SWAT) model. The study was conducted in two adjacent watersheds where in one of the watersheds, SWC structures were constructed (treated watershed (TW)) in 2011, while the other watershed was a reference watershed without SWC structures (untreated watershed (UW)). For both watersheds, separate SWAT and SWAT-CUP (SWAT calibration and uncertainty procedure) projects were set up for daily runoff and sediment yield. The SWAT-CUP program was applied to optimize the parameters of the SWAT using daily observed runoff and sediment yield data.

Results and discussion

The runoff simulations indicated that SWAT can reproduce the hydrological regime for both watersheds. The daily runoff calibration (2011–2013) results for the TW and UW showed good correlation between the predicted and the observed data (R ²?=?0.78 for the TW and R ²?=?0.77 for the UW). The validation (2014–2015) results also showed good correlation with R ² values of 0.72 and 0.70 for the TW and UW, respectively. However, sediment yield calibration and validation results showed modest correlation between the predicted and observed sediment yields with R ² values of 0.65 and 0.69 for the TW and UW for the calibration and R ² values of 0.55 and 0.65 for the TW and UW for the validation, respectively.

Conclusions

The model results indicated that SWC structures considerably reduced soil loss by as much as 25–38% in the TW. The study demonstrated that SWAT performed well for both watersheds and can be a potential instrument for upscaling and assessing the impact of SWC structures on sediment loads in the highlands of Ethiopia.

     

The effect of soil water flow and soil properties on the motility of second-stage juveniles of the root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita)

The movement of root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita second-stage juveniles was investigated in a column filled with two types of fillings, andisol or sand, under a saturated condition. After incubation with or without soil water flow, the changing distribution of nematodes was monitored. As a result, we observed a tendency for different movement traits of nematodes between andisol and sand. The distance of nematodes movement in sand was always greater than that in andisol in both a percolation test and non-percolation test. In the percolation test, distance of nematodes movement in sand gradually began to increase with increasing time. We attribute this result to a gradual decrease in nematodes activity with time. Nematodes were always affected by the water flow rate, but the distance of nematodes movement did not correspond to water flow volume. We also observed that mobility of nematodes in sand were always greater than that in andisol at both percolation test and non-percolation test. These results are attributed to differences in soil structure and pore distribution of andisol and sand. This study demonstrates a difference in the movement of nematodes influenced by water flow. However, this study also presents evidence that nematodes can resist soil water flow rates that are possible in actual field conditions. Moreover, mobility of nematodes changed considerably with soil structure or pore distribution. All these may contribute to a more stable positioning of nematodes around the rhizosphere of their host plants, and therefore increase the possibility of successful parasitization.     

Development and validation of an acute biotic ligand model (BLM) predicting cobalt toxicity in soil to the potworm Enchytraeus albidus

An acute Biotic Ligand Model (BLM) was developed to predict the effect of cobalt on the survival of the potworm Enchytraeus albidus, exposed in nutrient solutions added to acid washed, precombusted sand. The extent to which Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and Na⁺ ions and pH independently mitigate cobalt toxicity to E. albidus was examined. Higher activities of Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and H⁺ linearly increased the 14 d LC50_Co²⁺ (LC50 expressed as Co²⁺-activity) whereas Na⁺-activity did not. Stability constants for the binding of Co²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and H⁺ to the biotic ligand (BL) were derived, i.e. log K_CoBL=5.13, log K_CaBL=3.83, log K_MgBL=3.95 and log K_HBL=6.53. It was calculated that at Co-concentrations corresponding to the 14d-LC50 value, 32% of the BL sites were occupied by cobalt. An initial validation of the applicability of this BLM in true soil exposure systems was performed by comparing observed and model-predicted 14 d LC50 s in a standard artificial soil and a standard field soil. By assuming pore water to be the only route of exposure and assuming equilibrium between pore water Co²⁺ and solid phase Co, which is predicted by the geochemical WHAM-Model 6, LC50 s (as mg Co kg⁻¹ dry wt of soil) were predicted within an error of less than a factor two. Further validation in true soil exposures, combined with more detailed knowledge of Co binding to soil solid phases is needed, if this model is to be used as a tool for risk assessment and derivation of soil quality criteria for Co.     

Availability to rhodesgrass (Chloris gayana) of nitrogen in tops and roots added to soil

¹⁵N-labelled Rhodesgrass material was prepared by growing plants in sand culture with labelled ammonium sulphate as their source of nitrogen. In a greenhouse experiment the labelled plant material in various physical configurations was added to an alluvial soil (fine sandy loam) from Samford with or without added mineral nitrogen. Two crops (six harvests) of Rhodesgrass were grown in the soil and the recovery of labelled nitrogen followed with time. Its partition at the end of the experiment was also determined.In general, after 16 months about one-third was recovered in the plant and two-thirds remained in the soil (plus any undecomposed added plant material). The only indication of volatile losses was a probable deficit of up to 10 per cent where litter (above-ground material) was placed on the soil surface.A higher nitrogen concentration in litter (1.3 per cent compared with 0.8 per cent) resulted in only a slight increase in labelled nitrogen recovery. Addition of mineral nitrogen (six doses of 50 kg N/ha) increased recovery from added litter material from 22 to 28 per cent and from added root material from 23 to 30 per cent.Grinding of added root material did not affect recovery. In the litter experiment, placing on the surface, incorporating in the top 2.5 cm of soil. and grinding and mixing with the soil resulted in final recoveries of 14, 28 and 32 per cent respectively.It is pointed out that caution must be exercised in extrapolation of results from laboratory and greenhouse studies to the field because many of the treatments used in the former are not analogous to field practices.     

Use of a chemical equilibrium model to understand soil chemical processes that influence soil solution and surface water alkalinity

A chemical equilibrium model was applied to soil chemistry data (Spodosols) collected from 30 and 21 forested watersheds in New York and Maine, respectively, during the EPA Pilot Soil Survey. Chemistry data were evaluated between states using lumped series and within New York using three series (Adams, Becket, and Canaan). All New York horizons had soil characteristics that tend to cause lower solution alkalinity in comparison to Maine horizons. Negative alkalinities were produced in all E horizons (? 69 to ? 37 μmol LU^?1) at each of the pCO₂ levels used (0.3 to 2%). All B horizons had negative alkalinities at low PCO₂ levels, which became positive at higher levels, except for the Canaan B and New York Bh horizons, which were negative at all pCO₂ levels. C horizons generated positive alkalinities (1 to 67 μmol L^?1) at most pCO₂ levels. Results indicate the importance of water contact with different horizons and soil series in determining solution alkalinity. Because of degassing effects, solutions with a positive alkalinity will increase in pH after leaving the soil, whereas solutions with a negative alkalinity will remain at low pH (pH < 5.5) and cause the surface water to be acidic. Application of the model to soil chemistry data collected in the northeastern U.S. illustrates the importance of various factors such as pCO₂, Al solubility, base saturation, and exchange coefficients in determining surface water chemistry.     

Return to the wild: Translocation as a tool in conservation of the Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii)

Translocation could be used as a tool in conservation of the threatened Mojave Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) by moving individuals from harm’s way and into areas where they could contribute to conservation of the species. Numerous factors may affect the success of translocations, including the conditions experienced by tortoises in holding facilities while awaiting translocation. The tortoises available for our translocation study had been provided supplemental water during their years spent in a captive holding facility, potentially inducing carelessness in water conservation. In addition to generally investigating the efficacy of translocation, we compared the effects of continuing with the effects of ceasing the holding facility’s water supplementation regimen. After exposure to one of the two water regimens, all tortoises were given the opportunity to hydrate immediately prior to release. We examined behavior, body mass, carapace length, movement, and mortality of tortoises for two activity seasons following release to the wild. Water supplementation was correlated with high rates of carapace growth and distant movements by males after release. Lengthy movements following translocation may be problematic for conservation planning, but this should be evaluated in light of the goals and circumstances of each translocation project. Although the mortality rate was 21.4% in 1997, data suggest that drought conditions at the site rather than the translocation itself negatively affected the tortoises. None of the tortoises died during their second season at the site. Our results indicate that translocation should be considered a useful tool in conservation of the Desert Tortoise.     

Growth of Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici in soil: Effects of temperature and water potential

The effects of temperature and water on the growth of the take-all fungus, Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici (Ggt), were examined in two factorial experiments. The first examined the effects of temperature and water potential on the growth of two isolates of Ggt on agar media, using osmotically-adjusted water potentials. The second experiment was concerned with the growth of the Ggt isolates in one sterile and two natural soils at two water regimes in the absence of a living host. Three temperatures (10, 18 and 26°C) were used in these experiments. A third experiment determined growth through soil.Growth was greatest at high temperatures and low water potential in axenic culture, but in unsterile soil growth at different temperatures and water potentials was strongly influenced by competition from the soil biota. The best temperature for growth in unsterile soil was 18°C. Growth at 26°C in unsterile soil was greatly reduced, this being attributed to more intense microbial competition. In sterile soil Ggt grew equally well at 18 and 26°C. At 10°C, both isolates of Ggt grew better in unsterile soil than in sterile soil.Under suitable conditions Ggt grew out readily from infected straw into unsterile soil (up to 5 cm in 10 days) in the absence of a host plant, forming melanized, hyaline and branched hyphae. These hyphae were infectious after dry storage for 5 months in the laboratory. Ggt thus appears to be a more successful soil inhabitant than is widely believed. Our experiments could explain many of the host-based concepts related to field expression of disease.The technique presented here could be of value for testing the suppressiveness or conduciveness of soils by measuring fungal growth in soil.     

Surface runoff and soil erosion estimation using the SWAT model in the Keleta Watershed,Ethiopia

This study evaluates surface runoff generation and soil erosion rates for a small watershed (the Keleta Watershed) in the Awash River basin of Ethiopia by using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model. Calibration and validation of the model was performed on monthly basis, and it could simulate surface runoff and soil erosion to a good level of accuracy. The simulated surface runoff closely matched with observed data (derived by hydrograph separation). Surface runoff generation was generally high in parts of the watershed characterized by heavy clay soils with low infiltration capacity, agricultural land use and slope gradients of over 25 per cent. The estimated soil loss rates were also realistic compared to what can be observed in the field and results from previous studies. The long‐term average soil loss was estimated at 4·3 t ha⁻¹ y⁻¹; most of the area of the watershed (∼80 per cent) was predicted to suffer from a low or moderate erosion risk (<8 t ha⁻¹ y⁻¹), and only in ∼1·2 per cent of the watershed was soil erosion estimated to exceed 12 t ha⁻¹ y⁻¹. Expectedly, estimated soil loss was significantly correlated with measured rainfall and simulated surface runoff. Based on the estimated soil loss rates, the watershed was divided into four priority categories for conservation intervention. The study demonstrates that the SWAT model provides a useful tool for soil erosion assessment from watersheds and facilitates planning for a sustainable land management in Ethiopia. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Defensive strategies of soil fungi to prevent grazing by Folsomia candida (Collembola)

Fungi represent a major part of the living biomass in the upper soil horizon and serve as an important food source for many soil organisms. We hypothesized that certain mycelial characteristics may serve to protect fungi from grazing. Specifically, this study focused on the influence of poisonous or other repellent metabolites and crystalline structures at the hyphal surface on the feeding preference of the soil microarthropod Folsomia candida Willem. The formation of crystalline structures was studied microscopically and the content of certain metabolites such as amanitin and muscarin was investigated using analytical methods. The feeding preference of F. candida was studied in different in-vitro food choice experiments. Additionally, the palatability of the fungal isolates was estimated by the amount of egg clusters laid by F. candida and by analysing the carbon and nitrogen content of the mycelia. F. candida was repelled by fungal species with toxic metabolites or crystals on their hyphal surface, which indicates that these traits serve as feeding protection. F. candida preferred dark-pigmented fungi. Total number of egg clusters and feeding preference were not correlated. However, insects that fed on fungi without repellent characteristics laid the most eggs. The amount of carbon and nitrogen in the mycelium had no influence on feeding behaviour. We conclude that the content of repellent metabolites and crystalline structures at the hyphal surface are defensive strategies of soil fungi and strongly influence feeding preference of F. candida. Other traits such as palatability were less important. Our results help to explain collembolan feeding behaviour and interactions between soil fungi and Collembola.     

Recovery of reproduction after drought in the soil living Folsomia candida (Collembola)

Soil dwelling (euedaphic) Collembola have evolved to live in soil pores where the atmosphere is saturated with water vapour. Here we show that reproduction in the euedaphic Folsomia candida ceases during drought where soil water potentials are lower than −7 bar (∼99.4% RH). Recovery of the moulting cycle after cessation of drought showed increasing delay with increasing previous drought pressure. However, reproduction was rapidly resumed. Only in F. candida recovering from the most severe drought (−55 bar, 96% RH) was the time lapse between drought and resumed reproduction significantly different from the control (99.4% RH). Furthermore, the final numbers of eggs were unaffected by the degree of drought exposure. Hence, these results suggest that while even very mild drought will stop the reproductive cycle, subsequent recovery is rapid and complete.     

Mycorrhizal alleviation of acid soil stress in the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas)

It is not known why sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) cultivated in tropical regions tolerates acid soil. Here, we report the involvement of mycorrhizal symbiosis in this tolerance. Plants were grown in root-boxes filled with either acidic soil (pH 4.2) or the same soil amended with lime (pH 5.2) for 30 d in a growth chamber. In the inoculated treatments, the percentage of root length colonized by Gigaspora margarita was not affected by soil pH (23±9% at pH 4.2 vs. 30±12% at pH 5.2). The root and shoot dry weights of the non-mycorrhizal plants at pH 4.2 were 27 and 35%, respectively, of those at pH 5.2. The root and shoot dry weights of the mycorrhizal plants at pH 4.2 were 70 and 51% of those at pH 5.2. Growth promotion in mycorrhizal plants was significant only at pH 4.2 (2-fold increase in whole plant dry weight), but not at pH 5.2. As a result, no significant difference was detected in whole plant dry weight between the mycorrhizal plants at pH 4.2 and non-mycorrhizal plants at pH 5.2. The mycorrhizal plants at pH 4.2 showed reduced toxic symptoms of Mn (brown specks on mature leaves) and Al (poor root growth) compared to non-mycorrhizal ones, but tissue concentrations of P, K and Ca did not increase in mycorrhizal plants. We assume that the mycorrhizal colonization can reduce toxic effects of those elements while the exact mechanisms should be further investigated.     

Effect of soil bacteria on the ability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) removal by Trametes versicolor and Irpex lacteus from contaminated soil

The effect of bacteria represented by indigenous soil microflora or a mixture of soil bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Rhodococcus erythropolis on fungal growth, extracellular enzyme production and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) biodegradation efficiency in soil of white-rot fungi Trametes versicolor and Irpex lacteus was investigated. Both fungi were able to colonize soil. The growth yields measured by ergosterol were about two-fold in I. lacteus after 10 weeks. Laccase was produced in T. versicolor cultures in the presence or absence of bacteria but live bacteria reduced the laccase levels in soil about 5 times. Manganese-dependent peroxidase (MnP) was not detected in T. versicolor cultures. The amounts of MnP and laccase in I. lacteus cultures were not affected by the presence of bacteria. T. versicolor was more efficient in PAH removal for all PAHs tested although its capacity to colonize soil was lower. The removal rates of PAHs by T. versicolor in sterile soil were 1.5-fold, 5.8-fold and 1.8-fold for 2-3-ring, 4-ring and 5-6-ring PAHs, compared to I. lacteus, respectively. I. lacteus showed a low efficiency of removal of pyrene, benzo[a]anthracene and benzo[k]fluoranthene, compared to T. versicolor, whereas chrysene and benzo[b]fluoranthene were degraded by neither fungus. The main effect of the presence of the indigenous microflora or R. erythropolis and P. aeruginosa was a significant decrease of degradation of total PAHs by both T. versicolor and I. lacteus. Weak fungal/bacterial synergistic effects were observed in the case of removal of acenapthylene, benzo[a]pyrene, dibenzo[a,h]anthracene and benzo[g,h,i]perylene by I. lacteus and acenapthylene by T. versicolor. However, the bacterial effects were different in the two fungi. PAH abiotic losses represented 15 and 21% of the total PAHs after 5 and 10 weeks, respectively; naphthalene and acenaphthene were removed from the soil due to volatilization.     

SWAT模型在水资源管理中研究进展与灌区应用展望

SWAT模型是近几年发展比较快的一个流域分布式水文模型,它可以对大、中尺度的流域的水文物理过程进行长时段模拟.本文介绍了SWAT模型的特点,并通过对模型在反映人类活动对流域水资源管理影响等方面研究的评述,总结了模型在自然流域水资源管理应用的优势以及在人工干扰强烈的农业灌区应用还存在的问题.进而提出了SWAT模型在灌区的水分循环、节水改造等方面的研究方向与应用前景,为灌区水资源的优化管理与节水灌溉评价提供一个新的研究手段.     

Reedbeds as refuges for water voles (Arvicola terrestris) from predation by introduced mink (Mustela vison)

The water vole has recently undergone a catastrophic decline in the UK. This has resulted from loss and fragmentation of suitable habitat leaving water vole populations highly vulnerable to the impact of predation by introduced American mink. However, at some reedbed sites water voles and mink have apparently coexisted for many years. To determine if reedbeds offer a refuge from predation, 70 voles were radio-tagged at three sites in England and overwinter mortality monitored. Water vole perception of predation risk was also assessed. Mortality was high (64%), predation by mustelids, including mink, being the chief cause. Experiments suggested that voles failed to perceive areas of highest predation risk. However, predation rate declined strongly with the distance water voles lived from a main water channel. Thus, reedbeds provide a refuge from predation, even by mink, and calculations suggest that they may support source populations enhancing the viability of water vole metapopulations. Consequently reedbeds are now being used as one focus for the conservation of water voles in England and Wales.     

关于水土保持措施适宜性的评价方法

在系统总结国内外水土保持措施适宜性研究成果的基础上,指出水土保持措施适宜性研究存在的明显不足之处,并提出水土保持措施适宜性的研究思路和方法,重点提出适宜性评价的“双套对偶评价指标体系”及“双套对偶评价指标差值最小法”的评价方法,为水土保持措施的适宜性评价提供新的思路和方法。     

考虑水迁移率动态变化改进土壤溶质地表流失模型

农田土壤溶质的地表径流流失是农业面源污染的重要组成部分,为了更加有效预测和控制农田土壤溶质的流失,该文将水迁移率考虑为随土壤侵蚀变化而变化的函数,并修改Hydrus-1D代码数值求解土壤溶质的地表径流浓度值。利用两组已经发表的试验数据对改进的模型进行校验,研究结果表明该文模拟值与观测数据的相关系数r≥0.81,残差绝对均值和均方根差与原模型的模拟值相比,分别平均减少了35.42和60.77 mg/L,该文改进的模型能更好地模拟土壤溶质的地表径流流失规律。该文的研究成果将为实际预防和控制农业面源污染提供参考。     

The invasion of pea roots, pisum sativum l., by soil microorganisms, Acanthamoeba palestinensis (reich) and pseudomonas SP

Pea roots (Pisum sativum L. cultivar Tall Sugar White) were inoculated with Pseudomonas sp., isolated from the roots of Timothy grass (Phleum pratensis L.). Microscopic examination showed that the bacterium had invaded many epidermal and outer cortical cells of the root. The presence of the soil amoeba, Acanthamoeba palestinensis (Reich), which readily ingests Pseudomonas sp., did not alter the root damage. The amoebae were also found in the epidermis and outer cortex of pea roots. No amoebae were found inside pea roots when Pseudomonas sp. was absent. Bacterial invasion also occurred in pea roots grown in garden soil previously sterilized by γ-irradiation and inoculated with Pseudomonas sp., but not in the same soil inoculated and unsterilized. Timothy grass roots were similarly uninfected in inoculated unsterilized garden soil.     

Glomalin-related soil protein and water relations in mycorrhizal citrus (Citrus tangerina) during soil water deficit

Glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP), a glycoprotein of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) secreted into soil, governs the aggregate stability, but the role of GRSP in soil and plant water is sparsely studied. The 24-week-old red tangerine (Citrus tangerina) inoculated with Glomus etunicatum and G. mosseae were subjected to a soil drying for 12 days as soil water deficit (SWD). Length of SWD significantly reduced mycorrhizal colonization, soil hyphal length, and leaf and soil water potential (Ψ), but increased total GRSP (T-GRSP), easily extractable GRSP (EE-GRSP), and proportion of water-stable aggregates (WSAs) in >0.25 mm size, irrespective of AMF source. The AMF-inoculated seedlings showed significantly higher T-GRSP, EE-GRSP, and leaf/soil Ψ than non-AMF seedlings during SWD. A significantly positive correlation was observed for mycorrhizal colonization versus leaf or soil Ψ, and hyphal length versus leaf Ψ, suggesting that root intra- and extra-radical hyphae participated in water transport. Interestingly, in GRSP fractions, only T-GRSP was significantly positively correlated with 0.25–1 and >0.25 mm WSA and negatively with leaf and soil Ψ. These results revealed a strong glue function of T-GRSP (not EE-GRSP and hyphae) to alter the proportional distribution of WSA size, thereby aiding toward prevention of soil water loss for improving soil–plant water relations.