相似降水年组下黄土高原植被恢复与土壤水分变化过程与空间特征分析

土壤水分是黄土高原植被恢复及其可持续性的主导限制因子,为认识退耕还林(草)工程以来大尺度植被恢复与土壤水分关系,以25km×25km格点为研究单元,采用1992—2013年逐月降水量、归一化植被指数(NDVI)和土壤水分指数(SWI)等数据,分析了该区植被恢复与土壤水变化过程及其区域分布特征。结果表明,黄土高原植被和土壤水分变化特征和趋势不一致,其中大部分区域(70%以上面积)NDVI呈极显著增加趋势(p0.01),但绝大部分地区(94%面积)的SWI没有趋势性变化。为进一步揭示植被和土壤水分变化关系,以格点为单元提取并分析了相似年组(年降水量差小于2%,年差大于或等于5年,逐月降水量相关性大于0.55),并分析了不同相似年组内NDVI和SWI的变化特征。植被指数与土壤水分变化主要包括两类:植被指数和土壤水分同时增加与植被指数增加而土壤水分减少。黄土高原植被、土壤水分变化的区域性明显,在未来生态恢复过程中,需要进一步认识植被恢复对土壤水分的关系,促进黄土高原植被恢复的可持续性。     

基于AMSR-E的黄河源区表层土壤水分时空变化

黄河源区生态环境和水文过程对气候变化的响应是该区域研究的热点问题,但相对于其他环境和水文要素而言,大尺度长序列的土壤水分时空分布特征研究不足.本文基于AMSR-E被动微波遥感数据和地面实测数据,首先采用引入Qp模型的双通道反演算法校正AMSR-E土壤水分数据,获得的土壤水分产品(SMD)精度高于官方提供的土壤水分产品(SMo),但其波动范围与实测数据有差异.之后采用逐月回归分析法对SM0进行二次校正,其土壤水分产品(SML)具有更高的精度且变化趋势与实测数据一致.基于SML土壤水分产品,对黄河源区及其5个自然分区表层土壤水分的时空变化特征及其影响因素进行分析.黄河源区年平均表层土壤水分为0.140～0.380 cm3/cm3,在2003-2010年间呈下降趋势,在东南部土壤水分较高的若尔盖丘状高原区、黄南山地区和果洛玉树高原宽谷区土壤水分呈下降趋势,其中若尔盖丘状高原区的下降速率最快,而在西北部土壤水分较低的黄河源宽谷湖盆区和柴达木东缘山区呈增加趋势;春季土壤水分呈下降趋势,夏季呈增加趋势,秋季的波动较大,冬季的变化的不大,其中9月土壤水分增加率和5月减少率最大.土壤水分受降水和植被指数的影响最大,气温表现为在年高温月份与土壤水分呈负相关,在年低温月份呈正相关.研究结果为AMSR-E土壤水分数据的研究与应用提供了依据,有助于深化对区域尺度土壤水分格局及其对气候变化响应的研究,对高原生态环境建设有重大意义.     

半干旱黄土丘陵区雨季土壤水分动态分析

降水是半干旱黄土丘陵区土壤水分的主要来源,雨季又是该区域降水发生的主要时期,因此对该区域雨季土壤水分进行研究具有一定意义。通过对半干旱黄土丘陵区雨季土壤含水量实施定位监测,对比分析雨季降雨量与近5年不同植被类型土壤含水量的关系,得到如下结论:(1)不同植被类型在雨季的土壤含水量主要受雨季以及雨季前一个月降雨量的影响;(2)雨季各个植被类型30~70 cm的土壤水分含量均较低;(3)干旱年雨季土壤含水量的变异性较普通年份和湿润年份高;表层土壤含水量变异系数最小,土层越深变异系数越高。对不同植被类型下雨季降雨与土壤水分相关关系的研究,旨在为今后该区域退耕地营林造林中的植被选取、低效林改造以及植被恢复重建提供理论依据。     

光学与微波遥感协同反演藏北表层土壤水分研究

表层土壤水分是定量干旱监测的重要参量,对干旱区生态环境具有十分重要的意义。在采用归一化植被指数阈值法划分地表覆盖类型的基础上,利用MODIS数据选择适用的光学遥感算法估算土壤水分基准值,以及利用风云三号B星搭载的微波成像仪(Fengyun-3B/MicrowareRadiationImagery,FY3B/MWRI)数据采用微波遥感算法反演土壤水分日变化量,最后构建藏北表层土壤水分协同反演的遥感模型并应用于区域土壤水分的估算。结果表明:光学遥感与微波遥感协同反演的土壤水分含量与实测数据呈显著相关,决定系数达到0.89,均方根误差为0.97,协同反演模型具有较高的反演精度,并且协同反演的结果优于单一遥感源的反演结果。该模型可以较好地适用于藏北地区表层土壤水分的动态监测。     

基于AMSR-2蒙古高原土壤水分反演及 对气象因子响应分析

土壤水分是地表水文过程研究的一个重要参数,是众多环境因子综合作用的结果,科学判定土壤水分对环境因子的响应特性,对在蒙古高原地区开展干旱监测预警,调整农业生产结构,改善区域生态环境具有重要意义。本研究基于AMSR-2观测亮温、SPOT-NDVI数据,利用微波辐射传输模型及粗糙地表发射率Qp模型,构建适合蒙古高原的土壤水分反演方程,同时将模型应用于2013年蒙古高原植被生长期土壤水分反演。在此基础上,结合TRMM 3B43降雨量及气象站点气温数据,探讨了蒙古高原土壤水分对气象因子及植被的响应特性。结果表明:1)构建的蒙古高原表层土壤水分反演模型精度较高,土壤水分反演值与实测值的判定系数为0.680 6,均方根误差(RMSE)达0.031 6 cm3·cm-3,反演结果明显优于JAXA提供的AMSR-2土壤水分产品数据(RMSE=0.044 1 cm3·cm-3)。2)TRMM 3B43降雨数据与实测降雨量线性拟合,其判定系数为0.859 8,直线拟合斜率K=0.941 5,在数值上较站点实测值略微偏低,表明TRMM 3B43数据精度较高,在蒙古高原具有很好的适用性。3)蒙古高原植被生长期土壤水分、植被指数及降水量在空间格局上均表现出由北向南、由东北向西南逐渐减少的趋势。干旱区,土壤水分对气温变化最敏感,二者表现出显著正相关关系,其次为降水和植被;半干旱区,植被是影响土壤水分的关键因子,而气温与降水对土壤水分影响呈现出季节性变化;半湿润区3个因子对土壤水分的影响程度表现为植被降水气温。总之,利用土壤水分对气象因子和植被的响应特性,可以采取适当措施降低蒙古高原灾害发生风险,为区域生态环境建设提供科学依据。     

不同利用方式下红壤坡地土壤水分时空动态变化规律研究

利用连续3年土壤水分定位观测数据，研究了红壤坡地不同利用方式下土壤水分的时空动态变化规律。结果表明：土壤水分时空动态变化主要受降雨和植被类型的影响。土壤水分季节变化分为相对稳定期、消耗期和补给期三个时段；土壤剖面（0～90cm）水分含量从表层到深层表现为增长型，依据2003年土壤水分标准差和变异系数。将土壤剖面划分为活跃层、次活跃层和相对稳定层3个层次；土壤剖面水分变异系数随降雨量和土层深度的增加而减小，随植被根系的增长而变大。平水年，深根系区与浅根系区土壤水分变化差异表现在30cm深度以下，而丰水年其差异主要表现在土壤表层（0～30cm）；无论平水年还是丰水年，深根系区土壤水分变幅均比浅根系区大。     

基于MODIS和NOAA数据尺度转换的若尔盖植被变化研究

为获得若尔盖地区较长时间序列的遥感植被指数,采用重采样技术和一元线性回归方法实现了GIMMS NDVI和MODIS NDVI的空间尺度转换和时间尺度外推。结果表明:（1）不同重采样方法对MODIS NDVI数据的影响与空间尺度有关,对GIMMS NDVI数据的影响则与空间尺度关系不大;（2）空间分辨率2.5 km,对不同植被类型可建立GIMMS NDVI和MODIS NDVI数据的一元线性转换关系,利用GIMMS NDVI拟合的结果与MODIS数据的差值统计符合正态分布;（3）1982—2013年,以1998年为节点若尔盖地区的植被先退化后逐渐恢复,尽管近几年植被指数平均水平高于研究初期,但局部地区的植被退化形势仍然比较严峻。     

干旱荒漠区排矸场不同覆盖类型对土壤水分蒸发的影响

[目的] 在水分匮乏的干旱荒漠区煤矿废弃地植被恢复过程中,研究不同边坡覆盖模式对土壤水分蒸发的影响,为干旱荒漠区矿区废弃地生态恢复模式优化与完善植被恢复技术提供科学依据。[方法] 以中国西北干旱荒漠区煤炭基地废弃地——排矸场为研究对象,研究不同覆盖类型排矸场边坡土壤水分蒸发和表层土壤水分的变化。试验设置了草帘、生态毯和液态地膜3种覆盖类型,以无覆盖为对照。[结果] 干旱荒漠区煤矿排矸场边坡表层土壤含水量基本呈随着坡位降低而增加的变化规律;蒸发试验进行初期各覆盖处理的土壤日蒸发量较大,随着时间推移日蒸发量逐渐降低,草帘覆盖下的平均土壤日蒸发量最低,与无覆盖处理之间的变化差异达到显著水平（p<0.05）;3种覆盖与无覆盖处理下的土壤水分累积蒸发量在排矸场边坡的不同坡位均表现出逐步上升的规律,无覆盖措施的土壤累积蒸发量增加较明显,草帘覆盖、液膜覆盖和生态毯覆盖措施下的土壤累积蒸发量分别比无覆盖措施减少了38.4%,24.2%和20.6%,坡面覆盖处理的土壤累积蒸发过程符合线性函数关系。[结论] 在草帘、生态毯和液态地膜3种覆盖类型中,草帘覆盖下的土壤含水量较高,草帘是减少边坡表层土壤水分蒸发量最为适合的覆盖措施。     

宁夏盐池不同草地类型的土壤水分平衡研究

以位于农牧交错地带盐池县的6种不同草地类型土壤含水量为研究对象,通过监测各种类型草地0—100cm土层质量含水量的动态变化情况,运用Surfer制图软件分析牧草生育期土壤水分的空间分布特征;利用土壤水分平衡方程和土壤分层贮水量公式计算不同草地0—100cm土层总贮水量变化情况,结合试验地生长季降水量变化,分析了不同草地类型土壤贮水量动态变化与蒸散量的变化规律,结果表明:降雨和植被类型是不同类型草地土壤水分动态变化的主要原因,沙丘土壤水分随降雨量变化较为明显;移栽柠条地土层剖面生育期水分变异系数最大,表明干旱时土壤失水较多,降雨充足时蓄水最多。因此应增加沙丘植被覆盖,对柠条、苜蓿、草地应适度进行放牧和刈割,控制植被生长,减少植被蒸腾蒸发,提高土壤水分固持能力,维持土壤水分的可持续发展。     

黄土高原小流域土壤水分及全氮的垂直变异

为了研究黄土高原土壤中水分及全氮垂直分布及变异情况,对陕北神木县六道沟小流域中苜蓿地、荒草地、农地、柠条地以及油松地5种不同植被类型下0～800 cm土层中土壤含水率和土壤全氮进行了测定和分析。土壤含水率在垂直方向上呈现出干湿交替的层状分布。植被类型影响土壤水分含量的垂直剖面分布;各植被类型下相对高湿层和低湿层出现的深度不同;不同深度土层平均土壤含水率不同。农地及退耕荒草地土壤水分涵养较好,垂直方向上含水率变化较大;人工植被苜蓿、柠条消耗土壤水分较多,土壤含水率变化相对平缓;油松地平均土壤含水率及变化幅度居中。研究区域中,土壤全氮含量水平较低,表层发生陡降后,在20 cm以下土层中仍以很小的变幅降低,变化平缓。柠条地土壤全氮含量高于其他植被类型。     

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.     

Responses of native legume desert trees used for reforestation in the Sonoran Desert to plant growth-promoting microorganisms in screen house

Three slow-growing legume trees used for desert reforestation and urban gardening in the Sonoran Desert of Northwestern Mexico and the Southwestern USA were evaluated whether their growth can be promoted by inoculation with plant growth-promoting bacteria (Azospirillum brasilense and Bacillus pumilus), unidentified arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (mainly Glomus sp.), and supplementation with common compost under regular screenhouse cultivation common to these trees in nurseries. Mesquite amargo (Prosopis articulata) and yellow palo verde (Parkinsonia microphylla) had different positive responses to several of the parameters tested while blue palo verde (Parkinsonia florida) did not respond. Survival of all tree species was over 80% and survival of mesquite was almost 100% after 10 months of cultivation. Inoculation with growth-promoting microorganisms induced significant effects on the leaf gas exchange of these trees, measured as transpiration and diffusive resistance, when these trees were cultivated without water restrictions.