不同种植方式麦田生态效应研究

试验研究2个小麦品种“烟农19”和“95(6)161”不同种植方式麦田生态效应结果表明,垄作栽培可显著降低耕作层土壤容重,提高土壤孔隙度,更适宜小麦根系生长。土壤呼吸强度垄作栽培20~40cm土层>平作栽培20~40cm土层>垄作栽培0~20cm土层和平作栽培0~20cm土层。相同灌水量垄作栽培渗入深层土壤中的水分显著高于平作,2个小麦品种垄作栽培水分利用效率分别为1·62kg/m3和1·56kg/m3,较传统平作栽培分别提高21·8%和16·4%。垄作栽培小麦群体内空气湿度较平作栽培降低3·5%~15·5%,同一品种不同种植方式群体透光率均为垄作栽培>平作栽培。且小麦籽粒光能利用率提高10·0%~13·2%,总干物质产量光能利用率提高10·3%~10·8%。     

核麦间作系统小气候效应及其对小麦产量的影响

利用KS4000手持气象站和SUNSCAN冠层分析系统,测定了核桃一小麦间作系统的田间小气候,并以单作田小麦为对照,对间作小麦的产量及其构成因素进行分析。结果表明,相对于单作田,核麦间作系统明显降低了小麦冠层的风速和温度,增大了小麦冠层的相对湿度,但核麦间作系统也明显降低了小麦冠层顶部入射的光合有效辐射量和冠层截获的光合有效辐射量;核麦间作系统小麦的生物量、穗粒数、穗粒重、收获指数、公顷穗数、千粒重和产量均显著低于单作系统（P〈0．05）。可见,虽然核麦间作系统在一定程度上改善了田间小气候,但由于核桃树对小麦遮荫作用较大,光合有效辐射透过率较低,导致了间作小麦产量的显著降低（P〈0．05）。因此,通过对核麦间作复合群体中主要气象因素变化特点的探讨,找出影响小麦生长的主要原因,有利于采取相应的栽培调控措施,优化间作群体结构。     

施用硫肥对冬小麦光合生理特性及产量的影响

在田间条件下,连续两年通过不同硫肥处理对多穗型小麦品种豫麦49和重穗型小麦品种豫麦66的光合特性和产量性状影响进行了系统研究。结果表明,施用硫肥对提高群体光合速率(CAP)、旗叶净光合速率(Pn)、叶绿素(Chl)含量以及硝酸还原酶(NR)活性等方面有重要作用,但不同硫肥处理之间,不同小麦品种之间存在差异。本研究结果还表明,不同的硫肥处理对提高两种穗型冬小麦产量有差异,且对产量构成因素也有不同的影响。比较硫肥不同处理对两种小麦品种光合生理特性及产量的调控作用以及投入成本来看,在目前高产田养分供应条件下,两品种均以基施S120 kg/hm2效果相对较优。     

宽行垄作增强苗期淹水夏玉米光合和抗倒性提高产量

为探明苗期淹水夏玉米对不同种植方式的响应规律,在大田条件下,以先玉335为材料,设置传统平作和宽行垄作两种种植方式,分别进行正常水分处理(模拟不淹水年型)和淹水处理(模拟淹水年型),分析了传统平作和宽行垄作两种种植方式对苗期淹水夏玉米光合特性和抗倒性能以及产量的影响。结果表明:淹水年型下,宽行垄作功能叶SPAD值和光合速率恢复至不淹水年型水平与传统平作相比提前了10 d,宽行垄作与传统平作相比在淹水年型下可以快速改善夏玉米功能叶光合能力。淹水年型下,宽行垄作叶面积在淹水后15 d即可恢复至不淹水年型水平,而传统平作至淹水后30 d仍不能恢复至不淹水年型水平,宽行垄作与传统平作相比在淹水年型下提供了更大的绿色光合面积。淹水年型下,传统平作第3节间茎粗、刺穿强度和弯折强度等抗倒指标显著变差,两年平均值比不淹水年型分别降低了20.1%、16.1%和20.0%;宽行垄作第3节间抗倒指标在两种水分年型下差异不显著;同一水分年型下,两种种植方式抗倒性能差异不显著。淹水年型下,宽行垄作空秆率和千粒质量显著低于传统平作,两年平均值分别降低了21.5%和5.7%。传统平作淹水年型下穗粒数显著低于不淹水年型(P0.05),两年平均值降低了11.3%;宽行垄作在两种水分年型下穗粒数差异不显著,宽行垄作较传统平作可以获得相对稳定的穗粒数。与不淹水年型相比,淹水年型下传统平作和宽行垄作均显著减产(P0.05),两年减产平均值分别为1 349.6和547.3 kg/hm2,但无论淹水与否,宽行垄作产量均不低于传统平作;淹水年型下,传统平作减产率显著高于宽行垄作(P0.05),两年分别高14.1%和6.8%,宽行垄作稳产性更好。研究结果可以为涝害易发生地区夏玉米高产稳产栽培提供理论依据和技术支持。     

冬小麦阴阳叶光合特性的差异研究

利用LI-6400R便携式光合测定系统测定了冬小麦不同生育期的光响应曲线,并将植株分为阴阳叶,观测其不同叶位叶片的光合速率及相关因子日变化。结果表明：冬小麦最大光合速率出现在孕穗期,光响应曲线模拟值与实测值有很好的一致性。光合有效辐射是造成阴阳叶光合速率及其他生理因子差异的主要原因。阳叶在高光强时表现出“午休”现象,而阴叶受光合有效辐射限制,光合速率偏低。不同时期冠层内植株叶片水分利用效率均自下而上增大,且阴阳叶之间差异较大。     

水稻灌浆期群体光能截获与利用分析

对直立穗型和弯曲穗型水稻品种灌浆期群体光能截获与利用情况测定分析的结果表明:不同穗型水稻群体的光截获在南北行向上存在明显差异,东西行向差异不显著;直立穗型南北行向群体光垂直递减率明显小于弯曲穗型,但漏光损失较多;各群体的冠层光反射均随水稻生育期的发展而增大,品种之间差异明显;各群体的地表漏射在行向间差异明显,品种间差异不大。     

不同时期小麦主栽品种冠层结构研究

研究表明,不同时期小麦主栽品种的冠层结构是不同的,当前品种鲁麦１４株高比５０、６０年代品种碧蚂１号和２号显著降低,上部节间相对较长,穗下节间构成指数Ｉ１值较大鲁麦１４冠层叶片长宽比值较碧蚂１号,济南２号低,旗叶倾角较大,上部叶片消光系数Ｋ较小,下部叶片受光状态较好,使抽穗开花后绿色叶面积下降速度减慢,故鲁麦１４较碧蚂１号和济南２号有一个较长时间的高光合期。对今后如何进一步改善品种的冠层结构与光合性     

典型干旱指数在黄河源区的适宜性评估

光线分布和叶片光合特征在冠层内部具有极强的时空异质性,基于三维冠层模型的玉米光合模型是精确评估品种高光效的重要手段。该研究将作物三维冠层模型、光线分布模型、光合模型与光能利用模型相耦合,建立了玉米冠层光合生产模型3DMaizeCaP,设置3个不同株型的玉米品种（矮单268、京科968和郑单958）,2种不同光照条件（晴天和阴天）,通过大田试验与模型模拟研究揭示了玉米冠层光合速率和光能利用效率对品种和环境的响应。结果表明,矮单268、京科968和郑单958的叶片最大光合速率和暗呼吸速率均随节位下降呈线性降低的垂直分布规律,各品种中矮单268的最大光合速率最大,而暗呼吸速率最小;冠层净光合速率日变化趋势明显,矮单268在阴天和晴天下的冠层最大净光合速率（以CO2计）为21.6和26.2 μmol/(m2·s),均显著（P<0.05）高于京科968（20.8和24.9 μmol/(m2·s)）和郑单958（19.6和24.4 μmol/(m2·s)）;矮单268的日CO2净同化量在阴天和晴天下均显著（P<0.05）高于郑单958,增幅分别高达14.8%和12.4%,各品种间株型虽有显著差异（P<0.05）,但冠层日累积光截获并无显著差异（P>0.05）;单叶尺度上,各叶片中第16节位的单叶日净同化量达到最大;矮单268的光能利用效率最大,在阴天和晴天下分别为3.22和3.03 g/MJ,比京科968分别高4.5%和5.6%,比郑单958分别高7.7%和7.8%;初始光量子效率对玉米冠层光能利用效率的敏感性显著高于最大光合速率（P<0.05）。从提高玉米冠层光能利用效率考虑,建议设计株型紧凑、叶片光合性能强的玉米品种。研究可为定量研究玉米冠层光合速率提供估算方法,也可为高光效品种选育提供评价依据和鉴定技术。     

基于三维冠层模型的玉米光合作用和光能利用模拟

光线分布和叶片光合特征在冠层内部具有极强的时空异质性,基于三维冠层模型的玉米光合模型是精确评估品种高光效的重要手段。该研究将作物三维冠层模型、光线分布模型、光合模型与光能利用模型相耦合,建立了玉米冠层光合生产模型3DMaizeCaP,设置3个不同株型的玉米品种（矮单268、京科968和郑单958）,2种不同光照条件（晴天和阴天）,通过大田试验与模型模拟研究揭示了玉米冠层光合速率和光能利用效率对品种和环境的响应。结果表明,矮单268、京科968和郑单958的叶片最大光合速率和暗呼吸速率均随节位下降呈线性降低的垂直分布规律,各品种中矮单268的最大光合速率最大,而暗呼吸速率最小;冠层净光合速率日变化趋势明显,矮单268在阴天和晴天下的冠层最大净光合速率（以CO2计）为21.6和26.2 μmol/(m2·s),均显著（P<0.05）高于京科968（20.8和24.9 μmol/(m2·s)）和郑单958（19.6和24.4 μmol/(m2·s)）;矮单268的日CO2净同化量在阴天和晴天下均显著（P<0.05）高于郑单958,增幅分别高达14.8%和12.4%,各品种间株型虽有显著差异（P<0.05）,但冠层日累积光截获并无显著差异（P>0.05）;单叶尺度上,各叶片中第16节位的单叶日净同化量达到最大;矮单268的光能利用效率最大,在阴天和晴天下分别为3.22和3.03 g/MJ,比京科968分别高4.5%和5.6%,比郑单958分别高7.7%和7.8%;初始光量子效率对玉米冠层光能利用效率的敏感性显著高于最大光合速率（P<0.05）。从提高玉米冠层光能利用效率考虑,建议设计株型紧凑、叶片光合性能强的玉米品种。研究可为定量研究玉米冠层光合速率提供估算方法,也可为高光效品种选育提供评价依据和鉴定技术。     

夏玉米垄作覆盖对农田土壤水分及其利用影响

在小麦-玉米1年两熟雨养旱农区，将垄作和秸秆覆盖技术结合起来，进一步提高天然降雨的利用效率。试验结果表明，在0～40cm土层含水量，夏玉米垄作覆盖较平作有显著的提高，以5～10cm表现尤为突出，随着土层的加深，这种差异逐渐减少；玉米冠层蒸发量平作平均值分别高于平作覆盖、垄作和垄作覆盖12．8％，7．6％和13．2％，地面蒸发量平作平均值分别高于平作覆盖、垄作和垄作覆盖48．6％，29．9％和54．3％；垄作覆盖比平作水分利用效率提高24．32％，叶片失水率较低。这说明了垄作覆盖能最大程度将天然降雨蓄存在土中，并转化为作物可用水资源。     

低氮和干旱胁迫对富士和秦冠生长及氮素利用的影响

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

Pasture Vegetation Elemental Analysis by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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