稻麦两熟条件下不同土壤耕作方式与秸秆还田效用分析

该文通过大田小区和网室水泥池微区的3年定位试验,比较研究了稻麦两熟条件下免耕秸秆覆盖、免耕高茬、翻耕秸秆还田(秸秆稻季翻埋麦季覆盖)、翻耕(对照,CK)4个处理对土壤理化性质和稻麦产量的影响,从土壤管理技术方面探讨了不同耕作方法与秸秆直接还田在稻麦两熟地区的应用效果。结果表明：免耕使土壤容重和穿透阻力增加,而秸秆还田可改善土壤结构,提高土壤养分含量,翻耕还田3年后土壤有机质、全氮、速效磷、速效钾含量比对照分别增加4.7%～13.0%、0%～10.6%、0.2%～10.6%、8.4%～15.5%。麦季秸秆还田的产量有增有减,实际产量免耕覆盖还田略低,对照的产量较高,秸秆还田平均减产1%左右;而水稻翻耕秸秆还田的产量最高,比对照平均增产3%左右。因此,在稻麦两熟条件下,从省工节本和提高地力角度可采用稻麦免耕秸秆覆盖与留高茬还田,从提高产量和地力角度宜采用稻季翻耕秸秆还田。     

不同耕作方式与秸秆还田周年生产力的综合评价(简报)

该文通过3 a的定位试验,比较研究了稻麦两熟条件下免耕套种秸秆覆盖、免耕套种高茬、翻耕秸秆还田、翻耕秸秆不还田（对照,CK）4个处理对周年生产力的影响。结果表明：免耕套种的小麦产量降低,水稻产量增加,年产量略降,翻耕秸秆还田具较高产量生产力。如考虑节省的秧田种植小麦,则免耕套种的稻麦年产量可与翻耕秸秆还田持平。经技术经济分析,采用稻麦免耕套种秸秆还田,具有明显的节本增收、提高活劳动净产率的效果,在稻麦周年产量不减的同时,比翻耕秸秆不还田处理增收1874.8元/hm2,增加18.0%,经济生产力最高。翻耕秸秆还田比不还田有一定的增产增收效果,如果考虑到耕地持续生产力,秸秆还田后所带来的土壤肥力效应和减少肥料用量,其增产增收效果更为明显。从高产、高效、可持续发展等方面,运用综合评分法对稻麦两熟制不同耕作栽培方式周年生产力综合评价,免耕套种秸秆还田得分最高,周年生产力最好,免耕套种高茬和翻耕秸秆还田居中,翻耕秸秆不还田得分最低,周年生产力最差。     

稻-油轮作下保护性耕作对土壤肥力的影响及评价

本文选取湖北省武穴市、荆州市和武汉市3个稻-油轮作长期定位试验点(试验时间分别为9年、5年和3年),通过连续监测土壤容重、孔隙度、p H、有机质、全氮、全钾、碱解氮、速效磷和速效钾等,研究在不同耕作年限和方式下,秸秆还田和免耕对水稻季(2015年10月)和油菜季(2016年5月)各土层(0~20 cm和20~40 cm)中土壤物理性质和养分的影响,并应用内梅罗指数法综合评价各土层土壤肥力水平,以探讨长期秸秆还田对土壤肥力的影响。结果表明:1)秸秆还田处理使水稻季和油菜季的土壤容重降低2.00%~16.54%,土壤总孔隙度增加1.00%~15.07%;而免耕处理下油菜季的变化与其相反,水稻季的变化不显著。2)秸秆还田处理增加了3个试验点0~20 cm土层中有机质(4.76%~35.07%)、全氮(1.80%~32.03%)、速效磷(20.95%~65.82%)、碱解氮(5.97%~37.00%)和速效钾(8.71%~133.04%)的含量,其中速效钾含量的增加幅度最高;免耕处理对土壤各养分的影响不显著,而在配施秸秆后,相对于其他处理,其对各养分的增加效果相对最好。各处理对20~40cm土层的影响与0~20 cm土层相似,但整体增加效果没有后者显著。3)各试验处理中,免耕+秸秆还田和施氮磷钾肥+秸秆还田两种处理增加各土层土壤综合肥力系数较大(7.56%~25.93%),它们对土壤肥力的提高效果相对较好。     

免耕留茬覆盖对旱作燕麦土壤养分及微生物量的影响

以旱作燕麦田为试验对象,设置免耕高留茬高覆盖、免耕低留茬高覆盖、免耕高留茬低覆盖、免耕低留茬低覆盖和常规耕作5个处理,研究了免耕留茬覆盖对土壤养分、微生物量及燕麦产量的影响。结果表明,免耕留茬覆盖各处理均能明显提高土壤0—10cm和10—20cm土层中土壤有机质、全量养分及速效养分含量,0—10cm土层各土壤养分含量均高于10—20cm土层;免耕留茬覆盖对土壤微生物碳、氮具有显著的提高作用,整个生育期抽穗期达到最大值,0—10cm土层土壤微生物量碳、氮均大于10—20cm土层,其中免耕高留茬高覆盖处理效果最佳;免耕留茬覆盖对0—10cm和10—20cm土壤微生物商有显著提高作用,免耕留茬覆盖处理间差异不显著;免耕留茬覆盖对燕麦产量影响显著,其中高留茬高覆盖处理产量最高,为2 111.4kg/hm~2,较常规耕作增产18.6%,产量总体表现为免耕高留茬高覆盖免耕低留茬高覆盖免耕高留茬低覆盖免耕低留茬低覆盖常规耕作。     

玉米秸秆覆盖冬小麦免耕播种对土壤微生物量碳的影响

土壤微生物量碳(SMBC)是土壤有机碳的一部分,在养分循环中起着重要作用.本研究目的在于揭示我国华北平原玉米秸秆覆盖冬小麦免耕对土壤微生物量碳的影响.4～5年的试验结果表明,不同耕作方式对农田SMBC含量的时空变异具有显著的影响.玉米秸秆覆盖免耕播种处理上层(0～10cm)的含量比下层(10～20cm)增加47.4%,而清茬翻耕和还田翻耕处理的含量在土壤中的分层不显著.不同的耕作方式的SMBC含量均随气温降低而减少.全年平均来看,在0～10咖土层,不同耕作方式的SMBC含量大小表现为覆免>还翻>清翻,在10～20cm土层则表现为还翻>覆免=清翻.整个耕层(0～20cm)表现为还翻>覆免>清翻.在气温较低时,覆盖免耕的SMBC含量比清茬翻耕和还田翻耕低.在土壤表层,不同耕作方式SMBC含量的稳定性大小表现为还翻>覆免>清翻;在下层,不同耕作方式之间差异不显著.     

保护性耕作对土壤养分分布及冬小麦吸收与分配的影响

通过田间试验研究了华北平原山前平原区不同耕作方式下土壤氮、磷、钾等养分分布及冬小麦吸收与分配变化和对产量的影响。试验设深翻耕秸秆还田(MC)、秸秆还田旋耕(X)、秸秆粉碎免耕(NC)和整秸覆盖免耕(NW) 4 种冬小麦播前土壤耕作方式。试验结果表明, 6 年的不同耕作处理对土壤养分分布及冬小麦吸收与分配有显著影响。秸秆还田旋耕可显著提高土壤表层(0~5 cm)有机质、全氮以及碱解氮、速效磷、速效钾含量,但随土壤深度增加, 提高效果呈逐渐下降趋势; 20~30 cm 土层土壤有机质、全氮和速效氮含量显著低于秸秆粉碎免耕处理。两种免耕模式(NC、NW)植株的全氮、全磷、全钾含量在苗期明显低于翻耕(MC)和旋耕(X)模式,在返青期差异最为显著。到拔节和扬花期, 免耕(NC、NW)植株的全氮、全磷、全钾含量与翻耕(MC)和旋耕(X)之间的差异逐渐减少, 并最终影响到籽粒养分的积累。     

科学耕作与留茬改良小麦-玉米两熟农田土壤物理性状及增产效果

为了探讨不同覆盖耕作方式对农田土壤物理性状及作物产量的影响,该试验研究了免耕、常规2种耕作方式和4种留茬高度的玉米秸秆还田处理,对麦-玉两熟农田土壤含水率、容重、孔隙度以及作物产量的影响。结果表明:在0～40cm土层内,秸秆还田的集雨和保水效果显著,免耕留茬0.5m还田处理的含水率比免耕无覆盖处理增加了15.95%。秸秆还田量对0～40cm内土壤贮水量的影响不同。耕作措施显著影响了土壤容重,小麦播种前常规留茬1m还田、常规全量还田处理容重低至1.0g/cm3左右。秸秆还田能增加土壤总孔隙度、降低毛管与非毛管孔隙度的比值。单一免耕处理降低了作物产量,而免耕覆盖能增产,其留茬1m还田处理比无还田处理增产22.44%,比常规留茬0.5m还田处理高3.64%。因此,免耕留茬1m还田处理在改善农田土壤物理性状和增加作物产量方面显著,该研究可为农田管理过程中耕作措施和秸秆还田量的选择提供参考依据。     

不同耕作方式与秸秆还田对稻田氮磷养分径流流失的影响

为明确自然降雨条件下稻田田面水氮磷养分径流流失特征,寻求秸秆还田和耕作方式结合下较为有效的减排农艺措施,通过田间试验研究自然降雨条件下不同耕作方式和秸秆还田对稻田田面水氮磷养分径流流失的影响。结果表明:秸秆还田处理较秸秆不还田处理更能够有效减少稻田氮磷养分径流流失总量;秸秆不还田条件下,翻耕、旋耕、免耕总氮径流流失量分别为6.78,8.50,11.09kg/hm2,总磷流失量分别为0.50,0.63,0.78kg/hm2;秸秆还田条件下,翻耕、旋耕、免耕总氮流失量分别为4.82,6.44,8.87kg/hm2,总磷流失量分别为0.39,0.51,0.70kg/hm2;整个稻季氮素径流流失率以免耕秸秆不还田为最高,达3.70%,翻耕秸秆还田为最低,仅为1.61%,磷素径流流失率也是免耕秸秆不还田最高,翻耕秸秆还田最低,分别为1.31%和0.65%。     

免耕和秸秆还田对潮土酶活性及微生物量碳氮的影响

利用中国科学院封丘农业生态实验站玉米-小麦轮作保护性耕作定位试验平台,研究了全翻耕（(T)、免耕（(NT)、全翻耕+秸秆还田（(TS)以及免耕+秸秆还田（(NTS)处理分别对田间0 ~ 10、10 ~ 20和20 ~ 30 cm土层酶活性及土壤微生物量碳、氮的影响。结果表明：①在0 ~ 10和10 ~ 20 cm土层内,土壤碱性磷酸酶、转化酶、脲酶、脱氢酶活性为免耕处理大于全翻耕处理,有秸秆还田处理大于无秸秆还田处理,以NTS处理最高,T处理最低;在20 ~ 30 cm土层中,土壤碱性磷酸酶、转化酶、脱氢酶活性免耕处理大于全翻耕处理,土壤碱性磷酸酶、转化酶、脲酶活性有秸秆还田处理大于无秸秆还田处理。②在0 ~10和10 ~ 20 cm土层内,土壤微生物量碳、氮均为免耕处理大于全翻耕处理,有秸秆还田处理大于无秸秆还田处理;在20 ~ 30 cm土层中,微生物量碳以NTS处理最高,微生物量氮以TS处理最高;③4种处理下的土壤酶活性和微生物量碳、氮均随着土层的加深而减少,且在各土层中差异达显著水平。     

不同秸秆还田方式对白浆土土壤养分及大豆产量的影响

为确定秸秆还田方式对白浆土土壤养分及作物产量的影响,试验设置了普通翻耕的对照处理以及秸秆覆盖还田、心土还田和秸秆焚烧的3种还田方式。3年的试验结果表明:在耕层部分(0~20 cm),普通翻耕处理区土壤氮素和有机质含量测定值最低,而土壤磷素和钾素含量最高;在白浆层(20~40 cm),秸秆心土还田处理的土壤碱解氮、全氮、有效磷、全磷和有机质含量最高;在淀积层(40~60 cm),不同秸秆还田方式,氮素、磷素和有机质含量变化差异较小,钾素表现为土壤下层含量比表层高。两年的数据显示秸秆心土还田处理大豆产量最高,说明秸秆心土还田对土壤地力提升效果明显,利于大豆增产。     

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.