Chemical and Microbiological <Emphasis Type="Italic">in situ</Emphasis> Characterization of Benthic Communities in Sediments with Different Contamination Levels

Background  River sediments are natural habitats of complex bacterial and fungal communities and therefore play a decisive role in the mineralization process of organic matter in freshwater systems. By means of comparative temporal and spatial analyses of microbial communities, the in situ impact of anthropogenically generated pollutants on these biofilm associations can be assessed and discriminated from seasonal variations. Aim  The aim was the adaptation of hybridization with fluorescently labelled rRNA-targeted oligonucleotides (FISH) for the in situ characterization of the structural and functional diversity of native microbial communities in complex lotic sediments. The impact of qualitatively and quantitatively different water pollutants on the microbial diversity, metabolic potential, and relative abundance of characteristic bacterial groups was assessed by oligonucleotide probes on different phylogenetic levels. In particular, sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) were investigated to evaluate their potential applicability as microbial biomonitors in sediments. Methods  Sediment samples from the German lowland rivers Elbe and Oder were investigated over 12 months with regard to physico-chemical parameters and the composition of the attached microbial communities. Mechanical treatment including ultrasonification and sagitation under aerobic conditions combined with the use of pyrophosphate ensured the equal dispersion of fixed microbial cells within the sediment samples. The optimized whole-sediment FISH-technique was combined with an improved cell extraction procedure and applied, due to the specific grain size fraction distribution, at the different sampling sites. Resultsand discussion  Up to 85.6% of the total bacterial cell counts as determined by DAPI (4’, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) staining could be successfully monitored by the eubacterial oligonucleotide probe set EUB338, EUB338-II and EUB338-III, simultaneously indicating a high proportion of Eubacteria and the high metabolic potential of the bacterial community. Desulfobacteriaceae could be detected by the specific probe SRB385Db in various relative percentages ranging from 2.4 to 16.0% of the total bacterial cell counts. The total number of bacteria and the metabolic potential of sediment related bacteria were barely affected by the different pollution pattern of the sampling sites. Conclusions  The pre-treatment step as conducted by cell extraction as well as the FISH hybridization procedure was successfully optimized to the specific conditions present within freshwater sediments. Beside seasonal variations, particularly occurring at hydrologically influenced sites, sampling sites with different pol lution levels could be successfully distinguished by the relative abundance of Desulfobacteriaceae used as microbial indicator organisms. Outlook  The integration of ongoing insights into pollution induced changes of natural bacterial consortia should result in a system of ecotoxicological classes representing the different ecological status of riverine systems. Physiological directed methods like Community Level Physiological Profiling (CLPP) or Pollution Induced Community Tolerance (PICT), and structural techniques as FISH or microarrays should be used to investigate the influence of harmful substances on the biodiversity in natural microbial sediment communities.     

底土胁迫效应与植物根系的适应性

系统分析了底土的物理、化学和生物特性及养分资源状况，阐述了底土对植物根系生长的直接和间接影响，探讨了植物根系生长对底土性质的影响，明确了底土改良方法主要包括常规方法和生物学改良方法，讨论了植物根系的生物穿孔效应对底土的改良作用及其影响因素，指出利用植物对底土环境胁迫的适应性和抗逆能力，采用遗传工程技术选育抗性品种，是持续改良底土的有效方法。研究底土胁迫效应及植物的适应性对合理开发底土资源，提高农业生产潜力，发展可持续农业具有重要意义。     

Study the Effects of Siderophore-Producing Bacteria on Zinc and Phosphorous Nutrition of Canola and Maize Plants

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are soil bacteria that are able to colonize rhizosphere and to enhance plant growth by means of a wide variety of mechanisms. In the present study, Myristica yunnanensis and Stenotrophomonas chelatiphaga strains were recognized as new records in Iran flora. According to the results, these strains significantly affected plants’ zinc and phosphorous contents which could be due to the production of phytosiderophore. Siderophore-producing bacteria increased canola zinc (Zn) content as strategy-I plant, while in maize, it can be said that probably the effect of phytosiderophore produced by plant on increasing root and shoot Zn content was more than siderophore produced by bacteria. These isolates could be used as bio-input for improving the plant productivity as a substitute to chemical fertilizers and also to correct the nutrient deficiencies in canola and maize for sustainable agriculture.     

UV-TiO2 Photocatalytic Degradation of Landfill Leachate

Mature landfill leachate contains some macromolecular organic substances that are resistant to biodegradation. The photocatalytic process helps to enhance biodegradability of landfill leachate. Batch experiments were employed to determine the optimum conditions for removal of organic matter by UV-TiO₂ photocatalysis. Under optimum conditions, the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), biological oxygen demand (BOD), and color was determined. Moreover, gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to analyze the organic matter in the treated leachate before and after treatment by the photocatalysis. The experimental results indicated that the removal of COD, DOC, and color by UV-TiO₂ photocatalysis could reach above 60%, 70% and 97%, respectively. Under optimal conditions, the ratio of biological oxygen demand (BOD)/chemical oxygen demand (COD) was elevated from 0.09 to 0.39, representing substantial improvement in biodegradability. GC/MS analysis revealed that 37 out of 72 kinds of organic pollutants in the leachate remained after 72 h treatment. Esters were produced during photocatalytic process and ketones, hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, hydroxybenzenes, and acids were easier to be degraded during photocatalytic oxidation processes. The UV-TiO₂ photocatalysis systems proposed may be a cost-effective approach for pre-treatment of landfill leachate.     

Effects of earthworms and ryegrass on respiratory and enzyme activities of soil

The effects of earthworms (Allolobophora caliginosa (Savigny)) and ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) on the respiratory and enzyme activities of the subsoil of Judgeford silt loam, from which 15 cm of topsoil had been removed, were studied in a glasshouse pot trial over some 13 months. Treatments were subsoil alone, subsoil + ryegrass, subsoil + earthworms, and subsoil + earthworms + ryegrass; activities were assessed every 4 months.In subsoil alone, oxygen uptakes and xylanase, urease, phosphatase, and sulphatase activities declined, but invertase activity increased, during the trial. The presence of earthworms resulted in increased oxygen uptakes, and cellulase and sulphatase activities at some samplings.Generally, the presence of ryegrass enhanced all of the biochemical activities. The additional presence of earthworms further stimulated the activities of invertase, amylase, urease, and phosphatase.Earthworms therefore stimulate biochemical activities and nutrient cycling, and thereby contribute to the restoration of pasture productivity after topsoil removal.     

CANOLA OIL PRODUCTION AND NUTRIENT UPTAKE AS AFFECTED BY PHOSPHATE SOLUBILIZING AND SULFUR OXIDIZING BACTERIA

Canola (Brassica napus L.) is a very important agricultural and industrial crop. Hence, the effects of chemical and biological treatments on canola oil production and nutrient uptake, under calcareous conditions, were evaluated in a field experiment. Phosphorus (P) fertilizer and sulfur (S)-oxidizing bacteria (Thiobacillus sp.) increased canola oil production by a maximum of 548 and 335 kg ha^?1, respectively. P-solubilizing bacteria (Bacillus sp.) and Thiobacillus sp. enhanced the uptake of different nutrients including nitrogen (N), P, potassium (K), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn). Monthly measurements of soil P indicated that soil P fluctuations can be managed using the applied treatments for proper P fertilization in canola production. The results indicated the important role of chemical and biological (Bacillus sp.) P sources and S-oxidizing bacteria for canola growth and oil production as they resulted in significant increase in canola oil production and nutrient uptake. This can be very beneficial for the farmers and industry.     

Pseudomonas putida improved soil enzyme activity and growth of kasumbha under low input of mineral fertilizers

Effective management of the nutrients and enzyme activity in the soil is necessary for maximum crop growth and productivity. However, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers (CFs) not only adversely affects the soil nutrient status and soil physicochemical properties but also aids pollution to the ecosystem. The objective of present study was to investigate the effect of single as well as combined applications of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and agrochemicals on important soil enzyme activities and their impact on the growth of kasumbha (safflower). Pseudomonas putida (P. putida;10⁶ cells/mL) was applied as seed inoculation prior to sowing, and CFs were applied as full, half, and quarter doses during sowing to modulate the growth of kasumbha host plants. P. putida in combination with half dose of CFs (PH) increased the soil urease and phosphatase activities, while P. putida combined with quarter dose of CFs (PQ) augmented the soil invertase activities. Moreover, the PQ treatment exhibited the maximum colony-forming units of P. putida. Leaf chlorophyll, carotenoids, protein contents, and root lengths were increased by PH treatment. Whereas, shoot length and leaf area were improved by PH and PQ treatments, respectively. Leaf protease activity was enhanced by P. putida in combination with full dose of CFs and PQ treatments, while leaf phosphate contents were significantly improved by PQ treatment. It can be concluded that P. putida in combination with half as well as quarter doses of CFs is a promising approach for the improvement of soil enzyme activities and growth of kasumbha and replacing 50% of the use of CFs.     

Leaching of genetically modified Pseudomonas fluorescens through intact soil microcosms: Influence of soil type

Summary The leaching of a genetically modified Pseudomonas fluorescens through soil was investigated using intact (undisturbed) soil microcosms over a 2-month period. The microcosms comprised large cylindrical cores of three contrasting soil types (a loamy sand, a sandy loam, and a clay loam) supporting a grass/clover sward. Late log-phase cells of Pseudomonas fluorescens containing lux genes encoding for bioluminescence were applied to the surface of the soil cores. Eighteen hours after application of the inocula, the microcosms were subjected to simulated rain events (9 mm per event) at 3-day intervals and leachates were analysed for the concentration of genetically modified bacteria. The lux-modified pseudomonads were detected immediately in leachate from the clay looam with a steady decline in the concentration of cells with time. Leaching of pseudomonads from the sandy loam and loamy sand only occurred over a few rain events and total recoveries from the leachate were lower than from the clay loam. Leaching patterns are discussed in relation to differences in structure of topsoil and subsoil, which determine the pathways of water flow, and to the matric potential at inoculation, which determines the pore-size classes into which cells were first introduced.     

Vertical distribution of soil properties under short‐rotation forestry in Northern Germany

Short‐rotation forestry (SRF) on arable soils has high potentials for biomass production and leads to long‐term no‐tillage management. In the present study, the vertical distributions of soil chemical and microbial properties after 15 y of SRF with willows and poplar (Salix and Populus spp.) in 3‐ and 6‐year rotations on an arable soil were measured and compared to a pertinent tilled arable site. Two transects at different positions in the relief (upper and lower slope; transect 1 and 2) were investigated. Short‐rotation forestry caused significant changes in the vertical distribution of all investigated soil properties (organic and microbial C, total and microbial N, soil enzyme activities), however, the dimension and location (horizons) of significant effects varied. The rotation periods affected the vertical distribution of the soil properties within the SRF significantly. In transect 1, SRF had higher organic‐C concentrations in the subsoil (Bv horizon), whereas in transect 2, the organic‐C concentrations were increased predominantly in the topsoil (Ah horizon). Sufficient plant supply of P and K in combination with decreased concentrations of these elements in the subsoil under SRF pointed to an effective nutrient mobilization and transfer from the deeper soil horizons even in the long term. In transect 1, the microbial‐C concentrations were higher in the B and C horizons and in transect 2 in the A horizons under SRF than under arable use. The activities of β‐glucosidases and acid phosphatases in the soil were predominantly lower under SRF than under arable use in the topsoil and subsoil. We conclude, that long‐term SRF on arable sites can contribute to increased C sequestration and changes in the vertical distribution of soil microbial biomass and soil enzyme activities in the topsoil and also in the subsoil.     

Exceptional forage regrowth,nodulation and nitrogenase activity of kudzu (Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohivi) grown on eroded Dougherty loam subsoil

Kudzu (Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohivi) is a hardy, perennial deciduous legume and a high protein, preferred forage for all livestock and poultry. However, when underutilized for pasturage, Kudzu's unrestricted, robust climbing vine development is impressive to highway travelers throughout the southeastern United States. Kudzu was effectively utilized for erosion control and soil improvement following introduction to the U.S. from Japan in 1876. Unique characteristics include distinctive nodulation with high nitrogenase activity levels, rapid regrowth of pastured foliage, profuse xylem transport of ureide components adjunctive to nitrogen fixation, and the very useful characteristic of vigorous, productive adaptiveness to eroded, low fertility soils. The objective of this study was to determine plant nutrient interactions influencing Kudzu regrowth, nodulation, nodule histology, and xylem exudate components. Available soil phosphorus within eroded, Dougherty loam subsoil was the limiting plant nutrient for Kudzu growth, nodulation and nitrogenase activity. Significant increases with K and Ca only resulted when combined with P fertilization. Distinctive nodule morphology includes prominent mesothelial sclerenchyma closely associated with high levels of ureide synthates. Vigorous regrowth, nodulation and nitrogenase activity levels of Kudzu occurred with 30 day interval clipping. Profuse xylem exudate of clipped stems provided quantitative determinations of nodule ureide transformation and transport components. Governing enzyme associations for glyoxylate transition were determined with improved, precise histology and specific cytological compartmentative polystain techniques.     

Injection of chemical amendments into compacted subsoils. I. Sorghum

Abstract

A tillage system, ‘slit‐till’, has been developed that modifies plowpans and permits root penetration and proliferation into subsoil horizons. Slit‐till also provides a means of placing nutrients into subsoil zones where roots are concentrated. Greenhouse studies determined the effects of calcium nitrate, calcium phosphate, ammonium phosphate, ammonium nitrate, and dolomitic limestone on grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] shoot and root development in a compacted layer of acid subsoil (pH 4.3), subject to a slit‐till treatment, and on chemical properties of soil adjacent to the injection site. Cylinders were prepared by layering A and B horizons of a Marvyn loamy sand (fine‐loamy, siliceous, thermic, Typic Hapludult) to form 56 cm of subsoil and 10 cm of topsoil in polyvinylchloride (PVC) tubing (20 × 66 cm). A 6‐cm‐thick hardpan (bulk density 1760 Mg.m^‐3) was created at the top of the subsoil layer. The amendments, 500 μg/g of dolomitic limestone and 15 μg/g each of the other amendments, were injected into a 10 × 10 × 0.4 cm slit. Sorghum shoots and roots were harvested 49 days after plant emergence. Plant height was increased 15% by calcium nitrate, calcium phosphate, ammonium phosphate, and dolomitic limestone, but decreased 15% by ammonium nitrate. Twenty‐nine percent of the roots for the check occurred in the subsoil, but this increased to 49% with ammonium phosphate. Soil pH was increased and exchangeable aluminum was decreased by the dolomitic limestone up to 12 mm from point of injection.     

氮肥对稻田土壤反硝化细菌群落结构和丰度的影响

以氮肥田间定位试验为研究对象,利用PCR-DGGE(聚合酶链反应变性梯度凝胶电泳)和荧光定量PCR(real-time PCR)技术,通过对反硝化细菌nirS基因的检测,分析了定位试验第2年稻田反硝化细菌群落结构和丰度的变化。DGGE图谱及依据其条带位置和亮度数字化数值进行的主成分分析(PCA)结果均显示:在氮肥定位试验第2年,与不施肥对照(CK)比较,在水稻各个生育期(分蘖期、齐穗期和成熟期)内,施用氮肥[150kg(N)·hm-2]的稻田根层土或表土中的反硝化细菌群落结构均无明显变化;且稻田根层土或表土中的反硝化细菌群落结构在水稻各个生育期间也均无明显差异。荧光定量PCR结果显示,在水稻生长发育过程中,施用氮肥的稻田根层土或表土中的反硝化细菌nirS基因拷贝数始终显著(P<0.05)高于其对应的不施肥对照。此外,无论施用氮肥与否,根层土中的反硝化细菌nirS基因拷贝数在水稻成熟期时都会显著(P<0.05)降低;但表土中的nirS基因拷贝数在水稻各生育期间无明显变化;且水稻成熟期时施用氮肥和不施肥的稻田表土中nirS基因拷贝数都显著(P<0.05)高于根层土。同时,与对照比较施用氮肥可促进水稻增产44%。研究表明,短期定位试验中施用氮肥能够显著提高稻田土壤反硝化细菌的丰度,但对其群落结构没有明显影响。     

Effect of mineral fertilizer,pig manure,and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Azospirillum rugosum</Emphasis> on growth and nutrient contents of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lactuca sativa</Emphasis> L.

Benefits from the application of plant growth-promoting bacteria in agriculture largely depend on the complex interactions between several factors including the nature of fertilizers selected. This study was designed to determine the fine tuning between the inoculated bacteria and different fertilizers and their effect on the growth of lettuce plants (Lactuca sativa L.). Plant growth promotion by a novel species of the genus Azospirillum, namely A. rugosum IMMIB AFH-6, was tested by biochemical, bioassay, and greenhouse studies. The treatments used in the greenhouse study were; unfertilized control (Blank), half recommended dose of chemical fertilizer (1/2CF), full recommended dose of chemical fertilizer (1CF), pig manure fertilizer (PMF), pig manure fertilizer + half recommended dose of chemical fertilizer (PMF + 1/2CF), and pig manure fertilizer + full recommended dose of chemical fertilizer (PMF + 1CF). All these treatments when inoculated with A. rugosum IMMIB AFH-6 inoculation were, respectively, In-Blank, In-1/2CF, In-1CF, In-PMF, In-PMF + 1/2CF, and In-PMF + 1CF. Significant increase in plant biomass and shoot N, P, Ca, and Fe was shown in the In-Blank treatment. Plant growth in soil amended with PMF and A. rugosum IMMIB AFH-6 was significantly lower than in soil treated with the chemical fertilizer, but inoculation combined with chemical fertilizer significantly elevated the plant biomass. The In-PMF + 1/2CF treatment showed the highest yield. A. rugosum IMMIB AFH-6 facilitated the accumulation of trace minerals in higher concentrations when PMF was combined with 1CF. To examine the benefits of inoculation by A. rugosum IMMIB AFH-6, we have proposed a new type of data analysis which considers both biomass and nutrient content of plants. This new type of analysis has shown the importance of the mineral content of plant.     

Subsoil compaction effects on crops in Punjab, Pakistan:II. Root growth and nutrient uptake of wheat and sorghum

Crop yields can be reduced by soil compaction due to increased resistance to root growth, and decrease in water and nutrient use efficiencies. A field experiment was conducted during 1997–1998 and 1998–1999 on a sandy clay loam (fine-loamy, mixed, hyperthermic Typic Haplargids, USDA; Luvic Yermosol, FAO) to study subsoil compaction effects on root growth, nutrient uptake and chemical composition of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench). Soil compaction was artificially created once at the start of the study. The 0.00–0.15 m soil was manually removed with a spade. The exposed layer was compacted with a mechanical compactor from 1.65 Mg m⁻³ (control plot) to a bulk density of 1.93 Mg m⁻³ (compacted plot). The topsoil was then again replaced above the compacted subsoil and levelled. Both compacted and control plots were hoed manually and levelled. Root length density, measured at flowering stage, decreased markedly with compaction during 1997–1998 but there was little effect during 1998–1999. The reduction in nutrient uptake by wheat due to compaction of the subsoil was 12–35% for N, 17–27% for P and up to 24% for K. The reduction in nutrient uptake in sorghum due to subsoil compaction was 23% for N, 16% for P, and 12% for K. Subsoil compaction increased N content in wheat grains in 1997–1998, but there was no effect on P and K contents of grains and N and P content of wheat straw or sorghum stover. During 1997–1998, K content of wheat straw was statistically higher in control treatment compared with compacted treatment. In 1998, P-content of sorghum leaves was higher in compacted treatment than uncompacted control. Root length density of wheat below 0.15 m depth was significantly reduced and was significantly and negatively correlated with soil bulk density. Therefore, appropriate measures such as periodic chiselling, controlled traffic, conservation tillage, and incorporating of crops with deep tap root system in rotation cycle is necessary to minimize the risks of subsoil compaction.     

Organic matter of subsoil horizons under broadleaved forest: Highly processed or labile and plant-derived?

Between 30 and 63% of the soil organic matter (SOM) is stored below 30 cm, making subsoil-SOM an important source and sink in the global carbon cycle. Nevertheless, detailed information on the composition of subsoil-SOM remains scarce. This study aims to evaluate the chemical composition of SOM in topsoil and subsoil horizons in broadleaved forests on acid loamy soils. Six sites were chosen in Northern Belgium under beech, oak and hybrid poplar, on Gleysols, Umbrisols, Cambisols and Albeluvisols on loamy Quaternary deposits. Analytical pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (pyrolysis–GC/MS) was performed on the dialyzed alkaline extract, which represents between 41 and 90% of the total organic carbon for the selected sites. All extracts show a significant shift in chemical composition between the topsoil and the subsoil. While topsoil-SOM mainly differs according to input and nutrient status, subsoil-SOM shows high relative amounts of alkanes and alkenes or polysaccharides for coarse and fine textured soils respectively. Lignins, lignin-derived phenols or aromatics were not major contributors to subsoil-SOM, regardless of soil type. Furthermore, results show that very labile plant-derived molecules are present in the subsoil, i.e. long-chain aliphatics and (cellulose-derived) anhydrosugars. The organic matter signature of the subsoil samples was evaluated for typical indications of fresh material, decay, podzolisation and anaerobic processes, and indicates root input and stabilization of certain labile plant-derived compounds against microbial decay to be important in the subsoil.     

Impact of Prior Physico-Chemical Treatment on the Clogging Process of Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetlands: Model-Based Evaluation

The objective of this study was to check the effect of the use of a physico-chemical treatment on the clogging process of horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands by means of dynamic modelling. The hydraulic submodel was based on series as well as parallel branched complete stirred tanks of equal volume. The model was validated with data obtained from 2 identical experimental wetlands, which had a surface area of 0.54 m² and a water depth of 0.30 m, and that were monitored over a period of 5 months. One of the wetlands was fed with settled urban wastewater, whereas the other with the same wastewater, but previously treated with a physico-chemical treatment. In the model, pore volume reduction depends on the growth of bacteria and on solids retained. The effluent concentrations of COD and ammonium in both experimental wetlands were very similar in all the conditions tested, and therefore the physico-chemical treatment did not improve the removal efficiency. The model indicated that after 120 days of operation in some regions of the wetland fed with settled wastewater the porosity decreased in a 17%, whereas in the other wetlands it only decreased as much as 6%. The use of a prior physico-chemical treatment is a good alternative for avoiding an anticipated clogging of subsurface flow constructed wetlands.     

Abundance of ammonia oxidizing microbes and denitrifiers in different soil horizons of an agricultural soil in relation to the cultivated crops

The role of subsoils and their microbial communities for the nutrient supply for plants is to a large extent unknown, especially in comparison to well investigated topsoil layers. Therefore, in this study, the influence of three different plant species with different rooting systems and different N uptake strategies on ammonium and nitrate levels and microbial communities involved in ammonia oxidation and denitrification was investigated in different soil horizons. Overall, our results show a higher genetic potential for both processes in topsoils than in subsoils independent of the present plant. Although we found accumulation of N in top and subsoils in plots with legumes, we could not observe an impact of the higher nitrate content on the genetic potential of denitrification and ammonia oxidation. However, differences in the ratios of ammonia oxidizing archaea to bacteria and also between denitrifying bacteria harboring genes for copper- (nirK) or cytochrome- (nirS) dependent nitrite reductase in top and subsoil samples reveal different ecophysiologies of microbes involved in N turnover in top and subsoil habitats.     

The effects of leaching surface‐applied amendments on subsoil aluminum and alfalfa growth in a Louisiana Ultisol

Abstract

A greenhouse leaching column study was conducted to compare the effects of surface‐applied langbeinite (LB), phosphogypsum (PG), Ca‐ silicate slag (SS), and calcitic lime (CL) on subsoil Al and growth of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. ‘Florida 77') in Toula silt loam soil (Typic Fragiudult). Langbeinite was found to be more effective than PG in the reduction of subsoil exchangeable Al, apparently through SO₄ ^2‐‐induced Al precipitation. This study demonstrated that high exchangeable Al levels are not always indicative of Al toxicity in the soil solution phase. The primary factors limiting alfalfa growth in the Toula soil were found to be surface soil pH and Mn toxicity rather than subsoil Al toxicity. The liming materials, SS and CL, effectively corrected the surface soil Mn and pH problems, but had no effect on subsoil chemical properties.     

Response of nectarines to organic fertilization under the rain-fed ecosystem of Northwest Himalayas

The comparative efficacy of organic sources on cropping behavior, nutrient dynamics, physico-chemical and biological properties of soil and fruit quality under rain-fed agroecosystem on “Silver King” nectarines was investigated. Bio-organic nutrients, namely vermi-compost (VC), biofertilizer (BF), farmyard manure (FYM), compost (comp), vermiwash (VW) and cow urine (CU) were evaluated in 11 different treatment combinations. The treatment application of VC at 25 kg tree^?1, BF at 40 g tree^?1, FYM at 30 kg tree^?1, comp at 15 kg tree^?1, VW_1:10 and CU_1:10 significantly improved plant growth and fruit quality characteristics of nectarine trees. This superior combination also enhanced physico-chemical and biological properties of the rhizosphere soil when compared to control as conventional chemical fertilizer application nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) fertilizers. Different treatments of bio-organic sources changed pH of the soil to neutral. Available macronutrient contents of soil (viz. N, P, and K) increased by 57.8%, 27.7%, and 16.4%, respectively. Microbial biomass of soil fungi, total bacteria, actinobacteria, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improved 66.0%, 73.8%, 133.3% and 350.0%, respectively, over control. Considerably, a higher amount of leaf macronutrients, N (3.53%), P (0.23%), and K (3.2%), was also recorded over control.     

Effects of nutrient concentration on the biodegradation of crude oil and associated microbial populations in the soil

The influence of nutrient amendments on the biodegradation of a crude oil and on associated microbial populations in an agricultural soil was studied in microcosms during a 150-day experiment. Concentration and chemical composition of residual hydrocarbons (HC) were periodically monitored in series of polluted soils unfertilized and fertilized with increasing concentrations of nutrients. The decrease in HC concentration was effective in all soils over time. The maximal biodegradation extent was 62%, meanwhile the natural attenuation contributed to 47% of degradation. A permanent inhibition of hydrocarbons assimilation was recorded with a high input of nutrients. The biodegradation of saturates, aromatics and polars was respectively, permanently, temporally and not reduced by excessive fertilization in soil. Accumulation of polar metabolic by-products was demonstrated. Enumerations of total heterotrophic bacteria and hydrocarbon-adapted bacteria showed a strong stimulation in both populations. Maximum stimulation was observed with the highest input of nutrients. However, the extents of biodegradation were not concurrently improved, thus indicating that the microbial degraders were selected depending on the nutrient supply. The permanent and/or temporally inhibition of the saturated and unsaturated HC assimilation revealed that different nutrient supplies were optimum for the degradation of aliphatic and aromatic HC.