Effects of NaCl concentration on the thermal conductivity of sand and glass beads with moisture contents at levels below field capacity

Abstract

Soil thermal conductivity is a key factor governing its thermal regime. In the present study, we measured the thermal conductivity of Toyoura sand and glass beads using a heat probe method to clarify the effects of gravimetric water content (w) and NaCl concentration (C) and to evaluate the estimation effectiveness of four models (Mochizuki, de Vries, Noborio and Kasubuchi). The de Vries and Kasubuchi models predict the effect of w on soil thermal conductivity, whereas the Noborio model describes the effects of solute concentration and the Mochizuki model describes both parameters. With or without NaCl, the thermal conductivity of both samples increased with increasing w, and the increase could be grouped into three ranges based on w. The upper and lower limits of each water content range were constant, even at varying NaCl concentrations, but the width of the range differed among the three ranges and between the sand and glass bead samples. Although soil thermal conductivity has previously been reported to generally decrease with increasing C, the thermal conductivities of some glass beads increased in the present study, particularly at moisture contents close to field capacity. The change in thermal conductivity as a function of C was linear in all cases. This trend was similar to that of a non-swelling clay in a previous study. The Mochizuki model, which regressed measured thermal conductivity on C and w, predicted the thermal conductivity of sand as well as previous models, but the calculations were easier and the method offers more flexibility for soils with different textures.     

Phytoremediation of Mixed Soil Contaminants

Tests were conducted to study the influence of non-ionic surfactants Triton X-100 and Tween 80 on the removal of mixed contaminants from a sandy soil using phytoremediation. Cd(II) and Pb(II) were used to form the inorganic contaminant, while used engine oil was selected to form the organic contaminant. The Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) plant was the plant chosen for phytoremediation of the sandy soil that contained the mixed contaminant. Thirty days after the plants were grown in the greenhouse, surfactants were applied to test pots in which the soil had been spiked with 50 mg kg⁻¹ of CdCl₂, 500 mg kg⁻¹ of PbCl₂ and 500 mg kg⁻¹ of used engine oil. Two control tests were conducted in this study. Planted and unplanted control tests were conducted using soil without surfactants. Following these tests, the tests were completed using the plants and surfactants at different concentrations. Test results showed that Triton X-100 and Tween 80 at concentrations higher than their critical micellar concentration enhanced Cd(II) and Pb(II) accumulation in the plant roots. Further, test data showed that translocation of contaminants to plant shoots occurred for Cd(II) but not for Pb(II). At the same concentrations, Tween 80 was more effective than Triton X-100 in facilitating rhizodegradation of used engine oil. This study demonstrates that simultaneous phytoremediation of Pb(II), Cd(II) and oil can be enhanced by using non-ionic surfactant Tween 80. Leaching test results indicated that the enhanced phytoremediation could remove the mixed contaminants safely from the point of view of limiting groundwater contamination.     

Influence of Soil Granulometry on Pyrene Desorption in Groundwater Using Surfactants

The high hydrophobicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is the main limiting factor for the remediation of soils and aquifers. Surfactants are amphiphilic substances which encourage the transfer of hydrophobic compounds from the solid to the liquid phase. While the interaction between organic matter and surfactants has been widely studied, there is a lack of knowledge concerning the relationship between surfactant efficiency and the granulometry of soil and/or geologic material. In this paper, three non-ionic surfactants (Tween 80, Gold Crew, and BS-400) were used to study the desorption of pyrene, chosen as a representative PAH, in soils with different grain size proportions (1%, 5%, 10%, and 20% of clay and silt) and no organic matter (<0.1%). The best quantity of surfactant to apply is closely related to the proportion of fine materials. Tween 80 gave better maximum desorption than Gold Crew and BS-400 (89%, 40%, and 36%, respectively). As an important proportion of aquifers show fine material above 1%, the effective critical micellar concentration obtained when applying surfactants to this type of geologic materials has to be higher than 150 mg L⁻¹ for Tween 80, and higher than 65 mg L⁻¹, and 100 mg L⁻¹ for Golf Crew and BS 400, respectively. Furthermore, results indicate that carrying out simple laboratory tests before the use of surfactants on a field scale is necessary to improve the efficiency and minimize the financial and environmental impact of its application.     

修复剂对镉污染盐渍化土壤植物修复效率的影响

目前,重金属污染盐渍化土壤已成为世界性的环境问题,利用盐生植物进行修复具有良好的环境与经济效益,但如何提高盐生植物修复效率的研究尚较少.采用盆栽试验方法,通过向土壤中施加氯化钠和氯化镉溶液分别模拟无污染非盐渍化土壤(Cd0S0)、NaCl型盐渍化土壤(Cd0S4)、重金属Cd污染土壤(Cd3S0)、重金属Cd污染NaC...     

Influence of Soil Parameters on the Efficiency of the Attrition Process to Remove Metals,PCP, Dioxins and Furans from Contaminated Soils

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the soil parameters (particle size, initial contamination level, etc.) on the performances of an attrition process to remove As, Cr, Cu, pentachlorophenol (PCP) and dioxins and furans (PCDD/F). Five different contaminated soils were wet-sieved to isolate five soil fractions (<?0.250, 0.250–1, 1–4, 4–12 and >?12 mm). Five attrition steps of 20 min each, carried out in the presence of a biodegradable surfactant ([BW]?=?2%, w w^?1) at room temperature with a pulp density fixed at 40% (w w^?1), were applied to the coarse soil fractions (>?0.250 mm) of different soils. The results showed good performances of the attrition process to simultaneously remove PCP and PCDD/F from contaminated soil fractions initially containing between 1.1 and 13 mg of PCP kg^?1 (dry basis) and between 1795 and 5720 ng TEQ of PCDD/F kg^?1. It appeared that the amounts of contaminants removed were significantly correlated (p value?<?0.05, R ²?=?0.96) with the initial amounts of PCP and PCDD/F, regardless of the particle size of the soils studied. The nature of the soil (granulometric distribution, pH, total organic carbon (TOC) (organic matter) and diverse industrial origin) slightly and negatively influenced the efficiency of organic contaminants removals using attrition. However, the attrition treatment allowed an efficient removal of both PCP and PCDD/F from the coarse fraction of contaminated soil, despite the nature of the soil.     

Sequencing Zerovalent Iron Treatment with Carbon Amendments to Remediate Agrichemical-Contaminated Soil

Agrichemical spills and discharges to soil can cause point-source contamination of surface and ground waters. When high contaminant concentrations inhibit natural attenuation in soils, chemical treatments can be used to promote degradation and allow application of treated soils to agricultural lands. This approach was used to remediate soil containing >650 mg atrazine, >170 mg metolachlor and >18,000 mg nitrate kg^?1. Results indicated a decrease in metolachlor concentration to <1 mg kg^?1 within 95 days of chemical treatment with zerovalent iron (Fe⁰, 5% w/w) and aluminum sulfate (Al₂(SO₄)₃, 2% w/w) but after one year >150 mg atrazine and >7000 mg nitrate kg^?1 remained. Laboratory experiments confirmed that subsequent additions of sucrose (table sugar) to the chemically pretreated soil promoted further reductions in atrazine and nitrate concentrations. Field-scale results showed that adding 5% (w/w) sucrose to windrowed and pretreated soil significantly reduced atrazine (<38 mg kg^?1) and nitrate (<2,100 mg kg^?1) concentrations and allowed for land application of the treated soil. These results provide evidence that zerovalent iron in combination with Al₂(SO₄)₃ and sucrose can be used for on-site, field-scale treatment of pesticide- and nitrate-contaminated soil.     

Interactive Effect of Moisture Levels and Salinity Levels of Soil on the Growth and Ion Relations of Halophyte

Abstract

A pot culture experiment with four levels of soil moisture (40, 55, 70, and 85% of field capacity) and five levels of sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mM) in soil was conducted to examine the interactive effect of soil moisture and NaCl on the growth of halophyte Suaeda salsa. Results showed that growth was largest at 55% of field capacity, in the range of 50–100 mM NaCl. However, at 85% of field capacity, it can grow better at higher salinity levels; and at 40% of field capacity, the growth of S. salsa was increased greatly by moderate salinity. Contents of sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) in plant tissues increased with the decrease of moisture levels of soil. Potassium (K) concentrations were also increased at low soil moisture. Drought tolerance was increased by moderate NaCl concentrations. It is thus considered that some amounts of Na and Cl are required to absorb water in this plant.     

Vineyard Compost Supplemented with Trichoderma Harzianum T78 Improve Saline Soil Quality

Understanding soil degradation is especially important in the Mediterranean Region where desertification is a serious problem, and soil salinization is one of the causes. Salinity reduces soil quality, limits crop productivity and brings on long term soil degradation. Therefore the restoration of degraded soils is necessary to reduce land degradation, improve soil fertility and achieve a sustainable food production. The addition of compost supplemented with the beneficial microorganism Trichoderma harzianum isolate T78 to saline soils (NaCl) was studied to determine the impact on soil microbiology, which is the key to restore and rehabilitate degraded soils. The selected Trichoderma harzianum isolate T78 showed high salt tolerance despite the low osmotolerance of the genus Trichoderma . Increasing salt concentration reduced Trichoderma sp colony‐forming units (CFU) from natural soil and adversely affected soil microbial biomass C as well as dehydrogenase, β‐glucosidase, phosphatase and urease activities. Simultaneous amendment of the saline soil with compost and inoculation with T. harzianum T78 improved the soil microbiological quality; the number of T. harzianum T78 CFU did not decrease as NaCl increased. As T. harzianum strain T78 is salt tolerant, increasing the relative abundance of this specific strain would contribute to the rehabilitation of saline soils. Vineyard composts supplemented with T. harzianum T78 represent a promising approach for the treatment and improvement of saline soil properties. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Remediation of a Diesel Contaminated,Sandy-Loam Soil Using Low Concentrated Surfactant Solutions (5 pp)

Background, Aims and Scope   Surfactant enhanced ex-situ soil washing can be used to remediate diesel contaminated soils. Surfactants enhance the diesel removal from soils by two processes: mobilization and solubilization. Mobilization occurs at surfactant concentrations below the critical micelle concentration (CMC), while solubilization occurs at surfactant concentrations beyond the CMC of the surfactant. In this paper, the leaching of diesel from a self contaminated (10 000 mg diesel/kg) sandy-loam soil was studied using low concentrated non-ionic surfactant solutions of Tergitol NP-10 (10-6 to 10-3 mol/L). Methods   The surface tension of the supernatant solutions of soil suspensions in non-ionic surfactant (Tergitol NP-10) solutions (10-6 to 10-3 mol/L) was measured to determine the total surfactant concentration (surfactant sorbed onto the soil + surfactant in solution) at which micelles are present in the water phase of the soil suspension, or 'effective critical micelle concentration' (ECMC), and to calculate the sub-CMC sorption isotherm of Tergitol NP-10 onto the soil. The diesel removal was measured by soil leaching experiments with Tergitol solutions ranging from 10-6 to 10-3 mol/L. Results and Discussion   The sub-CMC sorption isotherm of Tergitol onto the soil could be described by the Freundlich equation. Even at very low surfactant concentrations (10-6 mol/L) the surfactant enhanced the diesel removal from the soil. Up to the surfactants' ECMC the diesel removal increased in a linear way with an increasing surfactant concentration in the wash water. A significant part (20%) of the diesel oil was removed in the presence of surfactant, but in absence of micelles. Beyond the surfactants' ECMC, the increase in diesel removal efficiency with increasing surfactant concentration was less pronounced. When the added surfactant concentration was increased to 10-3 mol/L, which corresponds to an equilibrium surfactant concentration in the supernatant solution (6.77.10-4 mol/L) above the CMC, the diesel oil removal was increased up to 50%. At this surfactant concentration emulsion formation was observed. Conclusion   Surfactant aided leaching of diesel from a self-contaminated, sandy-loam soil with surfactant solutions below their ECMC was able to remove in one step 20% of diesel from the soil by the mobilization mechanism. Succesive treatments or continuous leaching with surfactant solutions below their ECMC was not studied but is likely to reduce the diesel contamination further and at the same time avoid problems with emulsion formation.     

Vulnerability of Bavarian silty loam soil to compaction under heavy wheel traffic: impacts of tillage method and soil water content

Soil compaction caused by traffic of heavy vehicles and machinery has become a problem of world-wide concern. The aims of this study were to evaluate and compare the changes in bulk density, soil strength, porosity, saturated hydraulic conductivity and air permeability during sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) harvesting on a typical Bavarian soil (Regosol) as well as to assess the most appropriate variable factors that fit with the effective controlling of subsequent compaction. The field experiments, measurements and laboratory testing were carried out in Freising, Germany. Two tillage systems (conventional plough tillage and reduced chisel tillage) were used in the experiments. The soil water contents were adjusted to 0.17 g g⁻¹ (w₁), 0.27 g g⁻¹ (w₂) and 0.35 g g⁻¹ (w₃).Taking the increase in bulk density, the decrease in air permeability and reduction of wide coarse pore size porosity (−6 kPa) into account, it seems that CT (ploughing to a depth of 0.25 m followed by two passes of rotary harrow to a depth 0.05 m) of plots were compacted to a depth of at least 0.25 m and at most 0.40 m in high soil water (w₃) conditions. The trends were similar for “CT w₁” (low soil water content) plots. However, it seems that “CT w₁” plots were less affected than “CT w₃” plots with regard to bulk density increases under partial load. In contrast, diminishments of wide coarse pores (−6 kPa) and narrow (tight) coarse pores (−30 kPa) were significantly higher in “CT w₁” plots down to 0.4 m. Among CT plots, the best physical properties were obtained at medium soil water (w₂) content. No significant increase in bulk density and no significant decrease in coarse pore size porosity and total porosity below 0.2 m were observed at medium soil water content. The soil water content seemed to be the most decisive factor.It is likely that, CS (chiselling to a depth of 0.13 m followed by two passes of rotary harrow to a depth 0.05 m) plots were less affected by traffic treatments than CT plots. Considering the proportion of coarse pore size porosity (structural porosity) and total porosity, no compaction effects below 0.3 m were found. Medium soil water content (w₂) provides better soil conditions after traffic with regard to wide coarse pore size porosity (−6 kPa), air permeability (at 6 and 30 kPa water suction), total porosity and bulk density. Proportion of wide coarse pores, air permeability and bulk density seems to be suitable parameters to detect soil compaction under the conditions tested.     

冲沟不同部位土壤机械组成及抗冲性差异

选取3类典型冲沟(活跃、较活跃和稳定)的集水区、沟头和沟床土壤,探明冲沟不同空间部位土壤机械组成特性及其抗冲性差异,结果表明:1活跃、较活跃冲沟土壤质地均为砂质壤土,稳定冲沟各部位土壤质地各不相同;黏粒含量、粉粒含量总体为活跃冲沟较活跃冲沟稳定冲沟;细砂粒含量为较活跃冲沟活跃冲沟稳定冲沟;粗砂粒含量则是活跃冲沟较活跃冲沟稳定冲沟。23类冲沟各部位土壤抗冲性均是沟床最高,而3类冲沟同一部位抗冲性大小比较中,沟头和沟床土壤抗冲性为稳定冲沟较活跃冲沟活跃冲沟,集水区以活跃冲沟土壤抗冲性最小,较活跃与稳定冲沟的土壤抗冲性相当。3线性回归分析表明:砂粒含量是影响3类冲沟各部位土壤抗冲性的主要指标,黏粒含量影响稳定冲沟各部位土壤抗冲性,粉粒含量与较活跃冲沟沟头、稳定冲沟集水区和沟床的土壤抗冲性有关。研究结果从土壤机械组成和土壤抗侵蚀性的关系角度为冲沟研究提供一定的理论参考。     

喀斯特高原山地土壤抗冲性与土壤物理性质的关系

为探究喀斯特高原山地不同土地利用类型土壤抗冲性及其与土壤物理性质的关系,以马尾松人工林地(PMP)、桂花人工林地(OFP)、天然乔灌混交林地(ASL)、天然草地(NGL)、撂荒地(AL)、农地(CL)为研究对象,采用原状土水槽冲刷试验法,根据研究区地形及气候特点,设置3个坡度(5°,15°,25°),3个冲刷流量(3.2,4.8,6.4 L/min),冲刷时间均为15 min,结合土壤物理性质(容重、孔隙度、水稳性团聚体、机械组成等),定量分析不同土地利用类型下土壤抗冲性及其与土壤物理性质的关系。结果表明:(1)在原状土冲刷试验过程中,各地类初始径流含沙量较高,但随着冲刷时间的延长,径流含沙量呈先降低后趋于稳定趋势,且随着坡度和冲刷流量的增大,径流含沙量趋于稳定的时间有所提前;(2)土壤抗冲系数随坡度和冲刷流量的增大而减小,且坡度对土壤抗冲性的影响比冲刷流量更明显。在同等条件下,各地类土壤抗冲系数依次为NGL＞PMP＞ASL＞AL＞OFP＞CL,土壤抗冲系数分别为13.44~87.84,[JP]8.14~93.15,2.93~45.36,1.21~10.01,1.25~5.48,0.17~1.27(L·min)/g;(3)土壤抗冲性与土壤容重、砂粒含量、水稳性团聚体含量呈极显著正相关(P＜0.01),与总孔隙度、黏粒含量呈显著负相关(P＜0.05),其关系均可用幂函数表示(R²＞0.78)。研究结果可为喀斯特区土壤侵蚀研究和水土保持防治提供科学依据。     

生物炭与强还原处理对设施蔬菜土壤可溶性有机质的影响

利用田间试验,探讨生物炭与强还原处理(RSD)对退化设施蔬菜土壤可溶性有机质(DOM)的影响.处理为对照(CK)、生物炭修复(BC)、淹水(SF)、淹水覆膜(SFF)、强还原修复(RSD)、RSD与生物炭联合修复(RSD+BC),对比研究不同处理对0-20,20-40 cm 土壤DOM含量及光谱特征的影响.结果表明:0...     

覆膜方式和滴灌带布设对春玉米根区土壤水氮均匀度及根冠生长及产量的影响

为探求不同覆膜方式及滴灌带布设对作物产量及收获系数的影响,设置不同滴灌带间距(A1:1 m;A2:0.5 m)与覆膜方式(M1:全覆盖;M2:半膜覆盖),通过2年田间试验研究其对根区土壤水氮分布均匀度(CU_w, CU_N)及春玉米根冠生长及产量的影响。结果表明:膜下滴灌条件下,根区土壤含水率与其分布均匀度具有一致性;高频滴灌施肥虽提高根区土壤NO₃^-含量却降低其分布均匀度,表现出不一致性。提高土壤水、氮分布均匀度未显著影响作物根长密度,但增加地上部叶面积,从而降低作物根冠面积比。相比滴灌带布设,覆膜方式对春玉米产量和收获系数的影响更为显著。低频灌溉条件下,全膜覆盖处理提高春玉米根区土壤水分和NO₃^-含量及均匀度,其作物产量较部分覆膜处理提高37.4%;而高频灌溉下,部分覆膜处理的作物产量较全膜覆盖处理提高7.7%。当根表面积与叶面积之比(RSA/LA)趋于4时,作物产量和收获系数最高,RSA/LA过高或过低均会降低作物产量和收获系数。综合考虑作物产量、收获系数和滴灌带成本,低频灌溉下建议选择A1M1处理,高频充分灌溉条件下建议选择A1M2处理。     

Land-use impacts on surface runoff and soil detachment within agricultural sloping lands in Northern Vietnam

Two consecutive years of investigation on soil surface features, surface runoff and soil detachment within 1-m² microplots on 40% slope highlighted the effects of land-use change, vegetation cover and biological activity on the water pathways in Northern Vietnam. Three replicate plots were set up on each of five land-uses: cassava (CAS), grass fodder of Bracharia ruziziensis (BRA), a 3-year old fallow (FAL), tree stands of Acacia mangium and Venicia montana (FOR), and a fallow with regrowth of Eucalyptus regularly cut (EUC). The second year, two of the microplots under FAL and EUC were treated with herbicide (FALh, EUCh), one of them was burnt (FALh+b, EUCh+b). The highest yearly surface runoff coefficient of 16%, and soil detachment rate of 700 g m^− 2 yr^− 1 in average with a maximum of 1305 g m^− 2 yr^− 1 have been recorded under CAS. On FALh and FALh+b, runoff ratios were 8.7 and 13.5%, respectively and detachment rates were 86 and 389 g m^− 2. On FAL and BRA the yearly runoff ratio varied from 5.9 to 9.8% but the detachment rate was limited at 24 to 35 g m^− 2. FOR and EUC annual runoff was ≤ 3.1% and annual soil detachment ≤ 71 g m^− 2. These values were very low compared to the values reported on steep slopes in Laos within similar climate and vegetation cover.The runoff and detachment rates underlined the importance of rainfall intensities, soil physical properties, soil surface features, soil vegetation cover and biological activity. The annual surface runoff was highly correlated to the soil surface crusting. CAS and BRA plots were prone to crusting especially after weeding at the onset of the rainy season, when the soil surface was still uncovered. Soil bioturbation (earthworm casting activity) was the second factor that explains local variation of surface runoff and soil detachment. The continuous production of earthworms casts on soil surface, especially on FOR and EUC microplots, induced a marked surface roughness and reduced the surface runoff. The production of casts was very limited in FAL and completely absent in CAS microplots. So it is evident that our results confirm the deleterious effects of cassava on soil and water conservation.     

Soil tillage and fertilization of Orthic Luvisol and their influence on chemical properties, soil structure stability and carbon distribution in water-stable macro-aggregates

We studied the influence of different soil tillage and fertilization on chemical parameters, soil structure stability and carbon distribution in water-stable macro-aggregates (WSA_ma) of loamy Orthic Luvisol. In 1994, the Department of Plant Production of the Slovak Agricultural University in Nitra established a long-term field experiment in locality Dolná Malanta. In 1994–2007, the soil samples were collected from the depth 0–0.3 m. The field experiment included two types of soil tillage (conventional tillage—CT and reduced tillage—RT) and three variants of fertilization (1. C_o—without fertilization, 2. PR + NPK—crop residues together with added NPK fertilizers, 3. NPK—with added NPK fertilizers). Different tillage and fertilization had statistically significant influence on changes of the soil pH and soil sorptive complex. The values of pH were more favourable in RT than in CT. In NPK (by 26%) and in PR + NPK (by 21%) decreased values of hydrolytic acidity. On the other hand it increased the sum of basic cations. This led to the increase of cation exchangeable capacity. In comparison to CT, a higher total carbon concentration (C_t) was determined in RT. According to vulnerability coefficient (K_v), the soil structure stability was better in RT (4.64 ± 1.54) than in CT (5.15 ± 1.75). Average value of WSA_ma was higher by 9% in RT and it led to increasing of the sum of mean weight diameters of water-stable aggregates (MWD-WSA) by 11% and increasing of index stability (S_w) by 12%. We determined linear dependences between C_t and critic level of soil organic matter concentration (S_t) in CT and RT as well as in PR + NPK and NPK. The negative correlation between Ca²⁺ and S_t (−0.507^**) and positive correlation between Ca²⁺ and crusting index (0.525^**) were detected in CT. The values of Ca²⁺ were in positive correlation with crusting index (0.363^*) in RT. We observed higher concentrations of C_t and labile carbon content (C_L) in water-stable micro-aggregates (WSA_mi) and WSA_ma in the size fractions from 25 × 10⁻⁴ to 3 × 10⁻³ m in RT. There were also higher concentrations of C_t and C_L in WSA_ma in the size fractions >3 × 10⁻³ m in CT. The application of crop residues together with NPK fertilizers increased the concentration of C_t in all fractions of WSA_ma. On the other hand, C_t concentration decreased by 7% in WSA_mi. In PR + NPK, the highest concentration of C_L was observed in WSA_ma in the size fraction 2 × 10⁻³ to 3 × 10⁻³ m.     

Determination of unsaturated soil hydraulic properties at different applied tensions and water qualities

Irrigation with low-quality water may change soil hydraulic properties due to excessive electrical conductivity (EC_w) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR_w). Field experiments were conducted to determine the effects of water quality (EC_w of 0.5–20 dS m^?1 and SAR_w of 0.5–40 mol^0.5 l^?0.5) on the hydraulic properties of a sandy clay loam soil (containing ～421 g gravel kg^?1 soil) at applied tensions of 0–0.2 m. The mean unsaturated hydraulic conductivity [K(ψ)], sorptive number (α) and sorptivity coefficient (S) varied with change in EC_w and SAR_w as quadratic or power equations, whereas macroscopic capillary length, λ, varied as quadratic or logarithmic equations. The maximum value of K(ψ) was obtained with a EC_w/SAR_w of 10 dS m^?1/20 mol^0.5 l^?0.5 at tensions of 0.2 and 0.15 m, and with 10 dS m^?1/10 mol^0.5 l^?0.5 at other tensions. Changes in K(ψ) due to the application of EC_w and SAR_w decreased as applied tension increased. Analysis indicated that 13.7 and 86.3% of water flow corresponded to soil pore diameters <1.5 and >1.5 μm, respectively, confirming that macropores are dominant in the studied soil. The findings indicated that use of saline waters with an EC of <10 dS m^?1 can improve soil hydraulic properties in such soils. Irrigation waters with SAR_w < 20 mol^0.5 l^?0.5 may not adversely affect hydraulic attributes at early time; although higher SAR_w may negatively affect them.     

Effects of Vermicompost Application on Soil Aggregation and Certain Physical Properties

Application of organic waste on agricultural land as a soil conditioner and fertilizing material has lately gained much attention. This study was conducted to determine the effects of vermicompost applications (0·5%, 1%, 2% and 4% w/w) on physical characteristics of soils with different textures (sandy loam, loam and clay), under laboratory conditions. The results indicated that in the higher soil aggregate fraction (>12·7 mm) aggregate fraction was limited at the three soils. Vermicompost applications in all three soils significantly increased organic matter content. When compared with control, the increasing rates in organic matter content were 14·0%, 23·8%, 42·0% and 90·2% for 0·5%, 1%, 2% and 4% vermicompost application doses, respectively. Vermicompost applications increased the wet aggregate stability and decreased the dispersion ratio of all the experimental soils in all aggregate size fractions. Overall, wet aggregate stability increased from 26·9% to 52·2% with the application rate of 4%. Correlation coefficient between organic matter content and wet aggregate stability was found as 0·918^**. The lowest mean bulk density and the highest mean total porosity occurred when the most vermicompost was added. In all the soils studied, the highest permeability coefficients were gained with the application dose of 2%. As a result of increase in wet aggregate stability and decrease in bulk density, air permeability increased, and penetration resistance decreased significantly. The results obtained in this study have clearly indicated that the vermicompost application is an effective way to improve soil physical characteristics. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

不同林分类型土壤理化特征及其对土壤入渗过程的影响

利用双环入渗法对黄土残塬沟壑区主要林分类型（刺槐林、油松林、刺槐×油松混交林、山杨栎类天然次生林）进行土壤入渗试验,分析4种林分类型土壤理化特征及其对土壤入渗过程的影响。结果表明：（1）研究区不同林分类型土壤理化特征存在一定差异,山杨栎类天然次生林的土壤理化性质总体最好,刺槐×油松混交林优于刺槐林和油松林;（2）0~90 min测试时间内,不同林分类型的土壤入渗速率随时间的变化规律均表现为迅速递减（0~5 min）、逐渐递减（5~60 min）和趋于稳定（60~90 min）的过程;4种林分的土壤初始入渗速率、稳定入渗速率和平均入渗速率由大到小依次为山杨栎类天然次生林、刺槐×油松混交林、刺槐林、油松林;（3）4种常见土壤入渗模型（Kostiakov模型、Horton模型、Philip模型和通用经验模型）中,通用经验模型对研究区不同林分类型土壤入渗过程拟合效果最好,拟合精度均在0.990以上;（4）相关性分析结果表明,不同林分类型的土壤入渗指标与土壤容重呈现极显著负相关（P<0.01）,与非毛管孔隙度、> 0.25 mm水稳性团聚体含量、砂粒含量以及有机质含量呈现极显著正相关（P<0.01）;通过通径分析并计算主要影响因子的决定系数表明,对土壤初始入渗速率影响程度最大的因子是土壤容重（0.309）,对土壤稳定入渗速率影响程度最大的因子是>0.25 mm水稳性团聚体含量（0.251）,对土壤平均入渗速率影响程度最大的因子是有机质（0.408）。研究结果为研究区营造水土保持林树种的选择与水土保持功能评价提供一定参考。     

Effects of Salinity on the Response of the Wetland Halophyte <Emphasis Type="Italic">Kosteletzkya virginica</Emphasis> (L.) Presl. to Copper Toxicity

Kosteletzkya virginica (L.) Presl. is a perennial wetland halophyte which could be exposed to heavy metals in polluted salt marsh environments. In order to investigate the interaction between salinity (50 mM NaCl) and heavy metal, young plants were exposed in hydroponic culture to 10 μM Cu in the presence or absence of 50 mM NaCl. Copper strongly inhibited the leaf emergence and lateral branch development as well as leaf expansion, and induced a significant decrease in plant dry weight (DW), water content (WC), osmotic potential (Ψ _s) and leaf water potential (Ψ _w). Copper treated plants accumulated significantly higher level of Cu in the roots than in the shoots although Cu intake rates decreased with the duration of stress exposure. Additions of NaCl in the absence of Cu excess had no detrimental impact on plant growth. In the presence of Cu excess, NaCl decreased Cu accumulation in roots and stems but had no positive impact on plant growth. Copper induced a large decrease in K concentration in roots and stems as well as a decrease in Ca concentration in the leaves. The impact of Cu and NaCl appeared to be additive on leaf Ψ _s and leaf quaternary ammonium compounds concentrations. It is concluded that K. virginica exhibits a high bioconcentration factor for Cu which could be, at least partly, responsible for its sensitivity to this toxic element. The impact of stress on K and Ca homeostasis is discussed in relation to ion distribution and presence of mucilage in the plant.