山地土壤侵蚀

根据地表径流力学原理,研究了降雨引起的山地侵蚀的输沙量.对于某一土壤类型,地表径流的输沙量可用坡度和流量的幂函数来表示.单场暴雨引起的土壤流失量依赖于降雨历时和降雨强度,输入河流和淤积于水库中的泥沙,大部分来源于山地.降雨和地表径流所引起的泥沙颗粒分散和搬运,是一个复杂的物理过程.山地土壤侵蚀速率主要取决于土壤颗粒的分离和溅蚀及地表径流的搬运能力.     

基于KINEROS2模型的降雨和坡长因子对土壤侵蚀过程影响的研究

以不同坡长(1,5,10,15,20m)径流小区在不同降雨强度(25,50,75mm/h)下人工模拟降雨试验为基础,通过KINEROS2模型对坡面侵蚀过程及侵蚀量进行模拟,对比分析不同坡长、降雨强度及其交互作用对坡面土壤侵蚀过程及侵蚀量的影响,并评价KINEROS2模型的模拟效果及适用性。结果表明:坡长与总径流量呈一元线性关系(R20.990),与总侵蚀量呈幂函数关系(R20.900);降雨强度与总径流量、总侵蚀量之间呈倍数关系增加,且总侵蚀量的增率是总径流量增率的2~3倍;坡长与降雨强度之间存在交互作用,坡长、降雨强度和降雨强度-坡长交互作用与径流量、侵蚀量呈显著相关关系,并在坡面径流和侵蚀过程中表现为正效应。坡面径流量主要受坡长、降雨强度和降雨强度-坡长交互作用三者综合影响。坡面侵蚀量主要受坡长和降雨强度-坡长交互作用的影响极显著,受降雨强度的影响较显著。KINEROS2模型对径流过程的模拟优于侵蚀过程,对总侵蚀量的模拟优于总径流量,说明KINEROS2模型更适于对径流过程及总侵蚀量的模拟。从总体来看,KINEROS2模型对径流小区坡面土壤侵蚀过程及侵蚀量模拟效果较好,说明KINEROS2模型在中国西北干旱半干旱地区小区尺度上有较好的适用性。     

坡面侵蚀过程中泥沙有机碳流失特征分析

以野外布设的径流小区为研究对象,采用模拟降雨方法研究随机条件下降雨侵蚀过程中泥沙有机碳含量及流失过程的动态变化规律。结果表明:(1)降雨侵蚀过程中泥沙有机碳含量随降雨的进行逐渐降低并趋于平稳,与坡面土壤有机碳含量相比显著增高(p0.01),有机碳在泥沙中明显富集,富集比最大值达1.780,泥沙中有机碳含量及富集比随侵蚀速率的增加明显减小且趋于稳定;(2)泥沙有机碳流失速率随降雨的进行先波动增大,达到最大值后又波动减小,最后逐渐趋于准稳定,整个过程呈单峰分布;(3)泥沙有机碳流失强度与土壤侵蚀强度呈显著性线性正相关(p0.01),说明土壤侵蚀量决定侵蚀过程中有机碳流失量,准确获取土壤侵蚀强度是估算坡面有机碳流失量的基础。     

南方红壤区坡面次降雨产流产沙特征

研究坡面次降雨土壤入渗及产流产沙特征,对于坡地水土流失防治及水土资源管理利用具有重要意义.基于广东省五华县水土保持试验推广站野外径流场2014年的观测数据,研究不同下垫面条件下坡面入渗及产流产沙特征.次降雨入渗量与地表植被盖度间存在显著相关关系(P ＜0.05,R=0.95).入渗量随降雨强度增加,呈先增后减的变化趋势,存在入渗量达最大值的临界降雨强度;人工林及灌草地临界降雨强度为19.9 ～ 27.8 mm/h,均高于自然撂荒地.次降雨径流深和土壤流失量与地表植被盖度间,存在显著负相关关系(P＜0.05),相关系数超过0.9.土壤侵蚀率随径流系数呈幂函数增加趋势,径流中泥沙浓度随径流系数、降雨侵蚀力呈对数函数增加趋势,土壤流失量随降雨侵蚀力及次降雨径流深均呈线性递增趋势.次降雨径流深20 mm为土壤流失量变化拐点,径流深超过20 mm后,土壤流失量随径流深递增速率较快.     

小流域土壤侵蚀及径流过程自动测量系统的实验应用

流域内降雨－径流－土壤侵蚀过程中不同时空点处流量、流速、泥沙含量的获取是土壤侵蚀机理研究中的难点,其实时、准确测量为侵蚀模拟－预报模型的建立与检验提供必要的数据支持。该文针对这一问题,将量水堰及水位传感器、薄层水流流速测量系统、γ射线泥沙含量测量仪有机组合,构成流域土壤侵蚀过程测量系统。将该系统测量仪器布设于室内小流域模型各沟道出口及沟道内典型点处,在降雨强度25 mm/h,降雨历时5 min条件下,系统测量的流域出口处流量及泥沙含量变化值与采用手工采样方法测量结果的决定系数R²分别为0.738,0.749,流速误差为8.7%,比较结果显示该系统具有较高的测量精度。在此测量精度范围内,同时测得各沟道口流量及泥沙含量动态变化过程及沟道中典型点处流速。流域内径流过程及径流含沙量的动态测量结果表明将该系统应用到土壤侵蚀动态过程的研究中是可行的。     

区域尺度侵蚀产沙估算方法研究

 区域土壤侵蚀模型是大区域土壤侵蚀普查和水土保持宏观决策的支持工具,土壤侵蚀模型的研发是土壤侵蚀学科的前沿领域。基于DEM将区域划分为规则网格,设计产流、产沙过程的单元模型,包括植被截留、入渗、填洼、流速、携沙能力、径流剥蚀量、泥沙沉积等算法。将月降水当作1次降雨事件,并划分若干时段进行迭代计算,利用GIS空间分析功能完成水沙汇集运算,并在ArcGIS支持下进行计算机程序设计,有效地完成了区域侵蚀产沙量的计算。将模型应用于延河流域得到:1995年7月份平均径流深为35.6mm,径流系数为0.237,流域出口径流量为2.72亿m3,流域出口输沙量为0.38亿t,流域平均侵蚀模数为4575t/(km2.月);输出图形空间格局和结构符合实际情况,初步模拟结果令人较满意。     

模拟降雨下不同坡度土壤坡面产流产沙特征及磷和钾素流失研究

采用室内模拟降雨研究了不同坡度对土壤坡面产流产沙特征及其养分流失的影响。结果表明:在降雨条件下,初始产流时间随坡度的增加而趋于提前,初始产流时间变化范围为0.63~1.62 min,说明坡面产流时间因坡面坡度的增加而缩短。不同坡度条件下径流强度随降雨历时的增加而增加,在降雨历时前20 min,径流强度急剧增加,降雨历时20 min以后,径流强度增加趋势趋于平稳,径流强度遵循幂函数变化规律;不同坡度条件下入渗强度随降雨历时的增加而降低,在降雨历时前20 min,入渗强度急剧降低,降雨历时20 min以后,入渗强度降低趋势趋于平稳,坡面入渗强度随时间则呈对数函数变化。不同坡度下径流量均随降雨历时呈“增加—稳定”趋势（单峰曲线,抛物线规律）,在整个降雨过程中,径流量随坡度的增加而增加,在0~20 min内,径流量随降雨历时的增加陡然上升趋势,20~40 min,不同坡度条件下土壤泥沙侵蚀量均达到最大值,40 min以后泥沙侵蚀量随降雨历时的增加呈现基本平稳趋势,泥沙侵蚀量中DP,K⁺,SEP和SEK均随着坡度的增加而增加。不同坡度条件下,泥沙量与侵蚀泥沙中养分的含量均存在不同程度的正相关关系,其中坡面坡度为20°,25°和30°时,侵蚀泥沙养分含量与泥沙流失量间的相关性明显优于其他坡度,说明侵蚀泥沙量的增加会引起泥沙中各种类养分含量的增加效应,而随着坡度的增加,侵蚀泥沙量与侵蚀泥沙中养分的含量并非均显示出更进一步的相关性。     

黄土丘陵沟壑区坡面侵蚀泥沙输移比物理模型研究

黄土丘陵沟壑区赤边线以上的面烛区由于坡度较缓且有一定量的植被，土壤颗粒被降雨侵蚀分离后只有部分被径流带入流域沟道系统，因此在用通用土壤流失方程修正式计算小流域土壤流失量时，应该考虑坡面侵蚀的泥沙输移比。本项研究从土壤侵蚀的微观物理机制入手，即从土壤颗粒在雨滴的击溅和径流冲刷作用下被分离、搬运、沉积的全过程中，分析降雨侵蚀分离能力和径流搬运容量的相互关系，推导出黄土丘陵沟壑区坡面侵蚀泥沙输移比的计算模型，并以陕北米脂县泉家沟小流域为实例进行了应用，其结果是可靠的，可以在同类型地区推广使用。     

喀斯特典型坡耕地模拟降雨条件下的土壤侵蚀响应

为了定量研究不同降雨强度、坡度和孔(裂)隙度条件下坡耕地土壤侵蚀响应和空间分布特征,采用人工模拟降雨试验,通过模拟喀斯特典型坡耕地耕作层和微地貌特征以及孔裂隙构造特征,研究土壤侵蚀响应和空间分布特征。结果表明:(1)15,30mm/h降雨强度时地表不产流,水土流失形式为地下漏失;50mm/h降雨强度时地表产流产沙,水土流失也以地下漏失为主,地下径流出现最大值。50mm/h以上降雨强度时,土壤侵蚀逐渐向地表侵蚀转变,地表、地下径流泥沙分配呈负相关;(2)在一定条件下,坡度增大,地表径流泥沙量增加,地下径流量减小,当坡度在10°~15°时地表径流泥沙量急剧增加,25°时坡面产流产沙量达到最大值,其中20°坡面径流泥沙与25°接近;地下泥沙与坡度、孔(裂)隙度间变化规律不明显。(3)径流空间分配特征以地下径流为主,其中90 mm/h降雨强度以地表侵蚀为主。(4)降雨强度、坡度和孔(裂)隙度等因子对地表径流及地下径流的影响程度依次为降雨强度坡度孔(裂)隙度。总之,喀斯特坡耕地以地下漏失为主,地表产流之前随雨强增大而增大,地表径流产生后则反之,极端暴雨(90mm/h)下以地表侵蚀为主;降雨强度对水土流失影响程度最大,其次坡度,再次孔(裂)隙度。     

人工模拟降雨条件下紫色土陡坡地侵蚀泥沙变化特征研究

基于人工模拟降雨研究了三峡库区25°径流小区侵蚀泥沙对0.285,0.978,1.737 mm/min 3种不同降雨强度的响应特征。结果表明:在降雨过程中径流泥沙量,随产流历时的增加呈现先增加后逐渐减少,最终趋于稳定。侵蚀泥沙峰值量出现的时间随着雨强的增大在整个产流历程中不断提前。坡面径流的累积产沙量随产流历时的增加呈幂函数规律,相同降雨历时大降雨强度的累积产沙量明显高于小降雨强度的累积产沙量。在降雨强度为0.285,0.978,1.737 mm/min时,侵蚀泥沙中大颗粒的砂粒含量随产流历时的增加大致呈现降低趋势,侵蚀泥沙中细颗粒的粘粒及粉粒含量随着产流历时的增加呈现增加的趋势,但不同降雨强度下侵蚀泥沙机械组成的波动性有显著差异,雨强越大,侵蚀泥沙机械组成与产流历时回归模型拟合越好。     

低氮和干旱胁迫对富士和秦冠生长及氮素利用的影响

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

Pasture Vegetation Elemental Analysis by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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