三种水力驱动比例式施肥泵吸肥性能试验

为保障微灌系统首部施肥装置选型的合理性,通过试验研究比较了3种类型水力驱动比例式施肥泵的吸肥性能,分析了影响施肥泵入口流量和吸肥量的因素。结果表明：入口流量受施肥管道两端压差影响,但受进口压力影响不大。建立了各施肥泵入口流量的回归模型,比较得出：3种施肥泵入口流量与压差关系分别符合幂函数、对数函数和二次函数关系,这主要是因为施肥泵最小工作压差和不同压差下运行性能的差异;施肥泵吸肥量受入口流量和压差影响。高压、大流量的运行工况会影响施肥泵施肥效果,施肥泵工作时入口流量最好不要超过设计流量,施肥比例较小时入口流量更不能过大。在分析吸肥量影响因素的基础上,建立了施肥泵吸肥量的回归模型,可用于吸肥量的估算;同时,研究发现3种施肥泵基本按照所设施肥比例施肥,但稍有差异、精度不一。     

比例施肥泵驱动活塞受力分析及内部流动模拟与试验

为了研究比例施肥泵驱动活塞在往复运动过程中的受力情况,基于Fluent软件,通过用户自定义函数编程技术实现了相应的三维动网格模型,建立了比例施肥泵三维动态数值模拟模型,并通过实验数据对比验证了模型的可靠性。在此基础上,对施肥泵的内部流场进行了数值模拟。结果表明:所建立的数值模拟模型具有较好的准确性,模拟所得压差流量关系与试验结果基本一致,比例施肥泵流量的模拟值与试验值的最大相对误差为4.20%;模拟与试验所得活塞往复频率随压差的变化趋势基本相同,且模拟值与试验值的相对误差控制在12%之内。驱动活塞在往复运动过程中,泵内大部分流域流速较低,动能基本转变为压能驱动活塞。活塞上行运动与下行运动类似,在行程初期呈加速运动随后进行匀速运动。活塞不同表面所受到的力随压差的增大呈线性递增关系。该研究可为比例施肥泵的性能研究和结构设计提供参考。     

阀门调节式比例施肥泵性能分析与试验

为探明阀门调节式比例施肥泵的工作原理及水力性能,该研究针对施肥泵的结构原理及主要性能参数进行了分析,同时还进行了其水力性能的相关试验。研究结果表明：在进出口压差一定时,随着施肥泵三通阀角度的增大,进口流量先减小后增大,在所有正常工作压力下都呈现同样的趋势。施肥比例R与三通阀的水平分流比r成正比,且可以实现0.07%到0.35%范围内的连续变化,但其调节曲线并非单调上升,而是与活塞运动频率曲线的趋势相似。在正常工况下（进出口压差在0.06～0.18 MPa）,三通阀角度为90°时,能量转换效率随着进出口压差的增大而增大;施肥比例稳定度为95.91%,表明施肥泵在不同进出口压差下工作时的施肥比例较为稳定。研究结果可为比例施肥泵的整体设计及优化提供指导。     

微灌系统压差式施肥罐施肥性能试验研究

压差式施肥罐是中国应用最多的微灌施肥装置,但尚未形成明确的运行操作规程。该文对不同施肥量和压差条件下施肥罐出口肥料溶液浓度的动态变化进行了测试和分析。试验中施肥量选用13、26 kg两个水平,通过施肥罐的压差选用0.05、0.10、0.15、0.20、0.25、0.30 MPa 6个水平,而所有试验中施肥罐出口压力固定为0.10 MPa。研究结果表明：通过施肥罐的流量随压差的增大呈幂函数关系增加,施肥罐出口肥液浓度随时间持续减小,施肥开始阶段尤为明显;由于压差是影响肥液浓度变化的最主要因子,为了在微灌系统内获得均匀的肥料分布,保证施肥开始后和施肥过程中压差稳定至关重要。该文还建立了可用于估算肥液浓度动态变化和肥液浓度衰减为零时的回归模型。     

基于数值模拟的射流式吸肥器结构尺寸优化及性能试验

为提高射流式吸肥器的吸肥性能,使其满足水肥一体化灌溉系统中的大吸肥量需求,该研究以大吸肥量和高吸肥效率为目标,对射流式吸肥器内部结构尺寸进行优化设计。选取表征吸肥器结构的4个参数即吸肥腔收缩角、吸肥腔直径、喉部直径比以及喉部收缩比作为结构优化参数,以吸肥量、进口流量比、吸肥浓度、吸肥效率作为评价吸肥器吸肥性能的4个指标,运用CFD数值模拟和试验相结合的方法,确定吸肥性能最优的结构组合参数,并利用3D打印技术制作最佳结构参数的吸肥器实体,对其在不同进口压力下的吸肥性能进行分析。结果表明:在相同进口压力下,吸肥性能评价指标随吸肥腔收缩角、吸肥腔直径和喉部直径比的增大呈先增大后减小的趋势,均存在吸肥性能峰值;而随喉部收缩比增大,吸肥量逐渐增加,进口流量比、吸肥效率、吸肥浓度值明显降低;根据模拟结果确定了吸肥器最佳结构参数组合为吸肥腔收缩角80°、吸肥腔直径22 mm、喉部直径比2.5、喉部收缩比0.2。在0.15～0.30 MPa压力范围内,吸肥器优化后相比优化前的吸肥量和吸肥效率分别增大76%～107%和22%～42%。优化后的射流式吸肥器吸肥性能得到显著提高,适用于大吸肥量需求的水肥灌溉系统。     

地下滴灌系统施肥灌溉均匀性的田间试验评估

该文对影响地下滴灌系统性能的两个重要因素施肥装置类型和滴灌带埋深进行了田间评估.施肥装置包括国内外常用的压差式施肥罐、文丘里施肥器和比例施肥泵三种类型,滴灌带埋深包括0、15和30 cm 3个水平.结果表明,滴灌带埋深与施肥装置类型对滴头流量和灌水量均匀性的影响均未达到显著性水平(a=0.05),而施肥装置类型对施肥量均匀性的影响达到极显著水平(a=0.01).对给定的毛管埋深而言,压差式施肥罐的施肥量变差系数高于比例施肥泵和文丘里施肥器.对不同施肥装置的施肥量变差系数与灌水量变差系数之间关系的回归分析结果指出,比例施肥泵和文丘里施肥器的施肥量变差系数与灌水量的变差系数相当,但压差式施肥罐的施肥量变差系数比灌水量变差系数大40%左右.因此在进行微灌系统设计时应将施肥装置类型和性能作为一个因素加以考虑,并宜优先选用输出肥液浓度恒定的施肥装置.     

SSQ系列射流施肥器水力性能试验研究

基于农业生产中水肥一体化技术的施肥要求,该研究对国内常用的SSQ系列射流施肥器进行了性能测试。以吸肥量、进出口压差等指标为研究目标进行了施肥器水力性能的分析和预测,推导了SSQ系列射流施肥器开始吸肥和吸肥效率最高时进出口压差与进口压力的关系公式。结果表明：在正常工作阶段,SSQ系列射流施肥器的吸肥量随进出口压差的增加而增大,在空化条件下达到极限工况;8种不同规格施肥器在进口压力超过0.20 MPa时才能充分发挥吸肥性能;正常工作阶段临界压差与进口压力关系公式的斜率与试验值的误差小于15%,斜率的大小主要受喉管截面和喷嘴出口截面的面积比影响;效率最高时压差与进口压力关系公式的斜率与试验值的平均相对误差为17%,验证了该关系公式的合理性。本文提出的SSQ系列射流施肥器水力性能预测公式可为同类产品的设计和应用提供参考。     

基于双吸肥口的低压文丘里施肥器设计与试验

为降低文丘里施肥器的吸肥临界进口压力,使之适用于低压灌溉施肥系统,设计了一种双吸肥口文丘里施肥器。选取喉管收缩比、收缩段角度、扩散段角度和喉管长径比4个结构参数,采用正交试验设计方法,构建16种结构参数组合方案,运用CFD模拟技术对每种方案的吸肥性能进行模拟,以吸肥性能为评价指标确定最佳结构参数组合,并根据最佳结构参数组合试制文丘里施肥器原型样品,并在0~0.15 MPa进口压力范围内对其吸肥性能进行分析。结果表明,最佳结果参数为:喉管收缩比为0.3、收缩段角度为20?、扩散段角度为8°、喉管长径比为1.1。最佳结构文丘里施肥器试制样品实测结果与模拟分析结果一致,在相同进口压力下各个实测值均略小于模拟分析值,实测与模拟吸肥量、进口流量比、肥液浓度和吸肥效率的均方根误差分别为0.22 L/min、0.96%、0.93%和0.68%。在相同进口压力下,相比于相同结构参数的单吸肥口文丘里施肥器,模拟得出的吸肥量提高了90%,进口流量比提高了85%,肥液浓度提高了80%,吸肥效率提高了80%,表明双吸肥口施肥器的吸肥性能比单吸肥口施肥器有较大提高;双吸肥口施肥器实测临界进口压力为0.007 MPa,当进口压力为0.05 MPa时其吸肥浓度可达13.6%,与现有文丘里施肥器相比,在获得同等或更高的吸肥性能时具有更低的工作进口压力,更适用于低压滴灌系统。     

负压式小麦精量排种器参数优化与试验

为了改变传统小麦条播作业模式,通过精量播种技术精确控制播种量和均匀性,实现在省种、节肥、节水的条件下保证小麦稳产高产的目的,设计了一种一器多行负压式小麦精量排种器。运用流体计算软件STAR-CCM+仿真分析了排种器结构参数(排种盘直径、吸种缝隙宽度、吸种环槽横截面形状、排种盘气室轴向深度)对气室流场的影响,压力云图、流速矢量图和流线图结果表明排种器具备较理想流场特性的结构参数为:吸种缝隙宽度为0.5 mm,排种盘直径范围为150~200 mm,排种盘气室轴向深度为2.0 mm,吸种环槽横截面形状为圆弧型。在JPS-12排种器试验台上进行了排种均匀性试验,通过试验研究了吸种环槽横截面形状、吸种缝隙宽度、排种盘直径、排种盘气室轴向深度对合格指数、漏播指数、重播指数和合格粒距变异系数的影响规律,确定了排种器较优结构参数为:圆弧型吸种环槽横截面,0.5~0.8 mm的吸种缝隙宽度,170~200 mm的排种盘直径。2.0~3.0 mm的排种盘气室轴向深度。对参数优化后的排种器(0.7 mm的吸种缝隙、180 mm的排种盘直径、2.5 mm的气室轴向深度、圆弧型吸种环槽横截面)进行排种均匀性试验,合格指数为86.66%、漏播指数为5.09%、重播指数为8.25%,合格粒距变异系数为24.50%,满足JB/T 10293-2013《单粒(精密)播种机技术条件》中的参数指标。     

基于压差式施肥罐的均匀施肥方法

压差式施肥罐是水肥一体化中应用较为广泛的施肥装置,但它容易产生施肥不均匀的问题,会因局部过量施肥造成土壤污染,还会影响作物的产量和品质。为利用计算机控制压差式施肥罐进行田间作物的恒定浓度和流量施肥,该文基于肥料连续方程推导了解析解,由计算机控制流入施肥罐的流量和直接流过主管道进入灌溉系统的流量。在此基础上,该文通过试验数据验证了施肥罐内水肥流动数学模型,对解析解控制压差式施肥罐的恒定浓度和流量施肥进行了模拟,模拟结果与解析解的相对偏差小于15%,验证了该均匀施肥方法的合理性。结果表明以最优肥液浓度的±50%为界,传统压差式施肥罐使用过程中约有70%~80%的肥料处于过量施肥或不充分施肥范围内,通过均匀施肥方法,可以基本实现灌溉过程中基于压差式施肥罐的施肥均匀。     

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.