紫胶玉米混农林模式对地表蚂蚁多样性及功能群的影响

为了揭示紫胶玉米混农林对地表蚂蚁群落多样性及功能群的影响,采用陷阱法调查了云南省绿春县紫胶林、紫胶玉米混农林和玉米旱地3种类型样地的地表蚂蚁物种组成、物种多样性、群落结构相似性、指示物种和功能群等。结果显示,紫胶玉米混农林模式具有较高的地表蚂蚁物种数和稀有物种数,与玉米旱地相比,紫胶玉米混农林的蚂蚁物种数增加41%,稀有物种数增加85%。紫胶玉米混农林与紫胶林具有更高的蚂蚁多样性,其物种丰富度和ACE估值均显著高于玉米旱地,而紫胶玉米混农林的多度显著高于紫胶林和玉米旱地。地表蚂蚁物种组合在3种类型样地中有差异,与紫胶林和紫胶玉米混农林相关联的物种与玉米旱地不同。3种样地的指示物种不同,玉米旱地的指示种为扁平虹臭蚁和伊大头蚁,紫胶玉米混农林为凹头臭蚁、西昌刺结蚁和中华小家蚁,紫胶林为费氏盘腹蚁、立毛举腹蚁、阿普特铺道蚁、贝卡盘腹蚁和西氏拟毛蚁。紫胶玉米混农林蚂蚁功能群组成比例介于玉米旱地和紫胶林之间,其中机会主义者(OPP)、从属弓背蚁族(SC)、隐蔽物种(C)及气候特化种(CS)的蚂蚁物种数、多度及比例明显高于玉米旱地。紫胶玉米混农林生境较为复杂,对地表蚂蚁多样性保护具有积极作用,是平衡环境保护和经济可持续发展的较好模式。     

不同生境对蚂蚁功能群的影响* ——以云南省绿春县为例

为探究土地利用变化主导的生境变化对蚂蚁功能群的影响,采用陷阱法和Winkler袋法调查了云南省绿春县天然次生林(N)、桉树林(E)、紫胶林(L)、橡胶林(R)、紫胶-玉米混农林(M)、旱地(D)和农田(F)7种生境类型的蚂蚁群落。共采集蚂蚁37 891头,隶属于8亚科52属137种;依据竞争关系、生境要求、行为优势以及对环境压力和干扰的响应等4个生态学特性,将52属划分为7个功能群:优势臭蚁亚科(DD)、从属弓背蚁族(SC)、广义切叶蚁亚科(GM)、机会主义者(O)、隐蔽物种(C)、气候特化种(CS)和专业捕食者(SP)。不同功能群的物种丰富度排序为机会主义者(10属32种)气候特化种(15属29种)广义切叶蚁亚科(3属24种)隐蔽物种(14属21种)从属弓背蚁族(2属16种)专业捕食者(6属14种)优势臭蚁亚科(2属2种)。从属弓背蚁族、气候特化种、隐蔽物种3个功能群的蚂蚁多度在天然次生林、桉树林和紫胶林中所占比例较高,而优势臭蚁亚科功能群则在干扰多的农田中比例较高;除优势臭蚁亚科仅2属2种外,在天然次生林、桉树林、紫胶林和紫胶-玉米混农林中大多数功能群的蚂蚁物种丰富度明显高于农田,而专业捕食者功能群蚂蚁物种丰富度在不同生境中差异不大。桉树林和紫胶林蚂蚁功能群的群落结构与天然次生林较为接近,橡胶林、紫胶-玉米混农林和旱地蚂蚁功能群的群落结构相似。气候特化种、广义切叶蚁亚科、机会主义者和从属弓背蚁族在不同类型样地中的物种组成变化程度大于同一类型生境重复样地间的变化程度。广义切叶蚁亚科、机会主义者和从属弓背蚁族3个功能群的蚂蚁群落在不同生境中变化明显,整体上表现为桉树林、紫胶林和天然次生林的蚂蚁群落与旱地和农田不相似;隐蔽物种和气候特化种仅在桉树林和紫胶林蚂蚁群落较为相似;专业捕食者功能群蚂蚁群落在不同生境中的变化不明显。蚂蚁功能群能够指示生境变化,广义切叶蚁亚科、从属弓背蚁族和机会主义者的指示效果较好,实质上是不同功能群中不同物种的多度及功能群内的群落组成变化对生境变化导致的干扰及资源可利用程度的响应有差异。     

重庆市茶园蚂蚁物种多样性及空间分布格局

为筛选茶园害虫的蚂蚁类天敌,采用样地调查法研究了重庆主要产茶区(海拔371~1 068 m)茶园蚂蚁物种多样性特征与空间分布格局。在重庆主要产茶区茶园,设置3条垂直带,每条垂直带划分为低海拔(300~500 m)、中海拔(500~700 m)和高海拔(700 m以上)3个水平带,每个水平带设置3~4块样地,调查茶园的蚂蚁物种组成、群落多样性及空间分布特点。在物种多样性方面:共采集到蚁科昆虫4亚科,39种。各水平带物种丰富度为7~13种,Shannon-Wiener多样性指数0.55~1.25,Pielou均匀度指数0.08~0.16,Simpson优势度指数为0.26~0.65;各水平带蚂蚁群落多样性指数差异不显著,表明其多样性水平比较一致。群落相似性指数为0.22~0.48,多数处于中等不相似水平。在群落优势种方面:不同海拔茶园蚂蚁优势种数目1~3种,常见种最多达6种,最少仅1种;稀有种最多17种,最少5种;从重庆范围来看,重庆主要产茶区茶园蚂蚁群落共有7种优势种。在蚂蚁空间分布方面:有17种蚂蚁具有较宽的垂直空间分布,活动范围涵盖土壤、地表和树冠,有作为天敌昆虫资源的可能。仅有9种蚂蚁在不同水平带的茶园中均有分布。结合群落相似性与多样性分析结果,重庆茶园生境破碎,蚂蚁群落间物种交流受阻,不利于茶园生物多样性水平的稳定与提高。     

武夷山风景名胜区不同森林景观物种多样性特征研究

以武夷山风景名胜区植物群落调查样地资料为基础,运用物种丰富度、多样性指数及均匀度指数对构成该区森林景观的6类森林类型(马尾松林、杉木林、经济林、竹林、阔叶林和茶园)的物种多样性进行测定与分析。结果表明:6类森林景观不同生长型的物种丰富度存在差异,表现为灌木层物种丰富度较高,而乔木层与草本层物种丰富度较低,除个别森林类型外,各森林类型物种丰富度的垂直结构为灌木层>乔木层>草木层;不同森林景观类型的物种多样性亦存在较大差异,总体趋势为阔叶林>马尾松林>杉木林>竹林>茶园>经济林,符合物种多样性的一般性规律,即天然林景观>半人工林景观>人工林景观;基质景观天然马尾松林不同演替阶段的物种多样性随演替进展而逐渐增加。不同研究区物种多样性比较结果表明,武夷山风景名胜区具有较高的物种多样性。     

高寒区不同树种配置对林下植被物种多样性的影响

以高寒区的青海云杉林,白桦林,华北落叶松林,青海云杉白桦混交林,青海云杉华北落叶松混交林5种人工林群落为研究对象,通过样地调查和地表植被调查,分析了不同树种配置对林下物种多样性的影响。结果表明:不同群落间物种多样性有较大差异,混交林相对纯林具有更高的物种多样性;而且在青海云杉和华北落叶松混交的这种配置下,其林下植被在物种丰富度指数、物种多样性指数、生态优势度指数和物种均匀度指数上均表现为最大。因此,建议在该地区适当扩大青海云杉和华北落叶松混交林的种植面积,以充分发挥人工林的水土保持功能并提高地表植被的物种多样性。     

河北省坝上地区森林节肢动物群落生物多样性研究

通过对位于河北省北部的塞罕坝国家森林公园的森林节肢动物群落进行调查,发现随林分类型不同节肢动物群落存在差异。混交林中节肢动物的物种数要多于纯林,且物种的个体数也较纯林分布的均匀;纯林则经常会存在一个优势种,其数量有时可达到总个体数的70%之多。分别运用物种多样性、物种均匀度、物种优势度等指数的计算公式分析各样地所的数据,发现混交林的物种多样性指数和物种均匀度指数要高于纯林,而对物种优势度进行方差分析则发现混交林和纯林优势度指数并没有显著差异。     

浙江古田山自然保护区青冈群落特征研究

研究浙江古田山自然保护区青冈群落特征和物种多样性结果表明,青冈群落植物种类丰富,区系成分复杂,其属的地理成分具有较高的热带成分比例。群落生活型以高位芽植物为主,叶性质以小型叶、单叶、革质和非全缘为主。群落垂直结构中灌木层→乔木层→草本层物种多样性依次递减,乔木层、灌木层物种丰富度和物种多样性指数明显大于草本层。     

祁连圆柏群落物种多样性的海拔梯度效应研究

为研究珍稀树种祁连圆柏群落物种多样性的垂直变化效应,在对祁连山北坡中段2 800~3 200 m间祁连圆柏群落进行调查的基础上,分析了不同海拔梯度祁连圆柏群落物种的重要值和物种多样性。结果表明,不同海拔梯度下的祁连圆柏群落在结构组成上有所不同,物种的重要值也有差异;不同生活型植物群落物种多样性对海拔梯度变化的敏感程度不同,草本层植物最敏感,其次是灌木群落,物种多样性与海拔梯度之间呈单峰关系。祁连圆柏群落物种多样性的垂直分布规律在植物的不同层次存在差异,草本层物种多样性较高且海拔梯度效应明显,即在海拔3 200 m的群落中,物种多样性和丰富度达到最高;灌木层多样性和均匀度在海拔2 800 m地带最高,但变化趋势不明显。在同一海拔梯度范围内,草本层的物种多样性和丰富度均明显高于灌木层。总的来说,祁连圆柏群落物种多样性海拔梯度变化规律明显,物种多样性高,种类组成复杂,群落乔木层、灌木层、草本层各层层次明显。     

兰州市九州台区不同海拔高度人工林群落物种多样性

通过对兰州市九州台区不同海拔人工林群落结构进行典型样地调查,分析了该林区3种海拔梯度人工林群落的物种多样性特征。结果表明,3种海拔梯度人工林中,中坡(海拔1 760～1 840m)物种多样性指数为最高,物种最丰富,恢复程度最好;3种海拔梯度人工林以上坡(1 900～1 970m)灌木层和草本层物种丰富度指数最小,下坡(1 590～1 730m)灌、草层物种丰富度最大;物种丰富度、种类组成和多样性表明,九州台区人工林草木层总体发育优于乔灌层;各梯度人工群落尚处于演替初期阶段,林下植被发育常以阳生性植物为主;对不同海拔人工林群落结构研究是兰州市南北两山生态绿化工程的延伸,该项研究对于兰州市南北两山植被恢复后的生物学效果评价具有重要意义。     

北京百花山落叶阔叶林群落的物种多样性特征

应用物种丰富度、Simpson多样性指数、Shannon-Wiener多样性指数、Pielou均匀度指数、Alatalo均匀度指数研究北京百花山落叶阔叶林中3种群落的物种多样性特征。结果表明：1）群落总体的多样性特征为黑桦-柔毛绣线菊-野青茅＋矮紫苞鸢尾群丛的物种丰富度最大,核桃楸-绒毛绣线菊-蓝萼香茶菜＋大油芒群丛的多样性指数最大,辽东栎-小花溲疏-披针苔草群丛均匀度指数最大;2）不同生长型的物种多样性特征为,草本层的物种丰富度、多样性指数大于灌木层和乔木层,均匀度指数的变化规律为灌木层〉草本层〉乔木层;3）乔木层与草本层、灌木层与草本层间的丰富度指数、多样性指数均有极显著差异,乔木层与灌木层、乔木层与草本层间的Pielou均匀度指数有显著差异。     

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.