基于图形特征的Green-Ampt入渗模型关键参数Sf和Ks的简化求解

Green—Ampt入渗模型应用广泛，是模拟坡面降雨入渗、产流过程常用的手段，湿润锋平均基质吸力S和表征导水率K是模型中的关键参数。对地表积水入渗过程中湿润区内平均含水率增量△θ（t）进行了定义，对烟台棕壤土积水入渗试验分析表明，在入渗过程中△θ（t）为一常量0．34。根据水量平衡原理得到了Greer-Ampt入渗模型中概化湿润锋磊和实际湿润锋Z^αf的定量关系，并通过对Green．Ampt入渗模型的分析，提出了利用i（t）～I（t）或i（t）-Z^αf之间图形特征关系来确定湿润锋平均基质吸力Sf，和表征导水率Ks的方法。同实测资料相比，利用基于i（t）-I（t）和i（t）-Z^αf图形关系所获Sf和Ks预测的累计入渗量和湿润锋精度较高，整体相对误差小于6％。     

均质土微润灌湿润体模型构建及验证

为探明微润灌土壤湿润体运移的影响因素和变化规律,设置了56种微润灌情景(8种土壤质地、3种土壤基质势和10种微润管比流量的不同组合),利用HYDRUS-2D软件,模拟研究土壤饱和导水率、土壤基质势和微润管比流量对微润灌土壤湿润体的影响。综合考虑单位长度总渗水量、土壤饱和导水率、土壤基质势和微润管比流量等影响因素,基于量纲分析方法,建立了一种均质土微润灌湿润体尺寸估算模型,并利用数值模拟结果,定量获取了所建模型的待定参数,最后,采用试验资料评价了估算模型的可靠性。结果表明,土壤饱和导水率、土壤基质势和微润管比流量对微润灌土壤湿润体形状影响较小,且在湿润锋未到达地表前,湿润体形状均为以线源为轴线的近似"椭圆柱体";相同土壤饱和导水率条件下,土壤湿润体水平、垂直向下和垂直向上方向上的湿润锋运移速率均随土壤基质势和微润管比流量增大而增大;当土壤基质势和微润管比流量恒定时,随土壤饱和导水率数值的增大,垂直向上和水平方向的湿润锋运移速率逐渐减小,而垂直向下的湿润锋运移速率存在先减小后增大的现象;所建模型的统计指标平均绝对误差、均方根误差均趋近于0,纳什效率接近1,说明模型估算效果良好,可为微润灌工程的运行及管理提供科学依据。     

基于Green-Ampt的膜孔灌三维入渗模型建立与验证

在膜孔灌入渗方面研究中的入渗模型缺少明确的物理意义,针对这一问题,该文以一维Green-Ampt公式为基础进行探讨。对公式中概化湿润锋为平面的假设条件进行深化讨论,结合膜孔灌三维入渗特点,建立了包含膜孔直径、表征导水率和湿润锋面水吸力的膜孔灌入渗模型,利用室内入渗试验和以不同土壤质地（典型砂壤土、典型壤土和典型粉壤土）的Hydrus-2D软件数值模拟结果对其进行验证。结果表明：试验观测和数值模拟得到的单位面积累积入渗量随时间的变化规律与模型计算得出的结果一致,二者均方根误差和平均绝对误差接近于0,偏差百分比小于10%,数值相差不大;由模型计算得出的概化湿润锋由试验及模拟结果在入渗前期相差很小,在入渗后期差别逐渐变大;另外,相较于水平方向,垂直方向的概化湿润锋计算结果更加接近试验观测值和数值模拟值。建立的模型可为准确计算膜孔灌累积入渗量、预测湿润锋形状提供依据。     

去电子处理微咸水矿化度对土壤水盐运移特征的影响

为探究去电子处理微咸水对土壤水盐运移的影响,该文通过室内土柱试验,分析了不同矿化度微咸水(0.14、2、3、4、5 g/L)经去电子处理后土壤水分入渗及盐分分布规律。结果表明:不同矿化度去电子微咸水土壤入渗速率及湿润锋运移速率明显大于未处理微咸水,入渗时间为200 min时,累积入渗量和湿润锋运移深度在矿化度为4 g/L时增加幅度最大。相同矿化度去电子微咸水与未处理微咸水相比,Philip入渗公式吸渗率、Green-Ampt入渗公式饱和导水率及湿润锋处吸力均显著增加。去电子微咸水能够显著提高土壤的持水效率和上层土壤盐分的淋洗效果,矿化度为4 g/L时,相对淋盐率和Na+相对淋洗率最大。该研究表明去电子化处理能够改善土壤水盐运移特性,有利于微咸水安全利用。     

纳米碳对扰动黄绵土水分入渗过程的影响

将纳米材料应用于土壤物理学领域对减少土壤水分流失、提高土壤水肥利用效率、优化土壤物理结构有着重要的意义。基于扰动黄绵土土柱室内一维入渗试验,研究了纳米碳含量(质量含量分别为0、0.001、0.005、0.007、0.010 g g-1)对扰动黄绵土的水分入渗过程及饱和导水率的影响。结果表明:(1)纳米碳对扰动黄绵土水分入渗有显著影响。一定入渗历时内,随着纳米碳含量增大,累积入渗量及湿润锋推进速率均呈显著减小趋势。(2)Kostiakov公式和Philip方程均能较好地描述添加纳米碳的扰动黄绵土累积入渗量随时间的变化过程。其中,Kostiakov公式拟合精度更高。(3)湿润锋随时间变化符合幂函数关系。(4)纳米碳对扰动黄绵土的饱和质量含水量和饱和导水率影响同样显著。随纳米碳含量增加,前者增大,后者减小,与纳米碳含量变化分别符合二项式和指数函数关系。     

添加γ-聚谷氨酸减少土壤水分深层渗漏提高持水能力

γ-聚谷氨酸(Poly-γ-glutamic acid,γ-PGA)是一种高分子聚合物,具有超强的吸水能力和生物降解性。为探明γ-PGA在土壤改良方面的应用及对土壤水分运动的影响,该文基于室内垂直一维入渗土柱试验,研究了不同γ-PGA施量配比(0、0.5%、1%、2%、4%)对土壤水分入渗及持水特性的影响。结果表明:与对照组相比,添加4%的γ-PGA的累积入渗量、入渗率和湿润锋分别减少了57.95%、53.89%、59.58%;四种入渗模型参数的模拟结果显示,与对照组相比,随着γ-PGA施量的增加,Kostiakov公式中的经验系数从0.808减小到0.538,经验指数从0.530增大到0.623;Philip入渗公式中的吸渗率从0.704减小到0.292;Green-Ampt公式中,饱和导水率从0.0043减小到0.0011 cm/min,湿润区有效的土壤水扩散率从1.19减小到0.16 cm~2/min,湿润锋处的土壤水吸力无明显变化;垂直一维入渗代数模型中,饱和导水率从0.0044减小到0.001 cm/min,非饱和土壤吸力分配系数和土壤水分特征曲线和非饱和导水率综合形状系数均无明显变化趋势。土壤的持水特性结果表明:随着γ-PGA施量的增加,土壤饱和含水率增加,且与对照相比,表层土壤(0~10 cm土层)的含水率呈显著增加趋势,深层土壤(≥10~40 cm土层)的含水率则呈减小趋势。同时,湿润土层的厚度逐渐减小,说明γ-PGA不仅可增强土壤的持水能力,而且还可改变土壤剖面水分的分布形态,使更多水分蓄积在作物根区土层区域。该研究为γ-PGA的田间土壤改良及应用提供了理论支撑。     

带状砂沟模式下土壤入渗过程模拟研究

[目的] 探究土壤质地类型和砂沟结构参数对土壤入渗过程的影响,为砂沟集雨工程设计、运行和管理提供科学依据。 [方法] 基于HYDRUS-2D/3D软件,建立带状砂沟模式下土壤水分运动数学模型,利用室内试验验证模拟带状砂沟模式下土壤入渗过程的可靠性。在此基础上,模拟分析不同影响因素下带状砂沟模式下土壤累积入渗量和湿润锋运移变化过程。 [结果] 模拟结果与实测数据无显著性差异且一致性良好,表明所建模型及其求解方法能够有效获取带状砂沟模式下不同时刻土壤累积入渗量和湿润锋运移距离数值;均质土壤填充带状砂沟存在明显的增渗效应。原土质地、砂沟距、砂沟宽和砂沟深均对增渗率有较大影响,增渗率随原土饱和导水率和砂沟距的增大而减小,随砂沟宽和砂沟深的增大而增大;土壤湿润锋轮廓呈下低上高的U形,随时间的延长,U形侧边湿润锋逐渐靠近砂沟交汇面,顶部平台逐渐消失;原土质地对湿润锋运移距离影响较大,湿润体随原土饱和导水率的增大而增大;砂沟深对湿润锋的形态和分布影响较大,随砂沟深度的增大,U字体型垂向拉伸,左侧湿润深度显著增大,右侧湿润深度变化微弱;砂土质地、砂沟距和砂沟宽对湿润锋运移距离影响较小。[结论] 带状砂沟土体构型能够显著提高土壤入渗能力,土壤质地类型和砂沟结构参数对土壤累积入渗量和湿润锋运移距离均有不同程度影响。     

辽西低山丘陵区坡地砾石含量及粒径对土壤入渗性能的影响

基于室内土柱模拟试验对比分析辽西低山丘陵区坡地不同粒径及砾石含量的土壤入渗规律,并采用4种模型分析了含砾石土壤对传统土壤入渗模型的适用性。结果表明:粒径一定时,随砾石含量的增加土壤累积入渗量减少,随累积入渗量的增加土柱湿润锋变化速率由小变大;砾石含量小于20%时,湿润锋前进到一定深度下,土壤累积入渗量随粒径的增加而增大;当砾石含量增大到一定值时,砾石含量相同直径不同的土壤累积入渗量与湿润锋随时间的变化基本无差异。累积入渗量与湿润锋推进距离呈良好的线性关系。利用Green-Ampt模型、通用模型、Horton模型和Kostiakov模型对入渗率与入渗历时的关系进行拟合,其中砾石含量为5%时,Horton模型拟合效果最好,砾石含量为10%~30%时通用模型适用性更强,Horton模型拟合效果最差,其他模型拟合效果因砾石含量及粒径等因素的不同而异。     

Green-Ampt模型参数简化及与土壤物理参数的关系

简化模型表达形式从而减少参数个数,对于Green-Ampt入渗模型的实际应用具有重要的现实意义。该文通过推导湿润锋处平均基质吸力与Philip模型中土壤吸湿率关系基础上提出了简化的Green-Ampt入渗模型,基于新疆222兵团两块壤质土壤田块上土壤水分入渗试验资料,分析了Green-Ampt简化入渗模型参数与土壤物理参数之间的关系,建立了模型参数与土壤物理参数之间的定量经验转换函数。结果表明,入渗参数A(组合参数)与土壤初始含水率呈对数负相关,相关系数为0.77,A与土壤紧实度和黏粒含量均呈指数负相关,相关系数分别为0.70和0.74。饱和导水率Ks与土壤紧实度和黏粒呈指数负相关,相关系数分别为0.74和0.73。A和Ks与土壤初始含水率、土壤紧实度和黏粒含量呈高度和中度多元线性相关,相关系数分别为0.9和0.79。研究表明Green-Ampt简化入渗模型能够在一定精度下分析土壤入渗过程。     

适量砒砂岩改良风沙土的吸水和保水特性

该文研究了不同砒砂岩改良风沙土模式下的土壤入渗特征、饱和导水率和水分特征曲线,分析了不同模型对砒砂岩改良风沙土水分特征曲线的适用性和不同改良模式的土壤水力学特征,以期为评价砒砂岩改良风沙土水力学特性以及筛选合理改良模式提供科学依据。结果表明:砒砂岩可以有效降低风沙土的入渗率和饱和导水率,增加风沙土的饱和含水量和滞留含水量,增强风沙土的持水能力。VGM(m,n)模型可以拟合砒砂岩改良风沙土土壤水分特征曲线。同一改良模式下,土壤的入渗率、饱和导水率和饱和含水量随容重增大呈减小趋势;容积含水量在低吸力段随容重增大逐渐减小,在中高吸力段逐渐增大。砒砂岩和风沙土以25∶75比例混合的复配模式,可以有效改良风沙土的吸水和保水特性,可在实践中推广。     

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.