Low pH and aluminum tolerance of Bradyrhizobium strains isolated from acid soils in Indonesia

Sixty-seven strains of Bradyrhizobium isolated from soybean plants growing on acid soils in West Java and Sumatra, Indonesia, were examined for the effect of the pH and aluminum concentration on their growth in nutrient media, compared with 61 strains of Bradyrhizobium from soils in Japan. The results in this study indicated that the indigenous population of Bradyrhizobium in the soils of Indonesia showed a large difference in acid- and Al-tolerance from that of Japan. Eighty-five and 48% of the isolates from Japanese soils and Indonesian soils, respectively, were unable to grow in YEM broth at pH below 4.5. The acid-tolerance was correlated with AI-tolerance of the isolates on YEM agar plates at pH 4.4. Seventy-five percent of the isolates that grew in YEM broth at pH 4.5 were also resistant to 400 µM Al on the YEM plates. Acetylene reduction assay of the root nodules revealed that 3 of the acid- and Al-tolerant isolates from Indonesian soils showed a significantly high nitrogen fixation activity.     

Effects of Rhizobium inoculation and magnesium application on growth and nodulation of soybean (Glycine max L.)

Abstract

Magnesium (Mg) deficiency is one of the major nutritional problems in tropic and subtropic areas, where the most soils are acidic. In this study, the effects of Mg application and Bradyrhizobium inoculation on growth, nodulation, symbiotic nitrogen (N) fixation as well as N nutrition status in soybean (Glycine max L.) were investigated in hydroponics under greenhouse conditions. With the increase of Mg up to 0.75?mM at low N and up to 0.5?mM at high N solutions, the dry weights of shoots, roots, and pod grain yield in soybean were increased, while further increase in Mg supply inhibited soybean growth. The availability of Mg was found to entail an improved uptake of N by plants and nodulation process in the root by Bradyrhizobium. Inoculation with rhizobial inoculants not only formed many nodules, but also increased soybean shoot, root biomass and yield, as well as plant N nutrient status.     

Effect of organic matter on the growth,nodulation, and nitrogen fixation of soybean grown under acid and saline conditions

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted to examine the effects of two organic materials (Bark and Tenporon composts) on the growth, nodulation and nitrogen fixation (measured as acetylene-reducing activity) of soybean plants (Glycine max L.) under acid and saline conditions. These organic materials were incorporated into acid and saline (induced by irrigating the soil with a NaCl solution) soils at 4% rate of application.

These composts tended to improve nodule formation in soybean under acid and saline conditions, especially in the plants treated with Bark compost. Acetylene-reducing activity was significantly (P<0.05) increased by these composts under acid condition.

These composts also tended to improve shoot growth under acid and saline conditions, presumably due to the improvement of the soil moisture status of the soils and nutrient uptake. These results suggest that the growth of soybean could be improved by the application of organic matter under acid and saline conditions.     

Effects of Vermicompost Tea (Aqueous Extract) on Pak Choi Yield,Quality, and on Soil Biological Properties

This study investigated the effects of vermicompost tea (aqueous extract) on yield and chemical quality of pak choi (Brassica rapa cv Bonsai, Chinensis group) grown in three media (two soils and a peat-perlite medium) under two fertilizer regimes (compost and synthetic fertilizer). The impacts of tea application on the chemical and biological properties of the growth media were also investigated. Vermicompost teas were prepared using various extraction methods (non-aerated, aerated, aerated with additives) with 1:10 (v:v) chicken manure-based vermicompost to water dilution and applied weekly at the rate of 200 mL plant^?1 for 4 weeks. Application of vermicompost tea increased plant production, total carotenoids and total glucosinolates in plant tissue. This effect was most prominent under compost fertilization. Total phenolic was lower in vermicompost tea treated plants compared to those treated with only mineral nutrient solution and the water control. Vermicompost tea improved mineral nutrient status of plants and media, and enhanced the biological activity of the media. Variability in yield and chemical quality of plants across treatments was explained largely by variability in tissue N uptake and dry matter accumulation. Dehydrogenase activity and soil respiration of vermicompost tea-treated growth media were approximately 50% higher than untreated media. This study confirmed that vermicompost tea can positively influence plant yield and quality and increase soil biological activity in multiple soil types.     

Spatial Changes in Some Soil Properties Under Litchi and Mango Plantations

Abstract

To efficiently match crop demands, nutrient distribution under perennial horticultural trees needs to be assessed so that future placement, quantity, and type of fertilizers can be altered, if necessary. Soil samples were collected around litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn) and mango (Mangifera indica) trees at various distances (i.e., 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 m) from the tree trunk at 0–0.15 m, 0.15–0.30 m, 0.30–0.60 m, and 0.60–0.90 m depths where recommended fertilizer doses have been applied. Results revealed that the soil pH was significantly lower under litchi plants than under mango plants. Both EC and OC were significantly higher under mango than under litchi. Surface layer had the maximum available potassium (K) and phosphorus (P). DTPA‐iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) were significantly greater in soils under litchi trees than in soils under mango trees, whereas the reverse was true for DTPA‐copper (Cu).     

Response of five citrus rootstocks to iron deficiency

Citrus established in calcareous soils can be affected by iron (Fe)‐deficiency chlorosis which limits yield and the farmers' income. The degree of deficiency depends on the rootstock, but the resistance to Fe chlorosis still requires further investigation. To study physiological parameters of citrus rootstocks that could be used to evaluate resistance to Fe deficiency, plants of Troyer citrange (Citrus sinensis L. Osb. × Poncitrus trifoliata L. Raf.), Carrizo citrange, Volkamer lemon (Citrus volkameriana Ten. & Pasq.), alemow (Citrus macrophylla Wester), and sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.) were grown in nutrient solutions with 0, 5, 10, 15, or 20 μM Fe. For each rootstock, plant height, root and shoot dry weights, and concentration of Fe in the shoots and roots were measured at the end of the experiment. Chlorophyll (CHL) concentration was estimated throughout the experimental period using a portable CHL meter (SPAD‐502) calibrated for each rootstock. At the end of the experiment, CHL fluorescence parameters were measured in each rootstock with a portable fluorimeter. Maximal and variable fluorescence values indicated that the photochemistry of Troyer was more affected by a low concentration of Fe in the nutrient solution than that of other rootstocks. To compare rootstocks, the absolute CHL concentration was converted into relative yield by employing a scaling divisor based on the maximum value of total CHL in plants without Fe‐deficiency symptoms. Exponential models were developed to determine the minimum Fe concentration in nutrient solution required to maintain leaf CHL at 50% of the maximum CHL concentration (IC50). Models were also developed to assess the period of time the rootstocks were able to grow under Fe‐stress conditions before they reached IC50. Volkamer lemon and sour orange needed the lowest Fe concentration (between 4 and 5 μM Fe) to maintain IC50, and Troyer citrange had the highest Fe requirement (14 μM Fe). Citrus macrophylla and Carrizo citrange required 7 and 9 μM of Fe, respectively. Similarly, Volkamer lemon and sour orange rootstocks withstood more days under total Fe depletion or with a low concentration of Fe (5 μM Fe in nutrient solution) until they reached IC50, compared to the other rootstocks. The approach used led to a classification of the rootstocks into three categories, regarding their internal tolerance to Fe chlorosis: resistance (sour orange and Volkamer lemon), intermediate resistance (C. macrophylla and Carrizo citrange), and reduced resistance (Troyer citrange).     

转BADH基因大豆对盐碱土壤氮素转化的影响

以转甜菜碱醛脱氢酶(betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase)基因(BADH)大豆、非转基因亲本‘黑农35’、野生大豆、当地栽培种‘抗线王’、耐盐碱性较差品种‘合丰50’等5种大豆品种为材料,在典型盐碱土封闭种植,于大豆苗期、花荚期、鼓粒期和成熟期取根际土,采用经典方法测定氮素转化过程相关的细菌数量、生化功能及速效氮含量等指标的动态变化,为揭示转BADH基因大豆对土壤氮素转化的影响机制提供理论支持。结果表明:与非转基因亲本相比,转BADH基因大豆对苗期和花荚期根际土壤固氮菌数量有促进作用,但抑制苗期和花荚期根际土壤氨化细菌数量,对硝化细菌数量无显著性影响;显著促进成熟期大豆根际土壤固氮作用强度,对大豆苗期、花荚期和鼓粒期根际土壤氨化作用强度有显著抑制作用,显著促进各生育时期硝化作用强度;转BADH基因大豆苗期和花荚期根际土壤铵态氮含量显著降低,对鼓粒期根际土壤铵态氮含量无显著性影响,成熟期根际土壤铵态氮含量显著增高,大豆苗期、鼓粒期和成熟期根际土壤硝态氮含量显著升高,花荚期根际硝态氮含量显著降低。研究结果说明,转BADH基因大豆通过调节苗期、花期根际土壤氮素转化功能菌数量和生化过程强度进而影响氮素转化。     

红壤区土壤中镁肥肥效的研究

虽然早在一个世纪以前,就已经知道镁是植物正常生长所必需的养分之一,但道到本世纪三十年代才开始施用镁肥.最近,对镁的作用和镁肥施用间题.给予了较大的注意^p[1,2].这是由于镁在植物营养上的重要作用日益为人们所了解;以往认为是由病害所引起的一些症状,查明了往往是由镁素缺乏而引起;随着氮、磷、钾等化学肥料的大量施用,农作物产量增加,但由于没有相应地施用镁肥,加剧了土壤中镁素的缺乏.在某些国家,过去随钾肥可带入一些镁素,但后来由于肥料的精制提纯,这种无意的施用也停业了,因而作物缺镁症状增多.     

Nitrogen and phosphorus nutritional interactions in a CO2 enriched environment

Nonnodulated soybean plants (Glycine max. [L.] Merr. ‘Lee') were supplied with nutrient solutions containing growth limiting concentrations of N or P to examine effects on N‐ and P‐uptake efficiencies (mg nutrient accumulated/gdw root) and utilization efficiencies in dry matter production (gdw²/mg nutrient). Nutritional treatments were imposed in aerial environments containing either 350 or 700 μL/L atmospheric CO₂ to determine whether the nutrient interactions were modified when growth rates were altered.

Nutrient‐stress treatments decreased growth and N‐ and P‐uptake and utilization efficiencies at 27 days after transplanting (DAT) and seed yield at maturity (98 DAT). Atmospheric CO₂ enrichment increased growth and N‐ and P‐utilization efficiencies at 27 DAT and seed yield in all nutritional treatments and did not affect N‐ and P‐uptake efficiencies at 27 DAT. Parameter responses to nutrient stress at 27 DAT were not altered by atmospheric CO₂ enrichment and vice versa. Nutrient‐stress treatments lowered the relative seed yield response to atmospheric CO₂ enrichment.

Decreased total‐N uptake by P‐stressed plants was associated with both decreased root growth and N‐uptake efficiency of the roots. Nitrogen‐utilization efficiency was also decreased by P‐stress. This response was associated with decreased plant growth as total‐N uptake and plant growth were decreased to the same extent by P stress resulting in unaltered tissue N concentrations. In contrast, decreased total P‐uptake by N‐stressed plants was associated with a restriction in root growth as P‐uptake efficiency of the roots was unaltered. This response was coupled with an increased root‐to‐shoot dry weight ratio; thus shoot and whole‐plant growth were decreased to a much greater extent than total‐P uptake which resulted in elevated P concentrations in the tissue. Therefore, P‐utilization efficiency was markedly reduced by N stress.     

Magnesium and zinc interaction in four soybean cultivars with different nutritional requirements

Abstract

In the last decades, soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) was the crop with the highest acreage in Brazil. Soybean has been cropped under unfertile soils as sandy soils and those under pasture decaying where applying high fertilizer levels have significant responses. The presence of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) concentration in the upper layers promotes ions imbalanced concentration in soil solution because the soil acidity correction reduces the uptake of other cations as zinc (Zn). The objective of this study was to evaluate under nutritive solution conditions, the Mg influence in Zn distribution and mobilization into plants from four soybean cultivars with different nutritional requirements. The experimental design was complete randomized blocks in factorial scheme 4?×?2?×?4 being with four soybean cultivars (FT Estrela, DM Nobre, IAC 17, and IAC 15-1), two Mg rates (0.1 and 1.0?mmol?L^?1), four Zn rates (0, 1, 2, and 5?µmol?L^?1), and four replicates. The IAC 17 and FT Estrela cultivars with determinate growth and high nutritional requirements, and the IAC 15-1 and DM Nobre with tolerance to soils partially corrected, average fertility, or both were investigated. In the highest Mg rates, we verified increase in grain yield (GY) as well as in the Zn rates up to 2.0?µmol?L^?1. The Mg?×?Zn interaction was significant and the IAC 17 cultivar was the most responsive to Zn under nutritive solution. The foliar nutrient concentration was significantly modified by Mg rates. The Mg at 1.0?mmol?L^?1 presented the lowest nutrient concentration in soybean plants and increased the shoot dry weight yield (SDWY) in plant and grain no matter the nutritional requirement from every cultivar.     

Diagnostic techniques for cereals based on plant analysis I. Stage of plant development

Abstract

The feasibility of using plant nutrient analysis results in the development of quantitative models for the evaluation and control of the nutritional status and grain yield of lowland rice was studied in a growth chamber experiment. Rice plants were grown under varying basal applications of N, P, K as well as several topdressing levels of N. Concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Na in the above ground portions of the plants were measured four times during the growing period and at plant maturity.

Grain yield was closely related to the nutritional status of plants at 2.0 g Dry Hatter weight (DMw) per hill, as indicated by clear and reproducible relationships between the grain yield and concentrations of individual nutrient elements. Interactions between the various nutrient elements were minimum at this DMw. Therefore, 2.0 g DMw per hill was selected as a representative stage of plant development for identifying the reference values for the nutritional status of young rice plants for developing quantitative methods for the evaluation and control of nutritional status and yield.     

Effect of different levels of humic acid on the growth and nutrient uptake of teak seedlings

A greenhouse experiment to study the effect of humic acid (HA) on the growth and nutrient uptake of Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.), a tropical hardwood, was conducted in Ibadan, Nigeria. The plants were grown for four months in top soils (0–30 cm) collected from an Alfisol (high organic matter) and an Oxisol (low organic matter) in Southern Nigeria. Three levels of HA, viz:, 50, 500, and 1000 mg/kg were added to the two soils. The results indicated that HA was beneficial to the growth and nutrient uptake of teak seedlings. Plant monthly growth rates, and height and total dry matter yield increased significantly (p = 0.05) over the controls in the two soils at the three HA application levels. Effects of adding 500 mg/kg and more of HA to the Alfisol were less beneficial while plant parameters and nutrient uptake tended to increase with increasing amounts of HA in the Oxisol. A significant positive correlation was established between rate of HA application and plant height (r = 0.57), stem diameter (r = 0.77) and total dry matter yield (r = 0.67) in the Oxisol, whereas the HA application rate was significantly correlated only with height (r = 0.57) and root/shoot ratio (r = 0.56) in the Alfisol. The addition of HA to the two soils increased the uptake by seedlings of N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Zn, Fe, and Cu, while Mn was decreased.     

Iron requirement for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] inoculated with selected exotic and native isolates of Bradyrhizobium sp. under irrigated conditions

A field and greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the requirement of Fe nutrient supplied through foliar and soil application in soybean inoculated with different selected isolates of exotic and native Bradyrhizobium spp. in saline soils. Six soybean genotypes and three Bradyrhizobium spp. were used for the greenhouse experiments, whereas only two soybean genotypes, namely TGx-1336424 and GIZA, were selected for further study under field conditions. Two levels of FeSO₄ (0 and 4 mg Fe kg^?1 soil) directly supplied to the soil and three levels of Fe-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (0–2% of Fe) through foliar application were used for greenhouse and field experiments, respectively. The results of the greenhouse experiment indicated a non-significant effect of Fe application on nodulation and shoot biomass in soybean. Fe application did not improve the grain yield and total biomass yield in soybean inoculated with UK isolate and local isolate but showed remarkable improvement with TAL-379. High soil native N might be the cause for insignificant effect of Fe applied at 2% in highly effective inoculated plants. Therefore, it can be concluded that the symbiotic effectiveness of Bradyrhizobium sp. and the native soil N would affect the soybean Fe requirement supplied through foliar application.     

Doybean growth and composition as affected by K,Ca, and Mg rates and corn rotation

Abstract

Different rates of K, Ca, and Mg were applied to bulklots of Decatur clay loam (pH 5.8) which had been collected from an area under natural vegetation. Nitrogen and P were each applied at the rate of 100 ppm. Soybean (Glycine max L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) were planted to pots in four replications of each treatment. Plants were grown for 6 weeks and subsequently all the pots were re‐planted to soybeans. This crop rotation was repeated until six crops had been harvested from each pot.

Potassium fertilization did not affect soybean growth but increased the dry matter of corn plants. Calcium application affected the growth of neither crop, but Mg addition to the soil reduced the growth of both crops. The composition of the plants generally reflected the available amounts of each nutrient. Additionally, Mg consistently decreased K in soybeans but increased Mn in the two crops. The inclusion of corn in rotation with soybeans resulted in the following effects on the succeeding soybean harvests: more tolerance to high Mg, greater reduction of plant Ca and Mg caused by K application, and lower levels of available K and Ma in soils and soybeans. However, the greater rate of depletion of soil K and Mn under corn rotation did not appear Co affect the dry matter yields of the following soybean plants relative to the plants under the continuous soybean cropping system.     

Comparative yield and chemical composition of soybean and fababean grown on chernozemic soils on the Canadian prairies

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) and fababean (Vicar faba (L.)) were grown under field conditions on six Orthic Black Chernozemic soils over three years at two levels of fertility. At flowering, full pod and maturity the yield and N, P, K and S composition of harvested plant materials were compared. Application of fertilizer (P, K and S) increased dry matter and seed yields of both crops. At all, growth stages fababeans produced more dry matter than soybean, and at maturity produced higher yields of seed, hull and stalk. However, the ratio of seed: hull: stalk for both crops was similar and constant at 3.8: 1: 4.7 on all soils and at both levels of soil fertility. At the high level of soil fertility, at the flowering and full pod stages, the concentration of N, P, and K in fababean was higher than that in soybean, but both crops had a similar concentration of S. At low fertility both crops had similar concentrations of P, K and S. At maturity, soybean seed had the higher concentrations of the four nutrients. The concentration of P in the hull and stalk of both crops was similar, but fababean hull had a higher concentration of K and soybean stalk a higher concentration of S. Soybean seed also had a higher protein content and yielded more protein per hectare than fababean seed.     

Root growth,nutrient uptake and yield of soybean cultivars grown in the field

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) cultivars differ in their root morphology and their nutrient uptake capabilities. The relation between root growth, P and K uptake, and grain yield was investigated using eight cultivars grown in the field on Raub (Aquic Argiudoll) silt loam which received 49 kg P/ha and 93 kg K/ha. Hobbit (maturity group III, determinate) was among the highest in grain yield, P and K uptakes, and root system length. However, this cultivar was intermediate in its relative efficiency to utilize P and K to produce grain yield; among the most efficient cultivars were Asgrow 3127 (maturity group II) and Williams‐79 (maturity group III). The hay cultivar, Wilson‐6, was the least efficient. It was concluded that even though grain yield was correlated with nutrient uptake, selection for higher yields was not necessarily a selection for higher efficiency in utilization of fertilizer for grain production.     

苏南五种水稻土的肥力与作物的相互关系

不同类型的土壤具有各不相同的肥力,这对其上种植的各种作物产生不同的影响,最后构成不同的产量与品质.反过来,种植不同的作物也对土壤产生不同的影响.研究土壤与作物的这种相互关系是土壤肥力研究的重要内容,也是制定因土种植、合理利用和培养土壤的实际措施的重要依据.     

Field Performance and Essential Oil Production of Mycorrhizal Rosemary in Restoration Low‐Nutrient Soils

The establishment and growth of Rosmarinus officinalis L. under field conditions in two low‐nutrient‐content soils were evaluated, as well as the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi on essential oil production. The reclamation was conducted in two experimental sites: a limestone quarry and a wasteland soil, both surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation. Mycorrhizal R. officinalis plants inoculated with different AM fungal isolates were used to revegetate the sites. Pre‐transplant inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi resulted in an increased survival of R. officinalis with similar results in both experimental areas. Mycorrhizal inoculation enhanced plant growth, increased essential oil yield and improved the establishment of plants under field conditions. The results indicate that the presence of the symbiosis can accelerate plant growth and alter the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, thus improving the yield of medicinal plant extracts. It also confirmed the importance of selecting plant/symbiont combinations adapted to the environmental constraints of low‐nutrient‐content soils to design a successful application of mycorrhizal technology in marginal soils. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Manganese in substrate clays—harmful for plants?

Mixtures of peat and substrate clays are commonly used as growth media for horticultural plant production. A quality protocol for substrate clays defines a threshold value of active manganese (Mn_act = sum of exchangeable and easily reducible Mn) in substrate clays of < 500 mg kg^–1 to prevent toxic reactions of plants. This threshold value was tested in experiments with peat‐clay blends under various growth conditions, and nutrient solution experiments were additionally conducted to investigate the effects of silicic acid and dissolved organic matter on the occurrence of Mn toxicity. Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) plants were cultivated in different peat‐clay substrates and in peat under different moisture and pH levels. The clays varied in their Mn_act content from 4–2354 mg kg^–1. The results of the substrate experiments reveal that a threshold value for Mn in substrate clays is not justified, as plants grown in all peat‐clay substrates did not develop any Mn toxicity even at high substrate moisture or low pH conditions which are known to increase the Mn availability. The extraction of active Mn did not well reflect the Mn concentrations in plant dry matter and substrate solution. As plants tolerated high Mn concentrations in the substrate solution compared to the nutrient solution without toxicity symptoms, the influence of silicic acid and dissolved organic matter (DOM) on Mn toxicity was characterized in a nutrient‐solution experiment. Manganese toxicity was clearly diminished by silicic acid application, but not by DOM. The former effect probably explains the tolerance of bean plants in peat substrates where high silicon concentrations in the substrate solution were observed. Peat‐clay blends even provided up to five times more silicon to plants than pure peat.     

COMPARISON OF SOIL- AND NUTRIENT-BASED MEDIUM FOR MAINTENANCE OF AZOLLA CULTURES

ABSTRACT

Soil- and nutrient medium-based cultures of Azolla were compared in terms of growth, nitrogen (N) fixation and chlorophyll content. Soil-based cultures show similar growth in terms of fresh weight, as media-based cultures. Acetylene reduction activity and chlorophyll content were found to be very high in soil-based cultures. Studies on soil N, phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and carbon (C) contents reveal that N and K contents in soil increase after inoculation of Azolla plants in soil-based cultures, while P content of soil decreases. In Azolla plants available N, P, and K contents were high in nutrient media-based cultures, initially, but N and P content of soil-based cultures kept for long period (>2 months) were significantly higher than media-based cultures. Nutrient media-based cultures require an early transferring in to fresh media as compared to soil-based cultures. The results indicate that soil-based cultures of Azolla are as good as nutrient media-based cultures of Azolla.