Effect of nitrogen application during ripening period on photosynthesis and dry matter production and its impact on yield and yield components of semidwarf iniica rice varieties under water culture conditions

Abstract

A water culture pot experiment was conducted to analyze the effects of N application during the ripening period (RP) on photosynthesis, dry matter production, and its impact on grain ripening and yield in two semidwarf indica type varieties viz. Gui Zhao 2 (GZ) and BR3 (BR) compared with a japonica type variety Koganemasari (KO) under four N rates viz. 0 (N₀), 10 (N₁₀), 20 (N₂₀), and 40 (N₄₀) mg L^?1. Results showed that N application enabled to maintain a higher leaf area and delay leaf senescence in both indica and japonica type varieties but the decrease in the rate, of leaf area was higher in the former than in the latter and the rate was reduced with increasing N rates. Flag leaf photosynthesis and SPAD values of N treated plants were higher throughout the RP, showing the presence of a significant correlation either for each variety or all the varieties together. Higher photosynthetic rate was supported by higher leaf chlorophyll (SPAD value basis) content, stomatai conductance, and N concentration in leaf blades. Top dry matter content increased with increasing N rates mainly due to mean leaf area rather than NAR except for BR during RP but it was higher in KO than in GZ and BR. Reduction of shoot weight due to translocation of dry matter to panicles during RP was suppressed by N rates both in GZ and BR while shoot weight increased in the N-treated plants in KO. The dependency of KO on current photosynthates for panicle weight was found to be almost hundred percent while the contribution of stored carbohydrates in shoot before heading to panicle weight in GZ and BR was in the range of 4-27 and 33-54%, respectively and the rest was contributed by current photosynthates. The percentage increased with increasing N rates. Percentage of ripened grains (PRG) increased with increasing N rates in GZ and BR due to the increase in dry matter production and in the photosynthetic rates of apex leaves, despite the larger spikelet number and larger hull size. However, KO showed almost no variation although it had the highest PRG among the varieties. Brown rice yield followed the same pattern as that of PRG in GZ and BR and the highest yield was produced by BR followed by GZ and KO. These results suggest that N application during RP was more effective in increasing yield in the semidwarf indica type varieties than in the japonica type variety.     

Stabilization mechanisms of organic matter in four temperate soils: Development and application of a conceptual model

Based on recent findings in the literature, we developed a process‐oriented conceptual model that integrates all three process groups of organic matter (OM) stabilization in soils namely (1) selective preservation of recalcitrant compounds, (2) spatial inaccessibility to decomposer organisms, and (3) interactions of OM with minerals and metal ions. The model concept relates the diverse stabilization mechanisms to active, intermediate, and passive pools. The formation of the passive pool is regarded as hierarchical structured co‐action of various processes that are active under specific pedogenetic conditions. To evaluate the model, we used data of pool sizes and turnover times of soil OM fractions from horizons of two acid forest and two agricultural soils. Selective preservation of recalcitrant compounds is relevant in the active pool and particularly in soil horizons with high C contents. Biogenic aggregation preserves OM in the intermediate pool and is limited to topsoil horizons. Spatial inaccessibility due to the occlusion of OM in clay microstructures and due to the formation of hydrophobic surfaces stabilizes OM in the passive pool. If present, charcoal contributes to the passive pool mainly in topsoil horizons. The importance of organo‐mineral interactions for OM stabilization in the passive pool is well‐known and increases with soil depth. Hydrophobicity is particularly relevant in acid soils and in soils with considerable inputs of charcoal. We conclude that the stabilization potentials of soils are site‐ and horizon‐specific. Furthermore, management affects key stabilization mechanisms. Tillage increases the importance of organo‐mineral interactions for OM stabilization, and in Ap horizons with high microbial activity and C turnover, organo‐mineral interactions can contribute to OM stabilization in the intermediate pool. The application of our model showed that we need a better understanding of processes causing spatial inaccessibility of OM to decomposers in the passive pool.     

Influence of land use (savanna,pasture, Eucalyptus plantations) on soil carbon and nitrogen stocks in Brazil

In Brazil, most Eucalyptus stands have been planted on Cerrado (shrubby savanna) or on Cerrado converted into pasture. Case studies are needed to assess the effect of such land use changes on soil fertility and C sequestration. In this study, the influence of Cerrado land development (pasture and Eucalyptus plantations) on soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen (SON) stocks were quantified in southern Brazil. Two contrasted silvicultural practices were also compared: 60 years of short‐rotation silviculture (EUC_SR) versus 60 years of continuous growth (EUC_HF). C and N soil concentrations and bulk densities were measured and modelled for each vegetation type, and SOC and SON stocks were calculated down to a depth of 1 m by a continuous function. Changes in SOC and SON stocks mainly occurred in the forest floor (no litter in pasture and up to 0.87 kg C m^?2 and 0.01 kg N m^?2 in EUC_SR) and upper soil horizons. C and N stocks and their confidence intervals were greatly influenced by the methodology used to compute these layers. C/N ratio and ¹³C analysis showed that down to a depth of 30 cm, the Cerrado organic matter was replaced by organic matter from newly introduced vegetation by as much as 75–100% for pasture and about 50% for EUC_HF, poorer in N for Eucalyptus stands (C/N larger than 18 for Eucalyptus stands). Under pasture, 0–30 cm SON stocks (0.25 kg N m^?2) were between 10 and 20% greater than those of the Cerrado (0.21 kg N m^?2), partly due to soil compaction (limit bulk density at soil surface from 1.23 for the Cerrado to 1.34 for pasture). Land development on the Cerrado increased SOC stocks in the 0–30 cm layer by between 15 and 25% (from 2.99 (Cerrado) to 3.86 (EUC_SR) kg C m^?2). When including litter layers, total 0–30 cm carbon stocks increased by 35% for EUC_HF (4.50 kg C m^?2) and 53% for EUC_SR (5.08 kg C m^?2), compared with the Cerrado (3.28 kg C m^?2), independently of soil compaction.     

Modified technique to assess the wettability of soil aggregates: comparison with contact angles measured on crushed aggregates and bulk soil

Wettability parameters determined for individual soils often show a considerable variation depending on the kind of sample (aggregated or homogeneous material) and the method used. To investigate the causes of this variation, we assessed wettability of both intact and crushed aggregates and bulk soil using different methods. Wettability of intact aggregates was characterized by a modified technique where the specific infiltration rates of water and a completely wetting liquid were used to define a repellency index. Contact angles were determined on crushed aggregates and bulk soil using the Wilhelmy plate and capillary rise methods. The repellency index was found to be sensitive to slight differences in wettability and was in good agreement with Wilhelmy plate contact angles. Contact angles measured with the capillary rise method showed a strong deviation from those determined with the Wilhelmy plate method. This can be ascribed to the underlying assumptions of the capillary rise method (i.e. cylindrical and parallel capillaries) resulting in an over‐estimation of contact angle, particularly for the small‐sized particle fraction because of the impact of inertia and pore structure. No significant differences were found between intact and crushed aggregates whereas the bulk soil was slightly more water‐repellent, probably because of a somewhat larger organic carbon content. We conclude that the contact angle determined by the Wilhelmy plate method and the repellency index are appropriate parameters for characterizing soil water repellency because they detected small changes in wettability over a wide range extending from subcritical water repellency to hydrophobicity.     

Site-Specific Nitrogen Management in Rice Using Remote Sensing and Geostatistics

Proper doses of nitrogenous fertilizer are most important for rice production system because a large part of the nitrogen may be lost if it is not applied judiciously. A study was conducted covering five blocks of Balasore and two blocks of Bhadrak districts. Soil samples were collected randomly, and field visit was conducted during peak vegetative stage of rice. Two approaches have been used in this study for estimating the site-specific nitrogen (N) requirement in the study area. In one approach, geostatisical analysis and kriging was used to develop the soil test–based N recommendation map by which a minimum of 72 kg N ha^?1 and maximum of 94 kg N ha^?1 were recommended. In a second approach, remote sensing was used and N recommendation map was developed using the moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) leaf area index (LAI) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) satellite data, and a minimum requirement of 60 kg N ha^?1 and maximum of 120 kg N ha^?1 was estimated through this approach.     

Biochar-induced changes in soil properties affected immobilization/mobilization of metals/metalloids in contaminated soils

Purpose

Remediation of metal contaminated soil with biochar is attracting extensive interest in recent years. Understanding the significance of variable biochar properties and soil types helps elucidating the meticulous roles of biochar in immobilizing/mobilizing metals/metalloids in contaminated soils.

Materials and methods

Six biochars were produced from widely available agricultural wastes (i.e., soybean stover, peanut shells and pine needles) at two pyrolysis temperatures of 300 and 700 °C, respectively. The Pb-, Cu-, and Sb-contaminated shooting range soils and Pb-, Zn-, and As-contaminated agricultural soils were amended with the produced biochars. The mobility of metals/metalloids was assessed by the standard batch leaching test, principal component analysis and speciation modeling.

Results and discussion

The changes in soil properties were correlated to feedstock types and pyrolysis temperatures of biochars based on the principal component analysis. Biochars produced at 300 °C were more efficient in decreasing Pb and Cu mobility (>93 %) in alkaline shooting range soil via surface complexation with carboxyl groups and Fe-/Al-minerals of biochars as well as metal-phosphates precipitation. By contrast, biochars produced at 700 °C outperformed their counterparts in decreasing Pb and Zn mobility (100 %) in acidic agricultural soil by metal-hydroxides precipitation due to biochar-induced pH increase. However, Sb and As mobility in both soils was unfavorably increased by biochar amendment, possibly due to the enhanced electrostatic repulsion and competition with phosphate.

Conclusions

It is noteworthy that the application of biochars is not equally effective in immobilizing metals or mobilizing metalloids in different soils. We should apply biochar to multi-metal contaminated soil with great caution and tailor biochar production for achieving desired outcome and avoiding adverse impact on soil ecosystem.

     

Nitrogen release dynamics of a slow release urea pellet and its effect on growth,yield, and nutrient uptake of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

Manure urea pellets were produced and their nitrogen release rate was evaluated in soil incubation at different water contents of 90, 75, and 60% soil filed capacity (FC). In another experiment, sweet basil growth was evaluated during eight months (with three shoot harvests) under the pellet application. The nitrogen release and pellet dispersion rates were slow after two months or at lower soil water content (60% FC), but they were significant after four months of soil incubation, or at higher soil water content (75 or particularly 90% FC). Application of pelleted urea reduced plant growth and yield at first harvest than urea treatment. However, at second and particularly at third harvest (and the average of three harvests) significant improvement in growth parameters of SPAD value, leaf area, plant height, shoot fresh weight, pot yield, and` leaf N and K concentrations were achieved by application of pelleted urea fertilization.     

Characterizing Spatial Variability of Soil Textural Fractions and Fractal Parameters Derived from Particle Size Distributions

Soil particle size distribution (PSD) is a fundamental physical property affecting other soil properties. Characterizing spatial variability of soil texture is very important in environmental research. The objectives of this work were: 1) to partition PSD of 75 soil samples, collected from a flat field in the University of Guilan, Iran, into two scaling domains using a piecewise fractal model to evaluate the relationships between fractal dimensions of scaling domains and soil clay, silt, and sand fractions and 2) to assess the potential of fractal parameters as an index used in a geostatistical approach reflecting the spatial variability of soil texture. Features of PSD of soil samples were studied using fractal geometry, and geostatistical techniques were used to characterize the spatial variability of fractal and soil textural parameters. There were two scaling domains for the PSD of soil samples. The fractal dimensions of these two scaling domains (D₁ and D₂) were then used to characterize different ranges of soil particle sizes and their relationships to the soil textural parameters. There was a positive correlation between D₁ and clay content (R² = 0.924), a negative correlation between D₁ and silt content (R² = 0.801), and a negative correlation between D₂ and sand content (R² = 0.913). The geometric mean diameter of soil particles had a negative correlation with D₁ (R² = 0.569) and D₂ (R² = 0.682). Semivariograms of fractal dimensions and soil textural parameters were calculated and the maps of spatial variation of D₁ and D₂ and soil PSD parameters were provided using ordinary kriging. The results showed that there were also spatial correlations between D₁ and D₂ and particle size fractions. According to the semivariogram models and validation parameters, the fractal parameters had powerful spatial structure and could better describe the spatial variability of soil texture.     

Fijian adolescents’ understanding and evaluation of climate change: Implications for enabling effective future adaptation

Pacific Island countries are particularly vulnerable to future manifestations of climate change due to high coastline‐to‐land‐area ratios, and high dependence of inhabitants on natural ecosystems. While everyone in the Pacific Islands should participate in climate change adaptation activities, it is the young people, given they are the generation likely to not only bear the burden of climate change, but to lead and live effective climate change adaptation activities and strategies specific to their region, the involvement of youth is critical. Pacific Island youths are often marginalised within traditional decision‐making hierarchies, therefore they are typically excluded from participating in meaningful discussions at community and government levels. Discussions were held with 30 adolescents aged 14–18 years in Fiji to explore knowledge and experiences regarding climate change. Participants revealed their dismay at their inability to talk to family – who they consider are not doing enough – about what they consider as appropriate responses to climate change, recommending the help of an authoritative outsider who could speak to their community leaders and family. Discussions also revealed that Fijian youth could not distinguish between changes in the climate and normal weather events, attesting to the importance of climate‐change education and awareness‐raising efforts within the Pacific Islands more generally.     

Flower yield performance and stability of various Rosa damascena Mill. landraces under different ecological conditions

The flower yield stability of Damask rose as an important medicinal and aromatic plant at different environments has not been well documented. In order to evaluate flower yield and stability, 35 landraces of Damask rose were studied at 8 locations in Iran during 2007–2008. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) among landraces (G), environments (E), locations (L) and for landrace × environment (GE) and landrace × location (GL) interactions. Both GE and GL interactions were mainly crossover, a large portion of which was accounted for by non-linear (unpredictable) component. The landraces of IS9, YZ2, WA1, IS7 and IS1 with 3120.63, 2941.63, 2894.62, 2769.15 and 2716.92 kg/ha respectively produced the highest flower yield among studied landraces. Kerman with average flower yield of 3635.46 kg/ha produced the highest yield among studied locations. According to the results, most of landraces that originated from temperate, warm temperate and arid regions produced higher flower yield than those from cool, cool temperate, semi-arid and humid regions. The landraces of YZ2, IS5, IS8, IS4, KZ1, AR1_, IS3 and BA1 were stable and YZ2, IS5, IS8, IS4, KZ1, AR1 IS6, IS3, BA1, IS10 and YZ1 were adaptable landraces for flower yield according to Eberhart and Russell (1966) model. The presence of some high flower yield and stable landraces such as YZ2 and IS5 suggests that a genotype can demonstrate high flower yield and stability for yield simultaneously. Thus, simultaneous selection for flower yield and stability using nonparametric methods could be possible. In addition, taking into consideration flower yield and stability potential, the landraces of YZ2, IS5, IS8, IS4 and KZ1 as general stable, adaptable, and high flower yield are recommended. Furthermore, the landraces of IS9 and WA1 as high flower yield and specific adaptable landraces can be recommended for temperate and arid areas and the landraces of IS7 and IS1 for semitemperate and cool areas.