Long-term tillage and wheel traffic effects on a poorly drained mollic ochraqualf in northwest Ohio. 1. Soil physical properties, root distribution and grain yield of corn and soybean

Effects of 12 years of 4 tillage systems, were studied on soil bulk density, infiltration rate, penetration resistance, structural stability of aggregates, root length density, moisture release characteristics and grain yield. The objective of this study was to assess long-term effects of tillage methods and guided traffic on soil properties and crop response on a heavy-textured poorly drained soil. Tillage systems included: (A) continuous no-till for 12 years; (B) no-till for 10 years followed by plow-till for 2 years; (C) plow-till for 10 years followed by no-till for 2 years; (D) continuous plow-till for 12 years. Wheel tracks had significant effects on soil physical properties. Soil in the traffic zone (TZ) in no-till treatment had higher bulk density and penetration resistance (PR) for the upper 0–30-cm layer than plow-till treatment. The PR for the surface layer in TZ was 25–46% more than in the row zone (RZ). Mean soil bulk density in the TZ of no-till plots was about 12% more than in the RZ (1.53 vs. 1.36 g cm⁻³). Changeover from no-till to plow-till decreased PR in RZ and TZ by 50–60% while that from plow-till to no-till increased PR by 10–20%. Similar effects were observed in percent aggregation and the mean weight diameter. In no-till treatments both initial and equilibrium infiltration rates were significantly lower in TZ than RZ (27.5 vs. 6.8 cm h⁻¹ initial and 10.0 vs. 1.5 cm h⁻¹ final). There were more macropores (> 2 mm) for the TZ in no-till compared with the plow-till treatments. Fine or micropores were comparatively more numerous in the sub-soil of no-till than plow-till treatments. The median aggregate size (D₅₀) was 6.2, 4.2, 4.8 and 3.5 mm for Treatments A, B, C and D, respectively. Root length density of corn in plow-till plots was significantly more than that in no-till plots for the top 0–20-cm layer. Corn and soybean yields were greater in plow-till than no-till treatments. Grain yields in Treatment D were greater than those in Treatment A by 10% for corn and by 6% for soybean.     

Landscaping and performance of some aesthetic plant species in hot, arid conditions of India

Establishment of ornamental and aesthetic plants in hot, arid conditions of India is difficult due to the prevailing climatic, edaphic and biotic factors. Effect of turfgrass on the growth of ornamental plants in hot arid conditions has not been studied so far anywhere in the world. A study was conducted on the campus of Arid Forest Research Institute, Jodhpur, India to assess the performance of a few ornamental plant species in combination with turfgrass and without turfgrass with respect to different soil tilling intervals. Growth of plants was better with turfgrass than without turfgrass. We suggest adopting a soil tilling interval of 30 days to achieve optimum growth of ornamental plant species in terms of height and crown diameter. Our results can help reduce labor costs and achieving better landscapes in fewer days in hot urban conditions of Indian sub continent.     

Status and Regeneration of Himalayan Maple in the Himachal Pradesh: Honing Red List of Plants

The population status and regeneration of a data-deficient tree species were examined in both protected and unprotected areas. The target species was found in six habitat types, seven aspects between 2,100- to 3,300-m altitude, and sites dominated by different species. The species was best represented in a shady moist habitat, north and northwest aspects, altitudinal range >2,700 m, and sites dominated by Acer caesium in both protected and unprotected sites; but the generalized linear model indicated nonsignificant effect of sites, habitat, altitude, and dominance except for aspects. Difference in sapling and seedling density among aspects and sites only was significant. Probability of use and resource use index indicated poor preference and less pressure as fuel. It can be concluded that the species is not under any significant threat in the study area. But, further studies on population status, regeneration, and relationship with environmental factors in a wider geographic region are suggested to evaluate species and place under suitable priority category.     

Dissolution of Dominant Soil Phosphorus Fractions in Phosphorus-Responsive Soils of Bihar,India: Effects of Mycorrhiza and Fertilizer Levels

We investigated the effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza (AM) fungi and various phosphorus (P) levels on the distribution and availability of P in dominant soils of Bihar, India. Potassium chloride (KCl)-P (labile P), sodium hydroxide (NaOH)-P (Fe-Al-bound P), hydrochloric acid (HCl)-P (Ca-bound P), and residual P (Res-P) fractions were analyzed in the soils under maize plant. Ca-bound P was the most abundant P fraction in the alkaline soils (65% of the total P) followed by neutral soil (35% of the total P), whereas it was less abundant (<4%) in the acidic soil type. Fe-Al-bound P was found to be highest for acidic soil (65% of the total P). Soils under the inoculation with Glomus mossae and control gave the highest and lowest values (15.63 mg kg^?1 and 10.74 mg kg^?1 respectively) for the labile fraction which was similar to the organically bound residual fractions of P (200.17 mg kg^?1 and 193.66 mg kg^?1 respectively. Inoculation of the soils with AM fungi leads to the redistribution of P fractions in different soils which consequently helps in improvement of available P in soil conducive for plant uptake.     

红豆和白扁豆种子萌发和生长对盐胁迫的响应及其生理机制

为探讨红豆和白扁豆种子萌发及幼苗生长对盐胁迫的响应及其生理机制,以红豆品种‘渝红豆2号’和传统白扁豆品种为材料,分别用不同浓度NaCl （0 mmol·L^-1、20 mmol·L^-1、40 mmol·L^-1、60 mmol·L^-1、80 mmol·L^-1、100 mmol·L^-1）溶液处理种子,测定不同NaCl浓度胁迫下红豆和白扁豆种子的发芽指标及幼苗生长指标、叶片丙二醛（MDA）含量、超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）和过氧化物酶（POD）活性,分析NaCl胁迫对红豆和白扁豆种子萌发及幼苗生长的影响。结果表明：1）随NaCl浓度增加,红豆和白扁豆种子发芽率、发芽势、发芽指数和活力指数均呈下降趋势。当NaCl浓度为80 mmol·L^-1时,白扁豆发芽势、发芽指数、活力指数降为0,红豆的发芽势、发芽指数、活力指数分别为20.00%、2.00、0.83;NaCl浓度为100 mmol·L^-1时,红豆的发芽率为16.67%,但白扁豆为0,这表明在盐胁迫下红豆较白扁豆具有更高的萌发能力。2）红豆与白扁豆相对盐害率随NaCl浓度的增加而增加,当NaCl浓度为80 mmol·L^-1和100 mmol·L^-1时,白扁豆相对盐害率为96.58%和96.67%,红豆相对盐害率为47.05%和83.18%,说明红豆受盐害程度较低。3）红豆与白扁豆幼苗胚根、胚芽及鲜重均随NaCl浓度增加而下降。NaCl浓度为100 mmol·L^-1时,白扁豆胚根长为0,红豆胚根长为0.23 cm。4）随NaCl浓度升高,红豆和白扁豆叶片的MDA含量均增加,造成细胞膜透性逐渐增大,但是红豆幼苗MDA积累量低于白扁豆,这表明红豆叶片细胞膜损伤较小。5） NaCl胁迫下,红豆与白扁豆SOD活性均显著升高,但红豆SOD活性显著高于白扁豆;NaCl胁迫下,POD活性显著升高,但白扁豆POD活性显著下降。研究发现红豆可通过提高SOD和POD活性以降低细胞膜氧化伤害,减少MDA积累量,进而提高种子萌发能力。在相同浓度NaCl胁迫下红豆较白扁豆有更高的耐盐性,能更好地适应盐胁迫环境。     

Spatial variability of total soil carbon and nitrogen stocks for some reclaimed minesoils of southeastern Ohio

Reclamation of drastically disturbed minesoils and subsequent planting of trees and/or grasses can result in a rapid build‐up of carbon (C) in the soil. However, the amount of C sequestered in reclaimed minesoils may vary with the amount of time since reclamation. In this study, we assessed total carbon (TC) and total nitrogen (TN) concentrations for reclaimed minesoils located in northeastern Ohio and characterized by distinct reclamation age chronosequences. Reclaimed minesoils studied were R78G, reclaimed in 1978 and immediately seeded to grass; R82GT, reclaimed in 1982 and immediately seeded to grass and trees were planted 5 years later; and R87G, reclaimed in 1987 and immediately seeded to grass. An unmined site, UMG, was also included as a reference. Our objectives were to evaluate the variability with respect to mean and the spatial variability of pH, bulk density (ρ_b), TC and TN concentrations, and stocks in each reclaimed minesoil. Thirty soil samples were collected at each of the 0–15, 15–30, and 30–50 cm depth. The coefficient of variation (CV) for ρ_b was least, <15 per cent at each site and depth. For TN concentration and stock, CV was moderate, 15–35 per cent, in each field except the UMG where it was high, >35 per cent at 0–15, and 15–30 cm depths. For TC concentration and stocks, CV was high, >35 per cent, across all minesoils and generally increased with depth. The C/N ratio followed the same tend as TC and TN stocks and ranged from 40 per cent to 123 per cent across minesoils. Geostatistical analysis also showed an increase in sample variance with increasing amount of time since reclamation for most soil properties under investigation. Sample variance for TC concentration and stocks also increased with depth in reclaimed minesoils. However, no definite relationship emerged between amount of time since reclamation and the spatial dependence of TC and TN concentrations and stocks. Overall this study showed that reclamation of drastically disturbed minesoils increased the soil C concentration and stocks and reclamation by initially seeding to grasses followed by planting trees was the best management option for speedy accretion of soil C and soil quality enhancement. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Carbon stocks in Ethiopian soils in relation to land use and soil management

The effect of soil management and land use change are of interest to the sustainable land management for improving the environment and advancing food security in developing countries. Both anthropogenic changes and natural processes affect agriculture primarily by altering soil quality. This paper reviews and synthesizes the available literatures related to the influence of soil management and land use changes on soil carbon (C) stock in Ethiopia. The review shows that topsoil C stock declines approximately 0–63%, 0–23%, and 17–83% upon land use conversion from forest to crop land, to open grazing, and to plantation, respectively. An increase of 1–3% in soil C stock was observed within 10 years of converting open grazed land to protected enclosures. However, there was a little change in soil C stock below 20 cm depth. There is a large potential of increasing SOC pool with adoption of land restorative measures. Total potential of soil C sequestration with the adoption of restoration measures ranges 0·066–2·2 Tg C y⁻¹ on rain‐fed cropland and 4·2–10·5 Tg C y⁻¹ on rangeland. Given large area and diverse ecological conditions in Ethiopia, research data available in published literature are rather scanty. Therefore, researchable priorities identified in this review are important. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Offsetting global CO2 emissions by restoration of degraded soils and intensification of world agriculture and forestry

Increase in atmospheric concentration of CO₂ from 285 parts per million by volume (ppmv) in 1850 to 370 ppm in 2000 is attributed to emissions of 270 ± 30 Pg carbon (C) from fossil fuel combustion and 136 ± 55 Pg C by land‐use change. Present levels of anthropogenic emissions involve 6·3 Pg C by fossil fuel emissions and 1·8 Pg C by land‐use change. Out of the historic loss of terrestrial C pool of 136 ± 55 Pg, 78 ± 12 Pg is due to depletion of soil organic carbon (SOC) pool comprising 26 ± 9 Pg due to accelerated soil erosion. A large proportion of the historic SOC lost can be resequestered by enhancing the SOC pool through converting to an appropriate land use and adopting recommended management practices (RMPs). The strategy is to return biomass to the soil in excess of the mineralization capacity through restoration of degraded/desertified soils and intensification of agricultural and forestry lands. Technological options for agricultural intensification include conservation tillage and residue mulching, integrated nutrient management, crop rotations involving cover crops, practices which enhance the efficiency of water, plant nutrients and energy use, improved pasture and tree species, controlled grazing, and judicious use of inptus. The potential of SOC sequestration is estimated at 1–2 Pg C yr⁻¹ for the world, 0·3–0·6 Pg C yr⁻¹ for Asia, 0·2–0·5 Pg C yr⁻¹ for Africa and 0·1–0·3 Pg C yr⁻¹ for North and Central America and South America, 0·1–0·3 Pg C yr⁻¹ for Europe and 0·1–0·2 Pg C yr⁻¹ for Oceania. Soil C sequestration is a win–win strategy; it enhances productivity, improves environment moderation capacity, and mitigates global warming. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Deficit irrigation and nitrogen effects on seed cotton yield, water productivity and yield response factor in shallow soils of semi-arid environment

A field experiment was conducted for 2 years to investigate the effects of deficit irrigation, nitrogen and plant growth minerals on seed cotton yield, water productivity and yield response factor. The treatment comprises six levels of deficit irrigation (Etc 1.0, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6 and 0.5) and four levels of nitrogen (80, 120, 160 and 200 kg N ha⁻¹). These were treatments superimposed with and without plant growth mineral spray. Furrow irrigation treatments were also kept. Cotton variety Ankur-651 Bt was grown during 2006 and 2007 cotton season. Drip irrigation at 1.0 Etc saved 26.9% water and produced 43.1% higher seed cotton yield over conventional furrow irrigation (1.0 Etc). Imposing irrigation deficit of 0.8 Etc caused significant reduction in seed cotton yield to the tune of 9.3% of the maximum yield. Further increase in deficit irrigation from 0.7 Etc to 0.5 Etc significantly decreased seed cotton yield over its subsequent higher irrigation level. Decline in the yield under deficit irrigation was associated with reduction in number of bolls plant⁻¹ and boll weight. Nitrogen at 200 kg ha⁻¹ significantly increased mean seed cotton yield by 36.3% over 80 kg N ha⁻¹. Seed cotton yield tended to increase linearly up to 200 kg N ha⁻¹ with drip Etc 0.8 to drip Etc 1.0. With drip Etc 0.6-0.5, N up to 160 kg ha⁻¹ provided the highest yield, thereafter it had declined. Foliar spray of plant growth mineral (PGM) brought about significant improvement in seed cotton yield by 14.1% over control. The water productivity ranged from 0.331 to 0.491 kg m⁻³ at different irrigation and N levels. On pooled basis, crop yield response factor of 0.87 was calculated at 20% irrigation deficit.