An evaluation of the Olsen test as a measure of plant-available phosphorus in grassland soils derived from basalt parent material

Abstract. Anecdotal and circumstantial evidence have suggested that the Olsen test underestimates plant-available phosphorus (P) in basaltic soils in Northern Ireland. Therefore, the ability of this test to predict plant-available P in basaltic (and non-basaltic) soils was investigated by regressing Olsen-P data against herbage P indices calculated from plant tissue test data using the diagnosis and recommendation integrated system. The average Olsen-P concentration for a range of fields situated on basaltic soils was considerably lower than the average Olsen-P concentration for a range of fields situated on non-basaltic soils, and yet mean sward P status, as given by the herbage P indices, was similar for both groups of fields. Herbage P indices were also much better correlated with Olsen-P measurements in non-basaltic soils than in basaltic soils. Furthermore, at low Olsen-P values (≶9mgPL⁻¹) some swards on basaltic soils were genuinely deficient in P, while others were sufficient or even in surplus for this nutrient. The results confirm that Olsen-P is inadequate as a predictor of plant-available P in basaltic soils. It is concluded that an alternative soil test is needed to provide a reliable assessment of plant-available P in basaltic soils, to prevent overuse of fertilizer and manure P and to minimize the amounts of P entering local watercourses.     

Evaluation of two N cycle models for the prediction of N mineralization from grassland soils in the UK

Abstract. The ability of two nitrogen cycle models, of contrasting complexity, to predict N mineralization from a range of grassland soils in the UK, was evaluated. These were NCYCLE, a simple mass balance model of the N cycle in UK grasslands, and CENTURY, a more complex model simulating long-term C, N, P & S dynamics in grassland ecosystems. The models were tested using field measurements of net N mineralization from a range of grassland soils (differing in soil type, history & management practice), obtained over a 2 year period using a soil core incubation technique. This method was considered to measure the total net release of mineral N from the soil organic matter over a specified time, including N which may have been recycled several times. NCYCLE consistently under-estimated mineralization rates at all sites. By contrast, there was some correlation between CENTURY predictions of net N mineralization and field measurements. This may have reflected the different abilities of the two models to simulate N recycling. Neither model, however, was able to predict adequately the effect of cultivation and reseeding on net N mineralization.     

The use of urban organic wastes in the control of erosion in a semiarid Mediterranean soil

Abstract. A two year field experiment was carried out in a semiarid Mediterranean area in order to evaluate, the effect on soil erosion of adding different urban organic wastes: a stabilized municipal waste (compost), an unstabilized municipal waste, and an aerobic sewage sludge. All the treatments significantly reduced soil erosion, compared to the control soil. The soil amended with compost was the most effective treatment, reducing soil loss by 94% and runoff by 54%.     

Effects of 'Agri-SC' soil conditioner on soil structure and erodibility: some further observations

Abstract. In field and laboratory experiments the conditioner‘Agri-SC’has shown improvements in the structure of loamy sand soils in east Shropshire, UK. It resulted in statistically significant decreases in soil bulk density values and increases in soil porosity and aggregate stability. Further experiments are in progress on both loamy sand and silt loam soils.     

The Magnesium Status of Some Fiji Soils

Abstract

Magnesium (Mg) is an essential macronutrient element for all living organisms, but literature reports of Mg deficiency in agriculture and forestry appear regularly. In many tropical areas, Mg is added to soils by using dolomitic limestone and as minor additions through impurities in some fertilizers. Minimal information is available on the Mg status of Fiji soils, and deficiencies have been observed in some crops. This study investigated the Mg status of a range of Fiji soils and found that major agricultural soils of Fiji contain variable amounts of Mg, both in the total concentrations and in the different forms of the element present. The variations can be related to the soil parent materials, degree of weathering, clay content, and mineralogy. Low plant‐available Mg concentrations are present in many of the highly weathered soils with limited reserves present. Development of intensive agriculture should consider Mg when developing fertilizer programs.     

长安区不同性质土层CO2释放规律研究

通过对长安双竹村夏、秋季不同性质土层CO2释放量的测定,本文研究了不同性质土层CO2释放规律及其差异。资料表明,从当日早晨到次日早晨,不同性质土层土壤CO2释放量均呈现由低到高再到低的变化规律;土壤CO2释放量与土层性质有密切关系,马兰黄土土层CO2释放量最高,其次是黏性土,释放量最低的是含砾石中细砂土;土层CO2释放量变化与气温的变化呈现负相关。     

基于VG-PENG收缩特征曲线与收缩各向异性的裂隙率估算模型

为量化农田裂隙发育程度,考虑脱湿过程中土壤孔隙在基质域、沉降域和裂隙域间转化,该研究提出基于土壤收缩特征和收缩各向异性的裂隙体积比率(裂隙率)关于含水率的预测模型.该模型包括3个子模型:改进VG型式的基质域收缩特征VG-PENG模型,描述收缩各向异性的几何因子Logistic模型,基于上述VG-PENG收缩特征模型和几...     

酒精溶液对斥水土壤入渗规律的试验研究

采用室内土柱积液入渗试验,进行了不同斥水程度的2种土质的酒精溶液和蒸馏水的对比入渗试验研究,对比了不同斥水程度的土壤累积入渗量和入渗率随时间的变化,验证了Kostiakov公式在斥水土壤酒精溶液入渗的适应性,探索了i与t-1/2的拟合关系,以及全盐量和氯离子的剖面分布。结果表明,酒精入渗条件下,斥水性的存在明显影响土壤的入渗性能,而不同程度斥水性的斥水土壤的入渗能力变化不明显,但明显小于亲水土壤;湿润土层内的全盐量和Cl-的淋洗在不斥水条件下效果不明显,而在斥水土壤中较为明显,且在湿润锋处达到最大值;对土壤入渗率与入渗历时的关系,Kostiakov公式的适应性较好;i与t-1/2呈良好的指数关系。斥水性的存在影响酒精溶液入渗,但不同斥水程度的斥水土壤入渗不受酒精溶液的影响。与蒸馏水入渗相比,酒精溶液入渗极大地加速了土壤的入渗过程。