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.     

甘孜州退化草地生态系统综合治理对策研究

介绍了甘孜州草地生态系统现状,在分析草地退化原因和危害的基础上,提出了综合治理退化草地生态系统的措施。     

巫溪红池坝改良草地鼠类调查报告

对重庆巫溪红池坝改良草地中鼠形动物的种类进行抽样调查、室内饲养、解剖鼠胃和洞道研究，结果显示，该改良草地中有鼠形动物2目3科4种，其对草地危害方式和为害程度均不一样。提出了改良草地中鼠害的防治措施。     

内蒙古赤峰市实行草地有偿承包的效果和经验

通过赤峰市多年来对草地有偿承包责任制的探索，阐述了草地有偿承包责任制的意义和重要性，总结了实行草地有偿承包责任制的基本做法和体会，提出了今后的设想。     

春季休牧对草原和家畜生产力的影响

从4月上旬到6月下旬,在内蒙古锡林郭勒典型草原,进行春季休牧试验,对休牧和非休牧的草原进行生产力监测.结果表明:春季休牧可以有效地保护草原生态环境,经过两个月休牧后,草原植被状况明显改善;休牧期间采用低投入维持性饲养,可以显著降低饲养成本.并对休牧措施的生态效益、生产实践可行性和经济合理性进行综合讨论和评价.     

贵州茶树雪凝冻害发生情况与补救预防措施

分析了2008年贵州雪凝气候特点和茶树雪凝冻害受灾成因及受灾情况,针对不同类型的茶园和苗圃提出了相应的补救和预防措施。     

水泥砼路面改造前的病害处理

本文介绍的是在破损的水泥混凝土路面上进行沥青混凝土路面铺筑时,旧路面的处理方法和施工工艺。