黄土丘陵区不同植被土壤氮素转化微生物生理群特征及差异

采用最大或然计数法(most probable number, MPN)对黄土高原洞子沟流域不同植被恢复阶段土壤氮素微生物生理群(氨化细菌、亚硝化细菌、反硝化细菌)数量分布特征进行了测定,结果表明:1)土壤氨化细菌、亚硝化细菌和反硝化细菌数量随植被恢复而增加,三者最大值分别为最小值的74、4和31倍,其中氨化细菌和反硝化细菌的数量在铁杆蒿群落最低,辽东栎群落最高,亚硝化细菌数量在丁香群落最低,辽东栎群落最高;2)植被恢复对各氮素生理群影响不同,对氨化细菌影响最大,其次分别为反硝化细菌和亚硝化细菌;3)各氮素生理群数量差异较大,氨化细菌>反硝化细菌>亚硝化细菌。研究区氨化细菌占总数的75%-80%,反硝化细菌占20%-25%时,生态系统最为稳定;4)土壤理化性质与各功能菌关系紧密,其中,土壤容重和硝态氮含量与微生物数量相关性最大,全钾、矿化氮和微生物量氮也表现出很大的相关性。     

水分状况与不同形态氮添加对亚热带森林土壤氮素净转化速率及N2O排放的影响

通过室内模拟试验,研究40%、70%和110%土壤饱和持水量(WHC)下,不同形态氮(硝态氮和铵态氮)添加对亚热带森林红壤氮素转化的影响.结果表明:70%WHC下土壤净矿化和氨化速率最高,40%WHC下最低;与对照相比,70%WHC下添加硝态氮使土壤净矿化和氨化速率分别降低56.1%和43.0%,110%WHC下分别降低68.2%和19.0%,但提高了氨化速率占矿化速率的比例,表明添加硝态氮抑制了硝化.110%WHC下,添加硝态氮后,土壤净硝化速率最低,但氧化亚氮(N2O)浓度最高,最大值出现在第3~7天,表明N2O产生自反硝化途径,硝态氮也在同时段降低;而40%WHC和70%WHC下,N2O浓度在培养初期最大,即使在铵态氮和硝态氮添加处理下,试验后期N2O浓度也没有显著变化,表明自氧硝化是试验前期N2O产生的主要途径.40%WHC下,土壤可溶性有机碳含量增加最多,且在铵态氮添加处理下增加最多,可见添加铵态氮促进土壤有机质矿化,增加可溶性有机碳,但是土壤水分含量增多不利于有机质矿化.在40%WHC和110%WHC下,铵态氮添加处理土壤可溶性有机氮(SON)变化速率分别显著高于对照73.6%和176.6%,而在硝态氮添加处理下,只有40%WHC下显著高于对照78.7%,表明高水分条件和添加铵态氮有利于SON的形成.     

不同耕作方式下稻田土壤的氮素形态及氮素转化菌特征

在水稻不同生育期分层采集稻田土壤剖面样品,研究不同耕作方式（常耕CT、免耕NT、稻草还田常耕CTS、稻草还田免耕NTS）、不同土层稻田土壤的氮素（N）形态及氮素转化菌特征.结果表明：在N素转化菌方面,水稻整个生育期0～5 cm土层氨化细菌的数量以NTS处理最多;0～5 cm和5～12 cm土层亚硝化细菌数量CT处理高于NT处理,12～20 cm土层则相反;NTS较CTS处理降低了0～20 cm土层的亚硝化细菌和反硝化细菌数量;在水稻拔节期和成熟期,NT处理较CT处理提高了0～5 cm土层的嫌气性固氮菌数量.在N素形态方面,水稻整个生育期NT处理碱解N和全N较集中分布在0～5 cm土层,明显高于CT处理,而5～12 cm和12～20 cm土层比CT处理低;12～20 cm土层的铵态氮和硝态氮含量NT与CT处理差异不显著,而NTS处理0～20 cm土层的铵态氮和硝态氮含量均有所提高.相关分析和多元回归分析表明,铵态氮与氨化细菌、亚硝化细菌、反硝化细菌正相关程度最高,而碱解氮与嫌气性固氮菌正相关程度最高,均达极显著水平.综合各土层氮素转化菌数量与不同形态N含量,NTS更有利于稻田氮素供应与养分积累.     

浙江天童森林砍伐对土壤养分库和氮矿化-硝化特征的影响

揭示不同砍伐频率对森林土壤养分库和氮周转的影响,对于理解森林养分循环的干扰响应具有重要意义。本研究以浙江天童常绿阔叶林为对象,选择了3个具有不同砍伐频率的群落比对组,分析各组内土壤有机碳和氮磷养分库,以及氮素矿化、硝化速率的变化。结果表明:3组群落中,重复砍伐群落的土壤总氮和总有机碳储量显著减小(P0.05),而土壤总磷、铵态氮和硝态氮储量、土壤容重显著增加(P0.05)。土壤氨化速率和氮矿化速率在比对组间无显著差异(P0.05),但硝化速率在重复砍伐后显著增加(P0.05)。本研究表明,土壤养分库和氮转化对森林重复砍伐的响应方式不同。森林重复砍伐后,土壤有机碳库和氮库含量降低,磷库和无机氮库含量增加,氮素矿化和氨化速率变化不显著,硝化速率显著提高。     

覆膜对春小麦农田微生物数量和土壤养分的影响

研究了黄绵土区不同覆膜时期对旱作麦田土壤微生物数量及其与土壤碳、氮、磷含量的关系。丰水的 1 999年 ,土壤微生物数量增长早 ,延续时间长 ,覆膜 60 d微生物数量最高 (3 3 .93 8× 1 0 6 /g dry soil) ,其次为全程覆膜 (3 2 .2 5 9× 1 0 6 ) ;干旱的 2 0 0 0年微生物平均数量只有 1 999年的 3 6.5 % ,在后期有一定降水后微生物数量才出现高峰 ,以全程覆膜数量最高(1 4.83 6× 1 0 6 ) ,覆膜 60 d次之 (1 1 .5 2 9× 1 0 6 )。 1 999年各类群微生物数量同土壤有机碳之间均呈显著或极显著负相关。2 0 0 0年相关系数几乎全面下降 ,氨化细菌、硝化细菌和反硝化细菌 ,甚至微生物总量同土壤有机碳之间都已不再显著相关。 1 999年土壤全氮同氨化细菌、硝化细菌、亚硝化细菌、解磷细菌及微生物总量均呈显著或极显著负相关 ,2 0 0 0年只与氨化细菌、亚硝化细菌、微生物总数显著负相关。土壤速效磷含量在 1 999年与解磷细菌显著负相关 ,而在 2 0 0 0年相关已不再显著。两年试验结束后 ,全程覆膜处理有机质下降 2 1 .2 % ,覆膜 60 d处理下降 1 7.2 % ,覆膜 3 0 d和不覆膜处理下降相对较小 (4 .3 %和 6.7% )。由于施用化肥 ,土壤全氮有明显升高。速效磷在 1 999生长季和随后的休闲期都有升高 ,在干旱的 2 0 0 0     

天山林区不同类型群落土壤氮素对冻融过程的动态响应

季节性冻融过程对北方温带森林土壤氮素的转化与流失具有重要影响,但不同类型群落对冻融过程响应的差异尚不明确。通过在林地、草地、灌丛上设置系列监测样地,采用原位培养的方法,利用林冠遮挡形成的自然雪被厚度差异,监测分析了冻融期天山林区不同群落表层土壤(0—15 cm)的氮素动态及净氮矿化速率间的差异。结果表明:(1)不同类型群落土壤的铵态氮(NH+4-N)含量、微生物量氮(MBN)含量基本与土壤(5 cm)温度呈正相关,深冻期林地土壤铵态氮含量低于其他群落类型而硝态氮含量高于其他群落类型;(2)硝态氮(NO-3-N)为天山林区季节性冻融期间土壤矿质氮的主体,占比达78.4%。灌丛土壤硝态氮流失风险较大,融化末期较融化初期灌丛土壤硝态氮含量下降了64.6%;(3)冻融时期对整体氮素矿化速率影响显著,群落类型对氨化速率影响显著;(4)天山林区土壤氮素在冻结期主要以氮固持为主。通过揭示不同类型群落土壤氮素对冻融格局的响应,能够助益于对北方林区冬季土壤氮素循环的认识。     

天山林区不同类型群落土壤氮素对冻融过程的动态响应

季节性冻融过程对北方温带森林土壤氮素的转化与流失具有重要影响,但不同类型群落对冻融过程响应的差异尚不明确。通过在林地、草地、灌丛上设置系列监测样地,采用原位培养的方法,利用林冠遮挡形成的自然雪被厚度差异,监测分析了冻融期天山林区不同群落表层土壤(0—15 cm)的氮素动态及净氮矿化速率间的差异。结果表明:(1)不同类型群落土壤的铵态氮(NH+4-N)含量、微生物量氮(MBN)含量基本与土壤(5 cm)温度呈正相关,深冻期林地土壤铵态氮含量低于其他群落类型而硝态氮含量高于其他群落类型;(2)硝态氮(NO-3-N)为天山林区季节性冻融期间土壤矿质氮的主体,占比达78.4%。灌丛土壤硝态氮流失风险较大,融化末期较融化初期灌丛土壤硝态氮含量下降了64.6%;(3)冻融时期对整体氮素矿化速率影响显著,群落类型对氨化速率影响显著;(4)天山林区土壤氮素在冻结期主要以氮固持为主。通过揭示不同类型群落土壤氮素对冻融格局的响应,能够助益于对北方林区冬季土壤氮素循环的认识。     

文峪河上游河岸带不同植被类型土壤nirS反硝化菌群结构及功能

以文峪河上游河岸带不同演替阶段的8种植被类型五花草甸(WH)、沙棘林(HR)、柳树林(SS)、山杨林(PC)、山杨白桦林(PQ)、山杨白桦落叶松林(PQL)、落叶松云杉林(LP)和云杉林(PM)土壤为研究对象,采用高通量测序技术测定nirS反硝化细菌群落组成及相对丰度,乙炔抑制法测定反硝化酶活性(DEA)。对其土壤理化性质及反硝化细菌群落组成及相对丰度进行方差分析,采用冗余分析(RDA)和Spearman相关性分析不同植被类型及土层反硝化细菌群落结构及功能及土壤理化因子的关联性。结果表明:1)不同植被类型及土层土壤理化因子存在显著差异,柳树林(SS)0—15 cm土层硝态氮(NO~+_3-N)含量显著高于其他植被类型各土层;2)土壤反硝化菌群多样性指数在五花草甸(WH)、山杨白桦林(PQ)和云杉林(PM)中较其他植被类型高;3)沙棘林(HR)及柳树林(SS)反硝化酶活性(DEA)显著高于其他植被类型;4)不同植被类型反硝化优势菌群分布存在显著差异及特异性,如浮霉菌门(Planctomycetes)仅在落叶松云杉混交林(LP)和云杉林(PM)植被类型15—30 cm土层中分布;5)土壤pH、土壤有机碳(SOC)、土壤铵态氮(NH~+_4-N)和硝态氮(NO~+_3-N)等是影响土壤反硝化细菌群落结构及组成的重要因子,其中土壤铵态氮和硝态氮含量变化是导致土壤反硝化菌群多样性和反硝化酶活性差异的关键因子。本研究揭示了文峪河上游河岸带不同植被类型土壤反硝化细菌群落结构及功能的变化和分布特征,为进一步研究该区域河岸带氮素循环及水体污染防治提供重要参考依据。     

科尔沁沙地典型人工固沙植物群落土壤硝化活性

远取26年生的小叶锦码儿、山竹岩黄蓍、差巴嘎蒿、小黄柳和樟子松5种典型人工固沙群落及不同生长年限的小叶锦鸡儿群落为研究对象,对群落土壤养分、酶活性和硝化活性进行了对比研究.结果表明:26年生的小叶锦鸡儿群落土壤有机质、全氮、铵态氮和硝态氮含量均明显高于其他4种植物群落;小叶锦鸡儿群落土壤脲酶、蛋白酶活性和硝化活性最高,小黄柳群落土壤硝酸还原酶活性最高.土壤脲酶和蛋白酶分别与有机质呈显著正相关.随着生长年限的增加,小叶锦鸡儿群落土壤养分、酶活性和硝化活性逐渐升高,其中有机质、脲酶和蛋白酶活性与生长年限之间均存在显著正相关关系.     

温度对川西亚高山3种森林土壤氮矿化的影响

川西亚高山森林群落土壤氮循环对全球气候变化非常敏感。采用室内培养法,研究川西3个森林群落(天然针叶林、云杉人工林和桦木次生林)土壤有机层和矿质土壤层无机氮含量在两个培养温度(20℃和10℃)下4周内动态变化。结果表明:培养4周后,在20℃培养条件下天然针叶林、云杉人工林和桦木次生林硝态氮含量比在10℃培养条件下分别高出104.32%、52.11%和25.57%;而铵态氮含量仅高出10.18%、24.06%和44.82%。有机层土壤氨化速率、硝化速率和净氮矿化速率大多表现为20℃显著高于10℃;相反,温度对矿质土壤层氮转化速率影响大多不显著。此外,天然林土壤净氨化速率、硝化速率和净氮矿化速率均高于桦木次生林和云杉人工林。实验期间,3个森林群落土壤净硝化速率20℃比10℃高79.03%—128.89%,而净氨化速率仅高37.81%—63.33%。综上所述,温度变化对川西亚高山森林土壤氮矿化具有显著影响,而温度效应因森林类型、土壤层次和氮形态而不同。与矿质土壤层相比,土壤有机层氮矿化对温度变化更为敏感。     

氮磷硅添加对青藏高原高寒草甸垂穗披碱草叶片碳氮磷的影响

以甘南高寒草甸常见牧草垂穗披碱草(Elymus nutans)为研究对象,比较不同氮磷硅添加下,垂穗披碱草叶片对元素添加的反应。研究发现:氮添加显著提高土壤中硝态氮和铵态氮的含量;磷添加提高了土壤中全磷和速效磷的含量;高浓度的硅单独、硅与氮或磷混合可提高土壤中硝态氮的含量或全磷和速效磷的含量;氮和磷单独添加分别能提高垂穗披碱草叶片全氮和全磷含量,高浓度的硅单独、硅与氮或磷混合添加都能提高垂穗披碱草叶片全氮和全磷的含量。就硅元素而言,高浓度的硅添加,硅与氮或磷混合添加能提高土壤硝态氮、全磷和速效磷的含量,促进垂穗披碱草对土壤中氮磷的吸收,从而使植物叶片中氮磷的含量增加。     

Elucidating Cd-mediated distinct rhizospheric and in planta ionomic and physio-biochemical responses of two contrasting Zea mays L. cultivars

Cadmium (Cd) in soil–plant system can abridge plant growth by initiating alterations in root zones. Hydroponics and rhizoboxes are useful techniques to monitor plant responses against various natural and/or induced metal stresses. However, soil based studies are considered more appropriate in order to devise efficient food safety and remediation strategies. The present research evaluated the Cd-mediated variations in elemental dynamics of rhizospheric soil together with in planta ionomics and morpho-physio-biochemical traits of two differentially Cd responsive maize cultivars. Cd-sensitive (31P41) and Cd-tolerant (3062) cultivars were grown in pots filled with 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 µg/kg CdCl₂ supplemented soil. The results depicted that the maize cultivars significantly influenced the elemental dynamics of rhizosphere as well as in planta mineral accumulation under applied Cd stress. The uptake and translocation of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn and Fe from rhizosphere and root cell sap was significantly higher in Cd stressed cv. 3062 as compared to cv. 31P41. In sensitive cultivar (31P41), Cd toxicity resulted in significantly prominent reduction of biomass, leaf area, chlorophyll, carotenoids, protein contents as well as catalase activity in comparison to tolerant one (3062). Analysis of tolerance indexes (TIs) validated that cv. 3062 exhibited advantageous growth and efficient Cd tolerance due to elevated proline, phenolics and activity of antioxidative machinery as compared to cv. 31P41. The cv. 3062 exhibited 54% and 37% less Cd bio-concentration (BCF) and translocation factors (TF), respectively in comparison to cv. 31P41 under highest Cd stress regime. Lower BCF and TF designated a higher Cd stabilization by tolerant cultivar (3062) in rhizospheric zone and its potential use in future remediation plans.     

黄土丘陵区植被恢复对土壤可溶性氮组分的影响

为探究黄土丘陵地区人工植被恢复对土壤氮素养分累积与有效性的影响,研究分析了植被恢复15年刺槐、柠条、刺槐侧柏混交、刺槐山桃混交以及荒草地土壤可溶性氮组分含量及其垂直分布特征。结果表明,与耕地相比,植被恢复显著提高了0—30 cm土壤可溶性氮组分含量,这也使0—30 cm土壤可溶性氮组分密度显著增加,可溶性有机氮密度增幅表现为柠条(262.2%)刺槐(232.8%)刺槐山桃混交、刺槐侧柏混交(34.5%)荒草地(-21.5%),硝态氮密度整体表现为柠条刺槐刺槐山桃混交荒草地刺槐侧柏混交,增幅为7.9%—182.8%,铵态氮密度以刺槐山桃混交增幅最大(110.3%),荒草地最小为2.6%。可溶性有机氮、硝态氮占全氮的比例以刺槐最高,分别提升了2.4倍和0.6倍,铵态氮占全氮的比例以刺槐山桃混交最高,提升了1.0倍。可溶性氮组分受微生物量碳氮的影响大于有机质和全氮,微生物量氮与可溶性氮组分的相关性优于微生物量碳,硝态氮对土壤有机质、全氮和微生物量碳氮的变化最为敏感。综上,植被恢复能够提高土壤可溶性氮组分含量、密度及其占全氮比例,增加土壤氮的有效性,以刺槐、柠条提升效果最好。     

Enhanced accumulation of Cd in castor (Ricinus communis L) by soil-applied chelators

Phytoextraction has been identified as one of the most propitious methods of phytoremediation. This pot experiment were treated with varying amounts of (ethylenediamine triacetic acid) EDTA 3–15, (Nitriloacetic acid) NTA 3–10, (Ammonium citrate) NH₄ citrate 10 – 25 mmol and one mg kg^–1Cd, filled with 5 kg soil. The addition of chelators significantly increased Cd concentration in soil and plant. The results showed that maximum Cd uptake was noted under root, shoot and leaf of castor plant tissue (2.26, 1.54, and 0.72 mg kg^–1) under EDTA 15, NTA 10, and NH₄ citrate 25 mmol treatments respectively, and in soil 1.08, 1.06 and 0.52 mg kg^–1 pot^–1 under NH₄ citrate 25, NTA 10 and EDTA 15 mmol treatments respectively, as against to control (p < 0.05). Additions of chelators reduction biomass under the EDTA 15 mmol as compared to other treatments, However, Bioconcentration factor (BCF), translocation factor (TF) and remediation factor (RF) were significantly increased under EDTA 15 and NH₄ citrate 25 mmol as against control. Our results demonstrated that castor plant proved satisfactory for phytoextraction on contaminated soil, and EDTA 15 and NH₄ citrate 25 mmol had the affirmative effect on the Cd uptake in the artificial Cd-contaminated soil.     

蚂蚁筑巢对西双版纳热带森林土壤有机氮矿化的影响

蚂蚁作为生态系统工程师能够调节土壤微生物及理化环境,进而对热带森林土壤有机氮矿化速率及其时间动态产生显著影响。以西双版纳白背桐热带森林群落为研究对象,采用室内需氧培养法测定土壤有机氮矿化速率,比较蚁巢和非蚁巢土壤有机氮矿化速率的时间动态,揭示蚂蚁筑巢活动引起土壤无机氮库、微生物生物量碳及化学性质改变对有机氮矿化速率时间动态的影响。结果表明：（1）蚂蚁筑巢显著影响土壤有机氮矿化速率（P<0.01）,相较于非蚁巢,蚁巢土壤有机氮矿化速率提高了261%;（2）土壤有机氮矿化速率随月份推移呈明显的单峰型变化趋势,即6月最大（蚁巢1.22 mg kg^-1 d^-1、非蚁巢0.41 mg kg^-1 d^-1）,12月最小（蚁巢0.82 mg kg^-1 d^-1、非蚁巢0.18 mg kg^-1 d^-1）;（3）两因素方差分析表明,不同月份及不同处理对土壤有机氮矿化速率、NH₄-N及NO₃-N产生显著影响（P<0.05）,但对NO₃-N的交互作用不显著;（4）蚂蚁筑巢显著提高了无机氮库（NH₄-N与NO₃-N）、微生物生物量碳、有机质、水解氮、全氮及易氧化有机碳等土壤养分含量,而降低了土壤pH值;（5）回归分析表明,铵态氮和硝态氮对土壤有机氮矿化速率产生显著影响,分别解释87.89%、61.84%的有机氮矿化速率变化;（6）主成份分析表明NH₄-N、微生物生物量碳及有机质是影响有机氮矿化速率时间动态的主要因素,而全氮、NO₃-N、易氧化有机碳、水解氮及pH对土壤有机氮矿化速率的影响次之,且pH与土壤有机氮矿化速率呈显著负相关。总之,蚂蚁筑巢活动主要通过影响土壤NH₄-N、微生物生物量碳及有机质的状况,进而调控西双版纳热带森林土壤有机氮矿化速率的时间动态。研究结果将有助于进一步提高对土壤氮矿化生物调控机制的认识。     

镍离子对尖叶莴苣氮素吸收和生长生理的影响

以‘全年油麦菜’尖叶莴苣为试验材料,采用水培方式,研究3个浓度(0 mg·L^-1、0.1 mg·L^-1、1 mg·L^-1)Ni²⁺在22.4 mg·L^-1 N处理下对尖叶莴苣氮素吸收的生长及生理影响。结果显示：(1)尖叶莴苣根系和地上部生物量随处理时间的增加呈上升趋势。与对照T₁(0 mg·L^-1 Ni²⁺、112 mg·L^-1 N)相比,T₂处理(0 mg·L^-1 Ni²⁺、22.4 mg·L^-1 N)对尖叶莴苣根系及叶片生长具有一定抑制作用,植株鲜重、干重、根冠比、根系长度、平均直径、表面积、体积、根尖数、分根数、叶片表面积和体积在T3处理(0.1 mg·L^-1 Ni²⁺、22.4 mg·L^-1 N)下显著高于对照,T₄处理(1 mg·L^-1 Ni²⁺、22.4 mg·L^-1 N)对尖叶莴苣根系及其叶片生长具有一定促进作用,但对其根尖数和分根数表现出一定抑制性。(2)随着Ni²⁺浓度的增加,尖叶莴苣叶片叶绿素a、叶绿素b和总叶绿素含量呈先升后降的变化规律,且均在T₃处理下显著提高。(3)随着处理时间的增加,尖叶莴苣叶片的净光合速率(P_n)、气孔导度(G_s)和蒸腾速率(T_r)逐渐上升,胞间CO₂浓度(C_i)逐渐下降,且T₃处理叶片的G_s显著高于对照,其C_i最低,P_n最大。(4)施加Ni²⁺对尖叶莴苣有机酸、可溶性蛋白和可溶性糖含量以及SOD和POD活性有显著影响,在T₃处理下有机酸含量降低,可溶性糖和可溶性蛋白含量显著增加,SOD和POD活性显著提高。(5)T₃处理尖叶莴苣根系中N及叶片中B和Ca含量较高;根系中Ni含量高于叶片,T₃处理叶片中的Ni含量较低,Mg含量较高;植株体内Cu含量随Ni²⁺浓度增加而下降。研究表明,外源Ni²⁺处理能影响低氮条件下(22.4 mg·L^-1 N)尖叶莴苣幼苗生长及生理状况,适宜浓度(0.1 mg·L^-1)Ni²⁺可有效提高尖叶莴苣根系对氮素的吸收利用效率,减少氮素施用量,促进尖叶莴苣根系和地上部叶片生长,增加光合色素含量,并提高净光合速率,进而改善植株的产量和营养品质。     

Influence of Biochar on Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Root Morphology of Rice-Seedling in Two Contrasting Paddy Soils

Biochar may affect the root morphology and nitrogen (N) use efficiency (NUE) of rice at seedling stage, which has not been clearly verified until now. To clarify it, we conducted a pot experiment regarding to two soil types (Hydragric Anthrosol and Haplic Acrisol), two biochar application rates (0.5 wt% and 1.5 wt %) and two rice varieties (common rice var. Xiushui134 and hybrid super rice var. Zhongkejiayou12-6) meanwhile. Seedling NUE of common rice Xiuhui134 was significantly increased (p < 0.05) by 78.2% in Hydragric Anthrosol and by 91.4% in Haplic Acrisol following biochar addition with 1.5 wt%. However, biochar addition exerted no influence on seedling NUE of super rice Zhongkejiayou12-6 in both soils. Overall, 0.09–0.10 units higher soil pH and 105– 116% higher soil NH₄⁺ -N were observed in Xiushui134 growing two soils with 1.5 wt% biochar. In addition, improved root morphology (including longer root length, larger root surface area, bigger root volume, and more root tips) contributed to the higher seedling NUE of Xiushui134 in two soils. The soil pH and NH₄⁺ -N content, also the root morphology were influenced by biochar, which though could not thoroughly explained the NUE of Zhongkejiayou12-6. In conclusion, biochar application to paddy soil changed soil pH and NH₄⁺ -N content, root growth, and the consequent seedling NUE of rice, which effects are relative with rice cultivar, biochar addition rate, and soil type.     

Cadmium tolerance and phytoremediation potential of acacia (Acacia nilotica L.) under salinity stress

In this study, we explored the effect of salinity on cadmium (Cd) tolerance and phytoremediation potential of Acacia nilotica. Two-month-old uniform plants of A. nilotica were grown in pots contaminated with various levels of Cd (0, 5, 10, and 15 mg kg^?1), NaCl (0%, 0.5%, 1.0% (hereafter referred as salinity), and all possible combinations of Cd + salinity for a period of six months. Results showed that shoot and root growth, biomass, tissue water content and chlorophyll (chl a, chl b, and total chl a+b) contents decreased more in response to salinity and combination of Cd + salinity compared to Cd alone. Shoot and root K concentrations significantly decreased with increasing soil Cd levels, whereas Na and Cl concentrations were not affected significantly. Shoot and root Cd concentrations, bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) increased with increasing soil Cd and Cd + salinity levels. At low level of salinity (0.5%), shoot and root Cd uptake enhanced, while it decreased at high level of salinity (1.0%). Due to Cd tolerance, high shoot biomass and shoot Cd uptake, this tree species has some potential for phytoremediation of Cd from the metal contaminated saline and nonsaline soils.     

Potential of Indigenous Plant Species for the Phytoremediation of Arsenic Contaminated Land in Kurdistan (Iran)

To evaluate the potential of the indigenous plant species for Arsenic (As) phytoremediation, a total of 138 plant samples and 138 soil samples from rooting zones were collected from two As-contaminated areas in Kurdistan, western Iran. The areas were the Sari Gunay Gold Mine (SG) and Ali Abad Village (AA). The soil of both areas naturally contains As, with mining activities at SG. Soil and plant samples were collected at five sites in the SG (SG1 to SG5) and at two sites in the AA (AA1 and AA2). Soil samples were analyzed for total and water-soluble As concentration, as well as for the main soil physical and chemical properties such as electrical conductivity (Ec), pH, organic carbon (C_org.), available phosphorus (P_ava.), and soil texture. Plant samples were analyzed for As concentration in their shoots and roots.

The average total and water–soluble As concentrations in soil were 751.6 and 6.2 ppm at SG and 920.8 and 8.0 ppm at AA, respectively. The highest root and shoot As concentration was found in Juncus inflexus (751.5 ppm) at AA2 and in Astragalus gossypinus (158.7 ppm) at AA1, respectively. With regard to phytoremediation strategies, Acantholimon brachystachyum, Astragalus gossypinus, Stipa barbata, and Ephedra major with a high translocation factor (TF) can be potentially used for As phytoextraction. However, Juncus inflexus, Phragmites australis, Bromus tomentellus, and Elymus sp., which show high bioconcentration factor (BCF) and low TF, are suggested as good candidates for As phytostabilization. In general, the TF values of terrestrial plants were higher than those of amphibious plants; meanwhile, BCF values showed the opposite behavior.     

Potential of Mauritius Hemp (Furcraea gigantea Vent.) for the Remediation of Chromium Contaminated Soils

The present study was conducted to evaluate the ability of a high biomass producing, drought tolerant succulent plant Mauritius hemp (Furcraea gigantea Vent.) for its tolerance to different levels of Cr (0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg Cr kg soil^?1) and its potential for phytoremediation purposes. Based on the data on inhibition of the growth of plants with Cr, tolerance index and grade of growth inhibition, it was observed that the plant could tolerate up to 50 mg Cr kg ^?1 soil. Absorption of Cr from soil to plant and its translocation into plant tissues were discussed in terms of bio concentration factor (BCF), transfer factor (TF), and translocation efficiency (TE%). Cr was mainly accumulated in the roots and exclusion of Cr was found to be the principal physiological tolerance mechanism followed by a marked increase in proline, ascorbic acid, total free amino acids in the leaf tissue and malic acid in the rhizosphere samples to counter Cr stress. Based on the tissue concentration of Cr (< 300 μg g^?1 in the leaves and TF<1), it was concluded that, Furcraea gigantea could not be considered a hyperaccumulator and therefore unsuitable for phytoextraction of Cr. Nevertheless, Furcraea gigantea could be a suitable candidate for phytostablization of Cr contaminated soils.