Heavy metal accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa) near electronic waste dumps and related human health risk assessment

This research was conducted to assess heavy metal contamination in the environment and within Oryza sativa. The translocation factors (TFs) and bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) for heavy metals in O. sativa and estimated daily intake (EDI) and health risk index (HRI) were measured. The samples were analyzed for heavy metals using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Pb and Cr concentrations in water samples within and near the electronic-waste dumping area exceeded water quality standards for surface water sources from the Pollution Control Department in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand (PCD). The Pb concentration in soil samples within the area also exceeded soil quality standards for habitat and agriculture from PCD. Most of the metals were highly concentrated in roots, except for Mn which has the highest concentration in leaves. Pb concentrations in rice grains exceeded the FAO/WHO standard (0.2 mg/kg). The average TF values for heavy metals from the soil to roots, roots to stems, stems to leaves, and stems to grains were Mn > Pb > Ni > Cr, Mn > Cr > Ni > Pb, Ni > Pb > Mn > Cr, and Pb > Ni > Cr > Mn, respectively. The average BAF values in O. sativa were Mn > Ni > Pb > Cr. The EDI for Cr, Pb, Mn, and Ni via O. sativa consumption were 6.19, 6.02, 370.57, and 3.80 µg/kg/day, respectively. The HRI for Cr, Pb, Mn, and Ni via O. sativa consumption were 0.30, 1.50, 2.60, and 0.002, respectively.     

Chemical Fractionation and Heavy Metal Distribution in Agricultural Soils,North of Jordan Valley

Thirty-nine soil samples were collected on a grid pattern from the north of the Jordan Valley. These samples were subjected to geochemical, mineralogical and textural analyses. The investigated soil is characterized by medium texture and to a less extent moderately coarse and coarse texture. The value of TDS shows a slight increase in the southern part of the study area toward the Dead Sea due to the increase in temperature and decrease of the amount of precipitation. The organic matter content and P ₂ O ₅ values show significant variations that coincide with agricultural activity and application of fertilizers and pesticides in the investigated area. In the samples collected, CEC values are slightly decreased from north to south parts of the study area where the abundance of organic matter and clay minerals are low. The study found that the enrichment factors of the measured heavy metals Pb, Cd, As and Hg are 2.8, 11.9, 20 and 17 respectively. Accordingly, the soil of the study area can be considered moderately contaminated with respect to As and Hg and uncontaminated to moderately contaminated with respect to Pb and Cd. The distribution of the measured heavy metals are affected by various geochemical factors including pH, clay content, cation exchange capacity, organic matter content and total phosphate content. Sequential extraction procedure was used in order to determine the percentage of the Pb, Cd and As present in five geochemical fractions of the examined soil samples. It was found that Pb and As are mainly associated with the residual phases and are relatively immobile. On the other hand Cd is enriched in the carbonate phase of the analyzed soil samples. Based on the sequential extraction procedure it is possible to suggest the sequence of metal mobility as: Cd > Pb > As.     

Influence of various soil factors on the effects of ferulic acid on leaf expansion of cucumber seedlings

Summary Cucumber seedlings were grown in a Portsmouth soil-sand system to study how varying soil clay and organic matter content might modify cucumber seedling response to ferulic acid, a reported allelopathic agent. Leaf area expansion of cucumber seedlings, soil respiration, and soil solution concentrations of ferulic acid were monitored. Leaf area, mean absolute rates of leaf expansion, and shoot dry weight of cucumber seedlings were significantly reduced by ferulic acid concentrations ranging from 10 to 70 μg/g dry soil. Ferulic acid was applied every other day, since it rapidly disappeared from soil solution as a result of retention by soil particles, utilization by microbes and/or uptake by roots. The amount of ferulic acid retained (i.e., adsorbed, polymerized,etc.) by soil particles appeared to be secondary to microbial utilization and/or uptake by roots. Varying clay (5.3 to 9.8 g/cup) and organic matter (2.0 to 0.04g/cup) contents of the soil appeared to have little impact on the disappearance of ferulic acid from soil solution under “ideal” growth conditions for cucumber seedlings unless larger amounts of ferulic acid were added to the soil; in this case 200 μg/g. The addition of ferulic acid to the soil materials substantially increased the activity of the soil microbes. This latter conclusion is based on recovery of ferulic acid from soil solution and soil respiration measurements. Paper No. 10347 of the Journal Series of the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service, Raleigh, N C 27695-7601. The use of trade names in this publication does not imply endorsement by the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service of the product named, nor criticism of similar ones not mentioned.     

Formation of aggregates by plant roots in homogenised soils

The influence of root growth and water regime on the formation of aggregates was studied in modified minirhizotrons under controlled conditions. Two soils, a black earth (67% clay) and a red-brown earth (19% clay) were ground and forced through a 0.5 mm sieve. Ryegrass, pea and wheat were grown for fifteen wetting and drying (wd) cycles for 5 months. Another set of minirhizotrons was not planted and served as a control. Measurements of aggregate size distribution (ASD), aggregate tensile strength (ATS), aggregate stability (AS), aggregate bulk density (ABD) and organic carbon (OC) were made on single aggregates of the 2–4 mm fraction. The results showed that aggregates of the black earth which has a high clay content and shrink/swell properties had more smaller aggregates with higher ATS, AS and ABD than those from the red-brown earth. It was also found that for both soils: (1) w/d cycles and higher root length density (RLD) increased the proportions of smaller aggregates and aggregate strength; (2) differences in the ability of the plant species to influence aggregation was evident and seemed to be related to the RLD. The RLD was in the order ryegrass > wheat > pea. Mechanisms likely to be involved in processes of aggregate formation and stabilization are discussed. They include cracking of soil due to tensile stresses generated during drying of a shrinking soil; changes in pore water pressure within the soil mass caused by water uptake by plant roots generating effective stresses; and biological processes associated with plant roots and root exudates.     

Urban tree root systems and their survival near houses analyzed using ground penetrating radar and sap flow techniques

Root systems of two mature Field maple trees (Acer campestre L.) growing in both shaded and non-shaded sites, on clay soil in an urban environment, were analyzed by ground penetrating radar (GPR), light microscope and sap flow techniques. The ground surface above the root systems was covered by asphalt. However, a small piece of garden existed near the non-shaded tree, and root area of roots growing in this direction increased significantly, due to a presumed increase in available water and nutrients. However, no garden was present near the shaded tree, therefore roots remaining under the asphalt surface did not increase in area in any particular direction. Maximum rooting depth of shaded and exposed trees, as determined by GPR, was approximately 1.4 and 1.7 m, respectively. The trees utilized relatively large amounts of water for transpiration, i.e. 65–140 l per fine summer day and in average 10 m³ per growing season. However, transpiration expressed per root surface area (and/or whole root system enveloping area) was practically the same in both trees, i.e. 1 dm³ m^-2 d^-1 or almost 100 dm³ m^-2 per growing season. These figures represented about 50% of potential evapotranspiration when considering projected crown areas. Increased transpiration under long-term high evaporation demands may cause occasional local drying of soil around roots, associated with soil shrinking in clay, which can be followed by serious damage to buildings.     

Factors affecting iron plaque on the roots ofPhragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steudel

Phragmites australis (the common reed) was collected at six sites in southern Québec and Ontario, Canada, in order to study the accumulation of iron plaque on the roots. The deposition of iron oxides on roots ofP. australis did not correlate directly with soil measurements; however, the amounts of iron-bound-to-carbonates fraction of the soil/sediment, responsible for the iron plaque accumulation, correlated with the % of water, % of organic matter, % of clay and pH of the substrate. Plants located very near flowing water accumulated more iron plaque on the roots than plants in other habitats through the summer; it is hypothesized that carbonates associated with iron come from the flowing water. In wetlands or sites near flowing water, most root iron was found on the surface, as iron plaque, while there was more iron inside the root in dry environments. Radial oxygen loss from the roots is probably the most important source of oxygen for the oxidation of iron.     

Clay Mineralogy of Central Victorian (Creswick) Soils: Clay Mineral Contents as a Possible Tool of Environmental Indicator

The clay mineralogy and heavy metal/metalloid (As, Pb and Cu) contents of soils developed on the various rock units in a central highlands environment in Victoria (Creswick, Australia) have been investigated. The clay minerals identified showed an order of abundance as: kaolinite ? illite > smectite > mixed-layer (ML) ≈ vermiculite. The soil clay mineralogy did not change systematically with depth (0～ 10, 10～ 20 and 20～ 30 cm) and showed large variations spatially. The high proportion of kaolinite was probably due to the removal of 2:1 phyllosilicates by the formation of 1:1 kaolinite through weathering, which also reduced the cation exchange capacity (CEC) and electrical conductivity (EC, soil: water ratio of 1:5) of soils by aging. Soils were classified as silty loam to loam with a low clay size (≤ 2μ m) fraction. The soils were acidic to moderately acidic with pH ranging from 4.5 to 7.1, averaging 5.7. Concentrations of As, Pb, and Cu (average values 24.3, 16.7 and 11.0 mg/kg, respectively) did not show an association with the clay mineral contents except vermiculite. The occurrence of smectite and mixed-layer clay contents, although far lower than kaolinite and illite, contributed significantly to CEC of soils. The study area was affected by mining, high natural background As values dominate the area and the role of clay minerals in fixation of metalloid/metals was found to be less significant. Low organic matter content (average ～ 6.5%), low soil surface area (average ～ 1.0 m²/g) and the high proportion of kaolinite mineral content result in a limited ability to fix heavy metals. The role of Fe oxides appeared to be a key influence in the fixation of As and other potentially toxic metals, rather than the clay minerals, and therefore requires further research. This work highlighted the importance of the determination of types and amounts of clay minerals of natural soils in environmental management.     

Inoculation of forage grasses with N2-fixing Enterobacteriaceae

Summary Previous investigations indicated some forage grass roots in Texas are heavily colonized with N₂-fixing bacteria. The most numerous N₂-fixing bacteria were in the genera Klebsiella and Enterobacter. In the present investigation inoculation experiments were conducted using 18 isolates of these bacteria to determine if a N₂-fixing association could be established between the bacteria and the grassesCynodon dactylon andPanicum coloratum. Plants were grown in soil for approximately 5 months in a greenhouse and were measured periodically for dry matter, nitrogen accumulation, and acetylene reduction activity. Results of the investigation indicated that 25% of the plant-soil systems were active in acetylene reduction and the activity was high enough to indicate agronomically significant quantities of N₂ were being fixed (>8kg N ha⁻¹). However, plant systems extrapolated to fix>8 kg N ha⁻¹ contained less nitrogen and accumulated less dry matter than plants less active in acetylene reduction. Inocula could not be re-isolated from healthy grass roots indicating that the N₂-fixing activity may have not have been closely assiciated with plant roots. Future research is needed to determine factors limiting colonization of grass roots.     

Copper Sorption Behavior of Selected Soils of the Oasis in the Middle Reaches of Heihe River Basin,China

The mobility and bioavailability of copper (Cu) depends on the Cu sorption capacity of soil and also on the chemical form of Cu in soils. Laboratory batch experiments were carried out to study the sorption and distribution of Cu in nine soils differing in their physicochemical properties from the oasis in the middle reaches of Heihe river basin, China: desert soil (S-1), agricultural soils (S-2, S-3, S-8, and S-9), marshland soil (S-4), and hungriness shrub soils (S-5 and S-6). Copper sorption behavior was studied using the sorption isotherm and sequential extraction procedure. In general, the sorption capacity for Cu decreased in the order: S-4 > S-9 > S-2 > S-8 > S-3 > S-6 > S-5 > S-7 > S-1. The correlation results suggest that soils with higher CEC, silt, clay, CaCO3, and organic matter will retain Cu more strongly and in greater amounts than soils that are sandy with lower CEC, CaCO3, and organic matter. pH is not an important impact factor to Cu sorption in experimental soil samples because pH in soils used in this study had a narrow range. The distribution of sorbed Cu varied between nine soils studied and depended on both soil properties and initial added Cu concentration. There are significant differences in the distribution of Cu in each soil with the increase of initial Cu concentration. The predominance of Cu associated with the available fraction, which was over 50% of the total sorbed Cu in most cases, indicates that the change of geochemical conditions might promote the release of Cu back into soil solution thus impacting organisms in the soils. The added Cu has also the tendencies to locate in the residual fraction, which was larger than 5% of the total amount extracted from the four fractions in most soils.     

Anthropogenic N deposition alters soil organic matter biochemistry and microbial communities on decaying fine roots

Fine root litter is a primary source of soil organic matter (SOM), which is a globally important pool of C that is responsive to climate change. We previously established that ~20 years of experimental nitrogen (N) deposition has slowed fine root decay and increased the storage of soil carbon (C; +18%) across a widespread northern hardwood forest ecosystem. However, the microbial mechanisms that have directly slowed fine root decay are unknown. Here, we show that experimental N deposition has decreased the relative abundance of Agaricales fungi (?31%) and increased that of partially ligninolytic Actinobacteria (+24%) on decaying fine roots. Moreover, experimental N deposition has increased the relative abundance of lignin‐derived compounds residing in SOM (+53%), and this biochemical response is significantly related to shifts in both fungal and bacterial community composition. Specifically, the accumulation of lignin‐derived compounds in SOM is negatively related to the relative abundance of ligninolytic Mycena and Kuehneromyces fungi, and positively related to Microbacteriaceae. Our findings suggest that by altering the composition of microbial communities on decaying fine roots such that their capacity for lignin degradation is reduced, experimental N deposition has slowed fine root litter decay, and increased the contribution of lignin‐derived compounds from fine roots to SOM. The microbial responses we observed may explain widespread findings that anthropogenic N deposition increases soil C storage in terrestrial ecosystems. More broadly, our findings directly link composition to function in soil microbial communities, and implicate compositional shifts in mediating biogeochemical processes of global significance.     

Litter decomposition,soil respiration and soil chemical and biochemical properties at three contrasting sites in karri (Eucalyptus diversicolor F. Muell.) forests of south-western Australia

Litter decomposition, soil respiration and soil chemical and biochemical properties were examined at three contrasting sites in karri (Eucalyptus diversicolor F. Muell.) forest of south-western Australia. The study sites were: a recently clearfelled area (site CF2) which had been subjected to a slash regeneration burn following clearing; a pole-stand regrowth forest about 40 years old which had been regularly burnt by cool, prescribed fires (site RB40); and a pole-stand regrowth forest about 40 years old which had remained unburnt for many years (site UB40). Leaf litter of uniform composition lost 40–54% of its original dry weight after decomposing for 82 weeks on the forest floor. A composite exponential model, with separate decay functions for labile and more resistant litter components, described rate of weight loss better than a simple exponential decay model. Labile components of litter were released at similar rates at the three sites. Decomposition of resistant litter components was slower (half-life = 271 weeks) at the recently clearfelled site than at the two pole-stand sites (half-lives = 119 and 149 weeks). The order in which nutrients were released from decomposing litter, Na > Cl > K > Mg > S > Ca > N > P, was similar at each site. The rate of release of the more mobile elements Na, Cl, K, Mg and S, was also similar at each site. Changes in the amounts of Ca, N and P in decomposing litter differed between the three sites and the differences were related to the amounts of these nutrients in surface soil at each site. Annual soil respiration decreased in the order site CF2 = site UB40 > site RB40. Seasonal variation in respired CO ₂ was partly explained by variation in soil moisture and temperature. Soil carbohydrase activity at the recently clearfelled site was significantly lower than at the two well vegetated pole-stand sites. The differences between sites in enzyme activities were related to differences in the amounts of organic C in surface soils of the three sites. The amount of organic C in surface soil (0–15 cm) was 25–36% lower at the recently clearfelled site than at the two well vegetated pole-Stand sites. Site disturbance during clearing, and combustion of soil organic matter by the subsequent slash regeneration burn, probably account for part of this difference. However, reduced inputs of organic matter in litterfall, slower rates of surface litter breakdown and increased rates of microbial mineralization of soil organic matter on recently clearfelled areas may also contribute substantially to depletion of soil organic C.     

Organic matter contributed to soil by plant roots during the growth and decomposition of maize

Maize (Zea mays var. Caldera) plants were grown under sterile and not sterile conditions in soil in an atmosphere continuously enriched with ¹⁴CO₂ for 36 days. At harvest the above ground parts of the maize were cut off and the roots were separated from the soil by washing with water. The soil was dispersed using ultrasonics and separated into soluble clay silt and sand fraction. Roots were included in the coarse sand fraction. 25% of the total label present in the soil 5.5% of that in the soil-plant system, was water soluble. Very little label was present in the clay and silt fractions (5% in each) and most (65%) was in the sand fraction as root material.Rapid extraction of soil after the removal of roots without ultrasonic treatment released soluble matter which amounted to <0.5% of the total activity in the soil-plant system.Isolated roots steeped in water released about 18% of their activity. Much of the soluble fraction may therefore be root lysate.The soil and roots accounted for 22% of the total activity in the soil-plant system. Glucose accounted for 89% of the sugars in the soluble fraction of the soil.78% or more of the ¹⁴C present in glucose, arabinose and xylose constituents of the root-soil mixture occurred in the coarse and fine sand fractions, which also included root material. For mannose and galactose the value was 70% and for rhamnose, 50%.After reinoculation of the soil-root mixture and decomposition for 56 weeks, the water soluble material obtained on fractionation of the soil decreased to less than 1% of the total activity. A much greater proportion, 25%, was present in the clay fraction as a result of decomposition.     

Growth dynamics of superficial roots in Portuguese plantations ofEucalyptus globulus Labill. studied with a mesh bag technique

Summary The variation in growth of the fine roots of blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus labill. ssp.globulus) in the 0–40 cm soil layer was studied from March 1982 to March 1983 at Quinta do Furaduoro, Óbidos, Portugal. A mesh bag method was used; bags of nylon net were inserted into a clay soil and a sandy soil and filled with root-free soil. They were resampled after 2, 4, 6 and 12 months in both places and, in a separate series in the sandy soil every second month throughout the year.The ingrowth of roots was high during the winter months but there was also a surprisingly high ingrowth during the spring-early summer period. There was also some root growth during the driest part of the yearviz. July–September.The amount of fine roots reached a maximum of about 260 g dw m^–2 after about 6 months in the sandy soil, whereas it took at least 12 months to reach the somewhat higher level of 450 g dw m^–2 in the clay soil. At that level the decomposition of dead roots was expected to equal the formation of new roots. Dead roots appeared after only 2 months. There was a higher proportion of dead roots in the clay soil than in the sandy soil, 35% as compared with 20% on an average, which indicates a slower decomposition or a higher mortality at equal decomposition rates in the clay than and in the sandy soil. The present data gives an indication of a minimum fine root production in mature Eucalyptus stands of at least 600 g dw m^–2 yr^–1.     

Soil organic matter and structural stability: mechanisms and implications for management

Summary The stability of pores and particles is essential for optimum growth of plants. Two categories of aggregates macro- (> 250 m) and micro- (<250 m) depend on organic matter for stability against disruptive forces caused by rapid wetting. Dispersion of clay particles from microaggregates is promoted by adsorption of complexing organic acids which increase the negative charge on clays. The acids are produced by plants, bacteria and fungi. However, the dispersibility of clay in microaggregates is offset by the binding action of polysaccharides, mainly mucilages produced by bacteria, but also by plant roots and fungal hyphae. The stability of microaggregates is also enhanced by multivalent cations which act as bridges between organic colloids and clays. Macroaggregates are enmeshed by plant roots, both living and decomposing, and are thus sensitive to management, and increase in number when grasses are grown and the soil is not disturbed. Lack of root growth,i.e. fallow, has the opposite effect. Various implications for management of soil structure are discussed.Introductory lecture     

Loss of organic chemicals in soil: Pure compound treatability studies

Comprehensive screening data on the treatability of 32 organic chemicals in soil were developed. Of the evaluated chemicals, 22 were phenolic compounds. Aerobic batch laboratory microcosm experiments were conducted using two soils: an acidic clay soil with <1% organic matter and a slightly basic sandy loam soil containing 3.25% organic matter. Loss rates were determined for the 32 chemicals with each soil and were higher in the basic soil. The loss rates were compared with chemical structure. Chlorophenols with chlorine substituted in the meta‐position had greater half‐lives and lower loss rates. Chemicals with a nitro group substituted in the phenol ring appeared to have a lower loss rate.     

晋西黄土区退耕还林22年后林地土壤物理性质的变化

退耕还林林地土壤物理性质的变化,是评价退耕还林措施及其生态效益的重要内容之一。选取晋西黄土区退耕22年后形成的3种典型乔木林分,包括自然恢复的辽东栎林、油松刺槐人工混交林和刺槐人工纯林,并以耕地作为对照,通过外业调查和采样分析,从深度和程度两方面研究了退耕还林对土壤容重、土壤总孔隙度和毛管孔隙度等物理性质的影响,结果表明:(1)就土壤容重而言,自然恢复林80 cm以上土层较耕地有显著变化(P0.05),平均降低了28.78%,变化程度最大的在10—20 cm土层;人工林较耕地显著变化发生在60 cm以上土层,混交林和纯林分别降低了10.58%和8.34%,变化程度最大的土层为20—40 cm;(2)3种退耕林地土壤总孔隙度在80 cm以上较耕地发生显著增加(P0.05),增加程度表现为自然恢复林(35.53%)混交林(15.04%)纯林(13.68%),20—40 cm土层变化程度最大;(3)土壤毛管孔隙度自然恢复林、混交林和纯林分别达到耕地的1.36,1.13和1.12倍,自然恢复林和人工林显著变化土层分别为80 cm和60 cm以上,变化程度最大的均为40—60 cm处;(4)土壤有机质和粘粒含量对土壤理化性质影响显著。对于土壤容重、总孔隙度和毛管孔隙度的变化,有机质的增加可解释31%以上,而粘粒含量的解释度则达到44%—51%,均为极显著水平(P0.01)。自然恢复林对于土壤物理性质影响程度和影响土层深度都大于人工林。     

The distribution and bioavailability of Cd and Zn in cultivated soil of Henan Province

Abstract

Concentrations of surface soil Zn and Cd from agricultural areas of the Henan Province were measured. About 234 soil samples were collected. Total metal analyses, sequential chemical fractionation which were divided into seven fractions according to the method of the Geological Survey Technical Standard (DD2005-03) set by the China Geological Survey were carried out on the samples. Total Cd and Zn concentrations of the topsoil were 0.1909 (0.1–0.549) and 63.07 (33.3–344.3) mg kg^?1 respectively. Compared with the values permitted in China’s control standards for soil (GB 15618–1995) and background value in Henan Province, the soil samples showed high levels of Cd. The soil organic carbon has a significantly positive correlation with Cd and Zn concentration in the soil. Significant positive correlation between pH and Cd, Zn concentration was observed. On average, the order of Cd in each fraction was exchangeable, (27.3%)>weakly bound to organic matter; (22.7%)>strongly bound to organic matter; (16.4%)>residual; (15.1%)>carbonate; (12.1%)>Fe/Mn oxide bound; (4.5%)>water soluble; (2.0%), Zn was residual; (66.3%)>Fe/Mn oxide bound; (10.9%)> weakly bound to organic matter; (9.4%)> exchangeable; (6.0%)> strongly bound to organic matter; (3.9%)> carbonate (2.9%)> water soluble (0.6%). The accuracy of the sequential extraction was judged by the relative error (RE). RE for Cd ranged from 0 to 45% with a mean of 16.3%. RE for Zn ranged from 0.1 to 11.4% with a mean of 3.4%. On average, bioavailability index (BI) for Cd and Zn was 39.1% and 9.0% respectively. The mobility of the elements in the order Cd> Zn corresponds with the plant-availability of individual elements. Comparisons between activities of Cd²⁺ and Zn²⁺ calculated by Sauve semi-mechanistic equations and that of the water soluble fractions were demonstrated. The activities of Cd²⁺ and Zn²⁺ calculated by the semi-empirical equation are lower than its water soluble fraction.     

Modelling the effect of active roots on soil organic matter turnover

The aim of this experiment was to study the effect of living roots on soil carbon metabolism at different decomposition stages during a long-term incubation. Plant material labelled with ¹⁴C and ¹⁵N was incubated in two contrasting soils under controlled laboratory conditions, over two years. Half the samples were cropped with wheat (Triticum aestivum) 11 times in succession. At earing time the wheat was harvested, the roots were extracted from the soil and a new crop was started. Thus the soils were continuously occupied by active root systems. The other half of the samples was maintained bare, without plants under the same conditions. Over the 2 years, pairs of cropped and bare soils were analysed at eight sampling occasions (total-, plant debris-, and microbial biomass-C and -¹⁴C). A five compartment (labile and recalcitrant plant residues, labile microbial metabolites, microbial biomass and stabilised humified compounds) decomposition model was fitted to the labelled and soil native organic matter data of the bare and cropped soils. Two different phases in the decomposition processes showed a different plant effect. (1) During the initial fast decomposition stage, labile ¹⁴C-material stimulated microbial activities and N immobilisation, increasing the ¹⁴C-microbial biomass. In the presence of living roots, competition between micro-organisms and plants for inorganic N weakly lowered the measured and predicted total-¹⁴C mineralisation and resulted in a lower plant productivity compared to subsequent growths. (2) In contrast, beyond 3–6 months, when the labile material was exhausted, during the slow decomposition stage, the presence of living roots stimulated the mineralisation of the recalcitrant plant residue-¹⁴C in the sandy soil and of the humified-¹⁴C in the clay soil. In the sandy soil, the presence of roots also substantially stimulated decomposition of old soil native humus compounds. During this slow decomposition stage, the measured and predicted plant induced decrease in total-¹⁴C and -C was essentially explained by the predicted decrease in humus-¹⁴C and -C. The ¹⁴C-microbial biomass (MB) partly decayed or became inactive in the bare soils, whereas in the rooted soils, the labelled MB turnover was accelerated: the MB-¹⁴C was replaced by unlabelled-C from C derived from living roots. At the end of experiment, the MB-C in the cropped soils was 2.5–3 times higher than in the bare soils. To sustain this biomass and activity, the model predicted a daily root derived C input (rhizodeposition), amounting to 5.4 and 3.2% of the plant biomass-C or estimated at 46 and 41% of the daily net assimilated C (shoot + root + rhizodeposition C) in the clay and sandy soil, respectively. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

陇东雨养苹果覆膜对土壤团聚体结构稳定性与细根分布的影响

不同的果园管理方式可影响果树根系生长、分布与土壤团聚体稳定性、有机碳固存,进而改变“根-土”复合体响应关系。对西北陇东旱塬不同覆膜年限(2 a、4 a和6 a)苹果园表层土壤(0—20 cm)细根生长进行调查,并采用干筛法和湿筛法相结合的方式对土壤团聚体进行分级(>2 mm, 0.5—2 mm, 0.25—0.5 mm和<0.25 mm)。计算团聚体稳定性参数[> 0.25 mm机械稳定性团聚体含量(DR_0.25)、> 0.25 mm水稳性团聚体含量(WR_0.25)、平均重量直径(MWD)、平均几何直径(GMD)、团聚体破坏率(PAD)、水稳系数(WSC)]和团聚体有机碳含量。分析细根生长与土壤物理结构对长期覆膜的响应,探明土壤团聚体稳定性与有机碳固持关系,揭示黄绵土物理结构稳定机制。结果表明：6 a处理通过增加表层土壤黏粒和物理性黏粒比例,改变孔隙结构,抑制细根生长,其根量、根长和根表面积仅为对照(CK)的20.97%、24.66%和41.25%;降低表层土壤团聚体力稳性,其DR_0.25、机械稳...     

Long-term effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 on below-ground biomass and transformations to soil organic matter in grassland

We determined the effects of elevated [CO₂] on the quantity and quality of below-ground biomass and several soil organic matter pools at the conclusion of an eight-year CO₂ enrichment experiment on native tallgrass prairie. Plots in open-top chambers were exposed continuously to ambient and twice-ambient [CO₂] from early April through late October of each year. Soil was sampled to a depth of 30 cm beneath and next to the crowns of C4 grasses in these plots and in unchambered plots. Elevated [CO₂] increased the standing crops of rhizomes (87%), coarse roots (46%), and fibrous roots (40%) but had no effect on root litter (mostly fine root fragments and sloughed cortex material >500 μm). Soil C and N stocks also increased under elevated [CO₂], with accumulations in the silt/clay fraction over twice that of particulate organic matter (POM; >53 μm). The mostly root-like, light POM (density ≤1.8 Mg m^-3) appeared to turn over more rapidly, while the more amorphous and rendered heavy POM (density >1.8 Mg m^-3) accumulated under elevated [CO₂]. Overall, rhizome and root C:N ratios were not greatly affected by CO₂ enrichment. However, elevated [CO₂] increased the C:N ratios of root litter and POM in the surface 5 cm and induced a small but significant increase in the C:N ratio of the silt/clay fraction to a depth of 15 cm. Our data suggest that 8 years of CO₂ enrichment may have affected elements of the N cycle (including mineralization, immobilization, and asymbiotic fixation) but that any changes in N dynamics were insufficient to prevent significant plant growth responses. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.