Nitrogen fixation associated with roots of Kallar grass (Leptochloa fusca L. Kunth)

Summary An ecological survey was made to measure the N₂-fixing activity in the rhizosphere of a salt-tolerant grass,Leptochloa fusca (L.) Kunth. Samples were obtained every month at two sites over a period of one year. Soil cores, unwashed, washed and surface-sterilized roots were subjected to acetylene reduction assay (ARA). ARA values up to 50 nmoles h^–1 for soil cores, 1095 nmoles g dry root^–1 h^–1 for unwashed roots, 4929 nmoles g dry root^–1 h^–1 for washed roots and 2494 nmoles g dry root^–1 h^–1 for surface-sterilized roots were observed but for most samples the range was 1–200 nmoles g dry root^–1 h^–1. A lag period of 5–7 h was observed before the onset of N₂-fixing activity by excised roots and O₂ levels had no effect on this lag. Values for roots incubated without preincubation were similar to those for unwashed preincubated roots. Activity was highest in September, October and November when the temperature is not very high and photosynthetic activity is reasonably good. N₂-fixing-bacteria were counted on the same samples by plate count and MPN methods, the latter being estimated on the basis of ARA and pellicle formation. Fairly high numbers of bacteria (10⁴–10⁷) were recorded in the histoplane fraction which indicates the presence of diazotrophs in the inner cells of grass roots.     

Comparative water-use efficiency of Sporobolus arabicus and Leptochloa fusca and its relation with carbon-isotope discrimination under semi-arid conditions

Water-use efficiency (WUE) of Leptochloa fusca (L.) Kunth (Kallar grass) and Sporobolus arabicus Boiss. was determined under different soil moisture regimes. Plants grown in lysimeters were subjected to three soil moisture regimes, viz. well-watered (100%), medium-watered (75%), and low-watered (50%) of total available water (TAW). The soil moisture was restored on alternate days by adding the required volume of water on the basis of neutron moisture meter readings taken from neutron access tubes installed in each lysimeter. The grasses were harvested after suitable intervals (4 months) to obtain maximum biomass. Leaf samples collected at each harvest were analyzed for carbon-isotope discrimination (¹³C) with an isotope ratio (¹³C/¹²C) mass spectrometer. Results indicated significant differences in WUE of both grasses subjected to different water regimes. Sporobolus arabicus showed higher WUE than Kallar grass. However, Kallar grass showed better value of yield response factor (k _y = 0.649) compared with Sporobolus (k _y = 1.06) over the entire season. The data confirm that these grasses can be grown successfully in water-limited environments by selecting an optimum soil moisture level for maximum biomass production. The mean carbon-isotope discrimination (¹³C) of Kallar grass (–14.4) and Sporobolus (–12.8) confirm that both are C₄ plants. The carbon-isotope discrimination () was significantly and negatively correlated with WUE of the two species studied. The results of the present study confirm that ¹³C or of leaves can be used as good predictor of WUE in some C₄ plants.     

Growth and solute composition of the salt-tolerant kallar grass [Leptochloa fusca (L.) Kunth] as affected by nitrogen source

A study was conducted to elucidate the effect of N form, either NH₄ ⁺ or NO₃ ^–, on growth and solute composition of the salt-tolerant kallar grass [Leptochloa fusca (L.) Kunth] grown under 10 mM or 100 mM NaCl in hydroponics. Shoot biomass was not affected by N form, whereas NH₄ ⁺ compared to NO₃ ^– nutrition caused an almost 4-fold reduction in the root biomass at both salinity levels. Under NH₄ ⁺ nutrition, salinity had no effect on the biomass yield, whereas under NO₃ ^– nutrition, increasing salinity from 10 mM to 100 mM caused 23% and 36% reduction in the root and shoot biomass, respectively. The reduced root growth under NH₄ ⁺ nutrition was not attributable to impaired shoot to root C allocation since N form did not affect the overall root sugar concentration and the starch concentration was even higher under NH₄ ⁺ compared to NO₃ ^– nutrition. The low NH₄ ⁺ (2 mM) and generally higher amino-N concentrations in NH₄ ⁺- compared to NO₃ ^–-fed plants indicated that the grass was able to effectively detoxify NH₄ ⁺. Salinity had no effect on Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ levels, whereas their concentration in shoots was lower under NH₄ ⁺ compared to NO₃ ^– nutrition (over 66% reduction in Ca²⁺; over 20% reduction in Mg²⁺), but without showing deficiency symptoms. Ammonium compared to NO₃ ^– nutrition did not inhibit K⁺ uptake, and the K⁺-Na⁺ selectivity either remained unaffected or it was higher under NH₄ ⁺ than under NO₃ ^– nutrition. Results suggested that while NH₄ ⁺ versus NO₃ ^– nutrition substantially reduced root growth, and also strongly modified anion concentrations and to a minor extent concentrations of divalent cations in shoots, it did not influence salt tolerance of kallar grass.     

稻麦秸秆集中沟埋还田对麦田土壤物理性状的影响

通过5.5a的大田定位试验,将上季秸秆全量沟埋还田,设置秸秆沟埋还田深度为20、40 cm以及免耕秸秆不还田(对照)3个处理。研究秸秆沟埋还田对麦田土壤水势、温度的影响以及长期秸秆沟埋还田方式下,沟埋还田20 cm处理各埋草沟土壤容重、总孔隙度的变化。结果表明:秸秆沟埋还田具有降低土壤容重,增加土壤总孔隙度的作用,随着还田时间的增加,这种作用逐渐降低。当降雨量较大(26.6 mm)时,沟埋还田各处理水势值在短时间内上升的较快,而对照则相对较慢;当降雨量较小(10 mm)时,沟埋还田40 cm处理水势值上升速度大于沟埋还田20 cm,对照处理最慢;降雨过后的12d内,沟埋还田各处理水势值下降速度较对照更快;连续40d各处理土壤水势日均值大小为对照沟埋还田40 cm沟埋还田20 cm。土壤0—15 cm温度日较差大小为沟埋还田20 cm对照沟埋还田40 cm,土壤20 cm处日较差对照最大;沟埋还田20 cm处理0—15 cm以及沟埋还田40 cm处理0—20 cm土壤日均温高于对照,沟埋还田20 cm处理20 cm处土壤日均温与对照较为接近。在沿江稻麦轮作地区,秸秆集中沟埋还田具有较好的改善土壤物理性质的作用。     

Use of a microtensiometer technique to study hydraulic lift in a sandy soil planted with pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum [L.] Leeke)

A pot experiment was carried out with pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum [L.] Leeke) growing in a sandy soil in which the upper (topsoil) and lower (subsoil) parts of the pots were separated by a perlite layer to prevent capillary water movement. Using microtensiometers a study was made to establish whether it was possible to measure hydraulic lift by which the upper part of the soil was rewetted when water was supplied exclusively to the lower part of the soil.Hydraulic lift occurred during the first seven days of the period of measurement, with a maximum water release to the soil of 2.7 Vol. % during one night (equivalent to 10.8 mL water in the top 10 cm of the soil profile). This magnitude was obtained at very high root length densities, so that water release from the roots would be expected to be much smaller under field conditions.Hydraulic lift ceased when the soil matric potential in the topsoil dropped below-10 kPa at the end of the light period and could not be re-established, neither by extending the dark period, nor after rewatering the topsoil. The disappearance of hydraulic lift could be explained in part through osmotic adaptation of plant roots and, thus prevention of water release from the roots in the topsoil. It is concluded that hydraulic lift may affect nutrient uptake from drying topsoil by extending the time period favourable for uptake from the topsoil.     

深挖垦复对锥栗重要农艺性状及土壤理化性质的影响

为探索锥栗林地高效的土壤管理方式,提升我国锥栗栽培管理技术水平,进而提高其产量、品质以及经济效益。该研究采用全垦和环垦两种方式对锥栗林地进行连续4年的深挖垦复,通过测定垦复前后土壤理化性质变化以及锥栗树体生长、叶片表型和生理特征、结果性状、产量及品质等重要农艺性状,统计数据并进行对比分析。结果表明:(1)深挖垦复对锥栗林地土壤理化性质改善效果显著,两种垦复方式土壤容重较垦复前降低31.21%及以上(0～30 cm处),土壤含水率、土壤孔隙度、有机质含量以及各种大量元素含量较垦复前和对照均有不同程度的增加,土壤肥力及其保水保肥能力显著增强。(2)环垦区土壤有机质含量、有效磷含量以及交换性镁含量高于全垦区,其土壤有机质含量较垦复前增加40.59%,远高于全垦增加幅度(17.76%),从土壤保肥能力的角度来看,环垦效果优于全垦。(3)土壤肥力的提升增强了其对锥栗叶片的供肥能力,使得叶片含水率、叶绿素含量以及各种矿质元素含量显著增加,从而提升其光合作用能力。(4)深挖垦复对锥栗树体生长、结实能力、产量及品质同样具有显著的提升效果,其中全垦和环垦区单位面积产量分别是对照的1.75倍和1.33倍,且栗苞总重、单果质量、出籽率、可溶性糖含量以及磷、钾元素含量显著高于对照,而空苞率显著低于对照。综上,深挖垦复是改良林地土壤和提高锥栗生产力的有效举措。     

Soil properties and turf growth on a sandy soil amended with fly ash

Field lysimeters of a sandy soil were amended to a depth of 100 mm with four rates (0, 5, 10 and 20%, wt/wt) of fly ash, and effects on soil water content, nutrient leaching, turf growth and nutrition, and uptake of trace elements by turf were assessed. Measurements were taken for 70 days for lysimeters either planted with rhizomes of Cynodon dactylon(L.) Pers., cv. `Wintergreen', or left bare. When irrigated daily, soil water content increased progressively with increasing rates of fly ash and leachate volumes were decreased by 17–52% for lysimeters containing fly ash amended soil. Fertiliser was applied equivalent to 28.4 g N m<sup>–2</sup> and 10.3 g P m<sup>–2</sup> for the entire 70 days (including pre-plant application). Macronutrient concentrations in leaf tissue were within levels regarded as sufficient. Total dry mass (root plus shoot) decreased when fertiliser application rates were reduced by 25%, irrespective of fly ash treatment. In `bare' lysimeters containing fly ash amended soil, cumulative leaching of NO₃ ^–, NH₄ ⁺and P were 0.32–0.88 of the values in non-amended soil. When planted with turf, leaching of those nutrients was minimal (equivalent to 3% of total N applied) and leaching loses did not differ among fly ash rates. Extractable soil P levels were increased 2.5–4.5-fold in the fly ash amended zone, compared with non-amended soil. Root mass in the top 100 mm was 1.2–1.5-fold larger for turf in fly ash amended soil, compared to non-amended soil. The Se concentrations were higher in leaf tissue grown in fly ash amended soil (being at most 0.63 g g^–1), but there was no effect of fly ash amended soil on As, Ba, B, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Pb, Hg, Mn, Ni, Ag or Zn in leaf tissues. Thus, fly ash amendment may be a suitable management option for turf culture on sandy soils, since fly ash improved soil water holding capacity and root growth in the amended zone.     

Genetic diversity of soil microorganisms assessed by analysis ofhsp70 (dnaK) sequences

The genetic diversity of a soil microbial community was assessed by analysis of clonedhsp70 sequences. A clone library was generated by polymerase chain reaction-mediated amplification of a 650-base pair fragment of thehsp70 gene, using DNA extracted from soil, without culturing the microorganisms. Fifty-five random clones were sequenced and their amino acid sequences deduced. Analysis of the amino acid sequence of the clones revealed the presence of signature sequences in common with known prokaryotic and lower eukaryotic HSP70 homologs. None of the 55 analyzed sequences were identical to each other or to a published sequence. These results confirm the presence of considerable genetic diversity within soil microbial communities, the major proportion of which remains uncharacterized.     

Response of citronella Java (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt) to VA mycorrhizal fungi and soil compaction in relation to P supply

Nutrient acquisition and growth of citronella Java (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt) was studied in a P-deficient sandy soil to determine the effects of mycorrhizal symbiosis and soil compaction. A pasteurized sandy loam soil was inoculated either with rhizosphere microorganisms excluding VAM fungi (non-mycorrhizal) or with the VAM fungus, Glomus intraradices Schenck and Smith (mycorrhizal) and supplied with 0, 50 or 100 mg P kg^-1 soil. The soil was compacted to a bulk density of 1.2 and 1.4 Mg m^-3 (dry soil basis). G. intraradices substantially increased root and shoot biomass, root length, nutrient (P, Zn and Cu) uptake per unit root length and nutrient concentrations in the plant, compared to inoculation with rhizosphere microorganisms when the soil was at the low bulk density and not amended with P. Little or no plant response to the VAM fungus was observed when the soil was supplied with 50 or 100 mg P kg^-1 soil and/or compacted to the highest bulk density. At higher soil compaction and P supply the VAM fungus significantly reduced root length. Non-mycorrhizal plants at higher soil compaction produced relatively thinner roots and had higher concentrations and uptake of P, Zn and Cu than at lower soil compaction, particularly under conditions of P deficiency. The quality of citronella Java oil measured in terms citronellal and d-citronellol concentration did not vary appreciably due to various soil treatments.     

Characterization of soil properties associated with type-I fairy ring symptoms in turfgrass

Fairy ring is a frequently reported disease of turfgrasses worldwide, and necrotic or severely injured grass are observed in those turf sites exhibiting type-I fairy ring symptoms. The objective of this research was to characterize soil chemical and physical properties at two soil sampling depths (0.5 cm and 3.0 cm) at a turfgrass site exhibiting type-I fairy ring symptoms. Soil samples were obtained from a perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) golf course fairway at one sampling date in the summer when environmental conditions were most conducive to the appearance of severe type-I fairy ring symptoms. At both soil depths, soil analysis indicated that concentrations of ammonium-nitrogen, potassium, and sulfur were statistically higher in soil underlying necrotic or bare zones versus soil in healthy turfgrass zones. At both soil depths, soil electrical conductivity was statistically higher, and volumetric soil water content was statistically lower in necrotic zones versus soil under healthy turfgrass. At both soil depths, total nitrogen, magnesium, calcium, cation exchange capacity, and organic matter content were not statistically different among necrotic and healthy turfgrass zones. Soil pH was statistically higher in the necrotic zone versus soil under healthy turfgrass at only the 3.0 cm soil sampling depth. Comparing soil properties within the necrotic zone, only potassium and electrical conductivity was statistically higher at the 0.5 cm depth compared to the 3.0 cm depth. Although most soil information was considered very similar at both sampling depths, soil sampling at the 3.0 cm depth would be a more practical or easier method for turfgrass managers. At either soil sampling depth, the necrotic zones of type-I fairy ring areas in turfgrass were most likely associated with a combination of direct and indirect effects of the basidiomycete fungi on soil chemical and physical properties in the turfgrass root zone. Presented at the International Conference on Biohydrology, Prague, Czech Republic, 20–22 September 2006.     

Availability of phosphorus in a calcareous soil treated with rock phosphate or superphosphate as affected by phosphate-dissolving fungi

A study was undertaken to isolate some fungi exhibiting phosphate-dissolution ability, and to test whether these fungi are capable of increasing the amount of available P in a calcareous soil treated with rock phosphate (RP) or with triple superphosphate (TSP) and its subsequent uptake by sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench).Penicillium sp. and twoAspergillus foetidus (Naka) isolates significantly increased the availability of P in soil treated with RP or TSP during the growing season.Penicillium sp. isolate was more effective in increasing available P in the soil treated with RP or TSP than were Aspergillus isolates. However, the dry matter and P uptake responses to inoculation with these fungi were better in the soil treated with RP than in soil treated with TSP. In the TSP treated soil, the fungi achieved their maximum P releasing capacity two weeks earlier than in soil treated with RP. Positive and significant correlation coefficients among available P, P uptake and dry matter production at different periods of the growing season were observed following inoculation. However, none of these variables were found to be significantly correlated with the fungal populations.     

连栽桉树人工林土壤大孔隙特征及其对饱和导水率的影响

速生人工林多代连栽容易导致土地水源涵养能力下降。土壤大孔隙以优先流的形式补充地下水,是定量研究土壤水分运动的重要指标。以连栽1-4代桉树人工纯林为研究对象（记录为Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ）,采用水分穿透曲线法,绘制水分穿透曲线,结合Poiseulle方程计算出大孔隙数量、半径及饱和导水率等指标,对土壤大孔隙特征及其对饱和导水率的影响进行研究。结果表明：（1）桉树人工林土壤的出流速率总体表现先匀速增加后趋于稳定,稳定出流速率总体表现为I > II > III > IV。（2）大孔隙半径范围在0.3-1.5 mm,主要集中于0.4-0.6 mm,随土层深度增加显著减小（P<0.05）。大孔隙数量范围在3.56×10⁴-4.81×10⁵个/m²。随着连栽代次的增加,大孔隙孔径范围变小,同一孔径范围的大孔隙数量减少。土壤容重与大孔隙特征呈极显著负相关关系;有机质含量与大孔隙特征呈极显著正相关关系。（3）各样地土壤饱和导水率范围在0.41-4.50 mm/min,并随着连栽代次增加而降低。将大孔隙的总数量、平均体积与土壤饱和导水率进行线性拟合,拟合方程为：y=ax+b=,（R²>0.66）。综上,随着桉树人工林连栽代次的增加,土壤大孔隙孔径范围缩小、同等半径的大孔隙数量减少,饱和导水率降低,土壤入渗及导水性能减弱,容易造成水土流失。     

Effects of kelp (Macrocystis integrifolia) on soil chemical properties and crop response

In 1981 a two-year field plot experiment was established to assess the effects of quantities (0, 7.5, 15, 30, 60 and 120 t ha⁻¹) of fresh kelp (Macrocystis integrifolia) on crop growth and nutritional response and chemical properties of a fine-textured soil. Soil was analyzed for NO₃−N, NH₄−N, electrical conductivity, pH, Cl and exchangeable cations (K, Mg, Ca, Mn and Na). The plots were planted to beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) in the first year and peas (Pisum sativum) in the second year. Marketable bean yields increased in the first year with kelp applications up to 60 t ha⁻¹, with yields, emergence and flowering being reduced by the 120 t ha⁻¹ application. Soluble salts (EC) and Cl concentrations in the soil eight days after application increased linearly and sharply with increasing quantities of kelp. Increased K concentration and moisture content, characteristics of plants growing in a salt-stressed soil environment, were measured. A subsequent companion greenhouse experiment confirmed that the reduced bean emergence and growth with 120 t ha⁻¹ applications of kelp were primarily due to soluble salts. The only growth effects upon peas in the second year was a slight reduction in leaf plus stem yields with increasing applications of kelp.     

Oat residue and soil compaction influences on common root rot (Aphanomyes euteiches) of peas in a fine-textured soil

Management of common root rot (Aphanomyces euteiches Drechs.) in peas (Pisum sativum L.) is sought primarily by host crop avoidance for several years. Soil compaction is known to aggravate A. euteiches disease in peas but effects on infection and subsequent symptom development are not sufficiently known to assist in cultural control. Several isolated observations have noted that oat crop residues may suppress A. euteiches infection and disease in pea roots. The individual and combined influence (a factorial combination of two factors each at two levels) of a prior oat crop and soil compaction were studied for their effects on common root rot severity in processing peas grown in an A. euteiches disease nursery on a fine-textured soil in the northern Corn Belt of the USA. A previous crop of summer oats relative to prior-year peas significantly suppressed common root rot and increased pea fresh vine weight 210% at peak bloom stage. Both fresh vine weight and green pea yield were reduced as much as 63% by soil compaction and increased as much as 48% by a prior oat crop. Greater soil bulk density at the 10 to 25-cm depth identified wheel traffic compaction patterns in each year. A 10-fold reduction of saturated hydraulic conductivity in the 10 to 25-cm compacted zone and high soil-water potentials within the upper 60 cm both confirmed an impaired water drainage, especially during infiltration events. These observations support the use of a previous full season or summer oat crop jointly with chisel plowing, plus the prevention of excessive traffic during secondary tillage and planting, to reduce common root rot in a field infested with A. euteiches. Shallow incorporation of oat shoot and root residue by chiseling could be a crucial component of the cultural control of the disease. R Rodriguez Kabana Section editor     

筇竹构件生物量积累分配特征及其与土壤物理性质的关系

以大关县3种土层深度0-40 cm、0-80 cm和0-120 cm的天然筇竹林为研究对象,在个体水平上研究了竹子构件生物量分配特征及其与土壤物理性质的相关关系,以期为筇竹林适宜立地条件选择、适地适竹及定向培育提供的理论指导。结果表明:(1)同一土层深度,土壤含水量、最大持水量、毛管持水量、毛管孔隙度和总孔隙度均呈现出随土层增加而增加的趋势,而土壤容重和非毛管孔隙度则呈现出随土层增加而减少的趋势,且薄土层和厚土层各土壤物理因子差异显著(P＜0.05)。(2)随着土层厚度的增加,筇竹总生物量以及构件秆、枝、叶、蔸、鞭和根生物量表现出增加的趋势,且不同土层厚度差异显著(P＜0.05)。(3)随着土层厚度的增加,筇竹构件枝、叶、蔸、鞭、根生物量分配相应增加,秆生物量分配则相应减少,但各处理间差异并不显著(P＞0.05)。(4)土壤物理因子对筇竹构件生物量分配有着显著影响(P＜0.05),单一土壤物理因子对筇竹构件生物量分配特征的重要性大小排序为土壤含水量＞总孔隙度＞最大持水量＞容重＞毛管孔隙度＞毛管持水量＞非毛管孔隙度。结论:土壤物理因子沿土层厚度的变化对筇竹构件生物量分配产生了重要影响,在土壤物理性质较差的生境中,筇竹会优先将生物量分配给秆,并通过减少叶生物量来响应水分缺失的不利环境,这对筇竹林立地条件选择有指导意义,即筇竹宜选择较深厚土层经营,以促进生物量积累和种群生长。     

Effects of air-filled soil porosity and aeration on the initiation and growth of secondary roots of maize (Zea mays)

We studied the possibility whether the initiation of secondary roots is regulated by the air-filled porosity in soil, i.e. the availability of oxygen in the soil. Maize plants were grown in long PVC tubes (1 m long and 12 cm diameter) and were unwatered for different numbers of days so that variations of soil water content with depth were achieved on the same date with plants at the same age. The plants were harvested when their root systems were established in the whole soil column and watering had been withheld for 0, 15, 20, 25 days. A decrease of soil water content was significantly correlated with an increase of air-filled porosity in soil. The number of secondary lateral roots from segments of primary adventitious roots increased dramatically when soil water content decreased from field capacity to about 0.05 g water g^-1 dried soil. The total dried mass of roots at different soil depths was also positively correlated with soil air-filled porosity. It was observed that the elongation of the initiated secondary roots responded differently to the variations of soil air-filled porosity. The length of secondary roots increased initially when the soil was dried from field capacity to 0.18 g g^-1 dried soil (water potential at about−0.2 MPa, air-filled porosity 0.26 cm³ cm^-3), but was drastically reduced when the soil was dried further. Obviously elongation of secondary roots was inhibited when soil water potential began to deviate substantially from an optimum value. The present results suggested that the initiation of secondary roots was greatly promoted by the increase of air-filled soil porosity, i.e. availability of oxygen. This conclusion was further verified in a separate experiment where solution-cultured maize seedlings were subjected to different aeration treatments. An obvious increase in secondary root initiation was found in plants which were aerated with normal air (21% O₂) than in plants which were either not aerated or aerated with 5% O₂ air. ei]Section editor: B E Clothier     

林分密度对云顶山柏木人工林林下物种多样性和土壤理化性质的影响

以成都云顶山柏木(Cupressus funebris)人工林为对象,采用典型样地法研究不同林分密度(1100、950、800、650、500株/hm~2)对林下物种多样性和土壤理化性质及林下物种多样性与土壤理化性质相关性的影响。结果表明:共发现维管植物168种,隶属75科140属。随林分密度的降低,灌木层多样性指数呈先增后减的单峰变化,在密度650株/hm~2出现峰值,草本层多样性指数呈先增后减再增再减的双峰变化,在密度950株/hm~2和650株/hm~2出现峰值。同时发现光照为影响林下植物多样性的重要因素。林分密度对土壤全氮、全钾、速效钾、有机质影响显著,有机质、全氮、全钾、速效钾随林分密度降低呈先增后减的变化趋势。钾、氮、有机质与林下植被物种多样性关系最密切。结论:林分密度650株/hm~2为云顶山柏木人工林最适密度,该密度能较好的提高林下物种多样性和土壤肥力。     

Degradation of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) by a consortium obtained from a contaminated soil composed of Brevibacterium,Pandoraea and Ochrobactrum

An indigenous polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-degrading bacterial consortium was obtained from soils contaminated by transformer oil with a high content of PCBs. The PCB degrader strains were isolated and identified as Brevibacterium antarcticum, Pandoraea pnomenusa, and Ochrobactrum intermedium by 16S rRNA gene sequence phylogenetic analysis. The PCB-degrading ability of the consortium and of individual strains was determined by using GC/MS. The PCB-degrading capacities of the consortium were evaluated for three concentrations of transfomer oil ranging from 55 to 152 μM supplemented with 0.001% biphenyl and 0.1% of Tween 80 surfactant. PCB biodegradation by the consortium was favored in the presence of both additives and the greatest extent of biodegradation (67.5%) was obtained at a PCB concentration of 55 μM. Each bacterial species exhibited a particular pattern of degradation relating to specific PCB congeners. Isolated strains showed a moderate degradation capability towards tetra-, hepta-, and octa-chlorobiphenyls; although no effect on penta-, hexa-, and nona-chlorobiphenyls was observed. Recently, PCB degradation capacity was recognized in a Pandorea member; however, this is the first study that describes the ability of Brevibacterium and Ochrobactrum species to degrade PCBs.     

Influence of leaf litter type on the chemical evolution of a soil parent material (sandstone)

The influence of leaves of Quercus suber L. and Eucalyptus globulus Labill. and needles of Pinus pinaster Ait. on a sandstone substrate was assessed through lysimetric studies during a ten-year period at a site in Central Portugal. The decomposition rate of Q. suber leaf litter was similar to that of E. globulus and higher than that of P. pinaster needle litter. The proportion of nitrogen released from the Q. suber leaf litter was higher than that lost from the other organic species. Such a release was proportional to the initial nitrogen content in the substrates. The concentrations of both NH₄-N and NO₃-N were much higher in leachates collected under Q. suber leaf litter than in those collected under the other organic substrates. A similar trend was found in the leachates collected under the mineral substrate influenced by the studied organic substrates. The leachate concentrations of mineral N (especially NO₃-N) were higher from the mineral substrate under Q. suber leaf litter than from this organic substrate itself. The mineral substrate under leaf litter of E. globulus or needle litter of P. pinaster showed an increase in exchangeable base cations and pH values, and a decrease in extractable Al. Conversely, in the substrate with Q. suber leaf litter there was only a slight increase in exchangeable base cations and pH values, and a decrease in extractable Al. These results combined with those obtained in soils under E. globulus plantations indicate that changes found in these soils are due to soil and forest management practices rather than to the decomposition process of the respective of leaf litter.     

Root hydraulic properties and growth of balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) mycorrhizal with Hebeloma crustuliniforme and Wilcoxina mikolae var. mikolae

The effects of an E-strain fungus (Wilcoxina mikolae var. mikolae) and an ectomycorrhizal fungus (Hebeloma crustuliniforme) on growth and water relations of balsam poplar were examined and compared in the present study. Balsam poplar roots inoculated with W. mikolae var. mikolae (Wm) exhibited structures consistent with ectendomycorrhizal (EEM) associations, including a mantle surrounding the outside of the root and an extensive Hartig net that was located between cortical cells and extended to the vascular cylinder. Roots colonized with H. crustuliniforme (Hc) developed a mantle layer, indicative of an ectomycorrhizal (ECM) association, around the outer part of the root, but no distinct Hartig net was present. Wm-colonized balsam poplar also showed increased shoot growth, stomatal conductance (g _s), and root volumes compared with non-inoculated and Hc-inoculated plants. However, Hc-inoculated plants had higher root hydraulic conductivity (L _pr) compared with non-inoculated plants and Wm-inoculated plants. These results suggest that L _pr was not a growth-limiting factor in balsam poplar and that hyphal penetration of the root cortex in itself may have little influence on root hydraulic properties.