渭北旱塬农田不同耕作模式对土壤性状、玉米产量和水分利用效率的影响

通过渭北旱塬黑垆土8年定位试验,研究了秸秆还田下6种耕作方式,即连年翻耕(CT/CT)、免耕(NT/NT)、深松(ST/ST)和免耕/深松(NT/ST)、翻耕/免耕(CT/NT)、翻耕/深松(CT/ST)对土壤团聚体、有机碳、作物产量和水分利用效率(WUE)的影响.结果表明:与CT/CT相比,NT/NT、ST/ST及3种轮耕措施减小了土壤力稳性团聚体的平均质量直径;NT/NT、ST/ST和NT/ST措施增加了20～50 cm土层>0.25 mm水稳性团聚体的含量(WR_0.25)和平均质量直径,降低了土壤团聚体结构破坏率(PAD).在0～10 cm土层,NT/ST、CT/NT、NT/NT和ST/ST处理土壤有机碳含量显著高于CT/CT处理.随着土层加深,各耕作处理土壤有机碳含量下降,但3种单一耕作处理(ST/ST、NT/NT和CT/CT)下降幅度大于3种轮耕处理(CT/NT、ST/CT和NT/ST).与CT/CT相比,其他5种耕作方式均增加了农田0～200 cm土层的土壤蓄水量、作物产量和水分利用效率,其中,NT/ST处理作物产量和WUE分别显著提高了15.1%和27.5%.相关分析表明,玉米产量、WUE与0～200 cm土层生育期和休闲期的蓄水量呈显著正相关,且生育期蓄水量与0～50 cm土层的WR_0.25呈显著正相关,与PAD呈显著负相关;其中,20～50 cm土层的WR_0.25、PAD与玉米产量、生育期蓄水量以及WUE关系最密切;生育期蓄水量和WUE还与0～10 cm土层的有机碳含量呈显著正相关.综合考虑不同耕作措施对土壤结构、作物产量和水分利用效率的影响,免耕/深松是最适宜于渭北旱塬区黑垆土春玉米种植的耕作方式.     

Mycorrhizae, crop growth, and crop phosphorus nutrition in maize-soybean rotations given various tillage treatments

Previously, tillage has been found to reduce early-season phosphorus (P) uptake from soil in continuous maize cropping systems. This reduced P uptake has often been associated with delayed colonization of roots by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. Our aim was to determine if similar responses occur in maize-soybean rotations, which are more typical of current farming in Ontario, Canada. Similar responses were expected because both are AM crops, and the mechanism by which tillage reduces P uptake is thought to be a negative impact on the development of effective mycorrhizae. Simultaneous field experiments with either maize-soybean-maize or soybean-maize-soybean rotations were conducted in 1992–4. Treatments imposed were no-till (NT), ridge-tillage (RT), and conventional tillage using a moldboard plow (MP). In 1993, early-season dry mass of maize was similar among treatments, but colonization of maize roots by AM fungi and P uptake of maize were stimulated by NT and RT, compared with MP. In 1994, early growth was more rapid overall than in 1993, but it was reduced in the NT and RT treatments compared with MP for reasons not related to P. For soybean, AM colonization in NT and RT systems was higher than with MP, but P uptake was unchanged. As was found for maize in 1994, early-season shoot dry mass of soybean was higher in the MP treatment than with NT, but both in 1993 and 1994. We conclude that colonization of both maize and soybean by AM fungi is susceptible to slower development in tilled systems, and that for maize, stimulation of P uptake under reduced tillage can occur in rotations with soybean just as easily as it does with continuous maize. Taken with other studies, the data here suggest that responses to tillage of colonization of roots by AM fungi and of P uptake could apply to many cropping systems. The slow early-season shoot growth seen in some years in response to reduced tillage is discussed.     

Influence of compaction from wheel traffic and tillage on arbuscular mycorrhizae infection and nutrient uptake by Zea mays

Interactive effects of seven years of compaction due to wheel traffic and tillage on root density, formation of arbuscular mycorrhizae, above-ground biomass, nutrient uptake and yield of corn (Zea mays L.) were measured on a coastal plain soil in eastern Alabama, USA. Tillage and soil compaction treatments initiated in 1987 were: 1) soil compaction from tractor traffic with conventional tillage (C,CT), 2) no soil compaction from tractor traffic with conventional tillage (NC,CT), 3) soil compaction from tractor traffic with no-tillage (C,NT), and, 4) no soil compaction from tractor traffic with no-tillage (NC,NT). The study was arranged as a split plot design with compaction from wheel traffic as main plots and tillage as subplots. The experiment had four replications. In May (49 days after planting) and June, (79 days after planting), root biomass and root biomass infected with arbuscular mycorrhizae was higher in treatments that received the NC,NT treatment than the other three treatments. In June and July (109 days after planting), corn plants that received C,CT treatment had less above-ground biomass, root biomass and root biomass infected with mycorrhizae than the other three treatments. Within compacted treatments, plants that received no-tillage had greater root biomass and root biomass infected with mycorrhizae in May and June than plants that received conventional tillage. Corn plants in no-tillage treatments had higher root biomass and root biomass infected with mycorrhizae than those in conventional tillage. After 7 years of treatment on a sandy Southeastern soil, the interactive effects of tillage and compaction from wheel traffic reduced root biomass and root biomass infected with mycorrhizae but did not affect plant nutrient concentration and yield. ei]J H Graham     

Interactions of maize and Italian ryegrass in a living mulch system: (1) Shoot growth and rooting patterns

It has been demonstrated that the use of living mulches solves some of the environmental problems associated with the conventional cropping of maize (Zea mays L.). However, plant growth and yield are often reduced in such a cropping system. Since shoot competition between the main crop and the cover crop can be avoided by regular cutting of the cover crop, it was hypothesized that decreases in maize growth and yield in a living Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) mulch must be related to below ground interactions between the two species and that these may be traced back to the characteristics of their root systems. Two cropping systems, maize grown alone in bare soil (conventional cropping, BS) or together with a living Italian ryegrass mulch (LM), were studied in lysimeters (1.0 m² surface area and 1.1 m depth) placed outdoors, near Zurich Switzerland, for a duration of three years. In the LM treatment a strip, 0.3 m wide, in the center of the plot around the maize row was free of grass. For comparison, an Italian ryegrass (RG) treatment, managed as the LM treatment but without maize plants, was also included in the study. Minirhizotrons (54 mm inner diameter) were horizontally installed at ten soil depths between 0.0 and 1.0 m, perpendicular to the orientation of the maize rows. The development of the maize shoot and the rooting patterns were observed non-destructively. LM strongly modified the maize crop by decreasing growth and duration of the leaf area, and thus biomass and grain yield at harvest by as much as 78 and 72%, respectively. Maximum root densities in the three treatments were observed around the time of maize anthesis. However, BS maize was unable to build up root densities similar to those observed in Italian ryegrass plots at the time of maize sowing. The root densities of the LM and the RG treatments were usually similar. The inability of the maize plants to establish a competitive root system in the LM limits the supply of nutrients and water and therefore reduces growth and yield. Improving the productivity of maize in living mulches will depend on the ability to achieve a better separation of the rooting volumes of the two species, so that specific steps to facilitate the main crop and control the living mulch can be taken.     

Root distribution and morphology of maize seedlings as affected by tillage and fertilizer placement

Suboptimal soil conditions are known to result in poor early growth of maize (Zea mays L.) in no-tillage (NT) systems in contrast with conventional tillage (CT) systems. However, most studies have generally focused on maize roots at later growth stages and/or do not give details on root morphology. In a 2-year field study at two locations (silt loam and loam soils) in the Swiss midlands, we investigated the impacts of tillage intensity, NT vs. CT, and NP-fertilizer sidebanding on the morphology, vertical and horizontal distribution, and nutrient uptake of maize roots at the V6 growth stage. The length density (RLD) and the length per diameter-class distribution (LDD) of the roots were determined from soil cores taken to a depth of 0.5 m and at distances of 0.05 and 0.15 m from both sides of the maize row. The temperature of the topsoil was lower, and the bulk density and penetration resistance were greater in the topsoil of NT compared with CT. The growth and the development of the shoot were slower in NT. RLD was greater and the mean root diameter smaller in CT than in NT, while the vertical and horizontal distribution of roots did not differ between CT and NT. RLD increased in the zone enriched by the sidebanded fertilizer, independent of the tillage system, but LDD did not change. The poorer growth of the roots and shoots of maize seedlings was presumably caused by the lower topsoil temperature in NT rather than by mechanical impedance. The placement of a starter fertilizer at planting under NT is emphasized.     

保护性耕作对农田土壤水分和冬小麦产量的影响

保护性耕作是提高土壤蓄水保墒能力并增加作物产量的重要农艺措施之一.基于河南省长期定位试验2011-2016年数据,分析不同耕作措施(传统耕作、免耕和深松处理)对土壤水分、作物产量和水分利用效率的影响.结果表明: 2011-2016年免耕和深松耕作处理下冬小麦拔节期平均相对保墒率分别为7.3%和-0.68%,且免耕较传统耕作显著提高了冬小麦拔节期0～60 cm土壤贮水量.与传统耕作相比,免耕提高了冬小麦拔节期、扬花期、灌浆期和成熟期0～100 cm土壤平均含水量,而深松耕作并未明显提高冬小麦拔节期土壤平均含水量.此外,免耕较传统耕作能够显著提高冬小麦产量和水分利用效率,尤其在较干旱年份其增产效果更优.因此,免耕的蓄水保墒及增产效果在较干旱年份明显优于深松耕作.     

Acidification of a kaolinitic Alfisol under continuous cropping with nitrogen fertilization in West Africa

Increased use of N fertilizer and more intensive cropping due to the rising food demand in the tropics requires design and evaluation of sustainable cropping systems with minimum soil acidification. The objectives of this study were to quantify acidification of an Oxic Kandiustalf with different types of N fertilizer in two cropping systems under no-tillage and its effect on crop performance. Chemical soil properties in continuous maize (Zea mays L.) and maize-cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) rotation were determined with three N sources (urea (UA), ammonium sulfate (AS) and calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN)) in Nigeria, West Africa, during five years. Chemical soil properties were related to grain yield and diagnostic plant nutrient concentrations. For the three N sources, the rate of decline in soil pH in maize-cowpea rotation was 57±7.5% of that in continuous maize, where double the amount of N fertilizer was applied. The rate of soil acidification during the five years was greater for AS than for UA or CAN in continuous maize, and not different for UA and CAN in both cropping systems. With AS, soil pH decreased from 5.8 to 4.5 during five years of continuous maize cropping. Exchangeable acidity increased with N fertilization, but did not reach levels limiting maize or cowpea growth. Return of residues to the soil surface may have reduced soluble and exchangeable Al levels by providing a source of organic ligands. Soil solution Mn concentrations increased with N fertilization to levels likely detrimental for crop growth. Symptoms of Mn toxicity were observed on cowpea leaves where AS was applied to the preceding maize crop, but not on maize plants. Soil acidification caused significant reductions in exchangeable Ca and effective CEC. Main season maize yield with N fertilization was lower with AS than with UA or CAN, but not different between UA and CAN during the six years of cropping. The lower maize grain yield with AS than with the other N sources was attributed to lower pH and a greater extractable Mn concentration with AS. When kaolinitic Alfisols are used for continuous maize cropping, even under no-tillage with crop residues returned as mulch, the soil may become acidifed to pH values of 5.0 and below after a few years. The no-till cereal-legume rotation with judicial use of urea or CAN as N sources for the cereal crop is a more suitable system for these poorly buffered, kaolinitic soils than continuous maize cropping. The use of AS as N source should be avoided. H Marschner Section editor     

喷灌条件下耕作方式和亏缺灌溉对麦后移栽棉产量和水分利用的影响

探明耕作方式和亏缺灌溉对麦后移栽棉产量和水分利用的效应,对于建立麦后移栽棉的适宜耕作方式及灌溉制度十分重要.在大田条件下设置了翻耕和免耕2种耕作方式(灌水定额均为45 mm)及相应减小50％灌水定额的亏缺灌溉,分析了不同耕作方式和亏缺灌溉对棉花耗水规律、籽棉产量、水分利用效率和纤维品质的影响.结果表明:与翻耕相比,免耕减少了棉田20.3％的棵间土壤蒸发;不论何种耕作方式,亏缺灌溉在不影响棉花产量和纤维品质的同时,有效降低了耗水量,提高了水分利用效率.在喷灌条件下,灌水定额为22.5 mm的免耕耕作方式,不仅可有效降低麦后移栽棉田间无效棵间土壤蒸发,还可实现节水、优质、高产的有效统一.     

留茬免耕播种对河西绿洲灌区春小麦出苗和产量的影响

本研究通过田间定位试验,探讨了河西绿洲灌区单作小麦、小麦/玉米间作、小麦/大豆间作3种典型春小麦生产模式下,长期留茬免耕播种对春小麦出苗和产量的影响,为该区域春小麦高效可持续生产提供理论依据。结果表明: 与传统翻耕相比,留茬免耕播种小麦/玉米和小麦/大豆间作的小麦出苗率、出苗均匀度下降明显,降幅分别为3.3%～8.6%、9.6%～20.5%和2.9%～8.8%、10.7%～61.7%;单作小麦的出苗均匀度有所提高,其中2019年显著增加14.9%,而出苗率在2020年显著降低4.2%;3种种植方式下,春小麦麦苗整齐度均有所下降。留茬免耕播种3种种植模式下,春小麦成穗数在收获时均与传统翻耕处理持平,差异不显著。3种模式下的春小麦均可以通过提高穗粒数和千粒重来弱化出苗对产量的影响,在收获时,春小麦籽粒产量的增幅分别为10.3%～12.9%(单作小麦)、10.5%～11.9%(小麦/玉米间作)和10.3%～22.5%(小麦/大豆间作),均达到显著水平。在农田风蚀退化极其严重的河西绿洲灌区,留茬免耕播种是春小麦生产中切实可行的耕作措施。     

Effects of harvest residue and tillage on lesser cornstalk borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) damage to sugarcane

Lesser cornstalk borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is an important pest of sugarcane (a complex hybrid of Saccharum spp.) in southern Florida. Cultural controls for E. lignosellus were evaluated in preparation for the potential loss of effective insecticides. Field studies conducted in 2006 compared the effects of harvest residues from green-harvested sugarcane (no preharvest burning to remove leaf matter) on E. lignosellus stalk damage and yield. Damage by E. lignosellus was significantly lower in plant cane plots that were covered with harvest residues collected from a green-harvested field before shoot emergence compared with plots without harvest residue. There were no yield differences between plots with and without harvest residues in plant or ratoon sugarcane fields in the 2006 study. The effects of three postharvest tillage levels (conventional, intermediate, and no tillage) were evaluated in preharvest burned and green-harvested fields in 2008 and 2009. Significantly less E. lignosellus damage was observed in the green- versus preharvest burned fields in both years. Intermediate and no-tillage plots had very little damage in green-harvested field. Conventional tillage plots had the greatest damage in the green-harvested field and the lowest damage in the preharvest burned field. In 2008, biomass yield was greater in the intermediate than conventional tillage in the green-harvested field, but it was greater in the conventional than in other tillage levels in the preharvest burned field. These studies demonstrated that cultural controls could greatly reduce E. lignosellus damage in sugarcane without the use of insecticides.     

Mycorrhiza formation and nutrient concentration in leeks (Allium porrum) in relation to previous crop and cover crop management on high P soils

An improved integration of mycorrhizas may increase the sustainability in plant production. Two strategies for increasing the soil inoculum potential of mycorrhizal fungi were investigated in field experiments with leeks: Pre-cropping with mycorrhizal main crops and pre-establishment of mycorrhizal cover crops. Experiments on soils with moderate to high P content (26–50 mg kg^–1 bicarbonate-extractable P) showed that the previous crop influenced mycorrhiza formation, uptake of P, Zn, and Cu, and early growth of leek seedlings. A cover crop of black medic, established the previous autumn, increased the colonization of leek roots by mycorrhizal fungi. During early growth stages, this increase was 45–95% relative to no cover crop. However, cover cropping did not significantly increase nutrient concentration or growth. These variables were not influenced by the time of cover crop incorporation or tillage treatments. Differences in colonization, nutrient uptake and plant growth diminished during the growing period and at the final harvest date, the effects on plant production disappeared. High soil P level or high soil inoculum level was most likely responsible for the limited response of increased mycorrhiza formation on plant growth and nutrient concentrations.     

耕作方式与施肥对陇东旱塬冬小麦-春玉米轮作农田土壤理化性质及产量的影响

以陇东黄土旱塬已进行7年的田间定位试验为基础,分析了免耕和传统耕作条件下5个施肥处理冬小麦收获期土壤水分、土壤容重（2011年）及土壤养分和产量（2005-2011年）变化,探讨了耕作方式和施肥对冬小麦-春玉米轮作农田土壤蓄水保墒效果及土壤肥力和产量的影响.结果表明： 2011年免耕条件下0～200 cm各土层土壤含水量、0～20 cm和20～40 cm土层土壤容重及土壤有机质、速效氮、速效磷含量均高于传统耕作.相同耕作条件下氮磷化肥与有机肥配施处理的土壤有机质、速效氮、速效磷含量高于其他施肥处理;不同耕作方式及施肥处理下速效钾呈逐年减少的趋势;传统翻耕处理的产量高于免耕,相同耕作条件下氮磷化肥与有机肥配施处理产量最高,不施肥对照产量最低.不同耕作方式和施肥处理的土壤蓄水保墒能力和肥力效应以免耕优于传统翻耕,产量以传统翻耕下有机无机肥配施处理最好.     

保护性耕作对陇东黄土高原轮作田杂草的影响

以陇东黄土高原旱地连续12年保护性耕作为基础,通过田间取样调查,研究了4种耕作措施下冬小麦-箭筈豌豆-玉米轮作田中杂草的组成和群落特征.结果表明： 不同作物生长期的杂草种类、密度和群落特征各异.免耕使冬小麦生长期杂草密度显著增大,轮作箭筈豌豆后免耕处理的杂草密度变小;秸秆覆盖显著降低了玉米生长期的杂草密度,玉米生长期免耕+秸秆覆盖处理的杂草密度最低.冬小麦和箭筈豌豆轮作前后杂草的群落多样性特征完全相反,从冬小麦生长期到箭筈豌豆生长期,免耕处理杂草群落的多样性指数先高于常规耕作处理,后期低于常规耕作处理;玉米生长期免耕处理的多样性指数均大于其他3种处理.因此,免耕和秸秆覆盖在一些作物生长期能抑制杂草的发生和分布,3种作物轮作对杂草防治具有明显作用.     

长期免耕不同秸秆覆盖量对玉米产量及其稳定性的影响

阐明长期免耕不同秸秆覆盖量下玉米产量变化趋势及其稳定性差异,可为建立和评价长期保护性耕作模式、促进粮食持续生产提供理论支撑.本研究基于我国东北黑土区长期保护性耕作定位试验(始于2007年),以传统垄作(RT)为对照,分析了免耕无秸秆覆盖(NT0)、免耕33％秸秆覆盖(NT33)、免耕67％秸秆覆盖(NT67)和免耕10...     

Atmospheric CO(2) and mycorrhiza effects on biomass allocation and nutrient uptake of nodulated pea (Pisum sativum L.) plants

The effect of ambient and elevated atmospheric CO(2) on biomass partitioning and nutrient uptake of mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal pea plants grown in pots in a controlled environment was studied. The hypothesis tested was that mycorrhizae would increase C assimilation by increasing photosynthetic rates and reduce below-ground biomass allocation by improving nutrient uptake. This effect was expected to be more pronounced at elevated CO(2) where plant C supply and nutrient demand would be increased. The results showed that mycorrhizae did not interact with atmospheric CO(2) concentration in the variables measured. Mycorrhizae did not affect photosynthetic rates, had no effect on root weight or root length density and almost no effect on nutrient uptake, but still significantly increased shoot weight and reduced root/shoot ratio at harvest. Elevated CO(2) increased photosynthetic rates with no evidence for down-regulation, increased shoot weight and nutrient uptake, had no effect on root weight, and actually reduced root/shoot ratio at harvest. Non-mycorrhizal plants growing at both CO(2) concentrations had lower shoot weight than mycorrhizal plants with similar nutritional status and photosynthetic rates. It is suggested that the positive effect of mycorrhizal inoculation was caused by an enhanced C supply and C use in mycorrhizal plants than in non-mycorrhizal plants. The results indicate that plant growth was not limited by mineral nutrients, but partially source and sink limited for carbon. Mycorrhizal inoculation and elevated CO(2) might have removed such limitations and their effects on above-ground biomass were independent, positive and additive.     

渭北旱塬保护性耕作对冬小麦-春玉米轮作田蓄水保墒效果和产量的影响

通过2007—2010年田间定位试验,研究了平衡施肥、常规施肥和无肥(或低肥)条件下,免耕、深松和翻耕处理对渭北旱塬冬小麦-春玉米轮作田土壤贮水量、作物产量、水分利用效率(WUE)和纯收益的影响.结果表明:休闲期免耕处理蓄水保墒效果最好,深松次之,翻耕最差;轮作田生育期内免耕和深松处理0~200 cm平均土壤贮水量分别较翻耕提高6.7%和1.9%;各施肥条件下作物产量、WUE和纯收益均以深松处理最高,且以平衡施肥深松处理表现最好,2007—2008年冬小麦、2009年春玉米、2009—2010年冬小麦产量分别为6909、9689、5589 kg.hm-2,WUE分别为18.5、25.2、23.0 kg.hm-2.mm-1,纯收益分别为5034、5045、7098元.hm-2.因此,平衡施肥与深松组合处理的蓄水保墒和增产增收效果最好,是渭北旱塬冬小麦-春玉米轮作田较适合的施肥耕作模式.     

Dryland residue and soil organic matter as influenced by tillage, crop rotation, and cultural practice

Novel management practices are needed to increase dryland soil organic matter and crop yields that have been declining due to long-term conventional tillage with spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-fallow system in the northern Great Plains, USA. The effects of tillage, crop rotation, and cultural practice were evaluated on dryland crop biomass (stems + leaves) yield, surface residue, and soil organic C (SOC) and total N (STN) at the 0?C20?cm depth in a Williams loam (fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, frigid, Typic Argiustolls) from 2004 to 2007 in eastern Montana, USA. Treatments were two tillage practices [no-tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT)], four crop rotations [continuous spring wheat (CW), spring wheat-pea (Pisum sativum L.) (W-P), spring wheat-barley (Hordeum vulgaris L.) hay-pea (W-B-P), and spring wheat-barley hay-corn (Zea mays L.)-pea (W-B-C-P)], and two cultural practices [regular (conventional seed rates and plant spacing, conventional planting date, broadcast N fertilization, and reduced stubble height) and ecological (variable seed rates and plant spacing, delayed planting, banded N fertilization, and increased stubble height)]. Crop biomass and N content were 4 to 44% greater in W-B-C-P than in CW in 2004 and 2005 and greater in ecological than in regular cultural practice in CT. Soil surface residue amount and C and N contents were greater in NT than in CT, greater in CW, W-P, and W-B-C-P than in W-B-P, and greater in 2006 and 2007 than in 2004 and 2005. The SOC and STN concentrations at 0?C5?cm were 4 to 6% greater in CW than in W-P or W-B-P in NT and CT from 2005 and 2007. In 2007, SOC content at 10?C20?cm was greater in W-P and W-B-P than in W-B-C-P in CT but STN was greater in W-B-P and W-B-C-P than in CW in NT. From 2004 to 2007, SOC and STN concentrations varied at 0?C5?cm but increased at 5?C20?cm. Diversified crop rotation and delayed planting with higher seed rates and banded N fertilization increased the amount of crop biomass returned to the soil and surface residue C and N. Although no-tillage increased surface residue C and N, continuous nonlegume cropping increased soil C and N levels at the surface layer compared with other crop rotations. Continued return of crop residue from 2004 to 2007 may increase soil C and N levels but long-term studies are needed to better evaluate the effect of management practices on soil C and N levels under dryland cropping systems in the northern Great Plains.     

Defoliation increases carbon limitation in ectomycorrhizal symbiosis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Betula pubescens</Emphasis>

Boreal forest trees are highly dependent on root-colonizing mycorrhizal fungi. Since the maintenance of mycorrhizal symbiosis implies a significant carbon cost for the host plant, the loss of photosynthetic leaf area due to herbivory is expected to reduce the host investment in mycorrhizae. We tested this hypothesis in a common garden experiment by exposing ectomycorrhizal white birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh.) seedlings to simulated insect defoliation of 50 or 100% intensity during either the previous or the current summer or repeatedly during both seasons before harvest. The shoot and root growth of the seedlings were distinctly reduced by both 100% defoliation and repeated 50% defoliation, and they were more strongly affected by previous-year than current-year defoliation. The root to shoot ratio significantly decreased after 100% defoliation, indicating reduced proportional allocation to the roots. Ergosterol concentration (i.e. fungal biomass) in the fine roots decreased by 100% defoliation conducted either in the year of harvest or in both years. No such decrease occurred following the 100% defoliation conducted in the previous year, indicating the importance of current photosynthates for fungal symbionts. The trend was similar in the colonization percentage of thick-mantled mycorrhizae in the roots, the most marked decline occurring in the repeatedly defoliated seedlings. The present results thus support the prediction that the plant investment in ectomycorrhizae may decline as a response to foliage loss. Moreover, the colonization percentage of thick-mantled mycorrhizae correlated positively with the ratio of leaf to heterotrophic plant biomass in the defoliated birch seedlings, but not in the control ones. This tends to indicate a stronger carbon limitation of ectomycorrhizal colonization in defoliated seedlings.     

稻田实行保护性耕作对水稻产量、土壤理化及生物学性状的影响

在江西双季稻田进行长期田间定位试验,分析了多年保护性耕作对水稻产量、土壤理化性状及生物学性状的影响。连续8a稻田保护性耕作处理的平均产量高于传统耕作4.46%—8.79%,各处理的有效穗数、每穗粒数和结实率均高于对照,而各处理间穗长和千粒重差异不显著。实行稻田保护性耕作处理的土壤容重低于传统耕作3.6%—5.6%,而总孔隙度和毛管孔隙度分别高出传统耕作1.6%—17.4%、2.4%—16.7%。与传统耕作相比,连续8a保护性耕作显著提高了土壤有机质(2.9%—10.0%)、有效磷(4.8%—31.6%)、速效钾(9.7%—25.7%)。在2005年免耕+插秧的土壤真菌数量最多,显著高于对照处理51.6%,免耕+抛秧在2008年达到最大,显著高于对照处理54.1%。2012年免耕+抛秧、免耕+插秧显著高于对照126.1%、121.1%;另外,各处理间过氧化氢酶、脲酶活性均差异不显著。8a间土壤转化酶活性变化范围在0.292—0.451 mg/g之间,其中2005—2007、2012年均是免耕+抛秧达到最大,与对照相比,增加范围为72.7%—137.7%,且差异显著(P0.05)。因此,实行稻田保护性耕作是适合江南丘陵区双季稻区农业可持续发展的有效模式之一,其中免耕+抛秧和免耕+插秧两种方式效果最为显著。     

Effect of tillage and farming system upon VAM fungus populations and mycorrhizas and nutrient uptake of maize

Low-input agricultural systems that do not rely on fertilizers may be more dependent on vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal [VAM] fungi than conventionally managed systems. We studied populations of spores of VAM fungi, mycorrhiza formation and nutrient utilization of maize (Zea mays L.) grown in moldboard plowed, chisel-disked or no-tilled soil under conventional and low-input agricultural systems. Maize shoots and roots were collected at four growth stages. Soils under low-input management had higher VAM fungus spore populations than soils under conventional management. Spore populations and colonization of maize roots by VAM fungi were higher in no-tilled than in moldboard plowed or chisel-disked soil. The inoculum potential of soil collected in the autumn was greater for no-till and chisel-disked soils than for moldboard plowed soils and greater for low-input than conventionally farmed soil. The effects of tillage and farming system on N uptake and utilization varied with growth stage of the maize plants. The effect of farming system on P use efficiency was significant at the vegetative stages only, with higher efficiencies in plants under low-input management. The effect of tillage was consistent through all growth stages, with higher P use efficiencies in plants under moldboard plow and chisel-disk than under no-till. Plants grown in no-tilled soils had the highest shoot P concentrations throughout the experiment. This benefit of enhanced VAM fungus colonization, particularly in the low-input system in the absence of effective weed control and with likely lower soil temperatures, did not translate into enhanced growth and yield.