Using vibrational infrared biomolecular spectroscopy to detect heat-induced changes of molecular structure in relation to nutrient availability of prairie whole oat grains on a molecular basis

Background： To our knowledge, there is little study on the interaction between nutrient availability and molecular structure changes induced by different processing methods in dairy cattle. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of heat processing methods on interaction between nutrient availability and molecular structure in terms of functional groups that are related to protein and starch inherent structure of oat grains with two continued years and three replication of each year.Method： The oat grains were kept as raw（control） or heated in an air-draft oven（dry roasting： DO） at 120 °C for 60 min and under microwave irradiation（MIO） for 6 min. The molecular structure features were revealed by vibrational infrared molecular spectroscopy.Results： The results showed that rumen degradability of dry matter, protein and starch was significantly lower（P 〈0.05） for MIO compared to control and DO treatments. A higher protein α-helix to β-sheet and a lower amide I to starch area ratio were observed for MIO compared to DO and/or raw treatment. A negative correlation（-0.99, P 〈 0.01）was observed between α-helix or amide I to starch area ratio and dry matter. A positive correlation（0.99, P 〈 0.01） was found between protein β-sheet and crude protein.Conclusion： The results reveal that oat grains are more sensitive to microwave irradiation than dry heating in terms of protein and starch molecular profile and nutrient availability in ruminants.

Available Contents of Trace Nutrient Element and Factors Affecting Their Availability in Western Jilin

Based on the assay of the total content and available content of the trace nutrient elements and the soil pH and organic matter of the soil samples,the characteristic of the available content of the trace nutrient elements and their affecting factors are studied. The results show that the available B in western Jilin is in a middle level,the content in Nong'an is higher than that in the others; the available Mn is extremely abundant; the available Cu in Nong'an is obviously higher than other areas,and the content in Da'an differs greatly; the available Zn is in a middle level; the severe shortage of available Mo differs between different areas; and the available Fe is extremely abundant. The available Mn,Cu and Fe have significantly positive correlation with their total content; the available B has significantly positive correlation with pH,and Zn has obviously negative correlation with pH; the available Mn and Fe had significantly positive correlation with soil organic matter.

How silicon fertilizer improves nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient availability in paddy soil?

In order to reveal the mechanism of silicon(Si)fertilizer in improving nitrogen(N)and phosphorus(P)nutrient availability in paddy soil,we designed a series of soil culture experiments by combining application of varying Si fertilizer concentrations with fixed N and P fertilizer concentrations.Following the recommendations of fertilizer manufacturers and local farmers,we applied Si in concentrations of 0,5.2,10.4,15.6,and 20.8μg/kg.At each concentration of added Si,the availability of soil N and P nutrients,soil microbial activity,numbers of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and P-decomposing bacteria which means that the organic P is decomposed into inorganic nutrients which can be absorbed and utilized by plants,and urease and phosphatase activity first increased,and then decreased,as Si was added to the soil.These indicators reached their highest levels with a Si application rate of 15.6μg/kg,showing values respectively 19.78%,105.09%,8.34%,73.12%,130.36%,28.12%,and 20.15%higher than those of the controls.Appropriate Si application(10.4 to 15.6µg/kg)could significantly increase the richness of the soil microbial community involved in cycling of N and P nutrients in the soil.When the Si application rate was 15.6μg/kg,parameters for characterizing microbial abundance such as sequence numbers,operational taxonomic unit(OTU)number,and correlation indices of microbial community richness such as Chao1 index,the adaptive coherence estimator(ACE)index,Shannon index,and Simpson index all reached maximum values,with amounts increased by 14.46%,10.01%,23.80%,30.54%,0.18%,and 2.64%,respectively,compared with the control group.There is also a good correlation between N and P mineralization and addition of Si fertilizer.The correlation coefficients between the ratio of available P/total P(AP/TP)and the number of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria,AP/TP and acid phosphatase activity(AcPA),AP/TP and the Shannon index,the ratio of available N/total amount of N(AN/TN)and the number of ammoniated bacteria,and AN/TN and AcPA were 0.9290,0.9508,0.9202,0.9140,and 0.9366,respectively.In summary,these results revealed that enhancement of soil microbial community structure diversity and soil microbial activity by appropriate application of Si is the key ecological mechanism by which application of Si fertilizer improves N and P nutrient availability.

Investigations on the Thermodynamic Stability and Availability of Nutrients for Plants by Humic Substances Extracted from Peat Samples

This work evaluated the complexation capacity, exchange constants and availability of micronutrients for plants and humic substances extracted from peat samples. Samples of humic substances extracted from two tropical peats （HS-P1 and HS-P2） were enriched with the micronutrients Cu（II）, Co（II）, Fe（II）, Mn（II）, Ni（II） and Zn（II） and the parameters for formation of the complexes （HS-N） were evaluated at different pH. The Scatchard model was used to calculate the maximum complexation capacity and the nutrient availability was studied using exchange capacity experiments based on ultrafiltration procedure. The optimum pH for complexation was 4.5 and the order of affinity was： Fe（II） 〉 Cu（II） 〉 Co（II） 〉 Mn（II） = Ni（II） 〉 Zn（II）. The maximum complexation capacity reached 56.8 mg·g-1 Fe of HS-P1 （the highest） and 1.7 mg.g1 Zn of HS-P2 （the slightest）. The exchange experiments showed that HS-P-Fe complexes were formed preferentially. The least stable complex was formed with Zn, which was therefore, more easily available. The results contribute to understand the behavior and availability of some nutrients in soils.

Effects of Different Oligosaccharides on Performance and Availability of Nutrients in Broilers

One hundred and forty-four Avin broilers (1 d of age) were randomly divided into six groups, with three replicates of eight birds each to study on the effects of different oligosaccharides on performance and availability of nutrients in broilers. The control group(Group I)was fed with corn-soybean meal as basal diet, and the trial groups (Group II, III, IV,V and VI) were fed with basal diet plus 0.1% Manoligosaccharides(MOS), 0.3% Soybean-Oligosaccharides(SBOS), 0.3% Fructo-oligosaccharides(FOS), 0.3% α-Glucooligosaccharides(α-GOS) and 50 mg·L-1 Chlortetracycline(CTC), respectively. The results showed that the supplementation of oligosaccharides slightly improved daily gain and feed intake. SBOS supplementation improved, but MOS and α-GOS significantly decreased availability of energy. Oligosaccharides supplementation improved availability of energy, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and iron, and significantly increased cholesterol content of fecal, and did not affect on availability of protein and cholesterol contents in serum and muscle. Availability of phosphorus of broilers fed with FOS was much higher than that with α-GOS. SBOS supplementation remarkably increased availability of iron.

Decomposition and Mineralization Effect of Various Sources of Pig Manure on Water Quality and Nutrients Availability for Agro-Fish System in Benin

In spite of the relevance of current studies on the importance of organic fertilizers such as animal manure in improving the health of ecosystems, little is known about the biochemical mechanisms affecting the availability of nutrients released from the organic fertilizer in water. A litter bag study during 6 weeks was carried out in pots containing 25 liters of water with 15 g of pig dejections as organic fertilizers. The experimental design was a completely randomized block design with three replications. The treatments consisted of dejections of pigs nourished with: recommended diet composition T1, partially improved diet with Azolla filiculoides T2, improved diet with Azolla filiculoides T3, improved diet with cereal bran T4. A control treatment without dejection (T0) was considered in the study for comparison purpose. Four pigs per type of diet were considered leading to 16 white landrace pigs of six months age followed for dejection collections. Strong release of nutrients for better yield for agro-fish system was obtained in the manure T1 with ??(10.85 ± 0.00) mg/L;?( 0.011 ± 0.00) mg/L;?(2.13 ± 0.07) mg/L and K+ (10.76 ± 0.57) mg/L;Ca2+ (2.92 ± 0.11) mg/L and Mg2+ (2.53 ± 0.00) mg/L followed by manure T3 and T4 with high N content. The relatively low ratio C/N (14.25) for T1 and (15.84) for T3 induced more nutrients releasing. This study showed an important N loss probably due to microorganism activities which fluctuate nutrient availability. Also significant correlations were noted between the nutrient dynamics in water and physicochemical parameters showing the effect of abiotic factors on organic matter decomposition and mineralization which depend on microbial activities in water and pig manure composition.

Effects of Biochar and Soil Organic Matter Levels on Physicochemical Properties of Mollisol and Soybean's Biomass

Long term tillage in mollisol of Northeast China has led to an inhomogeneous distribution of soil organic matter content.Biochar,a carbon material,changes the soil carbon pool and physical-chemical characteristics after adding to the soil.However,the mechanism remains unclear for the relation between the soil organic matter level and biochar amount.So,the soil physical and chemical properties and soybean growth in a two-year pot experiment were detected at three levels of soil organic matter and three biochar additions(0,1%and 10%).The difference was found in two biochar application rates.The 1%biochar addition had no positive effect on the soil chemical properties based the two-year experiment.However,10%biochar application significantly increased the soil water content(8.0%-39.7%),the total porosity(9.7%-21.3%),pH(0.26-0.84 unit),organic matter content(89.0%-261.2%),and the available potassium content(29.0%-109.1%).The biomass of soybean increased by 19.4%-78.1%after biochar addition,yet,the soil bulk density reduced at the range of 12.6%-26.0%by 10%biochar addition.Only the 100-grain weight was correlated to the interaction of biochar and the native soil organic matter.All the indicators showed that the interaction between biochar and soil organic matter level was weak in mollisol.The effects of biochar on the physical-chemical properties relied on its amount.When biochar is applied to the soil,the amount of biochar should be considered rather than the native soil organic matter level.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improved plant growth and nutrient acquisition of desert ephemeral Plantago minuta under variable soil water conditions

Desert ephemeral plants play an important role in desert ecosystem.Soil water availability is considered as the major restrictive factor limiting the growth of ephemeral plants.Moreover,arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi（AM fungi） are widely reported to improve the growth of desert ephemerals.The present study aimed to test the hypothesis of that AM fungi could alleviate drought stress of desert ephemeral Plantago minuta,and AM fungal functions reduced with the improvement of soil water content.A pot experiment was carried out with three levels of soil water contents（4.5%,9.0%,and 15.8%（w/w））,and three AM inoculation treatments（Glomus mosseae,Glomus etunicatum and non-inoculation）.The results indicate that mycorrhizal colonization rate decreased with the increase of soil water availability.Inoculation improved plant growth and N,P and K acquisition in both shoots and roots regardless water treatments.When comparing the two fungi,plants inoculated with G.mosseae performed better than those inoculated with G.etunicatum in terms of plant growth and nutrient acquisition.These results showed that ameliorative soil water did not suppress arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal functions in improving growth and nutrient acquisition of desert ephemeral Plantago minuta.

Study on Soil Nutrient Fertility of Cultivated Land in Laos

[Objectives] This study was conducted to explore the differences in soil nutrient contents of cultivated land in different regions of Laos,and to provide a basis for soil nutrient management and scientific fertilization in Laos. [Methods] By collecting 166 samples of the 0-20 cm cultivated soil layer from farmland in the farming areas of Luang Namtha Province in the northern part of Laos and Vientiane Province in the middle of the country,the contents of soil organic matter,total nitrogen,available phosphorus,available potassium,available calcium and available magnesium were analyzed,so as to evaluate the current status of soil nutrient fertility and explore the differences in soil nutrient contents of regional cultivated land. [Results] The soil organic matter was relatively abundant,the total nitrogen and available potassium contents were at the lower-middle level,and the available phosphorus,available calcium and available magnesium were insufficient or extremely insufficient. The soil nutrient contents of cultivated land were different in different regions. [Conclusions] It is suggested that lime or other alkaline fertilizers should be applied on the farmland with acid soil,and nitrogen,phosphorus,and potassium fertilizers should be added at the same time to improve soil nutrient fertility.

Differences of Soil Nutrient Contents under Different Land Use Patterns in Niyang River Basin

[Objectives]This study was conducted to investigate the variation characteristics of soil nutrient contents under different land use patterns in the middle and upper reaches of the Niyang River in Tibet.[Methods]With the cultivated land,grass land and forest land in the middle and upper reaches of the Niyang River as the research objects,216 soil samples were collected in layers(0-10,10-20,20-30 cm)by the standard sampling method,and the soil total nitrogen,alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen,total potassium,available potassium,total phosphorus,available phosphorus and organic matter were determined.[Results]The contents of soil organic matter,total nitrogen and alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen in the middle and upper reaches of Niyang River in Tibet ranked as forest land>grass land>cultivated land,and there were significant differences between the three(P<0.05).The total potassium contents of grass land and forest land were not much different,and the contents of available potassium exhibited an order of forest land>grass land>cultivated land.The distribution of soil total nutrients and available nutrients under different land use patterns showed a certain degree of surface aggregation.The contents of total nutrients and available nutrients in the soil at the 0-10 cm depth were significantly higher than those at 10-20 and 20-30 cm,and there were significant differences between the three(P<0.05).The average content of alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen was the largest in forest soil and the smallest in cultivated land under the three land use patterns in the study area.The average content of soil available phosphorus in cultivated land(19.47 mg/kg)was significantly higher than those in grass land(5.73 mg/kg)and forest land(5.19 mg/kg).The above results indicate that long-term vegetation restoration can improve the soil quality of the middle and upper reaches of the Niyang River.[Conclusions]The results of this study research provide basic support for improving the soil effect in the area.

Analysis of Soil Degradation Causes in Orchards with Different Planting Years

The aim was to analyze effects of jujube planting years on changes of soil nutrient elements and explore the causes of orchard degradation by researching variation characteristics of soil nutrient contents in orchards with different planting years, providing theoretical support for the soil degradation of jujube or-chards. [Method] Soil samples were col ected in depth at 0-20 and 20-40 cm from the sites in or out of tree canopy scope in jujube orchards with 3, 5 and 7 plan-ning-years, to analyze contents of available N, P and K, organic matter, total N, salts, and trace elements, as wel as changes of nutritional elements. [Result] Avail-able boron, copper, iron, manganese, zinc and available potassium in soils of jujube orchards with 3, 5 and 7 years planting history reduced as planting year increased, which coincided with that in the soil of 20-40 cm. [Conclusion] Because trace ele-ments are never applied in southern Xinjiang, available B, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn and available K would be consumed by tree root growth. Due to root distribution differ-ences and ploughing effects in fields, the contents of nutrients tend to be volatile in or out of tree canopy scope. Tree root in deeper soils absorbs more nutrients, and soil nutrients would decrease dramatical y if additional chemical fertilizers are not provided, leading to soil degradation.

Impact of Continuous Chinese Fir Monoculture on Soil

Soil properties were investigated in sites where three succeeding generationsof Chinese fir (Gunning-hamia lanceolata, (Lambert) Hooker) in Nanping, Fujian, China, werecultivated in order to show the impact of a repeated monoculture on site productivity. Compared withthe first generation (FG) stand the soil structure deteriorated in the second generation (SG) andthe third generation (TG) stands. For instance, the destruction rate of the peds increased by 55%-115% in the SG and the TG stands compared to the FG stand. Soil nutrient storage and nutrientavailability also decreased in the SG and the TG stands. For surface soils of 0-20 cm, the organicmatter content, total N and P, and available N and P decreased by 3%-20% relative to those in the FGstand. For many soil parameters, the differences between the FG stand and the SG and the TG standswere statistically significant (LSD test, P < 0.05). Furthermore, with each succeeding generation ofChinese fir, the total number of soil microbes declined, the soil enzyme activity weakened, and thesoil biological activity decreased. In order to maintain sustainable site productivity, newsilvicultural practices need to be developed for management of Chinese fir plantations.

N and P resorption in a pioneer shrub(Artemisia halodendron) inhabiting severely desertified lands of Northern China

Nutrient resorption is an important conservation mechanism for plants to overcome nutrient limitation in the less fertile area of desertifled land. In the semi-arid Horqin Sandy Land of Northern China, the shrub Artemisia ha/odendron usually colonizes into the bare ground of severely desertified land as a pioneer species. It is, therefore, expected that A. ha/odendron will be less dependent on current nutrient uptake through efficient and proficient re- sorption of nutrients. In this study, we found that averaged nitrogen （N） and phosphorus （P） concentrations in se- nesced leaves significantly varied from 12.3 and 1.2 mg/g in the shifting sand dune to 15.9 and 1.9 mg/g in the fixed sand dune, respectively, suggesting that foliar N and P resorption of A. ha/odendron were more proficient in the shifting sand dune. In particular, positive relationships between nutrient concentrations in senesced leaves and soil nutrient availability indicate that A. ha/odendron in infertile habitats is more likely to manage with a low level of nu- trients in senesced leaves, giving this species an advantage in infertile soil. Moreover, foliar N- and P-resorption efficiencies and proficiencies showed limited inter-annual variability although annual precipitation varied greatly among 2007-2009. However, N and P resorption of A. ha/oc/endron were not more efficient and proficient than those previously reported for other shrubs, indicating that the pioneer shrub in sand dune environments does not rely more heavily than other plants on the process of resorption to conserve nutrients. Incomplete resorption of nutrients in A. halodendron suggests that senesced-leaf fall would return litter with high quality to the soil, and thereby would indirectly improve soil nutrient availability. The restoration of desertified land, therefore, may be ac- celerated after A. halodendron pioneers into shifting sand dunes.

Variation of soil enzyme activity and microbial biomass in poplar plantations of different genotypes and stem spacings

To improve the productivity of poplar planta- tions, a field experiment of split-plot design with four tree spacings and three poplar clones was established, and four soil enzyme activities and microbial biomass were monitored in the trial. Soil enzyme activities, in most cases, were significantly higher in topsoil （0-10 cm） than in lower horizons （10-20 cm）. Soil cellulase, catalase and protease activities during the growing season were higher than during the non-growing season, while invertase activity followed the opposite trend. Soil invertase, cellulase and catalase activities varied by poplar clone but soil protease activity did not. Cellulase and protease activities in the plantation at 5 × 5 m spacing were significantly higher than in the other spacings. The highest catalase activity was recorded at 6 × 6 m spacing. At the same planting density, invertase activity was greater in square spacings than in rectangular spacings. Soil microbial biomass was also significantly affected by seedling spacing and poplar clone. The mean soil MBC was significantly lower in topsoil than in the lower horizon, while MBN showed the opposite pattern. Significantly positive correlations were observed among soil cellulase, protease and catalase activities （p 〈0.01）, whereas soil invertase activity was negatively and significantly correlated with cellulase, protease and catalase activities （p 〈 0.01）. Soil microbial biomass and enzyme activities were not correlated except for a significantly negative correlation between soil MBC and catalase activities. Variations in soil enzyme activity and microbial biomass in different poplar plantations suggest that genotype and planting spacing should be considered when modeling soil nutrient dynamics and managing for long-term site productivity.

Antioxidant compounds and minerals in tomatoes by Trichodermaenriched biofertilizer and their relationship with the soil environments

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Trichoderma-enriched biofertilizer（BioF/compost）on antioxidants and minerals in ripe tomatoes and soil health improvements in terms of nutrient availability and microbial populations.The study was comprised of six treatments：control（zero input）;recommended doses of NPK（135.5,45.6 and 22.9 kg ha^-1,respectively）;100%BioF/compost;75%BioF/compost＋25%N;50%BioF/compost＋50%N;and 25%BioF/compost＋75%N.The recommended doses of P and K were used in the last three treatments.It was found that the application of 100%BioF/compost enhanced plant growth,leaf greenness,and produced 12.9%higher yield compared to the recommended doses of NPK and other treatments.Mineral contents（P,K,Ca,Mg,Cu,Fe,Mn and Zn）in tomato roots,shoots and fruits and antioxidant compounds,i.e.,ascorbic acid,β-carotine,and lycopene were increased significantly in fruits fertilized with100%BioF/compost.The high efficiency of Trichoderma compost might be the result of its potential of nutrient solubilization and harboring soil microorganisms.Collectively,BioF/compost increased soil fertility and favored growth of microbes in the rhizosphere which ultimately contributed to higher yield,antioxidant,and mineral concentrations in tomatoes.Thus,Trichoderma-enriched biofertilizer may reduce application of chemical fertilizers and therefore,can be considered as a noble practice in sustainable agriculture.

Growth characteristics of multipurpose tree species, crop productivity and soil properties in agroforestry systems under subtropical humid climate in India

Multipurpose tree species （MPTs） were studied in an agroforestry arboretum under subtropical humid climate in Northeast India. Out of 12 MPTs planted under agroforestry systems, Acacia auriculiformis in spacing of 2 m × 2 m （2500 stems·hm^-2） could have the potentiality to meet the timber/fuelwood requirement due to its high wood production of 635 m^3·hm^-2 with mean annual increment （MAI） of 2.54×10^-2 m^3.treel.a^-1 in a short rotation period of 10 years. Thus, A. auriculiformis is a short rotation forest tree species suitable to grow in subtropical humid climate. On the other hand, at 16 years of age, Eucalyptus hybrid and Michelia champaca in spacing of 3 m × 3 m （1111 stems.hm^2） produced appreciably high timber volume of 315 m^3.hm^-2 and 165 m^3.hm^-2 with MAI of 1.77×10^-2 m^3.tree^-1·a^-1 and 0.92×10.2 m^3.tree^-1.a^-1, respectively. At 16 years of age, Gmelina arborea produced a timber volume of 147 m^3.hm^-2 with MAI of 1.47×10^-2 m^3.tree^-1.a^-1 followed by Samania saman （140 m^3.hm^-2）, Albizziaprocera （113 m^3·hm^-2） and Tectona grandis （79 m3.hm^-2） with MAI of 1.40, 1.13 and 0.78 × 10^-2 m^3 .tree^-1a^-1, respectively in 4 m × 4 m spacing （625 stems.hm^-2）. Gliricidia maculata and Leucaena leucocephala could be used as live fences around the farm boundary to supply their N-rich leaves for mulch as well as manure to crops. In agroforestry arboretum, direct seeded upland rice （Oryza sativa - variety, AR-11）, groundnut （Arachis hypogaea - variety, JL-24） and sesamum （Sesamum indicum - variety, B-67） were grown during the initial period upto 8 years of tree establishment. Under other MPTs, there was a reduction in crop productivity as compared to open space. After 8 years of tree establishment, horti-silvi and silvi-pastoral systems were developed and pineapple （Ananas comosus - variety Queen）, turmeric （Curcuma longa -variety RCT -1） and cowpea （Vigna sinensis - variety Pusa Barsati） as forage crop were raised. The productivity of pineapple, turmeric and cowpea was comparatively high under Azadirachta indica. The productivity of horticultural and forage crops in association with trees such as G. arborea, A. procera, S. saman, T. grandis and M. champaca of high timber value could be harnessed as viable agroforestry systems. Changes in soil properties were also monitored. Amelioration of soil acidity, increase in soil organic carbon, and enhanced humification of soil humus, high nutrient availability, low soil erodibility and high surface soil （0-15 cm） moisture availability were noted in soils under MPTs.

A Study of Soil-dynamics Based on a Simulated Drought in an Alpine Meadow on the Tibetan Plateau

Extreme weather events have played an important role in driving the ecosystem dynamics in high altitude areas, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. To understand if and how the soil processes of an ecosystem react to extreme drought, we manipulated a once-in-a-century meteorological extreme drought in an alpine meadow on the Tibetan Plateau, which is also known as the ＂forerunner of global weather changes＂. The extremity was determined by statistical extreme weather events with respect to a historical reference period from April to September during 1962 - 2004, where the local historical precipitation data was calculated and intensified to loo-year recurrent drought event with Gumbel I distribution. The indicators we measured included soil microbial biomass C/N/P and soil enzymatic activities of phosphatase （AP） disbounding organic phosphate, cellobiohydrolase （CBH）, β- glucocidase （BG）, N-releasing enzyme N-acetyl- glucosaminidase （NAG） as well as soil respirations, during and after the treatments. It was found that the manipulated event induced a rapid shift in microbial biomass and activities, indicating a lower resistance of the underground process. However, the microbial and biochemical parameters saw rapid recovery after the event, which meant the soil processes enjoyed high resilience. The high responsiveness and lag-time effects of the soil indicators rendered new horizons for us to evaluate the interaction between the extremes and the ecosystem stability. Our study indicated that the once-in-a-century extreme drought induced very short term response in the soil biotic process, and the soil processes worked to buffer against such events under the observation period.

Impact of MgCl₂Modified Biochar on Phosphorus and Nitrogen Fractions in Coastal Saline Soil

Biochar application is claimed to improve nutrient availability in many problem soils;however, pristine biochars are often reported to produce inconsistent results. Therefore, appropriate biochar modification techniques are required to retain soil nutrients at an optimum level. To increase Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P) availability in coastal saline soil, two slow pyrolyzed biochars viz domestic organic waste (DWB) and farmyard manure (FMB) were modified with MgCl2. Ten different treatments comprising the biochars (pristine and modified) with and without the recommended fertilizer were applied (2% w/w) to the soil and incubated for ninety days. The soils were analyzed for pH, EC, available , and different phosphorus fractions sequentially extracted by NH4Cl, NaHCO3, NaOH, and HCl. During the incubation period, biochar treatments increased all phosphorus and nitrogen fractions than the control and recommended fertilizer treatment. The application of FMB significantly (p < 0.05) increased NH4Cl, NaHCO3, and NaOH extractable P fractions from DWB, while HCl soluble fraction was enhanced (p > 0.05) by DWB. The increased Al and/or Fe bound phosphate after 60 days of incubation had significant correlations to decreasing soil pH and NaHCO3-P, indicating reduced availability with time. Further Mg modification slightly increased P availability only after 60 days of incubation. The modification also improved both nitrogen fractions but significantly (p < 0.05) increased the NO3-N content which could be the result of electrostatic attraction between Mg2+ and ions. Overall, Mg-modified biochar may retain both phosphates and nitrates in soil. However, the magnitude of retention will vary depending on biochar type, nutrient species, and aging in soil.

Inoculation and co-inoculation of alfalfa seedlings with root growth promoting microorganisms(Piriformospora indica,Glomus intraradices and Sinorhizobium meliloti) affect molecular structures,nutrient profiles and availability of hay for ruminants

Inoculation of alfalfa seedlings with root growth promoting microorganisms under semi-arid climate condition may improve biomass production and nutritive value.The current study aimed to investigate the effect of inoculation of alfalfa seedlings with Piriformospora indica(Pi) and co-inoculating Pi with Glomus intraradices(Gi+Pi) or Sinorhizobium meliloti(Sm+Pi) on hay yield,chemical composition,molecular structures by Fourier transformed infrared(FTIR) spectroscopy,in situ ruminal degradability and in vitro gas production.Seedlings were grown in experimental pots in a greenhouse until first cut and then transferred outside and cut a further 4 times.Biomass yield was similar across the treatments.Acid detergent fiber(ADF) concentration was higher in Pi than in control hay,and ADF decreased further with co-inoculation(P < 0.05).The ether extract(EE) concentration was lower for Pi and Gi+Pi compared with control hay,and control,Pi and Gi+Pi hays had lower EE concentration compared with Sm+Pi(P < 0.05).The FTIR spectroscopic vibration peak height ratio related to proteins(amide1+amide 2): total carbohydrate ratio was lower for the inoculation treatments compared with control hay(P < 0.05).In situ ruminal degradability of dry matter and organic matter were higher for hay of inoculated and co-inoculated seedlings than for control hay(P < 0.05).In conclusion,hay of alfalfa seedlings inoculated and co-inoculated with root growth promoting microorganisms had improved nutritional value compared with hay from non-treated alfalfa seedlings,and co-inoculation was the most effective,however,changes were relatively minor.

A review of the effects of forest fire on soil properties

Forest fires are key ecosystem modifiers affecting the biological,chemical,and physical attributes of forest soils.The extent of soil disturbance by fire is largely dependent on fire intensity,duration and recurrence,fuel load,and soil characteristics.The impact on soil properties is intricate,yielding different results based on these factors.This paper reviews research investigating the effects of wildfire and prescribed fire on the biological and physico-chemical attributes of forest soils and provides a summary of current knowledge associated with the benefits and disadvantages of such fires.Low-intensity fires with ash deposition on soil surfaces cause changes in soil chemistry,including increase in available nutrients and pH.High intensity fires are noted for the complete combustion of organic matter and result in severe negative impacts on forest soils.High intensity fires result in nutrient volatilization,the break down in soil aggregate stability,an increase soil bulk density,an increase in the hydrophobicity of soil particles leading to decreased water infiltration with increased erosion and destroy soil biota.High soil heating(> 120℃) from high-intensity forest fires is detrimental to the soil ecosystem,especially its physical and biological properties.In this regard,the use of prescribed burning as a management tool to reduce the fuel load is highly recommended due to its low intensity and limited soil heating.Furthermore,the use of prescribed fires to manage fuel loads is critically needed in the light of current global warming as it will help prevent increased wildfire incidences.This review provides information on the impact of forest fires on soil properties,a key feature in the maintenance of healthy ecosystems.In addition,the review should prompt comprehensive soil and forest management regimes to limit soil disturbance and restore fire-disturbed soil ecosystems.