Impact of Initial Soil Conditions on Soil Hydrothermal and Surface Energy Fluxes in the Permafrost Region of the Tibetan Plateau

Accurate initial soil conditions play a crucial role in simulating soil hydrothermal and surface energy fluxes in land surface process modeling.This study emphasized the influence of the initial soil temperature(ST)and soil moisture(SM)conditions on a land surface energy and water simulation in the permafrost region in the Tibetan Plateau(TP)using the Community Land Model version 5.0(CLM5.0).The results indicate that the default initial schemes for ST and SM in CLM5.0 were simplistic,and inaccurately represented the soil characteristics of permafrost in the TP which led to underestimating ST during the freezing period while overestimating ST and underestimating SLW during the thawing period at the XDT site.Applying the long-term spin-up method to obtain initial soil conditions has only led to limited improvement in simulating soil hydrothermal and surface energy fluxes.The modified initial soil schemes proposed in this study comprehensively incorporate the characteristics of permafrost,which coexists with soil liquid water(SLW),and soil ice(SI)when the ST is below freezing temperature,effectively enhancing the accuracy of the simulated soil hydrothermal and surface energy fluxes.Consequently,the modified initial soil schemes greatly improved upon the results achieved through the long-term spin-up method.Three modified initial soil schemes experiments resulted in a 64%,88%,and 77%reduction in the average mean bias error(MBE)of ST,and a 13%,21%,and 19%reduction in the average root-mean-square error(RMSE)of SLW compared to the default simulation results.Also,the average MBE of net radiation was reduced by 7%,22%,and 21%.

Impact of wetting-drying cycles and acidic conditions on the soil aggregate stability of yellow‒brown soil

Soil aggregate is the basic structural unit of soil,which is the foundation for supporting ecosystem functions,while its composition and stability is significantly affected by the external environment.This study was conducted to explore the effect of external environment(wetting-drying cycles and acidic conditions)on the soil aggregate distribution and stability and identify the key soil physicochemical factors that affect the soil aggregate stability.The yellow‒brown soil from the Three Gorges Reservoir area(TGRA)was used,and 8 wetting-drying conditions(0,1,2,3,4,5,10 and 15 cycles)were simulated under 4 acidic conditions(pH=3,4,5 and 7).The particle size distribution and soil aggregate stability were determined by wet sieving method,the contribution of environmental factors(acid condition,wetting-drying cycle and their combined action)to the soil aggregate stability was clarified and the key soil physicochemical factors that affect the soil aggregate stability under wetting-drying cycles and acidic conditions were determined by using the Pearson’s correlation analysis,Partial least squares path modeling(PLS‒PM)and multiple linear regression analysis.The results indicate that wetting-drying cycles and acidic conditions have significant effects on the stability of soil aggregates,the soil aggregate stability gradually decreases with increasing number of wetting-drying cycles and it obviously decreases with the increase of acidity.Moreover,the combination of wetting-drying cycles and acidic conditions aggravate the reduction in the soil aggregate stability.The wetting-drying cycles,acidic conditions and their combined effect imposes significant impact on the soil aggregate stability,and the wetting-drying cycles exert the greatest influence.The soil aggregate stability is significantly correlated with the pH,Ca^(2+),Mg^(2+),maximum disintegration index(MDI)and soil bulk density(SBD).The PLS‒PM and multiple linear regression analysis further reveal that the soil aggregate stability is primarily influenced by SBD,Ca^(2+),and MDI.These results offer a scientific basis for understanding the soil aggregate breakdown mechanism and are helpful for clarifying the coupled effect of wetting-drying cycles and acid rain on terrestrial ecosystems in the TGRA.

Isolation and Identification of Potassium Releasing Bacteria from Sugarcane Rhizosphere Soil and Optimization of Fermentation Condition

[Objectives]To isolate and optimize the potassium releasing bacteria from sugarcane rhizosphere soil in Baitu Town,Gaoyao District,Zhaoqing City,Guangdong Province,and then evaluate their potassium-releasing ability,and optimize the fermentation conditions of the strains with the best potassium-releasing ability,so as to provide a scientific basis for the development and production of potassium releasing bacteria fertilizer.[Methods]Potassium-solubilizing bacteria were isolated from sugarcane rhizosphere soil using potassium-feldspar powder as the potassium source of isolation medium by dilution coating method and plate streaking method.The isolated strains were identified by 16s rRNA sequence analysis.The potassium-releasing ability of each strain was determined by sodium tetraphenylborate(STPB)method,and the strain GK-37 with the optimal potassium-releasing ability was selected.The fermentation conditions of GK-37 strain were further optimized,and the effects of different carbon sources on its growth were mainly investigated.[Results]Seven strains of potassium-solubilizing bacteria were isolated and purified,and identified by 16s rRNA.They belonged to Pseudomonas knackmussii,Pseudomonas,Pseudomonas insulaes and Caballeronia zhejiangensis.Among the tested strains,strain GK-37 had the best potassium-releasing ability,and its potassium-releasing capacity was 26.99 mg/L.By optimizing the fermentation conditions of GK-37 strain,it was found that when the fermentation medium was sucrose as carbon source,the growth of the strain was the best.[Conclusions]In this study,the potassium releasing bacteria were successfully isolated and identified from the rhizosphere soil of sugarcane,and the strain GK-37 had high potassium-releasing ability.Through the optimization of fermentation conditions of GK-37 strain,sucrose was determined as the optimal carbon source.This study is expected to provide a valuable reference for the further development and production of potassium releasing bacteria fertilizer.

The potential mechanism and clinical application value of remote ischemic conditioning in stroke

Some studies have confirmed the neuroprotective effect of remote ischemic conditioning against stroke. Although numerous animal researches have shown that the neuroprotective effect of remote ischemic conditioning may be related to neuroinflammation, cellular immunity, apoptosis, and autophagy, the exact underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. This review summarizes the current status of different types of remote ischemic conditioning methods in animal and clinical studies and analyzes their commonalities and differences in neuroprotective mechanisms and signaling pathways. Remote ischemic conditioning has emerged as a potential therapeutic approach for improving stroke-induced brain injury owing to its simplicity, non-invasiveness, safety, and patient tolerability. Different forms of remote ischemic conditioning exhibit distinct intervention patterns, timing, and application range. Mechanistically, remote ischemic conditioning can exert neuroprotective effects by activating the Notch1/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway, improving cerebral perfusion, suppressing neuroinflammation, inhibiting cell apoptosis, activating autophagy, and promoting neural regeneration. While remote ischemic conditioning has shown potential in improving stroke outcomes, its full clinical translation has not yet been achieved.

Organic fertilizer enhances soil aggregate stability by altering greenhouse soil content of iron oxide and organic carbon

Both soil organic carbon (SOC) and iron (Fe) oxide content, among other factors, drive the formation and stability of soil aggregates.However, the mechanism of these drivers in greenhouse soil fertilized with organic fertilizer is not well understood.In a 3-year field experiment, we aimed to investigate the factors which drive the stability of soil aggregates in greenhouse soil.To explore the impact of organic fertilizer on soil aggregates, we established four treatments:no fertilization (CK);inorganic fertilizer (CF);organic fertilizer (OF);and combined application of inorganic and organic fertilizers(COF).The application of organic fertilizer significantly enhanced the stability of aggregates, that is it enhanced the mean weight diameter, geometric mean diameter and aggregate content (%) of>0.25 mm aggregate fractions.OF and COF treatments increased the concentration of SOC, especially the aliphatic-C, aromatic-C and polysaccharide-C components of SOC, particularly in>0.25 mm aggregates.Organic fertilizer application significantly increased the content of free Fe(Fed), reactive Fe (Feo), and non-crystalline Fe in both bulk soil and aggregates.Furthermore, non-crystalline Fe showed a positive correlation with SOC content in both bulk soil and aggregates.Both non-crystalline Fe and SOC were significantly positively correlated with>2 mm mean weight diameter.Overall, we believe that the increase of SOC, aromatic-C, and non-crystal ine Fe concentrations in soil after the application of organic fertilizer is the reason for improving soil aggregate stability.

Effect of Progressive Substitution of Cement and Lime by Powdered Shells Used as a Curing Agent for Dredged Soil in a Port Area

This study aimed to address the challenges of solid waste utilization,cost reduction,and carbon reduction in the treatment of deep-dredged soil at Xuwei Port in Lianyungang city of China.Past research in this area was limited.Therefore,a curing agent made from powdered shells was used to solidify the dredged soil in situ.We employed laboratory orthogonal tests to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of the powdered shell-based curing agent.Data was collected by conducting experiments to assess the role of powdered shells in the curing process and to determine the optimal ratios of powdered shells to solidified soil for different purposes.The development of strength in solidified soil was studied in both seawater and pure water conditions.The study revealed that the strength of the solidified soil was influenced by the substitution rate of powdered shells and their interaction with cement.Higher cement content had a positive effect on strength.For high-strength solidified soil,the recommended ratio of wet soil:cement:lime:powdered shells were 100:16:4:4,while for low-strength solidified soil,the recommended ratio was 100:5.4:2.4:0.6.Seawater,under appropriate conditions,improved short-term strength by promoting the formation of expansive ettringite minerals that contributed to cementation and precipitation.These findings suggest that the combination of cement and powdered shells is synergistic,positively affecting the strength of solidified soil.The recommended ratios provide practical guidance for achieving desired strength levels while considering factors such as cost and carbon emissions.The role of seawater in enhancing short-term strength through crystal formation is noteworthy and can be advantageous for certain applications.In conclusion,this research demonstrates the potential of using a powdered shell-based curing agent for solidifying dredged soil in an environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner.The recommended ratios for different strength requirements offer valuable insights for practical applications in the field of soil treatment,contributing to sustainable and efficient solutions for soil management.

Spatial Patterns and Controlling Factors of Soil Organic Carbon and Total Nitrogen in the Three River Headwaters Region,China

The alpine ecosystem has great potential for carbon sequestration.Soil organic carbon(SOC)and total nitrogen(TN)are highly sensitive to climate change,and their dynamics are crucial to revealing the effect of climate change on the structure,function,and services of the ecosystem.However,the spatial distribution and controlling factors of SOC and TN across various soil layers and vegetation types within this unique ecosystem remain inadequately understood.In this study,256 soil samples in 89 sites were collected from the Three River Headwaters Region(TRHR)in China to investigate SOC and TN and to explore the primary factors affecting their distribution,including soil,vegetation,climate,and geography factors.The results show that SOC and TN contents in 0-20,20-40,40-60,and 60-80 cm soil layers are 24.40,18.03,14.04,12.40 g/kg and 2.46,1.90,1.51,1.17 g/kg,respectively;with higher concentrations observed in the southeastern region compared to the northwest of the TRHR.One-way analysis of variance reveals that SOC and TN levels are elevated in the alpine meadow and the alpine shrub relative to the alpine steppe in the 0-60 cm soil layers.The structural equation model explores that soil water content is the main controlling factor affecting the variation of SOC and TN.Moreover,the geography,climate,and vegetation factors notably indirectly affect SOC and TN through soil factors.Therefore,it can effectively improve soil water and nutrient conditions through vegetation restoration,soil improvement,and grazing management,and the change of SOC and TN can be fully understood by establishing monitoring networks to better protect soil carbon and nitrogen.

FedCLCC:A personalized federated learning algorithm for edge cloud collaboration based on contrastive learning and conditional computing

Federated learning(FL)is a distributed machine learning paradigm for edge cloud computing.FL can facilitate data-driven decision-making in tactical scenarios,effectively addressing both data volume and infrastructure challenges in edge environments.However,the diversity of clients in edge cloud computing presents significant challenges for FL.Personalized federated learning(pFL)received considerable attention in recent years.One example of pFL involves exploiting the global and local information in the local model.Current pFL algorithms experience limitations such as slow convergence speed,catastrophic forgetting,and poor performance in complex tasks,which still have significant shortcomings compared to the centralized learning.To achieve high pFL performance,we propose FedCLCC:Federated Contrastive Learning and Conditional Computing.The core of FedCLCC is the use of contrastive learning and conditional computing.Contrastive learning determines the feature representation similarity to adjust the local model.Conditional computing separates the global and local information and feeds it to their corresponding heads for global and local handling.Our comprehensive experiments demonstrate that FedCLCC outperforms other state-of-the-art FL algorithms.

Long-term combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers increases crop yield sustainability by improving soil fertility in maize-wheat cropping systems

Organic material combined with inorganic fertilizer has been shown to greatly improve crop yield and maintain soil fertility globally. However, it remains unclear if crop yield and soil fertility can be sustained in the long term under the combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers. Three long-term field trials were conducted to investigate the effects of organic amendments on the grain sustainable yield index(SYI), soil fertility index(SFI)and nutrient balance in maize–wheat cropping systems of central and southern China during 1991–2019. Five treatments were included in the trials: 1) no fertilization(control);2) balanced mineral fertilization(NPK);3) NPK plus manure(NPKM);4) high dose of NPK plus manure(1.5NPKM);and 5) NPK plus crop straw(NPKS). Over time, the grain yields of wheat and maize showed an increasing trend in all four fertilization treatments at the Yangling(YL) and Zhengzhou(ZZ) locations, while they declined at Qiyang(QY). The grain yield in the NPKM and 1.5NPKM treatments gradually exceeded that of the NPK and NPKS treatments at the QY site. The largest SYI was recorded in the NPKM treatment across the three sites, suggesting that inorganic fertilizer combined with manure can effectively improve crop yield sustainability. Higher SYI values were recorded at the YL and ZZ sites than at the QY site, possibly because the soil was more acid at QY. The key factors affecting grain yield were soil available phosphorus(AP) and available potassium(AK) at the YL and ZZ sites, and pH and AP at the QY site.All fertilization treatments resulted in soil N and P surpluses at the three sites, but soil K surpluses were recorded only at the QY site. The SFI was greater in the 1.5NPKM, NPKM and NPKS treatments than in the NPK treatment by 13.3–40.0 and 16.4–63.6% at the YL and ZZ sites, respectively, and was significantly higher in the NPKM and 1.5NPKM treatments than in the NPK and NPKS treatments at the QY site. A significant, positive linear relationship was found between SFI and crop yield, and SYI and nutrient balance, indicating that grain yield and its sustainability significantly increased with increasing soil fertility. The apparent N, P and K balances positively affected SFI.This study suggests that the appropriate amount of manure mixed with mineral NPK fertilizer is beneficial to the development of sustainable agriculture, which effectively increases the crop yield and yield sustainability by improving soil fertility.

Effects of biological soil crusts on plant growth and nutrient dynamics in the Minqin oasis-desert ecotone,Northwest China

Biological soil crusts(BSCs)play crucial roles in improving soil fertility and promoting plants settlement and reproduction in arid areas.However,the specific effects of BSCs on growth status and nutrient accumulation of plants are still unclear in different arid areas.This study analyzed the effects of three different BSCs treatments(without crust(WC),intact crust(IC),and broken crust(BC))on the growth,inorganic nutrient absorption,and organic solute synthesis of three typical desert plants(Grubovia dasyphylla(Fisch.&C.A.Mey.)Freitag&G.Kadereit,Nitraria tangutorum Bobrov,and Caragana koraiensis Kom.)in the Minqin desert-oasis ecotone of Northwest China.Results showed that the effects of three BSCs treatments on seed emergence and survival of three plants varied with seed types.The IC treatment significantly hindered the emergence and survival of seeds,while the BC treatment was more conducive to seed emergence and survival of plants.BSCs significantly promoted the growth of three plants,but their effects on plant growth varied at different stages of the growth.Briefly,the growth of G.dasyphylla was affected by BSCs in early stage,but the effects on the growth of G.dasyphylla significantly weakened in the middle and late stages.However,the growth of N.tangutorum and C.koraiensis only showed differences at the middle and late stages,with a significant enhancement in growth.Analysis of variance showed that BSCs,plant species,growth period,and their interactions had significant effects on the biomass and root:shoot ratio of three plants.BSC significantly affected the nutrients absorption and organic solute synthesis in plants.Specifically,BSCs significantly promoted nitrogen(N)absorption in plants and increased plant adaptability in N poor desert ecosystems,but had no significant effects on phosphorus(P)absorption.The effects of BSCs on inorganic nutrient absorption and organic solute synthesis in plants varied significantly among different plant species.The results suggest that BSCs have significant effects on the growth and nutrient accumulation of desert plants,which will provide theoretical basis for exploring the effects of BSCs on desert plant diversity,biodiversity conservation,and ecosystem management measures in arid and semi-arid areas.

Optimized reinforcement of granite residual soil using a cement and alkaline solution: A coupling effect

Granite residual soil (GRS) is a type of weathering soil that can decompose upon contact with water, potentially causing geological hazards. In this study, cement, an alkaline solution, and glass fiber were used to reinforce GRS. The effects of cement content and SiO_(2)/Na2O ratio of the alkaline solution on the static and dynamic strengths of GRS were discussed. Microscopically, the reinforcement mechanism and coupling effect were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that the addition of 2% cement and an alkaline solution with an SiO_(2)/Na2O ratio of 0.5 led to the densest matrix, lowest porosity, and highest static compressive strength, which was 4994 kPa with a dynamic impact resistance of 75.4 kN after adding glass fiber. The compressive strength and dynamic impact resistance were a result of the coupling effect of cement hydration, a pozzolanic reaction of clay minerals in the GRS, and the alkali activation of clay minerals. Excessive cement addition or an excessively high SiO_(2)/Na2O ratio in the alkaline solution can have negative effects, such as the destruction of C-(A)-S-H gels by the alkaline solution and hindering the production of N-A-S-H gels. This can result in damage to the matrix of reinforced GRS, leading to a decrease in both static and dynamic strengths. This study suggests that further research is required to gain a more precise understanding of the effects of this mixture in terms of reducing our carbon footprint and optimizing its properties. The findings indicate that cement and alkaline solution are appropriate for GRS and that the reinforced GRS can be used for high-strength foundation and embankment construction. The study provides an analysis of strategies for mitigating and managing GRS slope failures, as well as enhancing roadbed performance.

Model tests and numerical analysis of emergency treatment of cohesionless soil landslide with quick-setting polyurethane

Shotcrete is one of the common solutions for shallow sliding.It works by forming a protective layer with high strength and cementing the loose soil particles on the slope surface to prevent shallow sliding.However,the solidification time of conventional cement paste is long when shotcrete is used to treat cohesionless soil landslide.The idea of reinforcing slope with polyurethane solidified soil(i.e.,mixture of polyurethane and sand)was proposed.Model tests and finite element analysis were carried out to study the effectiveness of the proposed new method on the emergency treatment of cohesionless soil landslide.Surcharge loading on the crest of the slope was applied step by step until landslide was triggered so as to test and compare the stability and bearing capacity of slope models with different conditions.The simulated slope displacements were relatively close to the measured results,and the simulated slope deformation characteristics were in good agreement with the observed phenomena,which verifies the accuracy of the numerical method.Under the condition of surcharge loading on the crest of the slope,the unreinforced slope slid when the surcharge loading exceeded 30 k Pa,which presented a failure mode of local instability and collapse at the shallow layer of slope top.The reinforced slope remained stable even when the surcharge loading reached 48 k Pa.The displacement of the reinforced slope was reduced by more than 95%.Overall,this study verifies the effectiveness of polyurethane in the emergency treatment of cohesionless soil landslide and should have broad application prospects in the field of geological disasters concerning the safety of people's live.

Aerated irrigation increases tomato production by improving soil nitrogen availability

Soil nitrogen(N)is the main limiting nutrient for plant growth,which is sensitive to variations in the soil oxygen environment.To provide insights into plant N accumulation and yield under aerated and drip irrigation,a greenhouse tomato experiment was conducted with six treatments,including three fertilization types:inorganic fertilizer(NPK);organic fertilizer(OM);chemical(75%of applied N)+organic fertilizer(25%)(NPK+OM)under drip irrigation(DI)and aerated irrigation(AI)methods.Under Al,total soil carbon mineralization(C_(min))was significantly higher(by 5.7-7.0%)than under DI irrigation.C_(min)in the fertilizer treatments followed the order NPK+OM>OM>NPK under both AI and DI.Potentially mineralizable C(C_(0))and N(N_(0))was greater under AI than under DI.Gross N mineralization,gross nitrification,and NH_(4)^(+)immobilization rates were significantly higher under the AINPK treatment than the DINPK treatment by 2.58-3.27-,1.25-1.44-,and 1-1.26-fold,respectively.These findings demonstrated that AI and the addition of organic fertilizer accelerated the turnover of soil organic matter and N transformation processes,thereby enhancing N availability.Moreover,the combination of AI and organic fertilizer application was found to promote root growth(8.4-10.6%),increase the duration of the period of rapid N accumulation(ΔT),and increase the maximum N accumulation rate(V_(max)),subsequently encouraging aboveground dry matter accumulation.Consequently,the AI treatment yield was significantly greater(by 6.3-12.4%)than under the DI treatment.Further,N partial factor productivity(NPFP)and N harvest index(NHI)were greater under AI than under DI,by 6.3 to 12.4%,and 4.6 to 8.1%,respectively.The rankings of yield and NPFP remained consistent,with NPK+OM>OM>NPK under both AI and DI treatments.These results highlighted the positive impacts of AI and organic fertilizer application on soil N availability,N uptake,and overall crop yield in tomato.The optimal management measure was identified as the AINPK+OM treatment,which led to more efficient N management,better crop growth,higher yield,and more sustainable agricultural practices.

A 3D discrete model for soil desiccation cracking in consideration of moisture diffusion

Soil desiccation cracking is a common phenomenon on the earth surface.Numerical modeling is an effective approach to study the desiccation cracking mechanism of soil.This work develops a novel 3D moisture diffusion discrete model that is capable of dynamically assessing the effect of cracking on moisture diffusion and allowing moisture to be discontinuous on both sides of the cracks.Then,the parametric analysis of the moisture exchange coefficient in the 3D moisture diffusion discrete model is carried out for moisture diffusion in continuous media,and the selection criterion of the moisture exchange coefficient for the unbroken cohesive element is given.Subsequently,an example of moisture migration in a medium with one crack is provided to illustrate the crack hindering effect on moisture migration.Finally,combining the 3D moisture diffusion discrete model with the finite-discrete element method(FDEM),the moisture diffusion-fracture coupling model is built to study the desiccation cracking in a strip soil and the crack pattern of a rectangular soil.The evolution of crack area and volume with moisture content is quantitatively analyzed.The modeling number and average width of cracks in the strip soil show a good consistency with the experimental results,and the crack pattern of the rectangular soil matches well with the existing numerical results,validating the coupled moisture diffusion-fracture model.Additionally,the parametric study of soil desiccation cracking is performed.The developed model offers a powerful tool for exploring soil desiccation cracking.

An effective stress-based DSC model for predicting hydromechanical shear behavior of unsaturated collapsible soils subjected to initial shear stress

Evaluation of hydromechanical shear behavior of unsaturated soils is still a challenging issue. The time and cost needed for conducting precise experimental investigation on shear behavior of unsaturated soils have encouraged several investigators to develop analytical, empirical, or semi-empirical models for predicting the shear behavior of unsaturated soils. However, most of the previously proposed models are for specimens subjected to the isotropic state of stress, without considering the effect of initial shear stress. In this study, a hydromechanical constitutive model is proposed for unsaturated collapsible soils during shearing, with consideration of the effect of the initial shear stress. The model implements an effective stress-based disturbed state concept (DSC) to predict the stress-strain behavior of the soil. Accordingly, material/state variables were defined for both the start of the shearing stage and the critical state of the soil. A series of laboratory tests was performed using a fully automated unsaturated triaxial device to verify the proposed model. The experimental program included 23 suction-controlled unsaturated triaxial shear tests on reconstituted specimens of Gorgan clayey loess wetted to different levels of suctions under both isotropic and anisotropic stress states. The results show excellent agreement between the prediction by the proposed model and the experimental results.

Distributions and risk assessment of heavy metals in solid waste in lead-zinc mining areas and across the soil, water body, sediment and agricultural product ecosystem in their surrounding areas

To identify the root causes of heavy metal contamination in soils as well as prevent and control such contamination from its sources,this study explored the accumulation patterns and ecological risks of heavy metals like Cd and Pb in solid waste in mining areas and across the water body,sediment,soil and agricultural product ecosystem surrounding the mining areas.Focusing on the residual solid waste samples in lead-zinc deposits in a certain area of Guizhou Province,along with samples of topsoils,irrigation water,river sediments,and crops from surrounding areas.This study analyzed the distributions of eight heavy metals,i.e.,Cd,As,Cr,Hg,Pb,Zn,Cu,and Ni,in the samples through field surveys and sample tests.Furthermore,this study assessed the contamination levels and ecological risks of heavy metals in soils,sediments,and agricultural products using methods such as the single-factor index,Nemerow composite index,and potential ecological risk assessment.The results indicate that heavy metals in the solid waste samples all exhibited concentrations exceeding their risk screening values,with 60%greater than their risk intervention values.The soils and sediments demonstrate slight and moderate comprehensive ecological risks of heavy metals.The single-factor potential ecological risks of heavy metals in both the soil and sediment samples decreased in the order of Hg,Cd,Pb,As,Cu,Zn,Cr,and Ni,suggesting the same sources of heavy metals in the soils and sediments.Most of the agricultural product samples exhibited over-limit concentrations of heavy metals dominated by Cd,Pb,Ni,and Cr,excluding Hg and As.The agricultural product assessment using the Nemerow composite index reveals that 35%of the agricultural product samples reached the heavy metal contamination level,implying that the agricultural products from farmland around the solid waste dumps have been contaminated with heavy metals.The eight heavy metals in the soil,sediment,and agricultural product samples manifested high coefficients of variation(CVs),indicating pronounced spatial variability.This suggests that their concentrations in soils,sediments,and agricultural products are significantly influenced by human mining activities.Additionally,the agricultural products exhibit strong transport and accumulation capacities for Cd,Cu,and Zn.

Extraction Efficiency of Soil Soluble Nitrogen under Different Conditions

[Objective] The extraction efficiency of soluble nitrogen in common moun- tain red soil under different conditions was analyzed to provide experimental refer- ences for the extraction of soil soluble nitrogen. [Method] The fresh soil and air-dried soil, which were the common mountain red soil under evergreen broad-leaved forest vegetation, were used as the experimental materials. The 2 mol/L KCI and 0.5 mol/L K2SO4 were used as the extractants to extract the soil soluble nitrogen with the extractant-to-soil volume ratio at 4：1, 6：1 and 10：1, respectively, to examine the extrac- tion efficiency of soluble nitrogen in the experimental soil with different extraction conditions. [Result] Compared with K2SO4, the NH4＋-N extracted by KCI was better in quantity and stability; while only at high extractant-to-soil volume ratio could K2SO4 fully extract the soil NH4＋-N. The 2 extractants showed small difference in extracting NO3--N, but at low extractant-to-soil volume ratio, the stability of NO3--N extracted by KCI was higher than that extracted by K2SO4. The properties of NO2- -N extracted by the 2 extractants were very similar. As for soil SON extraction, there was small dif- ference between the 2 extractants. However, the SON extracted by KCI was fewer in quantity than that by K2SO4, but had higher stability, and the extracted SON amount of the 2 extractants showed significant correlation. The extractant-to-soil ratio had little effect on MBN extraction using K2SO4, but the effect was significant when using KCI to extract MBN. The difference between the extraction efficiency of KCI and K^SO4 in extracting fresh soils was greater than that in extracting air-dried soil; therefore, the extractants should be carefully selected in soluble nitrogen extraction from fresh soil. [Conclusion] The results lay the experimental foundation for improving the extraction efficiency of soil soluble nitrogen and increasing the comparability of measurement results.

Study on Relative Soil and Water Conservation Benefits of Ridge Tillage in Different Terrain Conditions in the Black Soil Area of Northeast China

Ridge tillage, which is a very common and important tillage measure in the black soil area of northeast China, has some soil and water conservation bene- fits, but has little attention. It is very important to explore the spatial distribution of the ridge direction of the arable land and its soil and water conservation benefits in different terrain conditions in the black soil area. So Binxian County of Heilongjiang Province was selected as the study area, and 168 field investigation units were ex- tracted by stratified sampling method and investigated. According to equations of slope gradient factor and slope gradient in ridge direction, and based on the soft- ware of Arcmap, SPSS and Excel, the investigation data of soil and water loss in Binxian County were analyzed and counted, The results show that in plain, hilly and mountainous areas, the average ground slope gradients are 1.92°, 6.20° and 8.27° respectively, and the average slope gradients along ridge direction are 1.33°, 4.52°and 6.45° respectively, which account for about 70%, 73% and 78% of the average ground slope gradients in the same terrain condition; the relative quantities of soil erosion in the present ridge tillage condition account for about 55%, 69% and 67% respectively of that in down-slope ridge tillage conditions, so the present ridge tillage has obviously relative soil and water conservation benefits. Based on these results, the reasons of the present ridge tillage status were analyzed, and some reform measures were proposed. The results could not only help to comprehend the spatial distribution and soil and water conservation benefits of ridge tillage in the black soil area of Northeast China, but also provide scientific references for the layout of local soil and water conservation measures.

Control Effects of Tianshifu Soil Conditioners on Cd Contamination in Paddy Fields of Hunan Province

To investigate the effects of Tianshifu soil conditioners on rice growth and their control effects on Cd absorption and accumulation in rice, a test was carded out in the field typically polluted by Cd in Hunan Province. The results showed that the Tianshifu soil conditioner, soil bacterial conditioner and the combination of Tian- shifu soil conditioner and soil bacterial conditioner all could promote rice growth, im- prove rice yield and reduce significantly Cd content in rice grains. In Beishan, the Cd contents in rice grains treated by Tianshifu soil conditioner, soil bacterial condi- tioner and the combination of Tianshifu soil conditioner and soil bacterial conditioner were reduced by 37.63% （P〈0.05）, 32.59% （P〈0.05） and 27.95% （P〈0.05） respec- tively compared with that in rice grains treated by conventional fertilization; In Xiang- tan, the Cd contents in rice grains were reduced by 54.36% （P〈0.05）, 50.19% （P〈 0.05） and 45.22% （P〈0.05） respectively. The rice grains harvested at the two test sites all met the national food safety standards. Considering the control effect on Cd contamination, Tianshifu soil conditioner 〉 combination of Tianshifu soil condi- tioner and soil bacterial conditioner 〉 Tianshifu soil bacterial conditioner. In addition to reducing Cd absorption in rice, as described in the lime application treatment, the application of Tianshifu soil conditioners also inhibited the transportation of Cd from rice straws to rice grains. The Tianshifu soil conditioner, soil bacterial conditioner and combination of Tianshifu soil conditioner and soil bacterial conditioner also effec- tively improved the soil acidity, increased the soil pH value and reduced soil avail- able Cd content to some extent.

Effects of Multiple Soil Conditioners on a Mine Site Acid Sulfate Soil for Vetiver Growth

A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of various soil treatments on the growth of vetiver grass ( Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash) with the objective of formulating appropriate soil media for use in sulfide-bearing mined areas. An acidic mine site acid sulfate soil (pH 2.8) was treated with different soil conditioner formula including hydrated lime, red mud (bauxite residues), zeolitic rock powder, biosolids and a compound fertilizer. Soils treated with red mud and hydrated lime corrected soil acidity and reduced or eliminated metal toxicity enabling the establishment of vetiver grass.Although over-liming affected growth, some seedlings of vetiver survived the initial strong alkaline conditions. Addition of appropriate amounts of zeolitic rock powder also enhanced growth, but over-application caused detrimental effects. In this experiment, soil medium with the best growth performance of vetiver was 50 g of red mud, 10 g of lime, 30 g of zeolitic rock powder and 30 g of biosolids with 2000 g of mine soils (100% survival rate with the greatest biomass and number of new shoots), but adding a chemical fertilizer to this media adversely impacted plant growth. In addition, a high application rate of biosolids resulted in poorer growth of vetiver, compared to a moderate application rate.