Clomazone dissipation, adsorption and translocation in four paddy topsoils

Laboratory experiments about the dissipation, adsorption and translocation in four paddy topsoils were conducted in this paper. From the results it can be concluded as follows: the dissipation rate of clomazone differed greatly in different paddy soil derived from different parent materials. The half-lives for clomazone degradation in paddy soils ranged from 5.7 to 22.0 d. The order of clomazone dissipation rate was reddish yellow paddy soil > alluvial sandy paddy soil > yellow clayey paddy soil > purple sandy paddy soil. Clomazone sorption quantity was significantly correlated with organic carbon(R2=0.62) and clay content(R2=0.67) in the tested paddy soils. Positive correlation was found between apparent K d value and cation exchange content(CEC). The consequences for the adsorption of different soils were purple sandy paddy soil>yellow clayey paddy soil>reddish yellow paddy soil>alluvial sandy paddy soil. Under the simulated rainfall of 200 mm through four different unsaturated soil lysimeters over 24 h, clomazone was readily to be leached into lower surface soil and there was about 2.6%—4.2% of applied clomazone leached out of 20 cm cultivated soil layer. Translocation experiments showed that the order of clomazone leaching ability was: alluvial sandy paddy soil > reddish yellow paddy soil > yellow clayey paddy soil > purple sandy paddy soil. Simple regression results manifested that factors like CEC, organic carbon, clay, and adsorption rate constant had been negatively correlated with the percentage of clomazone loss from soil lysimeters.

Morphological Characteristics and Environmental Implications of Phytoliths in Topsoils from Different Vegetation Zones on Northern Slope of Changbai Mountains,China

The Changbai Mountains,located in the temperate monsoon climate zone of East Asia,is an ideal loca-tion for the research on timberline response to global changes.In this study,the topsoils were collected from different vertical vegetation zones on the northern slope of the Changbai Mountains,Northeast China in August 2009,and phytoliths in the soil samples were extracted by using wet oxidation method and identified with Motic 2.0 microscope in laboratory.The results show that phytoliths are abundant in the topsoils of the study area.The herbal phytoliths are primarily composed of elongated,tooth-shaped,point-shaped and hat-shaped phytoliths,as well as a small amount of fan-shaped and square-shaped ones.The elongated,tooth-shaped,point-shaped and hat-shaped phytoliths are representative of cold climate,while fan-shaped and square-shaped ones are representative of warm and humid climate.In the conifer broadleaved mixed forest zone,coniferous forest zone and broadleaf forest zone,there are close correlations between vegetation and woody phytoliths in the topsoils,indicating that the woody plants of a region can be reconstructed from the woody phytolith assemblages in the topsoils.Meanwhile,the topsoil phytolith assemblages can also be used to reconstruct the understory herbs effectively.The phytolith assemblages in the topsoils of the forest community and herbal community differ significantly,which can help indicate the historical location of the timberline.

Brief Study on Microelement Contents in Topsoils of Farmlands in Xuancheng, South Anhui

The available contents of microelements in the topsoil can influence the yield and quality of flue-cured tobacco. Xuancheng is the dominant tobacco-planting region in Anhui province since 2008. In this paper, the topsoil available Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn contents of 4197 farmlands mainly under rice-rice rotation and wheat-rice rotation in 2008 and of 124 typical farmlands under tobacco-rice rotation in 2015 in Xuancheng city were analyzed in order to disclose the changes and spatial distributions of these microelements and to instruct the reasonable application of the microelement fertilizers. The results showed that the topsoil average available contents in the farmlands under rice-rice rotation or wheat-rice rotation in 2008 were 105.9 mg·kg-1 for Fe, 19.6 mg·kg-1 for Mn, 4.5 mg·kg-1 for Cu, and 3.0 mg·kg-1 for Zn, respectively, increased by 33.14%, 64.29%, 51.11% and 36.67%, respectively, compared with those in the 2nd Soil Survey in 1980s, and the historic, once intensive and overall application of microelement fertilizers was attributed to the great increases. The topsoil average available contents in the farmlands under tobacco-rice rotation in 2015 were 31.1 mg·kg-1 for Fe, 9.8 mg·kg-1 for Mn, 2.1 mg·kg-1 for Cu, and 0.3 mg·kg-1 for Zn, respectively, decreased by 70.63%, 50.00%, 53.33% and 90.00%, respectively, compared with those of the farmlands under rice-rice rotation or wheat-rice rotation in 2008, and the net deficiencies in the input and output of microelements were attributed to the significant decreases in the topsoil microelements. It is necessary to monitor the farmlands under tobacco-rice rotation dynamically and in time in order to decide whether applying microelement fertilizers or not.

Spatial distribution and risk assessments of mercury in topsoils of Central Asia

Central Asia is one of the largest arid areas on earth,yet little is known about the concentration levels and risks of mercury(Hg)in the soils of this region.In this study,extensive sampling of topsoils(0-10 cm)from representative landscapes was carried out over Central Asia(i.e.,Tajikistan,Uzbekistan,and Kyrgyzstan).The total mercury(THg)concentrations in topsoils varied widely from 1.6 to 908.0 ng/g,with high values observed in samples collected in the capital cities and urban areas.Topsoil THg concentrations among different landscapes showed a decreasing order of urban(79.8±184.0 ng/g)>woodland(27.3±28.9 ng/g)>grassland(20.6±15.9 ng/g)>farmland(18.3±9.5 ng/g)>desert(12.3±8.0 ng/g).High THg concentrations were found in the capital cities/urban clusters,followed by a gradual decrease towards the peripheries.THg concentrations were found to be negatively correlated with the distance from the sampling sites to their nearest cities,indicating that anthropogenic emissions significantly influenced the spatial distribution of topsoil Hg.A significant correlation between THg concentrations and topsoil total organic carbon(TOC)contents was also observed,suggesting that TOC played an essential role in the spatial distribution of topsoil Hg.The assessments of pollution and potential ecological risk suggested that topsoils in highly densely-populated areas were contaminated by Hg and had higher degrees of potential ecological risks.The health risk assessment results showed that the exposure risk of topsoil Hg to children was higher than that to adults.Fortunately,there was no unacceptable human health risk of topsoil Hg.This study clarified the spatial distribution and risks of Hg in the Central Asian topsoils,offering new insight into the risk prevention and control of soil Hg.

Optimized NPK fertilizer recommendations based on topsoil available nutrient criteria for wheat in drylands of China

The optimized management of crop fertilization is very important for improving crop yield and reducing the consumption of chemical fertilizers.Critical nutrient values can be used for evaluating the nutritional status of a crop,and they reflect the nutrient concentrations above which the plant is sufficiently supplied for achieving the maximum potential yield.Based on on-farm surveys of 504 farmers and 60 field experimental sites in the drylands of China,we proposed a recommended fertilization method to determine nitrogen(N),phosphorus(P),and potassium(K)fertilizer input rates for wheat production,and then validated the method by a field experiment at 66 different sites in northern China.The results showed that wheat grain yield varied from 1.1 to 9.2 t ha^(-1),averaging 4.6 t ha^(-1),and it had a quadratic relationship with the topsoil(0-20 cm)nitrate N and soil available P contents at harvest.However,yield was not correlated with the inputs of N,P,and K fertilizers.Based on the relationship(exponential decay model)between 95–105%of the relative yield and topsoil nitrate N,available P,and available K contents at wheat harvest from 60 field experiments,the topsoil critical nutrient values were determined as 34.6,15.6,and 150 mg kg^(-1)for soil nitrate N,available P,and available K,respectively.Then,based on five groups of relative yield(>125%,115–125%,105–115%,95–105%,and<95%)and the model,the five groups of topsoil critical nutrient levels and fertilization coefficients(Fc)were determined.Finally,we proposed a new method for calculating the recommended fertilizer input rate as:Fr=Gy×Nr×Fc,where Fr is the recommended fertilizer(N/P/K)input rate;Gy is the potential grain yield;Nr is the N(N_(rN)),P(N_(rP)),and K(N_(rK))nutrient requirements for wheat to produce 1,000 kg of grain;and Fc is a coefficient for N(N_c)/P(P_c)/K(K_c)fertilizer.A 2-year validated experiment confirmed that the new method reduced N fertilizer input by 17.5%(38.5 kg N ha^(-1))and P fertilizer input by 43.5%(57.5 kg P_(2)O_(5) ha^(-1))in northern China and did not reduce the wheat yield.This outcome can significantly increase the farmers’benefits(by 7.58%,or 139 US$ha^(-1)).Therefore,this new recommended fertilization method can be used as a tool to guide N,P,and K fertilizer application rates for dryland wheat production.

Physicochemical composition and climate response of surface sediments at different altitudes in Motuo on the southern slope of the Himalayas

Background,aim,and scope Certain physicochemical indexes of topsoil are closely related to climatic factors including temperature,and precipitation.Understanding the relationship between modern topsoil properties and climatic factors is essential for quantitative paleoclimate reconstruction.Motuo located in the eastern Himalayas,exhibits a significant elevation gradient of over 7000 m from Nnamjagbarwa Peak(7782 m a.s.l.)to the Baxika(150 m a.s.l.).This region features a complete vertical zonation of vegetation,from alpine meadow to tropical forest,presenting an ideal place to investigate the relationships among vegetation,soil and climate conditions across altitudinal gradients.This study aims to explore the vertical variations in the physicochemical composition of topsoil and its relationship with temperature and precipitation.Materials and methods Twenty-seven topsoil samples were collected at 100 m intervals from 800 m to 3600 m a.s.l.along the southern slope of the Himalayas.Grain size,magnetic susceptibility and geochemical elements were measured to discuss the vertical variation characteristics of topsoil composition and their correlation with climatic factors.Results(1)The grain size of topsoil at different altitudes in Motuo is mainly composed of sand accounting for an averaged 53.2%,followed by silt and clay.(2)In the mixed forest zone,frequency dependent magnetic susceptibility(χfd%)shows a clear relationship with altitude,and clay is positively correlated with both altitude and climatic factors.(3)The oxides of topsoil in this area mainly consist of SiO_(2),Al_(2)O_(3) and Fe_(2)O_(3),followed by MgO,CaO,Na_(2)O and K_(2)O,with slight variations in the primary components at different altitudes.The sensitivity of elements to climate varies across different altitudes and vegetation zone,likely due to the region’s complex topography and vegetation.(4)Physical and biological weathering dominates in the broad-leaved forest zone of Motuo,while chemical weathering is more prominent in the coniferous forest zone,with the mixed forest zone falling in between.Discussion The formation of topsoil across the three vegetation zones is influenced by various factors,including parent material,vegetation,and climate.In the broad-leaved forest zone,physical weathering(precipitation,root wedging etc.)and pedogenesis dominate,resulting in finer grain size.The χ_(fd)% increases with altitude likely due to the high temperature and abundant precipitation in this zone,which facilitate the transformation of strong magnetic miners into weaker ones,particularly when the soil is oversaturated.Zirconium(Zr),primarily found in zircon,is depleted at lower altitudes by strong current erosion.Barium(Ba)is similarly reduced at low altitudes in this zone.In mixed forest zone,clay content is the lowest,indicating weaker physical weathering conditions than broad-leaved forest zone.The coarser grain size may result from the combined effects of topography and vegetation coverage.Magnetic susceptibility and organic matter show a positive correlation with altitude.Zr concentration is higher than that in the broad-leaved forest zone,likely resulting from decreased precipitation.In the coniferous zone,the clay content shows considerable fluctuations,with grain size generally becoming finer as altitude increases.This trend may be explained by intensified soil disintegration from seasonal freeze-thaw cycles.The χ_(fd)% values lack a clear trend or pattern,possibly due to soil erosion causing the migration of magnetic minerals or insufficient iron precipitation,which reduces the concentration of magnetic minerals in the soil.Additionally,a positive correlation is observed between altitude and organic matter content,with higher altitudes associated with greater organic matter accumulation.This may be attributed to lower microbial activity in colder conditions,which slows the decomposition and transformation of organic matter.Conclusions The variations in grain size,magnetic susceptibility,and geochemical elements differ across altitudes and vegetation zones,closely connected to the complex interplay of terrain,vegetation,and climate in Motuo.In the mixed forest,altitude has a significant impact onχfd%,and the clay component is particularly sensitive to changes in altitude,mean annual temperature,and precipitation.Zr shows a strong correlation with altitude and climate factors,making it a valuable indicator for assessing changes in atmospheric precipitation within specific altitude ranges.Recommendations and perspectives This study enhances our understanding of the relationships between the physicochemical properties of topsoil and climate conditions,offering valuable insights for paleoclimate reconstruction in Motuo.

Distribution and ecological effect of mercury in Laogang landfill,Shanghai,China

Laogang landfill near Shanghai is the largest landfill in China, and receives about 10000 t of daily garbage per day, Samples of topsoil and plants were analyzed to evaluate mercury pollution from the landfill. For topsoil samples, there were significant correlations among total mercury （HgT）, combinative mercury （Hgc） and gaseous mercury （HgG）, and content of total organic carbon （TOC）, but, no significantly relationship was found between Hg content and filling time. Hg content changes in vertical profiles with time showed that the average Hgv of profiles 1992, 1996, and 2000 was similar, but their average HgG was quite different. HgT was significantly correlated with Hgc in profile 1992 and 2000, and Hgv was significantly correlated with Hg6 in profile 1996. HgG/Hgv ratio in profile samples decreased in the order of （HgG,/HgT）1992〉（HgG/HgT）1996〉〉（HgG/HgT）2000. A simple outline of Hg release in landfill could be drawn： with increasing of filling time, degradation undergoes different biodegradation, accordingly, gaseous mercury goes through small, more, and small proportion to total mercury. Distribution of Hg in plants was inhomogeneous, following the order of leaf〉root〉stem. The highest value of leaf may be associated with higher atmospheric Hg from landfill. Ligneous plants （e.g. Phyllostachys glanca, Prunus salicina and Ligustrum lucidum） are capable of enriching more Hg than herbaceous plants.

Storage and Density of Soil Organic Carbon in Urban Topsoil of Hilly Cities:A Case Study of Chongqing Municipality of China

Rapid urbanization results in the conversion of natural soil to urban soil,and consequently,the storage and density of the soil carbon pools change.Taking Chongqing Municipality of China as a study case,this investigation attempts to better understand soil carbon pools in hilly cities.First,the vegetated areas in the study area were derived from QuickBird images.Then,topsoil data from 220 soil samples(0-20 cm) in the vegetated areas were collected and their soil organic carbon(SOC) densities were analyzed.Using the Kriging interpolation method,the spatial pattern of SOC was estimated.The results show that the SOC density exhibited high spatial variability in the urban topsoil of Chongqing.First,the SOC density in topsoil decreased according to slope in the order 2°-6° < 25°-90° < 0°-2° < 6°-15° < 15°-25°.Second,the newly developed areas during 2001-2010 had a lower SOC density than the areas built before 1988.Third,urban parks and gardens had a higher SOC density in topsoil,residential green land followed,and scattered street green land ranked last.For hilly cities,the variability of terrain affects the distribution of SOC.The Kriging results indicate that Kriging method combining slope with SOC density produced a high level of accuracy.The Kriging results show that the SOC density to the north of the Jialing River was higher than the south.The vegetated areas were estimated to amount to 73.5 km2 across the study area with an SOC storage of 0.192 Tg and an average density of 2.61 kg/m2.

Geochemical baseline determination and contamination of heavy metals in the urban topsoil of Fuxin City,China

Urban topsoil is the most frequent interface between human society and natural environment.The accumulation of heavy metals in the urban topsoil has a direct effect on residents'life and health.The geochemical baseline of heavy metals is an objective description of the general level of heavy metals in the urban topsoil.Meanwhile,the determination of geochemical baseline is necessary for regional environmental management,especially in coal cities prone to heavy metal pollution.Heavy metal pollution has become an environmental problem in Fuxin City,China for a long time.To establish the geochemical baseline of heavy metals in the topsoil of Fuxin City and to evaluate the ecological risk of the topsoil,we collected 75 topsoil samples(0–20 cm)and analyzed the concentrations of Cu,Ni,Zn,Pb,Cr,Cd,Hg and As through X-ray fluorescence spectrometry,atomic absorption spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry.We determined the geochemical baseline of heavy metals in the topsoil of Fuxin City by using iteration removal,box-whisker plot,cumulative frequency curve and reference metal normalization;evaluated the contamination risk and ecological risk of the topsoil by using the baseline factor index,Nemerow index and Hakanson potential ecological risk index;and identified the source category of heavy metals in the topsoil by using a pedigree clustering heatmap.Results showed that the geochemical baseline values were 42.86,89.34,92.23,60.55,145.21,0.09,0.08 and 4.17 mg/kg for Cu,Ni,Zn,Pb,Cr,Cd,Hg and As,respectively.The results of Nemerow index and Hakanson potential ecological risk index indicated that the urban topsoil in the study area was slightly contaminated and suffering low potential ecological risk.The main contaminated areas dominated in the middle part and northeast part of the study area,especially in the western Haizhou Strip Mine.The result of baseline factor index indicated that Hg and Cd were the major pollution elements.Using a pedigree clustering heatmap,we divided the sources of these heavy metals into three types:type I for Ni and Cr,largely represented the enrichment of heavy metals from natural sources;type II for Cu,Pb,Zn,Cd and As,mainly represented the enrichment of heavy metals from anthropogenic sources;and type III for Hg,represented the form of both natural and anthropogenic inputs.

Effects of biofertilizers and super absorbent polymers on plant growth and soil fertility in the arid mining area of Inner Mongolia,China

A pot experiment was conducted in the Institute of Tianlong Ecology of Baotou City in Inner Mongolia, China, to investigate the effects of the application of biofertilizers and super absorbent polymers(SAP) on plant growth and soil improvement in arid mining area soil. Two typical species, namely, Syringa oblata Lindl.(SO) and Medicago sativa L.(MS), were present in the Bayan Obo mining area and used as representatives of shrubs and herbaceous plants in the pot experiment.(1) Biofertilizers and SAP significantly increased the tree height, the ground diameter of SO, and the total biomass of MS and improved the soil fertility of the mining area, especially its biological fertility, compared with those of the control group(CK). The application of biofertilizers and SAP decreased the mining soil p H and significantly increased available nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, and soil organic matter.(2) After 180 days of growth, the microbial population(bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes) and soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen significantly increased. Microbial ratios C: N significantly decreased compared with those of CK.(3) T5 and T6 treatments with the following dosages might be the optimum selection for the improvement of the studied mining area soil: 20 g SAP + 15 g biofertilizers(SO), 100 g/m2 SAP + 150 g biofertilizers(MS); 20 g SAP + 30 g biofertilizers(SO), and 100 g/m2 SAP + 200 g biofertilizers(MS). This study provided a promising reference for conducting future field studies and the local vegetation restoration.

Spatio-temporal variations in organic carbon density and carbon sequestration potential in the topsoil of Hebei Province, China

Reliable prediction of soil organic carbon（SOC） density and carbon sequestration potential（CSP） plays an important role in the atmospheric carbon dioxide budget. This study evaluated temporal and spatial variation of topsoil SOC density and CSP of 21 soil groups across Hebei Province, China, using data collected during the second national soil survey in the 1980 s and during the recent soil inventory in 2010. The CSP can be estimated by the method that the saturated SOC content subtracts the actual SOC associated with clay and silt. Overall, the SOC density and CSP of most soil groups increased from the 1980 s to 2010 and varied between different soil groups. Among all soil groups, Haplic phaeozems had the highest SOC density and Endogleyic solonchaks had the largest CSP. Areas of soil groups with the highest SOC density（90 to 120 t C ha^（–1）） and carbon sequestration（120 to 160 t C ha^（–1）） also increased over time. With regard to spatial distribution, the north of the province had higher SOC density but lower CSP than the south. With respect to land-use type, cultivated soils had lower SOC density but higher CSP than uncultivated soils. In addition, SOC density and CSP were influenced by soil physicochemical properties, climate and terrain and were most strongly correlated with soil humic acid concentration. The results suggest that soil groups（uncultivated soils） of higher SOC density have greater risk of carbon dioxide emission and that management should be aimed at maximizing carbon sequestration in soil groups（cultivated soils） with greater CSP. Furthermore, soils should be managed according to their spatial distributions of SOC density and carbon sequestration potential under different soil groups.

Distribution characteristics of total mercury and methylmercury in the topsoil and dust of Xiamen, China

The levels and distribution of mercury （Hg） species, including total mercury （THg） and methylmercury （MeHg） in the topsoil and dust collected from twenty sampling stations located in different land function areas of Xiamen, China, were investigated. The THg concentrations in topsoil ranged from 0.071 to 1.2 mg/kg, and in dust ranged from of 0.034 to 1.4 mg/kg. For stations where the THg of dust was less than 0.31 mg/kg, THg concentrations in the topsoil were significantly correlated to those in the corresponding dust （r = 0.597, n = 16, P = 0.014）. The MeHg concentrations in topsoil were varied between 0.14 and 5.7 μg/kg. The ratios of MeHg/THg in the topsoil ranged from 0.069% to 0.74%. The range of MeHg concentration in the dust were 0.092-2.3 μg/kg. The ratios of MeHg/THg in the dust were at the same level as those in the topsoil. The MeHg concentrations in both topsoil and dust were linked to corresponding THg concentrations and soil organic matter. Neither THg nor MeHg concentration in the topsoil and dust was obviously linked to the land function.

Remote Sensing Monitoring of Surface Characteristics in the Badain Jaran, Tengger, and Ulan Buh Deserts of China

Deserts and sandy land in northern China are very susceptible to sandy desertification and are the main source of sand-dust storms of Asian dust. However, because of the complex factors involved, descriptions of the relationship between sandy desertification and surface characteristics in these regions are lacking. We monitored the surface characteristics and their changes in time using information about soil, vegetation, and landforms in the Badain Jaran Desert(BJD), Tengger Desert(TD), and Ulan Buh Desert(UBD) in the northern China. The monitoring was done using tasseled cap angle(TCA), disturbance index(DI), and topsoil grain size index(TGSI) from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer(MODIS) images combined with a decision tree classification. Results showed that the TD had higher topsoil fine sand content, and the ratio of non-vegetated to vegetated areas was similar with that in the UBD. Northeast-southwest coarse sand dunes with thin interdune(NECTI) dominated the BD, fine sand dunes(FSD) dominated the TD, and a combination of northeast-southwest coarse sand dunes with wide interdune(NECWI) and northwest-southeast coarse sand dunes with wide interdune(NWCWI) dominated the UBD. From 2000 to 2015, in the BJD the area of the NECTI, non-sand dune(Non) and potential sand sources(PSS) increased, whereas the area of the NECWI, FSD and NWCWI decreased, indicating a improve process in the BJD. In the TD, the area covered by Non increased, whereas the area covered by PSS, NECWI, NECTI, FSD, and NWCWI decreased from 2000 to 2015. The area covered by the various surface characteristic types fluctuated annually in the UBD from 2000 to 2015. Changes in surface characteristics reflect the combined effects of natural conditions and human activity. The findings of our study will assist scientists and policy makers in proposing different management techniques to combat sandy desertification for the different surface characteristics of these regions.

Flora, life form characteristics, and plan for the promotion of biodiversity in South Korea＇s Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System, the traditional Gudeuljang irrigated rice terraces in Cheongsando

The objectives of this study were to analyze the biodiversity of the Traditional Gudeuljang Irrigated Rice Terraces in Cheongsando, South Korea's representative GIAHS(Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System) site, with reference to position and land-use features, and to develop a plan to promote agricultural biodiversity in the region. We confirmed approximately 54,000 m2 of Gudeuljang paddy fields by an on-site survey. Of the Traditional Gudeuljang Irrigated Rice Terraces confirmed by onsite inspection, our survey showed that approximately 24,000 m2 are currently being used as paddy fields, approximately 15,000 m2 are being used as dry fields, and approximately 14,000 m2 are fallow. In terms of other non-agricultural land use, there was grassland, including graveyards; artificial arboreal land, such as orchards, rivers and wetlands, and man-made facilities, such as roads and residences. We also confirmed that the Traditional Gudeuljang Irrigated Rice Terraces had higher plant species diversity than conventional terraced rice paddies, and there was a difference in life form characteristics between the two types. Although the superficial topsoil structure is thesame for the Traditional Gudeuljang Irrigated Rice Terraces(TGIRTs) and conventional terraced rice paddies, it is thought that the differences in the subsurface structure of the TGIRTs contribute greatly to species and habitat diversity. However, the TGIRTs in Cheongsando are facing degeneration, due to damage and reduction in agricultural activity. The main cause is the reduction in the number of farming households due to an aging population in Cheongsando. In order to address this problem, we proposed a management plan, related to fallow paddy fields in South Korea, to initiate voluntary activities in the TGIRTs.

Effects of native and invasive Prosopis species on topsoil physiochemical properties in an arid riparian forest of Hormozgan Province,Iran

Biological invasions can alter soil properties within the range of their introduced,leading to impacts on ecosystem services,ecosystem functions,and biodiversity.To better understand the impacts of biological invasions on soil,we compared topsoil physiochemical properties at sites with invasive alien tree species(Prosopis juliflora),native tree species(Prosopis cineraria,Acacia tortilis,and Acacia ehrenbergiana),and mixed tree species in Hormozgan Province of Iran in May 2018.In this study,we collected 40 soil samples at a depth of 10 cm under single tree species,including P.juliflora,P.cineraria,A.tortilis,and A.ehrenbergiana,as well as under mixed tree species.The results showed that organic matter,moisture,potassium,calcium,nitrogen,and magnesium in topsoil at sites with A.tortilis and A.ehrenbergiana growing in combination with P.cineraria were higher than that at sites where P.juliflora was present(P<0.05).Sodium at sites with A.tortilis and A.ehrenbergiana growing in combination with P.cineraria and P.juliflora was lower as compared to that at sites with just A.tortilis and A.ehrenbergiana.Electrical conductivity was lower at sites with A.tortilis and A.ehrenbergiana growing in combination with P.cineraria,and it was higher at sites with mixed Acacia and P.juliflora trees.Based on the generally more positive effect of native Acacia and P.cineraria on topsoil physiochemical properties as compared to the P.julifora,afforestation with native tree species is preferable for soil restoration.In addition,due to the negative effects of P.julifora on soil properties,P.julifora spread should be better managed.

Distribution of heavy metals in the topsoil of the Jining mining area

The geochemical baseline is the fundamental reference for environmental change and assessment.In this article we describe cluster and regression analyses with a normalization procedure.The elements Sc and Ag were chosen to calculate the environmental geochemical baseline.The geoaccumulation index was calculated and mapped to indicate the environmental quality of the soil.The results show that the urban areas are barely polluted with Ni and Cr but the rural areas in the southern part of the city, and the western part of the lake,are polluted with Ni,Cr,and Cu at the second level.On the other hand,the rural areas in the southern part of the city,and the western part of the lake,are polluted with As at a moderate level.The other area is polluted at the second level.An increase in As pollution occurs in a direction from northeast to southwest.The Cd pollution follows a trend similar to As,with an additional smaller contaminated area polluted at levelⅢ.The Hg pollution typical of urban areas occurs in the main and northern parts of the city.The geochemical accumulation index decreases from the city center to the periphery.The highest pollution level reaches levelⅣ,which indicates that the soil is seriously polluted with Hg.The southern part of the city and the rural areas to the west of the lake are not contaminated with Hg.Geological factors and the disturbance from human activities are both possible major factors:further research is needed to identify them.

Characterization of Topsoil Samples and Analysis of the Distribution of Heavy Metals in Parral Chihuahua, Mexico

During the 17th Century, Parral City in the Chihuahua State in Mexico was one of the most important miner zones in the whole world. After more than three centuries important amounts of residuals, known as tailings, with high contents of heavy metals were generated. These residuals are a potential risk for the environment and human health. Given to that, it decided to carry out the analysis of the concentrations of cadmium, lead, chromium, zinc and arsenics, in topsoil samples susceptible of airborne transport and accumulation in risky zones （populated areas）. A 120 kin： area was selected, this include Parral City and its surroundings. From this area 30 samples were obtained. For this purpose, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy technique was used, expecting high concentrations of heavy metals, above the permit limits, since several studies carried out in the same region, as in San Francisco del Oro Chihuahua, show that the concentrations of all the elements sampled, in topsoil, were above the limits. The analysis in the space distribution of the heavy metal detected will allow us to set the points with the highest susceptibility to the accumulation of those pollutants and to propose mitigation measures and control.

Effects of afforestation of agricultural land with grey alder(Alnus incana(L.) Moench)on soil chemical properties, comparing two contrasting soil groups

Background: Natural afforestation of former agricultural lands with alder species is common in Europe. Symbiotic nitrogen fixation by actinomycetes associated with alder species has been widely used for improvement of soil properties of abandoned agricultural lands, but relatively little is known of the interactions of these processes with soil type and chemical composition. We conducted a space-for time study with soil sampling under and outside grey alder tree canopies on two different soil groups to explore effects of colonisation of former agricultural lands by alder on soil properties.Results: The results were analysed using analysis of variance. During the first 25 years after afforestation of former agricultural lands there was a significant increase in content of Ctot, Ntot, K+, Fe3+, Mn2+and available P in the topsoil(0–10 cm and 11–20 cm) of Dystric Arenosols soils, which are deficient in organic matter. Such trends were not evident in organic matter rich Endostagnic Umbrisols soils, in which exchangeable K+concentration decreased and exchangeable Fe3+and Al3+concentration increased.Conclusions: The results show that the effects of grey alder on soil chemical properties depend on initial soil properties. The invasion of agricultural land by grey alder leads to spatial variability of soil chemical properties creating a mosaic pattern.

Impact of natural disturbance, forest management and vegetation cover on topsoil biochemical characteristics of Tatra Mts.(Slovakia)

Perturbations caused by windstorms usually lead to the harvesting and clearcutting of fallen trees and wood debris,especially in the areas of managed forest ecosystems.Induced shifts in soils due to management practices play a crucial role in the restoration and maintaining of key ecosystem services.This paper focuses on topsoil chemical properties in relation to vegetation type(trees,shrubs and herbs)evolving at windstorm damaged(in 2004)areas with former Norway spruce(Picea abies)forests in the Tatra Mts.region(Slovakia).We assessed the content of topsoil organic matter fractions(extractives,holocellulose(HC)and lignin(Lig)),carbon in microbial biomass(Cmic),soil organic matter(SOM)and the content of elements N,C,H and S.The study plots represent different types of post-windthrow disturbance history/regime:wooden debris extraction(EXT),wooden debris not extracted(NEX),wooden debris extraction followed by wildfire(FIR),affected by the windstorm in 2014 with the subsequent wooden debris extraction(REX)and unaffected(REF).Our results revealed significant differences among sites in the content of dichloromethane extractives(EXT vs.REX and FIR),acetone extractives(NEX vs.EXT,FIR and REF),ethanol extractives(FIR vs.EXT,NEX and REF),water extractives(FIR vs.REX,NEX)and Cmic(EXT vs.NEX,FIR and REF).The topsoil of Vaccinium myrtillus and Picea abies showed a higher ratio of C/N,N/Lig,and Lig/HC compared to Rubus idaeus,Avenella flexuosa,Calamagrostis villosa,and Larix decidua.The content of N,C,H and S varied between topsoil with shrubs(Vaccinium myrtillus,Rubus idaeus)and grasses(Avenella flexuosa,Calamagrostis villosa).A positive correlation between soil organic matter(SOM)and polar extractives(r=0.81)and a negative correlation between SOM and HC(r=-0.83)was revealed.The carbon content in microbial biomass(Cmic)is positively correlated with acid soluble lignin(ASL)(r=0.85).We also identified a strong correlation between Klason lignin(KL)and the Lig/HC ratio(r=0.97).

New Series of Soil Samplers and Their Application

In this paper,the structure of 'double juts' soil sampler and a series of new soil samplers are introduced.The internal diameter of auger tip the sampler is less than that of sampling tube, but the external diameterof auger tip is larger than that of sampling tube. Therefore, adhesion and cutting resistance can be reducedby limiting connection areas between sampler and the soil. Such a new structure makes it possible to bewidely used for the production of a series of special soil samplers.