Simulation of the Ecosystem Productivity Responses to Aerosol Diffuse Radiation Fertilization Effects over the Pan-Arctic during 2001–19

The pan-Arctic is confronted with air pollution transported from lower latitudes.Observations have shown that aerosols help increase plant photosynthesis through the diffuse radiation fertilization effects(DRFEs).While such DRFEs have been explored at low to middle latitudes,the aerosol impacts on pan-Arctic ecosystems and the contributions by anthropogenic and natural emission sources remain less quantified.Here,we perform regional simulations at 0.2o×0.2ousing a well-validated vegetation model(Yale Interactive terrestrial Biosphere,YIBs)in combination with multi-source of observations to quantify the impacts of aerosol DRFEs on the net primary productivity(NPP)in the pan-Arctic during 2001-19.Results show that aerosol DRFEs increase pan-Arctic NPP by 2.19 Pg C(12.8%)yr^(-1)under clear-sky conditions,in which natural and anthropogenic sources contribute to 8.9% and 3.9%,respectively.Under all-sky conditions,such DRFEs are largely dampened by cloud to only 0.26 Pg C(1.24%)yr^(-1),with contributions of 0.65% by natural and 0.59% by anthropogenic species.Natural aerosols cause a positive NPP trend of 0.022% yr^(-1)following the increased fire activities in the pan-Arctic.In contrast,anthropogenic aerosols induce a negative trend of-0.01% yr^(-1)due to reduced emissions from the middle latitudes.Such trends in aerosol DRFEs show a turning point in the year of 2007 with more positive NPP trends by natural aerosols but negative NPP trends by anthropogenic aerosols thereafter.Though affected by modeling uncertainties,this study suggests a likely increasing impact of aerosols on terrestrial ecosystems in the pan-Arctic under global warming.

Synergistic effects of planting density and nitrogen fertilization on chlorophyll degradation and leaf senescence after silking in maize

Regulating planting density and nitrogen(N)fertilization could delay chlorophyll(Chl)degradation and leaf senescence in maize cultivars.This study measured changes in ear leaf green area(GLA_(ear)),Chl content,the activities of Chl a-degrading enzymes after silking,and the post-silking dry matter accumulation and grain yield under multiple planting densities and N fertilization rates.The dynamic change of GLA_(ear)after silking fitted to the logistic model,and the GLA_(ear) duration and the GLAearat 42 d after silking were affected mainly by the duration of the initial senescence period(T_(1))which was a key factor of the leaf senescence.The average chlorophyllase(CLH)activity was 8.3 times higher than pheophytinase activity and contributed most to the Chl content,indicating that CLH is a key enzyme for degrading Chl a in maize.Increasing density increased the CLH activity and decreased the Chl content,T1,GLAear,and GLA_(ear) duration.Under high density,appropriate N application reduced CLH activity,increased Chl content,prolonged T1,alleviated high-density-induced leaf senescence,and increased post-silking dry matter accumulation and grain yield.

Microfluidic thermotaxic selection of highlymotile sperm and in vitro fertilization

The selection of the most motile and functionally competent sperm is an essential basis for in vitro fertilization(IVF)and normal embryonic development.Widely adopted clinical approaches for sperm sample processing intensely rely on centrifugation and wash steps that may induce mechanical damage and oxidative stress to sperm.Although a few microfluidic sperm sorting devices may avoid these adverse effects by exploiting intrinsic guidance mechanisms of sperm swimming,none of these approaches have been fully validated by clinical-grade assessment criteria.In this study,a microfluidic sperm sorting device that enables the selection of highly motile and functional sperm via their intrinsic thermotaxis is presented.Bioinspired by the temperature microenvironment in the fallopian tube during natural sperm selection,a microfluidic device with controllable temperature gradients along the sperm separation channel was designed and fabricated.This study investigated the optimal temperature conditions for human sperm selection and fully characterized thermotaxis-selected sperm with 45 human sperm samples.Results indicated that a temperature range of 35–36.5℃along the separation channel significantly improves human sperm motility rate((85.25±6.28)%vs.(60.72±1.37)%;P=0.0484),increases normal sperm morphology rate((16.42±1.43)%vs.(12.55±0.88)%;P<0.0001),and reduces DNA fragmentation((7.44±0.79)%vs.(10.36±0.72)%;P=0.0485)compared to the nonthermotaxis group.Sperm thermotaxis is species-specific,and selected mouse sperm displayed the highest motility in response to a temperature range of 36–37.5℃ along the separation channel.Furthermore,IVF experiments indicated that the selected sperm permitted an increased fertilization rate and improved embryonic development from zygote to blastocyst.This microfluidic thermotaxic selection approach will be translated into clinical practice to improve the IVF success rate for patients with oligozoospermia and asthenozoospermia.

Association between Exposure of Rare Earth Elements and Outcomes of In Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer in Beijing

Objective The study aimed to investigate the impact of rare earth elements(REEs)exposure on pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer(IVF-ET)by analyzing samples from spouses.Methods A total of 141 couples were included.Blood and follicular fluid from the wives and semen plasma from the husbands,were analyzed for REEs using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS).Spearman's correlation coefficients and the Mann–Whitney U test were used to assess correlations and compare REE concentrations among three types of samples,respectively.Logistic models were utilized to estimate the individual REE effect on IVF-ET outcomes,while BKMR and WQS models explored the mixture of REE interaction effects on IVF-ET outcomes.Results Higher La concentration in semen(median 0.089 ng/mL,P=0.03)was associated with a lower fertilization rate.However,this effect was not observed after artificial selection intervention through intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI)(P=0.27).In semen,the REEs mixture did not exhibit any significant association with clinical pregnancy.Conclusion Our study revealed a potential association between high La exposure in semen and a decline in fertilization rate,but not clinical pregnancy rate.This is the first to report REEs concentrations in follicular fluid with La,Ce,Pr,and Nd found at significantly lower concentrations than in serum,suggesting that these four REEs may not accumulate in the female reproductive system.However,at the current exposure levels,mixed REEs exposure did not exhibit reproductive toxicity.

Research Progress of Different Fertilization Models in Farmland Based on Bibliometrics

In order to grasp the research status of different fertilization modes in China s farmland more comprehensively, with papers in core journals of Chinese Peking University collected in CNKI database from 2003 to 2022 as the main research object, this paper analyzed the research status of different fertilization modes from the perspectives of annual number of published papers, published journals, keywords and highly cited papers applying the bibliometrics research method. This study provides reference for the research in this field.

Persistence of fertilization effects on soil organic carbon in degraded alpine wetlands in the Yellow River source region

In the restoration of degraded wetlands,fertilization can improve the vegetation-soil-microorganisms complex,thereby affecting the organic carbon content.However,it is currently unclear whether these effects are sustainable.This study employed Biolog-Eco surveys to investigate the changes in vegetation characteristics,soil physicochemical properties,and soil microbial functional diversity in degraded alpine wetlands of the source region of the Yellow River at 3 and 15 months after the application of nitrogen,phosphorus,and organic mixed fertilizer.The following results were obtained:The addition of nitrogen fertilizer and organic compost significantly affects the soil organic carbon content in degraded wetlands.Three months after fertilization,nitrogen addition increases soil organic carbon in both lightly and severely degraded wetlands,whereas after 15 months,organic compost enhanced the soil organic carbon level in severely degraded wetlands.Structural equation modeling indicates that fertilization decreases the soil pH and directly or indirectly influences the soil organic carbon levels through variations in the soil water content and the aboveground biomass of vegetation.Three months after fertilization,nitrogen fertilizer showed a direct positive effect on soil organic carbon.However,organic mixed fertilizer indirectly reduced soil organic carbon by increasing biomass and decreasing soil moisture.After 15 months,none of the fertilizers significantly affected the soil organic carbon level.In summary,it can be inferred that the addition of nitrogen fertilizer lacks sustainability in positively influencing the organic carbon content.

Phosphorus limitation on CO_(2)fertilization effect in tropical forests informed by a coupled biogeochemical model

Tropical forests store more than half of the world's terrestrial carbon(C)pool and account for one-third of global net primary productivity(NPP).Many terrestrial biosphere models(TBMs)estimate increased productivity in tropical forests throughout the 21st century due to CO_(2)fertilization.However,phosphorus(P)liaitations on vegetation photosynthesis and productivity could significantly reduce the CO_(2)fertilization effect.Here,we used a carbon-nitrogen-phosphorus coupled model(Dynamic Land Ecosystem Model;DLEM-CNP)with heterogeneous maximum carboxylation rates to examine how P limitation has affected C fluxes in tropical forests during1860-2018.Our model results showed that the inclusion of the P processes enhanced model performance in simulating ecosystem productivity.We further compared the simulations from DLEM-CNP,DLEM-CN,and DLEMC and the results showed that the inclusion of P processes reduced the CO_(2)fertilization effect on gross primary production(GPP)by 25%and 45%,and net ecosystem production(NEP)by 28%and 41%,respectively,relative to CN-only and C-on ly models.From the 1860s to the 2010s,the DLEM-CNP estimated that in tropical forests GPP increased by 17%,plant respiration(Ra)increased by 18%,ecosystem respiration(Rh)increased by 13%,NEP increased by 121%per unit area,respectively.Additionally,factorial experiments with DLEM-CNP showed that the enhanced NPP benefiting from the CO_(2) fertilization effect had been offset by 135%due to deforestation from the 1860s to the 2010s.Our study highlights the importance of P limitation on the C cycle and the weakened CO_(2)fertilization effect resulting from P limitation in tropical forests.

VPD modifies CO_(2) fertilization effect on tomato plants via abscisic acid and jasmonic acid signaling pathways

Atmospheric CO_(2)concentration is elevated globally,which has“CO_(2)fertilization effects”and potentially improves plant photosynthesis,yield,and productivity.Despite the beneficial effect of CO_(2)fertilization being modulated by vapor pressure deficit(VPD),the underlying mechanism is highly uncertain.In the present study,the potential roles of hormones in determining CO_(2)fertilization effects under contrasting high and low VPD conditions were investigated by integrated physiological and transcriptomic analyses.Beneficial CO_(2)fertilization effects were offset under high VPD conditions and were constrained by plant water stress and photosynthetic CO_(2)utilization.High VPD induced a large passive water driving force,which disrupted the water balance and consequently caused plant water deficit.Leaf water potential,turgor pressure,and hydraulic conductance declined under high VPD stress.The physiological evidence combined with transcriptomic analyses demonstrated that abscisic acid(ABA)and jasmonic acid(JA)potentially acted as drought-signaling molecules in response to high VPD stress.Increased foliar ABA and JA content triggered stomatal closure to prevent excessive water loss under high VPD stress,which simultaneously increased the diffusion resistance for CO_(2)uptake from atmosphere to leaf intercellular space.High VPD also significantly increased mesophyll resistance for CO_(2)transport from stomatal cavity to fixation site inside chloroplast.The chloroplast“sink”CO_(2)availability was constrained by stomatal and mesophyll resistance under high VPD stress,despite the atmospheric“source”CO_(2)concentration being elevated.Thus,ABA-and JA-mediated drought-resistant mechanisms potentially modified the beneficial effect of CO_(2)fertilization on photosynthesis,plant growth,and yield productivity.This study provides valuable information for improving the utilization efficiency of CO_(2)fertilization and a better understanding of the physiological processes.

Assessing the Influence of Phosphorus Fertilization on the Growth and Yield of Maize/Soybean Intercrop by Analyzing Nitrogen Uptake

Intercropping, particularly the combination of maize and soybeans, has been widely recognized for its potential to improve nitrogen uptake and promote sustainable agriculture. This study examines the patterns of nitrogen uptake in maize and soybean intercropping systems under different growth stages and phosphorus fertilization levels and investigates the influence of nitrogen uptake on growth parameters such as plant height, leaf area, and biomass accumulation in the maize/soybean intercrop under different phosphorus fertilization regimes. The study also collected chlorophyll samples at different growth stages of maize in monoculture and intercropping with maize or soybean. The results showed that plant height was greater in V10 in both fertilized and unfertilized treatments for intercropped maize and soybean, and chlorophyll concentration was higher in VT intercropped maize. The results also showed a higher accumulation of biomass. Understanding the growth dynamics of these plants in monoculture and intercropping systems and the impact of fertilization practices is crucial for optimizing crop productivity and sustainability in agricultural systems.

Calcium-Magnesium Ca/Mg Ratios and Their Agronomic Implications for the Optimization of Phosphate Fertilization in Rainfed Rice Farming on Acidic Ferralsol in the Forest Zone of Ivory Coast

This study is a contribution to improving rice productivity on acidic plateau soils of the tropical rainforest zone. It is based on taking into account the cationic balances of the soil in order to optimize the phosphorus (P) nutrition of rice on these acidic soils, where this nutrient constitutes a limiting factor for agricultural production. Three (3) pot trials were conducted in Adiopodoumé in the forested south of Côte d’Ivoire. The interactive effects of calcium carbonate (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg Ca ha−1) and magnesium sulfate (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg Mg ha−1) were evaluated on the response of NERICA 5 rice at doses 0, 25, 50 and 75 kg P ha−1 of natural phosphate from Togo, applied only once at the start of the experiment. Additional fertilizers of nitrogen (N) (100 kg N ha−1) and potassium (K) (50 kg KCl ha−1) were added to each of the tests in a split-plot device. The test results revealed a paddy production potential of approximately 3 to 5 t⋅ha−1 for NERICA 5 on an acidic soil, under the effect of the interaction of P, Ca and Mg. The quadratic response of rice yield to the doses of these fertilizers would be more dependent on their balance, itself influenced by Ca nutrition. For the sustainability and maintenance of rice production in agro-ecology studied, it was recommended doses of 38 kg Ca ha−1, 34 kg Mg ha−1 in a Ca/Mg ratio (1/1) with intakes of 41 kg P ha−1, overall in a ratio 1/1/1 (P/Ca/Mg) more favorable to the availability of free iron considered a guiding element of mineral nutrition. Thus, these promising results should be confirmed in a real environment for better management of the fertilization of rice cultivated on acidic plateau soils in Côte d’Ivoire.

DIECA对小麦雄性育性的影响

为探究DIECA(sodiumdiethyldithiocarbamate,二乙基二硫代氨基甲酸钠)对小麦雄性育性的影响,以小麦温敏雄性不育系BNS366及其近等基因系郑麦366为试验材料,在正常秋季播种(2021-10-13)和晚播(2021-12-01)条件下,于2022年春季小麦雌雄蕊原基分化期至开花期采用酶联免疫法测定幼穗和花药中内源MeJA含量,采用0(清水,CK)、0.1、1、5、10、20和30 mmol·L^(-1)DIECA水溶液对小麦进行全株喷施处理,用I 2-KI法测定花粉可育率;用国内法和国际法测定自交结实率.结果表明:在正常秋季播种条件下,在花粉母细胞期后,郑麦366内源MeJA含量出现了刺激性增长,BNS366则出现不足现象;1 mmol·L^(-1)和5 mmol·L^(-1)DIECA处理对正常秋季播种郑麦366的自交结实率具有显著降低效应,5 mmol·L^(-1)DIECA处理效应较强,其国内法自交结实率和国际自交结实率分别比对照降低了39.82%和44.68%,在不同播期下,郑麦366和BNS366其他DIECA处理的花粉可育率、国内法自交结实率和国际法自交结实率与对照相比差异均不显著.DIECA可能通过抑制郑麦366内源MeJA含量的刺激性增长,影响花药发育和正常开裂,降低了郑麦366的雄性育性,内源MeJA可能参与了BNS366雄性不育的发生.

南方丘陵山地泡桐人工林的土壤肥力

以南方丘陵山地泡桐人工林为研究对象,按照全国第二次土壤普查分级标准对南方丘陵山地泡桐人工林土壤养分整体情况进行评级,并采用主成分分析法对南方丘陵山地泡桐人工林土壤肥力进行综合评价。结果表明:南方丘陵山地泡桐人工林土壤的全氮、碱解氮的平均质量分数分别为1.21 g·kg^(-1)、113.66 mg·kg^(-1),整体处于中上等级水平;全钾、速效钾、有机质的平均质量分数分别为13.07 g·kg^(-1)、68.17 mg·kg^(-1)、18.50 g·kg^(-1),整体处于中下等级水平;全磷平均质量分数为0.35 g·kg^(-1),整体处于低水平等级;有效磷的平均质量分数为2.68 mg·kg^(-1),整体处于很低等级水平。主成分分析结果表明:南方丘陵山地泡桐人工林的土壤综合肥力得分范围为-1.97~2.59,利用聚类分析法,可将115个样地土壤肥力划分为极高、高、中、低4个等级,各等级样地所占比例分别为6.09%、31.30%、43.48%、19.13%,说明土壤综合肥力以中等水平为主。不同种植区之间,土壤综合肥力差异较大,其中湖北省京山市、荆门市、钟祥市、咸宁市,泡桐人工林的土壤综合肥力整体水平最高;而湖北省崇阳县土壤综合肥力整体水平最差。

白鲜不同生育时期营养元素积累规律及分配特征

以3年生白鲜(Dictamnus dasycarpus)为研究对象,通过测定白鲜不同生育时期根、茎、叶的干质量及营养元素含量,分析白鲜不同生育时期营养元素积累规律及分配特征,为白鲜科学精准施肥提供理论依据。结果表明:白鲜在生长过程中,不同营养元素的积累量由大到小的顺序为氮(N)、钙(Ca)、磷(P)、钾(K)、镁(Mg)、铁(Fe)、锰(Mn)、锌(Zn)、铜(Cu);在生长初期,N、P、K质量分数相对较高,植物对N、P、K元素的需求较大;出苗期至花蕾期,白鲜根中N、P、K的积累量分配比例明显降低,茎叶中积累量分配比例明显增加;从果前期开始,白鲜茎叶中Ca、Mg质量分数和积累量显著增加,在茎叶中分配比例相对较高;果前期和果中期茎叶中Fe、Mn质量分数显著增加,Fe、Mn元素积累量在果中期相对较高,茎叶中分配比例有所增加;根中Zn质量分数从果前期至果中期显著增加,整株积累量显著增大,果中期在根中分配比例达到最大,白鲜茎叶中Cu、Zn质量分数在花蕾期相对较高,在茎叶中的分配比例达到最大。因此,白鲜出苗期至花蕾期需要补充大量元素(N、P、K)及微量元素(Cu、Zn),果前期至果熟期需要补充中量元素(Ca、Mg)和微量元素(Fe、Mn、Zn)。

配方施肥对薄壳山核桃生长及土壤性状的影响

为探索薄壳山核桃幼林生长发育的适宜施肥配方,采用氮、磷、钾3因素4水平16个处理的正交试验设计,探究不同施肥配方对薄壳山核桃幼林生长、土壤酶活性、土壤养分含量及叶片矿质养分含量的影响。结果表明:影响幼林树高和茎粗增长量大小的肥料主次顺序为:尿素、氯化钾、过磷酸钙,最优水平组合为:尿素0.45 kg/株+过磷酸钙1.71 kg/株+氯化钾0.28 kg/株;影响叶片氮、磷、钾含量高低的肥料主次顺序为:氯化钾、尿素、过磷酸钙,最优水平组合为:尿素0.11 kg/株+过磷酸钙0.85 kg/株+氯化钾0.46 kg/株;影响土壤有效氮、磷、钾及有机质含量高低的肥料主次顺序为:尿素、氯化钾、过磷酸钙,最优水平组合为:尿素0.33 kg/株+过磷酸钙1.28 kg/株+氯化钾0.28 kg/株;影响土壤酶活性高低的肥料主次顺序为:尿素、过磷酸钙、氯化钾,最优水平组合为:尿素0.22 kg/株+过磷酸钙0.85 kg/株+氯化钾0.28 kg/株。树高和茎粗增长量与叶片全氮和全磷含量存在显著负相关,土壤蔗糖酶与土壤有效氮、磷、钾存在显著正相关。总体上,对薄壳山核桃幼林生长发育影响的肥料主次顺序为:尿素、氯化钾、过磷酸钙,最优施肥水平组合为尿素0.45 kg/株+过磷酸钙0.85 kg/株+氯化钾0.28 kg/株。

智能传感技术在水肥一体系统中的应用研究

以进一步提升水肥一体机系统的作业效率为目标,选取智能传感的监测技术,针对整机的监测控制与信号处理展开应用设计研究。考虑水肥一体机过程作业肥液融合的均匀性及系统各模块之间的协同性功能实现,结合微分补偿的传感数据算法处理方法,进行智能传感的水肥一体机架构布局,并匹配可执行的软件控制程序及硬件实施结构,进行实地传感应用监测与灌施控制作业试验。结果表明:水肥一体机系统的数据监测准确率可达95.25%,系统故障率相对降低3.79%,监测数据准确及时,能够确保系统各环节指令得到有效的调整与反馈,进而保证灌施土壤的含水稳定率相对提升7.87%,对于作物的稳定生长与产量提升有重要的参考价值。

Effects of Different Fertilization Treatments on Soil Microbial Biomass,Soil Enzyme Activities and Related Nutrients in Continuous-cropping Sugarcane Field

[Objective] This study was conducted to expound the fertility improvement effect in continuous-cropping sugarcane field and provide reference for establishment of rational sugarcane fertilization system and improvement of soil quality in continuous-cropping sugarcane field. [Method] The soil in the experimental region is latosolic red soil which was planted with sugarcane for 11 years continuously, and 8 treatments including sole application of chemical fertilizers, sole application of organ- ic fertilizer, and combined application of organic fertilizer and chemical fertilizers were designed according to different fertilization measures. The effects of different fertilization treatments on soil microbial biomass, soil enzyme activities and related fertility factors were determined. [Result} Different fertilization treatments all showed soil microbial biomass N, C and P and activities of soil acid phosphatase, catalase, sucrase and urease higher than the CK. Soil microbial biomass N increased by 5.56%-67.13%, soil microbial biomass C increased by 4.01%-20.40%, and soil mi- crobial biomass P increased by 6.39%-67.02%. The activity of acid phosphatase was improved by 12.96%-35.19%, the activity of catalase was improved by 18.24% -78.93%, the activity of sucrase was improved by 3.00%-42.00%, and the activity of urease was improved by 1.21%-23.43%. However, the soil nutrients of different fertilization treatments increased non-significantly （P〉0.05）. Soil microbial biomass N, C and P and activities of acid phosphatase, catalase and urease were in significant （P〈0.05） or very significant correlation （P〈0.01） with contents of soil rapidly available P, rapidly available K and total N. [Conclusion] The evaluation of improvement of soil fertility in continuous-cropping sugarcane field using soil microbial biomass and enzyme activities as indexes is more comprehensive and sensitive.

Effects of Slow-release Fertilizer and Balanced Fertilization on Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium Uptake in Peppers

Field plot experiment was conducted to study the effects of two slow-re- lease fertilizers and balanced fertilization on dry matter accumulation, yield, fertilizer use efficiency, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake of peppers at Jiangna Town, Yanshan County, Yunnan Province in 2011. The results showed that the dry matter accumulation in dried pepper plant, pepper yield, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium uptake in peppers were significantly increased in all the fertilizer treat- ments, compared with those in control （no fertilizer）. Compared with conventional fertilization, balanced fertilization, slow-release compound fertilizer and slow-release urea fertilizer significantly increased dried pepper economic output by 20.94%, 17.5% and 14.54%, nitrogen uptake in dried peppers by 21.53%,18.46% and 13.19%, phosphorus uptake in dried peppers by 14.08%, 15.76% and 10.44%, potassium uptake in dried peppers by 22.66%, 15.73% and 16.28%; they also in- creased nitrogen and potassium use efficiency, but reduced potassium use efficiency due to the increased potassium addition. In treatments with balanced fertilization, slow-release compound fertilizer and slow-release urea fertilizer, the nitrogen utiliza- tion was 5.84%, 7.14% and 8.33% higher and the phosphorus utilization was 3.32%, 3.27% and 2.47% higher than those in treatment with conventional fertiliza- tion. In addition, the nitrogen application could be reduced by 20%-50% by bal- anced fertilization and the two slow-release fertilizers, thereby reducing environmen- tal pollution. Slow-release fertilizers could also reduce the frequency of fertilization and labor costs.

Effects of Long-term Fertilization on Micro-morphological Features in Purple Soil

[Objective] The study aimed to better understand the effect of different fertilizer treatments on micro-morphological characteristics of a purple soil at the 0-20 cm topsoil in a long-term fertilizer experiment. [Method] Soil micro-morphology was observed and analyzed under a single polarizing microscope. [Result] For the CK （no fertilizer） treatment, soil structure was dense with little porosity developed. Its soil microstructure was poor, sandy fabric-granular fabric. After continuously applied chemical fertilizers only for more than two decades, the soil particles did not evolve into soil structures and formed little porosity. The microstructures of soil in N, NP and NPK treatments were porphyroskelic fabric-fine sandy granular fabric, better than that of the soil in CK treatment. Adding manure obviously improved the quantity of groundmass and endowed the soil a loose structure and plenty porosity, enriched animal and plant residues, and well-formed iron-manganese nodules and humus ma- terials, all resulting in better micro-aggregates development. The type of soil microstructures in MNPK treatment was pectized-compacted takyric fabric-intertextic fabric, the best among all the treatments. [Conclusion] Combined application of both or- ganic and inorganic fertilizers can significantly improve the structure of the purple soil, enhance soil fertility and achieve soil sustainable development.

Changes of Calmodulin Distribution in the Embryo Sac of Oryza sativa Before and After Fertilization: an Immunogold Electron Microscope Study

Changes of calmodulin (CaM) distribution in the embryo sac of rice (Oryza sativa subsp. Japonica) at various stages before and after fertilization have been investigated by using immunogold electron microscopy. Before pollination, both cytoplasm and vacuoles of the egg cell, synergids and central cell were labeled by gold particles. A small amount of gold particles were localized in the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and dictyosomes. From pollination to fertilization, CaM amount increased in these cells, especially rich in the starch of amyloplasts. Increase of gold particles in the central cell began about 2 h earlier than that in the egg cell. There was no distinct difference of CaM amount between the degenerated and the persistent synergids. It is interesting to observe an obvious change of CaM distribution form during pollination and fertilization from scattered single particles to clustered particles, and back again to single particles after the fertilization finished. CaM was also localized extracellularly in the embryo sac wall as well as in the wall and intercellular space of nucellus cells. The extracellular CaM also changes in its amount and form after pollination. These results suggest that CaM, either intra- or extra-cellular, may play important roles in fertilization and zygote formation.

Grain Crop Fertilization Status and Factors Influencing Farmers' Decision Making on Fertilizer Use: China Case Study

[Objective] China is the world＇s largest fertilizer consumer. Fertilizer plays an important role in maintaining China＇s food security. Along with population and economic growth, overuse of fertilizers has caused serious environmental problems, such as soil acidification, decline in soil organic carbon, and agricultural non-point source pollution. This study aimed to analyze the factors influencing farmers＂ decision making on fertilizer use, and provide policy recommendations on ways to affect fertilization. [Method] An econometric model reflecting fertilization of rural households was estimated from a survey distributed to 1 043 households randomly selected from 19 provinces in China. [Result] Results of the study showed that education years of fertilizer decision maker, fertilizer quality, organic fertilizer application, fertilizer price, and agricultural product price had significant effects on the fertilizer application rate at 1% level. Soil nutrient affected the fertilizer application rate at 10% level. [Conclusion] Policies aimed at improving the reasonable use of fertilizer should focus on the regulation of chemical fertilizer price, foundation of the organic-inorganic fertilizer system, soil testing, formulated fertilization, and agricultural extension service.