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.

Effect of Saline Water on Soil Acidity, Alkalinity and Nutrients Leaching in Sandy Loamy Soil in Rwamagana Bella Flower Farm, Rwanda

The necessity to saline and sodic waters is sometimes used for irrigating agricultural activities under certain circumstances, but it is important to note that the use of these waters comes with specific considerations and limitations. One way to decrease undesirable effects of sodic waters on the physical and chemical properties of soils is to apply organic and chemical amendments within the soil. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of saline water on soil acidity, alkalinity and nutrients leaching in sandy loamy soil at Bella flower farm, in Rwamagana District, Rwanda. The water used was from the Muhazi Lake which is classified as Class I (Saline water quality). Column leaching experiments using treated soils were then conducted under saturated conditions. The soil under experimental was first analyzed for its textural classification, soil properties and is classified as sandy loamy soil. The t-test was taken at 1%, 5% and 10% levels of statistical significance compared to control soil. The results indicated that the application of saline water to soils caused an increase in some soil nutrients like increase of Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K+), Magnesium (Mg2+), Sulphur (S), CN ratio and Sodium (Na+) and decreased soil texture, physical and chemical properties and remained soil nutrients. Consequently, the intensive addition of saline water leachates to soil in PVC pipes led to decreased of soil EC through leaching and a raiser Soluble Sodium Percentage (SSP). The rate of saline water application affected the increase accumulation of SAR and Na% in the top soil layers. The study indicated that saline water is an inefficient amendment for sandy soil with saline water irrigation. The study recommends further studies with similar topic with saline water irrigation, as it accentuated the alkalinity levels.

Impact of Continuous Cropping on Soil Phenolic Acid Substances and Research Progress on Continuous Cropping Obstacle Reduction Techniques

At present,long-term continuous cropping in agricultural production has formed a relatively common development trend.With the increase of continuous cropping years,soil phenolic acids are also affected to varying degrees.This paper summarized the effects of continuous cropping on soil phenolic acids and the research progress of continuous cropping obstacle reduction techniques,aiming at providing theoretical basis and technical support for the research of continuous cropping obstacle reduction techniques and promoting the healthy and sustainable development of modern agriculture.

Effects of Soil Acidification on Yield of Late Rice and Differences in Acid Resistance among Varieties

Effect of soil acidification on yield of late rice was studied and acid resistance of late rice varieties were compared with 23 late rice varieties as materials in Changsha County, Hunan Province. The results indicated that the difference in yield among varieties was obvious, yield in common field was among 5 226.6-9 202.1kg/hm^2, and yield in acidified field was among 3 643.2-7 714. 8 kg/hm^2. Compared with common field, yield of Yueyou 6135, Huayou 18, Jinyou 284 and Ⅱyou 46 increased by 3.24%-26.33% in acidified field, while yield of other varieties decreased by 2.04%-56.79% in acidified field. According to acidification sensitivity, Wufengyou T025, Jinchuyou No.148, Yueyou No.6135, Shenyou No.9586, Xiangfengyou No.103,Zhongyou No.288, Nongxiang No.18, Shanyou No.432, Ⅱ you No.6, and Zhong 9A/R10402 were sensitive to soil acidification; Wuyou No.308, Zhunliangyou No.608,Fengyuanyou No.227, Fengyou No.1167, Fengyuanyou No.299, T you No.272, and Zhong 9A/R9963 were moderately sensitive to soil acidification; Yueyou No.9113,Jinyou No.284, Shenyou No.9588, Huayou No.18, Ⅱ you No.46 and Ⅱ you No.3027 were slightly sensitive to soil acidification

Effects of Exogenous Organic Acids on Phosphorus Availability of Dark Brown Forest Soils and Phosphorus Absorption and Accumulation of Larix olgensis Seedlings with Nutrient Deficiency

Different proportions of A1 and B horizons dark brown forest soils （A1∶B=1∶2） were utilized to set the soil nutrient deficient conditions, and Larix olgensis seedlings were cultivated. By simulating organic acids concentrations in forest litter leachates of northeast China, the effects and mechanism of different concentrations of organic acid solutions on phosphorus （P） availability of dark brown forest soils and P absorption of Larix olgensis seedlings with nutrient deficiency were studied. The results showed that, compared with A1 horizon soils, available P contents of mixed soils in A1 and B horizons decreased, and P accumulation and efficiency of P uptake in root and leaves of Larix olgensis seedlings also decreased, but efficiency of P utilization increased. After treatments of exogenous organic acids, available P contents of mixed soils increased and the impact sequence of different organic acids were succinic acid 〉 citric acid 〉 oxalic acid; the concentration of 5.0 mmol/L had the best function, and the best effect of organic acids was at 20 d. Organic acids also increased P accumulation and efficiency of P uptake in roots and leaves of Larix olgensis seedlings, but decreased efficiency of P utilization. The impact strength of organic acids on P accumulation and efficiency of P uptake varied with treatment time, type and concentration of organic acids. The results of 20 d and 30 d in roots were higher than those of 10 d, however, the results of 10 d and 20 d in leaves were higher than those of 30 d, thus, at the earlier stage of organic acids treatments, more P absorbed were transferred to leaves, and at the later stage, more P would be accumulated in roots. The concentration of 10.0 mmol/L had the best function, and the impact sequence of different organic acids was succinic acid 〉 citric acid 〉 oxalic acid. Therefore, organic acids might contribute to P absorption and accumulation by Larix olgensis seedlings, final y increasing the adaptability and endurance of Larix olgensis seedlings to nutrient deficient soils.

Understanding the biochar’s role in ameliorating soil acidity

Extensive acidic soils,which suffer from accelerated soil acidification,are found in southern China.Soil acidity,aluminum toxicity,and nutrient deficiencies severely limited crop productivity in acidic soils.It has been widely reported that crop residue biochars can ameliorate acidic soils and increase crop productivity.Here,we summarized the positive effects and mechanisms involved in the correction of soil acidity,the alleviation of aluminum toxicity and the increase of soil pH buffering capacity by crop residue biochars.The carbonate,oxygen-containing functional groups and silicates in biochars are the major components responsible for their efficacy in amending acidic soils and resisting soil re-acidification.We conclude that application of crop residue biochars may be a better option than traditional liming to ameliorate acidic soils.Nonetheless,further researches into soil acidification are still required to address some issues that are controversial and poorly understood.

Soil Quality Assessment of Acid Sulfate Paddy Soils with Different Productivities in Guangdong Province,China

Land conversion is considered an effective measure to ensure national food security in China, but little information is available on the quality of low productivity soils, in particular those in acid sulfate soil regions. In our study, acid sulfate paddy soils were divided into soils with high, medium and low levels based on local rice productivity, and 60 soil samples were collected for analysis. Twenty soil variables including physical, chemical and biochemical properties were determined. Those variables that were significantly different between the high, medium and low productivity soils were selected for principal component analysis, and microbial biomass carbon （MBC）, total nitrogen （TN）, available silicon （ASi）, pH and available zinc （AZn） were retained in the minimum data set （MDS）. After scoring the MDS variables, they were integrated to calculate a soil quality index （SQI）, and the high, medium and low productivity paddy soils received mean SQI scores of 0.95, 0.83 and 0.60, respectively. Low productivity paddy soils showed worse soil quality, and a large discrepancy was observed between the low and high productivity paddy soils. Lower MBC, TN, ASi, pH and available K （AK） were considered as the primary limiting factors. Additionally, all the soil samples collected were rich in available P and AZn, but deficient in AK and ASi. The results suggest that soil AK and ASi deficiencies were the main limiting factors for all the studied acid sulfate paddy soil regions. The application of K and Si on a national basis and other sustainable management approaches are suggested to improve rice productivity, especially for low productivity paddy soils. Our results indicated that there is a large potential for increasing productivity and producing more cereals in acid sulfate paddy soil regions.

Removal of heavy metals from a contaminated soilusing tartaric acid

This study reports the feasibility of remediation of a heavy metal （HM） contaminated soil using tartaric acid, an environmentally-friendly extractant. Batch experiments were performed to test the factors influencing remediation of the HM contaminated soil. An empirical model was employed to describe the kinetics of riM dissolution/desorption and to predict equilibrium concentrations of HMs in soil leachate. The changes of HMs in different fractions before and after tartaric acid treatment were also investigated. Tartaric acid solution containing HMs was regenerated by chestnut shells. Results show that utilization of tartaric acid was effective for removal of riMs from the contaminated soil, attaining 50%-60% of Cd, 40%-50% of Pb, 40%-50% of Cu and 20%-30% of Zn in the pH range of 3.5-4.0 within 24 h. Mass transfer coefficients for cadmium （Cd） and lead （Pb） were much higher than those for copper （Cu） and zinc （Zn）. Sequential fractionations of treated and untreated soil samples showed that tartaric acid was effective in removing the exchangeable, carbonate fractions of Cd, Zn and Cu from the contaminated soil. The contents of Pb and Cu in Fe-Mn oxide fraciton were also significantly decreased by tartaric acid treatment. One hundred milliliters of tartaric acid solution containing HMs could be regenerated by 10 g chestnut shells in a batch reactor. Such a remediation procedure indicated that tartaric acid is a promising agent for remediation of HM contaminated soils. However, further research is needed before the method can be practically used for in situ remediation of contaminated sites.

Relationship between electrochemical characteristics and SCC of X70 pipeline steel in an acidic soil simulated solution

Stress corrosion cracking （SCC） of X70 pipeline steel in simulated solution of the acidic soil in Yingtan in China was investigated using slow strain rate test （SSRT）, SEM and potentiodynamic polarization technique. Experiment results indicate that X70 steel is highly susceptible to SCC as applied potential reduces, which is manifested in loss of toughness and brittle fracture. Constaat polarization current can detect the occurrence of SCC. The lower the polarization current is the sooner stress corrosion cracking occurs. The SCC mechanisms are different at varying potentials. When potential is higher than open circuit potential, anodic process controls SCC, whereas when potential is far lower than open circuit potential, cathodic process controls SCC, and between these two potential regions, a combined electrochemical process controls the SCC. Stress or strain has a synergistic effect with electrochemical reactions to accelerate the cathodic hydrogen evolution process, which makes the X70 pipeline steel to be more susceptible to SCC.

Cadmium Release in Contaminated Soils due to Organic Acids

There is limited information on the release behavior of heavy metals fromnatural soils by organic acids. Thus, cadmium release, due to two organic acids (tartrate andcitrate) that are common in the rhizosphere, from soils polluted by metal smeltersor tailings andsoils artificially contaminated by adding Cd were analyzed. The presence of tartrate or citrate at alow concentration (<= 6 mmol L^(-1) for tartrate and <= 0.5 mmol L^(-1) for citrate) inhibited Cdrelease, whereas the presence of organic acids in high concentrations (>= 2 mmol L^(-1) for citrateand >= 15 mmol L^(-1) for tartrate) apparently promoted Cd release. Under the same conditions, theCd release in naturally polluted soils was less than that of artificially contaminatedsoils.Additionally, as the initial pH rose from 2 to 8 in the presence of citrate, a sequentialvalley and then peak appeared in the Cd release curve, while in the presence of tartrate the Cdrelease steadily decreased. In addition, Cd release was clearly enhanced as the electrolyteconcentration of KNO_3 or KC1 increased in the presence of 2 mmol L^(-1) tartrate. Moreover, ahigher desorption of Cd was shown with the KCl electrolyte compared to KNO_3 for the sameconcentration levels. This implied that the bioavailability of heavy metals could be promoted withthe addition of suitable types and concentrations of organic acids as well as reasonable fieldconditions.

Extraction and Characterization of Humic Acids and Humin Fractions from a Black Soil of China

Twenty-three progressive extractions were performed to study individual humic acids (HAs) and humin fractions from a typical black soil (Mollisol) in Heilongjiang Province, China using elemental analysis and spectroscopic techniques. After 23 HA extractions the residue was separated into high and low organic carbon humin fractions. HA yield was the highest for the first extraction and then gradually decreased with further extractions. Organic carbon (OC) of the humin fractions accounted for 58% of total OC …

Effect of Simulated Acid Rain on Potential Carbon and Nitrogen Mineralization in Forest Soils

Acid rain is a serious environmental problem worldwide. In this study, a pot experiment using forest soils planted with the seedlings of four woody species was performed with weekly treatments of pH 4.40, 4.00, 3.52, and 3.05 simulated acid rain (SAR) for 42 months compared to a control of pH 5.00 lake water. The cumulative amounts of C and N mineralization in the five treated soils were determined after incubation at 25 ℃ for 65 d to examine the effects of SAR treatments. For all five treatments, cumulative CO2-C production ranged from 20.24 to 27.81 mg kg-1 dry soil, net production of available N from 17.37 to 48.95 mg kg-1 dry soil, and net production of NO-3 -N from 9.09 to 46.23 mg kg-1 dry soil. SAR treatments generally enhanced the emission of CO2-C from the soils; however, SAR with pH 3.05 inhibited the emission. SAR treatments decreased the net production of available N and NO3-N. The cumulative CH4 and N2O productions from the soils increased with increasing amount of simulated acid rain. The cumulative CO2-C production and the net production of available N of the soil under Acmena acuminatissima were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) than those under Schima superba and Cryptocarya concinna. The mineralization of soil organic C was related to the contents of soil organic C and N, but was not related to soil pH. However, the overall effect of acid rain on the storage of soil organic matter and the cycling of important nutrients depended on the amount of acid deposition and the types of forests.

Solid components and acid buffering capacity of soils in South China

The effects of soil solid components on soil sensitivity to acid deposition by sequential extraction method were studied. A multiple regression equation of soil sensitivity was set up on the basis of stepwise regression analysis. The results showed that organic matter expressed dual effects that were decided by soil original pH value and exchangeable cation composition on acid buffering reactions. The hydrolysis of activated oxides was a very important proton buffering reaction when in low pH situation. The crystalline oxides also played a role in the buffering reactions, but the role was restricted by the rate of activation of oxides. Meanwhile, the results by stepwise analysis showed that factors that had significant effect on soil acid buffering capacity were content of montmorillite, soil original pH value, Al 0, Mn 0 and CEC in decreasing order. Finally, sixteen soils were classified into four types of sensitive with single index cluster and multiple fuzzy cluster analysis respectively.

Amelioration of Saline-Sodic Soils with Tillage Implements and Sulfuric Acid Application

Amelioration of saline-sodic soils through land preparation with three tillage implements （disc plow, rotavator and cultivator） each followed by application of sulfuric acid at 20% of gypsum （CaSO4-2H2O） requirement or no sulfuric acid application during crop growth period was evaluated in a field study for 2.5 years at three sites, i.e., Jhottianwala, Gabrika （Thabal）, and Thatta Langar, in Tehsil Pindi Bhattian, Hafizahad District, Pakistan. Within 2.5 years, there was a decrease in the salinity parameters measured （electrical conductivity, pH, and sodium adsorption ratio）, with a gradual increase in rice and wheat grain yields. It was observed that the disc plow, which not only ensured favorable yields but also helped improve soil health at all the three sites, was the most effective tillage implement. Also, application of sulfuric acid resulted in higher yields and promoted rapid amelioration of the saline-sodic soils.

Effect of Nitrogen on the Degradation of Cypermethrin and Its Metabolite 3-Phenoxybenzoic Acid in Soil

Increasing use of pyrethroid insecticides has resulted in concerns regarding potential effects on human health and ecosystems. Cypermethrin and its metabolite 3-phenoxybenzoic acid(PBA) have exerted adverse biological impacts on the environment;therefore,it is critically important to develop different methods to enhance their degradation. In this study,incubation experiments were conducted using samples of an Aquic Inceptisol supplied with nitrogen(N) in the form of NH4NO3 at different levels to investigate the effect of nitrogen on the degradation of cypermethrin and PBA in soil. The results indicated that appropriate N application can promote the degradation of cypermethrin and PBA in soil. The maximum degradation rates were 80.0% for cypermethrin after 14 days of incubation in the treatment with N at a rate of 122.1 kg ha-1 and 41.0% for PBA after 60 days of incubation in the treatment with N at a rate of 182.7 kg ha-1. The corresponding rates in the treatments without nitrogen were 62.7% for cypermethrin and 27.8% for PBA. However,oversupplying N significantly reduced degradation of these compounds. Enhancement of degradation could be explained by the stimulation of microbial activity after the addition of N. In particular,dehydrogenase activities in the soil generally increased with the addition of N,except in the soil where N was applied at the highest level. The lower degradation rate measured in the treatment with an oversupply of N may be attributed to the microbial metabolism shifts induced by high N.

Interaction of Cd and citric acid, EDTA in red soil

Adsorption and desorption process of cadmium in red soil (Ferrisols) as well as the influence by media' s pH were investigated in detail with and without citric acid and EDTA. Experimental results clearly showed that Cd adsorption in red soil was affected significantly by the coexisted organic chemicals. In the presence of citric acid and EDTA, Cd adsorption in red soil increased with pH in acid media but decreased in high pH one. Further studies placed stress on the adsorbed Cd in red soil which was found to be existed mainly as exchangeable one at pH < 5.5, and desorption rate by 0.10 mol/L NaNO3 gave a peak-shaped curve due to the difference of specifically and nonspecifically adsorbed Cd with pH's change.

Role of Low-Molecule-Weight Organic Acids and Their Salts in Regulating Soil pH

The process of organic materials increasing soil pH has not yet been fully understood. This study examined the role of cations and organic anions in regulating soil pH using organic compounds. Calcareous soil, acid soil, and paddy soil were incubated with different simple organic compounds, pH was determined periodically and CO2 emission was also measured. Mixing organic acids with the soil caused an instant decrease of soil pH. The magnitude of pH decrease depended on the initial soil acidity and dissociation degree of the acids. Decomposition of organic acids could only recover the soil pH to about its original level. Mixing organic salts with soil caused an instant increase of soil pH. Decomposition of organic salts of sodium resulted in a steady increase of soil pH, with final soil pH being about 2.7-3.2 pH units over the control. Organic salts with the same anions （citrate） but different cations led to different magnitudes of pH increase, while those having the same cations but different anions led to very similar pH increases. Organic salts of sodium and sodium carbonate caused very similar pH increases of soil when they were added to the acid soil at equimolar concentrations of Na^＋. The results suggested that cations played a central role in regulating soil pH. Decarboxylation might only consume a limited number of protons. Conversion of organic salts into inorganic salts （carbonate） was possibly responsible for pH increase during their decomposition, suggesting that only those plant residues containing high excess base cations could actually increase soil pH.

Acidification of Soils in Mount Lushan over the Last 35 Years

INTRODUCTION Soil acidification due to acid deposition has been one of the major environmental prob-lems concerned by soil scientists and ecologists for the recent 20 years(van Breemen,1990).Soil acidification with a marked pH decrease of forest soils within various time intervals hasbeen reported in Germany,Sweden,the Netherlands,Australia and the United

Dissolution of Aluminum in Variably Charged Soils as Affected by Low-Molecular-Weight Organic Acids

Low-molecular-weight （LMW） organic acids exist widely in soils and play an important role in soil processes such as mineral weathering, nutrient mobilization and A1 detoxification. In this research, a batch experiment was conducted to examine the effects of LMW organic acids on dissolution of aluminum in two variably charged soils, an Ultisol and an Oxisol. The results showed that the LMW organic acids enhanced the dissolution of A1 in the two investigated soils in the following order： citric 〉 oxalic 〉 malonic 〉 malic 〉 tartaric 〉 salicylic 〉 lactic 〉 maleic. This was generally in agreement with the magnitude of the stability constants for the Al-organic complexes. The effects of LMW organic acids on Al dissolution were greater in the Ultisol than in the Oxisol as compared to their controls. Also, the accelerating effects of citric and oxalic acids on dissolution of A1 increased with an increase in pH, while the effects of lactic and salicylic acids decreased. Additionally, when the organic acid concentration was less than 0.2 mmol L-I, the dissolution of A1 changed Iittle with increase in acid concentration. However, when the organic acid concentration was greater than 0.2 mmol L^-1,the dissolution of A1 increased with increase in acid concentration. In addition to the acid first dissociation constant and stability constant of Al-organic complexes, the promoting effects of LMW organic acids on dissolution of A1 were also related to their sorption-desorption equilibrium in the soils.

Effects of Exogenous 5-Aminolevulinic Acid and 24-Epibrassinolide on Cd Accumulation in Rice from Cd-Contaminated Soil

High grain-Cd-accumulating rice variety Yongyou 9 was planted in Cd-contaminated farmland in Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, China to study the effects of 5-aminolevulinic acid(ALA) and24-epibrassinolide(EBR) on Cd accumulation in brown rice. Results showed that the exogenous ALA and EBR had no significant effects on agronomic traits, soil pH and total Cd content in soil, but had some effects on the available Cd content in soil, and significantly influenced the Cd accumulation in the different parts of rice. Results also showed that 100 mg/L exogenous ALA significantly reduced the Cd accumulation in brown rice to blow the food safety standard(0.2 mg/kg), and also significantly reduced the Cd contents in the roots and culm of rice. However, 200 mg/L exogenous ALA treatment increased the Cd content in brown rice remarkably. In addition, 0.15 mg/L EBR treatment increased Cd accumulation in roots, culm, leaves and brown rice notably, whereas 0.30 mg/L exogenous EBR treatment reduced the Cd accumulation in brown rice properly, but it was not significant. Therefore,proper concentration of ALA can effectively reduce the Cd accumulation in brown rice, which can be used as an effective technical method for the safe production of rice in Cd polluted farmland.