Response of soil nutrients to terracing and environmental factors in the Loess Plateau of China

Terracing is a widely adopted agricultural practice in mountainous regions around the world that aims to conserve soil and water resources.Soil nutrients play a crucial role in determining soil quality,particularly in landscapes prone to drought.They are influenced by factors such as land-use type,slope aspect,and altitude.In this study,we sought to examine the impact of terracing on soil nutrients(soil organic content(SOC),total nitrogen(TN),nitrate-nitrogen(NO_(3)^(-)-N),ammonium nitrogen(NH_(4)^(+)-N),total phosphorus(TP),available phosphorus(AP),total potassium(TK),and available potassium(AK))and how they vary with environmental factors in the Chinese Loess Plateau.During the growing season,we collected 540 soil samples from the 0 to 100 cm soil layer across five major land-use types,different slope aspects,and varying altitudes.Additionally,a meta-analysis of literature data further corroborated the effective accumulation of soil nutrients through terracing in the Loess Plateau.Our findings are as follows:(1)Terraced fields,regardless of land-use type,showed a significant improvement in SOC and TN content.(2)Soil nutrient contents within terraced fields were predominantly higher on sunny slopes.(3)Terraces at lower altitudes are characterized by elevated SOC concentrations.(4)A meta-analysis of literature data pertaining to terracing and soil nutrients in this region confirmed the effective accumulation of soil nutri-ents through terracing.The elucidated outcomes of this study offer a profound theoretical underpinning for the accurate planning and management of terraces,the scientific utilization of land resources,and the enhancement of land productivity.

Effects of Forest Types on Soil Available Nutrients and Carbon Contents in Coastal Areas,China

Clarifying the soil nutrient dynamics caused by forest type variations in the coastal region helps scientifically to apply fertilizer to forest plantations and enhance the carbon(C)sink capacity.Pure forests of Ligustrum and Metasequoia,as well as their mixed forests,in a coastal region of China were investigated by collecting 0-20 and 20-40 cm soil samples and analyzing their differences in bulk density,water content,pH,soil organic matter(SOM),ammonium(NH_(4)^(+)-N),nitrate(NO_(3)^(-)-N)and total nitrogen(TN),available phosphorus(AP)and potassium(AK),microbial biomass C(MBC)and N(MBN),and enzyme activity.The results demonstrated that different forest types had no significant(p≥0.05)effect on 0-20 cm soil bulk density,water content,pH,NH_(4)^(+)-N,and SOM.However,the surface soil NO_(3)^(-)-N,TN,AP,and AK contents as well as enzyme activity changed significantly(p<0.05),in which the soil AK content of the ligustrum×metasequoia mixed forest was 47.5%and 65.5%higher than that of the ligustrum and metasequoia pure forest,respectively.The mixed forest soil had the highest MBN content,which was significantly(p<0.05)25.1%higher than that in the pure metasequoia forest.Meanwhile,soil phosphatase activities in ligustrum and metasequoia pure forests were significantly(p<0.05)lower than those in the mixed forests by 17.4%and 43.1%,respectively.However,soil NO_(3)^(-)-N and AP contents in the metasequoia pure forest were significantly(p<0.05)higher than those in the ligustrum pure forest and mixed forests.Soil MBC content and reductase NO_(3)^(-)-N activity were significantly(p<0.05)higher in ligustrum pure forest than in metasequoia pure forest and mixed forests.In addition,the results of two-way ANOVA showed that there were no significant(p≥0.05)differences in nutrient contents(e.g.,NH_(4)^(+)-N,AP,AK,and SOM)in different soil layers(0-20 and 20-40 cm)within the same forest type,except for NO_(3)^(-)-N.However,forest types had a significant(p<0.05)impact on NO_(3)^(-)-N and AP contents in 20-40 cm soil layer.Combining the two factors of forest stand and soil layer,there was a significant(p<0.05)interaction effect for their soil NH_(4)^(+)-N,NO_(3)^(-)-N,AP,and AK contents.In conclusion,significant(p<0.05)differences were observed in nutrient contents in 0-20 cm soil layer from different forest types,with soil fertility indices inmixed forests generally higher than in pure forests.Therefore,establishing mixed forests in coastal saline region is recommended to retain soil fertility and to enhance the C sink capacity of forestry.

Effects of Long-term Located Fertilization on Wheat Yield and Soil Nutrients of Three Types of Soils in Shandong Province

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the effects of long-term differ- ent fertilization in three types of soils on wheat yield and soil nutrient variation in Shandong Province. [Method] A 30-year located experiment in Jinan of Shandong Province was selected and the results of soil nutrient and crop yield in 1984, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2010 were measured and collected. In this study, five treatments： CK, NP, NK, PK and NPK of the located experiment were selected. [Result] The three types of soils in wheat yields decreased signifi- cantly in the first several years and in 2006. Wheat yields of the treatments with P fertilizers were obviously higher than those without P fertilizers; it was shown that phosphorus is the primary nutritional factor for high-yielding of wheat. The highest yield is from cinnamon soil, followed by that from brown soil, and the lowest pro- duction is from fluvo-aquic soil. Under the same fertilization, the influence of other factors on wheat yield of brown soil is the smallest, while cinnamon soil is vulnera- ble to the influence of external conditions, resulting in larger fluctuation of annual wheat yield. The alkali-hydro nitrogen contents of three kinds of soils first de- creased, then raised, and at last reduced apparently. Since 2007, the change of al- kali-hydro nitrogen content appeared rebounded. The available P contents of no- phosphorus treatments decreased over time while those of the treatments with P fertilizers increased at first, then decreased, and after that kept relatively stable. The available K contents of no K treatments decreased slowly. The treatments of PK and NK had higher available K content than NPK treatment. [Conclusion] Thus, it is an effective fertilization measure to improve the wheat yield by supplying reasonable phosphate fertilizer and nitrogen fertilizer and making up potassium fertilizer.

Human Activity and Soil Fertility-Nutrients Depletion of Arable Soils in China

The reserve of soil nutrients is limited. In case of irrational use of land, nutrients would be depleted sooner. Before the 1950s the low grain production in China was maintained only by expanding the cultivated area and by recycling of nutrients in agriculture. Calculation of nutrients balance showed that in the year of 1949 there were great deficits of N, P and K elements in agriculture of China. It revealed that there would have really been danger of soil nutrients exhaustion if such a situation had continued. Things have changed since the beginning of 1950s. The nutrients balance in agriculture has been getting better and better. In the year 1987 N and P balance got rid of their great deficits. But for K the deficit grew even larger. This resulted in a rapid expansion of soil area deficient in K in China since the mid 1970s. In spite of the fact that the P balance in the arable land of the whole country was positive, the field which did not receive P fertilizer had become deficient in P. So the area deficient in P also increased. It is stressed that great attention should be paid to the depletion of soil nutrients, especially K in the northern part of China where the soil is relatively rich in K. Of course, soil sulfur and microelements should be considered next.

Effects of Tillage Depth on Nutrients and Microbial Communities in Tobacco-Planting Soil

The implementation of appropriate tillage practices is of great significance for agricultural production. However, the effects of different tillage depths on soil nutrients content and microbial communities in tobacco-planting soils are still lacking systematic research. In this study, three different tillage depths of 15 cm (T1), 20 cm (T2), and 30 cm (T3) were set up for field experiments in Liupanshui, Guizhou Province, to explore the effects of tillage depth on tobacco-planting soil nutrients and bacterial and fungal communities based on 16S rRNA and ITS sequencing and figure out the key factors affecting soil microbial communities. The results showed that T2 and T3 increased the contents of organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, available phosphorus, and available potassium in tobacco-planting soil, and increased the diversity of bacterial communities compared with T1. There was no significant difference in the structure of bacterial and fungal communities in different tillage depth treatments, but some dominant genera were significantly enriched in T2 and T3. Desulfobacter, Setophoma, Humicola, and Acremonium were significantly enriched in T2. Chthonomonas and Fusarium were significantly enriched in T3. These genera favor the decomposition of organic matter and the cycling of nutrients, and control soil pests and diseases. Redundancy analysis indicated that TP and AK were the key factors influencing the dominant genera of bacteria and fungi. This study provides a scientific basis for the selection of soil tillage depth for tobacco production in this region.

Soil microbial properties and nutrients in pure and mixed Chinese fir plantations

An investigation on soil organic carbon, total N and P, NO3-N, available P, microbial biomass C, N and P, basal respiration and metabolic quotients （qCO2） was conducted to compare differences in soil microbial properties and nutrients between 15-year-old pure Chinese fir （Cunninghamia lanceolata） and two mixed Chinese fir plantations （mixed plantations with Alnus crernastogyne, mixed plantations with Kalopanax septemlobus） at Huitong Experimental Station of Forest Ecology （26°45′N latitude and 109°30′E longitude）, Chinese Academy of Sciences in May, 2005. Results showed that the concentrations of soil organic carbon, total N, NO3^--N, total P and available P in mixed plantations were higher than that in pure plantation. Soil microbial biomass N in two mixed plantations was averagely higher 69% and 61% than that in pure plantation at the 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm soil depth, respectively. Soil microbial biomass C, P and basal respiration in mixed plantations were higher 11%, 14% and 4% at the 0-10 cm soil depth and 6%, 3% and 3% at the 10-20 cm soil depth compared with pure plantation. However, soil microbial C： N ratio and qCO2 were averagely lower 34% and 4% in mixed plantations than pure plantation. Additionally, there was a closer relation between soil microbial biomass and soil nutrients than between basal respiration, microbial C： N ratio and qCO2 and soil nutrients. In conclusion, introduction of broad-leaved tree species into pure coniferous plantation improved soil microbial properties and soil fertility, and can be helpful to restore degraded forest soil.

Research on Effects of Remediation by Fertilization on Off-Balanced Fluvo-aquic Soils in Nutrient

[Objective] The research aimed to study the effects of fertilization on soil remediation.[Method]Pot fertilizer tests were conducted to remedy the soils which had off-balanced in nutrients resulted by long-term unreasonable fertilization.[Result]The results showed that applying NPK fertilizers with manure was the best method to restore the soil nutrients and increase soil fertility and crop yield;NPK and NP fertilizers could balance soil fertility and increase crop yields,the effects were the same and next to MNPK.Phosphate and nitrogen respectively had the similar restoring effect with NPK fertilizers on soil from long-term NK and PK treatments.[Conclusion]Crops in soil with long-term applying NPK fertilizers had strong dependence on fertilizers.The yields of corn and wheat decreased by 78.6% and 52.8% respectively after stopping applying fertilizers.Meanwhile,The yields of corn and wheat increased by 112% and 182% respectively after stopping applying fertilizers in NK treatment as well as 15.1% and 59% in PK treatment.Manure had strong and last effect on increasing yield.

Distribution of Nutrients in Arable Land Soil of Western Hainan

[Objective] This study aimed to reveal distribution characteristics of soil nutrients in tropical farmland, thereby providing a reference for cropland management and balanced fertilization in the tropical area. [Method] Combining field survey and laboratory analysis, distribution status of nutrients in arable land of Baisha Li Autonomous County of Hainan Province was investigated. [Result] The soil in Baisha Li Autonomous County was acidic in overall with average pH value of 5.0. it had medium organic matter level （average of 19.3 g/kg） and rich alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen content, but was lack of available phosphorus and available potassium. The spatial distribution of available nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassi- um in the soil was uneven. The spatial distribution of soil nutrients was mainly related to soil parent materials of the investigated area and pH value of the investigated soil. [Conclusion] According to the distribution characteristics of nutrients in the soil, awareness of land use and land maintenance should be strengthened, application amount of organic fertilizers should be increased, chemical fertilizers should be applied rationally, and fertilization structure should be optimized in the future.

On Spatial Variability and Distribution of Soil Nutrients in Different Nitraria tangutorum Bobr.Populations in Tsaidam Basin

In this paper,six important distribution areas of Nitraria tangutorum Bobr.in Tsaidam Basin were selected as research objects,to study spatial variability and distribution of soil nutrients in different N.tangutorum populations and analyze the relationship between soil nutrient contents and geographical location,by measuring soil pH and the contents of organic matter（OM）,total nitrogen（N）,total phosphorus（P）,total potassium（K）,hydrolysis N,available P and available K in soils.Results showed that：（1） soil nutrient contents among different populations showed significant spatial variability,and soil depth had a significant effect on soil nutrients contents,but the variation rules were not obvious.（2）Average pH and average contents of OM,total N,total P,total K,hydrolysis N,available P and available K in soils with different depths（0-15,15-30,30-45 cm） varied in the range of 8.37-9.21,3.34-20.68,0.18-1.21,0.35-0.75,16.12-22.04,5.13-553.28,1.10-52.54 and 103.83-562.28 mg/kg,respectively.（3） The analysis results of correlation between average values of pH and contents of nutrient indexes in soils with different depths（0-15,15-30,30-45 cm） showed that the correlation of these indexes were different.（4）OM and total N contents in soils with different depths（0-15,15-30,30-45 cm） all had a significant positive correlation with latitude and negative correlation with longitude and altitude,and the correlation of available P and available K contents in surface soils（0-15 cm） with latitude,longitude and altitude were significant positive,significant negative and significant negative,respectively;moreover,longitude and latitude also showed a significant impact on soil available K contents with the depth of 30-45 cm.In addition,comprehensive analysis result of nutrient contents showed that N.tangutorum populations in Huaitou Tala Town had the highest fertility,and the fertility levels of N.tangutorum populations in Chaka Town and Wulan Keke Town were relatively lower.

Effects of Vegetation Restoration in Different Types on Soil Nutrients in Southern Edge of Mu Us Sandy Land

In order to explore effects of vegetation on nutrients in soils, nutrients characters of soils under natural grass, closed grass, abandoned lands, forest lands returned from farmlands and fixed sandy areas in Mu Us Desert were researched. The results indicated that vegetations in varied types have different effects on organic matter, total N, available N and available P, among which the first three were all higher in soils under closed grass, forest lands returned from farmlands, and fixed sandy lands than those under natural grass and abandoned lands. This was totally contrary with contents of available P in soil. In addition, nutrients in soils at 0-20 cm were more influenced by vegetation, than those at 20-60 cm, and Caragana Korshinskii proved better in improving nutrients in soils.

Spatial distribution of soil salinization under the influence of human activities in arid areas,China

The Hotan Prefecture of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region,China belongs to arid desert climate,with significant soil salinization issues.The study selected six rivers in Hotan Prefecture(Pishan,Qaraqash,Yurungqash,Celle,Kriya,and Niya rivers)to explore the spatial distribution of soil salinization in this area and its underlying mechanisms.Sampling was conducted along each river's watershed,from the Gobi in the upper reaches,through the anthropogenic impact area in the middle reaches,to the desert area in the lower reaches.Soil physical-chemical indicators,including total soluble salts,pH,K+,Na+,Ca2+,Mg2+,SO42-,Cl-,CO32-,HCO3-,organic matter,available nitrogen,available phosphorus,and available potassium,were tested,along with the total dissolved solids of surface water and groundwater.The results revealed that the soil water and nutrient contents in anthropogenic impact area were higher than those in Gobi and desert areas,while the pH and total soluble salts were lower than those in Gobi and desert areas.The ions in the soil of the study area were primarily Cl-,SO42-,K+,and Na+,and the ion concentration of soil salt were positively correlated with surface water and groundwater.Overall,the study area exhibited low soil water content,low clay content,infertile soil,and high soil salinization,dominated by weak to moderate chloride-sulfate types.Compared with Gobi and desert areas,the soil in anthropogenic impact area had higher soil water content,lower pH,lower soluble salts,and higher nutrients,indicating that human farming activities help mitigate salinization.These findings have practical implications for guiding the scientific prevention and control of soil salinization in the arid areas and for promoting sustainable agricultural development.

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.

Subsoil tillage enhances wheat productivity,soil organic carbon and available nutrient status in dryland fields

Tillage practices during the fallow period benefit water storage and yield in dryland wheat crops.However,there is currently no clarity on the responses of soil organic carbon(SOC),total nitrogen(TN),and available nutrients to tillage practices within the growing season.This study evaluated the effects of three tillage practices(NT,no tillage;SS,subsoil tillage;DT,deep tillage)over five years on soil physicochemical properties.Soil samples at harvest stage from the fifth year were analyzed to determine the soil aggregate and aggregate-associated C and N fractions.The results indicated that SS and DT improved grain yield,straw biomass and straw carbon return of wheat compared with NT.In contrast to DT and NT,SS favored SOC and TN concentrations and stocks by increasing the soil organic carbon sequestration rate(SOCSR)and soil nitrogen sequestration rate(TNSR)in the 0-40 cm layer.Higher SOC levels under SS and NT were associated with greater aggregate-associated C fractions,while TN was positively associated with soluble organic nitrogen(SON).Compared with DT,the NT and SS treatments improved soil available nutrients in the 0-20 cm layer.These findings suggest that SS is an excellent practice for increasing soil carbon,nitrogen and nutrient availability in dryland wheat fields in North China.

Different mechanisms underlie similar species-area relationships in two tropical archipelagoes

Despite much research in the field of island biogeography,mechanisms regulating insular diversity remain elusive.Here,we aim to explore mechanisms underlying plant species-area relationships in two tropical archipelagoes in the South China Sea.We found positive plant species-area relationships for both coral and continental archipelagoes.However,our results showed that different mechanisms contributed to similar plant species-area relationships between the two archipelagoes.For coral islands,soil nutrients and spatial distance among communities played major roles in shaping plant community structure and species diversity.By contrast,the direct effect of island area,and to a lesser extent,soil nutrients determined plant species richness on continental islands.Intriguingly,increasing soil nutrients availability(N,P,K)had opposite effects on plant diversity between the two archipelagoes.In summary,the habitat quality effect and dispersal limitation are important for regulating plant diversity on coral islands,whereas the passive sampling effect,and to a lesser extent,the habitat quality effect are important for regulating plant diversity on continental islands.More generally,our findings indicate that island plant species-area relationships are outcomes of the interplay of both niche and neutral processes,but the driving mechanisms behind these relationships depends on the type of islands.

Effects of Different Seed Stem Sizes on the Changes of Available Elements in Rhizosphere Soil of Fritillaria thunbergii Miq.

[Objectives]This study was conducted to screen suitable seed stems of Fritillaria thunbergii Miq.from different provenances and to provide a theoretical basis for the high-yielding and high-efficiency cultivation of F.thunbergii Miq.introduced to different places.[Methods]F.thunbergii Miq.from four different provenances including Zhejiang,Nantong and Chongqing were introduced and cultivated in Wanzhou of Chongqing.The contents of available Zn,Fe,Mn,Cu,Mo,N,P,K,Ca and Mg in rhizosphere soil of F.thunbergii Miq.during five growing stages were determined after selecting different stem sizes for field cultivation.[Results]Small stems of Pan an and Ningbo provenances(SSG3,121-160/kg)and middle stems of Nantong and Fengjie provenances(SSG2,81-120/kg)showed higher soil availability.[Conclusions]In the process of introduction and cultivation of F.thunbergii Miq.,high yield and high efficiency can be achieved by selecting smaller seed stems of F.thunbergii Miq.

Nutrient Content in Soils and Adaptability of Corn in Yuanzhou District,Guyuan City

[Objective] The aim was to research rational fertilization of corn in Yuanzhou District, Guyuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. [Method] Nutrient con- tents in soils in Yuanzhou District were measured with conventional analysis method and the suitable fertilization scheme of corn growth was proposed based on fertiliz- er-application rule of corn growth and nutrient balance. [Result] Soil in farmlands in Yuanzhou District was of alkalinity; organic matter, N, P and Zn were shortage; S was extremely insufficient; Fe and Mn were moderate; K was abundant; Cu would satisfy crop growth, [Conclusion] The research provides references for yield increase, reduction of chemical fertilizer and related pollution for corn growth.

Relationships between Application Amount of Quicklime and Soil Nutrients,Flue-cured Tobacco Quality in Panzhihua City

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the improving effect of quick- lime on acid soil in tobacco-growing areas in Panzhihua City. [Method] The effects of four application amounts （450, 900, 1 350 and 1 800 kg/hm2） of quicklime on soil nutrients and flue-cured tobacco quality were observed for two consecutive years. [Result] In acid soil, the application of quicklime significantly improved soil pH. In addition, it showed significant effects on soil nutrients, flue-cured tobacco quality, tobacco output and tobacco leaf chemical components. When the application amount of quicklime was increased to 1 350 kg/hm2, the improving effect of quick- lime on soil nutrients was best, the flue-cured tobacco yield and quality all reached the highest, and the chemical components of tobacco leaves were closest to the in- herent indicators of high-quality tobacco leaves. [Conclusion] This study will provide certain reference for accurate application of quicklime in tobacco-growing area in Panzhihua City.

The Distribution Characteristics of Soil pH Values of Tobacco-growing Areas in Dali City and Its Correlation with Soil Nutrients

[Objective] The aim was to study the distribution characteristics of soil pH values and its correlation with soil nutrients in tobacco-growing areas. [Method] Soil nutrients of 43 samples from tobacco-growing areas in Dali City were analyzed.[Results] The results showed that average pH value of tobacco-planting soil in Dali City was 6.52, soil samples which suited for flue-cured tobacco cultivation accounted for 72.09% of total soil samples. In four soil types of tobacco-growing areas, the pH values in a descending order were as follows： alluvial soil〉 paddy soil 〉purple soil〉 red soil. At the altitude range of 1 780-2 200 m, soil pH values showed a gradual decreasing trend. The average contents of soil organic matters were relatively abundant and generally suited for high-quality tobacco cultivation; the average contents of soil alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable calcium and exchangeable magnesium were generally at medium and abundant level, however,their rations under the medium level in some tobacco-growing areas were 6.98%,11.63%, 2.33% and 4.65%, respectively; moreover, soil with lower available potassium contents occupied a large proportion, namely 58.14%. [Conclusion] Soil pH values had significant correlation with exchangeable magnesium and exchangeable magnesium, however, they had no significant correlation with other soil nutrients.

Spatial Interpolation of Soil Nutrients Based on BP Neural Network

With Zengcheng City, Guangdong Province, as the object of study, 200 soil sampling points were col ected for the spatial interpolation prediction of soil properties by using Kriging method and BP neural network method. After comparing the interpolation results with the measured values, the root mean square error of the prediction data was obtained. The results showed that the interpolation accuracy of BP neural network was higher than that of Kriging method under the same cir-cumstances, and there was no smoothness in using BP neural network method when there were few sample points. In addition, with no requirement on the distri-bution of sample data, BP neural network method had stronger generalization ability than traditional interpolation method, which was an alternative interpolation method.

Changes of Nutrient in Tobacco Soils in Zhaotong City, Yunnan Province during 2011-2013

[Objective] The aim was to explore interannual changes of soil nutrients in tobacco soils in Zhaotong, in order to provide theoretical references for tobacco bal- anced fertilization in Zhaotong. [Method] The research analyzed nutrient changes in tobacco soils in Zhaotong during 2011-2013. [Result] In Zhaotong, pH value of to- bacco soils was increasing; the contents of organic matter and N, P and K contents were in the range suitable for tobacco growth; CI- content was growing in tobacco soils and reached the highest in 2013. [Conclusion] In general, soil nutrients show insignificant differences internannually in Zhaotong.