Biomechanical Response of the Root System in Tomato Seedlings under Wind Disturbance

Wind disturbance as a green method can effectively prevent the overgrowth of tomato seedlings,and its mechanism may be related to root system mechanics.This study characterized the biophysical mechanical properties of taproot and lateral roots of tomato seedlings at five seedling ages and seedling substrates with three different moisture content.The corresponding root system-substrate finite element(FE)model was then developed and validated.The study showed that seedling age significantly affected the biomechanical properties of the taproot and lateral roots of the seedlings and that moisture content significantly affected the biomechanical properties of the seedling substrate(p<0.05).The established FE model was sensitive to wind speed,substrate moisture content,strong seedling index,and seedling age and was robust.The multiple linear regression equations obtained could predict the maximum stress and strain of the root system of tomato seedlings in the wind field.The strong seedling index had the greatest impact on the biomechanical response of the seedling root system during wind disturbance,followed by wind speed.In contrast,seedling age had no significant effect on the biomechanical response of the root system during wind disturbance.In the simulation,no mechanical damage was observed on the tissue of the seedling root system,but there were some strain behaviors.Based on the plant stress resistance,wind disturbance may affect the growth and development of the root system in the later growth stage.In this study,finite element and statistical analysis methods were combined to provide an effective approach for indepth analysis of the biomechanical mechanisms of wind disturbances that inhibit tomato seedlings’growth from the root system’s perspective.

The Effect of Planting Oilseed Rape and Compost Application on Heavy Metal Forms in Soil and Cd and Pb Uptake in Rice

Pot experiments were conducted under greenhouse condition to investigate whether Cd and Pb uptake by rice could be reduced when it was rotated with oilseed rape and compost application.The results showed that the rice grown after oilseed rape had significantly lower Cd and Pb concentrations in both straw and grains.Cd and Pb concentrations in the grains of the rice rotated with oilseed rape decreased by approximately 46-80% and 17-86%,respectively,although the Cd and Pb removal by oilseed rape ranged only from 2.39-3.67 and 0.032-0.13% of the total content in soil.Compost amendment also decreased the bioavailability of Cd and Pb in the soil and reduced Cd and Pb uptake by oilseed rapes and rice.The concentrations of Cd and Pb significantly decreased in the exchangeable and carbonate fractions and Pb concentration decreased in the organic matter and sulfide fractions in the contaminated soil after planting oilseed rapes.

Utilization of Thermal Infrared Image for Inversion of Winter Wheat Yield and Biomass

The present paper utilizes thermal infrared image for inversion of winter wheat yield and biomass with different technology of irrigation(drip irrigation,sprinkler irrigation,flood irrigation).It is the first time that thermal infrared image is used for predicting the winter wheat yield and biomass.The temperature of crop and background was measured by thermal infrared image.It is necessary to get the crop background separation index(CBSIL,CBSIH),which can be used for distinguishing the crop value from the image.CBSIL and CBSIH(the temperature when the leaves are wet adequately;the temperature when the stomata of leaf is closed completely) are the threshold values.The temperature of crop ranged from CBSIL to CBSIH.Then the ICWSI was calculated based on relevant theoretical method.The value of stomata leaf has strong negative correlation with ICWSI proving the reliable value of ICWSI.In order to construct the high accuracy simulation model,the samples were divided into two parts.One was used for constructing the simulation model,the other for checking the accuracy of the model.Such result of the model was concluded as:(1) As for the simulation model of soil moisture,the correlation coefficient(R2) is larger than 0.887 6,the average of relative error(Er) ranges from 13.33% to 16.88%;(2) As for the simulation model of winter wheat yield,drip irrigation(0.887 6,16.89%,-0.12),sprinkler irrigation(0.970 0,14.85%,-0.12),flood irrigation(0.969 0,18.87%,0.18),with the values of R2,Er and CRM listed in the parentheses followed by the individual term.(3) As for winter wheat biomass,drip irrigation(0.980 0,13.70%,0.13),sprinkler irrigation(0.95,13.15%,-0.14),flood irrigation(0.970 0,14.48%,-0.13),and the values in the parentheses are demonstrated the same as above.Both the CRM and Er are shown to be very low values,which points to the accuracy and reliability of the model investigated.The accuracy of model is high and reliable.The results indicated that thermal infrared image can be used potentially for inversion of winter wheat yield and biomass.

The main physical properties of planosol in maize(Zea mays L.) cultivation under different long-term reduced tillage practices in the Baltic region

The impact of sustainable reduced tillage(RT) on the physical properties of soil is well documented worldwide; however, there is no precise information about the influence of long-term RT or no-till(NT) on the soils at the boundary for grain maize-growing in the semi-humid subarctic climate conditions of the Baltic states, especially on the formation of a hardened upper soil layer(10–15 cm in depth)- "loosening hardpan". This study was carried out at the Research Station of Aleksandras Stulginskis University, Lithuania from 2009–2012. The investigations were based on a long-term(since 1988) field experiment. The aim of the investigation was to ascertain the influence of reduced primary tillage on the main soil's physical properties. This study examined soils that were deep ploughing(DP), shallow ploughing(SP), deep cultivation(DC), shallow cultivation(SC), and no-till(NT). Reducing the tillage intensity to NT had no significant effect on the structural soil's composition; however, the stability of the structure of the >1 and >0.25 mm-size fractions was significantly higher in the non-reversibly tilled(DC, SC) and NT plots. The penetration resistance of the DP soils was less after primary tillage and wintering, and became similar to the NT plots at the end of the maize growth season. After primary tillage and wintering, the soil moisture content in the upper soil layer(0–5 cm depth) of the NT plots was 17–49 and 16–18% higher than that in the DP. Long-term reduction of primary tillage up to NT generally had no significant effect on the moisture content and soil bulk density of the 0–10 and 10–20 cm layers. The results showed that long-term RT stabilized the physical quality of soil. Less soil penetration resistance was established in the DP plots compared to both RT and NT, however, indicators of the formation of a uniform "loosening hardpan" layer were not found. It is summarized that long-term RT or NT systems stabilize, or may increase, the physical quality of soil in crop cultivation with low inter-row coverage potential(maize), and could be applied in semi-humid subarctic climate conditions as a good option to prevent soil degradation.

Structural Properties and Potential Applications of Cellulose Nanofiber from Bamboo Shoot Shell

Bamboo shoot shell(BSS),a by-product from bamboo shoot processing industries,is a natural resource of cellulose. In this study,high-pressure homogenization assisted with acidolysis treatment was employed to produce BSS cellulose nanofiber(CNF),and the structure was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction(XRD),Fourier-transform infrared(FT-IR) spectroscopy,atomic force microscopy(AFM),high resolution transmission electron microscopy(HTTEM),thermogravimetric analysis(TGA),and ^(13) C nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR). Moreover,the structure and properties of CNF were compared with those of BSS insoluble dietary fiber(IDF). The results showed that CNF was in the form of a grid-like micro fiber,and its particle size was obviously reduced,while the crystallinity,thermal stability and solubility were increased. The results indicated that high-pressure homogenization assisted with acidolysis treatment was an effective method to prepare the BSS CNF,which could be a promising biopolymer reinforced material.

Effects of low nutrition on photosynthetic capacity and accumulation of total N and P in three climber plant species

To study the effects of low nutrition on pho tosynthetic capacity and accumulation of total nitrogen(N) and phosphorus(P) in three climber plant species Pharbitis nil(Linn.) Choisy, Lonicera japonica Thunb. and Parthenocissus tricuspidata(Sieb.et Zucc.) Planch, al climber plants were exposed to low nutrition at 6 levels(Hoagland solution as control, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16 and 1/32 strength Hoagland solution) for 30 days. Photosynthetic capacity was determined by measuring leaf chlorophyl fluorescence, chlorophyll content, carbonic anhydrases activity and growth. Accumulation of total N and P was studied by measuring N and P content in plant tissues. Low nutrition decreased the photosynthetic capacity of P. nil while L. japonica maintained high photosynthetic capacity under low nutrition. Photosynthetic apparatus of P. tricu spidata suffered no damage when exposed to low nutrition L. japonica and P. tricuspidata had better adaptability to low nutrition than P. nil. With a faster growth rate, P. ni consumed more nutrition(N and P), and its growth was mainly affected by P deficiency under low nutrition Although L. japonica suffered damage from N and P deficiency simultaneously, but the nutrient deficiency was not serious except for 1/32-strength Hoagland solution P. tricuspidata grew slowly, so its requirement of N and Pwere the least, even if it was mainly affected by the P deficiency, it could still grow well under low nutrition.With the consideration of fertilizing N and P fertilizers in karst areas which were with lower N and P contents, plant species, N/P ratio threshold and low nutrition level should be taken into account synchronously. This study could provide a general consideration for the planning and developing low nutrition resistant plants and fertilizing the three climber plant species in the low nutrition environment.

The influence of three mangrove species on the distribution of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus in the Quanzhou Bay estuarine wetland soils

This study aims to investigate the effects of region and three regional dominated mangrove species(Avicennia marina, Aegiceras corniculatum and Kandelia candel) on the distribution of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus. Measurement of the inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus and enzymatic activities was carried out in soils covered by three mangrove species in the Quanzhou Bay estuarine wetlands, a typical coastal wetland in China.Species with a higher biomass in upstream and midstream absorb more nitrogen from soils, and the retention of the available phosphorus in the soils of different regions causes the regional variation of phosphorus. In areas dominated by A. marina, nitrate nitrogen is lower while available phosphorus is higher. Meanwhile, nitrate nitrogen and available phosphorus are higher in the soils covered by K. candel.Moreover, all three species affect the elemental and enzymic stoichiometry. The mangrove species influences the diversity of the elemental and enzymic stoichiometric relationship through differential microenvironments, which induce the biodiversity of wetland ecosystems. Thus, this study may facilitate a better understanding of the transformation ability of mangroves to nitrogen and phosphorus and will therefore be beneficial for providing a basis for the ecological restoration of estuarine wetlands.

The distribution characteristics of nitrogen and phosphorus in the ecological system of Mt. Beigu wetland

The Mt. Beigu wetland, which has undergone periodical changes in water level, lies by the Yangtze River, and its dominant plants are Phragmites communis, Phalaris arundinacea and Polygonum lapathifolium. In order to study the distribution characteristics of nitrogen and phosphorus in the ecological system of the Mt. Beigu wetland, the authors measured the contents of total nitrogen and total phosphorus in Phragmites communis, Phalaris arundinacea and Polygonum lapathifolium, and the contents of nitrogen and phosphorus in the wetland soils with different plant species. In addition the authors investigated the influence of various plants on the spatial and seasonal (spring/autumn) distributions of nitrogen and phosphorus in the wetland soil. The contents of nitrogen and phosphorus in Phalaris arundinacea are significantly higher than those of the other two plant species in the same part. Secondary pollution of phosphorus in the wetland results mainly from Phalaris arundinacea. Phragmites communis effectively carries away nitrogen and phosphorus in the wetland soil in the wet season. The capacity of Polygonum lapathifolium to remove nitrogen is lowest among the 3 species of plants. These findings offer a theoretical foundation for the selection of plant species to restore the ecological environment and for the selection of time and depth for purging silt on the riverside wetland.

Optimization of Process Conditions for the Development of Tomato Foam by Box-Behnken Design

The present work aims to optimize the foaming conditions for tomato juice using three level Box-Behnken Experimental Design of Response surface Methodology. In the following study three process parameters namely concentration of egg albumin (EA) as foaming agent, Carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) as foam stabilizer and whipping time (WT) was optimized. The levels for various input variables were EA: 5% - 15%, CMC: 0.10% - 0.60% & WT: 3 - 7 min. The responses measured were expansion volume (EV), foam density (FD) and drainage volume (DV) which are an indication of foaming ability and foam stability. The predicted levels of responses as generated by software were EV: 91.49%, FD: 0.558 g/cc & DV: 10 ml, which on validation was found closer to experimental value.

Plowshares Wear Investigation of the Plows Working in Mountainous Conditions Using Statistical Probabilistic Modeling

A general technique for modeling of the wear of machine parts using the theory of probability and mathematical statistics is developed,which is implemented through the example of plows of agricultural plows.Regularities of their wear during working under mountainous conditions are established,an adequate probabilistic-statistic mathematical model is obtained,general characteristics of the distribution of wear are determined using statistical moments and their most common(modal)values are determined which allow to substantiate the method of restoring worn parts for the purpose of increasing their life.This technique can also be utilized to study the regularity of wear of parts of other machines.

基于PLSR方法的马铃薯叶片氮素含量机载高光谱遥感反演

作物氮素状况是评价土壤肥力和作物长势的重要指标,叶片氮素状况的实时无损估测对合理氮素管理、提高产量和改善品质具有重要意义。本文选择不同氮处理条件下的马铃薯作为研究对象,利用AISAEagle机载高光谱成像系统获取试验区的高光谱图像,在对图像进行精确的几何、辐射校正和反射光谱重建基础上,提取每个处理马铃薯冠层的高光谱数据。选取波长430-910nm范围内原始光谱R及其D1（R）、D2（R）、Log（1/R）、DLog（1/R）、D2Log（1/R）5种变式数据,根据田间同步采样叶片的氮素含量数据,利用偏最小二乘回归法（PLSR）构建了马铃薯叶片氮素含量的光谱预测模型,并进行全氮含量填图。结果表明：基于一阶导数光谱D1（R）的偏最小二乘回归模型的效果最优,决定系数（R2）和校正均方差（RMSEC）分别为0.82、0.38%。将该最优估算模型应用到整个高光谱图像上,得到试验区马铃薯叶片全氮分布图,图像上氮的值域为3.35%-5.95%,与地面实测结果3.59%-5.89%基本一致,且叶片全氮值的大小分布与马铃薯长势分布一致。研究结果可为研制和开发基于高光谱成像技术的马铃薯叶片氮素预测方法提供理论和技术支持。

湿帘风机系统温室夏季蒸腾与微气候试验

在2种通风率和湿帘开、关状况下对温室内部气候相关参数进行了检测和对比分析,并重点对蒸腾速率进行了模拟计算和测量。试验结果表明:蒸腾速率与通风率、湿帘工作状况相关,在相对干燥的环境下(不开启湿帘),提高通风率可使植物获得更大的蒸腾量,从而可使温室内部温度不超过室外温度。在湿帘不工作的情况下,由于蒸腾的作用植物叶面温度低于周围的环境空气温度;而在湿帘工作情况下,室内湿度较高,蒸腾受到抑制,叶面温度高于周围环境空气温度。

基于变频驱动的温室变风量通风节能效果试验

基于变频调速驱动技术的温室变风量通风(VAV)方法,可以实现温室夏季通风节能。在一个装备机械通风系统的连栋温室中对设置由变频驱动(VFD)控制的通风系统和常规的开关通风系统进行对比试验。变频控制系统由输入参数为室外环境太阳辐射热流密度和温室内外部温度的控制算法实现变风量通风(VAV),两部分温室的内部气候参数和耗电量得到连续检测并进行对比。连续试验结果表明:在保证两个温室气候参数一致的条件下,变频驱动控制方式比非变频驱动控制方式具有36%(湿帘不工作)和46%(湿帘工作)的节能效果。