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Showing papers in "Plant and Soil in 2008"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Plant breeding strategy (e.g., genetic biofortification) appears to be a most sustainable and cost-effective approach useful in improving Zn concentrations in grain, and application of Zn fertilizers or Zn-enriched NPK fertilizers offers a rapid solution to the problem.
Abstract: Zinc deficiency is a well-documented problem in food crops, causing decreased crop yields and nutritional quality. Generally, the regions in the world with Zn-deficient soils are also characterized by widespread Zn deficiency in humans. Recent estimates indicate that nearly half of world population suffers from Zn deficiency. Cereal crops play an important role in satisfying daily calorie intake in developing world, but they are inherently very low in Zn concentrations in grain, particularly when grown on Zn-deficient soils. The reliance on cereal-based diets may induce Zn deficiency-related health problems in humans, such as impairments in physical development, immune system and brain function. Among the strategies being discussed as major solution to Zn deficiency, plant breeding strategy (e.g., genetic biofortification) appears to be a most sustainable and cost-effective approach useful in improving Zn concentrations in grain. The breeding approach is, however, a long-term process requiring a substantial effort and resources. A successful breeding program for biofortifying food crops with Zn is very much dependent on the size of plant-available Zn pools in soil. In most parts of the cereal-growing areas, soils have, however, a variety of chemical and physical problems that significantly reduce availability of Zn to plant roots. Hence, the genetic capacity of the newly developed (biofortified) cultivars to absorb sufficient amount of Zn from soil and accumulate it in the grain may not be expressed to the full extent. It is, therefore, essential to have a short-term approach to improve Zn concentration in cereal grains. Application of Zn fertilizers or Zn-enriched NPK fertilizers (e.g., agronomic biofortification) offers a rapid solution to the problem, and represents useful complementary approach to on-going breeding programs. There is increasing evidence showing that foliar or combined soil+foliar application of Zn fertilizers under field conditions are highly effective and very practical way to maximize uptake and accumulation of Zn in whole wheat grain, raising concentration up to 60 mg Zn kg−1. Zinc-enriched grains are also of great importance for crop productivity resulting in better seedling vigor, denser stands and higher stress tolerance on potentially Zn-deficient soils. Agronomic biofortification strategy appears to be essential in keeping sufficient amount of available Zn in soil solution and maintaining adequate Zn transport to the seeds during reproductive growth stage. Finally, agronomic biofortification is required for optimizing and ensuring the success of genetic biofortification of cereal grains with Zn. In case of greater bioavailability of the grain Zn derived from foliar applications than from soil, agronomic biofortification would be a very attractive and useful strategy in solving Zn deficiency-related health problems globally and effectively.

1,743 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This paper reviews and update long-standing and more recent estimates of biological N2 fixation for the different agricultural systems, including the extensive, uncultivated tropical savannas used for grazing.
Abstract: Biological dinitrogen (N2) fixation is a natural process of significant importance in world agriculture. The demand for accurate determinations of global inputs of biologically-fixed nitrogen (N) is strong and will continue to be fuelled by the need to understand and effectively manage the global N cycle. In this paper we review and update long-standing and more recent estimates of biological N2 fixation for the different agricultural systems, including the extensive, uncultivated tropical savannas used for grazing. Our methodology was to combine data on the areas and yields of legumes and cereals from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) database on world agricultural production (FAOSTAT) with published and unpublished data on N2 fixation. As the FAO lists grain legumes only, and not forage, fodder and green manure legumes, other literature was accessed to obtain approximate estimates in these cases. Below-ground plant N was factored into the estimations. The most important N2-fixing agents in agricultural systems are the symbiotic associations between crop and forage/fodder legumes and rhizobia. Annual inputs of fixed N are calculated to be 2.95 Tg for the pulses and 18.5 Tg for the oilseed legumes. Soybean (Glycine max) is the dominant crop legume, representing 50% of the global crop legume area and 68% of global production. We calculate soybean to fix 16.4 Tg N annually, representing 77% of the N fixed by the crop legumes. Annual N2 fixation by soybean in the U.S., Brazil and Argentina is calculated at 5.7, 4.6 and 3.4 Tg, respectively. Accurately estimating global N2 fixation for the symbioses of the forage and fodder legumes is challenging because statistics on the areas and productivity of these legumes are almost impossible to obtain. The uncertainty increases as we move to the other agricultural-production systems—rice (Oryza sativa), sugar cane (Saccharum spp.), cereal and oilseed (non-legume) crop lands and extensive, grazed savannas. Nonetheless, the estimates of annual N2 fixation inputs are 12–25 Tg (pasture and fodder legumes), 5 Tg (rice), 0.5 Tg (sugar cane), <4 Tg (non-legume crop lands) and <14 Tg (extensive savannas). Aggregating these individual estimates provides an overall estimate of 50–70 Tg N fixed biologically in agricultural systems. The uncertainty of this range would be reduced with the publication of more accurate statistics on areas and productivity of forage and fodder legumes and the publication of many more estimates of N2 fixation, particularly in the cereal, oilseed and non-legume crop lands and extensive tropical savannas used for grazing.

1,355 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Lorenz Hiltner is recognized as the first scientist to coin the term “rhizosphere” in 1904 and his ideas and contributions are as fresh as they were more than 100 years ago.
Abstract: Lorenz Hiltner is recognized as the first scientist to coin the term “rhizosphere” in 1904. His scientific career and achievements are summarized in this essay. Most of his research he performed in the Bavarian Agriculture–Botanical Institute (later named the “Bavarian Institute of Plant Growth and Plant Protection”) in Munich, where he was the director from 1902 to 1923. Beginning with intensive and thorough investigations on the germination and growth of different crop plants (legumes and non-legumes) Hiltner became convinced, that root exudates of different plants support the development of different bacterial communities. His definition of the “rhizosphere” in the year 1904 centered on the idea, that plant nutrition is considerably influenced by the microbial composition of the rhizosphere. Hiltner observed bacterial cells even inside the rhizodermis of healthy roots. In analogy with fungal root symbionts, Hiltner named the bacterial community that is closely associated with roots “bacteriorhiza.” In his rhizosphere concept, Hiltner also envisioned, that beneficial bacteria are not only attracted by the root exudates but that there are also “uninvited guests,” that adjust to the specific root exudates. Based on his observations he hypothesized that “the resistance of plants towards pathogenesis is dependent on the composition of the rhizosphere microflora.” He even had the idea, that the quality of plant products may be dependent on the composition of the root microflora. In addition to his scientific achievements, Hiltner was very dedicated to applied work. Together with F. Nobbe he had the first patent on Rhizobium inoculants (Nitragin). He continuously improved formulations and the effectivity of the Rhizobium preparations and he also initiated seed dressing with sublimate for plant protection of seedlings. Thus, Hiltner tightly linked breakthroughs in basic research to improved rhizosphere management practices. In addition, he wrote a pioneering monograph on plant protection for everybody’s practical use. His emphasis on understanding microbes in the context of their micro-habitat, the rhizosphere, made him a pioneer in microbial ecology. Even now, in the era of genome and postgenome analysis with our better understanding of plant nutrition and soil bacteriology, his ideas and contributions are as fresh as they were more than 100 years ago.

471 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the root reinforcement effect of 25 typical Mediterranean matorral species (i.e. shrubs, grasses herbs, small trees) was assessed, using the simple perpendicular model of Wu et al.
Abstract: In Mediterranean environments, gully erosion is responsible for large soil losses. It has since long been recognized that slopes under vegetation are much more resistant to soil erosion processes compared to bare soils and improve slope stability. Planting or preserving vegetation in areas vulnerable to erosion is therefore considered to be a very effective soil erosion control measure. Re-vegetation strategies for erosion control rely in most cases on the effects of the above-ground biomass in reducing water erosion rates, whereas the role of the below-ground biomass is often neglected or underestimated. While the above-ground biomass can temporally disappear in semi-arid environments, roots may still be present underground and play an important role in protecting the topsoil from being eroded. In order to evaluate the potential of plant species growing in Mediterranean environments to prevent shallow mass movements on gully or terrace walls, the root reinforcement effect of 25 typical Mediterranean matorral species (i.e. shrubs, grasses herbs, small trees) was assessed, using the simple perpendicular model of Wu et al. (Can Geotech J 16:19–33, 1979). As little information is available on Mediterranean plant root characteristics, root distribution data were collected in SE-Spain and root tensile strength tests were conducted in the laboratory. The power root tensile strength–root diameter relationships depend on plant species. The results show that the shrubs Salsola genistoides Juss. Ex Poir. and Atriplex halimus L. have the strongest roots, followed by the grass Brachypodium retusum (Pers.) Beauv. The shrubs Nerium oleander L. and the grass Avenula bromoides (Gouan) H. Scholz have the weakest roots in tension. Root area ratio for the 0–0.1 m topsoil ranges from 0.08% for the grass Piptatherum miliaceum (L.) Coss to 0.8% for the tree Tamarix canariensis Willd. The rush Juncus acutus L. provides the maximum soil reinforcement to the topsoil by its roots (i.e. 304 kPa). Grasses also increase soil shear strength significantly (up to 244 kPa in the 0–0.1 m topsoil for Brachypodium retusum (Pers.) Beauv.). The shrubs Retama sphaerocarpa (L.) Boiss. and Anthyllis cytisoides L. are increasing soil shear strength to a large extent as well (up to 134 and 160 kPa respectively in the 0–0.10 m topsoil). Whereas grasses and the rush Juncus acutus L. increase soil shear strength in the topsoil (0–0.10 m) to a large extent, the shrubs Anthyllis cytisoides (L.), Retama sphaerocarpa (L.) Boiss., Salsola genistoides Juss. Ex Poir. and Atriplex halimus L. strongly reinforce the soil to a greater depth (0–0.5 m). As other studies reported that Wu’s model overestimates root cohesion values, reported root cohesion values in this study are maximum values. Nevertheless, the calculated cohesion values are used to rank species according to their potential to reinforce the soil.

386 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Findings suggest that wheat root system architecture is closely linked to the angle of seminal root axes at the seedling stage, and the possible exploitation of root architectural traits in breeding for improved wheat cultivars for water-limited environments.
Abstract: Root system characteristics are of fundamental importance to soil exploration and below-ground resource acquisition. Root architectural traits determine the in situ space-filling properties of a root system or root architecture. The growth angle of root axes is a principal component of root system architecture that has been strongly associated with acquisition efficiency in many crop species. The aims of this study were to examine the extent of genotypic variability for the growth angle and number of seminal roots in 27 current Australian and 3 CIMMYT wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes, and to quantify using fractal analysis the root system architecture of a subset of wheat genotypes contrasting in drought tolerance and seminal root characteristics. The growth angle and number of seminal roots showed significant genotypic variation among the wheat genotypes with values ranging from 36 to 56 (degrees) and 3 to 5 (plant−1), respectively. Cluster analysis of wheat genotypes based on similarity in their seminal root characteristics resulted in four groups. The group composition reflected to some extent the genetic background and environmental adaptation of genotypes. Wheat cultivars grown widely in the Mediterranean environments of southern and western Australia generally had wider growth angle and lower number of seminal axes. In contrast, cultivars with superior performance on deep clay soils in the northern cropping region, such as SeriM82, Baxter, Babax, and Dharwar Dry exhibited a narrower angle of seminal axes. The wheat genotypes also showed significant variation in fractal dimension (D). The D values calculated for the individual segments of each root system suggested that, compared to the standard cultivar Hartog, the drought-tolerant genotypes adapted to the northern region tended to distribute relatively more roots in the soil volume directly underneath the plant. These findings suggest that wheat root system architecture is closely linked to the angle of seminal root axes at the seedling stage. The implications of genotypic variation in the seminal root characteristics and fractal dimension for specific adaptation to drought environment types are discussed with emphasis on the possible exploitation of root architectural traits in breeding for improved wheat cultivars for water-limited environments.

373 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results obtained in this study demonstrate clearly that plant species and soil type are two important factors affecting the structure of total bacterial, Pseudomonas and Bacillus community.
Abstract: The plant rhizosphere is a dynamic environment in which many parameters may influence the population structure, diversity and activity of the microbial community. Two important factors determining the structure of microbial community present in the vicinity of plant roots are plant species and soil type. In the present study we assessed the structure of microbial communities in response to four plant species (i.e. maize (Zea mays L.), oat (Avena sativa L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and commercial grass mix) planted in soil with different land use history (i.e. arable land under crop rotation, maize monoculture and permanent grassland). Both factors, plant species and land use history, showed clear effects on microbial community and diversity as determined by PCR-DGGE fingerprinting with universal and group-specific bacterial primers. Moreover, we explored the rhizosphere effect of these plant species on the abundance of bacterial antagonists of the potato pathogen Rhizoctonia solani AG3. The data showed that the abundance and taxonomic composition of antagonists differed clearly between the different plants. The highest percentages of antagonists were found in maize and grass rhizosphere. When antagonistic Pseudomonas populations were compared, the highest, abundance and diversity of antagonists were detected in barley and oat rhizospheres, as compared to maize and grass rhizosphere. The results obtained in our study demonstrate clearly that plant species and soil type are two important factors affecting the structure of total bacterial, Pseudomonas and Bacillus community.

290 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The isolates showed resistance to high Zn concentrations, indicating an adaptation to high concentrations of mobile Zn in the rhizosphere of Salix caprea, and other mechanisms than the production of IAA, ACC deaminase and siderophores were involved in the observed plant–microbe interactions.
Abstract: A variety of plants growing on metalliferous soils accumulate metals in their harvestable parts and have the potential to be used for phytoremediation of heavy metal polluted land. There is increasing evidence that rhizosphere bacteria contribute to the metal extraction process, but the mechanisms of this plant–microbe interaction are not yet understood. In this study ten rhizosphere isolates obtained from heavy metal accumulating willows affiliating with Pseudomonas, Janthinobacterium, Serratia, Flavobacterium, Streptomyces and Agromyces were analysed for their effect on plant growth, Zn and Cd uptake. In plate assays Zn, Cd and Pb resistances and the ability of the bacteria to produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), 1-amino-cyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase (ACC deaminase) and siderophores were determined. The isolates showed resistance to high Zn concentrations, indicating an adaptation to high concentrations of mobile Zn in the rhizosphere of Salix caprea. Four siderophore producers, two IAA producers and one strain producing both siderophores and IAA were identified. None of the analysed strains produced ACC deaminase. Metal mobilization by bacterial metabolites was assessed by extracting Zn and Cd from soil with supernatants of liquid cultures. Strain Agromyces AR33 almost doubled Zn and Cd extractability, probably by the relase of Zn and Cd specific ligands. The remaining strains, immobilized both metals. When Salix caprea plantlets were grown in γ-sterilized, Zn/Cd/Pb contaminated soil and inoculated with the Zn resistant isolates, Streptomyces AR17 enhanced Zn and Cd uptake. Agromyces AR33 tendentiously promoted plant growth and thereby increased the total amount of Zn and Cd extracted from soil. The IAA producing strains did not affect plant growth, and the siderophore producers did not enhance Zn and Cd accumulation. Apparently other mechanisms than the production of IAA, ACC deaminase and siderophores were involved in the observed plant–microbe interactions.

261 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the theory, applications, strengths and weaknesses of approaches commonly used for measuring trace gas fluxes are reviewed. But, it is not feasible for many trace gases for a variety of reasons, including leaks, stickiness of some gases, inhibition of fluxes through concentration build-up, pressure effects and spatial and temporal variability in gas flux.
Abstract: The theory, applications, strengths and weaknesses of approaches commonly used for measuring trace gas fluxes are reviewed. Chambers, representing the smallest scale (∼1 m2), are the most common tools. Their operating principle is simple, they can be highly sensitive, the cost can be low and field requirements small. Problems include leaks, stickiness of some gases, inhibition of fluxes through concentration build-up, pressure effects and spatial and temporal variability in gas fluxes. Mass balance techniques are suitable for small, defined source areas, typically tens to thousands of square metres in extent. Emissions are calculated from the difference in the rates at which the gas is carried into a control volume above the source area by the wind and carried out. The required primary data are profiles of gas concentration on the downwind boundaries as well as the wind speed profile, the wind direction and the upwind background gas concentration. They have been used to measure gas emissions from landfills, treated fields and small animal herds. Circular test areas make the method independent of wind direction. A newly developed technique based on a backward Lagrangian stochastic dispersion model is also applicable to small, well-defined source areas of any shape. The surface flux is calculated form measurements of atmospheric turbulence and stability and the gas concentration at any height downwind. Implementation of the method is aided greatly by a software package WindTrax. The combination provides a powerful new tool for measuring gas emissions from treated areas and intensive animal production systems. Finally, techniques suitable for measuring gas emissions on large landscape scales (ha) are discussed. Eddy covariance is the micrometeorologist’s preferred technique for this scale. The method uses fast response anemometers and gas sensors to make direct measurements of the vertical gas flux at a point, several times a second. However, it is not feasible for many trace gases for a variety of reasons. These are discussed. Relaxed eddy accumulation is an alternative technique that retains the attraction of eddy covariance by providing a direct point measurement. It removes the need for a fast response gas sensor by substituting for it a fast solenoid valve sampling system. Flux–gradient methods are in more common use. Fluxes are calculated as the product of an eddy diffusivity and the vertical concentration gradient of the gas or the product of a transfer coefficient and the difference in gas concentration between two heights. Assumptions of the method and precautions in its application are discussed.

254 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors identify the current level of knowledge regarding the main sources and sinks of CH4 in Australia, and identify CH4 mitigation options and their potential application in Australian ecosystems.
Abstract: Increases in the concentrations of atmospheric greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) due to human activities are associated with global climate change. CO2 concentration in the atmosphere has increased by 33% (to 380 ppm) since 1750 ad, whilst CH4 concentration has increased by 75% (to 1,750 ppb), and as the global warming potential (GWP) of CH4 is 25 fold greater than CO2 it represents about 20% of the global warming effect. The purpose of this review is to: (a) address recent findings regarding biophysical factors governing production and consumption of CH4, (b) identify the current level of knowledge regarding the main sources and sinks of CH4 in Australia, and (c) identify CH4 mitigation options and their potential application in Australian ecosystems. Almost one-third of CH4 emissions are from natural sources such as wetlands and lake sediments, which is poorly documented in Australia. For Australia, the major anthropogenic sources of CH4 emissions include energy production from fossil fuels (~24%), enteric fermentation in the guts of ruminant animals (~59%), landfills, animal wastes and domestic sewage (~15%), and biomass burning (~5%), with minor contributions from manure management (1.7%), land use, land-use change and forestry (1.6%), and rice cultivation (0.2%). A significant sink exists for CH4 (~6%) in aerobic soils, including agricultural and forestry soils, and potentially large areas of arid soils, however, due to limited information available in Australia, it is not accounted for in the Australian National Greenhouse Gas Inventory. CH4 emission rates from submerged soils vary greatly, but mean values ≤10 mg m−2 h−1 are common. Landfill sites may emit CH4 at one to three orders of magnitude greater than submerged soils. CH4 consumption rates in non-flooded, aerobic agricultural, pastoral and forest soils also vary greatly, but mean values are restricted to ≤100 μg m−2 h−1, and generally greatest in forest soils and least in agricultural soils, and decrease from temperate to tropical regions. Mitigation options for soil CH4 production primarily relate to enhancing soil oxygen diffusion through water management, land use change, minimised compaction and soil fertility management. Improved management of animal manure could include biogas capture for energy production or arable composting as opposed to open stockpiling or pond storage. Balanced fertiliser use may increase soil CH4 uptake, reduce soil N2O emissions whilst improving nutrient and water use efficiency, with a positive net greenhouse gas (CO2-e) effect. Similarly, the conversion of agricultural land to pasture, and pastoral land to forestry should increase soil CH4 sink. Conservation of native forests and afforestation of degraded agricultural land would effectively mitigate CH4 emissions by maintaining and enhancing CH4 consumption in these soils, but also by reducing N2O emissions and increasing C sequestration. The overall impact of climate change on methanogenesis and methanotrophy is poorly understood in Australia, with a lack of data highlighting the need for long-term research and process understanding in this area. For policy addressing land-based greenhouse gas mitigation, all three major greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4 and N2O) should be monitored simultaneously, combined with improved understanding at process-level.

250 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a significant relationship appeared between CO2 concentrations and the apparent N2O concentrations in air samples, and the use of DN led to significantly overestimated emissions from fresh plants in static chamber enclosures.
Abstract: With regard to measuring nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from biological sources, there are three most widely adopted methods that use gas chromatograph with an electron capture detector (GC–ECD). They use: (a) nitrogen (N2) as the carrier gas (DN); (b) ascarite as a carbon dioxide (CO2) trap with DN (DN-Ascarite); and (c) a mixture gas of argon and methane as the carrier (AM). Additional methods that use either a mixture of argon and methane (or of CO2 and N2) as a make-up gas with the carrier nitrogen or soda lime (or ascarite) as a CO2 trap with the carrier helium have also been adopted in a few studies. To test the hypothesis that the use of DN sometimes considerably biases measurements of N2O emissions from plants, soils or soil–plant systems, experiments were conducted involving DN, AM and DN-Ascarite. When using DN, a significant relationship appeared between CO2 concentrations and the apparent N2O concentrations in air samples. The use of DN led to significantly overestimated N2O emissions from detached fresh plants in static chamber enclosures. Meanwhile, comparably lower emissions were found when using either the DN-Ascarite or AM methods. When an N2O flux (from a soil or a soil–plant system), measured by DN in combination with sampling from the enclosure of a static opaque chamber, was greater than 200 μg N m−2 h−1, no significant difference was found between DN and DN-Ascarite. When the DN-measured fluxes were within the ranges of <−30, −30–0, 0–30, 30–100 and 100–200 μg N m−2 h−1, significant differences that amounted to −72, −22, 5, 38 and 64 μg N m−2 h−1, respectively, appeared in comparison to DN-Ascarite. As a result, the DN measurements in rice–wheat and vegetable fields overestimated both annual total N2O emissions (by 7–62%, p < 0.05) and direct emission factors for applied nitrogen (by 6–65%). These results suggest the necessity of reassessing the available data determined from DN measurements before they are applied to inventory estimation. Further studies are required to explore appropriate approaches for the necessary reassessment. Our results also imply that the DN method should not be adopted for measuring N2O emissions from weak sources (e.g., with intensities less than 200 μg N m−2 h−1). In addition, we especially do not recommend the use of DN to simultaneously measure N2O and CO2 with the same ECD.

235 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The production of ACC deaminase by streptomycete actinomycetes is reported and its ability to enhance plant growth through reduction in the in planta levels of endogenous ACC and the consequent lowering of endogenous ethylene levels in plant tissues is reported.
Abstract: The ability of streptomycete actinomycetes to promote growth of tomato through the production of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase was evaluated under gnotobiotic and greenhouse conditions. To achieve this, 64 isolates of Streptomyces spp. obtained from a tomato rhizosphere in the United Arab Emirates were initially selected for their ability to produce ACC deaminase as well as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and subsequently for their rhizosphere competence as root colonizers. Of the two selected ACC deaminase-producing isolates showing exceptional rhizosphere competence, S. filipinensis no. 15 produced both ACC deaminase and IAA, whilst S. atrovirens no. 26 did not produce IAA. Under greenhouse conditions, the application of S. filipinensis no. 15 or S. atrovirens no. 26 resulted in the reduction of the endogenous levels of ACC, the immediate precursor of ethylene, in both roots and shoots and increased plant growth. Plant growth promotion was most pronounced in the presence of S. filipinensis no. 15 compared to S. atrovirens no. 26. This relative superiority in performance shows the advantage conferred to S. filipinensis no. 15 due to its ability to produce both IAA and ACC deaminase. In comparison, an ACC deaminase-producing isolate of S. albovinaceus no. 41 which was neither rhizosphere-competent nor capable of producing IAA, failed to promote plant growth compared to S. filipinensis no. 15 or S. atrovirens no. 26 although the growth promotion obtained by S. albovinaceus no. 41 was significant compared to control. The application of S. globosus no. 8, which was not rhizosphere-competent and did not produce detectable levels of ACC deaminase or IAA did not promote plant growth. These results indicate the importance of rhizosphere competence. In conclusion I report the production of ACC deaminase by streptomycete actinomycetes and its ability to enhance plant growth through reduction in the in planta levels of endogenous ACC and the consequent lowering of endogenous ethylene levels in plant tissues.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It was found that the introduction of these recombinant ipdC constructs could further improve the plant-growth promoting effect of A. brasilense, and support the possibility of constructing Azospirillum strains with better performance in plant growth promotion.
Abstract: The production of phytohormones by plant-growth promoting rhizobacteria is considered to be an important mechanism by which these bacteria promote plant growth. In this study the importance of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) produced by Azospirillum brasilense Sp245 in the observed plant growth stimulation was investigated by using Sp245 strains genetically modified in IAA production. Firstly wild-type A. brasilense Sp245 and an ipdC knock-out mutant which produces only 10% of wild-type IAA levels (Vande Broek et al., J Bacteriol 181:1338–1342, 1999) were compared in a greenhouse inoculation experiment for a number of plant parameters, thereby clearly demonstrating the IAA effect in plant growth promotion. Secondly, the question was addressed whether altering expression of the ipdC gene, encoding the key enzyme for IAA biosynthesis in A. brasilense, could also contribute to plant growth promotion. For that purpose, the endogenous promoter of the ipdC gene was replaced by either a constitutive or a plant-inducible promoter and both constructs were introduced into the wild-type strain. Based on a greenhouse inoculation experiment it was found that the introduction of these recombinant ipdC constructs could further improve the plant-growth promoting effect of A. brasilense. These data support the possibility of constructing Azospirillum strains with better performance in plant growth promotion.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the root biomass and BNPP were estimated by soil coring in 2004, 2005, and 2006 and from ingrowth cores in 2005 and 2006 at one site which has been protected from grazing since 1979 (UG79), at one winter grazing (WG), and one heavily grazed (HG) site.
Abstract: The root system of permanent grasslands is of outstanding importance for resource acquisition. Particularly under semi-arid conditions, the acquisition of water and nutrients is highly variable during the vegetation growth period and between years. Additionally, grazing is repeatedly disturbing the functional equilibrium between the root system and the transpiring leaf canopy. However, very few data is available considering grazing effects on belowground net primary productivity (BNPP) and root-shoot dry mass allocation in natural grassland systems. We hypothesise that grazing significantly reduces BNPP due to carbon reallocation to shoot growth. Root biomass and BNPP were estimated by soil coring in 2004, 2005 and 2006 and from ingrowth cores in 2005 and 2006 at one site which has been protected from grazing since 1979 (UG79), at one winter grazing (WG), and one heavily grazed (HG) site. BNPP was estimated from the summation of significant increments of total and live root biomass and from accumulated root biomass of ingrowth cores. Belowground biomass varied from 1,490–2,670 g m−2 and was significantly lower under heavy grazing than at site UG79. Root turnover varied from 0.23 to 0.33 year−1 and was not significantly different between sites. Heavy grazing significantly decreased live root biomass and BNPP compared to site UG79. Taking BNPP estimates from live root biomass dynamics and ingrowth cores as the most reliable values, the portion of dry mass allocated belowground relative to total net primary productivity (BNPP/NPP) varied between 0.50–0.66 and was reduced under heavy grazing in 2005, but not in 2006. The positive correlation between cumulative root length density of ingrowth cores and leaf dry matter suggests that the ingrowth core method is suitable for studying BNPP in this semi-arid steppe system. Grazing effects on BNPP and BNPP/NPP should be considered in regional carbon models and estimates of belowground nutrient cycling.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of wood ash on forest ecosystems through a meta-analysis approach associated with a detailed review of the literature (mainly composed of work carried out in Nordic countries) and to extrapolate the effects on forest growth to other contexts (i.e. warm temperate countries) by identifying the cases for which wood ash applications can be beneficial to forest production.
Abstract: The objectives of the present work were (a) to quantify the effects of wood ash on forest ecosystems through a meta-analysis approach associated with a detailed review of the literature (mainly composed of work carried out in Nordic countries) and (b) to extrapolate the effects on forest growth to other contexts (i.e. warm temperate countries) by identifying the cases for which wood ash applications can be beneficial to forest production. Three databases were built regarding the effects of wood ash on soil (151 observations; 33 experimental field trials), on nutrient concentrations of tree foliage (68 observations; 28 trials) and on annual stem biomass growth rate (70 observations; 27 trials). We obtained information on the wide variability of ash properties due to differences in burnt compounds, combustion processes and ash conditioning. Two important properties of wood ash are its high pH value and neutralizing capacity. These properties result in biochemical modifications of forest soils limed with ash. In the short term, soil solution composition was dramatically modified. Intense peaks of the K, Na or SO4 concentrations were observed, resulting from the dissolution of salts contained in ash. At the same time, Ca and Mg concentrations increased as the carbonate pool of wood ash started to dissolve. The consequence of this dissolution process was an increase in the pH in all the soil phases. These modifications increased the activity of the soil microflora and some isolated peaks in the mineralization of soil organic matter may be observed in mineral soils. In the longer term, that is to say after the first year following ash application, only the effect on the acidity status of the soil remained significant. The effects of ash addition on forest ecosystems usually increased with the dose and were more pronounced with loose ash compared to aggregated ash. The addition of wood ash into forest ecosystems increased the foliar Ca status of trees. Some modifications of other nutrients, like P or K, were also observed but only for a few years after treatment. For most stands growing on mineral soils of Nordic countries, this treatment did not result in an increase in tree growth, probably because of the absence of N in the ash. For stands growing on organic soils of the same area, this input, associated with a long-lasting increase of soil organic matter mineralization, was sufficient to improve tree growth significantly (median = +59% compared to the control). For soils located in warm temperate regions, similar responses are expected for organic soils. For mineral soils, the wood ash application is expected to be suitable for stands showing deficiencies in K, Ca or Mg. Ash may contain high amounts of toxic heavy metals such as Cd. The bioavailability of most of these elements appeared to be very low in a forest context. No contamination of food chains has been observed, except possibly via some species of fungi, and heavy metals remain in the forest litter or in the topsoil. Based on all the reviewed results, several guidelines for wood ash application into forest ecosystems are proposed. Wood ash application should be restricted to acidic soils. Applications should consist of low doses of a stabilized ash form. Wood ash should be applied to adult stands rather than onto seedlings.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of soil heterogeneity on the different components of nutrient use efficiency by maize growing on small-holder farms in western Kenya was analyzed using the simple model QUEFTS.
Abstract: The need to promote fertiliser use by African smallholder farmers to counteract the current decline in per capita food production is widely recognised. But soil heterogeneity results in variable responses of crops to fertilisers within single farms. We used existing databases on maize production under farmer (F-M) and researcher management (R-M) to analyse the effect of soil heterogeneity on the different components of nutrient use efficiency by maize growing on smallholder farms in western Kenya: nutrient availability, capture and conversion efficiencies and crop biomass partitioning. Subsequently, we used the simple model QUEFTS to calculate nutrient recovery efficiencies from the R-M plots and to calculate attainable yields with and without fertilisers based on measured soil properties across heterogeneous farms. The yield gap of maize between F-M and R-M varied from 0.5 to 3 t grain ha−1 season−1 across field types and localities. Poor fields under R-M yielded better than F-M, even without fertilisers. Such differences, of up to 1.1 t ha−1 greater yields under R-M conditions are attributable to improved agronomic management and germplasm. The relative response of maize to N–P–K fertilisers tended to decrease with increasing soil quality (soil C and extractable P), from a maximum of 4.4-fold to −0.5-fold relative to the control. Soil heterogeneity affected resource use efficiencies mainly through effects on the efficiency of resource capture. Apparent recovery efficiencies varied between 0 and 70% for N, 0 and 15% for P, and 0 to 52% for K. Resource conversion efficiencies were less variable across fields and localities, with average values of 97 kg DM kg−1 N, 558 kg DM kg−1 P and 111 kg DM kg−1 K taken up. Using measured soil chemical properties QUEFTS over-estimated observed yields under F-M, indicating that variable crop performance within and across farms cannot be ascribed solely to soil nutrient availability. For the R-M plots QUEFTS predicted positive crop responses to application of 30 kg P ha−1 and 30 kg P ha−1 + 90 kg N ha−1 for a wide range of soil qualities, indicating that there is room to improve current crop productivity through fertiliser use. To ensure their efficient use in sub-Saharan Africa mineral fertilisers should be: (1) targeted to specific niches of soil fertility within heterogeneous farms; and (2) go hand-in-hand with the implementation of agronomic measures to improve their capture and utilisation.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: High genetic potential of wild emmer wheat to improve grain Zn, Fe and protein concentrations, Zn deficiency tolerance and drought resistance in cultivated wheat is indicated.
Abstract: Micronutrient malnutrition, and particularly deficiency in zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe), afflicts over three billion people worldwide, and nearly half of the world’s cereal-growing area is affected by soil Zn deficiency. Wild emmer wheat [Triticum turgidum ssp. dicoccoides (Korn.) Thell.], the progenitor of domesticated durum wheat and bread wheat, offers a valuable source of economically important genetic diversity including grain mineral concentrations. Twenty two wild emmer wheat accessions, representing a wide range of drought resistance capacity, as well as two durum wheat cultivars were examined under two contrasting irrigation regimes (well-watered control and water-limited), for grain yield, total biomass production and grain Zn, Fe and protein concentrations. The wild emmer accessions exhibited high genetic diversity for yield and grain Zn, Fe and protein concentrations under both irrigation regimes, with a considerable potential for improvement of the cultivated wheat. Grain Zn, Fe and protein concentrations were positively correlated with one another. Although irrigation regime significantly affected ranking of genotypes, a few wild emmer accessions were identified for their advantage over durum wheat, having consistently higher grain Zn (e.g., 125 mg kg−1), Fe (85 mg kg−1) and protein (250 g kg−1) concentrations and high yield capacity. Plants grown from seeds originated from both irrigation regimes were also examined for Zn efficiency (Zn deficiency tolerance) on a Zn-deficient calcareous soil. Zinc efficiency, expressed as the ratio of shoot dry matter production under Zn deficiency to Zn fertilization, showed large genetic variation among the genotypes tested. The source of seeds from maternal plants grown under both irrigation regimes had very little effect on Zn efficiency. Several wild emmer accessions revealed combination of high Zn efficiency and drought stress resistance. The results indicate high genetic potential of wild emmer wheat to improve grain Zn, Fe and protein concentrations, Zn deficiency tolerance and drought resistance in cultivated wheat.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results support a role of rock-eating EcM fungi in plant nutrition and biogeochemical cycles and pedogenesis and indicate the need for further research on variation in functional traits of EcM fungal species-specific differences.
Abstract: A decade ago, tunnels inside mineral grains were found that were likely formed by hyphae of ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungi. This observation implied that EcM fungi can dissolve mineral grains. The observation raised several questions on the ecology of these “rock-eating” fungi. This review addresses the roles of these rock-eating EcM associations in plant nutrition, biogeochemical cycles and pedogenesis. Research approaches ranged from molecular to ecosystem level scales. Nutrient deficiencies change EcM seedling exudation patterns of organic anions and thus their potential to mobilise base cations from minerals. This response was fungal species-specific. Some EcM fungi accelerated mineral weathering. While mineral weathering could also increase the concentrations of phytotoxic aluminium in the soil solution, some EcM fungi increase Al tolerance through an enhanced exudation of oxalate. Through their contribution to Al transport, EcM hyphae could be agents in pedogenesis, especially podzolisation. A modelling study indicated that mineral tunnelling is less important than surface weathering by EcM fungi. With both processes taken together, the contribution of EcM fungi to weathering may be significant. In the field vertical niche differentiation of EcM fungi was shown for EcM root tips and extraradical mycelium. In the field EcM fungi and tunnel densities were correlated. Our results support a role of rock-eating EcM fungi in plant nutrition and biogeochemical cycles. EcM fungal species-specific differences indicate the need for further research with regard to this variation in functional traits.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A population of Recombinant Inbred Lines (RILs) of the DOR364×BAT477 cross was used to evaluate the efficacy of exogenous auxin on root development, and significant correlations between basal root responsiveness to auxin and growth, root tips and root dry weight at low P were identified.
Abstract: Plant root development can be largely affected through the association of roots with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). However, little is known about the identity of plant genes enabling such PGPR-plant root associations. Differences in the responsiveness to PGPR among cultivars suggest genetic variation for this trait within germplasm. In this study, two genotypes of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), BAT477 and DOR364, were identified showing contrasting responsiveness in root development to inoculation with the PGPR Azospirillum brasilense Sp245. Inoculation with an A. brasilense Sp245 mutant strain strongly reduced in auxin biosynthesis or addition of increasing concentrations of exogenous auxin to the plant growth medium, indicated that the differential response to A. brasilense Sp245 among the bean genotypes is related to a differential response to the bacterial produced auxin. To further assess the role of the plant host in root responsiveness, a population of Recombinant Inbred Lines (RILs) of the DOR364×BAT477 cross was used to evaluate the efficacy of exogenous auxin on root development. We detected significant phenotypic variation among the RILs for basal root formation during germination upon addition of auxin to the growth medium. Genetic analysis revealed two quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with basal root responsiveness to auxin of which one explained 36% of the phenotypic variation among the RILs. This latter QTL mapped to the same location as a QTL for root tip formation at low P, suggesting that the host effect on root responsiveness to IAA interacts with specific root development. Also, significant correlations between basal root responsiveness to auxin and growth, root tips and root dry weight at low P were identified. To our knowledge, this is the first report on QTL detection for root responsiveness to auxin.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This article evaluated the effects of native soil Zn status and fertilizer application on Zn concentrations in grains of five rice genotypes that had previously been identified as either high or low in grain Zn.
Abstract: The development of rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars with a higher Zn content in their grains has been suggested as a way to alleviate Zn malnutrition in human populations subsisting on rice in their daily diets. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of native soil Zn status and fertilizer application on Zn concentrations in grains of five rice genotypes that had previously been identified as either high or low in grain Zn. Genotypes were grown in field trials at four sites ranging in native soil-Zn status from severely deficient to high in plant available Zn. At each site a −Zn plot was compared to a +Zn plot fertilized with 15 kg Zn ha−1. Results showed that native soil Zn status was the dominant factor to determine grain Zn concentrations followed by genotype and fertilizer. Depending on soil-Zn status, grain Zn concentrations could range from 8 mg kg−1 to 47 mg kg−1 in a single genotype. This strong location effect will need to be considered in estimating potential benefits of Zn biofortification. Our data furthermore showed that it was not possible to simply compensate for low soil Zn availability by fertilizer applications. In all soils fertilizer Zn was taken up as seen by a 50–200% increase in total plant Zn content. However, in more Zn deficient soils this additional Zn supply improved straw and grain yield and increased straw Zn concentrations by 43–95% but grain Zn concentrations remained largely unchanged with a maximum increase of 6%. Even in soils with high Zn status fertilizer Zn was predominantly stored in vegetative tissue. Genotypic differences in grain Zn concentrations were significant in all but the severely Zn deficient soil, with genotypic means ranging from 11 to 24 mg kg−1 in a Zn deficient soil and from 34 to 46 mg kg−1 in a high Zn upland soil. Rankings of genotypes remained largely unchanged from Zn deficient to high Zn soils, which suggests that developing high Zn cultivars through conventional breeding is feasible for a range of environments. However, it may be a challenge to develop cultivars that respond to Zn fertilizer with higher grain yield and higher grain Zn concentrations when grown in soils with low native Zn status.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The role of AM in enhancing plant Zn nutrition, principally under low soil Zn concentrations, is presented and emerging aspects of Zn molecular physiology of AM are explored.
Abstract: Many of the world’s soils are zinc (Zn) deficient. Consequently, many crops experience reduced growth, yield and tissue Zn concentrations. Reduced concentrations of Zn in the edible portions of crops have important implications for human Zn nutrition; this is a cause of global concern. Most terrestrial plant species form arbuscular mycorrhizas (AM) with a relatively limited number of specialized soil fungi. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can take up nutrients, including Zn, and transfer them to the plant, thereby enhancing plant nutrition. Under high soil Zn concentrations the formation of AM can also ‘protect’ against the accumulation of Zn in plant tissues to high concentrations. Here, a short review focusing on the role of AM in enhancing plant Zn nutrition, principally under low soil Zn concentrations, is presented. Effects of Zn on the colonisation of roots by AMF, direct uptake of Zn by AMF, the role of AM in the Zn nutrition of field grown plants, and emerging aspects of Zn molecular physiology of AM, are explored. Emergent knowledge gaps are identified and discussed in the context of potential future research.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of silicon nutrition on low-level cadmium toxicity symptoms was investigated in hydroponically-grown rice seedlings (Oryza sativa L.).
Abstract: The effect of silicon (Si) nutrition on low-level cadmium (Cd) toxicity symptoms was investigated in hydroponically-grown rice seedlings (Oryza sativa L.). Silicon (0.0, 0.2, or 0.6 mM) was added when seedlings were 6 or 20 days old representing early (SiE) or late (SiL) Si treatment, respectively. Cadmium (0.0 or 2.5 μM) was added when seedlings were 6 days old. Measurements included generation of CO2 and light response curves; chlorophyll fluorescence analysis; growth; and tissue-element content analysis. Our results showed that low-level Cd treatment generally inhibited growth and photosynthesis. However, the addition of 0.2 or 0.6 mM SiE or SiL significantly reduced root- and leaf-Cd content. Consequently, the addition of 0.6 mM SiL significantly alleviated low-level Cd-induced inhibition of growth. Furthermore, 0.2 mM Si treatment significantly reduced g s compared to 0.0 or 0.6 mM Si without inhibiting A, especially in +Cd plants, suggesting an increase in instantaneous water-use-efficiency (IWUE). Additionally, in +Cd plants, the addition of 0.6 mM SiE significantly reduced F o but increased F v/F m, while treatment with 0.2 mM SiL significantly increased qP, suggesting an increase in light-use-efficiency. We thus, propose that 0.6 mM SiL treatment is required for the alleviation of low-level Cd-mediated growth inhibition. Furthermore, we suggest that 0.2 mM Si concentration might be close to the optimum requirement for maximum Si-induced increase in IWUE in rice plants, especially when under low-level Cd-stress. Our results also suggest that Si alleviates low-level Cd toxicity by improving light-use-efficiency.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The Cornell Soil Health Test (CSHT) as mentioned in this paper was developed for the assessment of the physical, biological, and chemical aspects of soil, thereby facilitating better soil management and productivity.
Abstract: Soil quality and health are terms describing similar concepts, but the latter appeals to farmers and crop consultants as part of a holistic approach to soil management. We regard soil health as the integration and optimization of the physical, biological and chemical aspects of soils for improved productivity in an economic and sustainable manner. This paper describes the process used for the selection of soil quality/health indicators that comprise the new Cornell Soil Health Test. Over 1,500 samples collected from controlled research experiments and commercial farms were initially analyzed for 39 potential soil quality indicators. Four physical and four biological indicators were selected based on sensitivity to management, relevance to functional soil processes, ease and cost of sampling, and cost of analysis. Seven chemical indicators were also selected as they are part of the standard soil nutrient test. Soil health test reports were developed to allow for an overall assessment, as well as the identification of specific soil constraints. The new soil health test is being offered on a for-fee basis starting in 2007. In addition, visible near infrared reflectance spectroscopy was evaluated as a possible tool for low-cost soil health assessment. From preliminary analyses, the methodology shows promise for some but not all of the soil quality indicators. In conclusion, an inexpensive soil health test was developed for integrative assessment of the physical, biological, and chemical aspects of soils, thereby facilitating better soil management.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The objective of this paper is to give a detailed overview of the state of the art techniques for 3D root system architecture measurement and analysis and to give examples of applications in this field and to be used as a sort of manual for people who want to improve their practice or to enter this quite new research field.
Abstract: In numerous studies dealing with roots of woody plants, a description of the root system architecture is needed. During the twentieth century, several manual measurement methods were used, depending on the objectives of study. Due to the difficulties in accessing the roots and the duration of measurements, the studies generally involved a low number of root systems, were often qualitative and focused only on one specific application. Quantitative methods in plant architecture were largely developed in the last 40 years for aerial architecture. However, root systems have particular features and often need specific procedures. Since the end of the 1990s, new devices and techniques have been available for coarse root architecture measurements including volume location techniques (non-invasive or destructive) and manual or semi-automatic 3D digitising. Full 3D root system architecture dynamics was also reconstructed from partial measurements using modelling procedures. On the one hand, non-invasive and automatic techniques need more development to obtain full 3D architecture, i.e. geometry and topology. On the other hand, both one inexpensive manual and one semi-automatic digitizing procedure are now available to measure precisely and rapidly the full 3D architecture of uprooted and excavated coarse root systems. Specific software and a large number of functions are also available for an in-depth analysis of root architecture and have already been used in a dozen of research papers including a fairly large sample of mature trees. A comprehensive analysis of root architecture can be achieved by classifying individual roots in several root types through architectural analysis. The objective of this paper is both to give a detailed overview of the state of the art techniques for 3D root system architecture measurement and analysis and to give examples of applications in this field. Practical details are also given so that this paper can be used as a sort of manual for people who want to improve their practice or to enter this quite new research field.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is concluded that the global maize yield response to legumes is significantly positive and higher than unfertilized maize and natural vegetation fallows, indicating that legume rotations may play an important role in reducing fertilizer requirements.
Abstract: A number of studies have tested the effect of woody and herbaceous legumes on soil fertility and maize yields in sub-Saharan Africa. However, their effects on maize productivity are much debated because results have been variable. A meta-analysis was conducted with the aim of evaluating the evidence in support of yield benefits from woody and herbaceous green manure legumes. A total of 94 peer-reviewed publications from West, East and southern Africa qualified for inclusion in the analysis. Maize yield from herbaceous green manure legumes (54 publications), non-coppicing legumes (48 publications), coppicing woody legumes (10 publications), natural fallows (29 publications), and fully fertilized monoculture maize (52 publications) were compared. Mixed linear modelling using yield differences (D) and response ratios (RR) indicated that the response to legumes is positive. The mean yield increase (D) over unfertilized maize was highest (2.3 t ha−1) and least variable (CV = 70%) in fully fertilized maize, while it was lowest (0.3 t ha−1) and most variable (CV = 229%) in natural fallows. The increase in yield over unfertilized maize was 1.6 t ha−1 with coppicing woody legumes, 1.3 t ha−1 with non-coppicing woody legumes and 0.8 t ha-1 with herbaceous green manure legumes. Doubling and tripling of yields relative to the control (RR > 2) was recorded in coppicing species (67% of the cases), non-coppicing legumes (45% of the cases), herbaceous green manure legumes (16% of the cases) and natural fallows (19% of the cases). However, doubling or tripling of yields occurred only in low and medium potential sites. Amending post-fallow plots with 50% of the recommended fertilizer dose further increased yields by over 25% indicating that legume rotations may play an important role in reducing fertilizer requirements. Except with the natural fallow, the 95% confidence intervals of D and RR were higher than 1 and 0, respectively indicating significant and positive response to treatments. Therefore, it is concluded that the global maize yield response to legumes is significantly positive and higher than unfertilized maize and natural vegetation fallows.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The data presented here is the first report that the PGPR effect of A. amazonense for rice plants grown under greenhouse conditions is mainly due the BNF contribution as measured by 15N isotope dilution technique, in contrast to the hormonal effect observed with other Azospirillum species studied.
Abstract: Bacteria of the genus Azospirillum are considered to be plant-growth promoting bacteria (PGPR) and stimulate plant growth directly either by synthesising phyto-hormones or by promoting nutrition by the process of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). Although this genus extensively studied, the effects of inoculation and the possible BNF contribution of the Azospirillum amazonense specie are very scarce. The aim of this study was to isolate, characterise and evaluate auxin production and nitrogenase activity of this species and to select, by inoculation of rice plants, promising isolates based on their ability to improve plant growth, yield and the BNF contribution. One hundred and ten isolates obtained from rice were characterised and grouped according to colony features. Forty-two isolates, confirmed as A. amazonense by the fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) technique, were tested for auxin production and nitrogenase activity in vitro. Subsequently plant growth promotion related to plant nutrition effect was evaluated, in vitro and in greenhouse experiments. The BNF contribution to plant growth was evaluated using the 15N isotope dilution technique. All A. amazonense strains tested produced indoles, but only 10% of them showed high production, above 1.33 μM mg protein−1. The nitrogenase activity also was variable and only 9% of isolates showed high nitrogenase activity and the majority (54%) exhibited a low potential. The inoculation of selected strains in rice under gnotobiotic conditions reduced the growth of root and aerial part when compared to the control, showing the negative effects of excess of phytohormone accumulation in the medium. However, in the greenhouse experiment, inoculation of strains of A. amazonense increased grain dry matter accumulation (7 to 11.6%), the number of panicles (3 to 18.6%) and nitrogen accumulation at grain maturation (3.5 to 18.5%). BNF contributions up to 27% were observed for A. amazonense Y2 (wild type strain). The data presented here is the first report that the PGPR effect of A. amazonense for rice plants grown under greenhouse conditions is mainly due the BNF contribution as measured by 15N isotope dilution technique, in contrast to the hormonal effect observed with other Azospirillum species studied.

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TL;DR: In this paper, boundary line analysis is used to define the response to a single input variable where other influencing variables are not controlled, which can aid in the definition of the shape and magnitude of response functions to be incorporated into process simulation models.
Abstract: Modelling nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from soil is challenging because multiple biological processes are involved that each respond differently to various environmental and soil factors. Soil water content, organic carbon, temperature and pH are often used in models that predict N2O emissions, yet for each of these factors there are concepts that are not fully understood. Though a ubiquitous measure of soil water for models, the application of functions based on water filled pore space across soils that vary in bulk density is not ideal. Diffusion of gases and solutes in soil are controlled by the volume fractions of air and water present. Across soils with different bulk densities, both of these terms vary at constant water filled pore space. Soil organic carbon influences N2O emissions in two ways: as a source of energy for denitrifiers and also by driving biological oxygen demand and the creation of anaerobic zones in the soil. Soil temperature influences N2O emissions through its effect on the activity of microorganisms and enzymes. A variety of temperature response functions have been proposed. The preferred response function should contain a temperature optimum that can be varied in response to climatic conditions to account for microbial adaptation. Soil pH can have direct and indirect influences on rates and product ratios of nitrification and denitrification. The concepts of pH optima and microbial adaptation need to be considered in modelling. Methodological issues such as microsite versus bulk soil measurements and apportioning N2O fluxes to the various N transformation processes remain an impediment to characterising the influence of pH and other factors on N2O emissions. Quantifying the response of N2O emissions to individual factors using regression analysis requires all other factors to be controlled experimentally. Boundary line analysis provides a way of defining the response to a single input variable where other influencing variables are not controlled. Such analyses can aid in the definition of the shape and magnitude of response functions to be incorporated into process simulation models. Process/mechanistic simulation models offer a greater transferability than empirical models but careful consideration of temporal and spatial scale and the availability of data to run these models is critical in developing model structure.

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TL;DR: In this paper, root growth and morphology were examined by variation in soil moisture at four Amazon rainforest sites with contrasting vegetation and soil types, and the results indicate that changes in root length and surface area per unit mass, and pulses in root growth to exploit transient periods of high soil water availability may be important means for trees in this ecosystem to increase nutrient and water uptake under seasonal and longer-term drought conditions.
Abstract: This study examined how root growth and morphology were affected by variation in soil moisture at four Amazon rainforest sites with contrasting vegetation and soil types. Mean annual site root mass, length and surface area growth ranged between 3–7 t ha−1, 2–4 km m−2 and 8–12 m2 m−2 respectively. Mean site specific root length and surface area varied between 8–10 km kg−1 and 24–34 m2 kg−1. Growth of root mass, length and surface area was lower when soil water was depleted (P < 0.001) while specific root length and surface area showed the opposite pattern (P < 0.001). These results indicate that changes in root length and surface area per unit mass, and pulses in root growth to exploit transient periods of high soil water availability may be important means for trees in this ecosystem to increase nutrient and water uptake under seasonal and longer-term drought conditions.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of nitrogen derived from dried or carbonized chicken manure on growth, nodulation, yield and N content of soybean were investigated. But the results of the study were limited.
Abstract: The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of nitrogen derived from dried or carbonized chicken manure on growth, nodulation, yield and N content of soybean. 15N labeled chicken manure used in this study was obtained from the droppings of chicken fed on hulled rice grown under field conditions and fertilized with 15N-labeled stable isotope ammonium sulphate and potassium nitrate fertilizers. Carbonized chicken manure was made by heat treatment in a muffle furnace in our laboratory. This study was conducted in pots filled with clay loam soil. Results from the study show that the application of carbonized chicken manure increased soybean seed yield by 23% and 43% for the 50 and 100 kg N ha−1 rates respectively. Dried chicken manure application increased soybean seed yield by 7% and 30% for the 50 and 100 kg N ha−1 rates respectively. There was no difference in the N manure yield of both manures when applied at the same rate. The percentage 15N recovery was 17.6% and 8.9% for carbonized chicken manure, 19.2% and 10.5% for dried chicken manure at 50 and 100 kg N ha−1 rates respectively at peak flowering stage of soybean growth. We found high total nitrogen yields of soybean at the rate of 100 kg N ha−1 for both manures. There was a positive relationship between number of nodules and seed yield of soybean. Total N content also showed positive relationship with number of nodules and seed yield of soybean. We supposed that the higher P content of carbonized chicken manure is responsible for the higher seed yield and nodule growth compared to dried chicken manure.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A field experiment comparing permanent and tilled raised beds with different residue management under rainfed condi- tions was started at El Batan (State of Mexico, Mexico) in 1999 as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Permanent raised bed planting with crop residue retention is a form of conservation agriculture that has been proposed as an alternative to conven- tional tillage for wheat production systems in the Central Highlands of Mexico. A field experiment comparing permanent and tilled raised beds with different residue management under rainfed condi- tions was started at El Batan (State of Mexico, Mexico) in 1999. The percentage of small and large macroaggregates and mean weight diameter (MWD) was significantly larger in permanent raised beds compared to conventionally tilled raised beds both with full crop residue retention (average for maize and wheat), while the percentages free microaggregates was lower. The percentages of small and large macroaggregates and mean weight diameter (MWD) was significantly larger in permanent raised beds with residue retention compared to permanent raised beds with removal of the residue (average for maize and wheat), while the percentages free microaggregates and silt and clay fraction was lower. Cultivation of maize significantly reduced the large macroaggregates, while wheat reduced the silt and clay fraction (average over all systems). Cultivation of maize reduced the C and N content of the free microaggregates compared to soil cultivated with wheat, while removal of plant residue reduced the C and N content of the silt and clay fraction compared to soil where residue was retained. The C and N content of the coarse particulate organic matter (cPOM) and microaggregates within the macro- aggregates was significantly larger in permanent raised beds compared to conventionally tilled raised beds both with full residue retention, while C and N content of the cPOM was significantly lower when residue was removed or partially removed compared to the soil where theresiduewasretained.The δ 13 C ‰ signatures of the macroaggregates, microaggregates, the silt and

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The rhizosphere soil samples possessed greater diazotrophic bacterial diversity than the roots and stems of the maize plants, and three genera appeared to dominate in the interior of the plant but were much rarer in soil.
Abstract: Recent studies suggest a high diversity of diazotrophic bacteria in maize. However, none of these works have been based on a sufficient number of samples to provide reasonable quantitative estimates of diazotrophic bacterial diversity. Here we present the use of molecular tools and statistical inference to assess diazotrophic bacterial diversity within rhizosphere soils, roots and stems of field grown maize. DNA was isolated from the latter collected from six maize growing regions within the southern most state in Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul. Using conserved primers, nifH Cluster I gene fragments were amplified from each of the three zones, and the products cloned and sequenced. The majority of the sequences were classified within the Proteobacteria with the α-proteobacteria and β-proteobacteria being the most abundant in the rhizosphere soil and stem samples. The γ-proteobacteria were most abundant in rhizosphere soils, less so in roots, and least in the stem samples. According to three different diversity measures, the rhizosphere soil samples possessed greater diazotrophic bacterial diversity than the roots and stems of the maize plants. Only two genera, Azospirillum and Azotobacter, were found in virtually all samples at an abundance of over 1% of the total nifH sequences obtained. Other genera were largely restricted to soil (Methylocystis, Beijerinckia, Geobacter, Rhodovulum, Methylobacterium, Gluconacetobacter, Methylocella, and Delftia), roots (Dechloromonas), or stems (Methylosinus, Raoultella, and Rhizobium). Three genera, Herbaspirillum, Ideonella, and Klebsiella, appeared to dominate in the interior of the plant but were much rarer in soil.