Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: J. Tomás Schoffer Author-Workplace-Name: Departamento de Ecosistemas y Medio Ambiente, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile Author-Workplace-Name: Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile Author-Name: Humberto Aponte Author-Workplace-Name: Laboratorio de Ecología Microbiana y Biogeoquímica de Suelos, Instituto de Ciencias Agroalimentarias, Animales y Ambientales (ICA3), Universidad de O?Higgins, Rancagua, Chile Author-Name: Alexander Neaman Author-Workplace-Name: Instituto de Ingeniería Agraria y Suelos, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Alimentarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile Author-Name: Luz María de la Fuente Author-Workplace-Name: Departamento de Ecosistemas y Medio Ambiente, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile Author-Workplace-Name: Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile Author-Name: Eduardo C. Arellano Author-Workplace-Name: Departamento de Ecosistemas y Medio Ambiente, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile Author-Workplace-Name: Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile Author-Name: Pilar M. Gil Author-Workplace-Name: Departamento de Fruticultura y Enología, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontifica Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile Author-Name: Rosanna Ginocchio Author-Workplace-Name: Departamento de Ecosistemas y Medio Ambiente, Facultad de Agronomía e Ingeniería Forestal, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile Author-Workplace-Name: Center of Applied Ecology and Sustainability (CAPES), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile Title: Copper content in soils and litter from fruit orchards in Central Chile and its relationship with soil microbial activity Abstract: This study assessed both the soil and litter copper (Cu) levels and their relationships with soil microbial activity, in fruit-tree production areas of central Chile where Cu-based pesticides are intensively sprayed. Samples of soil (0-20 cm depth) and litter from a number of selected orchards (kiwi, table grape, plum, and cherry) were collected and analysed for their Cu content and C-induced soil microbial activity. Results showed that the mean total soil Cu level was 225 mg/kg and soluble soil Cu was less than 0.01% of total soil Cu, as expected from pH values of study soils (range of 6.33 to 7.93). However, leaf litter Cu content was 3-7 times higher than in soil (mean of681 mg/kg). Despite the soil and leaf litter Cu concentrations, no effect was observed on the C-induced soil microbial activity. We conclude that leaf litter exerts a protective role, preventing the entry of Cu into the soil and thus soil microbial toxicity. Keywords: metals, contamination, bioavailability, MicroRespTM, bioindicator Journal: Plant, Soil and Environment Pages: 115-128 Volume: 68 Issue: 3 Year: 2022 DOI: 10.17221/281/2021-PSE File-URL: http://pse.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/281/2021-PSE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/pse-202203-0001.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlpse:v:68:y:2022:i:3:id:281-2021-PSE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Angélica Anahi Acevedo-Barrera Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Agrotechnological Sciences, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Chihuahua, México Author-Name: Oscar Cruz-Alvarez Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Agrotechnological Sciences, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Chihuahua, México Author-Name: Ofelia Adriana Hernández-Rodríguez Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Agrotechnological Sciences, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Chihuahua, México Author-Name: Adalberto Benavides-Mendoza Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Horticulture, Autonomus Agricultural University Antonio Narro, Coahuila, México Author-Name: Laura Raquel Orozco-Meléndez Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Agrotechnological Sciences, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Chihuahua, México Author-Name: Mayra Cristina Soto-Caballero Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Agrotechnological Sciences, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Chihuahua, México Author-Name: Dalila Jacqueline Escudero-Almanza Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Agrotechnological Sciences, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Chihuahua, México Author-Name: Damaris Leopoldina Ojeda-Barrios Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Agrotechnological Sciences, Autonomous University of Chihuahua, Chihuahua, México Title: Do foliar applications of nickel increase urease activity and nutrient levels in pecan leaflets? Abstract: Nickel (Ni) deficiency limits the production of pecan. Concentrations of mineral nutrients and urease activity in leaflets of young pecan plants cv. Pawnee were evaluated in response to foliar applications of Ni as Ni sulfate or Ni citrate, or as chelates with EDDHA, EDTA, or DTPA. Significant variations were found in N-total concentration with Ni-EDDHA (27.17 ± 0.98 g/kg) and Ni-sulphate (28 ± 0.89 g/kg), where the latter together with Ni-citrate were high in phosphorus concentrations. Levels of Ni2+ (3.70 mg/kg), Mn2+ (222.73 mg/kg) and Zn2+ (38.69 mg/kg) were all increased in leaflets sprayed with Ni-EDDHA but the Mn2+ concentrations were similar for leaflets sprayed with Ni-sulphate. The Ni-DTPA spray significantly reduced foliar Fe2+ concentration (73.66 ± 3.44 mg/kg). No significant effects of the sprays were observed on the concentrations of total chlorophyll or carotenoids. The plants sprayed with Ni-EDDHA showed significant increases in leaflet area and leaflet dry weight and also in root dry weight. The urease showed maximum activity in leaflets sprayed with Ni-EDDHA, Ni-citrate and Ni-sulphate. This study suggests growers of the pecan should consider foliar sprays of Ni-EDDHA or Ni-sulphate to increase the levels of Ni in their trees if Ni is a growth-limiting factor. Keywords: Carya illinoinensis, foliar fertilisation, availability of Ni, micronutrients, mouse-ear disease, photosynthetic pigments Journal: Plant, Soil and Environment Pages: 129-136 Volume: 68 Issue: 3 Year: 2022 DOI: 10.17221/487/2021-PSE File-URL: http://pse.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/487/2021-PSE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/pse-202203-0002.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlpse:v:68:y:2022:i:3:id:487-2021-PSE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Dmitriy V. Rusakov Author-Name: Elena V. Kanash Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Plant Lighphysiology and Agroecosystem Bioproductivity, Agrophysical Research Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia Title: Spectral characteristics of leaves diffuse reflection in conditions of soil drought: a study of soft spring wheat cultivars of different drought resistance Abstract: Quick and accurate nondestructive methods of water deficiency detection prior to the appearance of visible symptoms of plant deterioration as well as estimation of photosynthesis parameters are needed to effectively control conditions of plant growth, to manage crop productivity and to implement programs of "smart farming". The aim of our investigation was to analyse spectral characteristics of leaves diffuse reflection as evident in soft spring wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.) of different drought resistance in optimal conditions and under the impact of soil drought; another objective was to determine the reflection indices that could serve as criteria in the phenotyping of genotypes according to their photosynthetic apparatus capacity and the efficiency of light use as well as in the forecasting of genotypes potential productivity and their drought resistance. Wheat plants of 4 drought-resistant and 4 non-resistant cultivars were grown under controlled conditions in the protected ground. In the vessels with simulated soil drought, the moisture content was 30% of total field capacity, while in the control sample it was 80%. Spectral characteristics of radiation reflected from the leaf surface were recorded with the spectrometer HR2000, and then reflection indices were calculated whose value is closely related to the activeness of the photosynthetic apparatus. The experiments conducted showed that in the system of interaction between the soil, the plant and the effective layer of the atmosphere all analysed diffuse reflection indices changed with the emergence of water deficit. The index of photosynthetic apparatus capacity (ChlRI) is less susceptible to short-term soil drought than the indices of the efficiency of light use in the process of photosynthesis (R800, photochemical reflection index (PRImod) and flavonoid index (FRImod)) which change significantly, so that the degree of their change may be a reliable enough indicator of plant stress caused by water deficiency. It is advisable, however, when estimating and comparing the reaction of various plant cultivars, lines and new forms to the developed water deficiency, to include in the array of plants examined those cultivars whose optical properties and the range of their variation resulting from water deficit are known. This will ensure a more reliable ranking of analysed genotypes according to their drought resistance and will enhance the accuracy of the diagnosis. Keywords: optical criteria, spectral indices, various genotypes, photosynthesis efficiency, water stress Journal: Plant, Soil and Environment Pages: 137-145 Volume: 68 Issue: 3 Year: 2022 DOI: 10.17221/483/2021-PSE File-URL: http://pse.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/483/2021-PSE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/pse-202203-0003.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlpse:v:68:y:2022:i:3:id:483-2021-PSE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Gang Xu Author-Workplace-Name: Schoolof Geography and Tourism, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao, P.R. China Author-Workplace-Name: YantaiInstitute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, P.R. China Author-Name: Mengyu Yue Author-Workplace-Name: Schoolof Geography and Tourism, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao, P.R. China Author-Name: Yuxuan Ren Author-Workplace-Name: Schoolof Geography and Tourism, Qufu Normal University, Rizhao, P.R. China Author-Name: Jiawei Song Author-Workplace-Name: YantaiInstitute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, P.R. China Author-Workplace-Name: University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China Author-Name: Xiaobing Chen Author-Workplace-Name: YantaiInstitute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, P.R. China Title: Development of soil phosphorus storage capacity for phosphorus retention/release assessment in neutral or alkaline soils Abstract: The concept of the soil phosphorus storage capacity (SPSC) was successfully used to evaluate the phosphorus (P) loss risk and the P retention capacity of acidic soil. This study extended the concept of SPSC from acidic soil to neutral or alkaline soil. A total of 95 surfaces (0-10 cm) soil samples were collected from the Yellow River Delta (YRD) for use in this study. Batch sorption experiments, correlation analysis, stepwise regression, and a split-line model were used to calculate the threshold value of the degree of P saturation (DPS). The SPSC was developed based on the DPS threshold value. Based on a DPS threshold value of 11.5%, we developed the following equation for calculating the SPSC: SPSC = (11.5% - soil DPS) × (0.113 × SOM (soil organic matter) + 1.343 × CaCO3). In the continuous system in this watershed, from wetland to farmland, the SPSC for vegetable fields (-94.7 ± 79.1 mg/kg) was lowest and that of the restored wetland (76.3 ± 26.1 mg/kg) was the highest. Along the transition zone in the YRD, both the natural soil development and human alternations significantly affected the soil P loss/retention capacity. In terms of P storage, the restored wetlands are the highlands for P retention and the vegetable fields contribute significantly to the P loss in the YRD. As a result, we strongly recommend that the restored wetlands be fully utilised for P retention and that P fertiliser no longer be applied to the vegetable fields to prevent P loss into the watershed. Keywords: macronutrient, accumulation, environmental risk, external phosphorus pollution, land uses Journal: Plant, Soil and Environment Pages: 146-154 Volume: 68 Issue: 3 Year: 2022 DOI: 10.17221/482/2021-PSE File-URL: http://pse.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/482/2021-PSE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/pse-202203-0004.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlpse:v:68:y:2022:i:3:id:482-2021-PSE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Nana Fang Author-Workplace-Name: Shenyang Center of China Geological Survey, Shenyang, Liaoning, P.R. China Author-Workplace-Name: Key Laboratory of Black Soil Evolution and Ecological Effect, Ministry of Natural Resources, Shenyang, Liaoning, P.R. China Author-Workplace-Name: Key Laboratory of Black Soil Evolution and Ecological Effect of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, P.R. China Author-Name: Zhenhua Chen Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, P.R. China Author-Name: Zhiqiang Liu Author-Workplace-Name: Dalian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning, P.R. China Author-Name: Huimin Dai Author-Workplace-Name: Shenyang Center of China Geological Survey, Shenyang, Liaoning, P.R. China Author-Workplace-Name: Key Laboratory of Black Soil Evolution and Ecological Effect, Ministry of Natural Resources, Shenyang, Liaoning, P.R. China Author-Workplace-Name: Key Laboratory of Black Soil Evolution and Ecological Effect of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, P.R. China Author-Name: Xueming Yang Author-Workplace-Name: Harrow Research & Development Centre, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, Harrow, Canada Author-Name: Wei Wang Author-Workplace-Name: Dalian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning, P.R. China Title: Effects of mechanochemically activated phosphate rock on maize growth and phosphorus use Abstract: It is well known that mechanochemically activated phosphate rock (MAPR) could improve extractable phosphorus (P) (extracted in 2% citric acid) greatly in an ecological way. To evaluate the agronomic effectiveness of MAPR, we conducted a field experiment using spring maize in Luvisol (pH 6.47) soil in Northeast China for three consecutive years. Treatments consist of variation of P levels for substitution of triple superphosphate (TSP) (100% TSP, 10% MAPR, 20% MAPR, 50% MAPR, 100% MAPR). Compared with 100% TSP, all the combined applications of MAPR and TSP were as effective on straw yield. Treatments of 10% MAPR and 20% MAPR had similar effect on grain yield and P uptake, while 50% MAPR and 100% MAPR were significantly lower. For P partial nutrient productivity and apparent P recovery with the treatment of 20% MAPR had equal effectivity, likewise. For soil POlsen, treatment of 10% MAPR was equally operative, while 20% MAPR had the similar performance only in the last year (i.e. 2016). It is concluded that 10-20% of TSP can be effectively replaced by MAPR without affecting spring maize yield in soil with neutral pH. Keywords: phosphorite, milling, fertiliser, corn production, phosphorus absorption Journal: Plant, Soil and Environment Pages: 155-161 Volume: 68 Issue: 3 Year: 2022 DOI: 10.17221/5/2022-PSE File-URL: http://pse.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/5/2022-PSE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/pse-202203-0005.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlpse:v:68:y:2022:i:3:id:5-2022-PSE