scholarly journals Suitability of Biochar and Biomass Ash in Basket Willow (Salix Viminalis L.) Cultivation

Agronomy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 577 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bogdan Saletnik ◽  
Czesław Puchalski
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Soil Properties ◽  
Soil Amendment ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Salix Viminalis ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Biomass Ash ◽  
Maximum Increase ◽  
Noticeable Effect ◽  
3.0 T

The article presents the findings of a field experiment investigating the effectiveness of biochar and plant biomass ash when used as a soil fertiliser in the cultivation of basket willow (Salix viminalis L.). The purpose of the study was to determine the optimal dose of fertiliser to enable a maximum increase in the crop yield and enhancement of the chemical properties of the soil. In the course of the two-year experiment, the increase in basket willow yield was in the range of 6%–49%. The highest dry matter yield from the plants, at the end of both the first and the second year of the experiment, was obtained in the plots where the soil was amended with biochar alone (11.5 t ha−1), a combination of biochar and ash (respectively 11.5 and 1.5 t ha−1) and ash added at the rate of 1.5 t ha−1. The yield was reduced when the soil was amended with ash added at the rates of 3.0 t ha−1 and 4.5 t ha−1 or with the latter doses of ash combined with biochar. The results indicated that too high a concentration of ash (rate of 3.0 t ha−1 or higher for basket willow) have negative effects on plant growth and may represent a limiting factor. The study suggests that biochar is a better soil amendment than ash, because biochar application gave the highest improvement in the soil properties and plant growth. It was found that the addition of biochar, biomass ash or combinations of the two materials applied in suitable doses may be a good soil amendment.. In particular in soils which are severely damaged and require restoration, this fertilization may have a noticeable effect on soil properties and plant growth.

Can repeated soil amendment with biogas digestates increase soil suppressiveness toward non-specific soil-borne pathogens in agricultural lands?

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
L. M. Manici ◽  
F. Caputo ◽  
G. A. Cappelli ◽  
E. Ceotto
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Biomass Production ◽  
Soil Amendment ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Amended Soils ◽  
Soil Suppressiveness ◽  
Soil Microbial ◽  
Soil Borne Pathogens ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Plant Biomass Production

Abstract Soil suppressiveness which is the natural ability of soil to support optimal plant growth and health is the resultant of multiple soil microbial components; which implies many difficulties when estimating this soil condition. Microbial benefits for plant health from repeated digestate applications were assessed in three experimental sites surrounding anaerobic biogas plants in an intensively cultivated area of northern Italy. A 2-yr trial was performed in 2017 and 2018 by performing an in-pot plant growth assay, using soil samples taken from two fields for each experimental site, of which one had been repeatedly amended with anaerobic biogas digestate and the other had not. These fields were similar in management and crop sequences (maize was the recurrent crop) for the last 10 yr. Plant growth response in the bioassay was expressed as plant biomass production, root colonization frequency by soil-borne fungi were estimated to evaluate the impact of soil-borne pathogens on plant growth, abundance of Pseudomonas and actinomycetes populations in rhizosphere were estimated as beneficial soil microbial indicators. Repeated soil amendment with digestate increased significantly soil capacity to support plant biomass production as compared to unamended control in both the years. Findings supported evidence that this increase was principally attributable to a higher natural ability of digestate-amended soils to reduce root infection by saprophytic soil-borne pathogens whose inoculum was increased by the recurrent maize cultivation. Pseudomonas and actinomycetes were always more abundant in digestate-amended soils suggesting that both these large bacterial groups were involved in the increase of their natural capacity to control soil-borne pathogens (soil suppressiveness).

scholarly journals Integrated Effects of Co-Inoculation with Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria and N2-Fixing Bacteria on Microbial Population and Soil Amendment Under C Deficiency

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (13) ◽  
pp. 2442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhikang Wang ◽  
Ziyun Chen ◽  
Xiangxiang Fu
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Soil Properties ◽  
Soil Amendment ◽  
Growth Promotion ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Available P ◽  
P Availability ◽  
Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria ◽  
Unsterilized Soil ◽  
Phosphate Solubilizing

The inoculation of beneficial microorganisms to improve plant growth and soil properties is a promising strategy in the soil amendment. However, the effects of co-inoculation with phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and N2-fixing bacteria (NFB) on the soil properties of typical C-deficient soil remain unclear. Based on a controlled experiment and a pot experiment, we examined the effects of PSB (M: Bacillus megaterium and F: Pseudomonas fluorescens), NFB (C: Azotobacter chroococcum and B: Azospirillum brasilence), and combined PSB and NFB treatments on C, N, P availability, and enzyme activities in sterilized soil, as well as the growth of Cyclocarya Paliurus seedlings grow in unsterilized soil. During a 60-day culture, prominent increases in soil inorganic N and available P contents were detected after bacteria additions. Three patterns were observed for different additions according to the dynamic bacterial growth. Synergistic effects between NFB and PSB were obvious, co-inoculations with NFB enhanced the accumulation of available P. However, decreases in soil available P and N were observed on the 60th day, which was induced by the decreases in bacterial quantities under C deficiency. Besides, co-inoculations with PSB and NFB resulted in greater performance in plant growth promotion. Aimed at amending soil with a C supply shortage, combined PSB and NFB treatments are more appropriate for practical fertilization at intervals of 30–45 days. The results demonstrate that co-inoculations could have synergistic interactions during culture and application, which may help with understanding the possible mechanism of soil amendment driven by microorganisms under C deficiency, thereby providing an alternative option for amending such soil.

EFFECT OF SOIL AMENDMENT WITH THIN STILLAGE AND GLYCEROL ON PLANT GROWTH AND SOIL PROPERTIES

2011 ◽  
Vol 34 (14) ◽  
pp. 2206-2221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peiyuan Qian ◽  
Jeff Schoenau ◽  
Ron Urton
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Soil Properties ◽  
Soil Amendment ◽  
Thin Stillage

scholarly journals Formation of Common Mycorrhizal Networks Significantly Affects Plant Biomass and Soil Properties of the Neighboring Plants under Various Nitrogen Levels

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Atif Muneer ◽  
Ping Wang ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Yaoming Li ◽  
Muhammad Zeeshan Munir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Soil Properties ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
15N Tracer ◽  
Donor Plant ◽  
Extraradical Hyphae ◽  
Common Mycorrhizal Networks ◽  
Nylon Mesh ◽  
Mycorrhizal Networks ◽  
Root Box

Common mycorrhizal networks (CMNs) allow the transfer of nutrients between plants, influencing the growth of the neighboring plants and soil properties. Cleistogene squarrosa (C. squarrosa) is one of the most common grass species in the steppe ecosystem of Inner Mongolia, where nitrogen (N) is often a key limiting nutrient for plant growth, but little is known about whether CMNs exist between neighboring individuals of C. squarrosa or play any roles in the N acquisition of the C. squarrosa population. In this study, two C. squarrosa individuals, one as a donor plant and the other as a recipient plant, were planted in separate compartments in a partitioned root-box. Adjacent compartments were separated by 37 µm nylon mesh, in which mycorrhizal hyphae can go through but not roots. The donor plant was inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, and their hyphae potentially passed through nylon mesh to colonize the roots of the recipient plant, resulting in the establishment of CMNs. The formation of CMNs was verified by microscopic examination and 15N tracer techniques. Moreover, different levels of N fertilization (N0 = 0, N1 = 7.06, N2 = 14.15, N3 = 21.19 mg/kg) were applied to evaluate the CMNs’ functioning under different soil nutrient conditions. Our results showed that when C. squarrosa–C. squarrosa was the association, the extraradical mycelium transferred the 15N in the range of 45–55% at different N levels. Moreover, AM fungal colonization of the recipient plant by the extraradical hyphae from the donor plant significantly increased the plant biomass and the chlorophyll content in the recipient plant. The extraradical hyphae released the highest content of glomalin-related soil protein into the rhizosphere upon N2 treatment, and a significant positive correlation was found between hyphal length and glomalin-related soil proteins (GRSPs). GRSPs and soil organic carbon (SOC) were significantly correlated with mean weight diameter (MWD) and helped in the aggregation of soil particles, resulting in improved soil structure. In short, the formation of CMNs in this root-box experiment supposes the existence of CMNs in the typical steppe plants, and CMNs-mediated N transfer and root colonization increased the plant growth and soil properties of the recipient plant.

scholarly journals Water deficit effect on the accumulation of biomass and artemisinin in annual wormwood(Artemisia annua L., Asteraceae)

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
José A. Marchese ◽  
Jorge F.S. Ferreira ◽  
Vera L.G. Rehder ◽  
Osmar Rodrigues
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Water Deficit ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Artemisia Annua ◽  
Turgor Pressure ◽  
Chemical System ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Biotic And Abiotic Stress ◽  
Artemisia Annua L ◽  
Severe Water Deficit

Despite the importance of Artemisia annua L. as the only source of the anti-parasitic drug artemisinin, little is known on the effects of biotic and abiotic stress on artemisinin accumulation. Water deficit is the most limiting factor on plant growth, however it can trigger secondary metabolite accumulation, depending on the plant growth stage and intensity. A. annua cultivated in growth chambers was submitted to five water deficit treatments (watered, 14, 38, 62 e 86 hours without irrigation). Water deficits of 38 and 62 hours (Yw = -1.39 and -2.51 MPa, respectively) increased leaf artemisinin content, but only 38 hours led to a significant increase in both leaf and plant artemisinin (29%), with no detriment to plant biomass production. The other treatments had no effect on, or decreased artemisinin accumulation. A. annua plants tolerated well water deficit treatments, including the most severe water deficit applied (Yw -3.97 MPa or 86 hs without irrigation) and recovered their turgor pressure after rehydration. These results suggest that moderate water deficit prior to harvesting the crop may not only reduce time and costs in drying the crop, but can also induce artemisinin accumulation, both of which increase crop profit margins. Results also suggest that artemisinin could be part of A. annua chemical system of defense against water deficit.

Growth of Container-grown Plants With and Without Azomite Soil Amendment

HortScience ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 492c-492
Author(s):  
Chris Ely ◽  
Mark A. Hubbard
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Physical Properties ◽  
Bulk Density ◽  
Soil Amendment ◽  
Extended Period ◽  
Mineral Elements ◽  
Field Soil ◽  
Rooted Cuttings ◽  
Sodium Calcium ◽  
Water Holding

Azomite is a mined, commercially available, hydrated sodium calcium aluminosiliclate soil amendment reported to act as a source of mineral elements. To determine its effect on plant growth, Dendranthema `Connie' rooted cuttings, Malus seedlings, and Citrus seedlings were grown in containers in one of two growing media: ProMix BX or ProMix BX with Azomite (1:1, v:v). Plant height was monitored weekly and after 6 weeks of growth, fresh and dry plant weights of roots and shoots were determined. There was no difference in any of the parameters measured as a result of the addition of Azomite. Any nutritional influence of the Azomite may only be evident in different conditions, e.g., field soil, or over an extended period of time. The Azomite altered the medium's physical properties and therefore bulk density and water-holding capacity of the Azomite were determined for consideration.

scholarly journals Metal Accumulation Profile of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don and Celosia argentea L. with EDTA Co-Application

Processes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 598
Author(s):  
Muneeba Qurban ◽  
Cyrus Raza Mirza ◽  
Aqib Hassan Ali Khan ◽  
Walid Khalifa ◽  
Mustapha Boukendakdji ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Catharanthus Roseus ◽  
Metal Uptake ◽  
Metal Accumulation ◽  
Metal Tolerance ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid ◽  
Ornamental Plants ◽  
Environmental Deterioration ◽  
Celosia Argentea

The problem of metal-induced toxicity is proliferating with an increase in industrialization and urbanization. The buildup of metals results in severe environmental deterioration and harmful impacts on plant growth. In this study, we investigated the potential of two ornamental plants, Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don and Celosia argentea L., to tolerate and accumulate Ni, Cr, Cd, Pb, and Cu. These ornamental plants were grown in Hoagland’s nutrient solution containing metal loads (50 µM and 100 µM) alone and in combination with a synthetic chelator, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) (2.5 mM). Plant growth and metal tolerance varied in both plant species for Ni, Cr, Cd, Pb, and Cu. C. roseus growth was better in treatments without EDTA, particularly in Ni, Cr, and Pb treatments, and Pb content increased in all parts of the plant. In contrast, Cd content decreased with EDTA addition. In C. argentea, the addition of EDTA resulted in improved plant biomass at both doses of Cu. In contrast, plant biomass reduced significantly in the case of Ni. In C. argentea, without EDTA, root length in Cd and Cu treatments was significantly lower than the control and other treatments. However, the addition of EDTA resulted in improved growth at both doses for Pb and Cu. Metal accumulation in C. argentea enhanced significantly with EDTA addition at both doses of Cu and Cd. Hence, it can be concluded that EDTA addition resulted in improved growth and better metal uptake than treatments without EDTA. Metal accumulation increased with EDTA addition compared to treatments without EDTA, particularly for Pb in C. roseus and Cu and Cd in C. argentea. Based on the present results, C. roseus showed a better ability to phytostabilize Cu, Cd, and Ni, while C. argentea worked better for Ni, Cd, Cu, and Pb.

scholarly journals Sewage sludge application enhances soil properties and rice growth in a salt-affected mudflat soil

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuhua Shan ◽  
Min Lv ◽  
Wengang Zuo ◽  
Zehui Tang ◽  
Cheng Ding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Plant Growth ◽  
Root Growth ◽  
Soil Fertility ◽  
Soil Properties ◽  
Soluble Sugar ◽  
Soil Reclamation ◽  
Rice Growth ◽  
Promote Plant Growth

AbstractThe most important measures for salt-affected mudflat soil reclamation are to reduce salinity and to increase soil organic carbon (OC) content and thus soil fertility. Salinity reduction is often accomplished through costly freshwater irrigation by special engineering measures. Whether fertility enhancement only through one-off application of a great amount of OC can improve soil properties and promote plant growth in salt-affected mudflat soil remains unclear. Therefore, the objective of our indoor pot experiment was to study the effects of OC amendment at 0, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.5%, calculated from carbon content, by one-off application of sewage sludge on soil properties, rice yield, and root growth in salt-affected mudflat soil under waterlogged conditions. The results showed that the application of sewage sludge promoted soil fertility by reducing soil pH and increasing content of OC, nitrogen and phosphorus in salt-affected mudflat soil, while soil electric conductivity (EC) increased with increasing sewage sludge (SS) application rates under waterlogged conditions. In this study, the rice growth was not inhibited by the highest EC of 4.43 dS m−1 even at high doses of SS application. The SS application increased yield of rice, promoted root growth, enhanced root activity and root flux activity, and increased the soluble sugar and amino acid content in the bleeding sap of rice plants at the tillering, jointing, and maturity stages. In conclusion, fertility enhancement through organic carbon amendment can “offset” the adverse effects of increased salinity and promote plant growth in salt-affected mudflat soil under waterlogged conditions.

scholarly journals A Meta-Analytical Approach on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Inoculation Efficiency on Plant Growth and Nutrient Uptake

Agriculture ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 370
Author(s):  
Murugesan Chandrasekaran
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Nutrient Uptake ◽  
Mycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Host Plants ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
Mycorrhizal Plants

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are obligate symbionts of higher plants which increase the growth and nutrient uptake of host plants. The primary objective was initiated based on analyzing the enormity of optimal effects upon AMF inoculation in a comparative bias between mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants stipulated on plant biomass and nutrient uptake. Consequently, in accomplishing the above-mentioned objective a vast literature was collected, analyzed, and evaluated to establish a weighted meta-analysis irrespective of AMF species, plant species, family and functional group, and experimental conditions in the context of beneficial effects of AMF. I found a significant increase in the shoot, root, and total biomass by 36.3%, 28.5%, and, 29.7%, respectively. Moreover, mycorrhizal plants significantly increased phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium uptake by 36.3%, 22.1%, and 18.5%, respectively. Affirmatively upon cross-verification studies, plant growth parameters intensification was accredited to AMF (Rhizophagus fasciculatus followed by Funniliforme mosseae), plants (Triticum aestivum followed by Solanum lycopersicum), and plant functional groups (dicot, herbs, and perennial) were the additional vital important significant predictor variables of plant growth responses. Therefore, the meta-analysis concluded that the emancipated prominent root characteristics, increased morphological traits that eventually help the host plants for efficient phosphorus uptake, thereby enhancing plant biomass. The present analysis can be rationalized for any plant stress and assessment of any microbial agent that contributes to plant growth promotion.

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