Acid Sand Research Articles

Nitrolimegation: A Nutrient-In-Water Resource for Sustainable Crop Production on ‘Acid Sands’ of Southern Nigeria

The effects of a low-external-input soil fertility enhancement solution – hereafter termed ‘nitrolimegation’ were investigated as a more convenient strategy for application of nitrogen and calcium in the “Acid Sands” soils of south-eastern Nigeria. Two types of nitrogenous fertilizer sources [Urea and liquid pig manure (LPM)] and two types of lime [limestone-CaCO3 and slake lime-Ca(OH)2] were employed variously at the following levels: Urea [CO (NH2)2] 0, 40, 50, 80, 100, 120, and 150 kg/ha; lime 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0, and 10.0 metric tonnes per hectare (t/ha) and LPM 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 t/ha, arranged factorially and laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD). The results indicated that combining lime at 9 t/ha and LPM at 90 t//ha in irrigation water had significant (P<0.01) positive effects on the soil fertility status and growth of the test crop (Okra- Abelmoschus esculentus). When urea combined with slake lime, it offset acidity and provided nutrient balance in the Acid Sands of Calabar; total nitrogen was significantly (P<0.01) boosted from 0.05 to 0.11 %, base saturation (BS) from 46 to 62 % and exchange acidity was reduced from 2.93 to 1.35 cmol/kg. Combining urea (46-0-0) at 80 kg/ha with lime (CaCO3) at 5 t/ha raised the soil pH from 4.4 to 7.1. Exchange acidity was reduced from 0.8 cmol/kg to negligible value but electrical conductivity was improved from 170.7 to 291.9 μS/cm. When LPM and lime were combined, organic carbon was increased from 2.75 to 2.93%, BS was increased from 46.72 to 75.19 %, and pH was raised from 6.0 to 6.73. Plant height was increased from 9.5 to 16.9 cm while mean number of leaves was also increased from 5.6 to 6.3 only with lower level of lime (3 t/ha) and LPM at 90 t/ha. Of the nitrogen and calcium sources, LPM and limestone y were better at 120 t/ha and 9 t/ha, respectively, to offset soil acidity, boost nutrient availability and provide balanced supply to arable crops grown on the Acid Sands.Keywords: Nitrolimegation, Nitrogen fertilizer, Liming, Liquid pig manure, Acid Sands, Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench).

English

A six parent F2 diallel of soybeans was evaluated in potted acid sand culture with the objective of estimating combining ability and heterosis for aluminium stress tolerance. Highly significant differences were observed among the genotypes, crosses (F2/R), Parents, F2, Reciprocals (R) and Parents Vs (F2/R) for the root dry weight, shoot dry weight and relative root surface area. Both general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) mean squares were highly significant for the three traits, except the root dry weight, where the SCA was not significant. The result also showed the presence of both additive and dominance gene action and the preponderance of the former compared to the later, indicating the possibility of selection of pure lines from the genotypes studied. Selection from TGX 1896-3F and TGX 1844-18E and crosses involving these two genotypes on acid soil would enhance a rapid progress in the breeding of aluminium tolerant genotypes of soybeans. Key words: Glycine max, diallel analysis, general combining ability, specific combining ability, additive effect, dominance effect.

Enhanced wheat yield by biochar addition under different mineral fertilization levels

Climate change and global warming have worldwide adverse consequences. Biochar production and its use in agriculture can play a key role in climate change mitigation and help improve the quality and management of waste materials coming from agriculture and forestry. Biochar is a carbonaceous material obtained from thermal decomposition of residual biomass at relatively low temperature and under oxygen limited conditions (pyrolysis). Biochar is currently a subject of active research worldwide because it can constitute a viable option for sustainable agriculture due to its potential as a long-term sink for carbon in soil and benefits for crops. However, to date, the results of research studies on biochar effects on crop production show great variability, depending on the biochar type and experimental conditions. Therefore, it is important to identify the beneficial aspects of biochar addition to soil on crop yield in order to promote the adoption of this practice in agriculture. In this study, the effects of two types of biochar from agricultural wastes typical of Southern Spain: wheat straw and olive tree pruning, combined with different mineral fertilization levels on the growth and yield of wheat (Triticum durum L. cv. Vitron) were evaluated. Durum wheat was pot-grown for 2 months in a growth chamber on a soil collected from an agricultural field near Cordoba, Southern Spain. Soil properties and plant growth variables were studied in order to assess the agronomic efficiency of biochar. Our results show that biochar addition to a nutrient-poor, slightly acidic loamy sand soil had little effect on wheat yield in the absence of mineral fertilization. However, at the highest mineral fertilizer rate, addition of biochar led to about 20–30 % increase in grain yield compared with the use of the mineral fertilizer alone. Both biochars acted as a source of available P, which led to beneficial effects on crop production. In contrast, the addition of biochar resulted in decreases in available N and Mn. A maximum reduction in plant nutrient concentration of 25 and 80 % compared to nonbiochar-treated soils for N and Mn, respectively, was detected. This fact was related to the own nature of biochar: low available nitrogen content, high adsorption capacity, and low mineralization rate for N; and alkaline pH and high carbonate content for Mn. Our results indicate that biochar-based soil management strategies can enhance wheat production with the environmental benefits of global warming mitigation. This can contribute positively to the viability and benefits of agricultural production systems. However, the nutrient–biochar interactions should receive special attention due to the great variability in the properties of biochar-type materials.

EFFECT OF INDUSTRIAL-COMMUNAL SEWAGE SLUDGE TREATMENT ON THE Cd AND Cr FRACTIONS OF SOIL AND ON PLANT UPTAKE

The Cd and Cr fractions (mobile: 1M NH 4 NO 3 -soluble, mobilisable: ammonium acetate + EDTA-soluble, “total”: cc. HNO 3 + cc. H 2 O 2 -soluble) of the experimental soils and the Cd and Cr contents of spring barley grain and straw were examined in a pot experiment to investigate the effect of applying industrial-communal sewage sludge with metal contents exceeding the authorised limit. The four experimental soils were acidic sand, calcareous sandy soil, calcareous chernozem loamy soil and brown forest soil, or acidic loam. The sludge was applied at rates of 0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 g sludge D.M. /kg air-dry soil in four replications. The mobile fraction of both elements changed only on sandy soils significantly. Regression analysis on the soil Cr and Cd fractions and the barley grain and straw element contents revealed that in the case of Cd the soil mobile fraction is the most suitable to predict the plant concentration. The changes in plant Cr concentrations were not coherent, thus the regression with soil Cr concentration did not give reliable results. Only a negligible proportion of the elements added with the sludge appeared in mobile form in the soil. This ratio is smaller in the case of Cr where only 0.02 % of the sludge Cr content can be found in the soil mobile Cr fraction. Since Cd is more mobile element 2.5 % of the added Cd can be found in the mobile fraction. Our results indicated that in case of sewage sludge application on field it is important to consider not only the element contents, but also other parameters (pH, texture, organic matter), as these may influence the dissolution of contaminants. The Cd and Cr content of the investigated sludge may cause adverse effects principally on light textured soils.

Survival and growth of alders (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. and Alnus incana (L.) Moench) on fly ash technosols at different substrate improvement

Difficulties in disposal of fly ash resulting from coal combustion at electric power plants are of increasing concern. Establishment of vegetation is often an effective means of stabilizing solid wastes. This paper presents an evaluation of adaptation based on survival, growth and nitrogen supply of black alder and grey alder introduced on the landfill fly ash resulting from lignite combustion in ‘Bełchatów’ Power Plant (Central Poland). The research was conducted at 3 substrate variants: control with pure fly ash (CFA), with addition (3dm3 in planting hole) lignite culm (CFA+L) and Miocene, acidic and carboniferous sands from overburden of ‘Bełchatów’ Lignite Mine (CFA+MS). Before putting the experience uniformly on the whole surface sewage sludge (4Mgha−1) mixed with grass seedling (200kgha−1) and mineral fertilization (N – 60, P – 36 and K – 36kgha−1) were applied by hydroseeding. The results show the high adaptability of alders for extremely hard site conditions on the landfill ash. After 5 years of investigation the survival of black alder was from 61% (at CFA+MS) to 88% (at CFA+L), and grey alder from 81% (at CFA+MS) to 87% (at CFA). Black alder was characterized by higher growth parameters (diameter growth d0 and height h) compare to grey alder. The best substrate for fly ash enhancement was lignite culm. Therefore, if the goal of biological stabilization of fly ash landfill would be the greatest increase of tree biomass for example for energy plantations, the recommend solution for substrate improvement is using of lignite culm and Black alder. However, the introduction of alders directly on the fly ash using start up NPK fertilising and hydroseeding with seed sludge may be recommend mainly for economic reasons, especially when the introduced alders are to have primarily protective and phytomelioration functions and thus prepare the substrate for the afforestation and next generation of target species.

Yield Performance of Popcorn (Zea mays L. everta) under Lime and Nitrogen Fertilization on an Acid Soil

A two-year field experiment was carried out on the acidic coastal plain sands of South Eastern Nigeria during the year 2009 and 2010 planting seasons to study the effect of lime levels (L = 0, 500 and 1000 kg ha-1) and nitrogen rates (N = 0, 40, 80 and 120 kg ha-1) on -popcorn varieties (Yellow composite and Ashland). Results showed that N application resulted in significantly (p=0.05) higher grain yield at 80kg N ha-1 in 2010 than that obtained at 120 kg Nha-1 in 2009. Yield in 2010 outstripped yield in 2009 by 23.65%. Results also showed that lime at 500 kg ha-1 gave the highest popcorn yields in 2010, a yield increase of 18.03 % above control, whereas there was no yield response to lime in 2009. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that popcorn sown at 80 kg N ha-1 and 500 kg ha-1 rates of lime significantly increased the crop productivity compared to those sown at other N and lime rates. The study demonstrated the effect of lime amendment in reducing rates of inorganic N applied to popcorn especially with resource poor farmers who form the bulk of maize producers in Nigeria.

Retention of Heavy Metals in a Typic Kandiudult Amended with Different Manure-based Biochars

Although nutrient-rich manure biochars are expected to be an effective heavy metal stabilizer in agricultural and contaminated soils, systematic studies are lacking to predict the influence of manure variety and pyrolysis temperature on metal-binding potentials. In this study, biochars produced from five manure varieties (dairy, paved feedlot, swine solids, poultry litter, and turkey litter) at two pyrolytic temperatures (350 and 700°C) were examined for the stabilization of Pb, Cu, Ni, and Cd in a weathered, acidic Norfolk loamy sand (fine-loamy, kaolinitic, thermic, Typic Kandiudult). Equilibrium concentrations in the aqueous phase were determined for heavy metals (Cu, Ni, Cd, and Pb) and additional selected elements (Na, P, S, Ca, Mg, Al, and K); these were analyzed by positive matrix factorization to quantitatively determine the factors responsible for the biochar's ability to bind the selected heavy metals in soil. Concurrently with the greatest increase in pH and highest equilibrium Na, S, and K concentrations, poultry litter, turkey litter, and feedlot 700°C biochar exhibited the greatest heavy metal retention. In contrast, manure varieties containing disproportionately high (swine) and low (dairy) ash, P, and other elements were the least effective stabilizers. Regardless of the manure type, proton nuclear magnetic resonance analyses showed the removal of leachable aliphatic and nitrogen-containing heteroaromatic functional groups at the higher (700°C) pyrolysis temperature. Consistently greater Cu retention by the 700°C biochar indicated the mobilization of Cu by 350°C biochar-born dissolved organic carbon; however, the influence of other temperature-dependent biochar characteristics cannot be ruled out.

Root-nodule bacteria isolated from native Amphithalea ericifolia and four indigenous Aspalathus species from the acidic soils of the South African fynbos are tolerant to very low pH

Indigenous root-nodule bacteria isolated from the acid sands of the Cape using Aspalathus linearis , Aspalathus hispida , Aspalathus carnosa , Aspalathus capensis and Amphithalea ericifolia as trap hosts showed considerable tolerance to low pH. Isolates from A. ericifolia and A. carnosa could even grow in YMB medium at pH 3. Although, all strains grew well at pH 4, 5 and 6, the isolates from A. carnosa exhibited the highest growth rate at each of the three pH regimes. The isolates from A. linearis subsp. linearis , A. capensis and A. carnosa grew significantly better when re-cultured from pH 3 in pH 5 or same pH 3 medium as compared to first-time culture in pH 3. With isolates from A. capensis and A. linearis , growth of cells from pH 3 re-cultured in pH 5 or same pH 3 was not significantly different. Except for isolates from A. carnosa , which showed a marked increase and A. capensis with a major decrease, no differences were observed in bacterial growth when cells from pH 5 were re-cultured in pH 3. Providing 0.5% of root metabolites from A. linearis subsp. linearis to its microsymbiont at pH 3 significantly reduced cell growth from 0.8 to less than 0.1 OD units. At pH 5, however, bacterial growth was neither inhibited nor promoted by the addition of root extract.

Influence of acid sand pit lakes in surrounding groundwater chemistry, Sepetiba sedimentary basin, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Seropédica–Itaguaí sand mining district has an important role in the Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan Region, supplying approximately 70% of the sand for civil construction. The sand extraction process removes surface sedimentary layers (with quartz–feldspatic composition), increasing water table in the mined pit. However, this activity causes some chemical and physico-chemical changes in the water, such as the oxidation of reduced sediments lowering pH values (reaching values < 3.5) and increasing SO 4 concentration (reaching more than 90 mg.l − 1 ). The relatively low pH values of those waters promote an increase of weathering rate, especially the silicate minerals and, as a consequence, high Al concentrations (> 10 mg.l − 1 ) are obtained. Four sand pit lakes and four wells located close to each other were sampled from November 2005 to March 2007. The groundwater physico-chemical parameters and the dissolved species in the sand pit lakes are controlled by sand extraction process as well as the rainfall regime. During dry season the reduced sediments become exposed by the water table drawdown, promoting oxidation which releases H + and other ions present in those lithologies. The increase of water table during wet season induces lithologies lixiviation, increasing the concentration of dissolved species in groundwater. However it also promotes a decreasing of pH values due to the diluting factor induced by rainwater infiltration. During dry season, the sand pit lakes have high pH values due to buffering action caused by the dissolved species present, leading to the ion shielding for H +, caused by evapoconcentration process (high ionic strength for this season). The evapoconcentration conditions along that season promote the precipitation of some complex salts of Na +, Mg 2 + , Cl − and sulfate, decreasing the concentrations of major dissolved species. The opposite occurs during wet season, where pH values increase due the rainwater input, breaking the ion shielding (lower ionic strength) and dissolving some precipitated compounds (increasing the concentrations of major dissolved constituents). PHREEQC and WATEQ4F modeling were used for sand pit lakes and groundwater samples in order to show the Al behavior in these specific environments, which could be a limiting factor for an aquaculture activity towards the end of mining activities. The sand pit lakes showed Al 3 + as the main dissolved species in both dry and wet season, while groundwater presented Al(OH) 2 + and Al(OH) 2 +, which are the most toxic species for aquatic life. The dissolved aluminum concentration in the studied environments was considered by the minerals formation, which the SO 4 2 − salts complex are the main Al scavengers, followed by the silicate minerals in both seasons. The information provided by this study gives an insight to the conditions of aquaculture in sand pit lakes, having peculiar characteristics. On the other hand, the dissolved aluminum should be considered in groundwater due to the possible water contamination, considering that wells used for water consumption are prevalent in the region.

Application of soil quality indexes for the habitat conditions variability assessment in the forestry rehabilitated former mining spoil banks

According to Polish law, all former mining areas, whether for coal or other minerals should be rehabilitated. This paper analyses the possibility of using of indexes of Soil Trophy (ITGL) and Site Soil (SIG) to describe variability in the “Belchatow” Brown Coal Mine dumping grounds for mining subsidence, which have been reclaimed for forestry. Research was conducted in four substrate variants forming the soil bedrock being created of: nutrient-rich, sandy clay Quaternary (NWL on the inside spoil bank) and clay silt (NZL on the outside spoil bank), as well as poorer Quaternary sandy (NWG on the inside spoil bank) and acidic Miocene sands after neutralisation by bog lime (NZG on the outside spoil bank). Based on the values calculated for the tested indicators, a site assessment was carried out according to the scale drawn up for “natural” conditions. It was confirmed that concerning these two indicators tested on the mine’s spoil banks that the ITGL index reflected the soil variability better because the partial indicators valuation was based on the other soil properties and data transformation than the SIG. However, for a better description of the habitats which are forming in these conditions, it would be preferable to modify the partial indicators assessments described by these indexes based on the variability of post-mining soil properties.

Geochemical behavior and dissolved species control in acid sand pit lakes, Sepetiba sedimentary basin, Rio de Janeiro, SE – Brazil

This work shows the influence of pluvial waters on dissolved components and mineral equilibrium of four sand pit lakes, located in the Sepetiba sedimentary basin, SE Brazil. The sand mining activities promote sediment oxidation, lowering pH and increasing SO4 contents. The relatively high acidity of these waters, similar to ore pit lakes environment and associated acid mine drainage, increases weathering rate, especially of silicate minerals, which produces high Al concentrations, the limiting factor for fish aquaculture. During the dry season, basic cations (Ca, Mg, K and Na), SiO2 and Al show their higher values due to evapoconcentration and pH are buffered. In the beginning of the wet season, the dilution factor by rainwater increases SO4 and decreases pH values. The aluminum monomeric forms (Al (OH) 2þ and Al(OH)2 ), the most toxic species for aquatic organisms, occur during the dry season, while AlSO4 species predominate during the wet season. Gibbsite, allophane, alunite and jurbanite are the reactive mineral phases indicated by PHREEQC modeling. During the dry season, hydroxialuminosilicate allophane is the main phase in equilibrium with the solution, while the sulphate salts alunite and jurbanite predominate in the rainy season due to the increasing of SO4 values. Gibbsite is also in equilibrium with sand pit lakes waters, pointing out that hydrolysis reaction is a constant process in the system. Comparing to SiO2, sulphate is the main Al retriever in the pit waters because the most samples (alunite and jurbanite) are in equilibrium with the solution in both seasons. This Al hydrochemical control allied to some precaution, like pH correction and fertilization of these waters, allows the conditions for fishpond culture. Equilibrium of the majority samples with kaolinite (Ca, Mg, Na diagrams) and primary minerals (K diagram) points to moderate weathering rate in sand pit sediments, which cannot be considered for the whole basin due to the anomalous acidification of the studied waters. 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) ecosystem macronutrients budget on reclaimed mine sites—stand trees supply and stability

The aim of this study was to determine the sources, accumulation rate and relationships between macronutrients in reclaimed mine soils (RMS) and aboveground plant biomass on external slopes of lignite mines in central Poland. The study was conducted on two different types of sites with 10-year-old Scots (Pinus sylvestris L.) pine stands located on Quaternary loamy sands (QLS) and on Tertiary acidic carboniferous sands following neutralisation (TCS). The control plot was located in the same vicinity on an external slope in a natural pine ecosystem on a Haplic Podzol in a young mixed coniferous forest habitat (NPE). The nutrient resources, apart from N, were higher in RMS than in comparable Haplic Podzols, however, N primarily accumulated in the mineral horizons. In forest soils, the main macronutrient resources were accumulated in organic horizons, which in natural soils of coniferous forest habitats constitute the main source of nutrients. The proportion of individual macronutrients accumulated in the biomass vs. pools in soil was much lower on the external slope RMS than in the natural site, which in view of the potential richness of RMS, indicated poorer sorption and utilization of macronutrients in aboveground plant biomass than in natural habitats. Other important linear correlations (p = .05) were found between the sources of nutrients in RMS and elements accumulated in biomass (most clearly in case of K, Ca and Mg), which indicates important relationships between soil and vegetation in the first stages of ecosystem development as stimulated by reclamation.

Pelleting or Priming Seed with Calcium Improves Groundnut Seedling Survival in Acid Soils

ABSTRACT A growth chamber experiment and a field experiment were conducted to investigate the effects of pelleting or priming groundnut seed with calcium (Ca), either as calcium sulfate (CaSO4), calcium chloride (CaCl2), calcium nitrate [Ca(NO3)2], calcium carbonate (CaCO3) or Calcimax on growth of groundnut seedlings in acid soils. In the growth chamber experiment, Ca-treated and non-treated groundnut seeds were planted in acid-washed sand and watered with a dilute nutrient solution of pH 4.0 or 5.5. In the field experiment, the seeds were planted in an acid sand clay loam of pH [potassium chloride (KCl)] 4.8. Generally, pelleting or priming the seed with a Ca compound significantly reduced seedling mortality. Also, pelleting groundnut seed with Ca enhanced plant growth. An additional effect of priming was earlier emergence. The most effective Ca compound was CaSO4 among the priming treatments, whereas CaCO3 was the most effective among the pelleting treatments to reduce seedling mortality.

Vegetation and vegetation-environment relationships at Grootbos Nature Reserve, Western Cape, South Africa

The private Grootbos Nature Reserve is located at the Western edge of the Agulhas Plain in the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa, an area characterized by high habitat and floristic diversity. The Reserve is covered in near-natural fynbos shrublands with a few patches of forest and wetland. The main objective of this study was to classify the vegetation into discrete units and relate them to the prevailing environmental conditions. The vegetation was analysed by numerical means (TWINSPAN, DC A, CCA) and mapped on GIS. At the vegetation type level. Forest Thicket and Fynbos formed distinctive clusters, whereas the wetland releves were intermixed, but without relationships to one of these units. Fire incidence served as the major determinant of the forest-fynbos boundary. The Forest Thicket grouping was separated into Thicket (as transitional to fynbos), Afromontane Forest and Milkwood Scrub Forest. Two broad complexes were distinguished within the Fynbos grouping, the Alkaline Sand Fynbos Complex corresponding to Coastal Fynbos. and the Acid Sand Fynbos Complex corresponding to Mountain Fynbos. They discriminated along gradients of pH. soil depth and rock cover. The complexes were further subdivided into formations by using one or a few subjectively chosen dominant species as indicators. The transitions between these formations were rather continuous than discrete. The vegetation type and complex levels correspond well to existing fynbos-wide classifications. Comparing the formations to the results of other vegetation studies is problematic even on the scale of the Agulhas Plain, due to the high regional plant diversity in the Fynbos Biome.

Effect of N-fertilizer rates on Dry Matter Yield (DMY) and quality of pinapple propagules (&lt;i&gt;Ananas comosus&lt;/i&gt;) in the acid sands of cross river

Effect of N-fertilizer rates on Dry Matter Yield (DMY) and quality of pinapple propagules (&lt;i&gt;Ananas comosus&lt;/i&gt;) in the acid sands of cross river

Rhizosphere processes do not explain variation in P acquisition from sparingly soluble forms among Lupinus albus accessions

Seven Lupinus albus L. landraces were selected, based on their geographic origin and the soil type and pH at the site of collection of the seeds, and compared with the cv. Kiev mutant. We hypothesised that those landraces collected from red/yellow acidic sands (pH 5–5.7) would be better at acquiring P from FePO4 or AlPO4 than those selected from brown neutral (pH 7) or fine, calcareous, alkaline sands (pH 9), and that those selected from fine calcareous sands would be more effective at acquiring P from Ca5OH(PO4)3. Plants were grown in sand and supplied with 40 mg P/kg as the above sparingly soluble forms, or as soluble KH2PO4; control plants received no P. All genotypes were able to use these P sources. Variation in using poorly soluble P was not due to differences in rhizosphere carboxylate concentration, cluster-root development, or rhizosphere-extract pH. L. albus landraces with a better ability to use P from different sparingly soluble forms could be exploited to develop cultivars that are more P-acquisition efficient on soils that are low in [P] or highly P-sorbing; however, desirable genotypes cannot simply be selected based on soil type of origin.

Macronutrient Accumulation and Relationships in a Scots Pine (Pinus Sylvestris L.) Ecosystem on Reclaimed Opencast Lignite Mine Spoil Heaps in Central Poland

The aim of this study was to determine the sources, accumulation rate and relationships between macronutrients in reclaimed mine soils (RMS) and aboveground plant biomass on external slopes of lignite mines in central Poland. The study was conducted on two different types of sites with 10-year-old Scots (Pinus sylvestris L.) pine stands located on Quaternary loamy sands (QLS) and on Tertiary acidic carboniferous sands following neutralisation (TCS). The control plot was located in the same vicinity on an external slope in a natural pine ecosystem on a Haplic Podzol in a young mixed coniferous forest habitat (NPE). The nutrient resources, apart from N, were higher in RMS than in comparable Haplic Podzols, however, N primarily accumulated in the mineral horizons. In forest soils, the main macronutrient resources were accumulated in organic horizons, which in natural soils of coniferous forest habitats constitute the main source of nutrients. The proportion of individual macronutrients accumulated in the biomass vs. pools in soil was much lower on the external slope RMS than in the natural site, which in view of the potential richness of RMS, indicated poorer sorption and utilization of macronutrients in aboveground plant biomass than in natural habitats. Other important linear correlations (p=.05) were found between the sources of nutrients in RMS and elements accumulated in biomass (most clearly in case of K, Ca and Mg), which indicates important relationships between soil and vegetation in the first stages of ecosystem development as stimulated by reclamation.

Toxicity of aluminium to pinapple (&lt;i&gt;Ananas comosus&lt;/i&gt;) grown on acid sands of Cross River State, Nigeria

A solution culture experiment was carried out in April, 2003 at Calabar using two cultivars of pineapple suckers (Ananas Comosus) smooth Cayenne, and Queen to assess the Al toxicity to pineapple solution culture, consider the Al up-take, and attendant Al symptoms, together with shoot and roots growth. The treatment consisted of three levels of Al concentrations 0, 0, 0.35 and 0.070mmol dm-3, combined with four levels of ionic strength produced by diluting a complete nutrient solution to relative concentration of 1.0, 0.5, 0.25 and 0.12. The phosphorus (P) ion concentration of each solution was adjusted to 0.1mmol dm-1. The pH of the solution was maintained at 4.5 &#61617; 0.3. The results showed that shoot and root growth decreased significantly under the Al treatments. The observed lateral roots of AI stressed plant of the two varieties was significant (P

The effect of plant population dentsity on the dry matter accumulation of two pineapple cultivars (&lt;i&gt;ananas comosus&lt;/i&gt;) in the acid sands

The effect of plant population dentsity on the dry matter accumulation of two pineapple cultivars (&lt;i&gt;ananas comosus&lt;/i&gt;) in the acid sands

Revision of Central European taxa of Festuca ser. Psammophilae Pawlus: morphometrical, karyological and AFLP analysis

The taxonomic status of Central European taxa Festuca pallens s.l., F. psammophila, F. polesica, and F. vaginata was revised using the multivariate morphological analysis of well karyologically documented plants, and AFLP analysis. Six species were recognised: F. pallens Host (relict rocky habitats; diploid); F. csikhegyensis Simonk. (base-rich rocks; tetraploid); F. psammophila (Celak.) Fritsch (acidic sands) with two subspecies, F. p. subsp. psammophila (E Germany, Poland, Bohemia) and F. p. subsp. dominii (Krajina) P. Smarda (SW Moravia, NE Austria, SW Slovakia, C and E Poland); F. vaginata Willd. (base-rich sands mainly in the Pannonian Lowland); F. polesica Zapal. (seaside and inland sand dunes); and F. pseudovaginata Penksza (base-rich sands in the Pannonian Lowland). Identification key and distribution maps as well as informations about type specimens, exsiccata collections, synonyms, and hybrids are provided. Evolutionary relationships with the assumed putative ancestor F. pallens and the rather isolated position of F. polesica are discussed.