Content Of NH4 Research Articles

Dynamics of ammonium and pH in the solution of soils with different salinity levels, growing irrigated rice

Rice in Rio Grande do Sul State is grown mostly under flooding, which induces a series of chemical, physical and biological changes in the root environment. These changes, combined with the presence of rice plants, affect the availability of exchangeable ammonium (NH4+) and pH of soil solution, whereas the dynamics of both variables can be influenced by soil salinity, a common problem in the coastal region. This study was conducted to evaluate the dynamics of exchangeable NH4+ and pH in the soil solution, and their relation in the solution of Albaqualf soils with different salinity levels, under rice. Four field experiments were conducted with soils with exchangeable Na percentage (ESP) of 5.6, 9.0, 21.2, and 32.7 %. Prior to flooding, soil solution collectors were installed at depths of 5, 10 and 20 cm. The soil solution was collected weekly, from 7 to 91 days after flooding (DAF), to analyze exchangeable NH4+ and pH in the samples. Plant tissue was sampled 77 DAF, to determine N uptake and estimate the contribution of other N forms to rice nutrition. The content of exchangeable NH4+ decreased over time at all sites and depths, with a more pronounced reduction in soils with lower salinity levels, reaching values close to zero. A possible contribution of non-exchangeable NH4+ forms and N from soil organic matter to rice nutrition was observed. Soil pH decreased with time in soils with ESP 5.6 and 9.0 %, being positively correlated with the decreasing NH4+ levels at these sites.

INFLUENCE OF SALINITY AND AMMONIUM: NITRATE RATIO ON GROWTH, PHOTOSYNTHESIS, FATTY ACID AND THE ACTIVITY OF ANTIOXIDATIVE ENZYMES IN CANOLA

The effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) salinity (0 and 200 mM) and ammonium (NH4):nitrate (NO3) ratios (100:0, 25:75, 50:50, and 75:25) on growth, photosynthesis, fatty acids and the activity of antioxidative enzymes were investigated in canola plants. Leaf area and fresh and dry weights of leaves were significantly reduced by the salinity. The reduction in vegetative characteristics varied in both salinized and unsalinized plants according to the NH4:NO3 ratios so that the lowest reduction was observed with the 50:50 (NH4:NO3) ratio. Increased NH4 up to 50 percent (50:50) of total N, promotes the yield at both salinized and unsalinized plants. In both salinized and unsalinized plants, the increased NH4 and NO3 ratio in the nutrient solution reduced the photosynthetic (Pn) rate and stomatal conductance; however, the reduction in Pn rate was severely impaired at a higher ratio of NH4 in the nutrient solution. In both salinized and unsalinized plants, the 75:25 ratio had the lowest potassium (K) and sodium (Na) content; however, the K/Na ratio was the highest in 50:50 ratio. An increase of NH4 in the solution led to a significant increase in NH4 content in both salinized and unsalinized plants. Salinity increased NH4 content so that the salinized plant had nearly twice as high NH4 content in the leaves. The activity of nitrate reductase was increased by increasing NH4 from 0 to 50% and then reduced at a higher ratio of NH4 in the solution. The activities of antioxidative enzymes increased in salinized plants regardless of the NH4:NO3 ratios. In salinized plants, the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymes were increased by 44.4 % and 97.5%, respectively. Within salinized and unsalinized treatments, the highest activities of all antioxidant were observed in 75:25 ratio, while they remained unchanged for all NH4:NO3 ratios. The increased NH4 content in the solution increased the oil content and the maximum oil content in both salinized and unsalinized plant was obtained in both 50:50 and 75:25 ratios. The percentage of oleic acid was affected by both salinity and NH4:NO3 ratios. The ratios of NH4:NO3 had no effect on the protein content; however, salinity reduced the protein content by 20%.

Effects of Mycorrhizal Colonization on Nitrogen and Phosphorus Leaching from Nursery Containers

Our goal was to investigate the effects of mycorrhizal colonization on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) leaching from plants grown in nursery containers. We compared the growth response and the content of nitrate (NO3), ammonium (NH4), and orthophosphate, in leachates collected from mycorrhizal (AM) and nonmycorrhizal (NonAM) plants of the fast-growing perennial, Encelia californica Nutt. (california sunflower), and the slow-growing woody shrub, Rhus integrifolia (Nutt.) Brewer & S. Watson (lemonade berry). Plants were grown for 8 weeks with no fertilizer or with 0.88 g (half rate) and 1.76 g (full rate) of 18N–2.6P–9.9K Osmocote (18-6-12, 6–7 month longevity at 26 °C, Osmocote® controlled-release fertilizer; Scotts Co., Marysville, OH). Mycorrhizal colonization increased the growth and nutrient uptake of E. californica and R. integrifolia but was more effective at decreasing nutrient leaching from containers with E. californica. Mycorrhizal colonization contributed to reduce the content of NO3, NH4, and orthophosphate by up to 65% in leachates from E. californica grown with half rate of Osmocote and up to 70% to 80% in those from plants grown in full rates of Osmocote. In contrast, only the leachates from AM plants of R. integrifolia grown without fertilizer had generally lower nutrient content than those from NonAM plants. Leachates collected from AM plants grown in half rates of Osmocote had less P but no less N, and there were mostly no significant differences in the leachate content of NO3, NH4, and orthophosphate from AM and NonAM plants of R. integrifolia grown in full rates of Osmocote. However, mycorrhizal colonization reduced the fertilizer requirement to achieve maximum growth in both species. AM plants of E. californica and R. integrifolia grown with half rates of Osmocote had greater dry weight than the NonAM ones grown in full rates of Osmocote. Our study shows that mycorrhizal colonization can reduce N and P leaching either by increasing nutrient uptake or by allowing the use of lower fertilizer rates.

Ammonium vermiculite in schists from the Betic Cordillera (Spain)

NH4-bearing phases from pre-Permian schists of the Internal Zones of the Betic Cordillera (Spain) have been characterized by X‑ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetry, infrared spectroscopy, and transmission-analytical electron microscopy. The content and distribution of NH4 in these phases have been estimated by combining elemental analysis of N with mineral quantification based on X‑ray diffraction, whole-rock composition, and electron microprobe data. The obtained results indicate that the NH 4 content in vermiculite ranges between ~0.5 and ~1.0 (wt%), leading to terms with NH 4 > K in the interlayer. The NH 4 content is <0.30 (wt%) in biotite from underlying schists. Muscovite shows very low NH 4 contents (0.04 wt%) through the complete sequence. We interpret that, initially contained in low-grade dioctahedral mica, NH 4 was incorporated in the structure of the trioctahedral phases formed at increasing metamorphic conditions. The entry of NH 4 in the interlayer was favored in chlorite:vermiculite mixed-layered structures and transitional phases with vacancies in the A site (vermiculite) and weak cohesion between layers. NH 4 appears to favor the formation of intermediate phases instead the direct transformation of chlorite to biotite.

Study on the Treatment of Cold Rolling Wastewater by Using Bio-Fluidized Bed

Cold rolling wastewater is very difficult for treatment with high oil content, complex composition, toxicity and other characteristics. In the conventional treatment process, the most widely used methods are ultrafiltration(UF), gas-energy-management(GEM) and membrane bioreactor(MBR). In this study, we used the biological fluidized bed to treat the cold rolling wastewater, which made the bioaugmentation apply to anaerobic biofilter and biological fluidized bed (BF-BFB) combined process, and the optimal process parameters were determined. The contents of COD and NH4+-N were 3276.8mg/L and 67.65mg/L in inflow water, and after treatment, they were reduced to 108.8mg/L and 6.36mg/L, respectively. The removal rates of COD and NH4+-N were 96.68% and 91.01%.

Alteração química de solo cultivado com capim Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.) e fertirrigado com percolado de resíduo sólido urbano

The chemical characteristics of a soil cultivated with Tifton 85 grass (Cynodon spp.) after receiving different urban solid waste (MSW) leachate rates were evaluated. A 5,000 L reservoir, filled with new MSW was used to produce the leachate used in the research. The leachate was applied at rates of 0, 250, 500, 750, 1000 kg ha-1 day-1 of BOD. The pH, the content of organic matter (OM), N-total, NO3-, NH4+, available P and exchangeable concentrations of K, Ca, Mg, Mn were measured. Soil Cationic Exchange Capacity (CEC) was also determided by calculation. It was found that MSW leachate application raised soil N-total, K, P, NO3- and Mn concentrations. MSW leachate rates less than 750 kg ha-1 day-1 of BOD provided no elevation of contaminant concentrations to critical levels during the experiment period and, therefore, these rates can be used. However, we recommend a long term monitoring of soil chemical characteristics and groundwater in order to assess environmental contamination risks if disposal was done outside landfill.

Evolução das características físico-químicas e dinâmica dos nutrientes durante a compostagem da fracção sólida do chorume

Cattle slurry solid fraction (SF) was collected from two dairy farms and composted in tall (1.7 m) and short (1.2 m) static piles to evaluate the physical-chemical characteristics and nutrient dynamics of SF during composting. Highest maximum temperatures (62–64 oC) were achieved in tall piles compared to short piles (52 oC). Therefore, tall piles enhanced compost sanitation. Final OM losses were within the range of 520-660 g kg-1 and nutrient content gradually increased throughout the composting period, due to the net loss of OM. Linear regression between nutrient and OM contents showed highly significant correlation coefficients (P <0.001), which decreased by the following order: N, Ca, P and K. The low temperature, C/N ratio, and content of NH4+-N combined with increased concentrations of NO3--N indicated that SF composts were stabilized. The high concentration of OM and macronutrients in the dry matter of final composts, together with a low electrical conductivity (0.6–1.4 dS m-1), suggested that SF composts would be effective as soil organic amendments and suitable for use in agriculture.

NH4-bearing micas in poly-metamorphic Alpujárride micaschists and gneisses from the central zone of the Betic Cordillera (Spain): tectono-metamorphic and crystal-chemical constraints

The content and distribution of NH4-bearing micas in micaschists and paragneisses of the Alpujarride complex (Betic Cordillera, Spain) are interpreted on the basis of textures, metamorphic history and crystal-chemical constraints. NH4 is present in important amounts in early micas, recording their older diagenetic-to-metamorphic history. NH4 was inherited by micas formed in successive metamorphic events. At similar metamorphic grade, annite is enriched in NH4 relative to muscovite with a fractionation of 4:1. Maximum NH4 contents were estimated in golden annite from medium-grade schists and in retrogressive annite-chlorite mixed-layers (~1.0 wt.%). A Ti-NH4 avoidance gives rise to associated chemical changes, such as the enrichment in Mg and in VIAl. These data suggest that NH4 can be a decisive factor in chemical equilibrium and element partitioning between coexisting phases, thus affecting to the commonly used thermobarometers. Estimation of the P-T conditions from texturally different muscovite-annite pairs reveals the superposition of several stages of mica growth, under different geothermal gradients.

Hydrothermal fluid geochemistry at the Iheya North field in the mid-Okinawa Trough: Implication for origin of methane in subseafloor fluid circulation systems

Geochemical characteristics of hydrothermal fluids in the Iheya North hydrothermal field, mid-Okinawa Trough, was investigated. Twelve-years observation reveals temporal variation of vent fluid chemistry potentially controlled by temporally varying pattern of the phase-separation and -segregation, while the constant Element/Cl ratios among the periods and chimneys indicate the stable chemical composition of the source hydrothermal fluid prior to undergoing phase-separation. The high K contents in the estimated source fluid are typical in the arc-backarc hydrothermal systems due to the hydrothermal reaction with the K-enriched felsic rocks. The high I, B and NH4 contents and alkalinity are derived from decomposition of the sedimentary organic matters. Compositional and isotopic properties of gas species, CH4, H2, CO2, and C2H6, strongly suggest a dominance of biogenic CH4 associated with the sedimentary organic matter. Based on the carbon mass balance calculation and the multidisciplinary investigations of the Iheya North hydrothermal system since the discovery, we hypothesized that the microbial methanogenesis occurs not only within the Central Valley where hydrothermal vents exist, but also in the spatially abundant and widespread basin-filling sediments surrounding the Iheya North Knoll, and that the microbially produced CH4 is recharged together with the source fluid into the deep hydrothermal reaction zone. This “Microbial Methanogenesis at Recharge area in hydrothermal circulation” (MMR) model would be an implication for the generation and incorporation of hydrothermal fluid CH4 in the deep-sea hydrothermal systems but also for those of cold seep CH4 and for the presently uncertain hydrothermal fluid paths in the subseafloor environments. In the near future, the IODP drilling will be conducted in the Iheya North hydrothermal system, and give an excellent opportunity to testify our MMR model.

Minimizing ammonia loss from urea through mixing with zeolite and acid sulphate soil

Ammonia volatilization is a major cause of nitrogen loss from surface applied urea. While all top dressed ammonia and ammonium-based fertilizers can be volatized, the potential is greatest with urea and fluid containing urea. This laboratory study compared the effect of four different urea-zeolite-acid sulphate soil mixtures on NH3 volatilization and, soil exchangeable NH4 and available NO3 contents of an acid soil with surface-applied urea without additives. The soil used in the study was a sandy loam Typic Paleudults (Nyalau Series). The mixtures significantly minimized NH3 loss by 6 to 15% compared to urea alone. These treatments also significantly increased soil exchangeable NH4 and available NO3 contents compared to urea without additives. The increase in the formation of NH4+over NH3 and the temporary decrease in soil pH retarded urea hydrolysis at the microsite immediately around the fertilizer. Surface applied urea fertilizer efficiency could be increased by mixing it with zeolite and acid sulphate soil. Key words: Ammonia loss, urea, zeolites, acid sulphate soils.

Highly efficient in vitro regeneration of the industrial oilseed crop Crambe abyssinica

A highly efficient regeneration protocol for oilseed crop Crambe abyssinica has been developed using hypocotyls as explants in this study. Crambe is a potential engineering oilseed crop for industrial purposes as it contains 55–60% erucic acid in its oil and, more importantly, it does not outcross with any food oil seed crops. However, the low regeneration frequency with the currently available protocols is still a limiting factor for genetic modification of Crambe. In this study, we investigated the effects of N-source, C-source, AgNO3, cultural conditions as well as the concentration and combination of plant growth regulators (PGR) on the regeneration frequency of C. abyssinica. The results showed that all these factors, especially the N-source and PGR concentrations and combinations, played an important role in shoot regeneration. Among all the factors tested, the combination of using hypocotyls from C. abyssinica cv. galactica, the Lepiovre basal medium supplemented with 16gl−1 glucose, 0.5gl−1 AgNO3, 2.2mgl−1 thidiazuron (TDZ), 0.5mgl−1 α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 2.5gl−1 Gelrite, seeds germinated in dark for 3 days and explants cultured in light, gave the best regeneration frequency (over 95%). The results also suggest that reducing the content of NH4+ or keeping a suitable NO3−/NH4+ ratio in the regeneration medium would be crucial to Crambe shoot regeneration.

Migration and transformation of fertilizer nitrogen in a simulated black soil column

为明确肥料氮素在土壤中的迁移转化动态特征, 利用模拟土柱方法, 研究了3倍常规施肥量条件下不同肥料处理(尿素、硫铵)黑土的矿质氮变化。结果表明: 不同氮肥处理的氮素养分迁移转化特征有明显差异。对照处理(不施肥)土柱内各层次间NH₄⁺-N和NO₃^--N含量差异不明显; 施用尿素或硫铵后, 表层0~50 mm土层的NH₄⁺-N和NO₃^--N含量比不施肥对照分别升高100.8~3 408.1 mg·kg^-1、113.4~388.0 mg·kg^-1和126.7~4 671.1 mg·kg^-1、51.4~63.3 mg·kg^-1, 且在培养前14 d内变化最大。在整个培养期内, 施用硫铵处理各层次NH₄⁺-N平均含量比尿素处理高2.54~1 423.7 mg·kg^-1, NO₃^--N平均含量低4.38~335.1 mg·kg^-1; 而尿素处理各层次的硝化率是硫铵处理的0.79~9.12倍。表明肥料氮素的迁移与转化集中在0~50 mm土层内, 尿素处理的氮素转化速率较硫铵处理高。

Physicochemical Dynamics of Composting Screw Pressed Cattle Slurry Amended with Italian Ryegrass Straw or Gorse Bulking Agents

Cattle slurry solid fraction (SF) was composted with increasing rates (0, 25, 33 and 50% v/v) of either Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) straw or gorse (Ulex europaes) to determine the effects of these bulking agents on the physicochemical properties during the composting process and to identify approaches to improve final compost quality. Composting temperatures increased to a maximum of 65°C after 42 days for unamended SF. In contrast, temperatures increased more rapidly in piles mixed with straw (68°C at day 7) or with gorse (74°C at day 3). Gorse or straw addition to SF, therefore, also increased the initial rates of organic matter mineralization. However, potential organic matter (OM) mineralization and compost N concentration decreased with the addition of the bulking agents. C/N ratios declined from 32-38 to a value of 13-17 towards the end of composting and followed a similar trend for all compost treatments. Low compost temperature, low C/N ratio and the small content of NH4+ combined with increased concentrations of NO3− indicated SF composts were stabilized and suitable for use in agriculture. High concentrations of OM (780-840 g kg−1 dry matter (DM)) and total N (28-35 g kg−1 DM), and low electrical conductivity (0.7-1.2 dS m−1) suggested that SF composts would be effective soil amendments with agronomic and environmental advantages. The addition of straw or gorse also enhanced compost sanitation.

Compostagem da fracção sólida do chorume com palha de azevém (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) ou tojo (Ulex europaeus L.)

Cattle slurry solid fraction (SF) was col­lected from a dairy farm (SF) and com­posted with increasing rates of Italian rye-grass straw or gorse, in static piles turned only three times. Temperatures increased to a maximum of 65 oC after the first turn in the pile only with SF. In contrast, higher temperatures were registered much sooner in piles mixed with straw or gorse. The ad­dition of these bulking agents to SF in­creased temperatures and also the initial rates of organic matter (OM) mineralisation. In contrast, potential OM mineralisation and organic N content decreased. The C/N ratio declined following a similar pattern for all compost treatments, from 32–38 at the beginning of the proc­ess, to a value of 13–17 towards the end of composting. Stabilized compost was obtained from raw SF feedstock as indi­cated by the low compost temperature, low C/N ratio and the small content of NH4+ combined with increased concentra­tions of NO3-. The high concentration of OM (784-832 g kg-1) and total N (28-35 g kg-1) in final composts in addition to a low electrical conductivity (0.72-1.16 dS m-1) suggests that SF composts may be ef­fective as soil amendments. The use of straw or gorse contributed to guarantee compost sanitation.

Abstracts of Nippon Dojo-Hiryogaku Zasshi

Abstracts of Nippon Dojo-Hiryogaku Zasshi

Hydrochemical characteristics of a spring snowmelt flood in the Upper Wieprz River basin (Roztocze region) in year 2006

In order to help develop a better understanding of relevant catchment processes, this paper presents the changes in physico-chemical features of the Wieprz River water during the spring snowmelt flood of 2006. The obtained results showed that the groundwater sampled from the springs and the water sampled from the river had a similar and quite stable composition of the basic physicochemical features in the period of solely groundwater feeding (the river is fed only with the water coming from underground sources). The physico-chemical composition of river water during snowmelt depended on the contribution of surface runoff in total outflow and the flood phase. The correlation coefficients between the discharge in the Wieprz River and the concentrations in the studied indices were significantly negative: pH, SEC, HCO₃, Ca, Mg, Na, Sr, SiO₂, Cl, SO₄, F. Significantly positive correlations associated with an increase in discharge were observed in the case of: K, NO₃, NO₂, total organic carbon, chemical oxygen demand and biochemical oxygen demand. Step and bidirectional responses were noted during the snowmelt flood in the case of the content of NH₄ and PO₄.

Effect of Patterns of Straw Returning to Field on Contents of Available N, K in Soil and the Later Rice Growth

The contents of available N,K in the different growth stages of later-rice under different patterns of straw returning to field(SRF) were tested respectively in the experiment. The results indicated that the patterns of SRF siginificantly influenced the contents of NH4+-N in soil and unconspicuously influenced the available K contents of soil and NO3--N content of soil. The con-tent of available NH4+-N under conventional tillage with high stubble(CTHS) was 40.8% and 36.7% higher than that under zero tillage with high stubble(ZTHS) and that under zero tillage with covering straw(ZTC) ,respectively. The available K content of soil under CTHS was 7.5% and 2.0% higher than that under ZTHS and that under ZTC,respectively. CTHS could improve rice growth,increase the content of chlorophyll,make full use of light energy,and enhance photosynthetic rate. The yield of CTHS was 5.8% and 9.0% higher than that of ZTHS and that of ZTC,respectively. So in conclusion,CTHS is the optimal pattern for local area.

Ammonia volatilization and ammonium accumulation from urea mixed with zeolite and triple superphosphate

Ammonia volatilization from surface-applied urea fertilizer reduces N fertilizer use efficiency by crops. Beneficial formation of NH4 over NH3 leading to reduction of NH3 loss may be possible through addition of zeolite and acidic materials. The objective of this laboratory study was to evaluate the effect of four different urea-triple superphosphate (TSP)-zeolite mixtures on NH3 volatilization and NH4 and NO3 contents in soil, compared with surface-applied urea without additives. The soil was a sandy clay loam Typic Kandiudults (Bungor Series). The mixtures significantly reduced NH3 loss by 34 to 49% compared with urea (straight urea, 46% N) and larger reductions were obtained with higher rates of zeolite (0.75 and 1 g kg−1 of soil). All the mixtures of acidic P fertilizer and zeolite with urea significantly increased soil NH4 content but not NO3 content. The mixtures with acidic P fertilizer and zeolite also significantly increased soil-exchangeable Ca, K and Mg, and benefited the formation of NH4 over NH3 compared with urea without additives. The increase in soil-exchangeable cations, and temporary reduction of soil pH, might have impeded urea hydrolysis in the microsite immediately around the fertilizer. It could be possible to improve the efficiency of urea surface-applied to high value crops by addition of TSP and zeolite.

Influence of aeration rate on nitrogen dynamics during composting

The paper aimed to study the influence of aeration rate on nitrogen dynamics during composting of wastewater sludge with wood chips. Wastewater sludge was sampled at a pig slaughterhouse 24h before each composting experiment, and mixtures were made at the same mass ratio. Six composting experiments were performed in a lab reactor (300 L) under forced aeration. Aeration flow was constant throughout the experiment and aeration rates applied ranged between 1.69 and 16.63 L/h/kg DM of mixture. Material temperature and oxygen consumption were monitored continuously. Nitrogen losses in leachates as organic and total ammoniacal nitrogen, nitrite and nitrate, and losses in exhaust gases as ammonia were measured daily. Concentrations of total carbon and nitrogen i.e., organic nitrogen, total ammoniacal nitrogen, and nitrite and nitrate were measured in the initial substrates and in the composted materials. The results showed that organic nitrogen, which was released as NH4+/NH3 by ammonification, was closely correlated to the ratio of carbon removed from the material to TC/N(org) of the initial substrates. The increase of aeration was responsible for the increase in ammonia emissions and for the decrease in nitrogen losses through leaching. At high aeration rates, losses of nitrogen in leachates and as ammonia in exhaust gases accounted for 90-99% of the nitrogen removed from the material. At low aeration rates, those accounted for 47-85% of the nitrogen removed from the material. The highest concentrations of total ammoniacal nitrogen in composts occurred at the lowest aeration rate. Due to the correlation of ammonification with biodegradation and to the measurements of losses in leachates and in exhaust gases, the pool NH4+/NH3 in the composting material was calculated as a function of time. The nitrification rate was found to be proportional to the mean content of NH4+/NH3 in the material, i.e., initial NH4+/NH3 plus NH4+/NH3 released by ammonification minus losses in leachates and in exhaust gases. The aeration rate was shown to be a main parameter affecting nitrogen dynamics during composting since it controlled the ammonification, the ammonia emission and the nitrification processes.

RESPONSE OF ASIATIC LILY (LILIUM × HYBRIDA) 'ZSA ZSA' TO CONCENTRATION OF UREA IN A CLOSED SOILLESS CULTURE

RESPONSE OF ASIATIC LILY (LILIUM × HYBRIDA) 'ZSA ZSA' TO CONCENTRATION OF UREA IN A CLOSED SOILLESS CULTURE