Ratio Of Grains Research Articles

Intraspecific carbon and nitrogen isotopic variability in foxtail millet (Setaria italica).

Isotopic palaeodietary studies generally focus on bone collagen from human and/or animal remains. While plant remains are rarely analysed, it is known that plant isotope values can vary as a result of numerous factors, including soil conditions, the environment and type of plant. The millets were important food crops in prehistoric Eurasia, yet little is known about the isotopic differences within millet species. Here we compare the stable isotope ratios within and between Setaria italica plants grown in a controlled environment chamber. Using homogenised samples, we compare carbon isotope ratios of leaves and grains, and nitrogen isotope ratios of grains, from 29 accessions of Setaria italica. We find significant isotopic variability within single leaves and panicles, and between leaves and panicles within the same plant, which must be considered when undertaking plant isotope studies. We find that the leaves and grains from the different accessions have a ca 2‰ range in δ(13) C values, while the nitrogen isotope values in the grains have a ca 6‰ range. We also find an average offset of 0.9‰ between leaves and grains in their δ(13) C values. The variation found is large enough to have archaeological implications and within- and between-plant isotope variability should be considered in isotope studies. The range in δ(15) N values is particularly significant as it is larger than the typical values quoted for a trophic level enrichment, and as such may lead to erroneous interpretations of the amount of animal protein in human or animal diets. It is therefore necessary to account for the variability in plant stable isotope values during palaeodietary reconstructions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Theory and practice of using heterosis effect in winter rye

Introduction. The article describes the efficiency of creation of new starting material for breeding of cultivars, hybrids and their parental components in connection with the necessity for intensification of rye grain production for the society’s needs and food security of Ukraine.The aim and tasks of the study. The survey proved that the modern trends in winter rye breeding enabled obtaining new starting material for breeding cultivars and hybrids with a set of economically valuable traits.Implementation of winter rye hybrids in production will stabilize the rye grain market in Ukraine and provide science-based norms of rye bread consumption.Material and methods. The source material for creating hybrids of winter rye were varieties and vintage designs. Method of creating hybrids – breeding of the heterosis.Results and Discussion. Winter rye hybrids are plants of a new type, which were created on the basis of sterile and fertile lines with a high combination capacity. The grain yield of hybrids is attributable to the heterosis effect for all its elements and achieved mainly due to productive tillering, redistribution of biological yield capacity and a positive response to farming practices, which can significantly reduce the seeding rate. Hybrids were noticed to have an increased ratio of grain to straw in favor of grain; they responded well to intensive technologies of cultivation. The economical effect from growing hybrids was 25-50% higher than that from growing populations-cultivars.Currently the State Register of Plant Varieties of Ukraine includes 4 domestic rye hybrids and 7 hybrids of foreign breeding.All domestic rye hybrids were created by the Plant Production Institute nd. a V. Ya. Yuriev of NAAS.Conclusions. Studies that will encourage further development of heterosis breeding of winter rye include genetic and economic optimization of the selection of lines both in fertile and in sterile cytoplasm; methods for producing hybrid seeds and cultivation technologies of hybrids under regulating environmental factors. Progress on these issues will contribute to practical breeding and creation of winter rye hybrids.

Increasing crop productivity in coastal areas by proper management of potassium fertilizers

The field experiment was conducted to investigate the alleviation of the adverse effects of soil salinity in rice by efficient management of potassium fertilizers in coastal saline areas.The salt-sensitive (BRRI dhan28) and salt-tolerant (Binadhan-10) rice cultivars were used as test crops. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. There were thirteen treatment combinations viz. T0 (no K from MoP or SoP), T1 (K100 from MoP at final land preparation), T2 (K150 from MoP at final land preparation), T3 (K200 from MoP at final land preparation), T4 (K100 from MoP in two splits), T5 (K150 from MoP in two splits), T6 (K200 from MoP in two splits), T7 (K100 from SoP at final land preparation), T8 (K150 from SoP at final land preparation), T9 (K200 from SoP at final land preparation), T10 (K100 from SoP in two splits), T11 (K150 from SoP in two splits) and T12 (K200 from SoP in two splits). Muriate of potash (MoP) and sulphate of potash (SoP) were applied in two splits and during land preparation as per treatments. Binadhan-10 (salt-tolerant) rice producedhigher grain and straw yields than salt-sensitive (BRRI dhan28) one under saline conditions. Furthermore, application of potassium fertilizers resulted in significant increases growth, and grain and straw yields of both salt-sensitive and salt-tolerant rice cultivars under saline conditions. The nutrient (NPS) uptake and K+/Na+ ratio increased in both rice cultivars by application of potassium fertilizers under saline conditions. The higher amount of yield as well as nutrient uptake of both rice cultivars was observed when SoP was applied either in land preparation or two split doses. The K+/Na+ ratio was found to be higher in T9 and T12 treatments in salt-sensitive cultivar whereas T2 and T3 treatments showed higher K+/Na+ ratio in grain and straw of salt-tolerant rice cultivar, respectively. Therefore, the present study suggests that rice productioncould be improved in saline areas through application of higher doses of potassium fertilizers particularly split application of sulphate of potash.Progressive Agriculture 26 (2): 115-121, 2015

Microstructural evolutions, elastic properties and mechanical behaviors of W/Cr Co-doped Bi4Ti3O12 ceramics

For Aurivillius phase Bi4Ti3−xWxO12+x+0.2wt.% Cr2O3 (BTWx-C, x=0–0.1) ceramics prepared by a conventional ceramic process, plate-like grains with random orientations are formed there. The aspect ratio of grains increases after the doping of W for ceramics, at the same time the bulk density of ceramics decreases. The change of Poisson's ratio may be related to the change of bulk density, whilst the change of bond strength could be responsible for the change of Young's modulus. The large-grained samples tend to possess a lower frequency constant but a higher elastic compliance, as well as a lower hardness. Especially, a larger grain size provides a higher fracture toughness for the sample at x=0.05 due to the mechanism of crack deflection. The stress–strain curves of BTWx-C ceramics under a uniaxial compression load are characterized as three stages: linear elastic deformation, ferroelastic domain switch and microcrack propagation. The microcrack propagation along grain boundaries results in the final axial flerry of ceramics. Additionally, the fracture strength of ceramics may be largely influenced by the internal stress resulted from the paraelectric–ferroelectric phase transformation during sintering.

Development of Polyglycolic- and Polylactic-Acid Fluid-Loss-Control Materials for Fracturing Fluids

Summary Fluid loss is significant for the standard fracturing fluids without adding solid materials. One method to reduce fluid loss is to add silica flour, although it reduces fracture conductivity. Other methods are to use wall-building polymers. However, the fluid loss is still significant, and complete removal of wall-building materials is not possible, even with breakers. We found that powder, granular, and fibrous materials made of polyglycolic acid (PGA) or polylactic acid (PLA) are very suitable for fluid-loss agents because PGA is stronger than steel and PLA is as strong as rock, although they dissolve as liquid acids after applications. Fluid-loss tests are conducted with the standard American Petroleum Institute slot tester and filtrate-loss tester, mixing powders, grains, and fiber, all made of PGA or PLA in fracturing polymer fluids. The ratio of grains, powder, and fiber is optimized to minimize fluid loss for porous media and fractured porous media. Then, the changes of particle size are measured under heated conditions. Fracture-simulation studies are also conducted with a 3D fracture-boundary element model to compare the fluid efficiency of the fracturing fluids with and without the PLA and PGA particles. The results show that the capability of preventing fluid loss and plugging microcracks is maintained for the porous filters and small slots within a reasonable time period. For short-term applications less than 3 hours, both PGA and PLA fluid-loss agents are stable when the temperature is less than 212°F. Mixing these materials often provides more-efficient properties to reduce fluid loss and to bridge microcracks. No residues are left after experiments if the fracturing fluid is kept heated for 24 hours. The amount of the PGA and PLA fluid-loss agents required to reduce the fluid loss is not significant. Hence, their field applications are feasible, judging the cost and the benefit. The advantage in using these materials is that they turn from solid to liquid after applications so that no formation damage and no proppant-conductivity damage occur. The fluid loss is also significantly reduced with the powder particles. In addition, because the PGA and PLA materials are degradable, solids with arbitrary sizes and shapes may be used as long as they control fluid loss and plug fine fractures. Their applications are not only limited to reducing fluid loss, but one may also use them for engineering fracture design to enhance the fracture conductivity.

Influence of Beam Energy on the Properties of Pulsed Laser Deposited Al-Doped ZnO Thin Films

The influence of beam energy on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of Al-doped ZnO (Al:ZnO) thin films deposited using the pulsed laser deposition technique is observed systematically. X-ray diffraction analysis shows the crystalline nature of the thin films with preferred orientation (0 0 2) plane and hexagonal wurtzite structures. The impact of beam energy on the lattice strain is examined by Williamson–Hall (W–H) plots. The surface morphology examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and atomic force microscopy analysis show the increased aspect ratio of grains, particle density, and surface coverage with the beam energy. The elemental composition of the films depends on the beam energy. Optical properties characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy indicate high transparency over 75% in the visible region and a sharp UV absorption. The optical band gap, $E_{g}$ obtained from Tauc's plot indicates a decrease in the energy gap with an increase in laser beam energy. Burstein–Moss (B-M) shift is observed in the band gap due to Al-doping. Photoluminescence (PL) properties of the thin films indicate visible emission peaks, corresponding to deep level defects. The electrical properties analyzed by Four probe technique depict that the thin films possess a resistivity ∼10−3 Ω·cm. Al:ZnO films show good optoelectronic properties for their practical applicability in devices such as solar cells and transparent display electrodes.

Effects of variation in rainfall on rainfed crop yields and water use in dryland farming areas in China

ABSTRACTCrop production in the dryland farming areas of northern China is constrained by low and variable rainfall. This article presents the analysis of the relationships between variations in rainfall and yields of winter wheat and spring maize. The analysis is based on data from both several short-term and our ongoing long-term field experiments in dryland farming research projects in Tunliu, Linfen, Shouyang, and Luoyang. Grain yields of wheat and maize ranged from 1,548 to 5,169 and from 2,612 to 8,789 kg ha-1 respectively, with differences up to above 200% (between dry and wet years). Wheat yields are sensitive to growing season rainfall but also correlated to water use (ET), whereas maize yields are sensitive to the critical time of water supply (especially June rainfall) but not correlated to ET. The ratio of grain yields to soil water at sowing is an important indicator, showing close relationships between yields and soil water-related ratio within the rainfed crops site. Comparison between the indices of water use efficiency (WUE) and precipitation use efficiency (PUE) suggests that the index WUE is more grain-related indicator than the PUE used for assessing rainfed crop water use by both maize and wheat. The index PUE should be used in caution, especially for wheat crops in dry years. Our results indicate that options to alleviate crop moisture stress must be tailored to the rainfall pattern. This holds especially for conservation tillage with response nutrient management practices that aim at enhancing water use efficiency.

Managing Green Water in Dryland Agriculture

Green water is the portion of precipitation that is stored in the soil, or temporarily stays on top of the soil or vegetation during the growing season. Eventually, part of it is used by plants as transpiration and the amount of water transpired is directly related to biomass production. For grain crops, a portion of the biomass is grain, and the ratio of grain to biomass is the harvest index. The portion of precipitation that becomes green water generally increases with increasing precipitation. In arid regions, green water is often <30% of the precipitation, and <50% of this may actually be used for transpiration resulting in evaporation losses of 85% or more. In more favorable areas, 65% or more of the precipitation may be green water, and as much as 70% or more used for transpiration. Also, the units of water as transpiration required to produce a unit of biomass increase as aridity increases while the harvest index generally decreases. As a result of these interactions, grain yield decreases at a faster rate than precipitation. By the use of generalized relationships based on past studies, it is estimated that the grain yield of corn (Zea mays L.) grown in an area with 500 mm average precipitation will be only about 25% of that from an area with 1000 mm precipitation. Therefore, while there is great potential for increasing the capture, storage, and use of green water, realizing this potential increases almost exponentially with increasing aridity.

Homogeneity of microstructure and Vickers hardness in cold closed-die forged spur-bevel gear of 20CrMnTi alloy

Cold closed-die forging is a suitable process to produce spur-bevel gears due to its advantages, such as saving materials and time, reducing costs, increasing die life and improving the quality of the product. The homogeneity of microstructure of cold closed-die forged gears can highly affect their service performance. The homogeneity of microstructure and Vickers hardness in cold closed-die forged gear of 20CrMnTi alloy is comprehensively studied by using optical microscopy and Vickers hardness tester. The results show that the distribution homogeneity of the aspect ratio of grain and Vickers hardness is the same. In the circumferential direction of the gear tooth, the distribution of the aspect ratio of grain and Vickers hardness is inhomogeneous and they gradually decrease from the surface to the center of the tooth. In the radial direction, the distribution of the aspect ratio of grain and Vickers hardness is inhomogeneous on the surface of the gear tooth; while it is relatively homogeneous in the center of the gear tooth. In the axial direction of the gear tooth, the distribution of the aspect ratio of grain and Vickers hardness is relatively homogeneous from the small-end to the large-end of the gear tooth.

Reduction of the risk of arsenic accumulation in rice by the water management and material application in relation to phosphate status

To reduce the risk of excessive arsenic (As) in rice by using agronomic methods applicable to common farming in uncontaminated soil with As, we examined the effect of different start periods of drainage after heading and the application of iron (Fe) or silicate (Si) materials in concrete frames filled with soil collected from an area surrounding a former As-polluted region. The concentration of As in the grain decreased with the early start of drainage, whereas the cadmium (Cd) concentration increased. Thus, maintaining the oxidative condition after heading significantly decreases the concentration of As in the grain. Fe material application significantly decreased the concentration of As in the grain compared to the control. The phosphorus (P) concentration ratio of grain to straw (which we regarded as the P distribution rate of grain and straw) was significantly lower with the delay of the start of drainage. Similar results were obtained in the solution culture experiment in which the P level was decreased by half in the culture solution. A negative correlation between the P concentration ratio of grain to straw and the concentration of As in the grain was observed, indicating that an increase in the P translocation rate from straw to grain would inhibit the accumulation of As in the grain due to the competition of P and As. Further evaluations of the effects of Fe, Si, and P on water management and fertilization are needed to reduce the risk of As accumulation in rice grain.

Estimation of maize yield by using a process-based model and remote sensing data in the Northeast China Plain

Climate change significantly impact on agriculture in recent year, the accurate estimation of crop yield is of great importance for the food security. In this study, a process-based mechanism model was modified to estimate yield of C4 crop by modifying the carbon metabolic pathway in the photosynthesis sub-module of the RS–P–YEC (Remote-Sensing–Photosynthesis–Yield estimation for Crops) model. The yield was calculated by multiplying net primary productivity (NPP) and the harvest index (HI) derived from the ratio of grain to stalk yield. The modified RS–P–YEC model was used to simulate maize yield in the Northeast China Plain during the period 2002–2011. The 111 statistical data of maize yield from study area was used to validate the simulated results at county-level. The results showed that the Pearson correlation coefficient (R) was 0.827 (p<0.01) between the simulated yield and the statistical data, and the root mean square error (RMSE) was 712kg/ha with a relative error (RE) of 9.3%. From 2002 to 2011, the yield of maize planting zone in the Northeast China Plain was increasing with smaller coefficient of variation (CV). The spatial pattern of simulated maize yield was consistent with the actual distribution in the Northeast China Plain, with an increasing trend from the northeast to the southwest. Hence the results demonstrated that the modified process-based model coupled with remote sensing data was suitable for yield prediction of maize in the Northeast China Plain at the spatial scale.

Difference in Yield and Population Characteristics of Different Types of Late Rice Cultivars in Double-cropping Rice Area

In order to provide the scientific basis and technical support for the selection of suitable cultivars and high-yielding cultivation in double cropping systems, we selected indica-japonica hybrid rice, japonica hybrid rice, japonica conventional rice and indica hybrid rice in double-cropping rice areas(Shanggao of Jiangxi) in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River to analyze the differences of yield and its components, development of stem and tiller number, development of leaf area and its composition, photosynthetic potential, dry matter accumulation, crop growth rate and net assimilation rate of rice cultivars with different types systematically using wet nursery and big seedlings transplanting under high-yielding cultivation condition. Results showed that the yields of different types of late rice cultivars in double cropping systems all demonstrated indica-japonica hybrid rice ja-ponica hybrid rice japonica conventional rice indica hybrid rice very significantly. Establishing enough total spikelets through adequate panicles and large spikelets per panicle, and keeping a sustainable seed-setting rate and 1000-grain weight on the basic way to obtain the highest yield for indica-japonica hybrid rice. Compared with japonica hybrid rice, japonica conventional rice and indica hybrid rice, indica-japonica hybrid rice showed fewer tillers at the early growth stage, achieved expected number of stems and tillers at the critical leaf age for productive tiller, and had lower number of peak tiller at the jointing stage. Then, the indica-japonica hybrid population had a steady decline in number of tillers with a higher productive tillers rate(about 73.19%). The leaf area index of indica-japonica hybrid rice population was lower at the early growth stage, with the maximum leaf area index of about 7.93 at booting, and kept more than 3.85 at maturity, whose leaf area index, the ratio of effective leaf area, ratio of effective leaf area in top three leaves and ratio of grain to leaf were significantly higher than those of japonica hybrid rice, japonica conventional rice and indica hybrid rice population at heading. The dry matter accumulation of indica-japonica hybrid rice was comparable to that of japonica hybrid rice, japonica conventional rice and indica hybrid rice population at the critical leaf age for productive tiller and at the jointing stage, increased greater after jointing, and was higher at booting, heading, milky stage and maturity. The proportion of total biomass accumulation was higher at the middle and late growth stage. The photosynthetic potential, crop growth rate and net assimilation rate were smaller at the early stage and higher at the middle and late stages.

Modification of maize simulation model for predicting growth and yield of winter wheat under different applied water and nitrogen

Model WSM (Wheat Simulation Model) was developed based on the previous model (MSM, Maize Simulation Model). The planted cultivar was Shiraz with five irrigation treatments (1.2, 1.0, 0.8, and 0.5 ratios of the potential irrigation requirement under surface irrigation system and rain-fed) and four applied nitrogen treatments (0, 46, 92, 136kgNha−1). The irrigation water requirements were estimated by measuring the differences between soil field capacity and measured soil water content at root depth in the full irrigation treatment before irrigation. In the WSM model, dynamic flow of water, nitrogen, and heat through the soil were simulated numerically in an unsteady state condition at soil profile. Water and nitrogen transfer in the soil are governed by the Richard's equation and the diffusion convection equation, respectively. Emergence time of seed after sowing was simulated using soil water content, temperature, sowing depth, and soil particle diameters using beta function. Plant growth stages were simulated considering photoperiod, vernalization and air temperature. Hourly simulation of actual evaporation from soil surface and transpiration were simulated using the Penman–Monteith method based on atmospheric conditions and soil water content at root depth. Nitrogen uptake was simulated through mass flow and diffusion processes during the growing season. Produced dry matter was simulated as a function of hourly corrected intercepted radiation (based on air temperature) by plant leaves, maximum and minimum plant top N concentration and the amount of N uptake. Wheat grain yield was simulated by the ratio of grain N uptake and grain N concentration that were estimated by an empirical equation as a function of simulated top N uptake. Obtained experimental data in 2009–2010 were used to calibrate the model. The experimental results from 2010 to 2011 validated favorably the proposed model.

Effect of Phosphorus and Zinc Fertilizer Application to Increasing the Quality of Nourishment in Winter Wheat

Balanced fertilization is one of the most important factors for increasing yield and improving the quality of wheat crop. In human nutrition PA / Zn ratio is an important factor and nutrients absorption will be reduced by high levels of PA / Zn ratio in diet. Effect of Phosphorus and Zinc fertilizer application to increasing the quality of nourishment in winter wheat a field experiment was carried out from 2008 to 2009 in researching Karaj region. In a factorial experiment with a randomized complete block design and three replicates per treatment, tree levels of P (0, 100 and 200 kg.ha -1 as DAP), two levels of Zn (0 and 40 kg.ha -1 as zinc sulfate) and 300 kg.ha -1 urea fertilizer added to the trial plots. All other management practices were done in conventional methods. The seeds were Pishtaz variety that was planted. The Anova results showed that the effect of different rates of P and Zn on chemical characteristic of wheat grain was significant (P < 0.05). P and Zn increased the P and Zn grain concentration also increased grain protein and total grain nitrogen. The interactive effect of P and Zn on above characteristic was significant (P < 0.05) the best treatment in this study was obtained in Zn1P1. The effect of P on the PA/Zn ratio of grain was significant at 5% level and increased it (87.1%) but Zn application significantly (P < 0.05). As far the results of this study reveal that consumption of these two fertilizers it’s significant on flour pH and acidity. For reduction of PA / Zn ratios balanced and have a good quality wheat flour, fertilization especially Zn application and apply P fertilizers only on the basis of soil testing are necessary.

High-strength porous Si3N4 ceramics prepared by freeze casting and silicon powder nitridation process

Porous Si3N4 ceramics with uniform morphology were fabricated via freeze casting and silicon powder nitridation process. Because of the interlocking grains, Si3N4 porous ceramics obtained high porosity of 70.51% and high flexural strength of 16.3MPa despite of its nitridation degree 88.8%. With SiC addition, a much higher nitridation degree 97.9% was achieved. But the relatively low porosity of 66.7% with low flexural strength of 9.6MPa was gained owing to the restrained growth and deflection of grains. After post-sintering, the increased aspect ratio of grains gave rise to the improved flexural strength for Si3N4 porous ceramics, while the contrary phenomenon was observed with SiC addition.

RESOLVING THE STELLAR SOURCES OF ISOTOPICALLY RARE PRESOLAR SILICATE GRAINS THROUGH Mg AND Fe ISOTOPIC ANALYSES

We conducted multi-element isotopic analyses of 11 presolar silicate grains from the Acfer 094 meteorite having unusual O isotopic compositions. Eight grains are 18O-rich, one is 16O-rich, and two are extremely 17O-rich. We constrained the grains' stellar sources by measuring their Si and Mg isotopic ratios, and also the 54Fe/56Fe and 57Fe/56Fe ratios for five grains. The Mg and Fe isotopic measurements were conducted after surrounding matrix grains were removed for more accurate ratios. Most of the 18O-rich silicates had anomalous Mg isotopic ratios, and their combined isotopic constraints are consistent with origins in low-mass Type II supernovae (SNe II) rather than high-metallicity stars. The isotopic ratios of the 16O-rich silicate are also consistent with an SN origin. Mixing small amounts of interior stellar material with the stellar envelope replicated all measured isotopic ratios except for 29Si/28Si and 54Fe/56Fe in some grains. The 29Si/28Si ratios of all SN-derived grains are matched by doubling the 29Si yield in the Ne- and Si-burning zones. The 54Fe/56Fe ratios of the grains imply elemental fractionation in the Si/S zone, or introduction of isotopically solar Fe by secondary processing. The two highly 17O-rich silicates exhibited significant 25Mg and/or 26Mg enrichments and their isotopic ratios are best explained by strong dilution of 1.15 M ☉ CO nova matter. We estimate that ~12% and 1% of presolar silicates have SN and nova origins, respectively, similar to presolar SiC and oxides. This implies that asymptotic giant branch stars are the dominant dust producers in the galaxy.

Presolar graphite from the Murchison meteorite: An isotopic study

We studied presolar graphite grains from four density fractions, KE3 (1.65–1.72g/cm3), KFA1 (2.05–2.10g/cm3), KFB1 (2.10–2.15g/cm3), and KFC1 (2.15–2.20g/cm3), extracted from the Murchison (CM2) meteorite, with the ion microprobe. One of the most interesting features of presolar graphite is that isotopic features depend on density. There are grains with 15N and 18O excesses, Si isotopic anomalies, high 26Al/27Al ratios (∼0.1), and Ca and Ti isotopic anomalies, including the initial presence of short-lived 41Ca and 44Ti. These isotopic features are qualitatively explained by nucleosynthesis in core collapse supernovae. We estimate that 76%, 50%, 7% and 1% of the KE3, KFA1, KFB1 and KFC1 grains, respectively, are supernova grains. We performed 3- and 4-zone supernova mixing calculations to reproduce the C, O (18O/16O) and Al isotopic ratios of the KE3 grains, using 15M⊙ model calculations by Rauscher et al. (2002). Isotopic ratios of grains with high 12C/13C ratios (>200) can be reproduced, whereas those of grains with ratios ⩽200 are hard to explain if we assume that graphite grains form in C-rich conditions.We compared the distributions of the 12C/13C ratios of KFB1 and KFC1 grains and their s-process 86Kr/82Kr ratios inferred from bulk noble gas analysis to model calculations of asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars with a range of mass and metallicity. We conclude that KFB1 grains with 12C/13C⩾100 formed in the outflow of low-mass (1.5, 2 and 3M⊙) low-metallicity (Z=3×10−3 for 1.5, 2 and 3M⊙, Z=6×10−3 for 3M⊙ only) AGB stars and that KFC1 grains with 12C/13C⩾60 formed in those stars as well as in 5M⊙ stars of solar and/or half-solar metallicities. Grains with 12C/13C<20 in all the fractions seem to have multiple origins. Some of them formed in the ejecta of core-collapse supernovae. J stars and born-again AGB stars are also possible stellar sources.We calculated the abundances of graphite grains from supernovae and AGB stars in the Murchison meteorite to be 0.24ppm and 0.44ppm, respectively, whereas those of SiC grains from supernovae and AGB stars are 0.063ppm and 5.6ppm, respectively. In contrast to graphite, AGB stars are a dominant source of SiC grains.Since different mineral types have different residence times in the interstellar medium, their abundances in meteorites may not reflect original yields in stellar sources. Even if graphite grains are more easily destroyed than SiC grains, graphite grains from supernovae are more abundant than SiC grains from supernovae (0.24ppm vs. 0.063ppm), indicating that supernovae are a prolific producer of graphite grains. Graphite grains from AGB stars are less abundant than SiC grains from AGB stars (0.44ppm vs. 5.6ppm). This difference may reflect the difference in their parent stars: graphite grains formed in low-metallicity stars, while SiC grains formed in close-to-solar metallicity stars.

Effect of Subsoiling in Fallow Period and Nitrogen Application on Soil Moisture and Grain Protein Accumulation in Dryland Wheat

The objective of this study was to explore a technique to increase and maintain soil moisture of dryland through subsoiling during fallow period(SS) and the proper nitrogen(N) application in wheat production. In a two-year field experiment carried out in Wenxi County of Shanxi Province, China from autumn 2009 to summer 2011, we tested soil moistures in different soil layers, protein content and its components in grain, and activities of enzymes related to protein accumulation during grain filling after SS and non-tillage practice(CK) in combination with the applications of low(LN, 75 kg ha–1), medium(MN, 150 kg ha–1), or high(HN, 225 kg ha–1) N. Before sowing, the soil moistures in 0–300 cm soil layers under SS condition were higher than those under CK condition, especially in 60–160 cm soil layers, which were increased by 12%–34% in dry year and 10%–22% in humid year. Under SS condition, the activities of protein-related enzymes increased, such as glutamine synthetase(GS) in grain, glutamate synthase(GOGAT) in flag leaf, and GOGAT in grain in LN and MN treatments, and glutamic acid-pyruvate transaminase(GPT) in grain. In mature grains, the globulin content and protein yield in SS treatment were increased compared with CK, and Glutenin content and glutenin/gliadin ratio in humid year also increased in SS. The soil moisture in 20–200 cm soil layer at anthesis stage showed a decrease trend with the increase of nitrogen application level; however, the GS activity in grain, GOGAT activity in flag leaf at middle to late filling stage, GPT activity in grain at late filling stage were enhanced, and the contents of protein and its components in grain were increased. The glutenin/gliadin ratio in grain was the highest in MN treatment. Nitrogen application had obvious effects on soil moisture in the deep soil layer at anthesis, also on protein yield, GS and GPT activities in grainunder SS condition. Under SS plus N application condition, soil moisture at anthesis was closely correlated with grain albumin, glutenin, and protein content in humid year and with glutenin/gliadin ratio in dry year. In conclusion, subsoiling during fallow period is an effective method to maintain soil moisture in dryland; N application at 225 kg ha–1 has a positive effect on increasing contents of grain protein and its components, whereas N level of 150 kg ha–1 is favorable for high protein yield and glutenin/gliadin ratio in grain in dry year.

Effect of zn solubilizing bacteria on growth promotion and zn nutrition of rice

Abstract A comparison study between the isolated indigenous bacteria and chemical Zn fertilizer (ZnSO 4 .7H 2 O) was conducted to evaluate their potential to augment Zn nutrition of Zn responsive (NDR 359) and Zn non responsive (PD 16) varieties of rice under the green house. Three bacterial strains namely; BC, AX and AB isolated from a Zn-deficient rice-wheat field belonging to the genera Burkholderia and Acinetobacter were investigated for the growth promotion and Zn uptake in rice plants. The plant growth promotory properties such as Zn solubilization and IAA production of the isolates was checked in a previous study. These three isolates when used individually or in combination were found effective in significantly increasing the mean dry matter yield/pot (12.9%), productive tillers/plant (15.1%), number of panicles/plant (13.3%), number of grains/panicle (12.8%), grain yield (17.0%) and straw yield (12.4%) over the control and Zn fertilizer treatment, respectively. Bacterial inoculations also significantly enhanced the total Zn uptake/pot (52.5%) as well as grain methionine concentration (38.8%). Effect of bacterial treatments on the bioavailability of Zn was assessed by estimating the levels of phytic acid in grains. A reduction of nearly 38.4% in phytate: Zn ratio in grains was observed under bacterial inoculations.

THE INFLUENCE OF ORGANIC MATTER ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF WINTER WHEAT Triticum aestivum ssp. vulgare (L.) CULTIVATED ON SOILS CONTAMINATED WITH HEAVY METALS

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the influence of organic matter from different sources on the yield of winter wheat and macroelements content in it. The experiment was carried out in stoneware pots sank into the ground filled up with 56.4 kg of soil: Haplic Luvisols formed from loamy sand. The soil was slightly acidic. The soil was mixed up with liquid form of salts: Cd(NO3)2, Pb(CH3COO)2 and ZnSO4. To the soil a brown coal preparation, so called “Rekulter”, brown coal, peat and farmyard manure were applied in the amount of 180, 140, 390 and 630 g per pot, which is equivalent to 5 Mg of organic carbon per ha. Winter wheat Triticum aestivum ssp. vulgare (L.) for grain was cultivated. The manurial value of organic substance originated from different sources expressed as the plants' crop was the highest for Rekulter and the lowest for peat. The addition of organic substance to soil contaminated with heavy metals causes the higher content of potassium, magnesium and nitrogen in winter wheat's grain. The content of calcium and sodium in winter wheat grain's did not depend from addition of organic matter to soil. Organic matter added into contaminated soil increased the uptake of main macroelements by winter wheat straw. Organic matter fertilization broadened the K: (Ca + Mg) ratio in grain and straw.