Total Soluble Salts Research Articles

Characterization, classification and physiography of Zari-NAAM river watershed of Parbhani district by using GIS, GPS and remote sensing

The present investigation “Characterization, Classification, Evaluation and Physiography of Soils of Zari-Naam River Watershed of Parbhani District By Using GIS, GPS and Remote Sensing” was carried out during the year 2015-16.The total Length of watershed was 4.2 km and it is divided into seven compartments and three Parts viz. Part I, Part II and Parts III. These three parts were surveyed and fifty representative soil samples were drawn by grid survey using topographic map, remote sensing imagery and GPS. These 50 soil samples were drawn to study the soil properties. Further three representative soil profiles were excavated on the basis of soil depth and behavior of cracks.The thematic maps of all important soil parameters were generated. The results emerged out from the present investigation revealed that soils of Naam River Watershed (part-1) are Typic Haplusterts and Vertic Haplusterts. These soils are brown to black in colour and clayey in texture. These are slightly to moderately alkaline in nature, safe in total soluble salt concentration, calcareous to highly calcareous and low in organic carbon. Typic Haplusterts have higher alkalinity than Vertic Haplusterts. Two pedons of Naam River Watershed representing Typic Haplusterts and Vertic Haplusterts.This pedon are highly to moderately suitable for growing the crops with little modification in pH. These soils support soybean, mug, jowar, Tur and cotton.

Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Morels (Morchella Species) Habitat in Mankial Valley, District Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Ecological information on micro fungi is adequately but ecology of macro fungi in over-all has got minimum concentration from mycologists. The morels (Morchella species) are usually well-known as spongy mushroom belongs to genus Morchella and phylum Ascomycota. They are widely recognized as wild edible fungi. The information on ecology of morels in the study area may be data deficient or few studies may have been conducted. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess physical and chemical characteristics of morels habitat. Soil samples were collected from 10plotslaid down in various habitats of Morchella species. Five species of Morchella species include Morchella esculenta Fr., MorchelladeliciosaFr., MorchellaconicaPers., MorchellasemiliberaDC.,Morchella rotunda (Pers) Bound., grow naturally and plentifully, and their physical properties ( Soil cover and texture, soil temperature, air temperature, % Relative humidity, altitude, Soil PH, water holding capacity, organic matter, Lime, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Soluble Salt) and chemical properties (Nitrogen, Phosphorus. Potassium) were determined.It was found that Morchellaspecies growth needed a soil that was slightly or moderatelyalkaline (pH 4.7 to 6.9 ) having soil temperature 4 0 C to 5.5 0 C, air temperature 15.8 o C to 17.3 o C, % relative humidity 70% to 70.62%, altitude 2054 to 2835 meter, water holding capacity 23.4% to 29.2%,organic matter 1.79% to 2.41% , electric conductivity 0.04 to 0.2, total soluble salt 0.013 to 0.064, Nitrogen 0.09% to 0.12%, Phosphorus 4.2% to 14.6%, Potassium 1.36% to 8.28% and Calcium 3.25 % to 4.0%. The soil of the study area is rich in nutrients, elements and climatic conditions, are favorable for the growth morels thus support these five species of morels.

Influence of organic technology on vegetative growth and production of three climbing edible roses (Rosa sp.)

In the present study, three climbing edible roses (‘Crown Princess Margareta’, ‘Falstaff’ and ‘Brother Cadfael’) were evaluated for total vegetative growth and flowers production, besides correlations with soil microbiological and agrochemical parameters. The applied organic technology included a soil preparatory stage with three ameliorative plants (Sinapis alba L., Phacelia tanacetifolia L. and Tagetes patula L.) and two organic mulch variants (wood chips and wool) after plantation. In variant Sinapis and Tagetes, all three varieties of roses showed the highest values for parameters: total vegetative growth, number of shoots, average shoots length and flowers number. Significant positive correlations between biometric parameters and soil bacteria, phosphorus, mineral nitrogen, potassium (0-20 cm horizon) and humus (20-40 cm horizon) content were observed. Significant positive correlations between the number of flowers and the soil respiration coefficient, soil content in phosphorus, potassium, humus, total soluble salts and mineral nitrogen were noticed. Negative correlations with soil pH have been observed. Taking into account the data obtained in the two flowering stages in 2017, the average yield per hectare cultivated with ‘Crown Princess Margareta’ was 9.44 t petals/ha. For the ‘Falstaff’ and ‘Brother Cadafael’ cultivars, the yields were 7.54 and 5.62 t petals per hectare respectively.

Double Action Formulations of Two Plant Growth Regulators in Combination with Abamectin and Their Stability in Different Types of Water

The present study aimed to prepare certain formulations that contain an acaricide (abamectin) and one of plant growth regulators (b-Naphthoxy acetic acid [NAA] or 6-benzylaminopurine [6-BAP]). The study also investigated the effect of pH and total soluble salts of certain types of diluted water on the physical and chemical properties of those formulations. The purpose of combining the two active ingredients (acaricide and a plant growth regulator) is to save time and money of the application. Water analysis revealed that different types of collected water from different sources had an alkaloid level where pH values were more than 7.0. It can also be seen that underground water the highest value of pH was (8). The results indicated that Beta 410® and Cyto G 5%®reduced the pH value of the all tested water sources to be in the acid range (5.5). Both Beta 410® and Cyto G 5%® acted as plant growth regulators and they were useful for lowering the pH of the ground water that has been used for dilution. Therefore, they can act as buffering agents where the ground water is still being used for dilution of pesticides. The study also investigated the effect of salinity of different tested types of water on the stability of the prepared emulsifiable concentrate formulations. The results of testing each component alone (Beta410®, Cyto G® and Abalone®) showed that these tested ingredients were stable in all tested water samples, exception underground water with the formulation (Abalone + Cyto G).

Investigating the Effects of Greenhouse Vegetable Cultivation on Soil Fertility in Lhasa, Tibetan Plateau

The area of land utilized for growing vegetables in greenhouses has expanded rapidly on the Tibetan Plateau over recent decades. However, the effects of greenhouses on soil fertility as well as variations in these effects between the plateau and plain remain unclear on the Tibetan Plateau. This study assessed the effects of vegetable greenhouses in the vicinity of Lhasa, using open field soil as a control. A total of 92 plough layer (0–20 cm depth) soil samples including 54 from greenhouses and 38 from open fields were taken, and soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total soluble salt (TS), soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP), and available potassium (AK) were measured. The results reveal that, soil pH was lower 1.0 units in greenhouses than that in open field. TS was higher 82% and AP was higher 160% overall. Similarly, SOM and TN were higher 32% and 46%, respectively, while AK changed slightly at a higher 1% rate. Results also show that soil properties varied depending on cultivation time and vegetable types. Overall, pH continuously decreased with cultivation time while other soil fertility indicators reached a maximum value after nine years of cultivation before starting to decrease. The effect of leafy vegetable planting on soil was slight overall, while the impact of fruits on soil was more serious. Compared with changes in plain greenhouse soil fertility measured across the eastern China, the effects of greenhouses on soil in Lhasa remain relatively limited; and the change in the degree of soil fertility was lower and the extreme values of soil fertility occurred later in Lhasa.

Evaluation of Recycled Demolition Waste Aggregates for base and sub-base use in Roads

Recycling of debris to obtain the recycled aggregates for sub-base materials in road construction is a foremost application to be promoted to gain economical and sustainable benefits. In this study, different types of demolition waste samples were subjected classification tests such as chemical tests, particle size distribution, compaction, California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test. The experimental work included fourteen samples at different weight were taken to determine the proportion of demolition waste subbase. The result of sampling tests were compared with the general specifications for roads and bridges (SORB/R6), it was f that the effect of SO3, gypsum and total soluble salt (TSS) parameter on the demolition waste subbase were low and the gradation of demolition waste subbase was class A. the California bearing ratio CBR value was 37% with maximum dry density 2035 kg/m3, in addition the average compaction test was 95.98%, whereas the optimum moisture content of the study materials was 8%.

Validity of sand dunes sediments as a fine aggregates for roads works: a case study on sand dunes sediments, Al-Nasiriya city, southern Iraq

In light of the development and urban growth of the city of Al-Nasiriya, the road construction sector consumes the largest amount of aggregates. The research aims to study suitability of the sediments of the sand dunes extending on one side of the international road between Nasiriya – Baghdad near the check point of Fadak as fine aggregate used for the purposes of roads construction. The results of the geotechnical evaluation of physical properties showed that the grain size analysis of the fine aggregate did not meet the requirements of the Iraqi specification and according to these results, the aggregate needs to modify. Based on liquid limits and plasticity indices and according to Iraqi specification the deposits are suitable for using as sub-grade course materials and to construct the shoulders of the road but not suitable for using as sub-base course materials. While the results of chemical tests indicate that incompatibility of the rates of organic matters and calcium carbonates with Iraqi specification. On the other hand, the chemical analysis of the sediments showed that the rates of the chlorides, sulfates, gypsum, total soluble salts and pH they were within acceptable limits of standard specifications. The mineral components of the soils were characterized by clay minerals (kaolinite and montmorillonite) and non-clay minerals (quartz, feldspar, and calcite).

Simulation Treatment of Industrial Wastewater Using Microbiological Cell Immobilization Technique

Discharge of wastewaters without treatment into aquatic and land habitats represents a global environmental problem. This study investigates the ability of cell immobilization technique in the treatment of different industrial wastewater, which characterized with high organic load (pickles wastewater), oil and grease (oil and soap company), nitrogen and phosphate (The Financial and Industrial Egyptian Company) and dyes (textile and dyeing wastewater). Chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), total soluble salts (TSS), total solids (TS), ammonia (NH3-N), total nitrogen (TN), oil and grease (O&G) and phosphate (PO4-P) were analyzed following standard procedures. De-colorization assay and acute toxicity tests were done using Artemia salina larvae. The results indicated that the treated industrial wastewaters were safe and revealed the absence of toxic metabolites as the survival rate of A. salina in these waters was ranging from 80 to 100% as compared to untreated industrial wastewaters. The significant treatment efficiency of microbial cell immobilization technique after 12 h increased the quality of treated industrial wastewater and reduced or eliminated the presence of toxic metabolites. The immobilization technique decreased the concentrations of the organic matter from industrial wastewater by 47% of EC, 45% of TDS, 73% of TS, 95% of TSS, 95% of COD, 94% of BOD, 89% of O&G, 98% of PO4, 97% of NH3 and 90% of TN, respectively. The obtained results recommended using of microbial cell immobilization technique to overcoming water pollution problems.

Notes on isolation of Leptolyngbya (plectonema) nostocorum capable to withstand liquid hands detergent

The pattern growth of Leptolyngbya (plectonema) nostocorum on layer of porcelain of washing basin was remarkable, such finding attracts our interest to conduct this research. Despite the unfavorable conditions, the growth of alga was not affected. It was subjected to pressure as a result of flowing of water from tap with ranges from 0.1- 7.6 liters per minute. This process is daily repeated for about 10 times a day for periods of up to 2.5 hours. The light intensity was 100 lux and the temperature ranges between 25- 30 oC as a result of process of opening and closing the tap, respectively. In addition to the previous stress, organism has been exposing to the amount of liquid soap to wash hands as a result of daily non-stop process of human activities. Description and identification of algae has been made. Basic physical and chemical analysis of tap water has been also conducted, drinking water in Saudi Arabia is stored in underground tanks and replenished as water runs out. The analysis of the water showed that pH was alkaline (8.7) and the total soluble salts was 56.7mg/L. The total alkalinity was 28 mg/L as well as the total hardness was 18 mg/L, Calcium hardness, Magnesium hardness were 14, 4 mg/L, respectively. Calcium, Magnesium and Chloride are represented at concentrations of 5.6, 0.96 and 4 mg/L, respectively. The concentration of nitrate was 0.56 and the concentration of iron was 0.18 mg/L. For the growth curve of alga, the best growth (0.271, 2630.46 mg/L) was achieved for optical density, dry weight, respectively after 16 days of incubation. For different concentrations of the detergent, it was found that the least concentration did not have any inhibition zone to the growth of alga was 0.2%. Above this concentration, there has a steady increase in the diameter of inhibition zones.

Compositional and health risk assessment of drinking water from health facilities of District Vehari, Pakistan.

Arsenic (As) is a potentially toxic and carcinogenic metalloid. It has gained considerable attention owing to its high ecotoxic nature. High As contamination of groundwater in scattered areas is the current status of Pakistan. A number of assessments exist for the As contamination of the drinking water in District Vehari, Pakistan. However, there is scarcity of data about As contents in drinking water of health facilities and healthcare centers in District Vehari. The current study, therefore, was carried out to assess As concentration and associated health risk in the drinking water of three health facilities (district head quarter, rural health center and basic health unit) of District Vehari. In total, 75 drinking water samples were collected and examined for As contents in addition to physicochemical characteristics such as electrical conductivity, pH, total soluble salts, chloride, carbonates, bicarbonates, fluoride, nitrate, nitrite, calcium, magnesium and iron. Results indicated that the groundwater samples are not fully fit for drinking purposes with respect to several parameters, especially the alarming levels of As. It was found that 52% of drinking water samples of Vehari have As concentration greater than WHO permissible limit (10µg/L) and 17% have As concentration greater than Pak-EPA permissible limit (50µg/L). The risk assessment parameters (average daily dose, hazard quotient and carcinogenic risk) showed possible carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks associated with ingestion of As-contaminated drinking water in the healthcare facilities. Based on the results of the present study, it is anticipated that hospitals and health centers in Vehari are in need of safe drinking water. The implementation of national/international standards for drinking water in healthcare facilities is a necessary measure to improve the services and increase local access to safe drinking water. The same may be applied to other public offices and organizations such as educational institutes and district government offices.

Study on the Improvement Effect of Desulfurization Gypsum in Saline-alkali Land

As the waste of coal-fired power plant, desulphurization gypsum is mainly composed of CaSO3 and CaSO4, which can replace Na+ in saline-alkali soil to improve saline-alkali soil. In order to study the effect of different dosage of desulfurization gypsum on the improvement of saline-alkali land, field experiments were carried out in Duiziliang Town, Dingbian County, northern Shaanxi Province, using drought-tolerant and Saline-Alkali-Tolerant local crop Mint as the test crop. The results showed that the application of desulfurization gypsum could reduce the harm of salt and alkali in soil to the germination, emergence and growth of millet seeds. Compared with the application of desulfurization gypsum, the soil pH value of plough layer (0-30cm) decreased by 4.2%-9.0%, and the total water soluble salt decreased by 6.6%∼33.0%. In addition, the application of desulfurization can promote the growth of mint in saline-alkali soil. Compared with the application of desulfurization gypsum, the dry biomass of the above-ground part of mint increased by 28.9%∼48.9%, the plant height increased by 24∼30 cm, and the yield per mu increased by 36.91∼65.28 kg. The results showed that the application of 20 t hm-2 desulphurization gypsum could improve the physical and chemical properties of saline-alkali soil in northern Shaanxi and obtain higher yield for moderate and severe saline-alkali land. It was suggested that the application of desulphurization gypsum should be popularized in saline-alkali land in northern Shaanxi.

Effect of nitrogen fertilizer and compost rates addition at different depths on some soil chemical properties

Two field experiments were conducted on clay loam soil during the two successive seasons, summer season 2017 using maize plants and winter season 2017/2018 using barley plants at El-Gemmeiza Agricultural Research Station, El-Gharbia Governorate to evaluate the direct and residual effects of compost rates mixed with the surface soil layer to 10 cm or added in 30 cm mole depth, arranged in parallel orientation with respect to one another and spaced at 3 m apart besides the nitrogen fertilizer rates on improving some soil chemical properties. Furthermore economical analysis was done by calculating the net income for every treatment to determine the economical treatment. The rates of compost were 0.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 Ton fed-1, while the nitrogen rates were 0.0, 50, 75 and 100 % of the recommended dose for every growing crop. The experiments were conducted in a split-split plot in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. Results can be summarized as follows: 1- All treatments slightly decreased the soil reaction (pH) in the two growing seasons. 2- Soil salinity (EC), soluble cations and anions and total soluble salts (TSS) significantly increased by increasing nitrogen or compost rates and significantly decreased by increasing application depth. On the other hand, SAR values were significantly decreased with all treatments. 3- All treatments led to significant increases in Ex. Ca, Mg, K and cation exchange capacity (CEC), whereas Ex. Na and ESP were significantly decreased with all treatments in the two seasons. 4- All treatments clearly enhanced total nutrients (N. P and K) of the investigated soil. Also, Organic carbon (O.C, %) and C/N ratio were significantly increased with all treatments. 5- According to the economical analysis, the application of 5 ton compost fed-1 in 30 cm mole depth with 100 % the recommended dose of nitrogen fertilizer for every crop was the best treatment compared with the other treatments, since it gave the highest net income (16809.80 L.E fed-1). 6- Therefore, it is more useful to use those treatments (compost rates at 30cm mole depth with nitrogen fertilizer) to get a markedly improve in chemical properties which reflect on higher yield.

Assessment of arsenic exposure by drinking well water and associated carcinogenic risk in peri-urban areas of Vehari, Pakistan.

Arsenic (As) is a highly toxic and carcinogenic element. It has received considerable consideration worldwide in recent years due to its highest toxicity to human, and currently, high concentrations observed in the groundwater. Some recent media and research reports also highlighted possible As contamination of groundwater systems in Pakistan. However, there is a scarcity of data about As contents in groundwater in different areas/regions of the country. Consequently, the current study estimated the As concentration in the groundwater used for drinking purpose in 15 peri-urban sites of district Vehari, Pakistan. In total, 127 groundwater samples were collected and examined for As contents in addition to physicochemical characteristics such as temperature, electrical conductivity, pH, total soluble salts, chloride, carbonates, bicarbonates, sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium and barium. Results indicated that the groundwater samples were not fully fit for drinking purposes with several parameters, especially the alarming levels of As (mean As: 46.9µg/L). It was found that 83% groundwater samples of peri-urban sites in district Vehari have As concentration greater than WHO lower permissible limit (10µg/L). The risk assessment parameters (mean hazard quotient: 3.9 and mean cancer risk: 0.0018) also showed possible carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks associated with ingestion of As-contaminated groundwater at peri-urban sites. Based on the findings, it is anticipated that special monitoring and management of groundwater is necessary in the studied area in order to curtail the health risks associated with the use of As-contaminated drinking water. Moreover, appropriate remediation and removal of As from groundwater is also imperative for the study area before being used for drinking purpose to avoid As exposure and related risks to the local community.

Kinetička analiza alkoholne fermentacije među i nusproizvoda prerade šećerne repe u laboratorijskom bioreaktoru

Bioethanol production in batch culture by free Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells from intermediate and by-products of sugar beet processing was investigated. This research relays on the previously conducted experiments in the bioreactor of 1.5 L working volume where key fermentation parameters, including initial sugar concentration and fermentation time, were optimized. This study was performed to validate the applicability of obtained results in the enlarged scale i.e. in 10 L laboratory bioreactor. The main aim was to analyze the bioprocess time course by monitoring the yeast cell number and concentrations of sugar, amino nitrogen, total soluble salts,and ethanol. Also, the kinetic analysis of ethanol and yeast biomass formation as well as sugar consumption during fermentation of media based on raw juice, thin juice, thick juice,and molasses was performed.

Evaluation of physico-chemical and biological properties of soil as affected by different land use system of Wokha district of Nagaland

A research was conducted on “Evaluation of physico-chemical and biological properties of soil as affected by different land use system of Wokha district of Nagaland” during 2019-2020 in the department of Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science. Total 60 surface soil samples (15cm) were collected from 15 different villages of the 5 blocks of Wokha district from forest, horticulture, rubber, paddy land use system. The pH of the soils were strong to moderate acidic in reaction and normal in total soluble salts concentration. CEC on an average ranged from 12.32 to 15.34 cmol (p+) kg-1, bulk density and particle density on an average ranged from 1.01to 1.09g cm-3and 2.38 to 2.54g cm-3while porosity ranged from 53.62 to 59.72%, Organic carbon for forest, horticulture, rubber paddy land use system ranged from 1.77 %, 1.54%,1.62%, 1.38% respectively. The nutrient index for nitrogen for the four land use system ranged from 1.46,2, 2.06,respectively, phosphorus ranged from1.53,1.8,2, potassium ranged from 1.93,2.06,2.66, sulphur ranged from1.33, 1.86, 2, among the four land use system, forestland showed the highest nutrient index while paddy showed the least. Exchangeable acidity on an average ranged from1.69 to 2.68 cmol (p+) kg-1.On an average sand, silt and clay for forest ranged from 29.82%, 34.71%, 35.45%, for horticulture 29.33%, 32.89%, 37.7%, for rubber 31.48%, 32.92%, 35.53%, for paddy 36.6%, 31.06%, 32.27%.Soil respiration biomass and Soil microbial biomass carbon on average ranged from 49.53 to 50.26 mg CO2/g soil/24 hours,150.97 to 269.94 µg/g. Available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur showed positive correlation with organic carbon while available phosphorus showed positive correlation with pH. Soil respiration biomass and soil microbial biomass carbon showed positive correlation with organic carbon. Soil respiration biomass showed negative correlation with EC.

Addition of organic fertilizer affects soil nitrogen availability in a salinized fluvo-aquic soil

ABSTRACTOrganic matter application was one of the suitable ways to improve soil nitrogen availability in saline soils. In this study, two soils of different levels of total soluble salts, 2.45 g kg−1 (LS) and 4.03 g kg−1 (HS), were used in a pot experiment with eight treatments: bio-organic fertilizer (prepared with cow dung) and farmyard manure (fowl manure) each at three dosages (3350, 6700, and 13,400 kg ha−1), chemical fertilizer control (DAP: 1675 kg ha−1), no fertilizer blank. At the same time, an indoor nitrogen mineralization incubation experiment with the same treatments without alfalfa planting was carried out. We aimed to explore the effects of the types and application amounts of organic fertilizers on soil nitrogen mineralization in saline soils and to improve its quality and finally realize its sustainable utilization. The main conclusions are as follows: the biomass of alfalfa treated with medium dose of organic fertilizer was higher than that of alfalfa treated with low or high dose of organic fertilizer. Compared with farmyard manure, bio-organic manure was more effective in increasing the biomass of alfalfa. The nitrogen uptake of alfalfa in high-dose treatment was significantly higher than that in low-dose treatment. The effects of the fertilizer treatments on soil nitrogen availability were in the increasing order of: medium dose, high or low dose of fertilizer treatment, single chemical fertilizer, and fertilizer free treatments by principal component analysis. For possible potential application, medium dosage of bio-organic fertilizer was recommended to apply in the region with saline fluvo-aquic soil.

Chloride, Calcium Carbonate and Total Soluble Salts Contents Distribution for An-Najaf and Al-Kufa Cities\u2019 Soil by Using GIS

The main objective of the paper is to create geotechnical maps for three soil chemical properties in An-Najaf and Kufa cities’ soil by utilizing of GIS tools. This properties are the chloride concentration, calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and total soluble salts where they affect the durability of reinforced structural elements. This paper provides an easy accurate way to represent soil properties levels for different depths of soil and create reliable database that will help engineers and decision makers. The data included in this paper were collected for (464) boreholes with depths up to 35 m distributed on residential areas in all of An-Najaf and Kufa cities. Arc-Map of GIS 10.2.1 was used to produce the maps. It has been concluded that chloride content in the soil of the study area range from − 0.01 to 0.99% and with an average of 0.5. The maximum value found in at depth 4–6 m while the minimum value found in location at depth 4–6, 8–10 and 14–16 m. The chloride content in most of An-Najaf province has exceeded the permissible limit and for all, this required taking percussions to protect foundations. While calcium carbonate content in the soil of the study area range from 53 to 0.18 and with an average of 26.6. The maximum and the minimum values found at depth 4–6 m. Calcium carbonate content is within the permissible limits in most locations except in some locations.

Relationships between plant community and soil chemical factors in coastal saline area of Shandong, China

To reveal the correlation between plant communities and soil chemical factors (pH, the total amount of soil soluble salt, TN, TP, SOM, K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl-, SO42-, HCO3-) in Shandong coastal saline area, a field investigation of 81 samples was carried out and the chemical properties of the soil were analyzed. The results showed that a total of 85 species, 67 genera and 30 families of salt-tolerant plants were recorded. The top three dominant families were Compositae, Gramineae and Chenopodiaceae. The community could be divided into four types: Phragmites aus-tralis - Imperata cylindrical + Artemisia capillaris, Suaeda salsa + P. australis - A. capillaris + Kochia scoparia, P. australis - Typha orientalis + Apocynum venetum, P. australis - A. venetum. The CCA sequencing results showed that the soil total soluble salt and water-soluble ions were the key chemical factors affecting the distribution of salt-tolerant vegetation, followed by total nitrogen content. The community of P. australis - I. cylindrical + A. capillaris had richest species diversity among the four community types, and the resources of salt-tolerant plants were abundant. The species diversity of plant community showed a significant negative correlation with soil total soluble salts and water soluble salt ions content. The plant community diversity index would be reduced by the high saline soil.

Growth and yield of Capsicum Annum Under Irrigation with Different Levels of Domestic Waste Water

Use of wastewater for a variety of purposes is gaining increased popularity as a means of preserving scarce freshwater resources and nutrient recycling particularly in developing countries A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the growth and yield of Capsicum annum var. Nishat-1 under irrigation with different concentrations of domestic wastewater (grey and black water) in combination with recommended dose of fertilizers(RDF). This field experiment was carried out for two consecutive years Kharief 2012-2013 and involved 6 treatments (T1–T6) with three replications in RCBD. Before being utilized, wastewater was stabilized for 20-25 days in open containers. The highest yield (288.12 q ha-1 ) was recorded in T1 (Recommended dose of fertilizers =RDF) followed by 283.49 q ha-1 in T4 (50% grey water and 50% RDF ), 275.92 q ha-1 in T5 (50% black water 50% RDF) , 270.03 q ha-1 in T2 (100% grey water), 260 q ha-1 in T6 (50% black water and 50% grey water) and least of 251.96 q ha-1 in T3 (100% black water) . The data also reveals that the concentrations of the various physico-chemical parameters (viz., pH, EC, OC, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cr, Pb) of waste water and pre and post experiment soil samples were within permissible limits. Quality parameters viz total soluble salts, ascorbic acid, chl-a, chl-b, total-chl, carbohydrates and protein content between various treatments exhibited different trends. This study shows that there is an option for recycling of stabilized waste water in agriculture.

Irrigation Salinity Risk Assessment and Mapping in Arid Oasis, Northwest China

Irrigation salinity is a common environmental threat for sustainable development in the Keriya Oasis, arid Northwest China. It is mainly caused by unreasonable land management and excessive irrigation. The aim of this study was to assess and map the salinity risk distribution by developing a composite risk index (CRI) for seventeen risk parameters from traditional and scientific fields, based on maximizing deviation method and analytic hierarchy process, the grey relational analysis and the Pressure-State-Response (PSR) sustainability framework. The results demonstrated that the northern part of the Shewol and Yeghebagh village has a very high salinity risk, which might be caused by flat and low terrain, high subsoil total soluble salt, high groundwater salinity and shallow groundwater depth. In contrast, the southern part of the Oasis has a low risk of salinity because of high elevation, proper drainage conditions and a suitable groundwater table. This achievement has shown that southern parts of the Oasis are suitable for irrigation agriculture; for the northern area, there is no economically feasible solution but other areas at higher risk can be restored by artificial measures. Therefore, this study provides policy makers with baseline data for restoring the soil salinity within the Oasis.