Total Soluble Salts Research Articles

Row-centred log ratios as nutrient indexes for saturated extracts of organic soils

Composition of soil solution was investigated in the top layer of a Typic Mesisol across seven crop sequences. Each sequence started and ended with carrots (C) and included onions (O), barley (B) and weeded fallow (F) as follows: CCCC, CCBC, CBCC, CCOC, COBC, CBOC and CFFC. The soil showed adequate pH and electrical conductivity values. Soil solution composition was assessed by the saturated soil extraction procedure. The changing levels of nutrients in the saturated soil extracts over seasons, years and crop sequences were analyzed using absolute values of nutrient concentrations, nutrient percentages relative to total soluble salts (the nutrient intensity and balance concept) and row-centred log ratios of nutrient concentrations or activities (compositional data analysis). The row-centred log ratio is the log-transformed ratio of a given element to the geometric mean of soluble elements. Nutrient percentages were highly correlated with row-centred log ratios. The three relative nutrient expressions reduced seasonal variations as compared with raw nutrient concentrations by incorporating component proportions. Concentration of total soluble salts was significantly correlated (P < 0.01) with concentrations of NO3-N (r = 0.37), P (r = 0.80), K (r = 0.80), Ca (r = 0.96) and Mg (r = 0.92) in saturated soil extracts. Between-years homoscedasticity as well as reduced skewness and kurtosis for all nutrients were obtained using row-centred log ratios of ion activities. Other advantages of using row-centred log ratios are discussed. Key words: Saturated soil extract, compositional nutrient diagnosis, seasonal variability

Technology and behavior of rubble masonry mortars

Rubble masonry mortars are distinct to the masonry mortar joints due to the different construction techniques used and the prerequisites concerning their behavior in the structure. In the present work, physico-chemical and mineralogical examination of rubble masonry mortars is performed on the development of cohesion and adhesion bonds. A working hypothesis on production technology is deduced consequently. Recent collapses of the rubble masonry at several bastions of the knights' period in the Medieval fortifications of Rhodes allow for sampling. Investigations by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, fiber optics microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, differential thermogravimetric analysis, porosimetry as well as total soluble salts measurements were performed. Various types of rubble masonry mortars are evidenced and all of them present a very coherent matrix, either ‘cementitious’ or very finely crystallised and compact. From the top to the bottom of the masonry, different microstructural characteristics are observed in the mortar nucleus, indicating different lime-to-aggregates ratios. The microstructural stratification of the cementing material points out different carbonation and drying levels and implies successive supply of water to slake the lime in situ. The evidence of hydraulic components all around the bulk, but not on the outer top of the walls, is of particular interest and proves the in situ slaking of lime as the energy source to activate either hydraulic reactions among lime and clay minerals or the crystallization of portlandite. The high levels of soluble salts measured indicate the mortars' susceptibility to salt decay, specifically when pore size distribution is in favor, as in the case of the modern cement or the pure calcitic mortar, in comparison with the more resistant hydraulic mortars.

Aquatic fungi from the submerged mud of Aswan High Dam Lake

Twenty five identified and four unidentified aquatic fungal species which belong to eleven genera of aquatic fungi were recovered from one hundred samples of the submerged mud which were collected randomly from the margins at different localities of Aswan High Dam Lake banks during the period from May 1992 to October 1992. The richest submerged mud samples in aquatic fungi were characterized by somewhat alkaline pH ranging between 7.1 and 7.9 and by low amounts of total soluble salts (1.9–2.9 mg/100 g mud sample) and low organic matter (1.6–0.4 mg/100 g). Approximately 54% of the mud samples yielded only one aquatic fungal species per sample. Pythium and Saprolegnia were the commonest aquatic fungal genera recovered during this investigation, whereas Leptomitus and Nowakowskiella were less frequent.

Use of Soil Survey Information to Assess Regional Salinization Risk Using Geographical Information Systems

AbstractPrevious experience in southern and western Australia has shown that tree clearing alters the water balance in a landscape, leading to increased deep drainage and consequent rises in phreatic water tables. Assessment of the risk of regional salinization involves integration of hydrology, hydrogeology, soil and land management issues. An example of the use of soil survey data, integrated with water resources and digital elevation data in a GIS, to estimate the risk of salinization after tree clearing is illustrated for the upper Burdekin river basin in the wet/dry tropics of North Queensland. Soil map unit descriptions include information on soil‐landform relations, parent material, soil thickness, depth to bedrock and dominant and subdominant soil types. Such information can be used to qualitatively estimate permeability and drainage classes (high, medium, or low) and to determine likely recharge and discharge areas in the landscape. Analysis of the spatial association between surveyed electrical conductivity measurements and estimated recharge and discharge areas was used to cross‐check this qualitative classification. The distributions of saline soils and shallow water tables are used to assess the salinity hazard of the region. Where % total soluble salts (TSS) are >0.25% and water table >6 m deep, a salinity hazard is present. This hazard can translate into a salinity problem if the hydrologic balance is altered so that the salt is remobilized and redeposited in the landscape. An estimate of the likelihood and amount of increased recharge to groundwater after tree clearing was obtained using water balance models with soil physical parameters measured at key sites. Where physical data were not available, surrogate physical properties were estimated from the soil survey data. Results suggest that tree clearing may increase deep drainage by up to 10 times and that in watersheds where shallow unconfined aquifers are present and where %TSS > 0.25%, recharge areas should not be cleared.

Aquatic phycomycetes recovered from Aswan High Dam Lake [AHDL

Twenty five identified and four unidentified species belonging to eleven genera of aquatic phycomycetes were recovered from one hundred and thirty surface water samples which were collected mainly from Aswan High Dam Lake (100 samples) in addition to few samples from Aswan reservoir (10 sample) and the main stream of the River Nile at Aswan (20 samples) during the period from January to June, 1992. The richest water samples in aquatic phycomycetes species were those characterized by relatively low temperatures (15.9 °C-20.3 °C) and pH ranged between 7.4 – 8.3. The poorest samples were characterized by relatively high temperature (20.6°C-33.1°C). pH values fluctuating between 6.3 and 9.2, dissolved oxygen varying from 4.5 to 10.6 mg/L, total soluble salts ranging from 149 to 303 mg/L and the organic matter content between 2.0 and 51.1 mg/L. Saprolegina and Pythium were the most frequent aquatic fungal genera recovered during this investigation whereas Aphanomyces, Dictyuchus, Pythiopsis, Leptomitus, Allomyces and Blastocladiopsis were less frequent.

Growth and Nutrient Status of Containerized Shrubs Grown in Composts Containing Waxed Corrugated Cardboard and Other Organic Wastes

Four containerized deciduous ornamental shrubs, [silverleaf dogwood (Cornus alba L. `Argenteo-marginata'), red-osier dogwood (Comus sericea L.), ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius L.), and deutzia (Deutzia gracilis L.)] were grown in 12 composts containing (by volume) spent mushroom substrate (50%), waxed corrugated cardboard (WCC; 0%, 25%, or 50%), and/or pulverized wood wastes (PWW; 50%, 25%, and 0%). Supplemental N as poultry manure and/or soybean wastes was added to some composts. Growth (shoot dry weight, average of two seasons) of all species was better or similar in most composts compared with two controls (100% pine bark and 80% pine bark: 15% peat: 5% sand). Deutzia grew best in 50% WCC composts and other species in 25% WCC composts. Porosity characteristics of the composts were acceptable for container growing (50% to 60% total; 25% to 30% aeration). Total soluble salts were initially high and potentially phytotoxic, particularly in the 50% WCC composts but were quickly leached and resulted in no injury to plants. There were no symptoms of nutrient deficiencies or toxicities in any of the species tested. Foliar nutrient (N, I P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn, and Fe) concentrations in all species were within normal ranges, except for low Mn and Fe concentrations in red-osier dogwood during the second season.

Growth and Nutrient Status of Containerized Shrubs Grown in Composts Containing Waxed Corrugated Cardboard and Other Organic Wastes

Four containerized deciduous ornamental shrubs, [silverleaf dogwood (Cornus alba L. `Argenteo-marginata'), red-osier dogwood (Comus sericea L.), ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius L.), and deutzia (Deutzia gracilis L.)] were grown in 12 composts containing (by volume) spent mushroom substrate (50%), waxed corrugated cardboard (WCC; 0%, 25%, or 50%), and/or pulverized wood wastes (PWW; 50%, 25%, and 0%). Supplemental N as poultry manure and/or soybean wastes was added to some composts. Growth (shoot dry weight, average of two seasons) of all species was better or similar in most composts compared with two controls (100% pine bark and 80% pine bark: 15% peat: 5% sand). Deutzia grew best in 50% WCC composts and other species in 25% WCC composts. Porosity characteristics of the composts were acceptable for container growing (50% to 60% total; 25% to 30% aeration). Total soluble salts were initially high and potentially phytotoxic, particularly in the 50% WCC composts but were quickly leached and resulted in no injury to plants. There were no symptoms of nutrient deficiencies or toxicities in any of the species tested. Foliar nutrient (N, I P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn, and Fe) concentrations in all species were within normal ranges, except for low Mn and Fe concentrations in red-osier dogwood during the second season.

Soil Characteristics of Oak Stands along an Urban‐Rural Land‐Use Gradient

AbstractUrban‐rural land‐use gradients are environmental gradients determined by human‐built structures and human activity. Although gradients of land use are readily measurable, little is known about the effects of urbanization on forest soil properties. In this research, soil properties were quantified in oak stands (Quercus sp.) along an urban‐rural transect in the New York City metropolitan area. A suite of 25 soil chemical properties were subjected to a Principal Component Analysis to ordinate stands. The first principal component (PC1) accounted for 42.3% of the variation. Positive loadings of PC1 corresponded to high concentrations of Pb, Cu, Ni, Ca, Mg, and K; high total soluble salt concentrations; high organic matter; high total N; and slightly more soil acidity. Stands located closer to the urban core had positive loadings on PC1; sites located beyond 30 km of the urban core had negative loadings. The variation accounted for by PC1 was significantly explained (P < 0.005) by measures of urban development quantified along the transect, including percent urban cover (r2 = 0.735), population density (r2 = 0.700), traffic volume (r2 = 0.778), and road density (r2 = 0.700). Of the heavy metals measured, Cu and Pb showed a 2.5‐ to fourfold increase in concentration from the rural to the urban land use types, with maximum concentrations for Cu reaching 49.3 mg kg−1 and Pb 181.4 mg kg−1 in the urban sites, repectively. More transects must be established in this and other metropolitan areas to build a data base to develop predictive models of ecosystem change, given the amount and type of urban development in a landscape.

Seasonal fluctuations of aquatic fungi recovered from Egyptian soil (Delta Region)

AbstractOne hundred and eleven identified and seven unidentified species in addition to 5 varieties belonging to forty‐three aquatic fungal genera were recovered from 452 soil samples collected randomly from different localities in Nile Delta and Suez canal regions including eleven governorates. The investigated soil samples were collected seasonally during the period from autumn 1990 to summer 1991 (113 samples each season). The richest season (85 identified and 5 unidentified species in addition to 2 varieties) in aquatic fungi was the winter season (10.0‐15.5°C) whereas the poorest (32 identified and 5 unidentified species in addition to one variety) was summer (24.0‐27.5°C). The richest soil samples in aquatic fungi were those of low or moderate temperature seasons, high contents of organic matter and considerably poor in total soluble salts. The pH value did not show any regular seasonal variation and did not exhibit any considerable influence on fungal populations. Some aquatic fungal genera and species were disappeared completely in certain seasons and vice versa.The most dominant aquatic fungal genera were Pythium, Allomyces, Aqualinderella and Nowa‐kowskiella. The commonest aquatic fungal species were Allomyces anomalus, Aqualinderella fermentans, Nowakowskiella elegans, Blastocladiopsis parva and Dictyuchus sterilis.

Aquatic phycomycetes from egyptian soil (Delta Region)

Seventy identified and six unidentified species in addition to 5 varieties which belong to 30 genera of aquatic phycomycetes were recovered from 220 soil samples collected randomly from different localities in the Nile Delta and Suez canal regions including eleven governorates during November 1991. The highest number of aquatic fungal genera and species was obtained from El-Sharkya (24 identified and 4 unidentified species in addition to two varieties belonging to 14 aquatic fungal genera) and El-Dakahlia (24 identified and 4 unidentified species in addition to two varieties belonging to 13 aquatic fungal genera) Governorates, whereas the lowest was from Port-Said (13 identified and 2 unidentified species in addition to one variety belonging to 11 aquatic fungal genera). Pythium(high occurrence), Allomyces(moderate occurrences), Nowakowskiella, Aqualinderella, Achlya, Phytophthora, Olpidiopsis, Dictyuchusand Blastocladiopsis(low occurrence each) were the most frequent aquatic fungal genera recovered during this investigation, while Allomyces anomalus, Aqualinderella fermentans, Nowakowskiella elegans, Olpidiopsis brevispinosaand Blastocladiopsis parvawere the prevalent species. Soil samples which were characterized by relatively low temperature, high contents of organic matter and low total soluble salts were the richest in aquatic phycomycetes and vice versa.

RICE HULLS AS A SOILLESS MEDIA COMPONENT FOR GREENHOUSE-GROWN PLANTS

Rice hulls, a by-product of rice milling, were used at various rates in greenhouse media. The objective of this study was to determine if rice hulls can replace peat moss. Hulls, aged and fresh, were blended with vermiculite and peat moss from 0 to 50%, by volume replacing peat moss. Physical and chemical properties including bulk density, total pore space, water retention, pH and soluble salt concentrations were determined in the media blends. Marigolds and salvia were transplanted into 13 cm azalea pots containing each media. The bulk density increased with increasing levels of hulls. Total pore space of the media before planting was decreased with increasing levels of aged hulls, but no differences were detected at the termination of the study. Water retention of both fresh and aged hulls at all levels of media were equivalent to the control media. Before planting, the total soluble salts for media containing fresh hulls was greater than with aged hulls. The pH of the media increased with increasing levels of hulls, fresh and aged. The greatest dry weight and plant height was observed when the media contained 10 to 20% aged hulls.

COMPARISON OF THE PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES BETWEEN CONTAINER-GROWN WOODY ORNAMENTALS

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) is an alternative fiber crop being grown in Mississippi that maybe used as a tree-less fiber substitute for making paper. A by-product in this process is the pithy light-weight fiber core. The objective of this study was to examine the chemical and physical properties of kenaf fiber core as a medium component in growing woody ornamentals and compare to pine bark. Comparisons of media in which Ilex crenata `Cherokee' and Rhodoendron eirocarpum `Wakabuisi' were grown were made. The physical and chemical properties including bulk density, total pore space, water retention, pH and soluble salt concentrations were determined. Aged kenaf had lower pH values than fresh and both aged and fresh kenaf had higher pH values than pine bark. The total pore space of kenaf was lower than the pore space of pine bark. At the termination of the study, the kenaf media had considerable shrinkage, which was considered unsuitable for a long-term crop.

Effect of salinity and K/Na ratio of irrigation water on growth and solute content of Atriplex amnicola and Sorghum bicolor

Total salinity and K/Na ratios in the irrigation water were varied for two different types of plants; sorghum, a moderately salt tolerant crop plant whose growth is inhibited by high NaCl levels, and Atriplex, an extreme halophyte whose growth is stimulated by high NaCl levels. Sorghum growth was significantly reduced at all salinity levels from 50 to 150mM, but Atriplex growth was not reduced until salinity exceeded 100 mM. In both species, growth reductions were increased by increasing the ratio of K to Na from 1/100 to 1/1 in the irrigation water. The amount of K and Na accumulated in the leaves of Atriplex reflected the relative amounts in the irrigation water, but in sorghum most of the increase in the concentration of K + Na was due to the increase in K regardless of the ratio of K/Na in the irrigation water. Nitrate levels in leaves of sorghum were little affected by salinity but were decreased in Atriplex by the combination of high salinity and K/Na ratio. The lower amount of salt accumulation in sorghum was compensated for by greater accumulation of soluble organic compounds, such as proline and soluble carbohydrates, that presumably were osmotically active and could contribute to osmotic adjustment. All of the results supported the general conclusion that, despite differences between glycophytes, such as sorghum, and halophytes, such as Atriplex, in sensitivity to the total soluble salt concentration in irrigation water, in both species growth was reduced more by K/Na ratios of 1/1 and 1/10 than by a ratio of 1/100 at those salinity levels that significantly reduced growth in each species.

Microbiological and Physicochemical Properties of Carbamate Insecticides Treated Soil

AbstractTreatment of clay loam soil with carbaryl (sevin), thiodicarb (larvin) and methomyl (lannate) at field and 10 folds the recommended doses showed a variable effect on population of total bacteria, azotobacters and nitrifying bacteria, in addition to the soil content of total soluble salts; the effect differed according to the herbicide and the dose level. The bacterial population was significantly increased in the first five days of treatment, then a decrease was recorded. The increase in the microbial population and total soluble salts were proportion to the levels of the insecticides. Moreover, supplementation of glucose to the soil caused substantial increase over that in the insecticide and/or glucose free soils.

Degradative enzymes and fungal flora associated with the Egyptian foodstuff kishk

Abstract In a mycological analysis of teh Egyptian foodstuff kishk (a popular local food), 59 fungal species in addition to six varieties belonging to 31 genera were collected on Dicloran glycerol agar (DG18) and Czapek Dox agar media at 28°C yeast starch agar (Yp Ss) at 45°C. The pH values of kishk samples ranged from 4·14 to 5·19. These samples also possessed high percentages of total soluble salts ranging from 2·6 to 5·1%. The most common mesophiles were members of Aspergilli, Penicillia, Emericella and Rhizopus. However, the following three truly thermophilic species were isolated, although infrequently: Malbranchea sulfurea, Rhizomucor pusillus and Thermomyces lanuginosus. All isolates tested (108) were capable of producing caseinase and catalase enzymes to differing degrees whereas 91·7% of the isolates were found to be amylase producers.

Fungi from water, soil and air polluted by the industrial effluents of Manquabad superphosphate factory (Assiut, Egypt)

AbstractOne hundred and one species in addition to three varieties appertaining to 53 genera of zoosporic (25 species and 15 genera) and terrestrial (76 species + 3 varieties and 38 genera) fungi were isolated during this investigation. The water and submerged mud directly exposed to industrial effluents were the poorest in terrestrial fungi whereas zoosporic fungi were completely missed. These samples were highly acidic, low content of oxygen and relatively high contents of total soluble salts, phosphate, sulphate, calcium and magnesium. Dictyuchus sterilis and Aphanomyces laevis were the most common zoosporic species using baiting technique whereas Aspergillus fumigatus, A. niger, A. flavus, Alternaria alternata, Gibberella fujikuroi and Stachybotrys chartarum were the most prevalent terrestrial fungal species using glucose‐ and cellulose‐CZAPEK's agar media. Tripospermum sp. (aquatic hyphomycetes) was isolated from the phyllosphere of Myriophyllum spicatum and is new record to Egypt. There are some variations concerning the fungal diversity frequencies and populations with regard to the test sources and media used.

Salinity and mineral nutrition effects on growth and accumulation of organic and Inorganic ions in two cultivated tomato varieties

Abstract A trial was conducted on the effect of salinity and method of fertilizer application on two varieties of cultivated tomato, i.e. VF 145 and Edkawi. Salinity ranged from 0.52 to 11 dS/m, and fertilizer was applied by either broadcasting in small doses or added with irrigation water. Weight of shoots, fruit yield, and sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), chloride (Cl), free proline contents in both developing and mature leaves, and total soluble salts and ascorbic acid contents in fruits were taken as evaluating criteria. Salinity depressed both growth and fruit yield, and simultaneously increased ion concentration in plant leaves. Sodium and Cl accumulated with salinity, being greater in mature leaves, while proline accumulation in developing leaves was much higher than in mature leaves. Total soluble salts and ascorbic acid were not affected. Liquid fertilization resulted in higher fruit yields than that obtained with the solid fertilizer treatments as well as better alleviating the depressive effects of s...

Occurrence of zoosporic and other moulds in water and mud from slaughterhouse and tanyard at Assiut, Egypt

Summary Sixty-six species and one variety appertaining to 37 genera of fungi were collected from water and mud of slaughterhouse and tanyard. Of these, eighteen zoosporic fungal species in addition to one species of aquatic hyphomycetes ( Dactylella rhompospora ) belonging to 13 genera were recovered using baiting technique. Allomyces, Pythium and Saprolegnia were the most prevalent genera, whereas Cladochytrium and Dactylella were of rare occurrence. The mud samples were the richest with zoosporic fungi than the water samples. Aqualindrellafermentans, Chytriomyces annulus were recovered from water samples only, but completely missed in mud samples. Conversly, eight species appeared in mud samples only and were not recovered from water samples. The water and submerged mud samples collected from tanyard which are characterized by high contents of total soluble salts did not yield any considerable influence on occurrence of zoosporic fungi in this investigation. Forty-seven species and one variety belonging to 24 genera were collected from mud and water samples on glucose-Czapek's agar and Sabouraud's dextrose agar at 25 °C. Of these, 16 species were encountered only from mud samples; whereas 6 species were isolated from water samples and not recorded from mud. The most common glucophilic fungi were Aspergillus flavus, A. flavus var. columnaris, A. fumigatus, A. niger and Penicillium chrysogenum . Some fungi were common only in mud or water in slaughterhouse or tannary pools. Chrysosporium keratinophilum, C. tropicum, Chrysosporium sp., Trichophyton terrestre and Trichophyton sp. were recovered, but with different frequencies, from slaughterhouse or effluents canal on Sabouraud's dextrose agar; but they were completely absent in tannary pools due to their sensitivity to high salinity.

EFFECT OF CONTROLLED-RELEASE AND CONSTANT LIQUID FERTILIZATION ON LEACHATE AND PLANT QUALITY

Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima 'Gutbier V-14 Glory'), chrysanthemums (Dendranthema grandiflora 'Tara') and geraniums (Pelargonium xhortorum 'Orbit') were grown using various ratios of controlled release:constant liquid fertilization as a percentage of recommended rates (%CRF:%CLF). While plants grown under the 100:0 CRF:CLF regime produced significantly less nitrates, phosphates and total soluble salts in the leachate than 0:100 or 50:50 CRF:CLF, quality rating, plant diameter, and leaf, bract and flower dry weight of poinsettias and chrysanthemums were reduced. Geraniums grown under 100:0, 50:50 or 0:100 CRF:CLF regimes were similar in quality rating, height, diameter, dry weights and days to anthesis. Poinsettias and chrysanthemums grown under 50:50 CRF:CLF were similar in height, days to anthesis, plant diameter, flower and stem dry weights and quality rating but produced less nitrates, phosphates and total soluble salts in the leachate than plants grown under 0:100 CRF:CLF. However, chrysanthemums grown under 50:50 CRF:CLF had lower leaf and root dry weights and poinsettias had lower leaf and bract dry weights than under 0:100 CRF:CLF regime.

Algae from the saline soils of Al-Shiggah in Al-Qaseem, Saudi Arabia

Soil samples were collected from the saline soil of Al-Shiggah in Al-Qaseem, Saudi Arabia and were studied for their physico–chemical characteristics and algal flora. The soils were mostly sandy and moderately alkaline with electrical conductivities in excess of 4 mmhos cm −1 Sodium was the major soluble cation, chloride and sulphate were the principal soluble anions. The total soluble salts ranged between 4390–143000 p.p.m. Six species of blue-green algae and five green algae were identified. Two of the green algae ( Dunaliella minuta and Protosiphon sp.) are reported for the first time from Saudi Arabiai. D. minuta , present in 17 samples, was the most frequently observed species. The salinity tolerance of D. minuta was determined.