Comparison of decomposition of belowground and aboveground plant litters in peatlands of boreal Alberta, Canada

2001 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markus N Thormann ◽  
Suzanne E Bayley ◽  
Randolph S Currah
Keyword(s):  
Plant Production ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Surface Water Chemistry ◽  
Litter Bag ◽  
Carex Aquatilis ◽  
Mass Losses ◽  
Sphagnum Fuscum ◽  
Salix Planifolia ◽  
Total Plant ◽  
Forested Bog

Studies examining the decomposition rates of belowground plant tissues in peatlands are scarce despite the significant contribution these tissues make to total plant production. Therefore, we measured mass losses of Carex aquatilis Wahlenb. leaves and rhizomes and Salix planifolia Pursh leaves and roots in a rich, sedge-dominated fen and Sphagnum fuscum (Schimp.) Klinggr. plants in a forested bog using the litter bag technique over a 2-year period in southern boreal Alberta. After 2 years, mass losses of C. aquatilis rhizomes (75%) were significantly higher than those of C. aquatilis leaves and Salix planifolia leaves, which were similar to each other (54 and 48%, respectively). Sphagnum fuscum and Salix planifolia root mass losses also were similar to each other (21 and 29%, respectively), but they were significantly lower than those of the other three litter types. Different tissue nutrient concentrations as well as alkalinity- and phosphorus-related surface water chemistry variables correlated significantly with mass losses of different litter types; however, they alone did not explain all of the mass loss trends. The majority of sedge peat and carbon in the fen originates from C. aquatilis leaves (188 and 86 g·m-2, respectively), with the remainder originating from C. aquatilis rhizomes (102 and 47 g·m-2, respectively) after the first 2 years of decomposition. Conversely, the majority of Salix planifolia peat and carbon originates from its roots (33 and 16 g·m-2, respectively) and the remainder from its leaves (24 and 11 g·m-2, respectively) over the same period. After the first 2 years of decomposition, 150 g·m-2 of peat and 71 g·m-2 of carbon remained from the decomposing Sphagnum fuscum in the bog.Key words: bog, fen, mass losses, Carex aquatilis, Salix planifolia, Sphagnum fuscum.

Patterns of distribution of microfungi in decomposing bog and fen plants

2004 ◽  
Vol 82 (5) ◽  
pp. 710-720 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markus N Thormann ◽  
Randolph S Currah ◽  
Suzanne E Bayley
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Communities ◽  
Tissue Quality ◽  
Tissue Concentrations ◽  
Carex Aquatilis ◽  
Dominant Plant Species ◽  
Sphagnum Fuscum ◽  
Salix Planifolia ◽  
Environmental Surface ◽  
Forested Bog ◽  
Fen Plants

The microfungal assemblages from the litter of the dominant vegetation of a forested bog and a riverine, sedge-dominated fen in southern boreal Alberta, Canada, were investigated over a 2-year period. Canonical correspondence analyses showed distinctly different fungal communities associated with litter of the dominant plant species of this bog (Sphagnum fuscum (Schimp.) Klinggr.) and fen (Carex aquatilis Wahlenb. leaves and rhizomes and Salix planifolia Pursh leaves and roots). Plant tissue quality variables, including total phosphorus and total nitrogen tissue concentrations, correlated most strongly with the fungal communities. In contrast, site-specific environmental (surface water chemical variables) and physical (peat and water temperatures, water level) variables were not correlated with the fungal communities of these five decomposing fen and bog plant litters. Of 93 identified fungal taxa, 25% occurred exclusively in the bog and 56% occurred exclusively in the fen. Eighteen species (19%) were common to the materials examined from both peatlands. Several species of (i) Aspergillus, Mortierella, and Oidiodendron were restricted to the Sphagnum litter in the bog, and species of (ii) Phialophora, Phialocephala, Fusarium, Dimorphospora foliicola, Monocillium constrictum, and several basidiomycetes were restricted to the Carex and Salix plant litters in the fen. These taxa constitute components of the bog and fen fungal communities, respectively.Key words: fungal communities, decomposition, bog, fen, canonical correspondence analysis (CCA).

scholarly journals Litter mixing effect on decomposition rate and nutrient release: low quality leaves of coastal species

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lili Wei
Keyword(s):  
Litter Decomposition ◽  
Decomposition Rate ◽  
Nutrient Release ◽  
Additive Effect ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Mangrove Species ◽  
Litter Bag ◽  
Litter Mixtures ◽  
Coastal Species ◽  
Litter Mixing

Coastal wetlands are among the most carbon-rich ecosystems in the world. Litter decomposition is a major process controlling soil carbon input. Litter mixing has shown a non-additive effect on the litter decomposition of terrestrial plants particularly of those species having contrasting litter quality. But the non-additive effect has been rarely tested in coastal plants which generally having low-quality litters. We selected three common mangrove species and one saltmarsh species, co-occurring in subtropical coasts, to test whether the non-additive effect occurs when the litters of these coastal species mixing together. We are also concerned whether the changes in the decomposition rate of litter will affect the nutrient contents in waters. A litter-bag experiment was carried out in a glasshouse with single and mixed leaf litters. A non-additive effect was observed in the litter mixtures of mangrove species Aegiceras corniculatum vs. Kandelia obovata (antagonistic) and A. corniculatum vs. Avicennia marina (synergistic). Whereas, the mixture of A. corniculatum (mangrove species) and Spartina alterniflora (saltmarsh species) showed an additive effect. The strength of the non-additive effect was unrelated to the initial trait dissimilarity of litters. Instead, the decomposition rate and mass remaining of litter mixtures were strongly related to the carbon concentrations in litters. Nutrient content in waters was dependent on the decomposition rate of litter mixtures but not on the initial nutrient concentrations in litters. Despite the behind mechanisms were not yet revealed by the current study, these findings have improved our understanding of the litter decomposition of coastal species and the consequent nutrient release.

scholarly journals Reduced Leaching Fractions Improve Irrigation Use Efficiency and Nutrient Efficacy

1996 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 199-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen H. Tyler ◽  
Stuart L. Warren ◽  
Ted E. Bilderback
Keyword(s):  
Irrigation Water ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Nitrogen Efficiency ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
N Losses ◽  
P Content ◽  
Production Area ◽  
Total Plant ◽  
Use Efficiency ◽  
Irrigation Volume

Abstract An experiment with two leaching fractions (LF = volume of water leached ÷ volume of water applied) and two fertilizer rates was conducted to evaluate the effects of reduced irrigation volume in combination with reduced fertility on irrigation use efficiency, nutrient efficacy (retention), and plant growth. Rooted cuttings of Cotoneaster dammeri Schneid. ‘Skogholm’ were potted into 3.8 liter (#1) containers in a pine bark: sand substrate (8:1 by vol). Osmocote 24N-1.7P-5.8K (24-4-7) was topdressed at 3.5 g N or 1.75 g N per container at treatment initiation. The experiment, a RCBD with four replications was conducted for 100 days on a container-grown plant production area subdivided into 16 separate plots that allowed for the collection of all irrigation water leaving each plot. Twenty containers were placed in each plot. Irrigation water was applied daily to attain either a high LF of 0.4 to 0.6 or a low LF of 0.0 to 0.2. Irrigation water was applied in two cycles with a two hour rest interval between each application via pressure compensated spray stakes at a rate of 200 ml/min (0.28 in/min). Volume of effluent from each plot was measured daily and analyzed for NO3, NH4, and P. Low LF decreased irrigation volume and effluent volume by 44% and 63%, respectively, compared to high LF. Irrigation use efficiency [total plant dry weight (volume applied-volume leached)] by plants irrigated with low LF was 29% greater than high LF. Compared to high LF, low LF decreased cumulative NO3 and NH4 contents in effluent by 66% and 62%, respectively, for containers fertilized with 3.5 g N. Low LF also reduced cumulative P content in the effluent by 57% compared to high LF. Shoot and total plant dry weights produced with low LF were reduced 8% and 10%, respectively, compared to plants grown with high LF. Root dry weight was not effected by LF. Shoot, root, and total plant dry weights with 1.75 g N were reduced by 26%, 26%, and 28%, respectively compared to 3.5 g N. Nitrogen efficiency was higher when plants were fertilized with 3.5 g N regardless of LF. To maximize N absorption and minimize N losses requires a combination of maintaining an adequate N supply which is this study was 3.5 g N per 3.8 liter container in combination with a low LF.

scholarly journals Design and function of a nitrogen and sediment removal system in a recirculating aquaculture system optimized for aquaponics

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 190494-0
Author(s):  
Siriwanee Supajaruwong ◽  
Penpicha Satanwat ◽  
Wiboonluk Pungrasmi ◽  
Sorawit Powtongsook
Keyword(s):  
Utilization Efficiency ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Recirculating Aquaculture System ◽  
Plant Weight ◽  
Recirculating Aquaculture ◽  
Nutrient Utilization Efficiency ◽  
Aquaculture System ◽  
Filtration Unit ◽  
Complete Nitrification

Aquaponic systems (APSs) are based upon the sustainable utilization of nitrogen and phosphorus from a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) as the nutrient source for plant production. Since the proper management of nitrogen and suspended solids are important for nutrient utilization efficiency, their optimization was evaluated. The RAS integrated with filtration unit and nitrifying biofilter provided complete nitrification without solid accumulation. Under the optimal treatment condition for 16 d, the treated water was low in ammonia (0 mg-N/L) and high in nitrate (> 6 mg-N/L) concentrations, which was appropriate for use in the cultivation of lettuce (Lactuca sativa). The RAS was then incorporated with hydroponics at a 5:1 fish: plant weight ratio. Moreover, the simplified APS was compared with a typical APS system that incorporated filtration unit and nitrifying biofilter. The natural growth of nitrifying microorganisms in the simplified APS could perform complete nitrification after 20 d of operation giving low ammonia and nitrite concentrations. The nutrient removal efficiency of the simplified APS resembled the typical system. During the aquaponics, the hydroponic unit in the aquaculture system was sufficient to control the nutrient concentrations within the appropriate levels for fish cultivation, i.e. nitrate (< 20 mg-N/L) and phosphate (< 3 mg-P/L).

Variability in surface water chemistry and phytoplankton biomass in two tropical, tidally dominated mangrove creeks

1999 ◽  
Vol 50 (5) ◽  
pp. 451 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. A. Trott ◽  
D. M. Alongi
Keyword(s):  
Surface Water ◽  
Phytoplankton Biomass ◽  
Physicochemical Characteristics ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Inorganic N ◽  
Dissolved Nutrients ◽  
Nitrogen And Phosphorus ◽  
Surface Water Chemistry ◽  
Dissolved Nitrogen

Surface water concentrations of dissolved nutrients and phytoplankton biomass (as chlorophyll a) were examined monthly in relation to physicochemical characteristics and rainfall for 30 months in two tropical, tidally dominated mangrove creeks in north Queensland, Australia. Dissolved nutrient concentrations and phytoplankton biomass peaked during summer with no or little significant change throughout the rest of the year. Dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations correlated inversely with salinity changes, implying that fresh water and suspended material from the watershed were the main source of dissolved nutrients.The mean dissolved inorganic N : P ratio in each creek (Control Creek 58 : 1, Sandfly Creek 26 : 1) was greater than the Redfield ratio (16 : 1), suggesting excess nitrogen relative to phosphorus. Variability in phytoplankton biomass did not correlate significantly with dissolved nitrogen or phosphorus concentrations, but did relate to rainfall patterns and changes in dissolved oxygen concentrations.These results suggest that pelagic conditions in these mangrove creeks are constant all year round, except during the summer wet season.

scholarly journals Ecophysiological Performance of Proteaceae Species From Southern South America Growing on Substrates Derived From Young Volcanic Materials

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Delgado ◽  
A. Zúñiga-Feest ◽  
M. Reyes-Díaz ◽  
P. J. Barra ◽  
S. Ruiz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Availability ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Cluster Roots ◽  
Available Phosphorus ◽  
South American ◽  
Initial Growth ◽  
Volcanic Material ◽  
Total Plant ◽  
Temperate Rainforests

Southern South American Proteaceae thrive on young volcanic substrates, which are extremely low in plant-available phosphorus (P). Most Proteaceae exhibit a nutrient-acquisition strategy based on the release of carboxylates from specialized roots, named cluster roots (CR). Some Proteaceae colonize young volcanic substrates which has been related to CR functioning. However, physiological functioning of other Proteaceae on recent volcanic substrates is unknown. We conducted an experiment with seedlings of five Proteaceae (Gevuina avellana, Embothrium coccineum, Lomatia hirsuta, L. ferruginea, and L. dentata) grown in three volcanic materials. Two of them are substrates with very low nutrient concentrations, collected from the most recent deposits of the volcanoes Choshuenco and Calbuco (Chile). The other volcanic material corresponds to a developed soil that exhibits a high nutrient availability. We assessed morphological responses (i.e., height, biomass, and CR formation), seed and leaf macronutrient and micronutrient concentrations and carboxylates exuded by roots. The results show that G. avellana was less affected by nutrient availability of the volcanic substrate, probably because it had a greater nutrient content in its seeds and produced large CR exuding carboxylates that supported their initial growth. Embothrium coccineum exhibited greater total plant height and leaf P concentration than Lomatia species. In general, in all species leaf macronutrient concentrations were reduced on nutrient-poor volcanic substrates, while leaf micronutrient concentrations were highly variable depending on species and volcanic material. We conclude that Proteaceae from temperate rainforests differ in their capacity to grow and acquire nutrients from young and nutrient-poor volcanic substrates. The greater seed nutrient content, low nutrient requirements (only for G. avellana) and ability to mobilize nutrients help explain why G. avellana and E. coccineum are better colonizers of recent volcanic substrates than Lomatia species.

scholarly journals (94) Efficacy of Application Methods and Concentration of Plant Growth Retardants on Growth of Chrysanthemum (Dendranthem ×grandiflorum `Cheasepeake')

HortScience ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 40 (4) ◽  
pp. 1046A-1046
Author(s):  
Chun Ho Pak ◽  
Seung Won Kang ◽  
Chiwon W. Lee
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Plant Height ◽  
Nutrient Solution ◽  
Growth Retardation ◽  
Growth Retardant ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Growth Retardants ◽  
Total Plant ◽  
Plant Growth Retardants ◽  
Application Methods

Efficacy of application methods and concentration of plant growth retardants on growth of chrysanthemum (Dendranthema ×grandiflorum cv. Cheasepeake) was tested. B-9 or cycocel (CCC) as a growth retardant was applied as drench or subapplication with nutrient solution. In the case of B-9 drench treatments, as B-9 concentrations increased, numbers of flowers and flower buds increased except in the 1500-ppm treatment. Increasing concentration of CCC also resulted in reduction of flower numbers, total plant height, total leaf area, branch number, and fresh weight. Reduction ratio of total plant height in 2000 ppm showed about 56.9% being compared to that of the 100-ppm drench treatment. B-9 or CCC, combined with nutrient solution, was also supplied from the C-channel subirrigation system. The B-9 subapplication treatment showed no significance among these concentrations, but flower numbers, total plant height, average plant height, and leaf numbers decreased as concentrations of CCC increased. B-9 or CCC with the same concentration was drenched after 2 weeks of the first experiment to compare planting time efficacy. Measured data increased until B-9 increased up to 2500 ppm and severe growth retardation resulted from the 5000-ppm treatment. Through this growth retardant application study, the combination of drenching concentration and period of plant growth regulators (PGRs) may result in effective growth retardation and reduction of application concentrations for pot plant production.

scholarly journals Co-Granulated and Blended Zinc Fertilizer Comparison for Corn and Soybean

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Matthew Caldwell ◽  
Kelly A. Nelson ◽  
Manjula Nathan
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Soybean Plant ◽  
Plant Nutrient ◽  
Nutrient Distribution ◽  
Zn Concentration ◽  
Zinc Fertilizer ◽  
Total Plant ◽  
Effect On Yield ◽  
Carry Over ◽  
Leaf P

A new co-granulated formulation of monoammonium phosphate (MAP) including S and Zn could allow for more uniform nutrient distribution. A six site-year study evaluated the effects of blended phosphorus (P) sources [MAP and diammonium phosphate (DAP)] and zinc amounts (0, 2.2, and 5.6 kg Zn ha-1) compared to co-granulated fertilizer, MicroEssentials® Sulfur-10 (MES10™) (12-40-0-10S) and MicroEssentials Sulfur and Zinc (MESZ™) (12-40-0-10S-1Zn), on corn and soybean response. Fertilizers were broadcast applied for corn and the carry-over effect on soybean was determined. Ear leaf P, S, and Zn concentrations at Novelty in 2013 and 2014 were within the sufficiency range regardless of treatment, even though initial soil test values were low-medium. Yields were similar to the N only control for all site-years except at Novelty in 2013, where MAP+ZnSO4 at 2.2 kg Zn ha-1, MAP+Super Zn at 5.5 kg Zn ha-1, and DAP+AMS were 540 to 570 kg/ha greater. The amount of Zn fertilizer (2.2 vs. 5.6 kg Zn ha-1) also showed no significant effect on yield. Applications of P or Zn generally increased their concentrations in post-harvest soil samples. Fertilizer applied for corn indicated some differences in soybean plant nutrient concentrations, but it had no effect on total plant nutrient uptake, grain yield or quality. At Novelty, soybean plant Zn concentration was greater at 5.6 kg Zn ha-1 compared to 2.2 kg Zn ha-1, while Albany showed an increase in whole soybean plant Zn concentration with SuperZn compared to ZnSO4. Carry-over fertilizer from corn showed limited effects on soybean response the following year.

scholarly journals Fittonia verschaffeltii Response to Artificial Light Treatments: BIOMASS, Nutrient Concentrations and Physiological Changes

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro García-Caparros ◽  
Eva María Almansa ◽  
Francisco Javier Barbero ◽  
Rosa María Chica ◽  
María Teresa Lao
Keyword(s):  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Soluble Sugars ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Physiological Parameters ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
Light Emitting ◽  
Total Plant ◽  
Total Dry Weight

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different light treatments on biomass, nutrient concentrations and physiological parameters of Fittonia verschaffeltii (Lem) Van Houtte. The aim was to establish a methodology to evaluate the effect of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) emitted by lamps on biomass. The light treatments used were tube luminescent Dunn (TL-D), tube luminescent Dunn + light emitting diodes (LEDs) and Tube luminescent 5 (TL-5). At the end of the experimental period, biomass, nutritional, biochemical, and physiological parameters were assessed. A clear reduction in total plant dry weight under TL-D + LEDs at the end of the experiment was recorded. With respect to nutrient concentration in the different organs assessed, there was no clear response under the different light treatments. The growth under TL-D lamps resulted in the highest concentration of total soluble sugars and starch in leaves, whereas the highest value of indole 3-acetic acid concentration was under TL-5 lamps. Plants grown under TL-D + LEDs showed the lowest values of chlorophyll a, b and a + b. The relationship proposed between integrated use of spectral energy (IUSE) and total dry weight (TDW) showed a good correlation with an R2 value of 0.86, therefore we recommend this methodology to discern the effects of the different spectral qualities on plant biomass.

scholarly journals Experiences of running a hydroponic system in a pilot scale for resource-efficient water reuse

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 347-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexa Bliedung ◽  
Thomas Dockhorn ◽  
Jörn Germer ◽  
Claudia Mayerl ◽  
Marius Mohr
Keyword(s):  
Plant Growth ◽  
Pilot Plant ◽  
Water Reuse ◽  
Pilot Scale ◽  
Plant Production ◽  
Treated Wastewater ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Combined System ◽  
Modes Of Operation ◽  
Hydroponic System

Abstract Within the research project HypoWave, a hydroponic system for plant production was investigated. The hydroponic system was fed with wastewater that had undergone specially adapted treatment. The principal aim was to develop a combined system for water treatment and hydroponic plant production, where water and nutrients were reused efficiently to produce marketable food products. Another goal was to find out whether the reuse of pre-treated wastewater for plant growth in a hydroponic system could also present an additional alternative wastewater treatment step for enhanced nutrient removal. A pilot plant, consisting of various treatment steps such as activated sludge process, ozonation and biological activated carbon filtration, was used to produce lettuce with irrigation water of different qualities. The hydroponic pilot plant was operated in two different modes – flow-through and feed & deplete. This paper focuses on the influence of the various modes of operation and accordingly varying nutrient concentrations (N, P, K) on plant growth. Furthermore, heavy metal content in the various types of treated wastewater and in the produced plants was investigated. In addition, the results of the different modes of operation were verified by mass balances for N, P and K.

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