bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SOIL MESOFAUNAL STUDIES UNDER DIFFERENT VEGETATIVE REGIMES IN NORTH CENTRAL ALBERTA
Authors: BERG N. W. , PAWLUK S.
Published: March 2010

Research on soil mesofauna distribution and diversity was conducted on a cultivated Gray Luvisol near Breton, Alberta. Particular reference was made to the soil Collembola (springtails) and the Acarina (mites). Seven different vegetative regimes (grass litter, balsam leaves, aspen leaves, straw litter, fescue grass, alfalfa, check) were established on 14 (2 m × 2 m) microplots. Microarthropod distribution and diversity were found to be dependent on a number of soil parameters such as temperature, moisture, depth, nutrient status, microhabitat availability and vegetative cover. Seasonal changes were also monitored. Examination of soil thin-sections revealed that a wide variety of fauna contribute to the reorganization of fabrics, especially in the upper 7 cm of soil. These fauna varied in their significance throughout the microplots. Fecal pellets of 280–350 μm size were encountered, commonly comprising mull-like material. Insect larvae are thought to be responsible but their type is unknown. The authors stress the need for further research in this area to establish the role and importance of the soil mesofauna in the soil ecosystem. Key words: Soil mesofauna, Acarina, Collembola, soil microstructure
PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR ACTIVITY OF SOLUBLE HUMIC COMPLEXES
Authors: CACCO G. , DELL’AGNOLA G.
Published: March 2010

Auxin and cytokinin bioassays were performed to test the biological activity of soluble humic complexes (SHC). "Pea split stem curvature" (auxin test) and "cucumber" tests (cytokinin test) did not show any quantifiable biological activity of SHC. On the contrary, "cress test" and "senescence test" offered good evidence of a hormonal-like activity 100 times lower than that of IAA (10 mg IAA∙g−1 SHC) and 10 times lower than that of N6 BA (100 mg N6 BA∙g−1 SHC). At a high concentration of SHC, toxic effects were evident, indicating the presence of inhibitory substances which counteracted the hormone-like activity of humic complexes. Key words: Plant growth regulators, soluble humic complexes
CLASSIFICATION OF PODZOLIC SOILS AS AFFECTED BY CULTIVATION
Authors: WANG C. , REES H. W. , DAIGLE J. L.
Published: March 2010

The effects on soil properties of long-term potato cultivation and of erosion were studied by sampling soils along three transects in virgin forest sites and seven transects in potato fields with landforms and parent materials similar to those of the forest sites. The average thickness of solum was reduced from 35 cm in virgin forest to 27 cm in cultivated fields. More than 90% (28 of 30) of forested pedons were classified as Podzolic soils but only 27% (19 of 70) of the cultivated pedons met all of the criteria of Podzolic soils. The others were mainly Regosols and Brunisols. The main criterion that excluded the soils from the Podzolic order was one of the morphological criteria which states "… hue of 10 YR near the upper boundary (of B horizon) and becomes yellower with depth." Most of the Ap horizons (70%) still meet all the chemical criteria for the Podzolic order. By waiving the morphological criterion stated above for the cultivated sites, nearly 70% (48 of 70) of the soils observed remained as Podzols with only a minor amount of Regosols and Brunisols. It is proposed that the current morphological criterion should be retained for uncultivated soils, but waived for cultivated soils. This will decrease the contrast between the classification of cultivated and adjacent forest soils. We also suggested that the morphological changes resulting from cultivation and erosion can be dealt with at a lower categorocal level or as a phase of categorical levels. Key words: Chemical criteria, morphological criteria, soil erosion, soil transect
EFFECTS OF SOIL TEMPERATURE ON PHOSPHORUS EXTRACTABILITY. II. SOIL PHOSPHORUS IN SIX CARBONATED AND SIX NON-CARBONATED SOILS
Authors: SHEPPARD S. C. , RACZ G. J.
Published: March 2010

The change in the extractability of soil phosphorus (P) in response to temperature was examined in 12 Manitoba soils. These soils varied in carbonate and P contents. The soil P was labelled with 32P to facilitate measurements. Sodium bicarbonate extractions, anion exchange resin extractions, P desorption curves and short-term plant uptake using wheat were used to measure P extractability. An increase in soil temperature increased the extractability of P. This was apparent for P extracted by NaHCO3 only in soils low in P. The P extracted by resin appeared to respond similarly but was quite variable. Effects of temperature on the desorption curve parameters were significant only in soils high in P. The latter may reflect the detection limits for P using the desorption curve extraction system. Plant uptake was closely correlated to root growth. Both increased markedly as temperature increased. However, in certain soils the increase in P uptake due to temperature was far greater than the corresponding increase in root growth. The estimates of the labile pool accessed by plants increased as temperature increased. The principle hypothesis, that the effect of temperature on P extractability changed from soil to soil, was confirmed. The only controlling soil factor that could be identified was the basic soil P content. Key words: Temperature, soil phosphorus, carbonated, non-carbonated, plant uptake, wheat
THE EFFECT OF WATER TABLE DEPTH IN ORGANIC SOIL ON SUBSIDENCE AND SWELLING
Authors: MILLETTE J. A. , BROUGHTON R. S.
Published: March 2010

The effects of two water table depths (WTD), 0.6 and 0.9 m below the soil surface on subsidence, subsidence rate and swelling of an organic soil were observed in large undisturbed cores under greenhouse conditions. Measurements were made in two tiers, 0–0.3 m (top tier) and 0.3 m to WTD (bottom tier) during the growth of a carrot crop with WTD as above, and continued following a rise in the water table. The WTD of 0.9 m caused the top tier to subside twice as much as the same tier in the 0.6 m WTD. Top tier subsidence seemed irreversible in both WTD because minor swelling was observed following a rise in the water table. Most of the reversible subsidence occurred in the bottom tier. Raising the water table reduced the total profile subsidence by 36 and 24% for the 0.6 and 0.9 m WTD, respectively. After correction for oxidation, subsidence accounted for 3.2 and 5.9% of the 0.6- and 0.9-m profiles, respectively. The bulk density increase in the 0.6-m profile before and after the end of the experiment was not significant but a significant increase of 11% was measured in the 0.9-m profile. Subsidence rates decreased in both tiers during the growing period reaching a minimum in both WTD at harvest time. The subsidence rate in 0.9-m profile at 100 days after seeding was 2.5 times the rate in the 0.6-m profile. Key words: Organic soil, subsidence, swelling, water table
THE EFFECT OF N AND P FERTILIZATION ON WINTER SURVIVAL OF WINTER WHEAT UNDER ZERO-TILLED AND CONVENTIONALLY TILLED MANAGEMENT
Authors: GRANT C. A. , STOBBE E. H. , RACZ G. J.
Published: March 2010

A preliminary field study was conducted to investigate the influence of fall applications of nitrogen and phosphorus on winter survival of winter wheat on zero-tilled and conventionally tilled land. Nitrogen fertilization tended to decrease winter survival while phosphorus fertilization tended to increase survival. A N-P interaction was observed, with the decrease in survival in response to added N being more evident in the absense of applied P. Balanced N-P fertilization may therefore result in highest winter survival in both conventionally tilled and zero-tilled winter wheat. Key words: Zero-tillage, winter survival, nitrogen, phosphorus, winter wheat
THE CASAGRANDE METHOD VERSUS THE DROP-CONE PENETROMETER METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF LIQUID LIMIT
Authors: WIRES K. C.
Published: March 2010

A comparison of the drop-cone penetrometer and Casagrande methods for determining the liquid limit of soils showed that the former method is simpler, faster and provides more precise results. Key words: Casagrande, drop-cone penetrometer, liquid limit, soil survey
THE MEASUREMENT OF SOIL WATER CONTENT USING A PORTABLE TDR HAND PROBE
Authors: TOPP G. C. , ZEBCHUK W. D. , DAVIS J. L. , BAILEY W. G.
Published: March 2010

The time-domain reflectrometry (TDR) technique had previously been shown to measure the volumetric water content of soil accurately when applied to long-term installations of parallel transmission lines. In this study a hand probe was used with a portable TDR instrument to measure water content of soil down the wall of soils pits to a depth greater than 1 m. In a separate experiment the water content of the surface soil at two sites was measured repeatedly in increasing depth increments of 50 mm to 300 mm. The TDR measured values were compared with values obtained by a gravimetric determination on a sample of soil. The TDR gave values that were calculated at the time of measurement in the field. TDR measured values were as accurate and precise as those from gravimetric samples. Key words: Volumetric water content, soil, time domain reflectometry
MINERALIZATION RATE CONSTANTS AND THEIR USE FOR ESTIMATING NITROGEN MINERALIZATION IN SOME CANADIAN PRAIRIE SOILS
Authors: CAMPBELL C. A. , JAME Y. W. , WINKLEMAN G. E.
Published: March 2010

There is a need to provide quantitative relationships that will allow agronomists to estimate accurately the nitrogen-supplying power of soils while taking into account both temperature and soil moisture variations. The procedure for estimating net nitrogen mineralization proposed by Stanford and co-workers was used to determine Arrhenius relationships between the rate constants (k) and absolute temperature (°K) for 33 virgin and cultivated Western Canadian prairie surface (0–15 cm) soils. There was no significant difference in Arrhenius relationship between soils within each soil zone; thus, a single average Arrhenius equation was calculated per soil zone. Average Q10 for the Brown chernozemic soils was 2.75, for the Dark Brown, thin Black and thick Black chernozems, 2.18, and for the Gray luvisols, 2.0. These Q10 values are as high or higher than those reported in other parts of the world and may be related to the degree of degradation of the soil organic matter in these various soils. Culture had no marked effect on Q10 but sandy soils had higher Q10 than loams and clays. An equation for estimating net nitrogen mineralization for the Wood Mountain loam (a Brown chernozem) was tested using data from a previous study. The results were quite satisfactory, especially when the test data were derived under laboratory conditions where moisture was well controlled. The temperature functions presented herein can be used together with moisture functions and potentially mineralizable nitrogen results published earlier to make first estimates of net nitrogen mineralized during the growing season in the soils tested. Key words: Q10, Arrhenius relationship, potentially mineralizable nitrogen
EFFECT OF CROP ROTATION AND FERTILIZATION ON SOME BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF A LOAM IN SOUTHWESTERN SASKATCHEWAN
Authors: BIEDERBECK V. O. , CAMPBELL C. A. , ZENTNER R. P.
Published: March 2010

Effects of rotation length, fallow-substitute crops, and N and P fertilizer on some physical and biological properties of a Brown Chernozemic loam in southwestern Saskatchewan were determined over a period of 16 yr. After 12 yr, the erodible fraction in the top 15 cm of soil (i.e., < 0.84 mm) was inversely related to trash conserved and thus rotation length. Soil organic N (in the top 15 cm) increased from 0.18 to 0.20% in continuous-type rotations receiving an average 32 kg N∙ha−1∙yr−1 and adequate P, but it did not increase in continuous wheat receiving P only, nor in fallow rotations, except the one that included fall rye (Secale cereale L.). This N increase was credited partly to fertilizer and partly to more efficient use and cycling of subsoil NO3-N via plant roots and crop residues. After 10 yr, well-fertilized continuous-type rotations had a 13% greater C content than fallow rotations and continuous wheat receiving only P. In the top 7.5 cm of soil under the four rotations examined in detail, bacterial numbers were lowest in fallow-wheat, intermediate in fallow-wheat-wheat, higher in continuous wheat receiving N and P, and highest in continuous wheat receiving only P. Similarly, microbial biomass C in these four rotations was 180, 226, 217 and 357 kg∙ha−1; biomass N was 52, 65, 54 and 72 kg∙ha−1; and biomass C/N ratios were 3.4, 3.5, 4.1 and 5.1, respectively. Differences in biomass C/N, respiration rates and numbers of bacteria, actinomycetes and yeasts indicated both quantitative and qualitative microbial changes and reflected increasing rotation length and differences in fertility. Potentially mineralizable N (No) was 192 kg∙ha−1 for adequately fertilized continuous wheat, and exceeded No in fallow-wheat by 45%, in fallow-wheat-wheat by 17% and in continuous wheat receiving only P by 25%. The latter rotation contained a large but fairly inactive microbial population. We concluded that land degradation caused by frequent summerfallowing can be arrested and the decline in amount and quality of organic matter reversed by use of available agronomic technology. Key words: Microbial biomass, microbial activity, potentially mineralizable N, respiration, soil erodibility
EFFET DE LA FERTILISATION PHOSPHATEE SUR LA POMME DE TERRE EN RELATION AVEC L’ANALYSE DU SOL ET LA SOURCE DE PHOSPHORE UTILISEE
Authors: GIROUX M. , DUBE A. , BARNETT G. M.
Published: March 2010

The effect of phosphorus fertilization on potato yields (Solanum tuberosum L.) was studied on 24 experimental sites varying from 44 to 1000 kg/ha of soil test P. The respective relative yields (yield with P fertilizer/maximum yield with P fertilizer x 100) varied from 20.3 to 100%. The Mitscherlich equation was used to relate relative yields to soil test P. According to their soil test value, the soils were partitioned in three classes by the Cate-Nelson method to establish poor (300 kg/ha of available P or less), medium (301–400 kg/ha P) and rich 401 kg/ha P or more) soil fertility classes. It was found that 94 kg/ha fertilizer P was necessary for maximum yields with an increase of 10% or greater on poor soils. On medium and rich soils, the requirement was 50 kg P/ha for a yield increase of 1–10%. Below a 1% increase, the P application should be lowered. At high rates diammonium phosphate (DAP) has been found to give tuber yield equal to those of superphosphates. On the other hand, at low rates, DAP application was more effective. DAP induced a higher mid-season P concentration in the petiole tissue Acidification by superphosphates increased aluminum, iron and manganese availability in the soil and reduced P solubility in the band area, in contrast to DAP. Key words: Potato, soil test phosphorus, source of phosphorus fertilizer, phosphorus fertilization, superphosphate, ammonium phosphate
INTERPRETATION OF SOIL DRAINAGE GROUPS FROM SOIL TAXONOMY—SOUTHERN ONTARIO
Authors: CHISHOLM P. S. , IRWIN R. W. , ACTON C. J.
Published: March 2010

Ontario Soil Survey data for 278 soil series were interpreted to describe relationships between soil characteristics and the movement of water in saturated zones of the soil profile. Based on family particle size classes, groups of soil families, similar in profile and parent material, were formed. Groups were ordered in terms of increasing ability of soil to transmit water, as interpreted by Soil Conservation Service guidelines. The ordered groups were separated into two parts using the European concepts for surface water gley and groundwater gley soils. Six groups of surface water gley soils were differentiated in which surface water was interpreted as the principle source of saturation. Groundwater was interpreted to be the principle source of saturation for three groups of groundwater gley soils. Principles applied to grouping and ordering were augmented by data for soil texture and structure to develop a generalized profile description for each group. The generalized profile description was translated into a five symbol code by which the interpretation is applied to individual soil series within a group. The code is intended to enhance application of soil survey data to design of buried agricultural drainage systems. Key words: Soil physical characteristics, drainage characteristics, hydrologic soil groups, surface water Gleysols, groundwater Gleysols, pseudogleysols
EFFECT OF HEAT PRETREATMENTS ON ARSENIC MEASUREMENTS IN SOIL
Authors: DUDAS M. J.
Published: March 2010

Coarse and finely ground samples from Chernozemic and Luvisolic soils were heated for 2 h at temperatures ranging from 150 to 1150 °C prior to analysis for total As. Thermal pretreatment at temperatures of 150 to 750 °C increased the measured levels of As in all A and B and in some C horizon samples. Heating at 550 °C caused as much as a twofold increase in levels detected in some A horizons. Initial net loss of As through volatilization occurred for all samples starting at pretreatment temperatures of 750 °C and ending at 850 to 1000 °C. Following this initial loss, measured levels of As generally increased with further heating. Heating soils at 1100 °C and higher then caused nearly complete volatilization of As from all Ah horizon samples. Samples of B and C horizons heated at 1150 °C contained from 30% more to 80% less than the content in air-dried samples. Grinding had no significant effect on As measurements. The thermal dependence of As measurements is discussed in terms of forms of the element, mineral transformations, and efficacy of the HCl digestion procedure. Key words: Arsenic analysis, soil arsenic, form of arsenic, trace elements, arsenic geochemistry, methods of analysis
THE FOREST FLOOR: LATERAL VARIABILITY AS REVEALED BY SYSTEMATIC SAMPLING
Authors: ARP PAUL A. , KRAUSE HELMUT H.
Published: March 2010

The forest floor of a mature, naturally regenerated conifer stand on a well-drained podzolic soil in the Central Uplands of New Brunswick was sampled systematically. The forest-floor properties measured were: oven-dried mass per unit area, depth, moisture content, pH, potassium-chloride-extractable NH4-N and NO3-N, water-soluble phosphate, and ammonium-acetate-extractable K, Mg, and Ca. Total elemental C, N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Al, Fe concentrations were also determined. Coefficients of variation varied from 0.066 (total C) to 1.78 (2 N KCl-extractable NO3-N). Concentrations (measured in ppm or percent) were in each case less variable than absolute amounts (measured in kilograms per hectare). Frequency distributions were positively skewed (except for total C and N) and appeared to follow a gamma or Weibull distribution pattern. Key words: Ferro-Humic-Podzol, forest floor, lateral variability, spruce-fir forest, systematic sampling
DISPERSION OF KAOLINITE BY WATER EXTRACTS OF DOUGLAS-FIR ASH
Authors: DURGIN PHILIP B. , VOGELSANG PHILIP J.
Published: March 2010

The inorganic constituents of black and gray ash from Douglas-fir slash were analyzed to evaluate the mechanism by which ash extract disperses kaolinite. Chemical constituents promoting kaolinite dispersion were anions that increase alkalinity and are specifically adsorbed, namely orthophosphate, carbonate, hydroxyl, and me-tasilicate. Key words: Fire, specific adsorption, carbonate
DISPERSION OF KAOLINITE BY DISSOLVED ORGANIC MATTER FROM DOUGLAS-FIR ROOTS
Authors: DURGIN PHILIP B. , CHANEY JESSE G.
Published: March 2010

The organic constituents of water extracts from Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco var. menziesii) roots that cause kaolinite dispersion were investigated. The dissolved organic matter was fractionated according to molecular size and chemical characteristics into acids, neutrals, and bases of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups. The dominant fraction causing dispersion included the hydrophobic acids and organics with molecular sizes greater than 104 nominal molecular weight. Partial oxidation of the dissolved organic matter increased its carboxylic acid content and dispersion potential. Organic acids promoting kaolinite dispersion included aliphatic and aromatic carboxylic acids. The dispersing ability of a carboxylic acid was related to its charge and charge density. Kaolinite has a pH-dependent surface charge; specific adsorption of carboxyl groups makes the clay more negative and promotes dispersion. Polycarboxylic acids appear to play the major role in kaolinite dispersion by dissolved organic matter in forests. Key words: Fulvic acid, specific adsorption, carboxylic acid, fractionation
A MORPHOMETRIC SYSTEM FOR DESCRIBING THE MICROMORPHOLOGY OF ORGANIC SOILS AND ORGANIC LAYERS
Authors: FOX C. A.
Published: March 2010

A descriptive system is outlined for characterizing, in thin sections, the micromorphology of organic soils and organic layers. In each thin section, distinct regions of morphology, fabric zones, can be recognized. Each fabric zone may be composed of various combinations of organic constituents. These constituents are designated as basic morphologic units and four main types are defined: particulate material, granular units, discrete compound particles, and massive-appearing fabric. The fabric zone and basic morphologic units can be coded in a fabric description symbol of the following simple general form [Fabric Unit]1 …[Fabric Unit]n, where [Fabric Unit] represents a particular fabric zone and its basic morphologic units. For example, [PpGa] [Ma] is a fabric description symbol indicating that two fabric zones are identified in the thin section. The first [PpBa] is the dominant fabric zone in the thin section (areal proportion) and is composed of two basic morphologic units, mainly recognizable plant fragments, Pp, and a lesser occurrence of amorphous granular material, Ga. The second fabric unit [Ma] indicates a fabric zone composed of one basic morphologic unit: amorphous massive-appearing fabric, Ma. The system is applied to the micromorphological characterization of a Typic Mesisol from Keswick, Ontario. Key words: Microcorphology, organic soils, descriptive method, characterization
AUTHIGENIC MINERAL FORMATION BY SOLODIZATION
Authors: SPIERS G. A. , PAWLUK S. , DUDAS M. J.
Published: March 2010

Mineralogical and micromorphological examination of Solodized Solonetz pedons show the presence of both crystalline and non-crystalline authigenic minerals in the Ae horizons and the solodized zones of the columnar Bnt horizons. A zeolite mineral with the characteristics of clinoptilolite was detected in the coarse clay (1.0–2.0 μm) separates and was the mineral species dominant in the < 2.35 specific gravity separates of the fine (2.0–5.0 μm) and medium (5.0–20.0 μm) silt fractions. Measurement of pH (1.0 M NaF) of whole soil samples from the solodized zone of these pedons indicated the presence of high levels of active aluminum. Treatment with acid ammonium oxalate and hot 0.5 M KOH indicated that the poorly crystalline material was composed predominantly of silicon, aluminum and iron. Differential FT-IR analyses of these clay fractions before and after the chemical extractions indicated that components of this phase have characteristics reported for both opaline silica and allophane. Key words: Authigenic, clinoptilolite, solodization, allophane, smectite, opaline silica
EFFECTS OF TOPSOIL LOSS AND INTENSIVE CROPPING ON SOIL PROPERTIES RELATED TO THE CROP PRODUCTION POTENTIAL OF A PODZOLIC GREY LUVISOL
Authors: SADLER J. M.
Published: March 2010

A 5-yr field study was conducted at Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island to determine the effect of losses of topsoil and organic matter likely to accrue from intensive potato production on the crop production potential of a loam to fine sandy loam Podzolic Grey Luvisol representative of major soil types used for potato production on P.E.I. The top 7.5 or 15 cm of the original 20-cm-thick Ap horizon was removed from strips on either side of a control (intact soil) strip. These strips were cropped under a 5-yr potato-barley rotation. Soil-loss treatments reduced the organic carbon content of the new 20-cm-thick Ap horizons formed by tillage by 9.4 and 37%, respectively, from 51.3 tonnes (ha∙20 cm)−1 in the original Ap horizon. Similarly, mineralizable nitrogen levels were reduced initially by 21 and 64%, respectively, compared with the intact soil. During the subsequent 2 yr, mineralizable nitrogen levels in the Ap horizons of the intact and minus 7.5-cm strips fell by 35%. Soil-loss treatments had no effect on Ap horizon texture, porosity, or bulk density. However, losses of topsoil reduced the soil’s capacity to store plant-available water (33 kPa – 1500 kPa) within the rooting zone above a Bt, horizon (bulk density 1.67 tonnes∙m−3) by 1.3 and 3.4 cm of water, respectively, from 9.8 cm for the intact soil. Rainfall patterns on P.E.I. suggest that such reductions in water storage capacity may reduce the soil’s crop production potential in 2 out of 5 yr. Key words: Topsoil loss, intensive cropping, Luvisol, organic carbon, mineralizable nitrogen, water storage capacity
EFFECTS OF APPLIED AND RESIDUAL BORON ON THE NUTRITION OF CABBAGE AND FIELD BEANS
Authors: GUPTA UMESH C. , CUTCLIFFE J. A.
Published: March 2010

Field experiments were conducted at four locations in Prince Edward Island to determine the effect of applied B on leaf tissue B and yields of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) in the year of application of B and again the following year. Application rates of 8.8 kg B∙ha−1 reduced bean seed yields at all locations and the 4.4-kg B∙ha−1 rate reduced yields at two locations in the first year. Leaf tissue B levels > 109 μg∙g−1 are clearly toxic for beans and seriously reduced bean yields. Furthermore, the yield and visual symptom data strongly suggest that tissue B levels even as low as 60 μg∙g−1 are toxic for this crop. No significant reductions in bean yields were noted in the second year crop, even at the 8.8 kg B∙ha−1 rate. Rates of up to 8.8 kg B∙ha−1 did not cause any reduction in cabbage yield even during the year of application. Leaf tissue B concentrations as high as 71–132 μg∙g−1 were not related to any B toxicity in cabbge. Added B did not increase yield of either beans or cabbage. Even though leaf tissue B levels as low as 16 μg∙g−1 in cabbage and 26 μg∙g−1 in beans occurred, no B deficiency was found. After the first and second years of beans the hot-water-soluble B in the soil ranged from 1.4 to 1.9 and from 0.8 to 1.2 μg∙g−1, respectively, where B had been applied at 8.8 kg∙ha−1. Key words: Cabbage, beans, boron toxicity, tissue boron, yields
A SUB-TILL SAPROLITE AND THE OVERLYING SOIL PROFILE NEAR MOUNT ORFORD, SOUTHERN QUEBEC
Authors: KIMPE C. R. DE , LAVERDIÈRE M. R. , LASALLE P.
Published: March 2010

A saprolite deposit and the overlying soil profile developed in a glacial diamicton were sampled near Mount Orford, Southern Quebec. The two materials differed mainly by the magnetic mineral and extractable Al contents, by the Fedithionite/Feoxalate ratio and by the mineralogical composition. Illite and chlorite were the dominant clay minerals in the till whereas muscovite and kaolinite were the major minerals in the saprolite. A comparison was also made with another previously described saprolite deposit 4 km away from this one, in which chlorite was slightly transformed to smectite. It is suggested, from the mineral assemblages, that the two saprolites have probably formed at different times, the first one during Tertiary and the second one during an interglacial stage. Key words: Saprolite, glacial diamicton, kaolinite, muscovite, Tertiary alteration
INFLUENCE OF DRAINAGE REGIME ON THE CHEMISTRY AND MORPHOLOGY OF SOME MANITOBA SOILS: CLAYEY CHERNOZEMIC AND GLEYSOLIC SOILS OF THE RED RIVER PLAIN
Authors: MICHALYNA W. , RUST R. H.
Published: March 2010

A number of clayey soils of the Red River-Osborne Association that developed under imperfectly to poorly drained conditions on the Red River Plain in Manitoba were studied. These soils, traditionally classified as Gleyed Chernozemic soils and Gleysolic, were characterized by morphological description, chemical and physical analyses. Most of the areas of the Red River Plain are cultivated and have had considerable improvement of surface drainage. Redox potentials, groundwater level and redox potential in the groundwater were determined at selected sites for various periods to a maximum of 2 years. Soils traditionally classified as Gleysols had shallow sola, minimal grumic features, and low chromas and mottles that would meet with present criteria; exchangeable Ca/Mg ratios were commonly near unity in the lower part of the solum. These soils were in an oxidized condition with Ept above 550 mV in the profiles; groundwater levels were below 1.4 m. Oxalate to dithionite extractable iron ratios were greater than 0.45 in the lower part of the solum on the Gleysols and those Gleyed Chernozemic soils with chromas of 2 or less with mottles. Gleyed Chernozemic soils with chromas of 2 or less with mottles would key as Gleysols using the present Canadian criteria; this would result in a change of traditional concepts. Classification of these soils according to the Canadian (taxon) and the U.S. systems are discussed. Key words: Chemical criteria, morphological criteria, water table, soil temperature, redox potential
AGRISPON: MICROBIOLOGICAL AND ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION OF ITS EFFECT ON THE GROWTH OF WHEAT, BARLEY, FIELD BEANS, AND CORN
Authors: ELEGBA M. S. , RENNIE R. J.
Published: March 2010

The "soil conditioner" Agrispon has been sold privately to Canadian farmers but it is not licensed for sale. The manufacturers claim that Agrispon will promote crop yields by hastening germination, increasing drought resistance, fixing atmospheric N2, and generally stimulating plant growth. No scientifically valid literature exists to substantiate these claims so experiments were undertaken to determine the elemental and microbiological constituents of Agrispon in order to interpret its effect on plant growth in a greenhouse study. Agrispon contained insufficient nutrients to substitute for recommended fertilizer additions. It contained only 10 times more bacteria than Lethbridge tap water and none of the bacteria isolated were capable of fixing atmospheric N2. Nor were any of the bacterial isolates plant or human pathogens. Agrispon had surprisingly low numbers of fungi, approximately 10/mL, and no algae were isolated. The fungal isolates were tentatively identified as members of the ubiquitous Penicillium spp., Fusarium spp., and species of the mycelia sterilia. The addition of Agrispon as seed-applied, pre-plant-incorporated, a combination of these two, or post-emergence product had no consistent effect on germination and no effect on any parameter of plant yield of wheat, barley, field beans, and corn relative to the unfertilized control. This was not surprising since elemental and microbiological analysis confirmed that Agrispon contained insufficient nutrients and no appropriate microorganisms that could conceivably benefit plant growth. Agrispon cannot be recommended for licensing in Canada or for private import by producers. Key words: Triticum aestivum, Hordeum vulgare, Phaseolus vulgaris, Zea mays, N2-fixing bacteria
SOLUBLE ALUMINUM IN ACIDIFIED ORGANIC HORIZONS OF FOREST SOILS
Authors: JAMES BRUCE R. , RIHA SUSAN J.
Published: March 2010

Concentrations of labile and total Al in soil extracts were measured as a function of equilibrium solution pH in six forest soil organic horizons acidified with HNO3 (0–20 cmol H+∙kg−1) under controlled conditions of ionic strength (0.05 M NaNO3), temperature (23 °C), and solution:soil ratio (25:1). Decreases of 0.1–0.2 in solution pH in the range of pH 2.4–4.5 resulted in increases and decreases in concentrations of labile and total Al. Organic acids and soluble C were the dominant Al-complexing ligands in solution, and acidification of each horizon decreased their concentration. Silicon and F concentrations in the equilibrium solutions were lower than that of C, but levels were similar to those of nonlabile Al. Nonlabile complexes were the dominant forms of soluble Al in horizons above pH 4, and labile Al comprised an increasing percentage of total Al as pH decreased, especially below pH 3. The results showed pH alone to be a poor predictor of log nonlabile (r2 = 0.06) or total Al (r2 = 0.33) concentration in these soils, but a good predictor of log labile forms (r2 = 0.77). Solution pH, however, was positively correlated with the log of the ratios of C-to-total Al (r2 = 0.78), C-to-nonlabile Al (r2 = 0.68), and C-to-labile Al (r2 = 0.88). The results should aid in predicting the changes in speciation and solubility of Al due to inputs of acid precipitation to forest soil organic horizons with variable pH and content of dissolved organic C. The observed variability in response of Al to acidification of organic horizons of forest soils indicated that it is not possible to generalize whether nonlabile and labile forms of Al will increase, decrease, or not change upon addition of mineral acid. Besides pH, concentrations of different Al-complexing ligands should be measured in equilibirum soil extracts. Key words: Acid precipitation, fluoride, silica, fulvic acid
MONOSACCHARIDES IN HYDROLYSATES OF WATER-STABLE AGGREGATES AFTER 67 YEARS OF CROPPING TO SPRING WHEAT AS DETERMINED BY CAPILLARY GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY
Authors: DORMAAR J. F.
Published: March 2010

Two non-replicated, unfertilized, dryland grain rotations—continuous wheat and wheat-fallow — were established in 1912 on a Dark Brown Chernozemic soil in southern Alberta. The effect of long-term cropping on the monosaccharide distribution in the hydrolysates of the water-stable aggregates was assessed. Although all the hydrolysates of the aggregates had the same suite of monosaccharides, the relative proportions changed with cultivation. The eight monosaccharides identified represented between 92 and 96% of the total GC detector response. The monosaccharide C of aggregate organic C for the native prairie varied from 6.9 to 7.6%, while for the continuous wheat and the wheat and fallow of the wheat-fallow rotation it varied from 3.6 to 5.5%, from 1.8 to 5.1%, and from 1.6 to 6.7%, respectively; the higher percentages were associated with the larger aggregate fractions. Except for galactose, the average relative proportions of the monosaccharides identified in the hydrolysates of the water-stable aggregates were not much different from those reported in the literature for the hydrolysates of whole soils. Key words: Monosaccharides, aggregate fractions, water-stable aggregates, capillary gas chromatography, long-term rotation
INFLUENCE OF SUBSOIL ACIDITY ON ROOT DEVELOPMENT AND CROP GROWTH IN SOILS OF ALBERTA AND NORTHEASTERN BRITISH COLUMBIA
Authors: McKENZIE R. C. , NYBORG M.
Published: March 2010

Experiments were conducted in the field and greenhouse with soils of Alberta and northeastern British Columbia to determine the influence of subsoil acidity on acid-sensitive crops. Experiments involved liming of only the topsoil, liming of both topsoil and subsoil, and measuring the aboveground crop yield and the yield of roots in the topsoil and subsoil. In both field and greenhouse, subsoil acidity reduced the yields of top growth and subsoil root pernetration for both barley and alfalfa. The reductions in yield of top growth and roots in the subsoils were correlated closely with the amount of Al (extractable in 0.02 M CaCl2) in the unlimed subsoil. Lowering the soil temperature did not reduce root growth more in acid soils than in limed soil. There were five field experiments, and in the three of these which had subsoils high in extractable Al, the limed subsoils had less moisture at the time of harvest than the unlimed subsoils. The damage to crops caused by subsoil acidity was eliminated by deep liming or in one case by large applications of P to the subsoil or topsoil. These methods of correcting subsoil acidity would not be economically feasible on a field scale. A preliminary field survey was conducted to delineate agricultural areas where subsoil acidity (based on soil pH and extractable Al content) is a significant problem. The largest areas were found in northwestern Alberta and northeastern British Columbia. Key words: Aluminum toxicity, subsoil acidity, liming, temperature, phosphorus, barley
A COMPARISON OF RIFFLE INSECT POPULATIONS IN THE GIBBON RIVER ABOVE AND BELOW THE GEYSER BASINS, YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK1
Authors: Vincent Ernest Richard
Published: March 2010

A study was made of the aquatic insect populations of two riffles, one above and one below the effluents of major geyser basins on the Gibbon River, Yellowstone National Park, from June through September 1963 and from October 1964 through September 1965. Eight 0.25‐m2 samples were taken from each riffle on each of the 21 collection dates. Water depths, current speeds, and bottom types were similar in both riffles. Maximum and mean temperatures were greater in the lower riffle. Alkalinity and concentrations of K+, Na+, Cl−, PO43−, and SO42− were markedly greater in the lower riffle. There were 50 taxa in the upper riffle, 45 in the lower. The total number of individuals and biomass was slightly greater in the lower riffle. Ephemeroptera and Coleoptera occurred in greater numbers and biomass in the upper riffle, Trichoptera and Diptera occurred in greater numbers and biomass in the lower, and Plecoptera were about the same for both. Seven of the most numerous organisms in the upper riffle and two in the lower comprised about 68% of the total numbers for each. Ephemeroptera was the dominant order in the upper riffle, and Trichoptera dominated the lower. The thermal and chemical effluents entering the Gibbon River from surrounding geyser basins changed the lower riffle so that it was less diverse, contained a greater standing crop of aquatic insects, and was more favorable to Trichoptera than the upper.
THE PARTIAL EQUIVALENT VOLUMES OF SALTS IN SEAWATER1
Authors: Duedall Iver W. , Weyl Peter K.
Published: March 2010

Partial equivalent volumes (V̅s of the major salts in seawater have been measured over the salinity range from 30 to 40‰ and a temperature range from 0 to 25C.
ON THE CROSS‐STREAM VARIATION OF THE k‐FACTOR FOR GEOMAGNETIC ELECTROKINETOGRAPH DATA FROM THE FLORIDA CURRENT OFF MIAMI
Authors: Chew Frank
Published: March 2010

A factor, k, is used to convert Geomagnetic Electrokinetograph (GEK) observations of ocean currents to the current speeds. It is usually approximated in terms of the kinematic structure of a current and is generally assumed to be constant across the width of a stream. Recent direct transport and surface current measurements across the Florida Current off Miami were compared with GEK profiles. There was a cross‐stream change in the k‐factor that, in location and magnitude, could account for double speed maxima often observed in GEK profiles across this stream.
DISTRIBUTION OF n‐PARAFFINS IN MARINE ORGANISMS AND SEDIMENT1
Authors: Clark, Jr. R. C. , Blumer M.
Published: March 2010

Twelve species of benthic algae from the northeast coast of the United States, three species of planktonic algae grown in the laboratory, a pelagic alga, a sample of mixed phytoplankton and zooplankton, and a recent marine sediment were analyzed for their normal paraffin distribution from C14H30 to C32H66.

Normal paraffins occurred in all samples. Benthic and planktonic algae and the mixed plankton sample exhibited only a slight odd‐carbon predominance. All algae showed a major maximum at n‐C15H32 or n‐C17H36, a minimum between n‐C18H38 and n‐C31H44 and a secondary maximum between n‐C27H56 and n‐C30H62. In all these features, the algae and the plankton differed from recent marine sediments. This suggests that the normal paraffins of recent marine sediments are largely derived from sources other than the organisms studied.

Differences in the hydrocarbon distribution patterns of various classes of benthic algae may be of taxonomic value. Pristane occurs in several benthic and planktonic algae; phytane, if present, occurs at a concentration too low to be detected by the method used.
A POSSIBLE SOURCE OF ERROR IN THE 14C METHOD OF MEASURING PRIMARY PRODUCTIVITY1
Authors: Arthur C. R. , Rigler F. H.
Published: March 2010

A relationship, not due to self‐absorption, has been shown between volume filtered and apparent specific activity of plankton, in which the latter decreases with increasing volume filtered. This decrease is attributed to an increased damage to phytoplankton during vacuum filtration as the volume filtered and consequently the filtration time were increased. Carbon fixation rates calculated from uptake of 14C were lower than rates determined by the O2 method (gross fixation) unless they were corrected for loss of 14C during filtration. The corrected values were similar to those obtained by the O2 method.
THE COPEPODA AND CLADOCERA OF A MISSOURI RIVER RESERVOIR: A COMPARISON OF SAMPLING IN THE RESERVOIR AND THE DISCHARGE
Authors: Cowell Bruce C.
Published: March 2010

An automatic plankton sampler was installed in the powerhouse of Gavins Point Dam to monitor plankton in discharges from Lewis and Clark Lake. These data and samples from the reservoir taken with tow nets indicated that the automatic sampler can be used exclusively to monitor changes in species compositions and densities of Copepoda and Cladocera.

The annual discharge of Copepoda and Cladocera from Lewis and Clark Lake was estimated to be 12,619 metric tons, wet weight. Discharges of zooplankton from Lake Francis Case (Ft. Randall Reservoir), 80 km upstream, appear to have considerably more influence upon standing crops in Lewis and Clark Lake than the water exchange rates or the inflow from tributary creeks.
SOME DIURNAL FEATURES OF A NERITIC SURFACE PLANKTON POPULATION1
Authors: Newhouse Jan , Doty Maxwell S. , Tsuda Roy T.
Published: March 2010

Four modifications of a 14C method for determining primary productivity were used with surface water samples. An integration of separate results from subsamples that were given either immediate or delayed incubation for 2 or 24 hr gave evidence of two diurnal rhythms. 1. Photosynthetic standing crop was at a maximum at 1600 hours and decreased rather steadily to a minimum around 0600–0800 hours. This rhythm did not seem to relate to a bleaching of chlorophyll during periods of high light intensity or to an early morning cell division period. 2. The fixation per unit of this photosynthetic standing crop reached maxima at both 1000 and 1400 hours, with a rapid decrease to a minimum around 1800–2000 hours.
RESPIRATION OF A VERTICALLY MIGRATING MARINE CRUSTACEAN EUPHAUSIA PACIFICA HANSEN1
Authors: Small Lawrence F. , Hebard James F.
Published: March 2010

Results from acclimation experiments and experiments performed on freshly caught specimens indicated that Euphausia pacifica is adapted to temperatures between 5–10C off Oregon, but not to 15C. The temperature range common to Oregon waters through all seasons is about 5–10C, while 15C water is found only at the surface in summer. Animals migrating to 600 m (around 5C) apparently exhibit slightly lower respiratory rates at all temperatures encountered than animals migrating to 250 m or less (around 10C). Deep‐migrating animals may compensate for temperatures around 15C. Euphausiids descending to 250 m or less make up the bulk of the population and apparently compensate very little for temperatures around 15C. A temporal and spatial picture of euphausiid respiration off Oregon is presented that may be applicable in energy transfer studies.
ORGANIC AGGREGATES IN SURFACE WATERS OF THE LIGURIAN SEA
Authors: Kane Jasmine E.
Published: March 2010

Monthly surface water samples from off the coast of Monaco were filtered for microscopic examination of organic aggregates and phytoplankton. Simultaneous measurements were made of temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll a. At three stations, estimates were made of the zooplankton population. The quantities of aggregates were not as great as those observed in Long Island Sound, but compared favorably with the more open‐sea areas (Sargasso Sea, North Equatorial and Guinea currents). Some seasonal variations were evident and may be correlated with abundance of phytoplankton, chlorophyll a, and decreases in temperature and salinity.
WATER, BOTTOM DEPOSITS, AND ZOOPLANKTON OF FERN LAKE, WASHINGTON1
Authors: Olsen Sigurd , Chakravarti Diptiman , Olson Paul R.
Published: March 2010

Water, sediments, and zooplankton from unproductive Fern Lake were compared with those from highly productive Bay Lake and with data from the literature. In all cases, values from the Fern Lake system were in the lower or lowest range of conductance and concentration values. Consistently higher values were found in the Bay Lake samples. These differences may account partially for the productivity differential between Bay and Fern Lakes, but a major factor may be the difference in the flushing or the retention time of the lakes, as determined by the ratio of total precipitation on the watershed to lake volume. This ratio has been estimated as 26 for Fern Lake and 4.8 for Bay Lake.
THE INFLUENCE OF LIGHT AND ACID ON THE MEASUREMENT OF FERROUS IRON IN LAKE WATER
Authors: McMahon J. W.
Published: March 2010

A modified bathophenanthroline procedure for the determination of ferrous iron in lake water is described. Data on recoveries of Fe2+ from lake water and Fe3+ standard solutions are given. The recovery of Fe2+ is affected by the HCl concentration and by exposure of the sample to sunlight.
COPROPHAGY IN MARINE ANIMALS1
Authors: Frankenberg Dirk , Smith K. L.
Published: March 2010

Rates of coprophagy were determined in 38 feeding studies. The animals consumed from 0 to 83% of their body weight in fecal pellets during 48 hr. The fecal pellets used included those of the polychaete Onuphis microcephala, a prosobranch gastropod (family Ilydrobiidae), the pelecypod Crassostrea virginica, the crustaceans Callianassa major and Penaeus setiferus, and the telcost Mugil cephalus. The animals offered these pellets included three polychaetes, four gastropods, three pelecypods, seven crustaceans, and three telcosts.

Coprophagy rates are compared with calculated maintenance food requirements of the test animals. Fecal ingestion rates were positively correlated with carbon and nitrogen contents of the pellets. The potential effects of coprophagy in marine ecosystems arc discussed emphasizing the effect of coprophagy on the overall energy transfer efficiency of marine food chains.
ENHANCED PHOTOSYNTHETIC ASSIMILATION RATIOS IN ANTARCTIC POLAR FRONT (CONVERGENCE) DIATOMS1
Authors: Mandelli Enrique F.
Published: March 2010

Diatom populations from the Antarctic Polar Front (convergence) in the Drake Passage area exhibited relatively high : chlorophyll a ratios at light saturation.

The permanent water column instability and the adverse meteorological conditions observed in the central Drake Passage area seem to produce a light‐color stress on the physiology of convergence diatoms that are restricted to a blue‐green light environment during their life cycle.

The enhanced photosynthesis: chlorophyll a ratios that were determined in experiments with Antarctic Polar Front diatoms when exposed to white (fluorescent) light sources, may be related to the short‐wavelength light background of these diatoms.