bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Plant Maturity on the Sensitivity of Turfgrass Species to Ozone
Authors: Richards G. A. , Mulchi C. L. , Hall J. R.
Published: July 2010

The increased prevalence of phytotoxic levels of oxidants during inversions in urban regions prompted an evaluation of the sensitivities of turf species to different doese of ozone at several stages of plant development. Warm and cool season turfgrass species and cultivars were exposed in fumigation chambers to various concentrations of ozone then scored for vegetative damage. The warm season entries ‘Meyer’ zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica Steud.) and ‘Tufcote’ bermudagrass (Cynodon doctylon L., Pers.) exhibited greater tolerance to ozone than the cool season entries which included tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceae Schreb), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), bentgrass (Agrostic paulustris Huds.), red fescue (Festuca rubra L.), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), and annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.). The cool season grasses which exhibited the highest and lowest tolerance to ozone were ‘Merion’ Kentucky bluegrass and annual bluegrass, respectively. Increasing the ozone exposure from 3.5 to 7.0 hours/day for 5 days at 0.1 ppm caused twice the level of vegetative damage. As a group, seedlings 9 to 14 days of age exhibited greater susceptibility and uniformity in treatment response than seedlings 66 to 71 days of age to ozone exposures of 0.3 to 0.5 ppm for 3 hours.
The Breakdown of Poultry Manure Aggregates by Rainfall Impact
Authors: Muck R. E. , Ludington D. C.
Published: July 2010

The effects of rainfall intensity, duration, drop velocity, and drop size on poultry manure aggregate breakdown under simulated rainfall were investigated. For a constant drop velocity and size, aggregate breakdown was an exponential function of rainfall amount, while rainfall energy and momentum both explained the aggregate breakdown results well for a constant drop size. Aggregate breakdown appeared to increase with drop size, but the effects were not statistically significant. The leaching of nitrogen and phosphorus from poultry manure was increased by aggregate breakdown. For a 4‐hour, 5.08‐cm/hour simulated rainfall, aggregate breakdown accounted for a 70% increase in leaching losses from the manure.
Sludge‐borne Heavy Metal Availability and Uptake by Vegetable Crops Under Field Conditions
Authors: Schauer P. S. , Wright W. R. , Pelchat J.
Published: July 2010

Municipal sewage sludge was applied in a single application to an acid (pH 5.6) silt loam soil in a field study at rates of 0, 20, and 60 dry metric tons/ha. Metal concentrations in soil and plant tissue were examined over a 2‐year period (1976–1977). Levels of Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn were measured in carrots (Daucus carota L., cv. Danvers), radishes (Raphanus sativus L., cv. Cherrybelle), tomatoes (Lycospersicon esculentum L., cv. New Yorker), and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L., cv. crispa, Salad Bowl). Metal uptake in both years was Zn > Cu > Ni > Cd. Lettuce tissues generally accumulated the highest concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Zn, while carrot roots accumulated the most Ni. Applications of sewage sludge generally did not increase concentrations of Cd or Cu in plant tissue; the only exceptions were the significant increases of Cd in lettuce and Cu in tomatoes during 1977. Most of the vegetables exhibited significantly higher concentrations of Ni and Zn as a result of sludge applications during both years. Concentrations of heavy metals in plant tissue were generally higher during the second year of the experiment, suggesting an increase in their availability with time. The Cd/Zn ratio of the sludge was 1.3%, while the averages for the edible and nonedible tissue, and DTPA‐extractable soil were 2.9, 4.3, and 2.2%, respectively. The availability of heavy metals in the soil, as measured by DTPA‐extraction, supported the results of plant tissue analyses. Applications of sewage sludge resulted in significant increases in DTPA‐extractable metals. In addition, there was a general increase in the DTPA‐extractable heavy metals with time, which appeared to be related to the decomposition of the sludge as pH values were not appreciably different during the second year.
Phosphorus Adsorption‐Desorption Characteristics of Two Soils Utilized for Disposal of Animal Wastes
Authors: Reddy K. R. , Overcash M. R. , Khaleel R. , Westerman P. W.
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of animal waste loading rates on P adsorption‐desorption characteristics of two soils. In a laboratory incubation study, Norfolk soil was treated with beef, poultry, or swine wastes; and allowed to decompose under optimum moisture conditions for a period of 30 days. Phosphorus adsorption‐desorption characteristics of the soil were measured at the end of the incubation period. Application of beef, poultry, and swine wastes to a Norfolk soil decreased adsorption capacity of the soil and increased soluble P (in 0.01M CaCl2), acid‐extractable P (0.05N HCl + 0.025N H2SO4), equilibrium P concentration (EPC), and P desorption (after four 1‐hour extractions).

In a field study, increased rates of swine lagoon effluent application over a period of 5 years to a Norfolk soil (Site 1) and for 3 years to a Cecil soil (Site 2) also increased soluble P (in 0.01M CaCl2), acid extractable P, P desorbed, and EPC values, and decreased the adsorption capacity. At high loading rates of swine lagoon effluent, soluble P movement occurred to a depth of 75 and 30 cm at Site 1 and 2, respectively. Phosphorus adsorption increased with depth, and EPC values decreased with increasing depths of soil profile. A significant relationship was observed between EPC values, and soluble and acid extractable P.
Lead Contamination of Sycamore and Soil from Lead Mining and Smelting Operations in Eastern Missouri
Authors: Palmer Kenneth T. , Kucera Clair L.
Published: July 2010

Lead concentrations of both plant tissue (Platanus occidentalis L.) and soils (total and available) were determined for various sampling locations within a 10‐km radius of two lead smelters and two lead mines located in eastern Missouri.

Lead content of washed foliage ranged from 1.3 to 1,120 ppm, while values in twigs, which were generally lower, ranged from 1.8 to 320 ppm. Nitric acid‐extractable lead from soils ranged from 7 to 62,000 ppm while 3% acetic acid‐extractable lead varied from 1 to 20,400 ppm.

Largest lead levels for both soils and plants occurred at the smelter sites. It appeared that both the chemical form, level, and particulate size of atmospheric lead and the nature of soil lead could play an important role in the uptake of lead by the plant tissue.
Effect of Leachate Flow Rate on Metal Migration Through Soil
Authors: Alesii B. A. , Fuller W. H. , Boyle M. V.
Published: July 2010

Natural municipal solid waste leachates individually enriched with Be, Cd, Cr, Fe, Ni, and Zn were used to prefuse nine soils representing seven major soil orders. Soil columns under anaerobic saturated conditions and flow rates of leachate were regulated to deliver precise fluxes ranging from 1 to 15 ml/hour. Effluent from the columns was collected at the end of each hour and analyzed for the presence of the metal ions being studied. Solution displacements continued until the concentration of the metal in the effluent equalled that of the influent. In general, the slower the rate of flow of the solid‐waste leachate, the greater was the attenuation of the metal ions in solution. Flux significantly influenced the attenuation of Al, Be, Cr(VI), and Fe(II) in all soils, but was of little importance for Cd, Ni, and Zn. The concentration of the trace or heavy metal (such as Cd) in the leachate influenced the absolute amount retained by the soil more than any single factor except, perhaps, clay content. Flux control appears as one of several modification techniques to minimize movement of pollutants from solid waste operations. By renovating the soil, lining the excavation, and compacting it to known densities, flow rate of leachates from solid waste disposal sites is controlled.
Fluidized Bed Material as a Lime Substitute and Calcium Source for Apple Seedlings
Authors: Korcak R. F.
Published: July 2010

Fluidized bed material (FBM), a dry, high‐Ca, alkaline waste product from the combustion of coal and limestone, was used as a lime substitute/Ca source for ‘York Imperial’ apple seedlings (Malus domestica) grown on three acidic soil materials in the greenhouse. Application rates were based on the lime requirement (LR) for each soil material determined by the BaCl2 triethanolamine procedure. The LR values were 4.57, 12.54, and 11.65 mt CaCO3/ha for the Galestown Ap, Arendtsville Ap, and Tatum subsoil soil materials, respectively. Actual rates of FBM were one, two, four, and eight times the LR on a weight basis. A CaCO3 treatment at the LR and a non‐Ca amended fertilized control were used as comparisons.

Fluidized bed material applied at the LR significantly increased leaf and stem dry weights and linear growth after 17 weeks, while the CaCO3 treatment was not significantly different from the control. However, the highest FBM rate significantly reduced growth. The reason for this reduced growth was not evident from tissue elemental analyses or measurements of various soil properties.

Applied FBM significantly increased leaf and stem Ca levels and decreased Zn and Mn concentrations. Soil pH and electrical conductivities were elevated as were neutral 1N NH4OAc extractable Ca levels with increasing FBM rates. Extractable soil Al, Zn, and Mn were reduced with increasing FBM. Approximately four times as much FBM was required to achieve final soil pH values equivalent to the CaCO3 treatment applied at the LR.
Cadmium Effects on the Nitrogen Fixation System of Red Alder
Authors: Wickliff Carlos , Evans Harold J. , Carter Kevin R. , Russell Sterling A.
Published: July 2010

Red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.) was grown in sand culture in the greenhouse to obtain data on the effects of cadmium (Cd) on a symbiotic nitrogen (N) fixation system which contributes to the fertility of forest soils. Treatment of red alder seedlings for 11 weeks with 0.545 to 136 µM CdCl2 in N‐free nutrient solution decreased in situ nitrogenase activity 25 to 89%, N fixation 23 to 98%, and the number of nodules per plant 29 to 74%, when compared to plants receiving no Cd. Similar reductions were observed in plant growth. Treatment with 0.054 to 0.545 µM CdCl2 decreased nitrogenase activity 6 to 31%.

When non‐nodulated A. rubra seedlings were inoculated in the presence of 0.054 and 0.109 µM CdCl2, N fixation decreased 52 and 89%, respectively. Plant growth decreased in a similar fashion. When non‐nodulated seedlings were given 0.545 µM CdCl2 and 6 mM NH4NO3 or Ca(NO3)2, nitrate reductase activity decreased 22 and 24%, respectively, when compared to plants receiving no CdCl2. Nitrogen accretion and plant dry weights were decreased by treatments in which plants were supplied with Ca(NO3)2 and 0.273 and 0.545 µM CdCl2, when compared to controls without CdCl2.

These results suggest that Cd can inhibit nitrogenase activity and therefore N fixation. Growth, nodulation, and nitrate reductase activity are also inhibited by Cd.
Historical Changes and Relationship to Internal Loading of Sediment Phosphorus Forms in Hypertrophic Prairie Lakes
Authors: Allan R. J. , Williams J. D. H. , Joshi S. R. , Warwick W. F.
Published: July 2010

Nonapatite phosphorus concentrations in sediment cores from five mainstem lakes and two sloughs indicate that most Prairie water bodies were eutrophic prior to European settlement and agricultural development of the region. Nonapatite phosphorus increases towards the sediment surface are attributed to urban and/or agricultural effluents. Organic phosphorus increases towards the sediment surface are considered as evidence of post‐settlement increases in lake productivity. Surface sediment increases in nonapatite inorganic phosphorus are the result of urban and/or agricultural effluents modified by upward migration and pooling. Declines in surface sediment nonapatite inorganic phosphorus are evidence of internal loading.
Distribution of Nitrogen Forms in Soil Receiving Cattle Feedlot Waste
Authors: Smith S. J. , Mathers A. C. , Stewart B. A.
Published: July 2010

Information is limited on changes in distribution of organic and inorganic soil N forms brought about by large applications of feedlot waste. Such information is needed, however, both from an environmental and soil fertility standpoint. This study involves irrigated, continuous, grain sorghum plots (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) on Pullman clay loam (fine, mixed, thermic Torrertic Paleustolls) which received a total of 176 to 1,614 metric tons/ha of feedlot waste over an 8‐year period. Differences in N forms and amounts observed among plots were confined mainly to the surface 30‐cm soil layer. Increasing waste applications tended to increase the total N content, organic C content, nitrate content, N mineralization, and general biological activity of the respective plots. However, in most cases Duncan's multiple range test indicates the increases were statistically significant (P = 0.05) only at the higher rates. Moreover, chemical patterns of soil organic N forms and C/N ratios remained fairly constant, indicating the overall N distribution was being maintained. In addition, nitrite, exchangeable ammonium, and fixed ammonium contents changed little. Under proper management, any likelihood of long‐term adverse soil N effects appears small.
Methodology for Field Trials with Nitrogen‐15‐Depleted Nitrogen
Authors: Broadbent F. E. , Carlton A. B.
Published: July 2010

Following nitrogen (N) transformations and movement in natural systems against a background of large amounts of this element requires use of isotopically labeled material which can be distinguished from that which is indigenous to the system. Methods are described for sampling and analyzing for labeled N in various components of the soil‐plant‐water system, and estimates of variability presented. The procedures described permitted construction of a balance sheet for long‐term field trials with corn (Zea mays L.) in two locations in California. Unaccounted for losses ranged from 1% on Yolo fine sandy loam at 90 kg N/ha to > 50% in the coarse‐textured Hanford sandy loam with high rates of N application. It was found possible to identify labeled N from 15N‐depleted fertilizer in the soil organic fraction even after extensive dilution by using the isotopic composition of N in the corresponding layer of soil from unfertilized plots as the reference value rather than an overall mean.
The Influence of Simulated Rainfall on Residual Bacteria and Virus on Grass Treated with Sewage Sludge
Authors: Brown K. W. , Jones S. G. , Donnelly K. C.
Published: July 2010

The influence of simulated rainfall on the survival of fecal coliforms and coliphage on bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) and rhodesgrass (Cholris gayana Kunth.) following applications of liquid digested sludge containing varying amounts of solids was investigated using the most probable number and plaque count techniques, respectively. The numbers of coliphage on the grass decreased rapidly with drying time and at 48 hours after application none were detected in any of the treatments. Rainfall was effective in decreasing the coliphage levels, both immediately after sludge application and after a period of drying.

Fecal coliform counts were decreased only slightly during rainfall, and the timing of rainfall in relation to drying time appeared to have little influence on residual populations. The survival of fecal coliforms on grass which did not receive rainfall was dependent on the climatic conditions to which the grass was exposed and much less dependent on the initial population of bacteria or the species of grass. The present study indicates that fecal coliforms can survive on pasture grasses for periods of 2 to 3 weeks after sewage sludge application and that rainfall will have little influence on the length of survival.
The Distribution of Mercury, Cesium‐137, and Plutonium in an Intermittent Stream at Los Alamos
Authors: Hakonson T. E. , White G. C. , Gladney E. S. , Dreicer Mona
Published: July 2010

This paper summarizes the results of a study on the distribution of Hg, 137CS, 238Pu, and 239,240Pu in channel sediments and adjacent bank soils in an intermittent stream used for treated liquid effluent disposal since 1963.

Concentrations of the three radionuclides and Hg in stream bank soils were comparable to adjacent channel sediments demonstrating that the stream bank serves as a deposition site for chemicals released to the channel. This finding has important implications on the long‐term behavior of effluent contaminants since other studies at Los Alamos have shown that the vegetated stream banks retard downstream movement of chemicals bound to soils and provide a pathway for transport of these materials to biota.

Concentrations of the radionuclides and mercury were more uniformly distributed with distance and depth in the channel sediments than in the bank soils. The action of periodic surface water in the channel partially explains those differences. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that 50 to 85% of the variability in contaminant concentrations in bank and channel locations was due to variation with distance while depth contributed relatively little to variability.
Levels of Lead, Copper, and Zinc in the Forest Floor in the Northeastern United States
Authors: Andresen Anthony M. , Johnson Arthur H. , Siccama Thomas G.
Published: July 2010

Two‐hundred four quantitative samples of combined O1 and O2 horizons were collected from 51 forested sites from Virginia to Massachusetts and analyzed for lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn). Overall average quantities of Pb, Cu, and Zn were 1,234±100, 170±35, and 1,013±298 mg m−2, respectively. The data obtained represent a quantitative baseline against which future samples from the same sites can be compared in order to assess the role of the forest floor as a sink for these elements.
Direct Seeding of Tree Species on Copper Mine Wastes in the Southwestern United States
Authors: Day A. D. , Ludeke K. L.
Published: July 2010

Experiments were conducted in Arizona to study the effects of four soil materials in copper mine wastes (desert soil, overburden, overburden plus tailings, and tailings) on germination, seedling establishment, and growth of five tree species. Seeds of desert tobacco (Nicotiana glauca Grah.), tiny capsule (Eucalyptus microtheca F. J. Muell.), silver dollar gum (Eucalyptus polyanthemos Schauer), red gum (Eucalyptus rostrata Schlechtend.), and velvet mesquite [Prosopis juliflora (Swartz.) DC.] were broadcast planted on each soil material. Plant growth data indicated that desert soil was most productive followed by overburden, overburden plus tailings, and tailings, in decreasing order. All tree species produced taller plants, more dry matter yield, and more ground cover during their second year of growth than they did during the first year. Although desert tobacco grew taller and produced more ground cover than did the other four tree species, the establishment of the five species together on copper mine wastes may provide the most desirable revegetation on the disturbed areas. It is believed that the planting of a variety of adapted trees on copper mine wastes in the southwestern U.S. is the most effective way to revegetate these disturbed areas and blend them into the surrounding environment.
Effects of Chemical Defoliation of an Abies grandis Habitat on Amounts and Chemistry of Throughfall and Stemflow
Authors: Tiedemann A. R. , Helvey J. D. , Anderson T. D.
Published: July 2010

Amounts and chemistry of gross precipitation, throughfall, and stemflow were measured before and after chemical defoliation of a coniferous forest stand in eastern Washington. Throughfall (T) in the natural stand is related to gross precipitation (P) by the equation T = 0.842P − 0.182 with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.972. Throughfall and stemflow increased significantly after defoliation but the actual amounts were small.

Gross precipitation before defoliation contained 0.47 mg/liter total nitrogen (T‐N), 0.06 mg/liter total phosphorus (T‐P), and 0.7 mg/liter total cations (Ca, Mg, Na, and K). Total inputs between 24 Aug. 1975 and 1 June 1976, were 0.84, 0.07, and 0.90 kg/ha for T‐N, T‐P, and total cations, respectively. Approximately 80% of the total annual precipitation is normally received during the period sampled.

Concentrations of chemical constituents were increased up to 15 times in throughfall and up to 48 times in stemflow compared to gross precipitation.

Ratios of nutrient delivery (kg/ha) before defoliation as gross precipitation/throughfall/stemflow were 1.00:1.01:0.02 for T‐N, 1.00:3.78:0.15 for T‐P, and 1.00:7.57:0.20 for total cations.

Defoliation reduced concentration of ammonium‐N and increased concentration of T‐P in throughfall. Concentrations of other measured constituents were not changed. Delivery of all nutrients to the forest floor, however, was greater after defoliation because of increased amounts of throughfall and stemflow.

Comparisons of summer with winter storms and dry fallout with precipitation indicated that (i) T‐P and K are of local origin; (ii) N probably originates from passage of air masses over urban and industrial areas, automobile exhaust, and agriculture (fertilization); and (iii) Na and Mg are of marine origin.
Costs of Maintaining Public Health Standards for Spray Irrigation of Municipal Waste Water Systems
Authors: Young E. Edwin
Published: July 2010

Cost estimates of alternatives for controlling the spread of disease organisms in aerosols from municipal spray irrigation systems are compared to determine the conditions when a particular alternative is cost effective. A cost simulation model and previously published cost estimates are used to evaluate the cost effectiveness of the alternatives. The alternatives examined are assumed to provide a minimum level of disease prevention. Depending upon the circumstances, any of the alternatives evaluated may be cost effective. When chlorination provides a sufficient level of disinfection, it appears to be the least cost alternative. Two alternatives, substitution of surface for spray irrigation when surface terrain permits, and the use of buffer zones when land costs are low, are also likely to be cost effective. Buffer zones in excess of 500 m can be cost effective, depending upon initial land costs and whether or not the buffer area can be farmed.
Survival of Eggs and Larvae of Swine Nematode Parasites in Aerobic and Anaerobic Waste Treatment Systems
Authors: Marti O. G. , Booram C. V. , Hale O. M.
Published: July 2010

Experiments were conducted at 12 and 22°C to compare the effects of aerobic and anaerobic treatment systems on the development and survival of eggs and larvae of swine nematode parasites. Swine feces containing eggs of Ascaris suum, Metastrongylus spp., Oesophagostomum dentatum, Hyostrongylus rubidus, and Strongyloides ransomi were used in both experiments. Treatment system fluids were sampled and examined periodically for the presence of parasite eggs and larvae. Cultures of fluids were prepared and examined for the presence of larvae after 7 days of incubation at 25°C. Ascaris eggs embryonated in 28 days in the 22°C aerobic system. Unembryonated Ascaris eggs in the other three treatment systems completed their development when transferred to 2% formalin at 25°C. Metastrongylus eggs survived in all treatment systems, but some larvae hatched and died in both aerobic systems. Oesophagostomum and Hyostrongylus larvae survived well under 12°C aerobic conditions, but were destroyed within 11 days at 22°C. Eggs of Strongyloides hatched rapidly under aerobic conditions, but survived at least 7 days under anaerobic conditions in both experiments. The development of free‐living adults of Strongyloides and the survival of third‐stage larvae were favored in 22°C aerobic conditions. Knowledge of the parasite genera present in a swine herd and of the responses of the eggs and larvae to different temperatures and treatment systems is important for effective management and safe recycling of wastes.
Sulfur Fractions and Distribution of Carbon, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus in Profiles of Coal Mines
Authors: Dick W. A. , Chancy H. F. , Tabatabai M. A.
Published: July 2010

Analysis of samples of four profiles, two containing calcareous shale and two acid shale, from a coal mine in Iowa showed that the total S content of the coal seam under acid shale ranged from 9 to 10% and of the coal under calcareous shale was about 5%. Zinc‐HCl‐reducible S always exceeded the Raney Ni‐reducible S in all the samples studied. With the exception of one coal sample under acid shale that contained an appreciable amount of sulfide S, all the shale and coal samples contained small amounts of sulfide S. The shale samples generally contained greater amounts of pyrite S (52–85%) than did the coal samples (35–63%). Pyrite S was significantly correlated with total S in the shale (r = 0.95**) and coal (r = 0.93**) samples studied.

Other results indicated that total N values were much lower in the overburden materials (0.01–0.13%) than in the coal samples (0.65–0.81%). Total P content was the greatest in the shale samples. The coal seam under acid shale contained greater P concentrations, with the organic P fraction exceeding the inorganic P, than did the coal seam under the calcareous shale, where the amounts of organic and inorganic P fractions were similar. The sulfur fractions in the various horizons of the four profiles studied and the relationships among organic C, N, and P are discussed.
Dissipation of the Herbicides Atrazine and Alachlor in a Maryland Corn Field
Authors: Wu Tung L.
Published: July 2010

Atrazine and alachlor are commonly used in Maryland corn fields (Zea mays L.), primarily as pre‐emergence herbicides. This research was part of a watershed program designed to monitor nonpoint source pollution due to runoff of chemicals from agricultural lands. Atrazne (2‐chloro‐4‐ethylamino‐6‐isopropylamino‐1,3,5‐triazine) and alachlor (2‐chloro‐2′,6′‐diethyl‐N‐methoxymethyl acetanilide) were sprayed on a corn field at rates of 1.7 kg/ha and 2.3 kg/ha, respectively. Soil cores were taken from sites at four elevations in the field. At the highest elevation, atrazine underwent a decrease in the surface 5‐cm layer, but a fraction of atrazine was leached into the deeper soil profile. At the middle altitude, atrazine concentrations in the 2.5‐ to 30‐cm soil profile changed very little during the growing season. At the lowest elevation, where soil moisture was rather high, atrazine had an even distribution in the soil profile. Thus, the data on field soil indicated both downward and lateral movement of atrazine. Alachlor remained in the top 8 cm of the soil. Low teachability of alachlor in field soil is believed to result from a strong affinity of alachlor molecules for soil organic matter. Runoff losses were detected at a weir situated near the bottom of the drainage channel of the watershed. During the 1976 growing season, 17 g/ha of atrazine and 3.6 g/ha of alachlor were discharged. About 60% of the discharged herbicides were in the dissolved phase. Flow‐weighted mean herbicide concentrations in the runoff water were 16.9 µg/liter (atrazine) and 0.6 µg/liter (alachlor). Atrazine carryover detected in the corn field soils was generally from 0.09 to 0.56 µg/g. Between 5 and 13% of the atrazine applied to the fields was estimated to be carried over to the next growing season.
Effectiveness of Vegetated Buffer Strips in Controlling Pollution from Feedlot Runoff
Authors: Young R. A. , Huntrods Terry , Anderson Wayne
Published: July 2010

A rainulator was used to test vegetative buffer strips for their ability to control pollution from feedlot runoff. Cropped buffer strips on a 4% slope reduced runoff and total solids transported from a feedlot by 67 and 79%, respectively. Total N and P were reduced by an average of 84 and 83%, respectively. Ammonium‐N and PO4‐P were similarly reduced, but average NO3‐N in the runoff increased because some NO3‐N was gained from the sorghum (Sorghum vulgare L.)‐sudangrass (Sorghum sudanense L.) and the oat (Avena sativa L.) buffer strips. During both years, the number of coliform organisms in the runoff water was reduced after runoff passed through the vegetated buffer strips. These results indicated that nonstructural feedlot discharge control practices are a promising alternative method for controlling pollution from feedlot runoff.
Soil Loss and Microbiological Quality of Runoff from Land Treated with Poultry Litter
Authors: Giddens Joel , Barnett A. P.
Published: July 2010

Because large amounts of poultry wastes are often applied to hilly land in the southeastern United States, information is needed on the environmental hazards of this practice. A rainfall simulator was used to study the effect of application of poultry litter (manure plus wood residues) on runoff water quality and soil loss, on moderately sloping (7%) land. Increasing rates of litter were surface‐applied on fallow soil and grassland and also incorporated in the fallow soil. Runoff and soil loss were drastically decreased by litter application on fallow soil, and runoff was reduced on the grassed soil. The grassed soil had little soil loss with or without litter application. The coliform bacterial content of runoff water from plots receiving the higher application rates of surface‐applied litter was appreciable afterward. Incorporating litter into soil generally reduced coliforms during the later stages of runoff. Moderate applications of poultry manure to sloping land (especially grassland) should not create a major water quality problem, unless excessive rainfall occurs.
Phosphate Desorption from Soils and Sediments with Varying Levels of Extractable Phosphate
Authors: Oloya Tom O. , Logan T. J.
Published: July 2010

Desorption of P from soils and sediments was studied using sequential (10‐cycle) batch equilibration in 0.01M CaCl2 for equilibration periods of 2, 60, 480, 1,440, and 5,760 minutes. Soils with high Bray P1‐extractable P contained a pool of easily desorbable P which was depleted by the fifth cycle. Stream suspended sediments, bottom sediments, and soils low in Bray‐extractable P released small, but constant, amounts of P. Desorption of P from high extractable P soils was independent of equilibration time for the first two equilibrations, but obeyed first‐order kinetics for the subsequent eight extractions. Phosphate desorbed from all soils and sediments was highly correlated with Bray P1‐extractable P. The sediments and Hoytville soils from Defiance County, Ohio, gave a linear relationship between Bray P1 and desorbable P, while the Hoytville soils from the tillage study gave a quadratic increase in desorbed P with increasing Bray P1‐extractable P.
Algal Availability of Sediment Phosphorus in Drainage Water of the Black Creek Watershed
Authors: Dorich R. A. , Nelson D. W. , Sommers L. E.
Published: July 2010

The water quality problems resulting from sediment P additions to rivers and lakes can only be assessed if the biological availability of sediment‐borne P is known. A study was conducted to evaluate the availability to algae of sediment P in drainage water samples collected from an agricultural watershed in northeastern Indiana. Sediments suspended in drainage water were separated, resuspended in a nutrient medium, inoculated with Selanastrum capricornutum, and incubated under illumination for 2 weeks. The sediment‐treated media were analyzed for algal numbers and P assimilated by algal cells by sequential extraction with NH4F, NaOH, and HCl initially and after 2 weeks of incubation. Phosphorus assimilated by algal cells was calculated as the decrease in each sediment P fraction observed during the incubation period.

The proportions of sediment P available for algal uptake in drainage water samples collected in March and June averaged 20.7% of the total sediment P and 30.1% of the sediment inorganic P(Pi). Of the three sediment Pi fractions investigated, the NH4F‐extractable fraction contributed the largest proportion (42.2%) of the sediment Pi utilized by algae. The NaOH‐ and HCl‐extractable fractions of sediment Pi contributed 36.3% and 21.6%, respectively, of the Pi utilized by algae. A significant proportion (59.8%) of the NH4F‐extractable P present in sediment prior to incubation was utilized by algal cells during the 2‐week incubation period. Of the NaOH‐ and HCl‐extractable Pi present initially, 26.8% and 12.8%, respectively, were utilized by algae during the 2‐week incubation period. Although all of the soluble Pi initially present in the sediment‐medium mixtures was rapidly utilized by algae, sediment P contributed a significantly larger quantity of P than soluble P for algal growth during incubation.
Hydrocarbon Adsorption by Soils as the Stationary Phase of Gas‐Solid Chromatography
Authors: Bohn Hinrich L. , Prososki Gale K. , Eckhardt J. G.
Published: July 2010

Soil adsorption of C1 to C8 hydrocarbons was measured by columns of subsoils serving as the stationary phase in gas‐solid chromatography. Hydrocarbon retention by such dry soils increased with molecular weight and unsaturation, and decreased with branching, of the hydrocarbon molecules. Aromatic and oxygenated hydrocarbons were held more strongly than related aliphatics. Fine‐textured soils retained hydrocarbons more strongly than coarse‐textured soils. The retetion under these conditions was only poorly correlated with the clay contents of the soils.
Behavior of 2,4‐D in Belgian Soils
Authors: Moreale A. , Van Bladel R.
Published: July 2010

This investigation was conducted to determine the physicochemical parameters of soils useful in predicting the adsorption and movement of 2,4‐D ([2,4‐dichlorophenoxy] acetic acid) in selected soils (surface and subhorizons) from the sandy and loam regions of Belgium. A statistical analysis showed that organic matter, soil pH (surface horizons), and exchangeable aluminum (subhorizons) could be used as key characteristics in the quantitative determination of the percentage of 2,4‐D adsorbed. Adsorption isotherms demonstrated that changing the initial concentration of 2,4‐D in solution (0.01–10 ppm) was of negligible importance in determining key soil properties related to the percentage of 2,4‐D adsorbed. Desorption data were significantly correlated (r = −0.96) with the percentage of 2,4‐D initially adsorbed. The overall effect of increasing the ionic strength of the calcium chloride (CaCl2) solution was to enhance 2,4‐D adsorption. However, this effect was relatively small between 0.075 and 0.75 ionic strength. Degradation of 2,4‐D added at a rate of 10 µg/g of soil (soil/solution ratio 1:1) was followed by CO2 evolution resulting from the oxidation of [Carboxyl‐14C] 2,4‐D. Within 1 month of incubation, extensive degradation occurred in neutral soils, but the degradation rate was considerably lower in acid soils. Leaching experiments indicated that 2,4‐D mobility was inversely related to the amount of 2,4‐D adsorbed. After 62‐days of leaching in a Podzol soil column, 1 m long, the recovery of 2,4.D nondegraded in the profile was only 7% of the initial application rate. No trace of the herbicide was detected in the column effluent for this period.
Calcium Phosphate Precipitation in Aqueous Calcitic Limestone Suspensions
Authors: Brown James L.
Published: July 2010

Calcium phosphate precipitation was studied by measuring the decline in phosphate concentration resulting from the reaction between dilute orthophosphate and aqueous calcitic limestone suspensions. The rate of phosphate disappearance from solution increased with an elevation of pH between 7.0 and 8.4, and increased strongly in the presence of hydroxyapatite seed crystals. The presence of from 0.1 to 0.2 mM sodium fluoride increased the phosphate disappearance rate strongly, but only when seed crystals were present. Participation of fluoride and hydroxyapatite in the reactions suggests that hydroxyapatite or fluorapatite may have precipitated in some of the experiments, although the phosphate solubility after a prolonged reaction period was intermediate between that of octacalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite.
Growth and Mineral Nutrition of Cattail (Typha) as Influenced by Thermal Alteration
Authors: Adriano D. C. , Fulenwider A. , Sharitz R. R. , Ciravolo T. G. , Hoyt G. D.
Published: July 2010

A greenhouse study was conducted to evaluate growth and mineral nutrition responses of Typha latifolia L. (common cattail), a ubiquitous emergent aquatic macrophyte, to changes in certain environmental conditions. Typha was found to be sensitive to temperature and nutrient changes in the soil. Elevations in temperature affected the growth and mineral nutrition more than increases of the soil N and P. An incremental change of 7°C, from 18 to 25°C, increased the shoot biomass 1.7 times. However, a 14°C elevation, from lg to 32°C, increased the biomass only 2.2 times. Of the elements analyzed (Al, Ba, B, Ca, Cu, 137Cs, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, N, P, Sr, and Zn), only the Cu content was not changed by elevated temperatures. In general, elemental contents increased with increasing level of temperature, paralleling the biomass production. The results indicate that Typha's potential to remove some elements from contaminated soil may be influenced by certain environmental factors.
Potential Use of Dredged Material to Improve Marginal Agricultural Soils: I. Physical Properties and Plant Growth
Authors: Gupta S. C. , Larson W. E. , Gast R. G. , Combs S. M.
Published: July 2010

Improving marginal or degraded land for agricultural or recreational uses with dredged material is a possible alternative to the present practice of land disposal. The purposes of this study were (i) to determine the physical properties of dredged material, marginal soils, and mixtures of the two; and (ii) to compare dry matter production of crops grown in the greenhouse on these materials.

Samples of dredged material and marginal soils were collected from 10 locations in the eastern and central United States. In addition, three productive soils from Minnesota were chosen as reference materials for comparison. The texture of the dredged material samples ranged from sand to clay. The marginal soils were chosen for their extreme textural differences from the dredged material.

The bulk density of the medium‐ to fine‐textured dredged material samples was low, ranging from 0.74 to 1.21 g/cm.3 The bulk density of the two coarse‐textured dredged material samples was similar to that of the coarse‐textured marginal soils. The addition of fine‐textured material to coarse‐textured material resulted in intermediate bulk densities.

The water‐holding capacity of the fine‐textured dredged material samples was extremely high as compared with that of fine‐textured productive soils from Minnesota. The two coarse‐textured dredged material samples had very low water retention values. The 0.33‐ and 15‐bar percentages for the mixtures of dredged material and marginal soil were intermediate between the values of the samples of dredged material and marginal soil alone.

Plant yields in the greenhouse were greater from the eight fine‐textured dredged material samples than from the marginal soils. When dredged material was mixed with marginal soil, plant yields were intermediate between yields for either dredged material or marginal soil. When location effects were taken out, an F‐test on multiple regression analysis showed that percent sand and silt were significant (p = 0.01) in explaining the yield differences. These regression equations are used to predict a range of sand and silt content at which the dry matter production is near maximum.
Sewage Farming in Iraq: A Potential Hazard for Pollution
Authors: Mutlak S. M. , Hamdi Y. A. , Nour M. A. , Bakal N. , Al‐Gazzaly M. , Ayar N.
Published: July 2010

A number of surface and subsurface soil and sewage samples were collected from a sewage‐irrigated farm near Baghdad. A bacteriological examination of the samples included the determination of the total counts of bacteria, coliforms, streptococci, staphylococci, and the detection of salmonellae. Changes in the population density of coliforms, faecal streptococci, and salmonellae in surface soils incubated at 10 and 37°C were followed over 5 weeks. Samples of lettuce (Lactuca saliva) grown in this farm were tested for coliforms as an indicator for microbial pollution.

Total bacterial counts were 4 × 106 cell/g for surface and subsurface soils, and 45 × 109 cell/ml for sewage samples. The average number of coliforms was 4 × 105 cell/ml for surface and subsurface soils, and 34 × 105 cell/ml for sewage. The percentages of Escherichia coli type I in surface soil, subsurface soil, and sewage samples were 60, 44, and 39%, respectively. The densities of faecal streptococci in the surface soil, subsurface soil, and sewage samples were 6 × 103 cell/g, 4 × 103 cell/g, and 17 × 103 cell/ml, respectively. Coagulase positive staphylococci were 26 × 103 cell/g, 6 × 103 cell/g, and 3 × 103 cell/ml, in the surface soil, subsurface soil, and sewage samples, respectively. Salmonellae were detected in most of the soil and sewage samples. Estimates of coliforms in lettuce indicated the presence of these organisms in all parts of the plant, which indicates the probability of the presence of intestinal pathogens. The population of different bacteria progressively declined with time, but the reduction in numbers was relatively greater in samples incubated at 37°C, than in those incubated at 10°C. Salmonellae were detected after 1 week, but disappeared thereafter.

The potential hazard for pollution caused by sewage farming, as it is practiced, threatens vegetables grown on the farms as well as ground and surface waters of the nearby area. Sewage farming may seriously affect the consumers. It is recommended that the conventional methods of treating the sewage effluents be adopted.
Aflatoxin‐producing Fungi in Preharvest Corn: Inoculum Source in Insects and Soils
Authors: Lillehoj E. B. , Mc Millian W. W. , Guthrie W. D. , Barry D.
Published: July 2010

Plant and soil insects and soil samples were obtained from test plots of 1978 corn (Zea mays L.) during crop maturation in Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. From 871 samples, 205 visually identified Aspergillus isolates were obtained and examined by utilization of the Aspergillus differential medium (ADM) technique; approximately one‐third of the preliminary isolates were ADM positive. The A. flavus group isolates were tested for aflatoxin production during development on rice (Oryza sativa L.); about one‐half were toxin producers. Aspergillus parasiticus Speare was observed only in soil and soil insects, whereas Aspergillus flavus Link ex. Fr. was also detected in plant insects. No specific corn maturity or environmental factor was associated with occurrence of aflatoxin‐producing fungal isolates. Although both toxin‐positive species were observed in the test plots at the Georgia location, only the A. flavus toxins (B1, B2) were detected in mature corn kernels from the location.
Controlling the Rate of Acid Loss from Strip Mine Spoil
Authors: Pionke H. B. , Rogowski A. S. , De Angelis R. J.
Published: July 2010

The objective was to identify and compare processes that potentially dominate acid production and loss at the spoil particle scale. This information is presently lacking, but is critical for correctly hypothesizing and testing the effects of alternative management (reclamation) on ground water quality. The effectiveness of selected diffusion and kinetic processes for controlling the rate of acid product loss from the spoil particle were compared. Initially, the acid production rate in unweathered fresh spoil exposed to 20% O2 appears controlled by the pyrite oxidation rate. However, the control of acid product loss rates from a partially weathered spoil particle decreased in the order: acid product diffusion > O2 diffusion > pyrite oxidation.

The acid product contributing zone of the assumed‐cylindrical spoil particle was calculated using experimental and published data. For the acid products, i.e., common SO4 salts, the acid product contributing zone was 0.022‐cm depth/0.25‐cm particle radius or 17% of total particle volume. For O2, the zone was 0.06‐cm depth/0.25‐cm particle radius or 42% of total particle volume. Under these experimental conditions, the remaining particle volume was essentially noncontributing. Based on these data, increasing the particle radius substantially reduced the contributing volume.

Experimental results showed that acid‐product generation over the long term averaged 0.16 mg SO4/g pyrite per hour for the air‐incubated system and 0.018 mg SO4/g pyrite per hour for the O2‐free (N2) incubated system.
Potentials of Cassava Peels as a Soil Amendment: I. Corn Growth
Authors: Agbim N. N.
Published: July 2010

In a greenhouse study on corn (Zea mays L.) to assess the potentials of cassava peels (CP) as a soil amendment, the peels were mixed with cattle dung (D) in different proportions and applied at rates up to 200 metric tons/ha to 4 kg of potted soil. Nitrogen, P, K, and Mg fertilizers (F) were added as a variable. The higher the rate of the CP + D mixture and the more the proportion of D in the mixture, the greater the yield for the first crop except that CP + D + F treatments did not increase yield when applied at > 150 metric tons/ha. Mixtures without F containing 50% CP or above, and CP with F at and above 100 metric tons/ha, gave higher yields with the second cropping. This suggests that preplant incubation beyond the 3 weeks used was desirable to obtain greater N mineralization during the first cropping.

Over the two cropping periods, increasing rates of CP increased yields from 29% to 244% of the control, thus showing the value of CP as a soil amendment. Moreover, CP + F was generally as effective as CP + D and D + F combinations. This obviates the necessity for D which is relatively scarce in West Africa. The CP + D mixtures enhanced fertilizer efficiency with the first cropping.
Foliar Retention and Leachability of Submicron Plutonium and Americium Particles
Authors: Cataldo D. A. , Garland T. R. , Wildung R. E.
Published: July 2010

Submicron particles of Pu and Am were aerosolized, deposited onto foliage of bush bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), and their subsequent retention and behavior determined. Particles having mass median diameters of < 1 µm are not readily dislodged from leaf surfaces at wind speeds of −400 m min−1. Under conditions of simulated rainfall, weathering half‐times range from 164 to 1,000 days, and are dependent on both particle size and initial solubility. The residence time of contaminants on foliar surfaces prior to leaching influences subsequent foliar retention and leachate characteristics. Foliar retention of particles ranges from 20 to 92% and is dependent on particle size of Pu‐ and Am‐oxides, chemical form of Pu, and environmental conditions such as humidity, simulated rainfall, and acidity of the simulated rain.
Changes in Nitrogen Cycling at an Old‐Growth Douglas‐fir Site After Disturbance
Authors: Sollins P. , Cromack K. , Mc Corison F. M. , Waring R. H. , Harr R. D.
Published: July 2010

Effects of disturbance on the N cycle in a 450‐year‐old Douglas‐fir stand (Pseudotsuga menziesii) were studied in an experiment in which herbicides were used to kill all vegetation while minimally disturbing the litter layer and soil. Nitrogen concentration in falling foliage was greater on the treated area than on a control area, as was soil moisture. Nitrate and Kjeldahl N concentrations in the soil solution were greater on the treated than on the untreated area, but only at or below the bottom of the rooting zone (≥1‐m depth). On the untreated area, nitrate was present in solution in significant amounts only at the 2‐m depth.