bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stream Water Quality of Two Small Watersheds as Affected by Surface Coal Mining
Authors: Dick W. A. , Bonta J. V. , Haghiri F. , Page J. R.
Published: July 2010

Two small watersheds in eastcentral Ohio were selected for investigation of stream water quality prior to, during, and after surface coal mining and reclamation. Watershed C06 contained sandstone and shale overburden, and Watershed M09 contained limestone, sandstone, and shale. Water quality was monitored by measuring 39 parameters in the stream‐water samples collected. Duration curves for the four parameters regulated by the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) showed that most samples collected from the two study watersheds exceeded the 70 mg L−1 regulation level for suspended solids concentration. Approximately 50 and 30% of the water samples collected at Watershed C06 during the mining and reclamation period and the post‐reclamation period, respectively, exceeded the regulation level (4000 µg L−1) for manganese (Mn). Twenty percent of the pH values at Watershed C06 during the mining and reclamation period were also below the lower regulation level (pH 6). Concentrations of the major cations and anions, suspended solids, and dissolved solids were correlated with flow rate (log values) during the premine and post‐reclamation periods. Samples collected at similar flow rates at Watershed M09 showed concentrations of parameters were either not significantly affected or decreased in the post‐reclamation samples, compared with the premine samples. A similar comparison for samples collected at the C06 watershed showed parameter concentrations were generally higher during the post‐reclamation period. Parameters which were not detected in any samples collected from the two watersheds were arsenic (As), chromium (Cr) VI, mercury (Hg), and sulfide (S2−), while cyanide (CN−) was not detected at M09. Parameters that were only rarely detected were antimony (Sb), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), silver (Ag), copper (Cu), phenols, and phosphorus (P).
Evaluation of Soil Tests as a Measure of Phosphorus and Potassium Availability in Illinois Coal Waste
Authors: Lewis B. G. , Mc Kiernan M.
Published: July 2010

The Mitscherlich‐Bray relationship was applied to soil test‐extractable P and K in coal waste, and yield of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) grown in the waste at pH 6.5. The typical exponential function between yield and extractable P obtained with soil‐grown plants was not exhibited by the waste‐grown plants for dilute acid or acid ammonium fluoride extractants, partly because values > 15 mg/kg extractable P in the waste could not be obtained despite heavy P fertilization. Correlation coefficients (r2) for extractable P in the growth media vs. P concentrations in shoots were 0.45 for the waste, and 0.81 for Elliott silt loam. Results with extractable K and yield on the waste were inconclusive, due to the confounding effect of an apparent Ca interference with K uptake. It is concluded that results of “soil testing” for P and K in coal waste should be interpreted with caution; in some cases, the tests may be inappropriate as indices of available forms of these elements in the waste.
Suspended Solids and Phosphorus Loads from a Clay Soil: II. Watershed Study
Authors: Culley J. L. B. , Bolton E. F.
Published: July 2010

Clay soil are very important agriculturally in southwestern Ontario, and they constitute a large proportion of the Canadian Lake Erie drainage basin. Analysis of water quality and quality from a typical clay watershed indicated that estimates of suspended solids load varied substantially, depending on the calculation method; this was not the case for P. Effluent from subsurface drains was estimated to constitute about 60% of annual runoff from the watershed. About 32 and 18% of the suspended solids load was probably derived from bank erosion and subsurface drainage, respectively. Contribution of P from these sources was also substantial. Sediment delivery of eroded soil from cropland was estimated to be about 7% of the sheet and rill erosion rate.
Effects of Soil Water Content on Pendimethalin Dissipation
Authors: Barrett Michael R. , Lavy Terry L.
Published: July 2010

Laboratory and field studies were conducted to evaluate pendimethalin [N‐(1‐ethylpropyl)‐3,4‐dimethyl‐2,6‐dinitroaniline] dissipation over time in a Crowley silt loam (Typic Albaqualfs). In the laboratory, dissipation rates approximately followed pseudo first‐order kinetics over a 56‐d period, except in air‐dried soil that had no significant loss of pendimethalin detected after 56 d. Half‐lives for 30 kPa, continuous flood, and alternately flooded and dried treatments averaged 59, 63, and 30 d, respectively, under laboratory conditions. Application rates of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 µg/g of soil did not have a significant influence on the half‐lives. The ratio of pendimethalin residues in laboratory systems detected by a root bioassay with grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.] to those detected with gas‐liquid chromatography (GLC) declined by 17% from 0 to 56 d after treatment. Dissipation in the field in each of 2 y was studied with lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.) (flush irrigated then flooded 2–3 weeks after application), upland rice (flush irrigated throughout the season), and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] (furrow irrigated as needed) management systems. Soil water content had a strong influence on the amount of pendimethalin that dissipated, especially for about the first 2 weeks after herbicide application. Half‐lives in the field were much shorter during the initial 2 weeks than after 2 weeks, with >50% of the applied herbicide having disappeared in 1 week for all treatments except in soybeans the first year. Soil persistence of pendimethalin was greater under soybean culture (soil‐incorporated herbicide, low irrigation frequency) than under rice culture (surface‐applied herbicide, high irrigation frequency, and/or flooded conditions).
Surface Runoff Water Quality Comparisons Between Unimproved Pasture and Woodland
Authors: Owens L. B. , Edwards W. M. , Van Keuren R. W.
Published: July 2010

The influence of pasturing on surface runoff water quality was studied on a 26‐ha, unimproved pasture watershed in eastcentral Ohio. Data were collected for 2 y with no cattle in the pasture and for 3 y with summer grazing by a 17‐cow beef cattle herd. Because of springs and seep areas in the pasture, a small stream (accessible to the cattle) in the watershed flowed permanently. Samples of storm runoff were collected with a rotating vane sampler. The concentrations of most of the measured chemical parameters (NO3‐N, mineral N, organic N, total P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, S, Cl, HCO3, total organic C, salts) in the storm discharge water were low and changed very little as a result of grazing. The weighted annual NO3‐N concentrations for the ungrazed period and grazed period were 0.5 and 0.7 mg/L, respectively, and the highest event concentrations were 1.2 and 3.8 mg/L, respectively.

A 17.7‐ha, wooded watershed that contained no pastured areas and received no agricultural chemical inputs, had concentrations of chemical parameters in surface discharge that were greater than or equal to those from the unimproved pasture during the grazing period.

Nutrient transport during storm runoff from the unimproved pasture was greater during the 3‐y period with summer grazing than during the 2‐y, ungrazed period. This largely resulted from increased precipitation and subsequent increased surface runoff during the 3‐y period. The transport levels from the pasture during the 3‐y period were similar to or less than the transport levels from the wooded watershed during the same period. The increase in sediment transport from the pastured area was more than could be attributed solely to the increased surface runoff.
Implications of the Calcium‐Aluminum Exchange System for the Effect of Acid Precipitation on Soils
Authors: Reuss J. O.
Published: July 2010

Calcium‐aluminum exchange isotherms were generated for three common ion exchange equilibrium equations, and their implications relative to the probable effects of acid rainfall are examined. The equations examined were those of Gaines and Thomas (1953), Vanselow (1932), and Gapon (1933), using selectivity coefficients Kgt, Kv nd Kgp, respectively, covering the range likely to be found in soils. These isotherms, shown as fraction Al in solution as a function of the charge fraction compensated by exchangeable Ca2+ (E*Ca), are affected by solution concentration but are independent of cation exchange capacity. At least within the range of log Kgt values from 1 to 3, the isotherms generated from the Gaines‐Thomas and Vanselow equations are almost identical when Kv = 0.316 Kgt. The shape of the isotherm generated by the Gapon equation, however, is somewhat different. Using the Gaines‐Thomas equation, the system was expanded to include the Al(OH) 2+, Al(OH)2+, and H+ ions. Examination of these curves suggests that for most soils, solutions will be dominated by Ca2+ or other basic cations, as long as E*Ca is above ≈0.15. The change from Ca2+ to Al3+ domination is quite abrupt and will usually occur at E*Ca values between 0.05 and 0.15. These results are useful in predicting the changes in Ca‐Al balance in soil solutions and leachates over time as a result of H2SO4 and/or SO2 impacts.
Waterhyacinths for Water Quality Improvement and Biomass Production
Authors: Reddy K. R. , Sutton D. L.
Published: July 2010

This paper discussed the potential use of waterhyacinth [Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms] for biomass production and for nutrient removal from wastewaters. Warm climates in tropical and subtropical areas are conducive for establishing wastewater treatment systems and biomass production farms with waterhyacinth. Sources of nutrients available to culture waterhyacinths include sewage effluent, agricultural drainage water, runoff from animal waste operations, methane digestor effluent, and water from eutrophic lakes and rivers.

Growth rates of waterhyacinths were found to be influenced by the nutrient composition of the water, plant density, solar radiation, and temperature. Annual yields of waterhyacinth biomass were found to range from 47 to 106 Mg dry wt ha−1 y−1, with approximately 50% of the biomass produced during May through August. About 35 to 50% of the total biomass was roots when plants were cultured in nutrient‐poor waters (eutrophic lake water and drainage effluents), while 14 to 25% of the total biomass was roots for the plants grown in nutrient‐rich waters (sewage effluent). Waterhyacinth systems were found to be more efficient in N removal (70–80% reduction) than in P removal (40–50% reduction).

A pond with a surface area of 2.65 ha and 1.0 m in depth containing 15 to 30 kg wet wt of waterhyacinth per square meter (750–1500 g dry wt m−2) and a detention period of 7 d is adequate to treat 3785 m3 d−1 [million gallons per day (mdg)] of sewage effluent. This hypothetical system would achieve 70 to 80% N removal, 40 to 50% P removal, and would produce a biomass yield of 690 to 1060 kg dry wt d−1 (13–20 g dry wt m−2 d−1). The biomass upon anaerobic digestion would yield 180 to 280 m3 of methane/d. This is equivalent to 549 to 843 GJ ha−1 of energy from waterhyacinth produced at a rate of 48 to 73 Mg dry wt ha−1 y−1.
Influence of Simulated Acidic Rain on Bacterial Speck of Tomato
Authors: Bisessar S. , Palmer K. T. , Kuja A. L. , Linzon S. N.
Published: July 2010

Ambient rain in southern Ontario has a volume‐weighted average pH of approximately 4.2. Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill var. ‘Chico III’) seedlings were exposed to simulated acidic rain in specially designed chambers. The inoculum of Pseudomonas tomato (Okabe) Alstatt, causal agent of bacterial speck, was sprayed on plants before or after exposure to acidic rain of pH 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5, as well as on plants not exposed to the simulated acidic rain. Speck symptoms (small, dark, brown spots with yellow halos) were found on all inoculated plants. Exposure of plants to simulted acidic rain inhibited speck development, but the inhibition was greater on plants exposed to acidic rain after inoculation than on those exposed to acidic rain before inoculation. Spot necrosis, a typical response to acidic rain, occurred on up to 15 to 20% of the leaf area on all tomato plants treated with acidic rain at pH 2.5. Plants also showed a decrease in growth (height and fresh and dry weights) with an increase in rain acidity. Leaves injured by simulated acidic rain and examined histopathologically displayed cellular malformations including hyperplasia and hypertrophy. Pseudomonas tomato failed to grow on acidified King B medium or Difco nutrient broth adjusted to pH 3.5 or lower.
Sequential Extraction of Soil Heavy Metals Following a Sludge Application
Authors: Chang A. C. , Page A. L. , Warneke J. E. , Grgurevic E.
Published: July 2010

Two soils treated with a composted sludge and two liquid sludges annually for 7 consecutive years and cropped to barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) each year were sampled at 4‐week intervals following planting in 1981. The soils were Greenfield sandy loam (coarse‐loamy, mixed, thermic, Typic Haloxeralf) and Domino loam (fine‐loamy, mixed, thermic, Xerollic Calciothid). Barley tissue samples were also obtained at the time of each soil sampling. Soils were fractionated with a sequential extraction procedure to determine the distribution of solid‐phase chemical forms of the sludge‐borne heavy metals. In untreated soils, essentially all of the heavy metals were present in either the sulfide‐residue form (for Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn) or the carbonate form (for Cd and Pb). With sludge treatment, every extracted fraction showed increases in the amounts of heavy metals. However, the most significant increases occurred in the carbonate fraction and, sometimes, in organically bonded fractions as well. There was little indication that the distribution pattern of the solid‐phase heavy metals in the sludge‐treated soils changed with time from planting to harvesting. The Cd and Zn concentrations in barley grown in the sludge‐treated soil were consistently higher than those in the nonsludged control. The rate of Cd and Zn uptake was rapid during early stages of plant growth. However, the rate of Cd and Zn uptake by barley progressively decreased with plant development. As a result, the part of the plant that developed at the later stages of plant growth (e.g., the barley grain) always contained less Cd and Zn than those that developed earlier. Since the percentage of Cd and Zn in each extracted fraction did not change appreciably throughout the growing season, the differential Cd and Zn uptake by barley with plant development cannot be related to the chemical transformation of solid‐phase heavy metals in the soil during the growing season.
Atmospheric Deposition and Roof‐Catchment Cistern Water Quality
Authors: Young Edward S. , Sharpe William E.
Published: July 2010

The water quality in 40 roof‐catchment cistern systems in rural Clarion and Indiana Counties, Pa. was studied to determine the impact of atmospheric deposition. Roof‐catchment cisterns are open to atmospheric contaminants such as the toxic metals Pb and Cd, and corrosive acid components present in acid precipitation.

Bulk precipitation samples failed to meet the drinking water standard for Pb on several occasions and were consistently quite corrosive. Mean Pb, Cd, and Cu concentrations were well below drinking water limits for all cistern water samples. Cistern water was corrosive in all but a few cases, as indicated by the Langelier saturation index, although not as corrosive as the bulk precipitation due to the dissolution of CaCO3 from cistern walls and floors. Vinyl‐lined cisterns contained water nearly as corrosive as the incoming precipitation.

Seventy percent of the systems on one or more occasions exhibited cistern bottom sediment/water Pb or Cd concentrations that exceeded the drinking water limits. This indicated that metals deposited on roof catchments were accumulating at the bottom of the cisterns. Standing tap water samples exhibited high Pb and Cu concentrations. Nine of the forty systems studied produced standing tap water Pb concentrations that averaged above the drinking water standard. The mean Pb, Cd, and Cu concentrations of running tap water samples all fell below the drinking water standards. Atmospheric deposition of Pb and its infusion into tap water as a corrosion product pose a significant health threat to users of roof‐catchment cistern systems in western Pennsylvania.
Plant‐Soil Interactions of Chromium
Authors: James Bruce R. , Bartlett Richmond J.
Published: July 2010

Corn (Zea mays L. ‘N6A4C2’) and dwarf horticultural beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L. ‘common’) were grown in the growth chamber in a Typic Eutrochrept A horizon soil amended with Cr(OH)3, tannery effluent, and tannery sewage sludge each at two levels, with and without citric acid added. Water‐soluble Cr(VI) and Cr(III) were measured in unplanted soils periodically during the growth period and in bulk and rhizosphere soils of the planted treatments at harvest. Plant tops and roots were analyzed for dry weight and Cr.

Soil separated from bean roots after 46 d of growth in a 10‐mmol Cr(OH)3 kg−1 soil treatment contained less soluble Cr(VI) and more soluble Cr(III) than unplanted soil receiving the same Cr(III) treatment. The bean roots and tops in this treatment had higher levels of Cr than did plants grown in unamended soil. The level of Cr in bean roots after 46 d was highly correlated (r2 = 0.99) with Cr(VI) levels in unplanted soils 1 to 3 d after seeding. Adding citric acid to the soil significantly increased Cr levels in bean shoots and roots grown in the Cr(OH)3 treatment. Compared with controls, levels of Cr in bean tops were not increased in treatments with tannery effluent (0.5 and 1.0 mmol Cr(III) kg−1 nor with tannery sewage sludge (1.0 and 10 mmol Cr(III) kg−1), but root levels were increased in these treatments.

Dry matter yields of corn roots and shoots were lowered in the 10‐mmol Cr(OH)3 treatments more than were yields of beans. Chromium levels in the roots and tops were increased in these treatments, especially if citric acid was added.
A Chlorophyll a Trophic Status Classification System for South African Impoundments
Authors: Walmsley R. D.
Published: July 2010

Chlorophyll a data from 24 South African impoundments were examined with the objective of developing a trophic status classification system. For the combined data set, standard deviation of the mean annual chlorophyll a concentration displayed an almost 1:1 linear relationship to the mean, indicating a wide annual variation in chlorophyll a for most impoundments. There appeared to be no common seasonal pattern to the occurrence of chlorophyll a maxima and minima, leading to the conclusion that trophic status was best described by a statistical parameter based on annual data (notably the mean value). Statistically significant empirical formulae that relate both the maximum value and the frequency of occurrence of specific chlorophyll a ranges to the mean annual value were established, and their potential use in the assessment of trophic status and impoundment management is described.
Dissolved Mineral Salts Derived from Mancos Shale
Authors: Evangelou V. P. , Whittig L. D. , Tanji K. K.
Published: July 2010

The Mancos shale, a sedimentary Upper Cretaceous marine formation exposed over extensive areas in the Upper Colorado River Basin, is recognized as a major contributor to the dissolved mineral salt load in the Colorado River system. It contains gypsum and alkaline earth carbonates, and its clay mineralogy is mica, kaolin, smectite, and interstratified mica‐vermiculite.

Selected surface samples of partially weathered Mancos shale were also found to contain from 281 to 345 g/kg clay (< 2 µm diam) and to exhibit cation exchange capacities (CEC) ranging from 13.25 to 19.96 cmol kg−1.

Water suspension extracts from partially weathered shale (1:5 and 1:10 shale/water ratios) were saturated with respect to gypsum [electrical conductivity (EC) values up to 3.16 dS m−1 and soluble Ca and SO4 up to 25.90 and 40.95 mmol (± L−1, respectively]. Additional Na, K, and Mg released by water indicated sources of soluble ions other than gypsum. Water extracts from unweathered shale yielded much higher quantities of Na (and higher Mg in most cases) than did comparable extracts from partially weathered shale. Barium chloride released larger quantities of Mg from both partially weathered and unweathered shale and larger quantities of Na from unweathered shale than did water at comparable dilutions.

The data substantiate the important role of the cation exchange complex in retention and release of soluble ions in Mancos shale. Sodium and magnesium were preferentially adsorbed by phyllosilicates within the shale and Ca was precipitated as calcite and gypsum following emergence after deposition in the Cretaceous sea. This cycle is essentially reversed in the present environment. Dispersed gypsum and alkaline earth carbonates provide soluble Ca to displace adsorbed Na and Mg that add to the dissolved mineral salt load of the Colorado River system.
Nitrogen Availability from Potato‐Processing Wastewater for Growing Corn
Authors: Smith J. H. , Hayden C. W.
Published: July 2010

A line source sprinkler was used to irrigate corn (Zea mays L.) plots with potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)‐processing wastewater in 1979, 1980, and 1981. Nitrogen applications ranged from about 4 to 600 kg/ha. Corn yields were measured for each row, the grain and stalks were analyzed for total N, and N uptake was calculated. The plots were split by years, one‐third of the area was fertilized with wastewater 3 y, one‐third 2 y, and one‐third 1 y. This allowed evaluation of current and residual value of wastewater fertilization. Corn responded well to wastewater fertilization, with N applications in the wastewater increasing corn yields with increasing increments of N up to about 200 to 250 kg/ha annually, and corn grain yields ranged up to about 12 Mg/ha. Yield comparisons were made with plots fertilized with ammonium nitrate fertilizer. We determined that potato‐processing wastewater N was almost equal to ammonium nitrate N for growing corn. Wastewater applications that will apply approximately 200 to 250 kg N/ha annually should be optimum for growing corn on this soil. Wastewater N from potato processing has good residual and carry‐over for 1 y but under conditions of this experiment did not carry over for more than 1 y. Whether the excess N was lost from denitrification or leaching was not determined.
Fractionation, Characterization, and Speciation of Heavy Metals in Sewage Sludge and Sludge‐Amended Soils: A Review
Authors: Lake D. L. , Kirk P. W. W. , Lester J. N.
Published: July 2010

The speciation of heavy metals in soils determines the availability of metals for plant uptake and the potential for contamination of groundwater following the application of municipal sewage sludge to agricultural land. Methods used to characterize heavy metals in the solid phase of sludges and sludge‐amended soils include chemical extractions, elutriation, and filtration, while chromatographic techniques and computer calculations are frequently applied to the solution phase. Such studies have shown metals to be predominantly associated with the solid phase; soluble and exchangeable species generally represent < 10% of total metals. Speciation in sludge‐amended soils initially reflects that of the sludge itself, although changes with time have been observed. It is apparent, however, that more refined interpretation of analytical data obtained by current speciation techniques is required to further characterize heavy metals. In addition, certain techniques used to speciate metals in other matrices may have applications for sludges and sludge‐amended soils.
Distribution of Nitrogenous Compounds in a Rhodic Paleudult Following Heavy Manure Application
Authors: Cooper J. R. , Reneau R. B. , Kroontje W. , Jones G. D.
Published: July 2010

Agriculture faces the problem of animal manure disposal while maintaining crop yields and soil water quality. There is an economic advantage of manure disposal at elevated rates close to the source. This in turn increases the potential for groundwater contamination. This study was conducted to determine the effect of high rates of cattle and poultry manure application on the N balance and on the distribution of NH4+, NO3−, NO2−, and total N to a depth of 6 m in a Davidson clay loam soil (Rhodic Paleudult, clayey, kaolinitic, thermic). Average dry weights of manure added per year (from 1972 to 1976) were 32, 61, and 121 Mg ha−1 for cattle and 94 and 184 Mg ha−1 for poultry waste. In addition to manure treatments, a fertilizer treatment and a control were also present. A N balance showed that while 36% of the inorganic fertilizer N applied was removed by the crop, with manure application < 10% of the total was crop recovered. The percentage of the total N in the upper 6 m of the soil profile generally decreased with increased manure N application, although N present increased with increased N applications. The unrecovered N, attributed primarily to denitrification losses, increased with increased N application and ranged from 6% for the fertilizer check to 58% for the highest rate of poultry manure. The primary inorganic N component in the soil profile was NO3−‐N and the zone of maximum accumulation is between 2 and 2.5 m. The organic N fractions remaining in the soil profile could be adequately estimated using existing decay constants. The present study shows that the most feasible means of determining the quantity of manure to apply for crop growth and simultaneously reduced N leaching would be the use of decay series for manure decomposition combined with an estimate of atmospheric loss.
Effects of Forest Clearcutting in New England on Stream Chemistry
Authors: Martin C. Wayne , Noel Diane S. , Federer C. Anthony
Published: July 2010

Differences in stream chemistry between recently clearcut and nearby uncut watersheds were generally small in a wide variety of soil and forest types throughout New England. Water samples were collected during six periods of the year in 1978 and 1979 from 6 entirely clearcut, 32 partially clearcut, and 18 uncut watersheds. The largest differences that could be attributed to harvesting occurred in entirely clearcut watersheds, especially in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. In one area of the White Mountains, inorganic N was 4 times higher (2 mg/L), and Ca was 2 times higher (4 mg/L) in streams from a clearcut watershed than in a nearby uncut watershed. Elsewhere, only minor changes in stream chemistry resulted from cutting; the amount of the cutting response was of the same magnitude as natural variations among streams draining similar watersheds. Clearcutting less than entire watersheds, patch and strip cuts, and buffer strips along streams all appear to reduce the magnitude of changes in stream chemistry.
Drip Irrigation of Cotton with Treated Municipal Effluents: I. Yield Response
Authors: Bielorai H. , Vaisman I. , Feigin A.
Published: July 2010

A long‐term drip irrigation experiment was conducted on a grumusol (Typic chromoxerent) soil at Zor'a, Israel in 1978, 1979, and 1980 to study the influence of municipal effluent on the growth, yield, and line quality of drip‐irrigated cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) var. ‘Acala SJ‐2.’

Two sources of irrigation water were used: (i) municipal effluent and (ii) fresh water. The N concentration in the effluent was about 50 mg/L during the 3 years of experimentation. The treatments included three seasonal amounts of effluent and fresh water application: 350, 440, 515 mm; and five levels of N: 0, 90, 150, 180, and 230 kg ha−1 (average of the 3 years), added to the fresh water only, via the drip system. The cotton plants irrigated with effluent grew taller, with more vegetative growth than did the plants irrigated with fresh water.

The seed cotton yield obtained in 1978 was relatively low as a result of excessive vegetative growth and lodging of the plants. In the 1978 season, the seed cotton yield averaged 4.35 and 4.04 Mg ha−1 for the effluent and freshwater treatments, respectively. When growth was retarded in the 1979 and 1980 seasons by delaying irrigation and adjusting fertilizer management, average yields increased to 4.95 and 4.57 Mg ha−1 for the two water qualities, respectively. Lint percentage was 39.0 and 40.2 for the effluent and freshwater treatments, respectively. The lint quality, as determined by strength, length, and micronaire was the same for cotton irrigated with effluent as for cotton irrigated with fresh water. Municipal effluent can be used effectively as a source of irrigation water and plant nutrients, and with appropriate management, high production can be obtained. Drip irrigation increases irrigation and fertilization efficiency and minimizes ecological hazards.
Drip Irrigation of Cotton with Treated Municipal Effluents: II. Nutrient Availability in Soil
Authors: Feigin A. , Vaisman I. , Bielorai H.
Published: July 2010

The suitability of sewage effluent for drip irrigation of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) growing on a deep calcareous clay soil (Typic Chromoxererts) was studied during three seasons. Secondary effluent was compared with freshwater at three application rates, the average of which for the three seasons were: low (350 mm yr−1), standard (440 mm yr−1), and high (515 mm yr−1). Fertilizer was applied with the fresh water in order to deliver amounts of nutrients (average for the 3 years) equivalent to those in the effluent that contained 150, 180, and 230 kg N; 32, 37, and 46 kg P; and 80, 100, and 120 kg K ha−1 yr−1 for the three rates, respectively. In addition, the standard amount of fresh water was given with half the quantity of fertilizer, and without fertilizer.

The concentration of available N and P in soil was increased greatly in all effluent and fertilizer‐amended freshwater treatments, while available K in the soil was increased to a lesser extent. In general, at equivalent application levels, no significant differences in the level of available N, P, and K in the soil or in their uptake by plants, were detected between effluent and fertilizer‐amended fresh water, although dry matter yield as well as N, P, and K accumulation were greater in the high‐application‐rate effluent treatment. The distribution of NO3‐N in the soil profile was controlled by drip irrigation and practically no build‐up of NO3− was detected below the 0‐ to 0.6‐m depth layer during the irrigation period (in summer). However, during the rainy, winter season, heavy losses of residual NO3‐N occurred, probably mainly through leaching.
Quality of Percolate Water After Treatment of a Municipal Wastewater Effluent by a Crop Irrigation System
Authors: Linden D. R. , Clapp C. E. , Larson W. E.
Published: July 2010

Crop management effects on the renovation of municipal wastewater effluent were studied in a 6‐year field experiment. A randomized split‐plot block design was used, with corn (Zea mays L.) and forage grasses (reed canarygrass, Phalaris arundinacea L.) as crops and effluent application rates of none, ∼0.05, and ∼0.10 m week−1. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and chloride were measured in percolating soil water during 5 years under corn and 3 years under forage grasses to assess the quality of renovated wastewater. Nitrogen concentrations were generally below 10 mg L−1, with total applications ranging between 200 and 970 kg N ha−1 year−1. Nitrogen concentrations also were consistently lower under effluent treatments as compared with fertilized controls and lower under forage crops than under corn. Nitrogen levels increased significantly with increased application rates, especially under corn crops and only occasionally exceeded 10 mg L−1 during early and late season when applications surpassed crop uptake demands. Low P concentrations (< 0.05 mg L−1) in percolate water verified nearly complete removal by the soilcrop system except during the final 2 years under corn when concentrations increased about fivefold to 0.7 mg L−1. Potassium levels suggested a continuing removal from the effluent. Sodium and chloride concentrations began at low levels and increased during the first 1 to 2 years of irrigation until they approached the concentrations of the effluent. These results indicate that high N demand crops such as forage grasses have the potential for better renovation of effluent than corn at high application rates, but at lower rates corn will renovate effluent to acceptable N concentrations.
Effect of Sewage Sludge on the Adsorption of Polychlorinated Biphenyls by Three New Mexico Soils
Authors: Fairbanks B. C. , O'Connor G. A.
Published: July 2010

The adsorption of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's) (54% CI) by three low‐organic matter New Mexico soils amended with sewage sludge was determined by batch equilibration. Adsorption isotherm data were described by the Freundlich equation. An increase in adsorption with increased organic C content was observed. However, for a given organic C content, adsorption in soils preconditioned with sewage sludge differed from soils amended with sludge at the time of adsorption analysis. Adsorption was greater in a clay soil than in two sandy loams. Differences in organic C content described 56.5% of the variance in the Freundlich K constants for PCB retention across all treatments. Incorporating the factor of clay content or specific surface area into the regression analysis accounted for 79.1% of the variance in K. Freundlich constants normalized for organic C content (Koc) were not constant across treatments.
Predicting the Temporal Relationship between Soil Cesium‐137 and Erosion Rate
Authors: Kachanoski R. G. , de Jong E.
Published: July 2010

A model was developed that predicts the amount of 137Cs remaining in soil as a function of time and erosion rate. The model accounts for atmospheric deposition, radioactive decay, tillage dilution, and erosion transport of 137Cs, as well as seasonal differences in 137Cs deposition and erosion rates. The model was used to estimate minimum resolution of erosion estimates based on detection limits and accuracy of 137Cs measurement by gamma spectroscopy, as a function of time and erosion rate. The analysis showed that under Saskatchewan conditions, changes in 137Cs at a given site can be used to estimate erosion rates between 0.5 and 10 kg m−2 yr−1 with reasonable precision, provided the sampling interval is at least 15 yr. The relationship of fraction of 137Cs lost vs. erosion as predicted by the model was compared with other methods being used. The model was used to estimate erosion from selected Saskatchewan soils where 137Cs levels were measured in 1966 and again in 1981. Erosion rates calculated with the model varied from 1 kg m−2 yr−1 for a sandy loam soil in continuous forage to 19 kg m−2 yr−1 for a similar soil in a crop‐fallow rotation. Erosion estimates using the model were higher than those calculated by assuming that soil loss was directly proportional to 137Cs loss, especially when 137Cs loss was high.
Peak Nitrate‐Nitrogen Values in Surface Runoff from Fertilized Pastures
Authors: Owens L. B. , Edwards W. M. , Van Keuren R. W.
Published: July 2010

Pastured watersheds on hill slopes in eastern Ohio were fertilized with ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) at two different levels for 5 years. The pastures were rotationally grazed during either the growing season (May–October) or the dormant season (November–April). Nitrate‐N concentrations were measured in surface runoff events > 0.1 mm from nine watersheds. During the 5‐year period, there were 890 runoff events. Sixty‐four of these events (7%) had NO3−‐N concentrations > 10 mg/L, and 48 of the 64 events occurred within a 30‐d period following fertilizer application. Ten events, < 2% of all of the runoff events, exceeded 30 mg/L NO3−‐N, and all of these were within 17 d of fertilization. Although all surface runoff events which closely followed fertilizer applications did not have high NO3−‐N concentrations, all surface runoff with high NO3−‐N was shortly preceded with a fertilizer application. The closeness of the high NO3−‐N concentration and fertilizations suggested that fertilizer was the major contributor to high NO3−‐N in runoff as opposed to animal waste.
Adsorption, Phytotoxicity, and Leaching of Bromacil in Some Israeli Soils
Authors: Angemar Y. , Rebhun M. , Horowitz M.
Published: July 2010

Four Isreali soils (Hula, Newe Ya'ar, Sa'ad, and Sharon) were studied in an attempt to identify factors affecting the behavior of bromacil (5‐Bromo‐3‐sec‐butyl‐6‐methyluracil) in a soil environment. Adsorption studies were performed by batch slurry experiments. Freundlich adsorption constants for two varieties of Hula soil and for Newe Ya'ar and Sa'ad soils were: 19.80, 5.05, 1.12, and 0.6, respectively. Experiments with oxidized Hula and oxidized Newe Ya'ar soils gave adsorption constants of 1.70 and 0.60.

Bromacil phytotoxicity was studied by bioassay with black mustard (Brassica nigra L.). Phytotoxicity was expressed by ED50 values (the dose that reduces test plants' fresh weight by 50%), which were 0.4, 0.08, 0.06, and < 0.01 mg/kg soil for Hula, Newe Ya'ar, Sa'ad, and Sharon soils, respectively.

Soil thick layer chromatography was used to determine bromacil leachability in the various soils. Ease of leachability in the four soils was in the decreasing order: Sharon > Sa'ad > Newe Ya'ar > Hula. The experiments showed that the soil organic matter content governed bromacil adsorption, phytotoxicity, and leachability in the various soils.
Evaluation of Methane Generator Sludge as a Soil Amendment
Authors: Atalay Asmare , Blanchar R. W.
Published: July 2010

Sludge obtained from a methane generator charged with fescue hay (Festuca arundinacea L.) was evaluated as a potential soil amendment. The amounts of C, K, and Na were greater in the rescue hay than in the sludge. However, Ca, Mg, N, P, S, and Zn were more concentrated in the sludge than in the fescue hay.

Air‐dried sludge was mixed with a Menfro silt loam soil (fine‐silty, mixed mesic Typic Hapludalfs) to give 10, 20, 40, and 80 g sludge/kg. Sludge addition had no consistent effect on seed germination. The number of seeds germinating in all treatments was: corn (Zea mays L.) 89 to 98%, sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) 94 to 97%, soybean [(Glycine max (L.) Merr.] 90 to 97%, and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) 98 to 100%.

The addition of sludge increased the quantity of water held by the Menfro soil at matrix potentials of −10, −33, and −100 kPa. Available water held between −10 and −100 kPa matrix potential increased as the amount of sludge added increased. Nutrient uptake by wheat and sorghum showed that the addition of 80 g sludge/kg was equivalento adding 400 mg P/kg soil, but, due to the high C/N ratio, did not supply adequate N.
Pollutant Distribution and Effects in Forests Adjacent to Smelters
Authors: Hogan G. D. , Wotton D. L.
Published: July 2010

Pollutant levels were examined in a boreal forest system that had been exposed to smelter effluents for 50 yr. High levels of Zn, Cu, and Pb were found in the surface soils close to the source (< 10 km) and declined rapidly in a south‐southeast direction. Significant deposition of metals may be occurring at sites up to 35 km from the source. Positive correlations between metals found in the soil and distance from the source implicated the smelter as the source of the metal particulates. The most heavily impacted sites (> 4000 and 1000 mg/kg of Zn and Cu, respectively) showed significant accumulations of metal at lower soil depths. Extraction of soils with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) indicated that 50 to 60% and 18 to 36% of the and Cu, respectively, could be in a plant‐available form. Soil pH was not related to distance from the source, indicating that acidification had not taken place; this was confirmed by snow analysis. Data did not indicate that metal levels in the soil have affected the foliar nutrient levels of major tree species. Elevated S levels were found in the foliage of black spruce (Picea mariana Mill.) close to the source but were not apparent for jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.).
Influence of Mine Spoil Type, Fertilizer, and Mycorrhizae on Pines Seeded in Greenhouse Trays
Authors: Preve Ricardo E. , Burger James A. , Kreh Richard E.
Published: July 2010

Growth and mycorrhizal colonization of surface‐seeded pine (Pinus sp.) as affected by two different mine spoil types (siltstone and sandstone), two fertilizer treatments (control and 100 kg/ha each of N, P, and K), and three mycorrhizal inoculation treatments [control, 56 kg/ha pine litter, and 250 g/ha Pisolithus tinctorius (Pers.) Coker and Couch (PT) basidiospores] were evaluated in a greenhouse experiment. Emergence was highest (12, 55, and 34% for P. strobus, P. virginiana, and P. taeda, respectively) in nonfertilized siltstone, but growth performance was greatest in fertilized sandstone. Fertilization increased shoot weight of white, Virginia, and loblolly pine growing in sandstone spoil two‐, ten‐, and eightfold, respectively. Fertilization had no effect on seedlings growing in siltstone spoil. Mycorrhizal inoculation of Virginia pine was effective in sandstone but not in siltstone spoil. Addition of pine litter and Pisolithus tinctorius spores to sandstone spoil increased the percentage of colonized Virginia pines by 27 and 33%, respectively. Inoculation had no effect on the number of white and loblolly trees colonized.
Soil Depth Requirements for Revegetation of Surface‐Mined Areas in Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota
Authors: Barth Richard C. , Martin Brooks K.
Published: July 2010

The objective of this study was to determine depth of soil that should be applied over spoil to ensure adequate production of cool‐season grasses at surface mines in the Northern Great Plains. During a 6‐yr period, data were collected from 15 wedge plots and the response of perennial grass production to increasing soil depth was measured. Production responses were dependent on spoil traits and four spoil types were recognized: generic, sodic, acid, and soil‐like. Soil depth required for maximum production was 50 cm for generic spoil, 71 cm for sodic spoil, indeterminate for acid spoil, and 0 cm for soil‐like spoil. Root penetration into spoil appeared limited to ≤ 10 cm, except for soil‐like spoil where root penetration exceeded 110 cm. Native and introduced grasses responded in a similar manner to increasing soil depth, and precipitation had no significant effect on the depth of soil required for maximum grass production.
Nutrient Losses in Runoff from Conventional and No‐Till Corn Watersheds
Authors: Angle J. S. , Mc Clung G. , Mc Intosh M. S. , Thomas P. M. , Wolf D. C.
Published: July 2010

A study was initiated to determine the quantity of nutrients and sediment in runoff from conventional and no‐till corn (Zea mays L.) watersheds. Runoff was collected with H‐type flumes and Coshocton wheels. Parameters measured in runoff included NH4+‐N, NO3−‐N, total N, ortho‐PO4, total soluble P, total P, suspended sediment, and soluble solids.

There was a significant difference in total runoff between the conventional and no‐till watersheds. Over nine times more runoff originated from the conventional‐till watershed when compared with the no‐till watershed in 1982. A large difference between the two watersheds in suspended sediment content was also observed. Yearly sediment losses of 370 and 9 kg ha−1 from the conventional and no‐till watersheds, respectively, were found for 1982. There was also a significant difference in the loss of soluble solids between the two watersheds. For 1982, there was over a 29‐fold greater loss of soluble solids from the conventional‐till watershed than from the no‐till watershed.

Losses of NH4+‐N, NO3−‐N, and total N from each watershed were very low, although large differences were observed between the two watersheds. In 1980, 271, 638, and 1199 g ha−1 of NH4+‐N, NO3−‐N, and total N, respectively, were lost from the conventional‐till watershed, while 2, 47, and 87 g ha−1, respectively, of the above parameters were lost from the no‐till watershed.

The loss of all forms of P from each watershed was also very small. During 1982, 161 g ha−1 of total P were lost from the conventional‐till watershed while only 8 g ha−1 were lost from the no‐till watershed. The loss of ortho‐PO4 and total soluble P was not significantly different between the two tillage treatments.
Wheatgrass Response to Organic Amendments and Contour Furrowing on Coal Mine Spoil
Authors: Scholl David G. , Pase Charles P.
Published: July 2010

Establishment of perennial grasses on New Mexico's coal mine spoils is difficult because of the arid climate and saline or sodic spoils. Topsoiling alone may not be sufficient to establish the most productive grass stands. Treatments such as organic amendments or contour furrowing could be useful in establishing grass stands.

The growth response of several wheatgrasses (Agropyron sp.) was tested on sodic and nonsodic coal spoils following amendments with pine bark (Pinus sp.) and barley straw (Hordeum vulgare L.). Bark and straw were incorporated into the spoil using a large disk harrow. Contour furrowing was also tested in combination with the amendments. Furrows were produced with the same disk harrow with alternate disk blades removed from the rear axles.

Plant height and production were increased by the amendments, and to a lesser extent, by the contour furrowing. Production was greatest on the nonsodic spoils. Incorporation of straw into nonsodic spoil produced outstanding growth, which exceeded production on topsoiled areas.

Soil bulk density was significantly reduced after incorporation of straw into nonsodic spoil and pine bark into sodic spoil. The straw and pine bark treatments in general improved soil water content at the end of the growing season. Contour furrowing in combination with pine bark produced higher water contents in 1 of the 2 yr.
Cuticular Behavior of Cadmium Studied using Isolated Plant Cuticles
Authors: Chamel Andre R. , Gambonnet Bernadette , Genova Claire , Jourdain Agnes
Published: July 2010

The cuticular retention and penetration of 115mCd (metastable cadmium‐115) were studied using isolated pear (Pyrus communis L. ‘Passe Crassane’) leaves, and apple (Malus pumila Mill. ‘Akane’) and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) fruit cuticles to obtain a better understanding of the behavior of Cd deposited on the aerial parts of plants. Results show that Cd, as CdCl2, may be taken up by isolated cuticles. The mean value calculated from results obtained with different cuticular species was 1.4 µg Cd/cm2 with CdCl2 (11.8 mg Cd/L, pH ≈ 6). The cuticular retention depended greatly on the plant species when results are expressed on the basis of the dry weight. The study of the washing with water or exchange solutions suggests that the retention corresponds to a fraction sorbed as solute and to another fraction constituted by exchangeable Cd ions. At first it increased rapidly, then progressively tended to a saturation level as the concentration varied from 0.5 mg to 1.1 g Cd/L. It was observed with dewaxed cuticles that the cuticular matrix was predominantly implicated in the retention. There appeared an interaction with Zn, suggesting a competition for the same sites of fixation. It was possible to reveal the cuticular penetration of Cd through intact cuticles; it was very slow but was greater with diluted HCl than with pure water as a receiver. These results are consistent with data obtained from experiments on entire plants, showing that the greatest part of Cd deposited on leaves is recovered at the deposit place.