Pulse crops have been long associated with biological dinitrogen fixation and therefore improve the sustainability of cropping systems when included in rotation. However, studies indicate there may be additional benefits of including pulse crops in rotation. To quantify these potential benefits, soil processes and properties related to nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) cycling were examined in five crop rotations with and without field pea (<i>Pisum sativum</i> L.) in Scott, Saskatchewan. Gross mineralization and nitrification rates were determined using the 15N isotope dilution technique in intact soil cores. To estimate the proportion of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions derived from nitrification related processes rather than denitrification processes tracer techniques using 15N were used. Field incubations were performed in 2008 at seeding (May 13), anthesis (July 8) and just after harvest (October 8). Mean mineralization and nitrification rates were not significantly different among rotations on any date and there was no significant difference in mean N2O emissions among rotations. From labeled 15NO3- cores, it was determined that nitrification-related processes were the major contributors to N2O emissions. There was no difference among the rotations in microbial biomass carbon (MB-C) or microbial biomass N (MB-N) with the exception of MB-C in the continuous field pea (FP) and the canola (<i>Brassica napus</i> L.)-wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i> L.)-field pea (CNL-W-FP) rotation at anthesis. There was no effect of rotation on dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and only seasonal differences were observed with DOC levels being lower before seeding than at anthesis and post-harvest. Based on the results obtained from a single growing season, our results show that N benefits of including field pea in rotation, beyond dinitrigen fixation, were not detectable and that the immediate N benefit of including field pea in rotation may be due simply to the direct effects of biological dinitrogen (N2) fixation. However, there have been reports of pulse crop benefits to succeeding crops in rotation. As a result, we investigated both the quantity and quality of crop residues, which can have an impact on soil properties and processes. Plants enriched with isotopic tracers can be used to trace crop residue decomposition to various C pools but only if the tracer is homogeneously distributed throughout the plant. In order to determine if repeat-pulse labeling could be used to trace crop residue decomposition, this method was followed using 13CO2 to enrich plant material of field pea and canola plants in a controlled environment. The distribution of 13C throughout the plant parts (roots, stem, leaves, and pod) and biochemical fractions [acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL)] were determined. It was found that 13C was not homogeneously distributed throughout the plant parts or biochemical fractions. The pod fraction in particular was much less enriched in comparison to the other fractions. The ADL fraction was less enriched than the ADF fraction. Because of the heterogeneity of the label throughout the plant, modifications of the method are needed and 13C distribution through out the plant needs to be assessed before the repeat-pulse method can be used to trace C residue through various C pools. Nevertheless, root contributions to below-ground C were successfully determined from the enriched root material and the resulting enriched soil. It was found that canola contributed more above- and below-ground residues than field pea, however canola was also higher in ADF and ADL fractions indicating a more recalcitrant residue. Research should continue to better define the impact of pulse crop residues on C and N cycling and subsequent crops in rotation.

Pulse crops have been long associated with biological dinitrogen fixation and therefore improve the sustainability of cropping systems when included in rotation. However, studies indicate there may be additional benefits of including pulse crops in rotation. To quantify these potential benefits, soil processes and properties related to nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) cycling were examined in five crop rotations with and without field pea (<i>Pisum sativum</i> L.) in Scott, Saskatchewan. Gross mineralization and nitrification rates were determined using the 15N isotope dilution technique in intact soil cores. To estimate the proportion of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions derived from nitrification related processes rather than denitrification processes tracer techniques using 15N were used. Field incubations were performed in 2008 at seeding (May 13), anthesis (July 8) and just after harvest (October 8). Mean mineralization and nitrification rates were not significantly different among rotations on any date and there was no significant difference in mean N2O emissions among rotations. From labeled 15NO3- cores, it was determined that nitrification-related processes were the major contributors to N2O emissions. There was no difference among the rotations in microbial biomass carbon (MB-C) or microbial biomass N (MB-N) with the exception of MB-C in the continuous field pea (FP) and the canola (<i>Brassica napus</i> L.)-wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i> L.)-field pea (CNL-W-FP) rotation at anthesis. There was no effect of rotation on dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and only seasonal differences were observed with DOC levels being lower before seeding than at anthesis and post-harvest. Based on the results obtained from a single growing season, our results show that N benefits of including field pea in rotation, beyond dinitrigen fixation, were not detectable and that the immediate N benefit of including field pea in rotation may be due simply to the direct effects of biological dinitrogen (N2) fixation. However, there have been reports of pulse crop benefits to succeeding crops in rotation. As a result, we investigated both the quantity and quality of crop residues, which can have an impact on soil properties and processes. Plants enriched with isotopic tracers can be used to trace crop residue decomposition to various C pools but only if the tracer is homogeneously distributed throughout the plant. In order to determine if repeat-pulse labeling could be used to trace crop residue decomposition, this method was followed using 13CO2 to enrich plant material of field pea and canola plants in a controlled environment. The distribution of 13C throughout the plant parts (roots, stem, leaves, and pod) and biochemical fractions [acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL)] were determined. It was found that 13C was not homogeneously distributed throughout the plant parts or biochemical fractions. The pod fraction in particular was much less enriched in comparison to the other fractions. The ADL fraction was less enriched than the ADF fraction. Because of the heterogeneity of the label throughout the plant, modifications of the method are needed and 13C distribution through out the plant needs to be assessed before the repeat-pulse method can be used to trace C residue through various C pools. Nevertheless, root contributions to below-ground C were successfully determined from the enriched root material and the resulting enriched soil. It was found that canola contributed more above- and below-ground residues than field pea, however canola was also higher in ADF and ADL fractions indicating a more recalcitrant residue. Research should continue to better define the impact of pulse crop residues on C and N cycling and subsequent crops in rotation.

No description available.

Os processos de amonificação e nitrificação no solo são de fundamental importância para a disponibilidade de N-mineral às plantas. Recentemente, foi demonstrado que a cana-de-açúcar tem preferência na absorção de NH4 + à NO3 -, podendo apresentar maior produtividade quando fertilizada apenas com Namoniacal. Da mesma forma, estudos indicaram que gramíneas do gênero Brachiaria podem inibir a nitrificação no solo por meio da exsudação radicular de compostos denominados braquiolactanas. Portanto, é oportuno avaliar as taxas de amonificação (TAB) e nitrificação brutas (TNB) de N pela técnica da diluição do isótopo 15N em solos cultivados com cana-de-açúcar e braquiária. Devido à escassez de trabalhos voltados à estimativa da TAB e TNB em solos tropicais, adaptações na metodologia são requeridas. Objetivou-se, então, realizar ajustes nos protocolos para determinação da TAB e TNB, para, posteriormente, quantificar as referidas taxas em solos sob cultivo de cana-de-açúcar e de algumas espécies de gramíneas para pastagem. Primeiramente, avaliou-se o tempo necessário de agitação de amostras líquidas contendo um sistema de microdifusão para captura do N-mineral presente. Os resultados indicaram que a máxima recuperação isotópica de 15N-mineral e de N-15NH4 + ocorreu em 24 h de agitação. Em sequência foram avaliadas duas técnicas para recuperação do N-15NO3 - (eliminação prévia do N-NH4 + e diluição isotópica) presente em extratos de KCl contendo N-15NO3 - e 15N-mineral. Ambas foram eficientes, sendo recomendada técnica que preconiza a eliminação prévia do N-NH4 +, pela boa operacionalidade proporcionada. A última adaptação efetuada se refere à abundância de 15N no composto marcado a ser aplicado no solo, visto que em estudos com solos temperados, são utilizados compostos altamente enriquecidos no isótopo. Foi constatado que para solos tropicais (agricultáveis e cultivados com cana-de-açúcar, no caso) não há necessidade de alta marcação com 15N nos compostos. Por fim, foi quantificada a TAB e TNB de solos cultivados com cana-de-açúcar e pastagens, com as devidas adaptações metodológicas efetuadas. A TAB dos solos de cana-de-açúcar e pastagem foi superior à TNB. Os solos de pastagem cultivados unicamente com a espécie B. humidicola apresentaram alto conteúdo de N-NH4 + e valores extremamente baixos de N-NO3 - e TNB, indicando inibição biológica da nitrificação. A ação inibitória da nitrificação em solos com ocupação de B. humidicola pode ser uma estratégia interessante para o plantio de cana-de-açúcar, com base na hipótese de preferência de absorção por NH4 + à NO3 - pela cultura. / The ammonification and nitrification processes of soils are of fundamental importance because they release mineral N to the plants. It was recently shown that sugarcane has a preference to uptake NH4 + instead of NO3 -, and may have higher yield when is fertilized with only NH4 +-N. Similarly, studies indicated that some Brachiaria species can inhibit soil nitrification through root exudation of free fatty acids. Therefore, it is appropriate to assess the gross rates of ammonification (GRA) and gross nitrification (GRN) by 15N pool dilution technique Therefore, it is appropriate to assess the gross rates of ammonification (GRA) and gross nitrification (GRN) by the 15N pool dilution technique in soils cropped with sugarcane and pasture. Due to the lack of studies related to the estimate of GRA and GRN in tropical soils, adjustments in methodology are required. Thus, the objectives were to perform some adjustments in the protocols of GRA and GRN to subsequently quantify such rates in soils under sugarcane and some pasture grasses. First, it was assessed the time needed for shaking liquid samples containing a microdiffusion system to capture the mineral N present. Results indicate that the maximum isotopic recovery of 15NH4 +-N and mineral-15N occurred within 24 h of shaking. Following, two methods of recovery the added 15NO3 --N (prior removal of NH4 +-N and isotope dilution procedure) to samples containing KCl were tested. Both methods were effective, but the technique that advocates removal of NH4 +-N is recommended, due to the good operability. The last adjustment made refers to the 15N abundance of labelled compound, since studies with temperate soils usually use highly enriched compounds in the isotope. It was observed that for tropical soils (arable and under sugarcane, in this case) there is no need to use highly enriched 15N-coumpounds. Finally, GRA and GRN were quantified in soils under sugarcane and pasture, applying the adjustments previously made. GRA in soils from sugarcane and pasture was higher compared to GRN. The soils under B. humidicola showed high content of NH4 +-N and extremely low values of NO3 --N and GRN, indicating biological nitrification inhibition. Nitrification inhibition in soils occupied by B. humidicola may be an interesting strategy for sugarcane planting, on the assumption of preference to uptake NH4 + rather than NO3 - in this crop.

Os processos de amonificação e nitrificação no solo são de fundamental importância para a disponibilidade de N-mineral às plantas. Recentemente, foi demonstrado que a cana-de-açúcar tem preferência na absorção de NH4 + à NO3 -, podendo apresentar maior produtividade quando fertilizada apenas com Namoniacal. Da mesma forma, estudos indicaram que gramíneas do gênero Brachiaria podem inibir a nitrificação no solo por meio da exsudação radicular de compostos denominados braquiolactanas. Portanto, é oportuno avaliar as taxas de amonificação (TAB) e nitrificação brutas (TNB) de N pela técnica da diluição do isótopo 15N em solos cultivados com cana-de-açúcar e braquiária. Devido à escassez de trabalhos voltados à estimativa da TAB e TNB em solos tropicais, adaptações na metodologia são requeridas. Objetivou-se, então, realizar ajustes nos protocolos para determinação da TAB e TNB, para, posteriormente, quantificar as referidas taxas em solos sob cultivo de cana-de-açúcar e de algumas espécies de gramíneas para pastagem. Primeiramente, avaliou-se o tempo necessário de agitação de amostras líquidas contendo um sistema de microdifusão para captura do N-mineral presente. Os resultados indicaram que a máxima recuperação isotópica de 15N-mineral e de N-15NH4 + ocorreu em 24 h de agitação. Em sequência foram avaliadas duas técnicas para recuperação do N-15NO3 - (eliminação prévia do N-NH4 + e diluição isotópica) presente em extratos de KCl contendo N-15NO3 - e 15N-mineral. Ambas foram eficientes, sendo recomendada técnica que preconiza a eliminação prévia do N-NH4 +, pela boa operacionalidade proporcionada. A última adaptação efetuada se refere à abundância de 15N no composto marcado a ser aplicado no solo, visto que em estudos com solos temperados, são utilizados compostos altamente enriquecidos no isótopo. Foi constatado que para solos tropicais (agricultáveis e cultivados com cana-de-açúcar, no caso) não há necessidade de alta marcação com 15N nos compostos. Por fim, foi quantificada a TAB e TNB de solos cultivados com cana-de-açúcar e pastagens, com as devidas adaptações metodológicas efetuadas. A TAB dos solos de cana-de-açúcar e pastagem foi superior à TNB. Os solos de pastagem cultivados unicamente com a espécie B. humidicola apresentaram alto conteúdo de N-NH4 + e valores extremamente baixos de N-NO3 - e TNB, indicando inibição biológica da nitrificação. A ação inibitória da nitrificação em solos com ocupação de B. humidicola pode ser uma estratégia interessante para o plantio de cana-de-açúcar, com base na hipótese de preferência de absorção por NH4 + à NO3 - pela cultura. / The ammonification and nitrification processes of soils are of fundamental importance because they release mineral N to the plants. It was recently shown that sugarcane has a preference to uptake NH4 + instead of NO3 -, and may have higher yield when is fertilized with only NH4 +-N. Similarly, studies indicated that some Brachiaria species can inhibit soil nitrification through root exudation of free fatty acids. Therefore, it is appropriate to assess the gross rates of ammonification (GRA) and gross nitrification (GRN) by 15N pool dilution technique Therefore, it is appropriate to assess the gross rates of ammonification (GRA) and gross nitrification (GRN) by the 15N pool dilution technique in soils cropped with sugarcane and pasture. Due to the lack of studies related to the estimate of GRA and GRN in tropical soils, adjustments in methodology are required. Thus, the objectives were to perform some adjustments in the protocols of GRA and GRN to subsequently quantify such rates in soils under sugarcane and some pasture grasses. First, it was assessed the time needed for shaking liquid samples containing a microdiffusion system to capture the mineral N present. Results indicate that the maximum isotopic recovery of 15NH4 +-N and mineral-15N occurred within 24 h of shaking. Following, two methods of recovery the added 15NO3 --N (prior removal of NH4 +-N and isotope dilution procedure) to samples containing KCl were tested. Both methods were effective, but the technique that advocates removal of NH4 +-N is recommended, due to the good operability. The last adjustment made refers to the 15N abundance of labelled compound, since studies with temperate soils usually use highly enriched compounds in the isotope. It was observed that for tropical soils (arable and under sugarcane, in this case) there is no need to use highly enriched 15N-coumpounds. Finally, GRA and GRN were quantified in soils under sugarcane and pasture, applying the adjustments previously made. GRA in soils from sugarcane and pasture was higher compared to GRN. The soils under B. humidicola showed high content of NH4 +-N and extremely low values of NO3 --N and GRN, indicating biological nitrification inhibition. Nitrification inhibition in soils occupied by B. humidicola may be an interesting strategy for sugarcane planting, on the assumption of preference to uptake NH4 + rather than NO3 - in this crop.