• Refine Query
  • Source
  • Publication year
  • to
  • Language
  • 39
  • 36
  • 10
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • Tagged with
  • 104
  • 104
  • 29
  • 28
  • 27
  • 16
  • 14
  • 12
  • 12
  • 11
  • 11
  • 11
  • 11
  • 10
  • 10
  • About
  • The Global ETD Search service is a free service for researchers to find electronic theses and dissertations. This service is provided by the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations.
    Our metadata is collected from universities around the world. If you manage a university/consortium/country archive and want to be added, details can be found on the NDLTD website.
61

Soil Ecosystem Processes in Tropical Forests, Savanna, and Croplands of Cameroon / カメルーンの熱帯林、サバンナおよび耕地における土壌生態系プロセスに関する研究

Shibata, Makoto 26 March 2018 (has links)
京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(農学) / 甲第21164号 / 農博第2290号 / 新制||農||1060(附属図書館) / 学位論文||H30||N5138(農学部図書室) / 京都大学大学院農学研究科地域環境科学専攻 / (主査)教授 舟川 晋也, 教授 縄田 栄治, 教授 北山 兼弘 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Agricultural Science / Kyoto University / DGAM
62

The Influence of Acid Rain on the Engineering Properties of a Sensitive Clay

Hoppe, Edward 02 1900 (has links)
No description available.
63

Soil Management for Improved Rice Production in Casamance, Senegal

Fall, Thioro 06 July 2016 (has links)
Rice is a staple crop for many countries around the world, and is one of the top three food sources globally. Many environments where rice is grown contain stressors likely to limit its growth and yield. In southern Senegal (Casamance region), rice is mainly cultivated in lowlands near estuaries where drought, salinity, acidity, poor soil fertility, and iron toxicity are the main limiting factors. In Casamance, average rice yield for local farmers is 1 to 2 tons per hectare (809 to 1618 pounds per acre), compared to worldwide average yield of more than 4 tons per hectare. The soil where our 2-year experiment (2014 and 2015) was conducted is highly saline-sodic and acidic, and the salt tolerant cultivar we grew yielded 3.4 tons per hectare in 2013. Our main objective was to increase rice yield. The water table height, salinity, and pH were measured weekly during the rice growing season, and the soil was described, sampled, and analyzed to better understand the water and soil resources. Two planting methods were tested: flat planting and planting on beds. Two soil amendments were compared with each planting method: biochar and crushed oyster shells, alone and in combination. An untreated control was included in the experiment. All plots were fertilized. Treatment effects on soil properties and yield were compared in a split-plot design. Plant tissue was sampled for elemental content. The water table was above the surface and was saline during half of the growing season in 2014, and decreased after rice grain head emerged. Planting methods and amendments did not have an effect on yield in 2014, but biochar amendment increased yield in 2015. In 2014, soil salinity and sodium decreased to below toxic levels late in the growing season in the flat plots but not in the bedded plots. Therefore, flat planting is more appropriate in these lowland rice production systems. Soil pH increased from 4.4 to 7.7 in flat planting where biochar+shell was applied. Soil available nutrients such as P, Mn, and Zn were significantly higher in flat planting compared to beds. Toxic levels of Na (> 2000 milligrams per kilogram) were measured in leaves sampled just before flowering. We recommend flat planting and amending soil with biochar in saline-sodic acid-sulfate paddy soils in Casamance to improve rice yield. / Master of Science
64

Comparison of calcium ameliorants and coal ash in alleviating the effects of subsoil acidity on maize root development near Middelburg, Mpumalanga

Awkes, Meryl Mandy 03 1900 (has links)
Thesis (MScAgric (Soil Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Acidic soils are a major limitation to agriculture worldwide. The Highveld in South Africa has many acidic soils and several coal burning power stations. These coal burning power stations generate alkaline fly ash as a waste material and it can thus serve as an ameliorant to the surrounding acidic soils. A two year field trial was undertaken to compare fly ash and other calcium ameliorants to alleviate the effects of subsoil acidity on maize root development. The field trail was established on Beestepan Farm in Middelburg, Mpumalanga. It consisted of 24 treatments, each done in triplicate, rendering a total of 72 plots. The materials used were unweathered fly ash (CCE 10%), calcitic lime (CCE 77%) and Calmasil (a calcium silicate slag, CCE 99%). Calmasil and lime were applied at rates of 0-, 1-, 2-, and 4t/ha, while fly ash was applied at 0-, 7-, 14- and 28t/ha. These treatments were applied to an acidic sandy loam soils in the presence or absence of 4t/ha gypsum. Beans were harvested after the first season following the application of amendments and maize was harvested in the second season. Yield, root length, leaf and soil analysis was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of the different liming materials. The effect of the treatments on fertility indicators such as pH, exchangeable acidity, Ca and Mg was investigated. Results indicated that all liming materials increased topsoil pH, soil nutrient and base status and crop yield in both seasons. Calmasil was the superior liming material in all respects. Fly ash increased pH minimally but reduced exchangeable acidity by 12% and 24% in the first and second seasons, respectively. Fly ash increased topsoil Ca levels from 74 to 102mg/kg and subsoil Ca from 61 to 114mg/kg. Topsoil Mg levels were increased from 7.3 to 16mg/kg and subsoil Mg was increased from 9.4 to 13mg/kg. The consequence of these increased nutrients was the subsequent increased foliar uptake of Ca and Mg. The substantial increase in bean yield from 958 to 1724kg/ha and maize yield from 5569 to 7553kg/ha following ash application compared well with results obtained from lime and Calmasil application. This may partly be due to the presence of additional plant nutrients such as P and K in the fly ash. Dissolution behaviour of fly ash indicates that upon exposure to acidity the release of micronutrients like B, Co, Cu, Fe, Mo, Mn and Zn occurs, and preliminary data shows that there is comparatively little concern regarding heavy metal accumulation in crops. The application of 4t/ha gypsum had no effect on pH and decreased subsoil acidity only minimally however, subsoil Ca status and acid saturation levels were considerably improved which would possibly account for the overall beneficial effect on maize yield, increasing by an average of 1071kg/ha. It was not possible to make any conclusions relating treatment application and maize root length. This field trial has confirmed that fly ash can be used as an efficient liming material and that it compares well with traditional liming materials. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Suurgronde is ‘n groot beperking tot landbou wêreldwyd. Die Suid Afrikaanse Hoëveld het menigte suurgronde en verskeie steenkool-aangedrewe kragstasies. Hiedie kragstasies produseer alkaliese vliegas as ‘n afvalproduk. Hierdie vliegas kan dus dien as ‘n grondverbeteringsmiddel vir die aangrensende suurgronde. ‘n Tweejarige veldproef was onderneem om vliegas met ander kalsium-bevattende grondverbetereringsmiddels te vergelyk om die effek van ondergrondse suurheid op mielies op te hef. Hierdie veldproef was opgeset te Beestepan plaas in Middelburg, Mpumalanga. Dit het bestaan uit 24 behandelings wat drie keer herhaal was en lewer dus ‘n totaal van 72 persele. Die kalkmateriale wat gebruik was, is onverweerde vliegas (KKE 10%), kalsitiese kalk (KKE 77%) en Calmasil (‘n kalsium silikaat slak, KKE 99%). Calmasil en kalk was toegedien teen 0-, 1-, 2-, en 4t/ha, en vliegas teen 0-, 7-, 14- en 28t/ha. Hierdie behandelinge was toegedien tot ‘n suur leemsand met of sonder gips. Gips was toegedien teen 4t/ha. Een jaar nadat behandelinge toegedien was, is boontjies geoes en mieles was die daaropvolgende jaar geoes. Opbrengs, wortel lengte blaar- en grondontledings was uitgevoer om effektiwiteit te evalueer. Die effek van die behandelinge op indikatore van grondvrugbaarheid soos pH, uitruilbare suurheid, Ca en Mg was ondersoek. Resultate dui daarop dat alle kalkmateriale die grond se voedingstof- en basisstatus, bogrond pH asook gewasopbreng verhoog het. Calmasil was die beste kalkmateriaal in alle opsigte. Vliegas het die pH minimaal verhoog, terwyl dit die uitruilbare suurheid verminder het met 12% en 24% in die eerste en tweede jaar onderskeidelik. Vliegas het bogrond Ca vlakke vanaf 74 tot 102mg/kg vermeer, sowel as ondergrond Ca vanaf 61 tot 114mg/kg. Bogrond Mg was vermeer vanaf 7.3 tot 16mg/kg, asook ondergrond Mg vanaf 9.4 tot 13 mg/kg. Die gevolg van hierdie verhoogde voedingstowwe was die toename van Ca en Mg in die blare van die gewasse. Die beduidende toename in opbrengste van boontjies vanaf 958 tot 1724mg/kg en mielies vanaf 5569 tot 7553kg/ha na die toediening van vliegas vergelyk goed met die resultate van kalk en Calmasil. Dit is gedeeltelik toe te skryf aan die teenwoordigheid van addisionele plantvoedingstowwe soos P en K in vliegas. Oplossingstudies van vliegas dui op die teenwoordigheid van mikrovoedingstowwe soos B, Co, Cu, Fe, Mo, Mn en Zn. Aanvanklike data wys dat daar relatief min kommer oor swaarmetaal akkumulasie in gewasse is. Alhoewel 4t/ha gips geen effek op pH gehad het nie, en ondergondrondse suurheid minimaal verminder het, het ondergrondse Ca en gevolglik suurversadiging heelwat verbeter. Dit mag moontlik as verduideliking dien vir die oorhoofse voordelige effek van gips op mielie opbrengste, wat verhoog het met ‘n gemiddelde 1071kg/ha. Oorvleuende omstandighede het daartoe gelei dat geen konkrete afleidings gemaak kon word oor die wortel lengte van die mielies nie. Hierdie veldproef bevestig dat vliegas as ‘n effektiewe kalkmateriaal gebruik kan word en goed vergelyk met tradisionele kalkmateriale.
65

Screening groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) genotypes for tolerance to soil acidity.

Shezi, Ntandoyenkosi Happiness. 15 November 2013 (has links)
Groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) are an important subsistence and cash crop for smallholder farmers in Southern Africa. They require well drained light textured soils. However, most light textured soils are acidic and inherently infertile, and therefore require supplementary nutrients and amelioration with lime. In addition to application of a basal fertilizer, groundnut production also requires Ca. This increases the inputs required to produce the crop, particularly for smallholder farmers. The study examined two options for smallholder farmers, outside the classical lime application, for ameliorating soil acidity, i.e., evaluating the response of different groundnut genotypes for tolerance to soil acidity and low-cost liming alternatives. Initially ten groundnuts genotypes were screened for tolerance to soil acidity. Following this, three genotypes classified as tolerant and susceptible were used to evaluate the effect of high acid saturation on germination, emergence and seedling establishment. Thereafter, selected cultivars were used to compare calcium silicate, as an alternative to dolomitic lime, for ameliorating soil acidity and supplying calcium to developing pods. All three studies were conducted under controlled conditions: 25 ± 5°C and 20 ± 3°C day/night temperatures, 65% RH. Results measured as plant height, leaf area, yield, concentration and uptake of selected macro-and micro-nutrients showed that different groundnut genotypes differed in their response to soil acidity. Genotypes like Billy, Selmani, Rambo and JL 24 had low Al uptake and high Ca and P uptake and were classified as tolerant to acidity. In addition, these genotypes also had a higher leaf area and high number of nodules compared with Anel, Harts, Sellie, RG 784 and Robbie. With the exception of JL 24 all other tolerant genotypes (Billy, Selmani and Rambo) were large seeded. In the early establishment stage especially, root development was susceptible to soil acidity, but Rambo appeared to perform better than Jasper and Harts. Calcium silicate reduced soil acid saturation and provided enough calcium for pod development, suggesting that it may be used as an additional source of calcium. Soil acidity increased grain protein concentration and reduced its oil content, however, amelioration with either lime source reversed this trend. Thus, growing groundnuts in acid soils has implications for the commercial value of the product in terms of oil or protein supply. Overall, the study suggests that a combination of application of a cheap liming source like calcium silicate and growing tolerant cultivars, like Rambo, Billy and JL 24 might provide a window of opportunity for smallholder farmers to produce groundnuts possibly with only a fraction of the costs associated with ameliorating soil acidity. / Thesis (M.Sc.Agric.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2011.
66

The effect of zinc and soil ph on grain yield and nutrient concentrations in spring wheat cultivated on potted soil

Singbo, Arnaud January 2018 (has links)
Thesis (MTech (Agriculture))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018. / Zinc deficiency on various soil types have been reported in arable soils of sub Saharan Africa (SSA) including South Africa. A pot trial was conducted at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Wellington campus to investigate the interaction of different application rates of Zn at various soil pH on the grain yield and quality of spring wheat in a completely randomized factorial design replicated three times. The four soil pH tested were: pHA: 5.1, pHB: 5.6, pHC: 6.1, pHD: 6.6 which correspond to lime application at 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 t/ha. Five Zn rates (Zn1: 3.5; Zn2: 4.5; Zn3: 5.5 Zn4: 6.5, and Zn5: 7.5 mg /kg soil which correspond to Zn1: 7; Zn2: 9; Zn3: 11; Zn4: 13 and Zn5: 15 kg /ha) were applied at two (planting and flowering) growth stages. Yield and yield component data collected were analyzed using SAS version 9.2 and means were separated by Duncun’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results showed that grain yield and yield components were significantly affected by lime application pHC (6.1): 1t/ha at planting. Zn application at planting had no significant effect on the grain yield and yield components. However, at flowering, the simultaneous increase of Zn along with increase in lime positively affected grain yield and yield components. Plant analysis showed that at both stages (planting and flowering), Zn application, especially at pH 6.6, significantly increased P, K, Ca, Na, Mg Fe, Cu and B concentrations in wheat grain, but the concentrations of N, Mn, Zn and protein remained unaffected. Zn application had no effect on most nutrients due to the presence of lime. While the absence of lime, Zn4: 6.5mg/kg (corresponding to 13kg/ha) significantly increased the nutrients. In addition, Zn3: 5.5mg/kg (corresponding to 11kg/ha) promoted Zn absorption by grain in all treatments.
67

Atributos microbiológicos do solo em área agrícola sob disposição de lodo de curtume / Soil microbiological attributes of an agricultural area following disposal of tannery sludge

Nakatani, André Shigueyoshi 20 December 2010 (has links)
Os lodos de curtume apresentam elevados teores de nutrientes e potencial de neutralização da acidez do solo, possibilitando sua utilização em áreas agrícolas, como uma alternativa para disposição e reciclagem desses resíduos. Por outro lado, o acúmulo no solo de altas concentrações de alguns elementos, como nitrogênio, sódio e cromo, provenientes dos lodos de curtume, podem proporcionar impactos negativos ao meio ambiente. Como os microrganismos desempenham função importante na sustentabilidade do solo e nutrição vegetal e respondem prontamente a alterações ambientais, torna-se importante estudar o impacto da utilização em conjunto do lodo do caleiro e lodo primário da ETE (com teor reduzido de cromo) sobre os atributos biológicos do solo. No presente trabalho avaliaram-se os atributos microbiológicos do solo em um experimento de campo instalado em Rolândia (PR), com a aplicação de doses de lodo de curtume (0, 3,4, 13,5, 23,6 e 33,7 Mg ha-1 em 2006 e 0, 2,3, 9,0, 15,8 e 22,6 Mg ha-1 em 2007) baseadas no teor de N total do lodo, com doses equivalentes entre 0 e 1200 kg ha-1 de N total. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos completos casualizados com quatro repetições. A aplicação de lodo de curtume alterou a estrutura genética de bactérias, principalmente logo após cada aplicação do resíduo. Os tratamentos que receberam lodo apresentaram comunidade bacteriana diferenciada daquela do tratamento controle. Verificou-se que o efeito do lodo sobre essas populações é mais prolongado no primeiro ano de aplicação, com efeitos ainda evidentes após 300 dias da aplicação. No segundo ano da aplicação, não houve diferença nas comunidades bacterianas entre as menores doses e o controle após 260 dias da aplicação. O mesmo resultado foi observado para a atividade biológica do solo. Os atributos mais influenciados pela aplicação do resíduo foram as atividades da asparaginase e urease. Os resultados mostram que a alteração da estrutura da comunidade microbiana tem relação direta com as modificações na atividade biológica desse solo. A densidade de esporos de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMA) diminuiu com o aumento das doses de lodo de curtume. A taxa de colonização radicular foi alta (64%), mas sem efeito significativo da aplicação de lodo. Foram encontradas 18 espécies de seis gêneros de FMA (Acaulospora, Glomus, Gigaspora, Scutellospora, Paraglomus e Ambispora). Houve queda na diversidade e modificação nas frequências relativas dos FMA nas maiores doses de lodo, assim como, o lodo de curtume alterou a composição de espécies de FMA, modificando a condição micorrízica desse solo. Altas doses de lodo de curtume também alteraram a estrutura da comunidade microbiana baseada no perfil de ácidos graxos de fosfolipídios (PLFA). O consumo de substratos de carbono pela comunidade microbiana foi acelerado e intensificado pela aplicação do resíduo, mostrando que o potencial metabólico dessa comunidade foi diferente do tratamento que não recebeu o resíduo. As alterações observadas nos atributos microbiológicos estão relacionadas às modificações nos atributos químicos do solo, decorrentes da aplicação do lodo de curtume, principalmente ao aumento do teor de N inorgânico e à elevação do pH do solo. / Tannery sludge is a residue with a high content of nutrients and soil acidity neutralization power, which allow its use in agricultural areas and could be an advantageous alternative for its final disposal and recycling. Furthermore, the accumulation in soil of high concentrations of certain elements, such as nitrogen, sodium and chromium, typically present in tannery sludge can provide negative impacts on the environment. Microorganisms play a very important role in soil sustainability and plant nutrition, as well as, respond quickly to environmental changes. Thus, it becomes important to study the impact of a material resulting of the mixture of sludge from the liming process and the primary sludge from the wastewater treatment plant, with a low level of chromium, on soil biological attributes. This study aimed to evaluate the microbial soil attributes after application of tannery sludge doses (0, 3,4, 13,5, 23,6, and 33,7 Mg ha-1 in 2006 and 0, 2,3, 9,0, 15,8, and 22,6 Mg ha-1 in 2007) based on total N content of sludge, with doses equivalent to 0 up to 1200 kg ha-1 total N. Tannery sludge application modified the genetic structure of the bacterial community mainly right after each sludge application. There was a clear separation between the bacterial communities in different treatments, being that each dose of sludge imposed a specific community different from the control. It was verified that the effect of sludge on these bacterial populations is more extended in the first year of application, when the effect remained until after 300 days of application. In the second year of sludge application, there was no difference in the bacterial community among the smallest doses and the control after 260 days of the application. The same result was observed regarding soil biological activity. The most influenced properties by the application of tannery sludge were asparaginase and urease activities (both are related to the N cycle). Changes in the structure of the bacterial community were directly related to changes of biological activity in this soil. The AMF spore density decreased with increasing doses of tannery sludge. The rate of AMF root colonization was high (64%) and stayed unaffected by the sludge. Eighteen AMF species belonging to six genera (Acaulospora, Glomus, Gigaspora, Scutellospora, Paraglomus and Archaeospora) were recorded. At the highest doses of sludge we observed decreased AMF species diversity and changes in their relative frequencies. Furthermore, the tannery sludge altered AMF species composition, modifying the mycorrhizal status of this soil. High doses of tannery sludge modified the microbial community structure based on the phospholipids fatty acids (PLFA) profile. The carbon substrate consumption by the microbial community was accelerated and intensified by sludge application, showing that the metabolic potential of this community was different from that of the control. The changes observed in the microbial attributes are related to modifications in the soil chemical attributes, mainly to the increases of inorganic N and soil pH.
68

Volatile sulfur compounds in coastal acid sulfate soils, northern N.S.W.

Kinsela, Andrew Stephen, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW January 2007 (has links)
The cycling of biogenic volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) within marine and terrestrial ecosystems has been shown to play an integral role in atmospheric chemistry; by influencing global climate change through the creation of cloud condensation nuclei and controlling acid-base chemistry; as well as influencing sediment chemistry including the interactions with trace metals, particularly regarding iron sulfide formation. Despite this, the examination of VSCs within Australian coastal acid sulfate soils (ASS) is an unexplored area of research. As ASS in Australia occupy an area in excess of 9 M ha, there is a clear need for a greater understanding of the cycling of these compounds within such systems. This thesis looks at the concentrations of several VSCs within agricultural and undisturbed ASS on the east coast of Australia. Initial measurements of sulfur dioxide (SO2) were made using passive diffusion samplers, which were followed by two detailed field-based studies looking at the concentrations and fluxes of both SO2 and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) using flux-gradient micrometeorological techniques. These novel results indicated that this agricultural ASS was a substantial source of atmospheric H2S (0.036-0.056 gSm-2yr-1), and SO2 (0.095-0.31 gSm-2yr-1), with flux values equating to many other salt- and freshwater marshes and swamps. The flux data also suggested that the ASS could be a continual source of H2S which is photo-oxidised during the daytime to SO2. Measurements of both compounds showed separate, inverse correlations to temperature and moisture meteorological parameters indicating possible contributing and / or causal release factors. Further identification of these and other VSCs within ASS samplers was undertaken in the laboratory using gas chromatography in combination with solid-phase microextraction. Although SO2 and H2S were not discovered within the headspace samples, two other VSCs important in atmospheric sulfur cycling and trace metal geochemistry were quantified; dimethylsulfide (DMS; &gt 300??g/L) and ethanethiol (ESH &gt 4??g/L). The measurements of H2S, DMS and ESH are the first quantifications with Australian ASS, and they may be important for refining regional or local atmospheric sulfur budgets, as well as interpreting previous SO2 emissions from ASS. Ultimately this thesis further enhances our understanding of the cycling of VSCs within acid sulfate systems.
69

The use of various soil ameliorants and indigenous grasses, in the rehabilitation of soil from open cast coal mines in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Webb, Christy Mary Winifred. January 2004 (has links)
A series of pot trials were undertaken to test the growth of indigenous grasses (Themeda triandra and Cynodon dactylon) on mine capping soil, treated with various soil ameliorants. The capping soils were obtained from open cast coal mines (Optimum Mine and Syferfontein Mine) in the Mpumalanga Highveld, south of Witbank. However, because mine soil was not available at the commencement of the project, the initial pot trial used soil from the Umlazi Landfill in Durban. The trials were the Umlazi Landfill Trial, Microbe Trial, Legume Trial and Fly Ash Trial. For the Umlazi Landfill Trial, landfill top and subsoil was used along with fertilizer, sewage sludge, K-humate, lime and microbes. The soil ameliorant treatments for the Microbe trial were Trichoderma harzianum (Eco'T), Bacillus subtilis Strain 69 (B69) and Bacillus subtilis Strain 77 (B77), for the Legume Trial, Medicago sativa, phosphorus and/or potassium were applied. For the Fly Ash Trial, lime and fly ash were introduced. From the Landfill trial it was shown that fertilizer and sewage sludge significantly increased the above ground, below ground and total biomass of T. triandra, further, there were no significant treatment differences between fertilizer and sludge. The lime treatment for this trial, surprisingly, significantly reduced below ground biomass but the application of microbes (B69 and BcoT) alleviated this negative effect. However, in the Microbe Trial the microbes (BcoT, B69 and B77) had a negative or no effect on the biomass of T. triandra and C. dactylon. In the Legume Trial it was shown that the above ground biomass of T. triandra was significantly reduced when grown with M. sativa. The Fly Ash Trial revealed that the lime and fly ash treatments had no effect on the biomass of M. sativa and T. triandra, and they did not maintain a reduction in soil acidity. The results therefore indicated that either organic fertilizer or sewage sludge could be used to significantly improve the growth of T. triandra. It was also suggested that lime not be applied to soils with an acid saturation of approximately 1%, as this could retard plant growth. The application of microbes and the growth of a legume with grass, although both have been recorded to have beneficial effects in aiding plant growth, in the short-term however, the application of T. harzianum, B. subtilis Strain 69 and 77 applied to the soil while growing T.triandra and C. dactylon and the growth of M. sativa with T. triandra is not recommended. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2004.
70

Volatile sulfur compounds in coastal acid sulfate soils, northern N.S.W.

Kinsela, Andrew Stephen, School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences, UNSW January 2007 (has links)
The cycling of biogenic volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) within marine and terrestrial ecosystems has been shown to play an integral role in atmospheric chemistry; by influencing global climate change through the creation of cloud condensation nuclei and controlling acid-base chemistry; as well as influencing sediment chemistry including the interactions with trace metals, particularly regarding iron sulfide formation. Despite this, the examination of VSCs within Australian coastal acid sulfate soils (ASS) is an unexplored area of research. As ASS in Australia occupy an area in excess of 9 M ha, there is a clear need for a greater understanding of the cycling of these compounds within such systems. This thesis looks at the concentrations of several VSCs within agricultural and undisturbed ASS on the east coast of Australia. Initial measurements of sulfur dioxide (SO2) were made using passive diffusion samplers, which were followed by two detailed field-based studies looking at the concentrations and fluxes of both SO2 and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) using flux-gradient micrometeorological techniques. These novel results indicated that this agricultural ASS was a substantial source of atmospheric H2S (0.036-0.056 gSm-2yr-1), and SO2 (0.095-0.31 gSm-2yr-1), with flux values equating to many other salt- and freshwater marshes and swamps. The flux data also suggested that the ASS could be a continual source of H2S which is photo-oxidised during the daytime to SO2. Measurements of both compounds showed separate, inverse correlations to temperature and moisture meteorological parameters indicating possible contributing and / or causal release factors. Further identification of these and other VSCs within ASS samplers was undertaken in the laboratory using gas chromatography in combination with solid-phase microextraction. Although SO2 and H2S were not discovered within the headspace samples, two other VSCs important in atmospheric sulfur cycling and trace metal geochemistry were quantified; dimethylsulfide (DMS; &gt 300??g/L) and ethanethiol (ESH &gt 4??g/L). The measurements of H2S, DMS and ESH are the first quantifications with Australian ASS, and they may be important for refining regional or local atmospheric sulfur budgets, as well as interpreting previous SO2 emissions from ASS. Ultimately this thesis further enhances our understanding of the cycling of VSCs within acid sulfate systems.

Page generated in 0.0404 seconds