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2. Pedotechnique and its application to soil survey: a proposal

Author

Wilson, G. and Land Resource Research Institute, Research Branch, Agriculture Canada

Subjects
pedotechnical system for soil survey interpretations, soil survey methodology, interpretation, pedological soil survey
Abstract

This publication concerns "engineering" interpretations of pedological soil surveys in Canada. A proposal was made in response to a request by the Expert Committee on Soil Survey (ECSS) to set up national systems for soil survey methodology. A methodology termed the pedotechnical system for soil survey interpretations was proposed and subsequently texted by pedologists in three provinces in Canada during the 1980-81 soil survey field season. This publication is a record of that proposal.

Published
1982

3. An assessment of the degradation of agricultural lands in Canada

Author

Coote, D. R., Dumanski, J., Ramsey, J. F., and Land Resource Research Institute

Subjects
soil compaction, landslides, soil erosion, soil organic matter, soil salinization, water, wind, drainage systems, soil acidification, soil mixing, soil contamination
Abstract

This monograph presents a general qualitative assessment of the kind, location and extent of land degradation in the agricultural regions of Canada. In so doing it establishes an information base from which to consider research needs and priorities related to the quantitative assessment of soil deterioration across the country and the development of land management techniques for combatting it. "Land degradation" is considered to be the process or processes of deterioration of soil edaphic qualities relative to their natural or most productive previous state.

Published
1981

4. Soil water models a review

Author

De Jong, R. and Land Resource Research Institute

Subjects
soil water, plant roots, soil water model, soil water budget, hydraulic properties, water extraction
Abstract

The development of soil water models, including those which deal with soil water uptake by plant roots, are reviewed and compared. Major assumptions employed in the three types of models, the physical based-, the budget-, and the combination ones, are discussed. The physical based- and the combination models can be easily adopted to a wide range of soil, climate and crop conditions. Their major drawback of requiring extensive knowledge of soil and crop characteristics limits the widespread use of this approach at the present time. On the other hand, the budget models require a low level of input, but need to be recalibrated if they are used in environments other than those for which they were derived. Suggestions are made regarding future use if the models are employed for areal soil water estimates.

Published
1981

5. Final report - Project 1B, Agricultural Watershed Studies

Author

Coote, D. R., DeHaan, R., Land Resource Research Institute, and Engineering and Statistical Research Service, Agriculture Canada

Subjects
watershed characteristics, water quality, watershed, agriculture
Abstract

The subject of this report is the "overview" analysis of the monitoring data collected during the 1975-1977 intensive study phase of the Agricultural Watershed Studies. The report outlines the methodology and rational for the selection of suitable monitoring sites, the methods used for water quality and quantity data acquisition, the estimation of watershed characteristics, and the statistical analyses of the variance within the data sets. Finally, some conclusions are drawn which are applied to an extrapolation model which attempts to determine areas of the lower Canadian Great Lakes Basin which fall into selected ranges of pollutant contribution rates to streams. Research Branch, Agriculture Canada Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food Ontario Ministry of the Environment

Published
1978

6. Agricultural Watershed Studies Project 21 - Final report

Author

Coote, D. R., Hore, F. R., Land Resource Research Institute, Agriculture Canada, and Engineering and Statistical Research Service, Agriculture Canada

Subjects
remedial measures, contamination, groundwater, pollution, runoff, water quality, watershed, agriculture, feedlot
Abstract

This report covers the period from the fall of 1973 to the summer of 1977 during which time a variety of research and monitoring activities were taking place under the auspices of the I.J.C. Pollution from Land Use Activities Reference Group (PLUARG), Task C, Agricultural Watershed Studies. Two distinct studies were undertaken on the topic of the environmental impact of feedlots and manure storages. They were carried out consecutively, the first was concerned with surface water, the second with groundwater. The reports of these two studies are presented in this volume as two separate sections. Only the discussion of implications for remedial measures and the list of references are common to the two studies, and these appear at the end of the document.

Published
1978

7. Final report on Project 12 Agricultural Watershed Studies

Author

Topp, G. C. and Land Resource Research Institute, Agriculture Canada

Subjects
water infiltraion, desroption water capacity, physical properties, hydraulic conductivity, soil
Abstract

The objectives of this study were two-fold. Firstly, to make in situ and associated laboratory measurements of soil physical properties (hydraulic conductivity, bulk density and the desorption water capacity relationship) which govern the storage and transmission of water solutions. Secondly, to characterize or represent these soil properties so that they may be applied in the nitrogen and water transport simulation program of D.R. Cameron et al. (Project 13). The wide variation in soil properties in the two watersheds meant that different field measurement methods were used in each watershed. It was assumed that the hydraulic conductivity was the major property controlling transmission of water and a number of attempts were made to measure this in both watersheds. In Watershed AG-1 the shrinking and cracking of the clay soil meant that cracks played an important role in the transmission of water and additional measurements were necessary. The water storage properties were measured in the laboratory. Agriculture Canada

Published
1978

8. Soil structure: concepts, description and interpretation

Author

McKeague, J. A., Wang, C., and Land Resource Research Institute

Subjects
soil porosity, saturated hydraulic conductivity, soil structure, water capacity, soil macrostructure
Abstract

A review of systems for describing soil structure leads to the conclusion that soil porosity should be included as a basic aspect of structure description, perhaps the most important aspect for interpretations based on structure. Improvements are proposed in procedures for describing soil macrostructure in the field and refinements are suggested in definitions of terms related to soil structure. Such changes are shown to be necessary to foster uniformity of soil descriptions in soil survey. Preliminary data are presented that indicate a good possibility of making useful estimates of saturated hydraulic conductivity from observations of soil structure, including porosity. Preliminary testing of the British Soil Survey system of estimating the air porosity and available water capacity of soils from field observations are sufficiently promising to warrant further work to refine the guidelines involved.

Published
1982

9. Agricultural practices and environmental conservation

Author

Switzer-Howse, K. D., Coote, D. R., and Land Resource Research Institute

Subjects
water pollution, soil degradation, soil pollution, air pollution, conservation, agriculture
Abstract

Land used for agriculture makes up one of the largest environmental units managed in Canada today. New technology and genetic improvements to plants and animals have increased farm productivity dramatically over the past three decades. Land management is the main factor that often determines whether the environmental effects of agriculture are positive or negative. Little attention has been paid to the possible environmental consequences of many newly developed, intensified farming activities. Land deterioration and the resulting environmental problems may be difficult to recognize on individual farms because the processes involved are so widely distributed and insidious. When problems are recognized, many people are unaware that anything can be done to rectify them. The agricultural community should take precautions to protect the environment from any degradation arising from its activities. Farmers should act on their own behalf and develop an understanding of the impact that various farming practices can have on the environment. This publication is intended as an introduction to the subject, and readers are encouraged to seek more detailed information related to their own situations from regional specialists. Some agricultural practices can cause water and air pollution and the deterioration of the land. Of these three problems, by far the most well documented is how agriculture can affect water quality. Water pollution is therefore dealt with here in more detail than are the other two topics.

Published
1984

10. Agricultural management practices for improved water quality in the Canadian Great Lakes Basin

Author

Switzer-Howse, K. D. and Land Resource Research Institute, Research Branch, Agriculture Canada

Subjects
sediment, nutrients, livestock manure, management practices, runoff, pesticides, erosion, water quality, agriculture
Abstract

This report was designed to present current information on the effects of farm management decisions on water quality in a readily available format for those involved in agricultural land use planning and remedial measures programs. It is hoped that this report will contribute to the development of sound farm management options which will protect and maintain not only the farm production capabilities but local water quality as well.

Published
1982

11. Application of transect method to soil survey problems

Author

Wang, C. and Land Resource Research Institute, Research Branch, Agriculture Canada

Subjects
soil survey, transect, soil, soil mapping
Abstract

Traditionally, in soil survey, much more effort has been put into the taxonomic unit than the map unit. Some of our map units are not well defined. Here, a method is described which can facilitate accuracy of mapping through the survey from legend development to completion. The principle of the method is discussed and the procedures outlined. Examples from studies conducted in various regions of Canada and of the United States are given to illustrate various applications of the transect method. The statistical methods used in data compilation are described. The misconceptions about the transect method are also discussed.

Published
1982

12. Describing and interpreting the macrostructure of mineral soils - a preliminary report

Author

McKeague, J. A., Wang, C., Coen, G. M., and Land Resource Research Institute, Research Branch, Agriculture Canada

Subjects
void, soil properties, peds, soil structure, soil macrostructure
Abstract

A revised approach is presented for the description and interpretation of soil macrostructure. Structure is defined so as to include the size, shape and arrangement of voids as well as aggregates. Limits are suggested of the minimum sizes of voids and peds that can be described reliably in the field. The importance is emphasized of a decision on the purpose before soil macrostructure is described and two levels of detail of description are presented. The simple system of macrostructure description outlined is considered to be adequate for many applied purposes. The detailed system presented is required for thorough characterization of benchmark pedons and for some applied purposes. The concept is supported that descriptions of macrostructure should be used in estimating soil properties important to the purpose at hand. Guidelines are proposed for estimating properties such as saturated hydraulic conductivity, available water, and air capacity from information on structure and other soil properties readily determined in the field. Measurements of soil properties are required periodically to check estimates based upon guidelines and to improve the guidelines if necessary. The usefulness of soil macrostructure description in assessing effects of land use on soil physical condition is documented.

Published
1986

13. A preliminary economic assessment of agricultural land degradation in Atlantic and Central Canada and Southern British Columbia

Author

Fox, M. G., Coote, D. R., Dumanski, J., Hamilton, D., Huffman, E., Lok, C., Shields, J. A., Switzer-Howse, K. D., van Vliet, L. J. P., The Development Consulting House, Land Resource Research Institute, Research Branch, Agriculture Canada, Central Experiment Farm, and Regional Development Branch Agriculture Canada

Subjects
economic impact, soil compaction, soil degradation, acidification, structural deterioration, farm, farm level impacts
Abstract

The purpose of this study was to make preliminary estimates of the on-farm and off-farm costs of agricultural land degradation in Atlantic and Central Canada, and British Columbia excluding the Peace Region. The types of degradation examined are water erosion, wind erosion, acidity and soil compaction. The main costs which are estimated are the values of crop yield reductions, added inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, etc.) required to offset physical losses, and reduced crop quality. An attempt is also made to quantify the off- farm damage from agricultural land degradation in the study area. The study was carried out in two parts. The first consisted of a procedure to estimate the location, area and severity of erosion, acidification and compaction within 16 subregions of the study area. Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island were each treated as separate subregions. Two subregions were created for New Brunswick , three each for Quebec and British Columbia, and five for Ontario. A large electronic data base of physical soil characteristics and land use in the study area was compiled to which standard 'models' of the degradation processes, expected to be operative in the study area, were applied. This exercise yielded the likely extent, location and severity of degradation in the subregions. The second part consisted of estimating crop yield reductions and other economic costs of soil degradation under each type and class of degradation in each subregion. These estimates were obtained by analysing the opinions of a select group of experts in the provinces covered by the study. Questionnaires, group consensus meetings and telephone follow-ups were employed.

Published
1986

14. The significance of acid rain to agriculture in Eastern Canada

Author

Coote, D. R., Siminovitch, D., Shah Singh, S., Wang, C., Land Resource Research Institute, and Chemistry and Biology Research Institute

Subjects
soil sensitivity, complex mixtures, gaseous pollution, acid precipitation, crop plants, agriculture, acid rain
Abstract

Precipitation falling on agricultural land in eastern Canada is contributing acid to soils and crops. In order to assess the significance of potential problems from an agricultural point of view, soil sensitivity criteria have been developed, and evidence for plant damage has been examined. Soils were classified into sensitive, moderately sensitive and non-sensitive classes according to the estimated degree of depletion of exchangeable bases in the plow layer resulting from 25 years of acid precipitation at input rates equivalent to the highest currently being observed in the region. About 70% of the agricultural soils of eastern Canada fall into the non-sensitive class however, twenty-five percent of the agricultural soils of Quebec are sensitive to these criteria and in P.E.I. almost all soils are sensitive or moderately sensitive. There is little evidence of direct damage to crops from acid rain, although indirect effects resulting from soil acidification are known. There is concern, however, for potential chronic leaf tissue deterioration resulting from gaseous sulfur dioxide (a precursor of the acidity of rain) in polluted air. Synergistic interactions with other air pollutants may also result in leaf damage from SO2. Better crop and air monitoring data are needed in agricultural areas to assess these possible effects. The components of acid rain which affect the acidity of soils include sulfates, nitrates and ammonium. Estimates indicate that the net soil-affecting acidity reaching agricultural land in eastern Canada from atmospheric deposition (wet and dry) ranges from about 25 to 40 kilograms per hectare per year when expressed as calcium carbonate (limestone) equivalent. This rate of acid addition is exceeded by two to ten times as a result of acidity from normal nitrogen fertilizer applications to crop land. Natural soil processes also contribute to acidification and to the need for lime additions to some soils. Acidification will occur, even without acid rain, in soils which are sensitive and which are currently receiving nitrogen fertilizer without a regular lime application. In these soils the process may be somewhat accelerated by acid rain. In soils which are regularly and adequately limed, acid rain will have little effect. Constituents of air pollution which are not necessarily acid may be of greater long-term concern to soil quality and agriculture, but few data are available to assess their significance.

Published
1981

15. Climate and soil requirements for economically important crops in Canada

Author

Dube, P.-A., Small, E., Dumanski, J., Lendvay-Zwickl, J., Biosystematics Research Institute, and Land Resource Research Institute

Subjects
cultivation, phenological growth, crop management, crops, climate, soil, agriculture
Abstract

This report summarizes the climate and soil requirements of the major, economically important crops in Canada. It was compiled through an extensive search of the literature, using the services of Biological Abstracts Reviews, Science Citation and Source Index, and Agricola. Also various books, government reports, bulletins and announcements on agricultural crops were examined. Approximately 2000 references were reviewed, and 169 selected for the report. Those not selected reported research work that was too specific or detailed to have application in field crops production. The report gives detailed descriptions of the light, heat, water and soil requirements of each crop, in so far as these data are available from the literature. Specific requirements at various phenological growth stages are also reported. References for the information presented for each crop are given and listed in the bibliography at the end of the report. This report lists the environmental (field) conditions necessary for the successful, long term cultivation of given crops. It is intended as a reference manual for those evaluating or recommending particular crops under given conditions of climate and soil. Crop management requirements, however, are not listed, and the reader is refered to other sources for this information.

Published
1981

16. Final report - January 1979 to Agricultural Watershed Studies (Phase II - Detailed Studies)

Author

Acton, C. J., Patterson, G. T., Heath, C. G., Land Resource Research Institute, and Ontario Institute of Pedology, University of Guelph

Subjects
engineeing properties, soil survey, soil series, mineralogy, watershed, soil, soil mapping
Abstract

In order to understand the effects of various land uses, researchers must be aware of the physical and chemical characteristics of the land itself. Soil survey involves the classification, definition and delineation of the various soils in an area, thus allowing prediction of soil behaviour patterns under given sets of conditions. Thus, the objectives of this project were: (i) To provide a soils :Inventory of the detailed subwatersheds (AG-1, 3,4,5,10 and 13) at a scale of 1:25,000. The inventory includes a measure of seasonal and spatial soil variability with emphasis on water transmission properties. (ii) To interpret the soils inventoried for their agricultural capability and their ability to transfer pollutants to surface water and to groundwater. (iii) To provide samples of major soil series for input to PLUARG Projects 8, 9, 10 and 11. The locations of the six agricultural subwatersheds chosen for detailed study. Study areas were chosen to represent agricultural land use patterns common to the dominant soil/climate zones of Southwestern Ontario. Agriculture Canada

Published
1979

17. Minor elements in Canadian soils

Author

McKeague, J. A., Desjardins, J. G., Wolynetz, M. S., Land Resource Research Institute, and Engineering and Statistical Research Institute

Subjects
elements, elemental analyses, minerals, soil
Abstract

The purpose of this publication is to assemble all the data from the elemental analyses performed in the laboratory that are pertinent to the evaluation of background levels of minor elements in mineral soils of Canada. These data include information published previously on Hg (McKeague and Kloosterman 1974) and on soils studied in the International Joint Commission project (Whitby et al. 1978a, 1978b). The data are compared with other published data on minor elements in soil in this country. Many relevant reports have been published in the past decade. When possible, the relationships between geological material and minor element content of the soils are broadly identified. Evidence of redistribution of minor elements during pedogenesis is noted, and relationships between contents of specific minor elements and other soil properties are evaluated statistically. The current state of knowledge of background levels of minor elements in Canadian soils is summarized, and the most serious gaps in present information are pointed out. Data on the minor element content of Organic soils (Mathur and Sanderson 1978, Mathur and Lévesque 1979) are not included here.

Published
1979

18. Deciphering the mechanistic role of Bacillus paramycoides (PM51) and Bacillus tequilensis (PM52) in bio-sorption and phyto-assimilation of Cadmium via Linum usitatissimum L. Seedlings.

Author

Zainab N, Glick BR, Bose A, Amna, Ali J, Rehman FU, Paker NP, Rengasamy K, Kamran MA, Hayat K, Munis MFH, Sultan T, Imran M, and Chaudhary HJ

Subjects
Seedlings metabolism, Seedlings drug effects, Seedlings microbiology, Biodegradation, Environmental, Adsorption, Bacillus metabolism, Bacillus genetics, Cadmium metabolism
Abstract

Three Cd 2+ resistant bacterium's minimal inhibition concentrations were assessed and their percentages of Cd 2+ accumulation were determined by measurements using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results revealed that two isolates Bacillus paramycoides (PM51) and Bacillus tequilensis (PM52), identified by 16S rDNA gene sequencing, showed a higher percentage of Cd 2+ accumulation i.e., 83.78% and 81.79%, respectively. Moreover, both novel strains can tolerate Cd 2+ levels up to 2000 mg/L isolated from district Chakwal. Amplification of the czcD, nifH, and acdS genes was also performed. Batch bio-sorption studies revealed that at pH 7.0, 1 g/L of biomass, and an initial 150 mg/L Cd 2+ concentration were the ideal bio-sorption conditions for Bacillus paramycoides (PM51) and Bacillus tequilensis (PM52). The experimental data were fit to Langmuir isotherm measurements and Freundlich isotherm model R 2 values of 0.999 for each of these strains. Bio sorption processes showed pseudo-second-order kinetics. The intra-diffusion model showed X i values for Bacillus paramycoides (PM51) and Bacillus tequilensis (PM52) of 2.26 and 2.23, respectively. Different surface ligands, was investigated through Fourier-transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The scanning electron microscope SEM images revealed that after Cd 2+ adsorption, the cells of both strains became thick, adherent, and deformed. Additionally, both enhanced Linum usitatissimum plant seed germination under varied concentrations of Cd 2+ (0 mg/L, 250 mg/L,350 mg/L, and 500 mg/L). Current findings suggest that the selected strains can be used as a sustainable part of bioremediation techniques., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Dr.Hassan Javed Chaudhary reports equipment, drugs, or supplies was provided by Quaid-i-Azam University. If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Published
2024
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19. An integrated remediation approach using combinations of biochar, Rhizobium leguminosarum , and Vigna radiata for immobilizing and dissipating cadmium contaminants from the soil-mustard plant system.

Author

Hira QA, Mahboob M, Azhar R, Munir F, Gul A, Hayat A, Shah T, and Amir R

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) contamination of soils is an environmental concern, as cadmium harms food crops and can therefore impact human health. The use of combinations of biochar (seeded with Rhizobium leguminosarum ) and Vigna radiata (as an intercrop) has the potential to reduce the mobilization of Cd from soil via mustard plants ( Brassica juncea ). Mustard plants are grown as a food and oil production crop that is consumed worldwide. However, this plant has the property of hyperaccumulation; thus, it bioaccumulates Cd in its tissues, which in turn, if eaten, can become part of the human food chain. Hence, reducing Cd bioaccumulation in mustard plants is crucial to making these plants a reliable and safe source of food for consumption. To improve soil sorption capacity and immobilization efficiency, biochar (in the form of wheat husk) was mixed with R. leguminosarum and intercropped (using V. radiata) with mustard plants for further investigation. Sampling was performed at an early growth stage (i.e., at 30 days) and at maturity (i.e., at 60 days) to determine the impact of Cd on a plant's morphophysiological attributes. Data were analyzed in two ways: first by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and then by the post hoc Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) test. The statistical analysis concluded that combinations effectively improved plant traits by 65%-90% in the early growth stage and by 70%-90% in the maturity stage. The T6 treatment combination [i.e., biochar +  R. leguminosarum  +  V. radiata (BC + RL + VR)] provided the most effective results in terms of growth, biomass, pod yield, and pigmentation content. In addition, this combination reduced the translocation of Cd in mustard plants by 70%-95%. The combination of BC + RL + VR effectively reduced Cd contamination of mustard tissue and provided a suitable growing environment for the plants. A post-harvesting soil analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD) found that Cd was undetectable in soil. This provides clear confirmation that these approaches can lead to Cd soil remediation. Moreover, this study provided insight into the responses of different morphophysiological attributes of mustard plants to Cd stress and could aid in developing Cd stress tolerance in mustard plants., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Hira, Mahboob, Azhar, Munir, Gul, Hayat, Shah and Amir.)

Published
2023
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20. Recent Advancement in Rational Design Modulation of MXene: A Voyage from Environmental Remediation to Energy Conversion and Storage.

Author

Hayat A, Sohail M, Qadeer A, Taha TA, Hussain M, Ullah S, Al-Sehemi AG, Algarni H, Amin MA, Aqeel Sarwar M, Nawawi WI, Palamanit A, Orooji Y, and Ajmal Z

Abstract

Use of MXenes (Ti 3 C 2 T x ), which belongs to the family of two-dimensional transition metal nitrides and carbides by encompassing unique combination of metallic conductivity and hydrophilicity, is receiving tremendous attention, since its discovery as energy material in 2011. Owing to its precursor selective chemical etching, and unique intrinsic characteristics, the MXene surface properties are further classified into highly chemically active compound, which further produced different surface functional groups i. e., oxygen, fluorine or hydroxyl groups. However, the role of surface functional groups doesn't not only have a significant impact onto its electrochemical and hydrophilic characteristics (i. e., ion adsorption/diffusion), but also imparting a noteworthy effect onto its conductivity, work function, electronic structure and properties. Henceforth, such kind of inherent chemical nature, robust electrochemistry and high hydrophilicity ultimately increasing the MXene application as a most propitious material for overall environment-remediation, electrocatalytic sensors, energy conversion and storage application. Moreover, it is well documented that the role of MXenes in all kinds of research fields is still on a progress stage for their further improvement, which is not sufficiently summarized in literature till now. The present review article is intended to critically discuss the different chemical aptitudes and the diversity of MXenes and its derivates (i. e., hybrid composites) in all aforesaid application with special emphasis onto the improvement of its surface characteristics for the multidimensional application. However, this review article is anticipated to endorse MXenes and its derivates hybrid configuration, which is discussed in detail for emerging environmental decontamination, electrochemical use, and pollutant detection via electrocatalytic sensors, photocatalysis, along with membrane distillation and the adsorption application. Finally, it is expected, that this review article will open up new window for the effective use of MXene in a broad range of environmental remediation, energy conversion and storage application as a novel, robust, multidimensional and more proficient materials., (© 2022 The Chemical Society of Japan & Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Published
2022
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21. Characterization of bio-fabricated silver nanoparticles for distinct anti-fungal activity against sugarcane phytopathogens.

Author

Amna, Mahmood T, Khan UN, Amin B, Javed MT, Mehmood S, Farooq MA, Sultan T, Munis MFH, and Chaudhary HJ

Subjects
Anti-Bacterial Agents, Fusarium, Plant Extracts, Silver pharmacology, Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared, Metal Nanoparticles, Saccharum
Abstract

Advanced research, development, and application of silver nanoparticles is proceeding in recent times due to their incredible utilization in various fields. Present study was focused on the production, characterization, and antifungal activities of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). An environment friendly extracellular biosynthetic approach was adopted to produce the AgNPs by using bacteria, fungi, and sugarcane husk. Agents used for reduction of silver to nanoparticles were taken from culture filtrate of plant growth promoting bacteria, Fusarium oxysporum and supernatant extract of sugarcane husk. Nanoparticles were also characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Synthesis of colloidal AgNPs was observed by UV-Visible diffused reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS). Primary peak of surface plasmon resonance band was noticed around 339.782, 336.735, and 338.258 nm for bacterial, fungal, and sugarcane husk produced AgNPs. Structure of all biologically produced nanoparticles were crystalline cubic with nano size of 45.41, 49.06, and 42.75 nm for bacterial, fungal, and sugarcane husk-based nanoparticles, respectively as calculated by Debye-Scherrer equation using XRD. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed the presence of various compounds that aid in the reduction, capping, and stability of AgNPs. The antifungal activity of AgNPs was also investigated for sugarcane fungal pathogens Colletotricum falcatum and Fusarium moniliforme. All nanoparticles exhibit prominent antifungal activities. Maximum zone of fungal inhibition was noticed about 18, 19, and 21 mm for C. falcatum while 21, 20, and 24 mm for F. moniliforme in case of bacterial, fungal, and plant-based nanoparticles (15 ppm), respectively. Best fungal inhibition was observed under application of sugarcane husk based AgNPs. Moreover, biologically produced AgNPs responded better towards the suppression of F. moniliforme in comparison to C. falcatum. Mentioned sources in present study can be ecofriendly nano-factories for biosynthesis of AgNPs and mankind should benefit from their commercial application., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Published
2021
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22. Mesoporous ZnAl 2 Si 10 O 24 nanofertilizers enable high yield of Oryza sativa L.

Author

Naseem F, Zhi Y, Farrukh MA, Hussain F, and Yin Z

Abstract

Controllable release of nutrients in soil can overcome the environmental problems associated with conventional fertilizer. Here we synthesized mesoporous nanocomposite of Zinc aluminosilicate (ZnAl 2 Si 10 O 24 ) via co-precipitation method. Oryza sativa L. husk was used as source of silica for making the synthesis process green and economical. The nanocomposite was subsequently loaded with urea to achieve the demand of simultaneous and slow delivery of both zinc and urea. The structural characterization of nanocomposite was done by FTIR, XRD, TGA, BET, SEM/EDX and TEM. The release of urea and zinc was investigated with UV-Vis spectrophotometry and atomic absorption spectroscopy, respectively, up to 14 days. It was noted that urea holding capacity of mesoporous ZnAl 2 Si 10 O 24 nanocomposite over long period of time was increased as compared to bulk aluminosilicates, due to its high surface area (193.07 m 2  g -1 ) and small particle size of (64 nm). Urea release was found highest in first 24 h because of excess of adsorption on nanocomposite and least at 14th day. Fertilizer efficiency was checked on Oryza sativa L. in comparison with commercial urea and results showed significantly higher yield in case of urea loaded ZnAl 2 Si 10 O 24 nanocomposite.

Published
2020
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23. Multi-stress tolerant PGPR Bacillus xiamenensis PM14 activating sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) red rot disease resistance.

Author

Amna, Xia Y, Farooq MA, Javed MT, Kamran MA, Mukhtar T, Ali J, Tabassum T, Rehman SU, Hussain Munis MF, Sultan T, and Chaudhary HJ

Subjects
Fungi physiology, Plant Diseases microbiology, Bacillus physiology, Disease Resistance physiology, Saccharum microbiology
Abstract

Sustainability in crop production has emerged as one of the most important concerns of present era's agricultural systems. Plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) has been characterized as a set of microorganisms used for enhancing plant growth and a tool for biological control of phytopathogens. However, the inconsistent performance of these bacteria from laboratory/greenhouse to field level has emerged due to prevailing abiotic stresses in fields. Sugarcane crop encounters a combination of biotic and abiotic stresses during its long developmental stages. Nevertheless, the selection of antagonistic PGPB with abiotic stress tolerance would be beneficial for end-user by the successful establishment of product with required effects under field conditions. Stress tolerant Bacillus xiamenensis strain (PM14) isolated from the sugarcane rhizosphere grown in the fields was examined for various PGP activities, enzyme assays, and antibiotic resistance. Strain was screened for in vitro tolerance against drought, salinity, heat stress, and heavy metal toxicity. Inhibition co-efficient of B. xiamenensis PM14 was also calculated against six phyto-pathogenic fungi, including Colletotrichum falcatum (53.81), Fusarium oxysporum (68.24), Fusarium moniliforme (69.70), Rhizoctonia solani (71.62), Macrophomina phaseolina (67.50), and Pythium splendens (77.58). B. xiamenensis is reported here for the first time as the rhizospheric bacterium which possesses resistance against 12 antibiotics and positive results for all in vitro PGP traits except HCN production. Role of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase in the amelioration of biotic and abiotic stress was also supported by the amplification of acds gene. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed B. xiamenensis as the potential antagonistic PGPR and bio-control agent. Results of greenhouse experiment against sugarcane red rot indicated that inoculation of B. xiamenensis to sugarcane plants could suppress the disease symptoms and enhance plant growth. Augmented production of antioxidative enzymes and proline content may lead to the induced systemic resistance against red rot disease of sugarcane. Thus, the future application of native multi-stress tolerant bacteria as bio-control agents in combination with current heat, drought, salinity, and heavy metal tolerance strategy could contribute towards the global food security., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest All authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Published
2020
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24. Assisted phytoremediation of chromium spiked soils by Sesbania Sesban in association with Bacillus xiamenensis PM14: A biochemical analysis.

Author

Din BU, Amna, Rafique M, Javed MT, Kamran MA, Mehmood S, Khan M, Sultan T, Hussain Munis MF, and Chaudhary HJ

Subjects
Antioxidants, Bacillus, Biodegradation, Environmental, Chlorophyll A, Chromium, Plant Roots, Soil, Soil Pollutants, Sesbania
Abstract

Due to anthropogenic activities, chromium (Cr) contamination is ubiquitous with deleterious effects on plant and soil microbiota. Present study was designed to address beneficial effects of Bacillus xiamenensis PM14 on Sesbania sesban. Its physiological and biochemical attributes along with enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities under different levels of Cr toxicity (50, 100 and 200 mg kg -1 ) were evaluated. After harvesting at 50 days of sowing, plant growth attributes (root and shoot length, fresh and dry weight), physiological parameters (chlorophyll a, b and carotenoid content), antioxidant activities (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase), malondialdehyde content, electrolyte leakage, proline, relative water content and total Cr uptake in S. sesban were recorded. Experiment was statistically managed as complete randomized design (CRD). Results revealed that Cr stress reduced plant growth, relative water content at all levels of Cr contamination. However, inoculation of B. xiamenensis PM14 positively influence all parameters of S. sesban both under normal and stressed conditions. Inoculation of B. xiamenensis PM14 promoted plant growth (root length 17.08%, shoot length 28.36%) physiological attributes (chlorophyll a 55.26%, chlorophyll b 59.13%), antioxidant activities (superoxide dismutase 30.09%, peroxidase 6.96% and catalase 0.89%), relative water content 25.79%, enhanced total Cr uptake 47.33% and reduced proline 12.33%, malondialdehyde content 27.53% and electrolyte leakage 2.73% in S. sesban at 200 mg kg -1 Cr stress as compared to uninoculated plants grown under the same level of Cr. Our findings revealed first report of B. xiamenensis as phytoremediator and its inoculation on Sesbania plant. It also exposed dual effects of B. xiamenensis to ameliorate Cr stress along with improved plant growth and induced heavy metal stress tolerance in spiked soils., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Published
2020
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25. Mechanistic elucidation of germination potential and growth of wheat inoculated with exopolysaccharide and ACC- deaminase producing Bacillus strains under induced salinity stress.

Author

Amna, Ud Din B, Sarfraz S, Xia Y, Kamran MA, Javed MT, Sultan T, Hussain Munis MF, and Chaudhary HJ

Subjects
Bacillus metabolism, Pakistan, Salinity, Salt-Tolerant Plants drug effects, Salt-Tolerant Plants microbiology, Seedlings drug effects, Seedlings growth & development, Seedlings metabolism, Soil Microbiology, Triticum drug effects, Triticum microbiology, Bacillus growth & development, Carbon-Carbon Lyases metabolism, Germination, Polysaccharides, Bacterial metabolism, Salt-Tolerant Plants growth & development, Triticum growth & development
Abstract

The potential of plant growth regulating microorganisms present in the soil can be explored towards the purpose of identifying salt tolerant strategies and crop cultivars. Current study was designed to elucidate the capabilities of salt stress tolerant plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) Bacillus siamensis (PM13), Bacillus sp. (PM15) and Bacillus methylotrophicus (PM19) in undermining the effects of salt stress on wheat seedling. Strains were characterized for their IAA (81-113 μM/ml), ACC-deaminase (0.68-0.95 μM/mg protein/h) and exopolysaccharide (EPS) (0.62-0.97 mg/ml) producing activity both under normal and NaCl stressed conditions. Effects of bacterial inoculation on germination and seedling growth of wheat variety Pakistan-13 was observed under induced salinity stress levels (0, 4, 8, 16 dS/m). All the morpho-physiological characteristics of wheat seedlings were affected drastically by the NaCl stress and the growth parameters expressed a negative relationship with increased NaCl levels. PGPR application had a very positive influence on germination rate of wheat seedlings, root and shoot length, photosynthetic pigments etc. Elongated roots and enhanced vegetative shoot growth as well as seedling's fresh and dry weights were highest in plants treated with B. methylotrophicus PM19. Sequestration of Na + ion by EPS production and degradation of exuded ACC into a-ketobutyrate and ammonia by ACCD bacteria efficiently reduced the impact of salinity stress on wheat growth. Current findings suggested that the used PGPR strains are potential candidates for improving crop growth in salt stressed agricultural systems. However further research validation would be necessary before large scale/field application., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Published
2019
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26. Induction of tolerance to salinity in wheat genotypes by plant growth promoting endophytes: Involvement of ACC deaminase and antioxidant enzymes.

Author

Afridi MS, Amna, Sumaira, Mahmood T, Salam A, Mukhtar T, Mehmood S, Ali J, Khatoon Z, Bibi M, Javed MT, Sultan T, and Chaudhary HJ

Subjects
Salinity, Sodium pharmacology, Stress, Physiological drug effects, Antioxidants metabolism, Carbon-Carbon Lyases metabolism, Triticum drug effects, Triticum metabolism
Abstract

Plant growth-promoting endophytes (PGPEs) can colonize the internal tissues of plants and are capable of promoting plant growth. These bacteria can improve plant tolerance against various biotic and abiotic stresses via the expression of antioxidant enzymes and the production of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase. Two salt-tolerant PGPEs, Kocuria rhizophila: KF875448 (14ASP) and Cronobacter sakazakii: KM042090 (OF115), with ACC deaminase activity were investigated for their potential to ameliorate plant salinity stress. The wheat varieties Pasban 90 and Khirman were subjected to two levels of salt stress (80 and 160 mM NaCl) under greenhouse conditions by using a completely randomized design. Analyses of plant growth parameters, antioxidant enzyme activities, chlorophyll and plant mineral contents were conducted to investigate the stress tolerance induced by the PGPEs. The ACC utilization by the PGPEs directly relates to the promotion of plant growth due to the lowering of excess ethylene production under salt stress. High levels of NaCl exhibited negative effects in both varieties. However, inoculation with PGPEs increased the morphological traits and antioxidant activities of the plants while decreasing the Na + contents in all treatments compared to uninoculated treatment. Wheat variety Pasban 90 was more tolerant than Khirman in to salt stress in all the measured morphological and biochemical parameters, while the bacterial strain OF115 performed significantly better in all morphological and biochemical parameters, such as fresh dry weight, root shoot length, proline and chlorophyll contents, compared to strain 14ASP. The K + /Na + ratio in the tissues of bacterial treated plants was higher than the control, probably in order to maintain the nutrient balance. The results of our study revealed that the inoculation of plants by ACC deaminase-producing PGPEs is a potential tool for the enhancement of plant growth and stress tolerance. Moreover, endophytic bacteria allied with host plants are capable of enduring high saline conditions and can interact with plants in a very efficient way., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)

Published
2019
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