SOIL NUTRIENTS

SOIL NUTRIENTS

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Contents

Preface

Chapter 1: Potassium and Sugar Accumulation in Plant Cells

Abstract

Introduction

The Role of Potassium in the Cells and Metabolism Disturbances at its Deficit

The Systems of Potassium Transport

Yield

Distribution of Potassium and Sugars in Plants

References

Chapter 2: The Role of Redox Conditions on Soil Nutrients Availability

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Soil Redox Processes

Soil Microbial Processes

Role of Oxygen

Redox Processes

3. Soil Nutrients

Carbon

Nitrogen

Phosphorus

Other Elements and Compounds

4. Effects of Redox Conditions of Soil Organisms

Conclusion

References

Chapter 3: Role of Soil Organisms in Determining Nutrient Dynamics

Abstract

Introduction

Ecological Studies on Soil Organisms

Functional Classification of Soil Organisms

Microflora

Microfauna

Mesofauna

Macrofauna

General Linkages between Soil Biota

and Soil Nutrient Dynamics

Conclusion

References

Chapter 4: Soil Micronutrients: Role in Plant Growth and Integrated Nutrient Management Systems

Abstract

Introduction

Soil Status

Remedial Measures

Nutrient Deficiencies

Integrated Nutrient Management (INM)

Biodynamic Approach

Concluding Remarks

Acknowledgments

References

Chapter 5: Role of Microbial, Enzymatic and Pedofauna Activities in Making Good the Adaptation of Trachypogon to Phosphorus Depleted Environments

Abstract

Introduction

General Characteristic of the Soils of Trachypogon Savannas

Vegetation of Trachypogon Savannas

Primary Productivity in Trachypogon Savannas

Study Site

Role of Microbial and Enzymatic Activities

Arbuscular Mycorrhiza and Enzymatic Activities in the Rhizosphere

of Trachypogon Plumosus Ness. Their Role in Plant P-Uptake

Soil Chemical and Textural Analyses: Phosphorus Forms

Enzymatic Results and Viable Plate Counts

Mycorrhizal Status

Mineralization Processes in the Rhizosphere of Trachypogon

as Mechanisms for Plant P Uptake in Native Savanna Soils

Seasonal Changes in Po Fractions

P in Plants and Acid Phosphatase Activity (APA)

Soil Microbial Activity and Number

Soil Microbial Activity and Number

P Transformation Rates

Mycorrhizal Status of T. Plumosus

Role of Pedofauna Activity

Role of Pedofauna in the Generation of Biogenic “Hotspots”

in Trachypogon Savannas

Phosphorus Contents in Casts of Earthworms and Adjacent Soils

Phosphorus Fractionation in Earthworm Casts and Associated Soils

in Trachypogon Savannas

The Role of Feeding and Construction Habits on the P Content

of Termite Mounds

P Content of Termite Mounds in Relation to Adjacent Soils

P-Sorption of Termite Mounds in Relation to Adjacent Soils

Phosphatase Activities of Termite Mounds In Relation to Adjacent Soils

Origin of the Phosphate in the Mounds

Conclusion

Mycorrhizosphere Influence

Drilosphere and Termitosphere Influence

Acknowledgments

References

Chapter 6: Solubilization of Mineral and Rocks: Microorganisms Acting to Improve Soil Fertility

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Stonemeal: An Old Practice for Current

Problems

3. Mineral Solubilization Processes

by Microorganisms

3.1. Microorganisms and Weathering: A Geochemistry View

3.2. Role of the Organic Acids and other Metabolites

3.3. Microbial Action in Different Minerals and Rocks

3.3.1. Phosphate and Phosphatic Rocks

3.3.2. Micas and Feldspars

3.3.3. Other Minerals and Rocks

4. Final Considerations

References

Chapter 7: Role of Microorganisms in Nitrogen Cycling in Soils

Abstract

Introduction

Nitrogen Fixation

Ammonification

Nitrification

Denitrification

References

Chapter 8: Manganese Deficiency and Toxicity in Soils and Mechanisms Adopted by Plants in Order to Face these Nutritional Disorders: A Review

Abstract

Introduction

Mn Content of Different Rocks and Mn

Concentrations in Soils

Mn Containing Minerals

Mn Sources in Soils

Manganese Oxidation and Reduction in Soils

Mn Forms in Soils

Factors that Influence the Concentration

of Soluble Mn in Soils

Mn Uptake by Plants

Factors that Influence Mn Uptake by Plants

A. Soil Factors

B. Non Soil Factors

Mn Transport and Distribution

within Plant Tissues

Mn Toxicity Conditions and Symptoms

Factors Contributing to the Increase of Plants’ Resistance to Mn Toxicity

Strategies Adopted by Plants to Face Mn Toxicity

Mn Deficiency Conditions and Symptoms

Strategies Adopted by Plants to Face Mn Deficiency

Conclusion and Future Directions

References

Chapter 9: Sustainable Use of Rhizospheric Microflora in Reclamation of Soil Health

Abstract

Prologue

Soil Nutrients

Soil Organic Matter (SOM)

Soil Physico-Chemical Indicators

Functional Activity of Bacteria in Rhizosphere

and Soil Health

Rhizosphere Functionality and Soil

Rhizosphere and Soil Health

Soil Health and Plant Growth

Link between Below ground Diversity and Plant

Role of Crop Rotation in Restoration

of Soil Health

Reclamation of Contaminated Soil

Epilogue

References

Chapter 10: The Use of Vermicompost in Sustainable Agriculture: Impact on Plant Growth and Soil Fertility

Abstract

1. Introduction

1.1. The Use of Composted Materials in Sustainable Agriculture

1.2. Vermicomposting and Vermicompost Properties

2. How Vermicompost Influences Plant Growth:

Effects and Proposed Mechanisms

2.1. Effects of Vermicompost on Plant Growth

2.2. Plant Growth Regulating Mechanisms

2.2.1. Direct Mechanisms

2.2.2. Indirect Mechanisms

3. Effects of Vermicompost on Plant Growth

and Soil Fertility in a Sweet Corn

Stand: A Case Study

3.1. Effects of Vermicompost on Sweet Corn Growth and Yield

3.2. Effects of Vermicompost on the Quality of the Marketable Ears

3.3. Effects of Vermicompost in Soil Biochemical and Microbiological Properties

Conclusion

Acknowledgments

References

Chapter 11: Optimum Soil Nutrients: A Sine Qua Non for Sustainable Agriculture for Food and Nutrition Security

Abstract

Introduction

Meaning and Classification of Soil Nutrients

Functions of Soil Nutrients

Nutrient Uptake

Soil Nutrient Depletion in Africa

Factors Affecting Soil Fertility

Fertilizer Consumption

Soil Fertility Regeneration

Conclusion

References

Chapter 12: Chemical Soil Quality and Mycorrhiza

Abstract

Introduction

Mycorrhizal Symbioses

Mycorrhizal Symbioses and Biological Nitrogen Fixation

Mycorrhizal Symbioses and Soil Factors

Mycorrhizal Symbioses and Soil Factors In Brazil

Application of AMF in Agriculture

Outlook and Conclusion

Acknowledgments

References

Chapter 13: Micronutrient Availability in Crop Soils of the Pampas Region, Argentina

Abstract

Introduction

Functions and General Situation

of Micronutrients

Characteristics of the Study Area

Fertilizer Consumption in the Area

Micronutrients in Soils and Occurrence

of Micronutrient Deficiencies

in the Pampas Region

Zinc (Zn)

Boron (B)

Molybdenum (Mo)

Chlorine (Cl)

Copper (Cu)

Iron (Fe)

Manganese (Mn)

Products to Use and Application Forms

Final Considerations

References

Chapter 14: Soil Microbes and Soil Nutrients

Abstract

Introduction

Soil Microbes and Plant N Uptake

Soil Microbes and Plant P Uptake

Soil Microbes and Plant K Uptake

Soil Microbes and Plant S Uptake

Soil Microbes and Plant Micronutrient Uptake

Iron

Zinc

Copper

Manganese

Conclusion

References

Chapter 15: Uptake of Nitrogen by Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi

Abstract

Introduction

N Uptake in Mycorrhizal Plants

Conclusion

References

Index