Soil science
Fatemeh Rakhsh; Ahmad Golchin; Ali Beheshti Ale Agha
Abstract
Introduction
Soil texture is one of the most influential characteristics of soils that affect the decomposition and retention of soil organic matter because it directly or indirectly affects soil's physical, chemical, and biological properties. Soil clays play an important role in soil organic matter ...
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Introduction
Soil texture is one of the most influential characteristics of soils that affect the decomposition and retention of soil organic matter because it directly or indirectly affects soil's physical, chemical, and biological properties. Soil clays play an important role in soil organic matter stability. Organic matter adsorbed on phyllosilicate clays is more resistant to microbial decomposition than organic matter that has not interacted with any mineral. Exchangeable cations with the influence of physical and chemical characteristics of the soil probably cause changes in the absorption and retention of organic matter. In previous studies, the effect of soil texture on organic matter retention has been investigated, but the impact of clay type and exchange cation has not been investigated. This study aimed to examine the effect of different contents of vermiculite and zeolite clays and exchange cations on the mineralization of organic nitrogen.
Materials and Methods
A factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications to study the effect of the type and content of clay and the type of exchange cations on organic nitrogen dynamics. Experimental treatments include two types of clay (vermiculite and zeolite), four different levels of clay (0, 15, 30, and 45%), and three types of exchangeable cations (Na+, Ca2+, and Al3+). The experiment included 24 treatments and three replications. There were total of 72 experimental units. Artificial soil of 50 grams was prepared separately according to the amount and type of clay and the type of exchange cation. Then, alfalfa plant residues were added to all the samples at 5% w/w. After adding the inoculum and air drying the samples, the humidity of the samples reached 60% of the field capacity (FC) using distilled water (We first air-dried the samples to prevent the excess water from causing an error in the final moisture, and then we added enough distilled water to each sample to reach 60% of FC). They were kept in the dark for 60 days at a temperature of 23 °C. Distilled water was added and sealed to the bottom of the incubation jars to keep the moisture content of the soil samples constant during incubation. The percentage of mineralized nitrogen, microbial biomass nitrogen, and the activity of acid and alkaline phosphatase and cellulase enzymes were determined in the prepared samples. The data were analyzed using ANOVA, and the means were compared using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT). Before applying ANOVA, the data's normality and variance homogeneity were checked using Kolmogorov- Smirnov and Levene tests, respectively. The SPSS software (Windows version 25.0, SPSS Inc., Chicago, USA) and SAS software (version 9.4, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) were employed for data analysis.
Results and Discussion
The results of variance analysis of the data showed that the effect of the type and content of clay and the type of exchangeable cation on the percentage of mineralized nitrogen, microbial biomass nitrogen, and the activity of acid and alkaline phosphatase and cellulase enzymes were significant (p< 0.01). The results revealed that, regardless of the duration of the samples, with the increase in the amount of clay, the percentage of inorganic nitrogen and the activity of enzymes decreased, but the nitrogen of microbial biomass increased. The highest percentage of inorganic nitrogen was obtained 60 days after incubation of the samples and in clays saturated with calcium, and the lowest amount of these attributes was obtained 15 days after incubation of the samples and in clays saturated with aluminum. The results showed that nitrogen mineralization increased with the samples' incubation time. Also, the highest percentage of mineralized nitrogen, microbial biomass nitrogen, and enzyme activity were observed in soils with vermiculite clay.
Conclusion
The increase in the incubation duration increased the percentage of inorganic nitrogen. The percentage of mineralized nitrogen and microbial biomass nitrogen was higher in soils with vermiculite clay than in soils with zeolite clay. Moreover, regardless of the incubation duration of samples, with increasing clay content, the percentage of mineralized nitrogen and enzyme activity decreased, but with increasing clay nitrogen content, microbial biomass increased. The highest and lowest amounts of mineralized nitrogen and nitrogen of microbial biomass were measured in soils with calcium and aluminum, respectively. The results showed the effect of the clay type and content and the exchangeable cation type on organic nitrogen dynamics.
Hadiseh Rahmani; Amir Lakzian; Ali reza Karimi; Akram Halajnia
Abstract
Introduction: Laccases are potent enzymes that are capable of oxidizing various phenolic and non-phenolic compounds as well as resistant environmental pollutants. One of the most effective methods for improving their properties, such as increasing the stability of these enzymes and even increasing their ...
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Introduction: Laccases are potent enzymes that are capable of oxidizing various phenolic and non-phenolic compounds as well as resistant environmental pollutants. One of the most effective methods for improving their properties, such as increasing the stability of these enzymes and even increasing their activity, is the immobilization of laccases on different carriers. In the process of immobilization, the enzyme is bonded to a solid carrier which is insoluble in the reaction mixture. In this process, the movement of the enzyme in space is severely restricted, while its catalytic activity is still maintained. One of the carriers used to create recyclable biocatalyst systems is mineral. Minerals as inorganic carriers are inexpensive, abundant in nature, readily available, and also have high biocompatibility. The objective of the present study was to investigate the adsorption properties of Laccase enzyme from T. versicolor fungus on montmorillonite K10 and zeolite minerals using Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherms.
Materials and Methods: For this study, the pure laccase enzyme (> 10U mg-1), 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) substrate and montmorillonite K10 mineral (with a specific surface area of 220-270 m2/g and a cation exchange capacity (CEC) equal to 30 meq 100 g-1) were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich. Zeolite mineral was provided from a mine located in southeast Semnan province. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of both minerals, CEC of zeolite with sodium acetate solution (pH=8.2) and zeolite surface area were determined. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzes of zeolite mineral were also done. In order to immobilize laccase on the minerals, 200 mg of both minerals were activated by shaking with 0.5N HNO3 for 2 hours and a solution of 2% 3-aminopropyltriethoxylane in acetone. The activated minerals were treated by a 5% solution of glutaraldehyde in a 0.1M sodium acetate buffer (pH=5) and were shaken for 24 hours with 0.25-2.0 mg of the laccase dissolved in the buffer. Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherms were determined. The experiment was carried out at a constant temperature of 20°C. The results were analyzed using the MSTATC software and the means of the data were compared using Duncan’s multiple range test.
Results and Discussion: Based on the results, the zeolite type was clinoptilolite with a chemical formula of (Na,K,Ca)2.5Al3(Al,Si)2Si13O36.12H2O. Moreover, BET Surface Area, Langmuir Surface Area, t-Plot Micropore Area and t-Plot External Surface Area of zeolite were 40.2712, 645.4780, 3.5188 and 36.7524 m2/g, respectively. Laccase absorption on montmorillonite K10 showed the highest compliance first with the Dubinin–Radushkevich model (R2=0.97) and then with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm model (R2=0.96). Based on the D-R model, the theoretical monolayer sorption capacity (qm) and the constant of the sorption energy (ß) of montmorillonite K10 were 3 mg/g and 0.62 (×103 mol2/J2), respectively. According to the Langmuir isotherm, there was probably a homogeneous distribution of active sites on the montmorillonite K10 mineral surface. On the other hand, laccase adsorption on zeolite showed the best compliance with the Freundlich model (R2=0.87). Accordingly, sorption capacity (KF) of zeolite was 0.05 mg/g (L/mg)1/n. The amount of n parameter as an indicator of the favorability of sorption process was 1.49 demonstrating favorable absorption condition. The values of R2 obtained for Temkin isotherm model were, however, equal in both minerals (R2=0.62 for montmorillonite K10 and R2 = 0.61 for zeolite), and based on this model, the adsorption process was likely to be exothermic. According to the values of the equilibrium parameter (RL) of montmorillonite K10, the absorption was favorable. However, with increasing the initial concentration of laccase, the amount of RL approached zero indicating the laccase adsorption on the mineral is more favorable at higher initial concentrations of laccase. Based on % Removal parameter, the highest percentage of laccase adsorption on montmorillonite K10 and zeolite was related to concentrations of 250 and 125 mg/L, respectively, which showed a statistically significant difference with other concentrations.
Conclusion: In general, laccase absorption on montmorillonite K10 showed the best fit with Dubinin–Radushkevich and Langmuir adsorption isotherm models. On the other hand, adsorption of laccase on zeolite mineral showed the best fit with Freundlich model. A higher degree of steric hindrance and conformational changes in the enzyme structure is likely to occur and subsequently, the catalytic efficiency of the enzyme complexes may decrease. Therefore, montmorillonite is more suited to be used as a carrier of laccase enzymes. However, complementary studies such as kinetic tests will help to make final decisions.
Seyyedeh Zohreh Taghdisi heydarian; Reza Khorassani; Hojat Emami
Abstract
Introduction: The amount of soil nutrients and their availability for plants are the important aspects of soil fertility. Although micronutrients are used by plants in very small amounts, they play an active role in many plant-based processes and reactions influencing the plant growth and yield. The ...
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Introduction: The amount of soil nutrients and their availability for plants are the important aspects of soil fertility. Although micronutrients are used by plants in very small amounts, they play an active role in many plant-based processes and reactions influencing the plant growth and yield. The efficiency of absorption of micronutrient can be increased by adding some organic and mineral materials to soil. Saha et al. (41) observed an increase in micronutrient concentration of corn grain by adding organic materials to soil. Zeolite is one of the most commonly minerals used to increase agricultural production (17). The zeolites, due to their structure and porosity, are well-suited for retaining the nutrients and gradually releasing them into the root zone (40).Despite the positive effects of zeolite on some physical and chemical properties of soil, its application at high levels may adversely affect the absorption of nutrients and plant growth. Hamidpour et al. (18) who used zeolite for Zinnia flower, reported that zeolite reduced the yield of Zinnia flower. Basari et al. (4) reported that zeolite application increased soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC). Therefore, this research was carried out with the aim of assessing the influence of zeolite application, type (i.e. vermicompost and cow manure) and organic matter levels on the growth and the micronutrients uptake and determining the appropriate composition for corn.
Materials and Methods: A factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications in greenhouse under controlled condition.The treatments consisted of raw zeolite (natural) in three levels (0, 6, 12% by weight), organic matter including vermicompost in three levels (0, 0.125, 0.25% or 0, 5, 10 t ha-1) and cow manure at three levels (0, 0.5, 1% by weight or 0, 20, 40 t ha-1).The soil was collected at a depth of 0-30 cm from the Mashhad Soil and Water Research Center. General soil characteristics and micronutrients concentration (iron, zinc and manganese) were determined according to standard methods (14, 27). For vermicompost and cow manure, some parameters such as pH and EC, organic carbon (46), available phosphorus and potassium (21), total nitrogen (7) and micronutrient (iron, zinc and manganese) were also measured (21). Further, pH, EC and micronutrient (iron, zinc, and manganese) were measured for natural zeolite (27). The pots were prepared by mixing 5 kg soil and experimental materials. N, P, and K were added according to soil testing. Irrigation with distilled water at field capacity level was done during the growth period. The plants were harvested75 days after sowing and after separating shoot and root, the plant materials were transferred to laboratory. Root and shoot dry weight were determined and after dry digesting of plant materials, the concentration of micronutrient were quantified by Atomic Absorption (21). The soil samples were also analyzed in order to determine the chemical properties of the soil after harvesting. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using JMP software and the mean comparison was carried out based on LSD test at 5% probability level.
Results and Discussion: The results of the experiment showed that increasing zeolite levels reduced dry weight, decreased height and uptake of zinc, iron and manganese and increased soil pH and iron and manganese concentrations. In addition, it was observed that the zeolite application had a negative effect on the plant growth and micronutrients uptake. Burriesci et al. (8) concluded that the zeolite application without fertilizing seems not to considerably increase plant growth. According to Kimberly and Nelson (24), the use of natural zeolite, without adding nutrients, leads to a competition between plant roots and zeolite for the nutrients absorption. Sarmetzidis et al. (42) showed that zeolite had no effect on the growth and yield of roses. Kolar et al. (25) reported that increasing the amount of zeolite in the geranium cultivar increased pH and the plants growth. At lower levels of zeolite, shoot fresh and dry weight was larger than that in higher levels of zeolite. Our results also denoted that the maximum amount of plant dry weight, plant height, the micronutrient (zinc, iron and manganese) uptake and the lowest soil pH were observed for the treatment of cow manure (1 %) in the absence of zeolite which had a significant difference relative to other treatments and also control. Shirani et al. (44) reported that the application of cow manure significantly increased corn dry matter. Ortiz and Alkaniz (36) showed that using organic fertilizers enhances the amount of absorbent metals such as iron, zinc and manganese as these metals are in a soluble and exchangeable form in these fertilizers. By releasing organic acids, the organic fertilizers, especially cow manure, reduce the localized pH of soil and increase the iron uptake by plants during the mineralization process.
Conclusion: According to the results, the use of zeolite increased soil pH, decreased corn growth and micronutrient uptake. Applying organic materials with zeolite can reduce the mentioned negative effect of zeolite. Cow manure at lowest level was more efficient than vermicompost at all levels. Overall, adding cow manure can improve the plant growth and micronutrient uptake by plant when the zeolite is intended to be used to modify soil physical characteristic.
F. Sohrab; N. Abbasi; A. Mahdipour
Abstract
Introduction: Soil structural stability affects the profitability and sustainability of agricultural systems. Particle size distribution (PSD) and aggregate stability are the important characteristics of soil. Aggregate stability has a significant impact on the development of the root system, water and ...
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Introduction: Soil structural stability affects the profitability and sustainability of agricultural systems. Particle size distribution (PSD) and aggregate stability are the important characteristics of soil. Aggregate stability has a significant impact on the development of the root system, water and carbon cycle and soil resistance against soil erosion. Soil aggregate stability, defined as the ability of the aggregates to remain intact when subject to a given stress, is an important soil property that affects the movement and storage of water, aeration, erosion, biological activity and growth of crops. Dry soil aggregate stability (Mean Weight Diameter (MWD), Geometric Mean Diameter (GMD)) and Wet Aggregate Stability (WAS) are important indices for evaluating soil aggregate stability.To improve soil physical properties, including modifying aggregate, using various additives (organic, inorganic and chemicals), zeolites are among what has been studied.According to traditional definition, zeolites are hydratealuminosilicates of alkaline and alkaline-earth minerals. Their structure is made up of a framework of[SiO4]−4 and [AlO4]−5 tetrahedron linked to each other's cornersby sharing oxygen atoms. The substitution of Si+4 by Al+3 intetrahedral sites results inmore negative charges and a high cation exchange capacity.Zeolites, as natural cation exchangers, are suitable substitutes to remove toxic cations. Among the natural zeolites,Clinoptilolite seems to be the most efficient ion exchanger and ion-selective material forremoving and stabilizing heavy metals.Due to theexisting insufficient technical information on the effects of using different levels of zeolite on physical properties of different types of soils in Iran, the aim of this research was to assess the effects of two different types of zeolite (Clinoptilolite natural zeolite, Z4, and Synthetic zeolite, A4) on aggregate stability indicesof soil.
Materials and Methods: In this study at first, after preparation of two different types of soil with light and medium texture and doing identification tests such as determination of gradation and hydrometer tests and Atterberg limits, zeolite in four levels, 0 (control), 1%, 5%, and 10%w/w, was mixed with two soil textures (sandy loam and silty loam) in three replications. Then, each treatment was saturated for 48 hours in each month, during 6 months. Dry soil aggregate stability (Mean Weight Diameter (MWD), Geometric Mean Diameter (GMD), and Wet Aggregate Stability (WAS)), were determined. The experiment was carried out using factorial method in a randomized complete design.
Results and Discussion:The results showed that, in sandy loam texture, there was no significant difference between two types of zeolites, their level of using and their interaction on MWD (p
M. Hajhashemkhani; M. Ghobadi Nia; Seyed Hassan Tabatabaei; A. Hosseinpour; S. Houshmand
Abstract
Recently, wastewater is one of the water resources for irrigation due to the scarcity of water resources. In this regard, using adsorbents such as zeolites is recommended to improve the characteristics of the wastewater. Although the results show that natural zeolite decrease amount of pollutions but ...
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Recently, wastewater is one of the water resources for irrigation due to the scarcity of water resources. In this regard, using adsorbents such as zeolites is recommended to improve the characteristics of the wastewater. Although the results show that natural zeolite decrease amount of pollutions but at the same time decreases the permeability of the soil, which could adversely affect the soil. This study was done in 2012 at the Shahrekord University, 27 PVC columns were used to study the effect of modified zeolite particles on permeability and quality of the wastewater. The experiment consisted of two factors the type of the microzeolite (natural zeolite, modified zeolite) and application procedure of the micro zeolite (mixed, layer) with three replications and in total had 7 treated. Injection of wastewater into the soil was through waterlogging and repeated fifteen times with a weekly frequency. Volume of wastewater used in each injection is equal "nv". In frequency injections of 1,3,5,7,11,15 infiltration was measured using Falling Heads. The results showed that treatment of modified zeolite included mixed, middle layer and layer on the surface had the highest infiltration rate respectively and treatment with natural zeolite included mixed, middle layer, layer on the surface had lowest infiltration rate. Further modified treatments decreased Ca effluent rate 111% with respect to natural Zeolite and therefore caused modified treatments to decrease SAR amount 45% with respect to control treatments and 132% with respect to natural zeolite.
M. Alizadeh; F. Mirzaei; T. Sohrabi; M. Kavoosi; M.R. Yazdani
Abstract
Water management in cracked paddy soils is an important issue in rice cultivation. In order to investigate the effect of rice straw and zeolite and their interaction effect on the physical condition of soils of paddy fields and prevention of crack, rice straw factor at four levels (0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 ...
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Water management in cracked paddy soils is an important issue in rice cultivation. In order to investigate the effect of rice straw and zeolite and their interaction effect on the physical condition of soils of paddy fields and prevention of crack, rice straw factor at four levels (0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 percent) zeolite factor at four levels (0, 8, 16 and 24 tons per hectare) and also moisture stages of soil which are wet and dry stages at 5 levels which have been studied in three replication as factorial based on the complete randomized block design in Rice Research Institute of Iran. Soil distance from the wall of the container, the width of cracks, a few days to reach the crack with a certain width, bulk density and surface cracks were measured. Results showed that adding high levels of residue to delay the occurrence of cracks. However, the addition of zeolite has no significant effect in delaying the cracks. The relationship between bulk density and surface cracks that follow the linear equation, With increasing cracks surface, bulk density is increased. Finally, Can be concluded that the addition of plant residues, causing disappearance of existing cracks and returned to the soil to be the initial state.
