Ratio of natural isotopes of nitrogen. I. Primary results: soils of Dombes [Translation from: Revue d'Ecologie et de Biologie du Sol 14, 279-287, 1977]

Utilization of the heavy isotope of nitrogen as a tracer has found numerous applications in soil biology. It allows better definition of different stages of the nitrogen cycle, in particular the immobilization-mineralization cycle. In this work, the authors report the results of calculations of natural isotope ratios of nitrogen in samples of water, soil and vegetation prevailing in Dombes and discuss the possibilities of errors and coefficients of fractionation.

Analysis of soils and sediments for organic pollutants

20 samples of soil or sediment (7 of which were predominantly sand) from various locations were received for analysis of their content of organic pollutants. These analyses were performed using a capillary column gas chromatograph equipped with an electron impact (E.I.) mass spectrometer as detector and using computerised data storage. In addition to the target compounds, the full scan data were examined to determine the composition of natural organic products and a series of diagnostic fragment ions was used to search for additional anthropogenic products. Organic-rich environmental samples are notoriously difficult to analyse for pollutant organics owing to the presence of high concentrations of many natural organic compounds. A single procedure for extraction and clean-up was adopted. It was designed for chlorinated aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons and other pesticides containing acidic functional groups and was based on published methods for the determination of organic pollutants in soils and sediments. 4 soils and 2 sands showed levels of one or two groups of PCBs slightly in excess of the detection limit, one sample showed a similar level of 2,4-D and 3 samples contained dieldrin at or just above the detection limit.

Assessment of habitat quality for juvenile California halibut (Paralichthys californicus) in a seasonally arid estuary

We evaluated habitat quality for juvenile California halibut (Paralichthys californicus) in a Pacific Coast estuary lacking in strong salinity gradients by examining density, recent otolith growth rates, and gut fullness levels of wild-caught and caged juveniles for one year. Juveniles <200 mm standard length were caught consistently in the inner, central, and outer sections of the estuary. The density of juveniles was two times higher in the inner estuary during most of the year, consistent with active habitat selection by part of the population. A generalized linear model indicated temperature, sampling time, and the interaction between salinity and temperature were significantly related to density. However, the model explained only 21% of the variance. Gut fullness levels of wild-caught juveniles were highest during the summer, but recent otolith growth rates were not related to temperature. The proportion of individuals feeding successfully indicated that seasonal differences in food availability are more important than spatial variation in prey abundance in driving feeding success. Feeding success of caged fishes was limited, precluding the use of growth rates as indicators of local habitat quality. However, marginal increment widths were reliable indicators of somatic growth at low growth rates over two-week periods. The relatively high growth rates and abundance of small wild-caught juveniles found throughout the estuary indicates that the entire estuary system has the potential for serving as nursery habitat.

Local distribution and abundance of swimming crabs (Callinectes spp. and Arenaeus cribrarius) on a tropical arid beach

Distribution, abundance, and several population features were studied in Ensenada de La Vela (Venezuela) between 1993 and 1998 as a first step in the assessment of local fisheries of swimming crabs. Arenaeus cribrarius was the most abundant species at the marine foreshore. Callinectes danae prevailed at the estuarine location. Callinectes bocourti was the most abundant species at the offshore. Abundances of A. cribrarius and C. danae fluctuated widely and randomly. Ovigerous females were almost absent. Adults of several species were smaller than previously reported. This study suggests that fisheries based on these swimming crabs probably will be restricted to an artisanal level because abundances appear too low to support industrial exploitation.

Role of rainfall in the breeding of Labeo rohita (Ham.), Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham.), Catla catla (Ham.), at Damdama (Haryana), a semi-arid zone

The role of several environmental factors on the breeding and hatching of fish has been studied by many earlier investigators. Perfection in the hypophysation technique has helped to some extent in by-passing the environmental variables such as temperature, light and rain. With the use of a modern fish hatchery, it is possible to attain maximum success in breeding and hatching, even without rains; reference is given to studies carried out regarding the role of rainfall in the breeding of Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala, Catla catla.

Breeding of Indian major carps and common carp in semi-arid zone of Haryana under controlled environment

Vast barren lands are lying vacant in the semi-arid zone of India, which can effectively be utilised for fish farming. Experiments conducted in semi-arid conditions at Damdama indicated that it is possible to breed Indian major carps and common carp under controlled conditions of modern carps hatchery CIFE D-80 without depending on rain.

A simple technique of controlled breeding of carps in semi-arid environment

A semi-arid environment is a major constraint for production of carp seed through hypophysation. At a water temperature above 31 degree C fishes often fail to respond to induced breeding or produce partial or full eggs with fairly less fertilization, leading to their mortality during embryonic development. Field trials with Labee rohita and Cyprinus carpio communis prove that hypophysation followed by stripping and hatching in a water medium with reduced temperature (below 31 degree C) through controlled use of ice-water and water showers can result in 50-60% fertilization of eggs and 50-72% hatching for L. rohita, and 40-90% fertilization and 49-77% hatching for C. carpio communis. Simultaneous breeding experiments of the species in normal water temperature (>31 degree C) showed negative results.

Management of waterlogged areas, island and coastal saline soils using fish based mixed farming system

Problems in India regarding the management of various coastal saline soil and waterlogged environments are discussed in detail, considering in particular the potential application of mixed fish farming systems. Various operational and cost requirements of such systems are examined.

On acid sulfate soils of the coastal aquaculture ponds of Bangladesh

With the stimulus of the very high international market value of penaeid shrimp, new pond areas for shrimp farming are rapidly being added in Bangladesh. Unfortunately, this expansion is occurring with the loss of some natural mangrove forests and with soils and sediments that are far from ideal for aquaculture. In this study, two representative shrimp farming areas were surveyed and pH, in profile depth, was recorded. It was found that the shrimp farming areas of the Chakaria Sundarban are more acidic than those of the Khulna-Satkhira region due to the acid sulfate soils.