Soil food web properties explain ecosystem services across European land use systems

Intensive land use reduces the diversity and abundance of many soil biota, with consequences for the processes that they govern and the ecosystem services that these processes underpin. Relationships between soil biota and ecosystem processes have mostly been found in laboratory experiments and rarely are found in the field. Here, we quantified, across four countries of contrasting climatic and soil conditions in Europe, how differences in soil food web composition resulting from land use systems (intensive wheat rotation, extensive rotation, and permanent grassland) influence the functioning of soils and the ecosystem services that they deliver. Intensive wheat rotation consistently reduced the biomass of all components of the soil food web across all countries. Soil food web properties strongly and consistently predicted processes of C and N cycling across land use systems and geographic locations, and they were a better predictor of these processes than land use. Processes of carbon loss increased with soil food web properties that correlated with soil C content, such as earthworm biomass and fungal/bacterial energy channel ratio, and were greatest in permanent grassland. In contrast, processes of N cycling were explained by soil food web properties independent of land use, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and bacterial channel biomass. Our quantification of the contribution of soil organisms to processes of C and N cycling across land use systems and geographic locations shows that soil biota need to be included in C and N cycling models and highlights the need to map and conserve soil biodiversity across the world.

Biomineralisation by earthworms: an investigation into the stability and distribution of amorphous calcium carbonate

Background Many biominerals form from amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC), but this phase is highly unstable when synthesised in its pure form inorganically. Several species of earthworm secrete calcium carbonate granules which contain highly stable ACC. We analysed the milky fluid from which granules form and solid granules for amino acid (by liquid chromatography) and functional group (by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy) compositions. Granule elemental composition was determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and electron microprobe analysis (EMPA). Mass of ACC present in solid granules was quantified using FTIR and compared to granule elemental and amino acid compositions. Bulk analysis of granules was of powdered bulk material. Spatially resolved analysis was of thin sections of granules using synchrotron-based μ-FTIR and EMPA electron microprobe analysis. Results The milky fluid from which granules form is amino acid-rich (≤ 136 ± 3 nmol mg−1 (n = 3; ± std dev) per individual amino acid); the CaCO3 phase present is ACC. Even four years after production, granules contain ACC. No correlation exists between mass of ACC present and granule elemental composition. Granule amino acid concentrations correlate well with ACC content (r ≥ 0.7, p ≤ 0.05) consistent with a role for amino acids (or the proteins they make up) in ACC stabilisation. Intra-granule variation in ACC (RSD = 16%) and amino acid concentration (RSD = 22–35%) was high for granules produced by the same earthworm. Maps of ACC distribution produced using synchrotron-based μ-FTIR mapping of granule thin sections and the relative intensity of the ν2: ν4 peak ratio, cluster analysis and component regression using ACC and calcite standards showed similar spatial distributions of likely ACC-rich and calcite-rich areas. We could not identify organic peaks in the μ-FTIR spectra and thus could not determine whether ACC-rich domains also had relatively high amino acid concentrations. No correlation exists between ACC distribution and elemental concentrations determined by EMPA. Conclusions ACC present in earthworm CaCO3 granules is highly stable. Our results suggest a role for amino acids (or proteins) in this stability. We see no evidence for stabilisation of ACC by incorporation of inorganic components.

Calibration and evaluation of individual-based models using Approximate Bayesian Computation

This paper investigates the feasibility of using approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) to calibrate and evaluate complex individual-based models (IBMs). As ABC evolves, various versions are emerging, but here we only explore the most accessible version, rejection-ABC. Rejection-ABC involves running models a large number of times, with parameters drawn randomly from their prior distributions, and then retaining the simulations closest to the observations. Although well-established in some fields, whether ABC will work with ecological IBMs is still uncertain. Rejection-ABC was applied to an existing 14-parameter earthworm energy budget IBM for which the available data consist of body mass growth and cocoon production in four experiments. ABC was able to narrow the posterior distributions of seven parameters, estimating credible intervals for each. ABC’s accepted values produced slightly better fits than literature values do. The accuracy of the analysis was assessed using cross-validation and coverage, currently the best available tests. Of the seven unnarrowed parameters, ABC revealed that three were correlated with other parameters, while the remaining four were found to be not estimable given the data available. It is often desirable to compare models to see whether all component modules are necessary. Here we used ABC model selection to compare the full model with a simplified version which removed the earthworm’s movement and much of the energy budget. We are able to show that inclusion of the energy budget is necessary for a good fit to the data. We show how our methodology can inform future modelling cycles, and briefly discuss how more advanced versions of ABC may be applicable to IBMs. We conclude that ABC has the potential to represent uncertainty in model structure, parameters and predictions, and to embed the often complex process of optimizing an IBM’s structure and parameters within an established statistical framework, thereby making the process more transparent and objective.

Molecular masses and sedimentation coefficients of extracellular hemoglobin of Glossoscolex paulistus: Alkaline oligomeric dissociation

The giant extracellular hemoglobin of Glossoscolex paulistus (HbGp) has a molecular mass (M) of 3600 +/- 100 kDa and a standard sedimentation coefficient (s(20.w)(0)) of 58 S. estimated by analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC). In the present work, further AUC studies were developed for HbGp, at pH 10.0, which favors oligomeric dissociation into lower M species. The HbGp oligomer is formed by globin chains a, b, c and d plus the linker chains. The pure monomeric fraction, subunit d, and HbGp at pH 10.0, in the presence of beta-mercaptoethanol, were also studied. Our results indicate that for samples of pure subunit d, besides the monomeric species with s(20.w)(0) of 2.0 S, formation of dimer of subunit d is observed with s(20.w)(0) of around 2.9 S. For the whole HbGp at pH 10.0 contributions from monomers, trimers and linkers are observed. No contribution from 58 S species was observed for the sample of oxy-HbGp at pH 10.0, showing its complete dissociation. For cyanomet-HbGp form a contribution of 17% is observed for the un-dissociated oligomer, consistent with data from other techniques that show the cyanomet-form is more stable as compared to oxy-HbGp. Masses of HbGp subunits, especially trimer abc and monomeric chains a, b, c and d, were also estimated from sedimentation equilibrium data, and are in agreement with the results from MALDI-TOF-MS. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

On the molecular mass of the extracellular hemoglobin of Glossoscolex paulistus: Analytical ultracentrifugation reexamination

The giant extracellular hemoglobin of Glossoscolex paulistus (HbGp) is constituted by Subunits containing heme groups with molecular masses (M) in the range of 15 to 19 kDa, monomers of 16 kDa (d), and trimers of 51 to 52 kDa (abc) linked by nonheme structures named linkers of 24 to 32 kDa (L). HbGp is homologous to Lumbricus terrestris hemoglobin (HbLt). Several reports propose M of HbLt in the range of 3.6 to 4.4 MDa. Based on subunits M determined by mass spectrometry and assuming HbGp stoichiometry of 12(abcd)(3)L(3) (Vinogradov model) plus 144 heme groups, a Value of M for HbGp oligomer of 3560 kDa can be predicted. This Value is nearly 500 kDa higher than the unique HbGp M Value reported in the literature. In the current work, sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) experiments were performed to obtain M for HbGp in oxy and cyano-met forms. s(20,w)(0), values of 58.1 +/- 0.2 S and 59.6 +/- 0.2 S, respectively, for the two oxidation forms were obtained. The ratio between sedimentation and diffusion coefficients supplied values for M of approximately 3600 100 and 3700 100 kDa for oxy and cyano-met HbGp forms, respectively. An independent determination of the partial specific volume, V(bar), for HbGp was performed based on density measurements, providing a value of 0.764 +/- 0.008, in excellent agreement with the estimates from SEDFIT software. Our results show total consistency between M obtained by AUC and recent partial characterization by mass spectrometry. Therefore, HbGp possesses M very close to that of HbLt, suggesting an oligomeric assembly in agreement with the Vinogradov model. (c) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Crescimento, produtividade e qualidade de raízes de rabanete cultivadas sob diferentes fontes e doses de adubos orgânicos

Avaliou-se o efeito da aplicação de doses de húmus de minhoca e de esterco bovino no crescimento de rabanete (Raphanus sativus L.), cultivar Crimson Giant, de agosto a setembro de 2002. Fez-se semeadura direta do rabanete com desbaste nove dias após, para adequar ao espaçamento de 0,20 x 0,08 m. Utilizou-se delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com sete tratamentos (15; 30 e 45 t ha-1 de húmus de minhoca e esterco bovino curtido, além do controle sem adição de fertilizante), em três repetições. Houve maior acúmulo de massa seca nas folhas em relação aos demais órgãos da planta, com acúmulo contínuo até os 13 dias após a semeadura, com posterior redução, quando ocorreu o desenvolvimento da raiz. As doses e fontes de adubos orgânicos aplicados pouco influenciaram no crescimento e nas produtividades total e comercial de raízes. O húmus de minhoca apresentou a menor porcentagem de raízes rachadas e isoporizadas nas doses de 9,2 e 20,4 t ha-1, respectivamente. A dose de esterco bovino, de 21,3 t ha-1 promoveu a maior porcentagem de raízes rachadas e a de 45 t ha-1 proporcionou redução em relação à de 15 t ha-1.

Biodegradation and toxicological evaluation of lubricant oils

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Efeito de diferentes substratos na produção de mudas de mangabeira (Hancornia speciosa)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Compostagem de resíduos da indústria de desfibrilação de algodão

O processo de compostagem foi avaliado por meio do monitoramento diário da temperatura em leiras confeccionadas com o resíduo da indústria de desfibrilação de algodão e tipos de inóculo. Foram avaliadas seis leiras, divididas em dois sistemas: com aeração e sem aeração, sendo estudados, em cada sistema, três tipos de inóculo: esterco bovino diluído em água; esterco bovino, e conteúdo ruminal. Avaliou-se, também, a porcentagem de redução de volume nas leiras quando se intensificaram os revolvimentos, visando a obter informações para fins de dimensionamento do pátio de compostagem. Os compostos produzidos foram transferidos para minhocário e amostras do produto após a compostagem e após a vermicompostagem foram analisadas quimicamente com o objetivo de avaliar os teores de nutrientes. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que o conteúdo ruminal utilizado como inóculo tende a apresentar valores mais altos de temperatura na fase inicial (fase ativa) e menores na fase final (maturação), embora, independentemente do tipo de inóculo utilizado, a estabilização praticamente tenha ocorrido no mesmo período; o sistema com aeração possibilitou, em todos os tratamentos, estabilização mais rápida do material, quando comparado ao sistema sem aeração; a intensificação dos revolvimentos possibilitou diminuição do tempo de retenção com redução de 46% no volume final, e a composição química dos vermicompostos apresentou-se enriquecida quando comparada aos compostos produzidos.

Produção de mudas de essências florestais em diferentes substratos e acompanhamento do desenvolvimento em campo

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Teores de macronutrientes em mudas de aceroleira (Malpighia emarginata DC.) em função da composição do substrato

The composition of substrates with different sources of organic matter is considered as a key factor to obtain seedlings of good quality. Then, this study aimed to evaluate the best source and the best quantity of organic matter that should be used in order to produce barbados cherry (Malpighia emarginata DC.) seedlings of good quality. A factorial arrangement of four (20: 80, 40: 60, 60:40 and 80:20% of organic matter: earth) by four (earthworm compost, burnt rice husk, powdered coconut husk and carnauba straw) levels was used and it was designed in randomized blocks with four replicates. The nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium content of the leaves and stems were quantified in the dry tissue. The results showed that the proportion 80% of earthworm compost: 20% of earth allowed good development of the plants and sufficient accumulation of N, P, K and Ca. Burnt rice husk, powdered coconut husk and carnauba straw have not generated seedlings of good quality.

Nitrous oxide production and potential denitrification in soils from riparian buffer strips: Influence of earthworms and plant litter

Vegetated riparian buffer strips have been established in Southern Quebec (Canada) in order to intercept nutrients such as nitrate (NO(3)(-)) and protect water quality near agricultural fields. Buffer strips may also favour denitrification through a combination of high soil moisture, NO(3)(-) and carbon supply, which could lead to the production of nitrous oxide (N(2)O), a greenhouse gas. Denitrification could be further amplified by the presence of earthworms, or by plant species that promote earthworm and bacterial activity in soils. Soils from four farms, comprising maize fields and adjacent buffer strips, were sampled in the fall of 2008. A total of six earthworm species were found, but average earthworm biomass did not differ between buffer strips and maize agroecoecosystems. Nitrate concentrations and net nitrification rates were higher in the maize fields than in the buffer strips: there was no difference in N(2)O production in soils collected from the two sampling locations. Potential denitrification, measured by acetylene inhibition, varied by two orders of magnitude, depending on experimental conditions: when amended with H(2)O or with H(2)O + NO3-, potential denitrification was higher (P < 0.05) in soils from buffer strips than from maize fields. Potential denitrification was highest in soils amended with H(2)O+glucose, or with H(2)O+ NO(3)(-) + glucose. Using microcosms, we tested the effect of litter-soil mixtures on earthworm growth, and the effect of earthworm-litter-soil mixtures on potential denitrification. Based on four categories of chemical assays, litters of woody species (oak, apple, Rhododendron) were generally of lower nutritional quality than litter from agronomic species (alfalfa, switchgrass, corn stover). Alfalfa litter had the most positive effect, whereas apple litter had the most negative effect, on earthworm growth. Potential denitrification was 2-4 times higher in earthworm-litter-soil mixtures than in plain soil. Litter treatments that included corn stover had lower potential denitrification than those that included alfalfa or switchgrass, whereas litter treatments that included oak had lower potential denitrification than those that included apple or Rhododendron. Results suggest that potential N(2)O emissions may be higher in riparian buffer strips than in adjacent maize fields, that N(2)O emissions in buffer strips may be amplified by comminuting earthworms, and that plant litters that reduce earthworm growth may not be best at mitigating N(2)O emissions. (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Germinação da semente e produção de mudas de cultivares de alface em diferentes substratos

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effects of the combinations of substrata on germination and development of seedlings of lettuce cultivars. The experiment was carried out in a nursery, in Mato Grosso do Sul State University. There wend compared the following combinations of substrata: washed sand + earthworm humus (2: 1); manure bovine + earthworm humus (2: 1); Plantmax(R) + earthworm humus (2: 1); washed sand + Plantmax(R) (2: 1) and manure bovine + Plantmax(R) (2: 1), and three lettuce cultivars: Crespa sem cabeca, Americana Julia and Baba de Verao. The experimental design was entirely at random, in a 5x3 factorial outline, with four replications and 16 seeds perplot. There were considered for evaluation 10 central seedlings per plot. The characteristics evaluated were: germination percentage (%), index of germination speed (IVE) and dry mass of the whole seedling (g). For all the analyzed variables, the cultivars Baba de Verao and Crespa sem cabeca presented the best results. Manure + humus was the best substratum to obtain seedling with larger development (vigor), althout it did not increase IVE and germination percentage.

Thermal denaturation and aggregation of hemoglobin of Glossoscolex paulistus in acid and neutral media

The thermal denaturation and aggregation of the HbGp, in the oxy- and cyanomet-forms, was investigated by DSC, AUC, DLS, optical absorption and CD, in the pH range from 5.0 to 7.0. Oxy-HbGp has a denaturation process partially reversible and dependent on the temperature. DSC melting curve is characterized by a single peak with Tc value of 333.4±0.2K for oxy-HbGp, while two peaks with Tc values of 332.2±0.1 and 338.4±0.2K are observed for cyanomet-HbGp, at pH 7.0. In acidic pH oxy- and cyanomet-HbGp are more stable showing higher Tc values and aggregation. AUC data show that, HbGp, at pH 7.0, upon denaturation, remains undissociated at 323K, presenting oligomeric dissociation at 333 (12±3% of tetramer and 88±5% of whole HbGp) and 343K (70±5% of monomer and 30±2% of trimer). DLS data show that the lag period before aggregation is dependent on the temperature and HbGp concentration. Optical absorption and CD results show that the increase of temperature leads to the oxy-HbGp oxidation and aggregation, above 331K, in acidic pH. CD data, for HbGp, present a greater thermal stability in acid medium than at neutral pH, with similar Tc values for both oxidation forms. Our data are consistent with previous studies and represents an advance in understanding the thermal stability of oligomeric HbGp structure. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.

Formação de mudas de alface em bandejas preenchidas com diferentes substratos

This study was conducted in the Department of Horticulture and Experimentation at the University Jose do Rosario Vellano (UNIFENAS) in Alfenas-MG, Brasil in order to evaluate the formation of lettuce seedlings in trays filled with different substrates. The materials used to compose the substrates were pig bed base with wood shavings (M), pig bed with base coffee straw (C), earthworm humus (H) and commercial substrates Nutriorg (R) and Plantmax (R) The use of these pure substrates and various mixtures permitted the formation of 18 substrates that constituted the treatments. The experimental design was a completely randomized design with three replications. The lettuce seedlings were formed with the lettuce cultivar Regina. The seeds were sown in trays with 128 cells filled with the substrates under study. Each experimental unit was compost of 64 cells. The conduct of the experiment was within a protective structure of 85 m 2, model chapel with transparent plastic cover 100 microns thickness, additives against ultraviolet rays. After 30 days of sowing, ten seedlings were harvested randomly within each experimental unit for evaluating the number of leaves and the plant height. It was also evaluated the fresh and dry mass of aerial part and fresh and dry mass of root. It was concluded that the substrate T1 - M met the best features for the formation of lettuce seedlings in trays of 128 cells.