Molecular and isotopic characterization of organic samples from the wreck of the Saint-Etienne merchant ship (XVIIIth century): Identification of pitch, fat, hair and sulfur

The wreck U Pezzo, excavated within the Saint Florent Gulf in northern Corsica was identified as the pink, Saint Etienne, a merchant ship which sank on January 31, 1769. In order to determine the composition of organic materials used to coat the hull or to waterproof different parts of the pink, a study of several samples, using molecular biomarker and carbon isotopic analysis, was initiated. The results revealed that the remarkable yellow coat, covering the outside planks of the ship's bottom under the water line, is composed of sulfur, tallow (of ox and not of cetacean origin) and black pitch which corresponds to a mixture called ``couroi'' or ``stuff'. Onboard ropes had been submitted to a tarring treatment with pitch. Hairs mixed with pitch were identified in samples collected between the two layers of the hull or under the sheathing planking. The study also provides a key model for weathering of pitch, as different degrees of degradation were found between the surface and the heart of several samples. Accordingly, molecular parameters for alteration were proposed. Furthermore novel mixed esters between terpenic and diterpenic alcohols and the free major fatty acids (C(14:0), C(16:0), C(18:0)) were detected in the yellow coat. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A low-dose stimulation protocol using highly purified follicle-stimulating hormone can lead to high pregnancy rates in in vitro fertilization patients with polycystic ovaries who are at risk of a high ovarian response to gonadotropins.

OBJECTIVE: To study the benefits of a low-dose stimulation (LDS) protocol with purified urinary follicle-stimulating hormone in patients with polycystic ovaries who have presented previously with a very high ovarian response to a standard hMG stimulation. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Fertility center in a university hospital. PATIENT(S): Sixty-one patients involved in an IVF/ICSI program from January 1995 to December 1996. INTERVENTION(S): The patients were first stimulated with a standard protocol using hMG and presented with a very high ovarian response. These patients were then stimulated a second time using a low-dose protocol. Cryopreserved embryos were transferred in later artificial or natural cycles until to December 1999. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Number of gonadotropin ampules; estradiol level on the day of ovulation induction; follicles, oocytes, and cryopreserved zygotes; fertilization, implantation, and pregnancy rates; and number of ovarian hyperstimulation syndromes (OHSS). RESULT(S): The number of ampules used, the estradiol level reached, and the number of oocytes obtained were significantly lower under the LDS than the standard protocol. High implantation (21.8%) and clinical pregnancy (38.4%) rates were obtained after LDS. The cumulated deliveries per cycle started and per patient were, respectively, 41.6% and 52.5%. Five patients suffered OHSS with the standard protocol, and none with the LDS. CONCLUSION(S): The LDS protocol offers a safe and efficient treatment for patients who present with echographic polycystic ovaries and are at risk of an excessive ovarian response to standard IVF stimulation protocols.

Maize response to nitrogen fertilization timing in two tillage systems in a soil with high organic matter content

No-tillage systems, associated to black oat as preceding cover crop, have been increasingly adopted. This has motivated anticipated maize nitrogen fertilization, transferring it from the side-dress system at the stage when plants have five to six expanded leaves to when the preceding cover crop is eliminated or to maize sowing. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of soil tillage system and timing of N fertilization on maize grain yield and agronomic efficiency of N applied to a soil with high organic matter content. A three-year field experiment was conducted in Lages, state of Santa Catarina, from 1999 onwards. Treatments were set up in a split plot arrangement. Two soil tillage systems were tested in the main plots: conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT). Six N management systems were assessed in the split-plots: S1 - control, without N application; S2 - all N (100 kg ha-1) applied at oat desiccation; S3 - all N applied at maize sowing; S4 - all N side-dressed when maize had five expanded leaves (V5 growth stage); S5 - 1/3 of N rate applied at maize sowing and 2/3 at V5; S6 - 2/3 of nitrogen rate applied at maize sowing and 1/3 at V5. Maize response to the time and form of splitting N was not affected by the soil tillage system. Grain yield ranged from 6.0 to 11.8 t ha-1. The anticipation of N application (S2 and S3) decreased grain yield in two of three years. In the rainiest early spring season (2000/2001) of the experiment, S4 promoted an yield advantage of 2.2 t ha-1 over S2 and S3. Application of total N rate before or at sowing decreased the number of kernels produced per ear in 2000/2001 and 2001/2002 and the number of ears produced per area in 2001/2002, resulting in reduced grain yield. The agronomic efficiency of applied N (kg grain increase/kg of N applied) ranged from 13.9 to 38.8 and was always higher in the S4 than in the S2 and S3 N systems. Short-term N immobilization did not reduce grain yield when no N was applied before or at maize sowing in a soil with high organic matter content, regardless of the soil tillage system.

Characterization of magmatic sulfur in the Aegean island arc by means of the δ34S values of fumarolic H2S, elemental S, and hydrothermal gypsum from Nisyros and Milos islands

A delta(34)S value of +6.3 +/- 1.5% was estimated for the rhyodacitic degassing magma present underneath the hydrothermal system of Nisyros, based on the S isotope ratios of H2S in fumarolic vapors. This value was estimated by modeling the irreversible water-rock mass transfers occurring during the generation of the hydrothermal liquid which separates these fumarolic vapors. The S isotope ratio of the rhyodacitic degassing magma of Nisyros is consistent with fractional crystallization of a parent basaltic magma with an initial delta(34)S value of +4% (+/-at least 1.5%). This positive value could be explained by mantle contamination due to by either transference of fluids derived from subducted materials or involvement of altered oceanic crust, whereas contribution of biogenic sulfides from sediments seems to be negligible or nil. This conclusion agrees with the lack of N-2 and CO2 from thermal decomposition of organic matter contained in subducted sediments, which is a characteristic of the whole Aegean arc system. Since hydrothermal S at Milos and Santorini has isotope ratios similar to those determined at Nisyros, it seems likely that common controlling processes are active throughout the Aegean island arc. (C) 2002 Elsevier, Science B.V. All rights reserved.

The effect of nitrogen and sulphur fertilization on yield and quality of kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea, L.)

In a greenhouse pot experiment with kohlrabi, variety Luna, we explored the joint effect of N (0.6 g N per pot = 6 kg of soil) and S in the soil (25-35-45 mg kg-1 of S) on yields, on N, S and NO3- content in tubers and leaves, and on alterations in the amino acids concentration in the tubers. S fertilisation had no effect on tuber yields. The ranges of N content in tubers and leaves were narrow (between 1.42-1.48 % N and 1.21-1.35 % N, respectively) and the effect of S fertilisation was insignificant. S concentration in the tubers ranged between 0.59 and 0.64 % S. S fertilisation had a more pronounced effect on the S concentration in leaf tissues where it increased from 0.50 to 0.58 or to 0.76 % S under the applied dose. The NO3- content was higher in tubers than in leaves. Increasing the S level in the soil significantly reduced NO3- concentrations in the tubers by 42.2-53.6 % and in the leaves by 8.8-21.7 %. Increasing the S content in the soil reduced the concentration of cysteine + methionine by 16-28 %. The values of valine, tyrosine, aspartic acid and serine were constant. In the S0, S1, and S2 treatments the levels of threonine, isoleucine, leucine, arginine, the sum of essential amino acids and alanine decreased from 37 to 9 %. The histidine concentration increased with increasing S fertilisation. S fertilisation of kohlrabi can be recommended to stabilize the yield and reduce the undesirable NO3- contained in the parts used for consumption.

Effect of nitrogen fertilization, grass species and cultivar on sod production on Valkeasuo peat bog - a case study

Selostus: Typpilannoituksen, kasvilajin ja lajikkeen vaikutus siirtonurmikon tuotanto-ominaisuuksiin Valkeasuon turvetuotannon jättöalueella

Quality of the ryegrass and lettuce yields as affected by selenium fertilization

Selostus: Seleenilannoituksen vaikutus raiheinän ja salaatin laatuun

Organic sulfur oxidation to sulfate in soil samples for total sulfur determination by turbidimetry

Sulfur in the soil occurs in two basic forms, organic and inorganic S. The organic form accounts for 95 % of S in most soils. The effectiveness of organic S to oxidate to sulfate was evaluated for total S determination in soil samples by wet (acid) and dry-ash (alkaline) oxidation methods. To evaluate the wet method and the possible use as a reference when evaluating the dry method proposed here, a reference standard from the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was used (Montana Soil - NIST 2710). The dry-ash oxidation process with alkaline oxidizing agents is one of the simplest oxidation methods of organic S to the sulfate form and was compared with the wet process. The objective of the study was to develop a dry method that would be easy to apply and allow the complete conversion of organic S to sulfate in soil samples and later detection by turbidimetry. The effectiveness of organic S oxidation to sulfate was evaluated by means of three alkaline oxidation mixtures: NaHCO3 + Ag2O, Eschka mixture (17 % Na2CO3, 66 % MgO, and 17 % K2CO3), and NaHCO3 + CuO. The procedure to quantify the sulfate concentration was based on the reaction with barium chloride and turbidimetric detection. Sulfur quantification in the standard sample by the wet method proved adequate, precise and accurate. It should also be pointed out that no significant differences were found (95 % reliability) between the wet and dry processes (NaHCO3 and Ag2O oxidation mixture) in six different Brazilian soils. The proposed dry method can therefore be used in the preparation of soil samples for total S determination.

Root system distribution of sugar cane as related to nitrogen fertilization, evaluated by two methods: monolith and probes

Few studies on sugar cane have evaluated the root system of the crop, in spite of its importance. This is mainly due to the difficulty of evaluation and high variability of results. The objective of this study was to develop an evaluation method of the cane root system by means of probes so as to evaluate the mass, distribution and metabolically active roots related to N fertilization at planting. For this purpose, an experiment was conducted in an Arenic Kandiustults with medium texture in Jaboticabal/SP, in a randomized block design with four replications and four treatments: control (without N) and 40, 80 and 120 kg ha-1 of N applied in the form of urea in the planting furrow of the cane variety SP81 3250. One week before harvest, a urea-15N solution was applied at the cane stalk base to detect active metabolism in the root system. Trenches of 1.5 m length and 0.6 m depth were opened between two sugar cane rows for root sampling by two methods: monoliths (0.3, 0.2 and 0.15 m wide, deep and long respectively) taken from the trench wall and by probe (internal diameter 0.055 m). For each method, 15 samples per plot were collected. The roots were separated from the soil in a sieve (2 mm mesh), oven-dried (at 65 ºC) and the dry matter was measured. Root sampling by probes resulted in root mass that did not differ from the evaluation in monoliths, indicating that this evaluation method may be used for sugar cane root mass, although neither the root distribution in the soil profile nor the rhizome mass were efficiently evaluated, due to the small sample volume. Nitrogen fertilization at planting did not result in a greater root accumulation in the sugar cane plant, but caused changes in the distribution of the root system in the soil. The absence of N fertilization led to a better root distribution in the soil profile, with 50, 34 and 16 % in the 0-0.2, 0.2-0.4 and 0.4-0.6 m layers, respectively; in the fertilized treatments the roots were concentrated in the surface layer, with on average 70, 17 and 13 % for the same layers. The metabolically active roots were concentrated in the center of the cane stool, amounting to 40 % of the total root mass, regardless of N fertilization (application of 120 kg ha-1 N or without N).

Effect of fertilization on soil phosphorus in a long-term field experiment in southern Finland

Selostus: Maan fosforitilan muutos pitkäaikaisessa kenttäkokeessa hietamaalla

Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and phosphorus fertilization on post vitro growth of micropropagated Zingiber officinale roscoe

The rhizomes of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger) are widely used for their medicinal and flavoring properties, whereas the influence of root symbionts on their growth is poorly understood. In this study, the effects of phosphate fertilization and inoculation with a mixture of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) (isolates Glomus clarum RGS101A, Entrophospora colombiana SCT115A and Acaulospora koskei SPL102A) on survival, growth and development of micropropagated ginger were investigated. After transplanting to post vitro conditions, the ginger microplants were subjected to the following treatments: a) AMF mixture, b) P addition (25 mg kg-1), c) AMF + P, and d) non-mycorrhizal control without P addition. After eight months of growth, survival ranged from 86 to 100 % in the AMF and AMF+P treatments versus 71 % survival in control and P treatments. In the AMF, P and AMF+P treatments, the shoot, root and rhizome biomass production were significantly larger than in the control plants. In the non-mycorrhizal control plants the leaf number, leaf area, number of shoots/plants, and shoot length were significantly lower than in the AMF, P and AMF+P treatments. Root colonization ranged from 81 to 93 % and was not affected by P application. The data confirmed the response of several growth variables of micropropagated ginger to mycorrhizal colonization and P addition.

Potassium availability in a hapludalf soil under long term fertilization

In a system in which fertilization is recommended, diagnosis of soil K availability and the establishment of critical levels are made difficult by the possibility of a contribution of non-exchangeable forms of K for plant nutrition. Due to its magnitude, this contribution is well diagnosed in long term experiments and in those which compare fertilization systems with positive and negative balances in terms of replacement of the K extracted by plants. The objective of this study was to evaluate K availability in a Hapludalf under fertilization for sixteen years with the addition of K doses. The study was undertaken in an experiment set up in 1991 and carried out until 2007 in the experimental area of the Soil Department of the Federal University of Santa Maria (Universidade Federal de Santa Maria - UFSM), in Santa Maria (RS), Brazil. The soil was a Typic Hapludalf submitted to four doses of K (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha-1 K2O) and subdivided in the second year, when 60 kg ha-1 of K2O were reapplied in the subplots in 0, 1, 2 and 3 times. As of the fifth year, the procedure was repeated. Grain yield above ground dry matter and total K content contained in the plant tissue were evaluated. Soil samples were collected, oven dried, ground, passed through a sieve and submitted to exchangeable K analysis by the Mehlich-1 extractor; non-exchangeable K by boiling HNO3 1 mol L-1 and total K by HF digestion. Potassium fertilization guidelines should foresee the establishment of a critical level as of which the recommended dose should accompany crop needs, which coincides with the quantity exported by the grain, without there being the need for the creation of broad ranges of K availability to predict K fertilization. In adopting the K fertilization recommendations proposed in this manner, there will not be K translocation in the soil profile.

Mobility of inorganic and organic phosphorus forms under different levels of phosphate and poultry litter fertilization in soils

The eutrophication of aquifers is strongly linked to the mobility of P in soils. Although P mobility was considered irrelevant in a more distant past, more recent studies have shown that P, both in organic (Po) and inorganic forms (Pi), can be lost by leaching and eluviation through the soil profile, particularly in less weathered and/or sandier soils with low P adsorption capacity. The purpose of this study was to determine losses of P forms by leaching and eluviation from soil columns. Each column consisted of five PVC rings (diameter 5 cm, height 10 cm), filled with two soil types: a clayey Red-Yellow Latosol and a sandy loam Red-Yellow Latosol, which were exposed to water percolation. The soils were previously treated with four P rates (as KH2PO4 ) to reach 0, 12.5, 25.0 and 50 % of the maximum P adsorption capacity (MPAC). The P source was homogenized with the whole soil volume and incubated for 60 days. After this period the soils were placed in the columns; the soil of the top ring was mixed with five poultry litter rates of 0, 20, 40, 80, and 160 t ha-1 (dry weight basis). Treatments consisted of a 4 x 5 x 2 factorial scheme corresponding to four MPAC levels, five poultry litter rates, two soils, with three replications, arranged in a completely randomized block design. Deionized water was percolated through the columns 10 times in 35 days to simulate about 1,200 mm rainfall. In the leachate of each column the inorganic P (reactive P, Pi) and organic P forms (unreactive P, Po) were determined. At the end of the experiment, the columns were disassembled and P was extracted with the extractants Mehlich-1 (HCl 0.05 mol L-1 and H2SO4 0.0125 mol L-1) and Olsen (NaHCO3 0.5 mol L-1; pH 8.5) from the soil of each ring. The Pi and Po fractions were measured by the Olsen extractant. It was found that under higher poultry litter rates the losses of unreactive P (Po) were 6.4 times higher than of reactive P (Pi). Both the previous P fertilization and increasing poultry litter rates caused a vertical movement of P down the soil columns, as verified by P concentrations extracted by Mehlich-1 and NaHCO3 (Olsen). The environmental critical level (ECL), i.e., the P soil concentration above which P leaching increases exponentially, was 100 and 150 mg dm-3 by Mehlich-1 and 40 and 60 mg dm-3 by Olsen, for the sandy loam and clay soils, respectively. In highly weathered soils, where residual P is accumulated by successive crops, P leaching through the profile can be significant, particularly when poultry litter is applied as fertilizer.

Effect of NPK fertilization on production and leaf nutrient content of eucalyptus minicuttings in nutrient solution

Adequate nutrient levels in plants vary according to the species or clone, age and management practice. Therefore, adjustments of the nutrient solution are often necessary according to the plant material for multiplication. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of NPK fertilization on production and leaf nutrient contents of eucalyptus cuttings in nutrient solution. The study was conducted from November 2008 to January 2009 in a greenhouse. The experimental design was completely randomized fractional factorial (4 x 4 x 4)½, with a total of 32 treatments with three replications. The treatments consisted of four doses of N (50, 100, 200 and 400 mg L-1) as urea, P (7.5, 15, 30 and 60 mg L-1) in the form of phosphoric acid and K (50, 100, 200 and 400 mg L-1) in the form of potassium chloride in the nutrient solution. Only the effect of N alone was significant for the number and dry weight of minicuttings per ministump, with a linear decreasing effect with increasing N levels. The highest number of cuttings was obtained at a dose of 50, 7.5 and 50 mg L-1 of N, P and K, respectively.