Fate of 15N-fertilizers in the soil-plant system of a forage rotation under conservation and plough tillage.

The long-term effect of conventional plough tillage (PT) and conservation minimum tillage (MT) on soil N (0-5, 5-15, 15-30, 30-45 and 45-60 cm), recovery efficiency of 15N-fertilizer (REN), plant N concentration and N exported with crops was evaluated during two years in a 14-year-old ryegrass-maize forage rotation. Adjacent PT (n=9) and MT (n=9) plots were randomly assigned in triplicate to three treatments to which 15NH4 15NO3 (10 atom % 15N) was applied in one of the three first fertilizations (15NOctober-, 15NMarch- and 15NMay-fertilizer), the others being done with unlabelled N. Plant N concentration (% N) was affected (p ryegrass-2 (1.9 ± 0.4%) > maize-2 (1.4 ± 0.1 %) > maize-1 (1.1 ± 0.2 %)] and the crop-tillage interaction (22 % of variance explained). Jointly considering all data, more 15N-fertilizer was recovered in the MT (25 ± 4 %) than in the PT soil profile (19 ± 6 %) at the end of the experiment whereas the N exported with the crops was unaffected by the tillage system and varied from 5-6 % (15NOctober-fertilizer) to 45-49% (15NMarchfertilizer) and 52-53 % (15NMay-fertilizer; despite only three instead of four subsequent crops were studied).The 15N unaccounted for in the case of 15NOctober-fertilizer (72 ± 5 %) was more than twice that in 15NMarch- (34 ± 7 %) and 15NMay-fertilizer (25 ± 14 %). Considering soil, site and weather conditions, denitrification and nitrate leaching during the ryegrass-1 crop were the most likely processes explaining the high losses of the 15NOctober-fertilizer. Results suggested a higher initial immobilization of the applied 15N in the soil organic matter (SOM) of MT, that reduces 15N availability to the first crop, followed by an increase of the residual availability of the fertilizer 15N to the subsequent 2-3 crops.Peer reviewe

Long- term effects of fire and three fire-fighting chemicals on a soil-plant system.

The impacts of fire and fire-fighting chemicals (FFC) on soil properties and the soil-plant system were evaluated five years after treatment application. Unburnt soils (US) were compared with burnt soils treated with water alone (BS) or with foaming agent (BS+Fo), Firesorb polymer (BS+Fi), or ammonium polyphosphate (BS+Ap). Soils (0-2 cm depth) and foliar material (Ulex micranthus, Pterospartum tridentatum, Erica umbellata and Pinus pinaster) were analysed for total-C, total-N, δ 15N, nutrients (soil-available; plant-total), pH and inorganic-N (soils) and vegetation cover and height. No long-term effects of FFC on soil properties were found except for pH (BS+Fo > BS+Ap), inorganic-N and P (BS+Ap > other treatments). BS+Ap plants usually showed higher values of δ 15N, N, P and Na, but less K. Soil coverage by Pterospartum and Ulex was higher in BS+Ap than in other treatments, while the opposite was observed for Erica; shrubs were always taller in BS+Ap. After 3 years of growth, the size of pine seedlings followed the order BS+Ap > US > other treatments. Foliar N and P, scrub regeneration and growth of pines showed the long-term fertilizing effect of ammonium polyphosphate, although the second highest pine mortality was found in the BS+Ap treatment. The foaming agent did not affect vegetation cover, and Firesorb had no noticeable effect on shrubs but the highest pine mortality.Peer reviewe

Impact of fire and post-fire management techniques on soil chemical properties

The effects of fire ( Control burned soil) and two emergency stabilisation techniques (grass Seeding and straw Mulching ) on 20 chemical characteristics were evaluated on 0 – 5 cm top-soils sampled 1, 90, 180 and 365 days after an experimental fi re in a steep shrubland of a temperate-humid region (NW Spain). Most part of pH (in H 2 O and KCl) variance was explained by the sampling date. No clear temporal trends were identi fi able for total soil C and N content, likely due to the large SOM pool in these soils; however, changes on soil δ 13 C were explained by the deposition of 13 C-depleted ashes, followed by its progressive erosion, while those on soil δ 15 N were a consequence of fi re induced N outputs. After the fi re, NH 4 + – N, P, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Mn, Cu, Zn and B concentrations increased, while those of NO 3 − – N, Al, Fe and Co did not vary significantly. Despite a significant decline with time, concentrations of Mg, Ca and Mn at the end of the study were still higher than in unburned soil, while those of K, Cu, Zn and B were similar to the pre-fire levels and those of NH 4 + – N, P and Na were below pre-fire values. Mulching and Seeding treatments for burned soil emergency stabilisation had significant effects on soil δ 15 N and extractable K, Mg and Ca, while data were inconclusive for their possible effects on the extractable Al, Fe and C

Reduction of Nutrient Losses with Eroded Sediments by Post-Fire Soil Stabilisation Techniques

After an experimental fire in steep shrub land in a temperate–humid region (north-west Spain), the effects of two post-fire stabilisation treatments (grass seeding and straw mulching) on the chemical properties of eroded sediments,and the amount of nutrients lost with them, we reevaluated relative to control burnt soil, over a period of 13 months. Total C and N concentrations, and d 13 C, indicated that sediments were mainly contributed by charred plant and litter material. The highest concentrations of extractable base cations in the sediments occurred during the first 3 months following fire, especially for Na and K. As treatments had little or no effect on nutrient concentration in sediments, differences in nutrient losses were due to the 10-fold lower sediment production in mulching compared with other treatments. In control and seeding treatments, the accumulated amounts of nutrients lost with sediments were 989–1028kgha 1 (C), 77kgha 1 (N), 1.9–2.4kgha 1 (Ca), 0.9–1.1kgha 1 (Mg), 0.48–0.55kgha 1 (NH 4 þ –N), 0.39–0.56kgha 1 (K), 0.19–0.34kgha 1 (Na) and , 0.1kgha 1 (P and NO 3 –N) . These values accounted for 22–25% (total C and N) and 5–12% (NH 4 þ –N, Ca, P and Mg) of available nutrients in ash, and 1.0–2.4% of those in ash þ topsoil. As nutrient and sediment losses were strongly correlated, the reduction of the latter by mulching application leads to an effective decrease of post-fire nutrient losses

Seropositivity rates for agents of canine vector-borne diseases in Spain : a multicentre study

Background: Controlling canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD) is a major concern, since some of these diseases are serious zoonoses. This study was designed to determine seropositivity rates in Spain for agents causing the following five CVBD: leishmaniosis (Leishmania infantum: Li), heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis: Di), ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia canis: Ec), anaplasmosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum/Anaplasma platys: An) and Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi: Bb). Methods: Anti-An, -Bb, and -Ec antibodies and the Di antigen were determined using the 4DX SNAP® Test (IDEXX Laboratories) and anti-L. infantum (Li) antibodies using the Leishmania SNAP® Test (IDEXX Laboratories) in blood and/or serum samples. Results: Among 1100 dogs examined, overall seropositivity rates were: Li (15.7%), Ec (5%), An (3.1%), Di (1.25%) and Bb (0.4%). While seropositivity towards Bb and Di was similar in all geographic regions, rates were significantly higher in the east of Spain (8.3%) for An, significantly higher in the north (20%) for Ec, and significantly higher in the Southeast (46.6%) and South (27.4%), and significantly lower in the north (0%) for Li. No statistical associations were observed between sex and the CVBD analyzed (p ≥ 0.05) while the following associations with other variables were detected: a higher seropositivity to Ec (40%) and Bb (6.7%) in dogs under one year of age compared with adults (p < 0.05); and a higher seropositivity to An and Li in dogs that lived outdoors versus indoors (p = 0.01; p < 0.001, respectively). Seropositivity rates of 2.1%, 0%, 1.7%, 0.5% and 4.2% were recorded respectively for An, Bb, Ec, Di and Li in dogs with no clinical signs (n = 556) versus 3.8%, 0.6%, 7.5%, 1.8% and 25.9% for those with signs (n = 507) suggestive of a CVBD. Conclusion: The data obtained indicate a risk for dogs in Spain of acquiring any of the five CVBD examined. Veterinarians in the different regions should include these diseases in their differential diagnoses and recommend the use of repellents and other prophylactic measures to prevent disease transmission by arthropod vectors. Public health authorities also need to become more involved in the problem, since some of the CVBD examined here also affect humans

Registro Español de Trasplante Cardiaco. XXXI Informe Oficial de la Asociación de Insuficiencia Cardiaca de la Sociedad Española de Cardiología

Introducción y objetivos Se presentan las características clínicas y los resultados de los trasplantes cardiacos realizados en España con la actualización correspondiente a 2019. Métodos Se describen las características clínicas y los resultados de los trasplantes cardiacos realizados en 2019, así como las tendencias de estos en el periodo 2010-2018. Resultados En 2019 se realizaron 300 trasplantes (8.794 desde 1984; 2.745 entre 2010 y 2019). Respecto a años previos, los cambios más llamativos son el descenso hasta el 38% de los trasplantes realizados en código urgente, y la consolidación en el cambio de asistencia circulatoria pretrasplante, con la práctica desaparición del balón de contrapulsación (0, 7%), la estabilización del uso del oxigenador extracorpóreo de membrana (9, 6%) y el aumento de los dispositivos de asistencia ventricular (29%). La supervivencia en el trienio 2016-2018 es similar a la del trienio 2013-2015 (p = 0, 34), y ambas mejores que la del trienio 2010-2012 (p = 0, 002 y p = 0, 01 respectivamente). Conclusiones Se mantienen estables tanto la actividad del trasplante cardiaco en España como los resultados en supervivencia en los últimos 2 trienios. Hay una tendencia a realizar menos trasplantes urgentes, la mayoría con dispositivos de asistencia ventricular. Introduction and objectives: The present report describes the clinical characteristics and outcomes of heart transplants in Spain and updates the data to 2019. Methods: We describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of heart transplants performed in Spain in 2019, as well as trends in this procedure from 2010 to 2018. Results: In 2019, 300 transplants were performed (8794 since 1984; 2745 between 2010 and 2019). Compared with previous years, the most notable findings were the decreasing rate of urgent transplants (38%), and the consolidation of the type of circulatory support prior to transplant, with an almost complete disappearance of counterpulsation balloon (0.7%), stabilization in the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (9.6%), and an increase in the use of ventricular assist devices (29.0%). Survival from 2016 to 2018 was similar to that from 2013 to 2015 (P = .34). Survival in both these periods was better than that from 2010 to 2012 (P = .002 and P = .01, respectively). Conclusions: Heart transplant activity has remained stable during the last few years, as have outcomes (in terms of survival). There has been a trend to a lower rate of urgent transplants and to a higher use of ventricular assist devices prior to transplant

Effects of biotic and abiotic factors on 15N in young Pinus radiata

In a 12-year-old Pinus radiata plantation, three dominant and three suppressed trees removed by thinning were randomly selected, and needles, annual rings from basal stem disks and bark were collected and analysed to study the relationships of climate, tree age, dominance and growth with tree 15N. The high foliar-N concentration (1.35-2.73 % N, dw) suggested that N was not limiting tree growth, therefore allowing plants to fractionate versus 15N, leading to differences in 15N among trees. Most wood 15Nair values were below the 15Nair natural abundance in the dominant pines (-2.43 to +1.69 ‰) and above it in the suppressed trees (+0.73 to +3.35 ‰), likely due to the access of dominants to exogenous N sources with lower 15Nair than those of suppressed. However, no dominance effect was detected in 15Nair of bark and needles that decreased in the order: buds (+1.20 to +2.44 ‰) > needles 1-year (-0.27 to +1.43 ‰) > needles 2-years (-0.97 to +0.41 ‰) > bark (-1.18 to +0.15 ‰). Compared with the soil N in the 0-15 cm layer (15Nair= +4.8 ‰), all plant material was 15N-depleted. Results suggest that seedlings and foliar buds have a less efficient system for N conservation and recycling, with higher losses. The linear regression models showed that both biotic (dominance and tree age) and abiotic factors (temperature in spring-summer and annual precipitation) are needed to explain the wood 15Nair satisfactorily.Peer reviewe

Short- and medium-term effects of three fire fighting chemicals on the properties of a burnt soil

Final version of the paper available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/00489697The impact of three fire fighting chemicals (FFC) on 11 chemical soil properties and on soil recovery (0–2 cm depth) was evaluated 1, 30, 90 and 365 days after a prescribed fire. Five treatments were considered: unburnt soil (US) and burnt soil with 2 l m−2 of water alone (BS) or mixed with the foaming agent Auxquímica RFC-88 at 1% (BS + Fo), Firesorb at 1.5% (BS + Fi) and FR Cross ammonium polyphosphate at 20% (BS + Ap). At t = 1 day, soil pH increases in the order US < BS ≤ BS + Fo, BS + Fi < BS + Ap, which was most likely due to the accumulation of ashes, the reduction of organic acids and the cations supplied by FFC. In all burnt treatments, soil pH remained significantly higher than in US up until t = 90 days. SOM richness remained similar and constant until t = 90 days in all plots, but, probably due to fire-triggered erosion, at t = 365 days it was significantly lower in BS + Ap (C, N), BS and BS + Fo (C) than in US. Immediately after the fire, soil δ15N decreased in all burnt soils (significatively in BS + Ap) due to the inputs of 15N depleted ashes from leguminous vegetation. Compared with US, soil δ15N increased significantly in all burnt plots between t = 90 days (30 days in BS + Ap) and t = 365 days, suggesting a medium-term fire-triggered increment of N outputs (15N depleted). As is habitually the case, there was a transient post-fire increase of NH4+–N levels (significative for BS + FFC plots) that lasted for 30 (BS, BS + Fo and BS + Fi) to 90 days (BS + Ap). The high initial NH4+–N levels in BS + Ap (200× that of US; 9–18× those of BS, BS + Fo and BS + Fi), and its persistence can delay the post-fire vegetation recovery due to the toxicity of NH4+ to seeds and seedlings. NO3–N levels changed significantly only in BS + Ap between t = 30 and t = 90 days due to the nitrification of its large NH4+–N pool. Except in BS + Ap, whose soil P levels were 70–140× (t = 1 days) and 10–20× (t = 365 days) higher than in the other treatments, available P content in BS and BS + FFC was not significatively higher than in US. The concentrations of available cations in BS and BS + FFC were higher (not always significatively, except for K) than in US until t = 90 days, likely due to ashes- and FFC-derived cations. Contrarily to divalent cations, monovalent cations (more soluble and easily leached) decreased slowly until t = 90 days.This research was supported by the Spanish Ministery of Education and Science through the project number AGL2001-1242-C04-01. The participation of A. Couto in this research was supported by a CSIC-Xunta de Galicia fellowship. The isotopic ratio mass spectrometer was partly financed by the European Regional Development Fund (EU).Peer reviewe

Long- term effects of fire and three fire-fighting chemicals on a soil-plant system.

The impacts of fire and fire-fighting chemicals (FFC) on soil properties and the soil-plant system were evaluated five years after treatment application. Unburnt soils (US) were compared with burnt soils treated with water alone (BS) or with foaming agent (BS+Fo), Firesorb polymer (BS+Fi), or ammonium polyphosphate (BS+Ap). Soils (0-2 cm depth) and foliar material (Ulex micranthus, Pterospartum tridentatum, Erica umbellata and Pinus pinaster) were analysed for total-C, total-N, δ 15N, nutrients (soil-available; plant-total), pH and inorganic-N (soils) and vegetation cover and height. No long-term effects of FFC on soil properties were found except for pH (BS+Fo > BS+Ap), inorganic-N and P (BS+Ap > other treatments). BS+Ap plants usually showed higher values of δ 15N, N, P and Na, but less K. Soil coverage by Pterospartum and Ulex was higher in BS+Ap than in other treatments, while the opposite was observed for Erica; shrubs were always taller in BS+Ap. After 3 years of growth, the size of pine seedlings followed the order BS+Ap > US > other treatments. Foliar N and P, scrub regeneration and growth of pines showed the long-term fertilizing effect of ammonium polyphosphate, although the second highest pine mortality was found in the BS+Ap treatment. The foaming agent did not affect vegetation cover, and Firesorb had no noticeable effect on shrubs but the highest pine mortality.Peer reviewe