A study was conducted to assess the effects of a bio-fertilizer and an inorganic fertilizer on growth, yield of spinach vegetable, on four cultivated soils, representing different agro-ecological zones of Chengdu, Hunan, Xiaotangshan and Shaanxi. Three replicates soil samples mixed with bio-fertilizer 100 g per pot and nutrient solution (MgSO4, Ca(NO)2, KNO3) 633 ml based on container volume. Spinach seeded directly ten per pot, thinned to five watered to plant water requirement until maturity. RCBD of three replication used, data for growth, yield and other agronomic characters and soil physicochemical properties evaluated. Soil results showed substantial differences in physicochemical properties from the four agro-ecological zones (Ferrod Arenosol, Entisol, Aridisol and Vertisol). Plant emergence percent were Xiaotangshan (74.8%), Chengdu (74.5%), Hunan (72.4%) and Shaanxi (70.7%), plant height at six week, Xiaotangshan (17.8 cm), Hunan (17.1 cm), Shaanxi (16.8 cm) and Chengdu (16.1 cm) the least, number of leaves at six weeks were Xiaotangshan (21), Hunan (19) and (16) Shaanxi, leaf area Hunan (89.5 cm2), Shaanxi (83.7 cm2), Chengdu (79.4 cm2) and Xiaotangshan (78.1 cm2), dry biomass of 4.88, 4.35, 3.83 and 3.03 g obtained for Hunan, Chengdu, Shaanxi and Xiaotangshan, respectively. Percentage plant emergence based on soil layers were 0-25 cm (75.8%), 25-50 cm (75.3%), 50-75 cm (71.6%) and 75-100 cm (69.6%), respectively; highest plant emergence percentage were obtained from top soil layer of Hunan, treated with biofertilizer. Substantial differences were observed for plant height, biomass and other agronomic characters in all the soils. The results show that Hunan soil is the most suitable for cultivation of spinach under biofertilizer treatment, compared to other types. The study underpins the importance soil types and fertilizer evaluation for a sustainable vegetable production in China.

In order to evaluate the effects of different materials on germination and growth of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cultivars under negative pressure hydraulic auto-irrigation systems, an experiment was conducted in National Engineering Research Center for Intelligent Agricultural Equipments, Beijing, China. Three cultivars of tomato as main plots, and three materials, including: 100% soil, 50% diatomite + 50% soil, and 100% diatomite as sub plots, were evaluated in a split plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications in a green house. Cultivar effect was significant on total germination percentage, speed of germination, radicle length, coleoptiles length, fresh leaf weight and fresh coleoptiles weight were significance. The influence of material on total germination percentage, speed of germination, mean germination time, coefficient of velocity germination, radicle length, coleoptiles length and fresh leaf weight were meaningful. The highest total germination percentage (74.99%), coefficient of velocity germination (0.57), coleoptile length (6.00 cm), fresh leaf weight (0.31 g), fresh coleoptile weight (0.30 g), dry leaf weight (0.019 g) and dry coleoptile weight (0.017 g) was observed in Jiafen No-18. However, Jiahong No. 4 had the maximum speed of germination. While maximum values of total germination percentage, speed of germination, mean germination time was related to 100% soil. Application of 50% soil + 50% diatomite obtained the highest radicle length, coleoptile length, fresh leaf weight, fresh coleoptile length and dry leaf weight. It seems that application of 50% soil + 50% diatomite, and Jiafen No. 18 is appropriate under the negative pressure hydraulic auto-irrigation system.

ABSTRACT. To evaluate soil water consumption, changes in quantity and quality of winter wheat seed and forage under different irrigation treatments, an experiment was conducted in Beijing,

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