ISSN:
1432-0789
Keywords:
Key words Nitrogen-15 atom percent excess
;
Field nitrogen transfer
;
Microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen
;
Inorganic nitrogen
;
Earthworm activity
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Geosciences
,
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Abstract N transfer from 15N-labelled decomposing material into the microbial biomass and inorganic N forms was studied for more than 2 years at three experimental sites differing in climatic conditions and earthworm abundance. The 15N-labelled decomposing material was mixed with low-elevation soil (LES), mid-elevation soil (MES) and high-elevation soil (HES). The amended soils were put into two kinds of plastic cylinders closed on both sides with nets preventing (0.1 cm mesh) and allowing (0.5 cm mesh) access by earthworms, and were buried in soil (20 cm depth) to monitor the transfer of N from the 15N-labelled decomposing material. Climate and soil type play an important role in the release of N from decomposing material. LES transplanted to more humid sites (mid- and high-elevation sites) showed an increase in most of its biological activities (N atom % excess, and microbial biomass C and N). Furthermore, LES was a sandy soil in which the 15N-labelled decomposing material was less bound than in MES and HES, which contained more silt and clay. This resulted in faster organic matter turnover when climatic conditions were favourable. The presence of earthworms greatly increased the quantity of inorganic N (mainly NH4 +) in the soils and enhanced the release of N from the 15N-labelled decomposing material and the native organic matter, compared to soil without earthworms.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s003740050010
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