两种草本层台湾桤木林地细根分解及养分动态研究

在四川省丹棱县退耕还林地上,采用网袋法对两种草本层(黑麦草和自然草)台湾桤木林地中细根分解及养分释放的对比,以及对台湾桤木 黑麦草复合模式草根与细根混合分解进行了为期1 a的实验研究。结果表明:台湾桤木细根在复合模式和自然模式中分解速率、养分释放有所不同,经过1 a的分解,复合模式中N,K,Ca的残留率显著低于自然模式,而干质量、P,Mg的残留率差异不显著;复合模式混合处理的分解速率和N,P,K,Ca释放率介于单独分解的细根和草根之间,而Mg释放率则大于单独分解的细根和草根,经过1 a的分解,混合分解对混合处理的分解速率、P,K,Mg的释放有明显的促进作用,对N,Ca的释放影响不显著,在混合分解过程中的不同阶段,表现出来的相互作用形式不同。     

不同盐分土壤环境下绿肥腐解及养分释放动态研究

通过尼龙网袋埋田法研究了绿肥苕子、黑麦草在不同盐分滨海盐渍土壤中的腐解及养分释放规律。结果表明,不同盐分地块黑麦草干物质残留率、总有机碳含量和C/N总体高于苕子。苕子氮、钾在最初15天内快速释放,不同盐分地块的残留率分别为20.4%～34.0%和13.2%～18.1%,黑麦草钾在前45天释放了近90%,氮、磷释放持续整个腐解过程。低盐分地块绿肥钠的最终残留率为5.2%～7.6%,高盐分地块为36.2%～49.2%。不同盐分地块绿肥镁、钙、锌残留率以黑麦草高于苕子。铜的释放主要集中于前45天,之后趋于停滞。镁、铁、锰分别在腐解45～60天或45～75天出现养分富集现象。整体来看,禾本科绿肥干物质及养分残留率均高于豆科绿肥,高盐分明显阻滞了绿肥氮、钙、镁、铁、锰、铜和锌养分的释放。     

外来入侵植物黄顶菊残体的恢复再生能力和在土壤中的分解特性

在华北平原, 外来入侵植物黄顶菊[Flaveria bidents (L.) Kuntze]是一种农田和生态环境中的恶性杂草, 使用除草剂清除势必威胁到农业生产尤其是蔬菜生产的安全性。本课题研究了黄顶菊的不同部位离体茎段和残留部分的恢复再生能力; 并采用土壤培养试验, 研究了含氮量为12.2 g·kg^-1的黄顶菊烘干残体和含氮量为23.3 g·kg^-1的白三叶草残体在土壤中的分解过程及矿质氮的供应能力, 探讨人工拨除的黄顶菊作为绿肥的可能性。试验表明, 黄顶菊不同部位离体茎段的再生能力达10%~80%, 不同大小的残留部分再生能力达70%~100%。因而人工除草后必须将拔除的黄项菊残体带出田间以防其再生。在整个60 d的土壤培养期间, 黄顶菊和白三叶草残体均表现为施入土壤的前10 d内表观CO₂-C日释放量最大, 以后趋于平稳; 但黄顶菊残体处理土壤的CO₂-C日释放量一直低于白三叶草。黄顶菊残体处理的土壤微生物量氮高于白三叶草残体处理及土壤对照; 微生物量碳则为黄顶菊残体处理低于白三叶草残体处理, 且与土壤对照相近。在培养的前20 d, 黄顶菊残体分解过程中显著固定了土壤矿质氮素, 培养40 d后的表现为矿质氮释放。黄顶菊残体具有提高土壤氮素营养和微生物量, 增肥土壤的作用, 人工拨除的黄顶菊经灭活处理后可以作为绿肥施入田间。     

免耕对农田土壤生物学特性的影响

农业管理对土壤群落水平下各种生物之间复杂的相互作用的影响是土壤生态学研究的一个热点。土壤生物和酶活性在改善土壤结构、养分循环、有机质分解和保持中起重要作用。与常规耕作系统比,免耕系统中作物残体和土壤矿物质的机械混合要少得多,因此免耕系统更接近于未受扰动的自然生态系统,可能更加依赖于土壤生物体的固有作用。综合有关文献讨论了耕作实践对一些土壤生物学特性的影响。总体看来,土壤线虫总量及功能类群对免耕既可能是正响应也可能是负响应,与常规耕作相比免耕系统中土壤微生物的丰富度或生物量增加,土壤酶活性增强,土壤呼吸作用减弱。最后还对免耕系统中有关土壤生物学特性研究的重要性和需要解决的问题进行了小结。     

保护性耕作与等高草篱防治坡耕地水土及氮磷流失研究

坡耕地是水土流失和农业面源污染物的重要来源,同时也是当前治理的薄弱环节。本文以北京地区坡耕地为研究对象,采用人工模拟降雨方法,研究了保护性耕作和等高草篱措施在不同坡度条件下对水土及氮磷流失的防治效果。结果表明:保护性耕作和等高草篱措施均能有效降低坡耕地水土及氮磷养分流失,4种处理的降低效果由大到小依次为:保护性耕作+草篱>传统耕作+草篱>保护性耕作+无草篱>传统耕作+无草篱。与传统耕作+无草篱相比,传统耕作+草篱、保护性耕作+无草篱、保护性耕作+草篱分别减少56%、44%和68%的径流流失,66%、49%和82%的土壤流失,以及56%、43%和66%的总氮流失和54%、40%和70%的总磷流失。同时,等高草篱和保护性耕作措施的防治效果与坡度呈负相关关系,即随着坡度增加其作用效果逐渐减弱。回归分析结果表明,保护性耕作和等高草篱措施是控制坡耕地水土及氮磷流失的最关键因素。     

再生水灌溉草坪对土壤质量影响的试验研究

采用随机区组设计,研究了再生水(Reclaimed Water)灌溉黑麦草(Lolium perenne L.)、早熟禾(Poapratensis)、高羊茅(Festuca arundinacea)、结缕草(Zoysia japonica)、野牛草(Buchloe dactyloides)、麦冬(Radix liriopes)6种草坪草对土壤质量的影响,结果表明:(1)再生水灌溉能增加土壤养分,但根据养分在土壤中迁移的难易程度及不同草坪的根系分布特征,再生水灌溉输入的养分在土壤剖面分布不同;(2)再生水灌溉后的土壤虽然碱化度处在5%～10%弱碱化范围,但与自来水灌溉相比,其在土壤剖面中的分布有扩大的趋势;(3)在6种供试草坪草中,再生水灌溉后黑麦草和结缕草土壤质量最好,可见黑麦草和结缕草比较适宜进行再生水灌溉。     

侧柏与其他树种枯落叶混合分解对养分释放的影响

以黄土高原的主要人工林树种侧柏为对象,通过采集侧柏及其他拟混交的8个树种的当年枯落叶,以无林荒草地腐殖质层土壤作为分解介质,在室内将侧柏与不同树种枯落叶剪碎后以一定比例混合装入尼龙网袋并埋人盛土培养钵中,进行恒温恒湿下连续345 d分解培养试验,测定分解前后枯落叶质量及养分含量的变化.结果表明:(1)在枯落叶分解释放养分元素中,K最活跃而易于释出,p一般比较迟钝而难以释出,C、N居中并具有一定的释出同步性,且各种养分的周转期约为1～2a.(2)与侧柏枯落叶混合分解后,在对C释放的影响中白榆表现为促进作用,紫穗槐、白桦和辽东栎表现为抑制作用;在对N释放的影响中小叶杨表现为促进作用,白桦、辽东栎和紫穗槐表现为抑制作用;在对P释放的影响中除小叶杨、白榆不明显之外均表现为抑制作用;在对K释放的影响中白榆表现为促进作用,紫穗槐表现为抑制作用.(3)应用主成分分析法分析不同树种枯落叶混合分解对C、N、P、K释放的综合影响结果表明,与侧柏枯落叶混合分解后总体上促进养分释放的树种以白榆、小叶杨最显著,其次为柠条和辽东栎;而总体上抑制养分释放的树种以紫穗槐的作用最强,白桦、沙棘和刺槐的作用较弱.     

控释肥在黑麦草草坪中氮素淋失的研究

草坪施肥后氮素的大量淋失一直是草坪管理中急需解种草坪专用控释肥与普通尿素在黑麦草草坪中氮素淋失情况.结果表明,控释肥养分释放缓慢,较为适合黑麦草需肥特点,能明显减少淋滤液中的氮素含量,提高氮素利用率.各控释肥处理淋滤液pH和EC值较稳定,硝态氮和铵态氮的总含量较小,氮素淋失率比普通尿素平均低30%,氮素利用率高出1～2.5倍.与普通尿素相比,控释肥更能提高氮素利用率,降低氮素淋失率,有利于节约资源,减少环境污染,更适于在草坪上推广应用.     

不同气候和土壤条件下秸秆腐解过程中养分的释放特征及其影响因素

农田土壤中秸秆腐解伴随氮磷钾养分的释放是重要的生物地球化学过程,也是秸秆还田替代化肥养分的基础。了解不同农区秸秆分解过程中的养分释放动态,揭示秸秆、气候和土壤条件的交互作用机制,是制定秸秆还田合理措施的理论基础。基于寒温带-暖温带-中亚热带的黑土、潮土、红壤互置试验平台,研究了小麦、玉米秸秆在3年腐解过程中养分释放过程和影响因素。结果表明,秸秆中养分释放速率的大小顺序为KPN;秸秆中氮素和磷素在寒温带以及在红壤和潮土中表现为先富集再释放特征,在暖温带、中亚热带以及黑土中表现为直接释放特征;秸秆中钾素均表现为直接快速释放特征,在腐解0.5 a平均释放率达89.5%。气候和土壤条件主导了氮磷的释放,其相对平均贡献率分别为19.5%和15.2%。在腐解后期(2~3 a)气候、土壤和秸秆因素对养分释放的贡献率30%,说明土壤生物因素可能起了主导作用。     

基于固态13C核磁共振波谱研究植物残体分解和转化机制的进展

植物残体在土壤中的分解和转化影响了其养分归还和有机质形成过程。由于缺乏高分辨率的分析方法,对不同气候、植被和土壤类型条件下植物残体在分解过程中化学结构组成的演变特征和机制仍不清楚。核磁共振波谱技术在解析自然有机物化学组成方面具有独特的优势,本文综述了基于固态~(13)C核磁共振波谱(solid-state ~(13)C-NMR spectroscopy)技术评价植物残体的基质质量、解析植物残体的分解速率及其官能团组成的变化特征、揭示土壤腐殖质特性等方面的主要进展。未来针对植物残体分解和有机质形成机制的研究,应该结合稳定性同位素质谱和扫描电镜分析方法,综合分析植物残体中的有机化合物组成和物理结构;从多时空尺度揭示不同类型植物残体中有机碳官能团的降解路径;结合高通量测序和基因芯片分析方法,深入研究土壤微生物群落与植物残体化学结构的协同演变机制,提出不同气候–土壤–植被类型区促进土壤有机质形成的调控措施。     

耕作管理措施对残茬覆盖及其分解的影响

The effects of tillage methods on percent surface residue cover remaining and decomposition rates of crop residues were evaluated in this study. The line transect method was used to measure residue cover percentage on continuous corn (Zea mays L.) plots under no tillage (NT), conventional tillage (CT), chisel plow (CH), and disk tillage (DT). Samples of rye (Secale cereale L.) and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) were used for residue decomposition study. Results showed that the percentage of residue cover remaining was significantly higher for NT than for CH and DT and that for CT was the lowest (< 10%). For the same tillage system, the percent residue cover remaining was significantly higher in the higher fertilizer N rate treatments relative to the lower fertilizer N treatments. Weight losses of rye and vetch residues followed a similar pattern under CT and DT, and they were significantly faster in CT and DT than in NT system. Also, the amounts of residue N remaining during the first 16 weeks were always higher under NT than under CT and DT.     

保护性耕作对小麦-土壤系统综合效应研究

采用长期定位试验与短期田间试验相结合的方法,通过室内化验分析和数理统计,研究了河南省不同土壤类型区保护性耕作对土壤理化性质、土壤微生物生物量碳氮及小麦(Triticum aestivum L.)籽粒产量和产量构成因素的影响。结果表明,与传统耕作相比,保护性耕作显著提高土壤有机质、碱解氮、有效磷及交换性钾含量,分别提高24.8%、14.3%、7.8%和24.8%;而对小麦增产效果并不显著。4种不同保护性耕作方式下,免耕、浅耕相比旋耕、深耕,提高小麦穗数15.0%～32.2%,提高穗粒数2.6%～12.6%,但4种处理间小麦千粒重及籽粒产量效果无显著差异;免耕、浅耕较旋耕、深耕可以一定程度上提高苗期和灌浆期土壤含水率、以及土壤碱解氮和有效磷,并显著提高小麦不同生育时期的土壤微生物生物量碳氮。免耕与浅耕是较为适宜河南省小麦生产及土壤可持续利用的保护性耕作方式。     

C and N mineralization of undisrupted and disrupted soil from different structural zones of conventional tillage and no-tillage systems in northern France

Differences in soil structure created by tillage systems are often believed to have large impacts on C and N mineralization, in turn influencing total soil C and N stocks, CO₂ emissions and soil mineral N supply. The objectives of our work were therefore (i) to study C and N mineralization in undisrupted fresh soils from long-term conventional till (CT) and no-till (NT) systems in northern France and (ii) to evaluate at which scale soil structure plays a significant role in protecting organic matter against C and N mineralization. The in situ heterogeneity of soil structure was taken into account during sampling. Two megastructure zones induced by tillage and compaction were identified in the ploughed layer of CT: zones with loose structure (CT_Loose) and clods with dense structure (CT_Dense). The soil samples in NT were taken from layers that differed in both structure and organic matter content (NT_0-5 and NT_5-20). Soil from the two zones of different megastructure in CT showed similar levels of protection and similar C and N mineralization. Undisrupted soil from NT_0-5 showed greater absolute and specific C and N mineralization than CT_Loose, CT_Dense and NT_5-20. Limited soil structure destruction (sieving through 2 mm) had no effect on C and N mineralization. Increased disturbance (sieving down to 250 μm) only induced a significant increase of both C and N mineralization in the 5-20 cm layer of NT. Further disruption of soil structures (sieving through 50 μm) resulted in greater C and N mineralization for all treatments except C mineralization in the upper layer of NT. Protection in the four structural zones in CT and NT was, in general, greatest in the NT deeper layer and least in the NT upper layer. Our results therefore suggest that physical protection in the 5-20 cm soil layer can partly account for larger C and N stocks in NT, but that the large C and N concentrations in the 0-5 cm soil layer are determined by mechanisms other than physical OM protection.     

Tillage effects on microbial biomass and nutrient distribution in soils under rain-fed corn production in central-western Mexico

Quantifying how tillage systems affect soil microbial biomass and nutrient cycling by manipulating crop residue placement is important for understanding how production systems can be managed to sustain long-term soil productivity. Our objective was to characterize soil microbial biomass, potential N mineralization and nutrient distribution in soils (Vertisols, Andisols, and Alfisols) under rain-fed corn (Zea mays L.) production from four mid-term (6 years) tillage experiments located in central-western, Mexico. Treatments were three tillage systems: conventional tillage (CT), minimum tillage (MT) and no tillage (NT). Soil was collected at four locations (Casas Blancas, Morelia, Apatzingán and Tepatitlán) before corn planting, at depths of 0–50, 50–100 and 100–150 mm. Conservation tillage treatments (MT and NT) significantly increased crop residue accumulation on the soil surface. Soil organic C, microbial biomass C and N, potential N mineralization, total N, and extractable P were highest in the surface layer of NT and decreased with depth. Soil organic C, microbial biomass C and N, total N and extractable P of plowed soil were generally more evenly distributed throughout the 0–150 mm depth. Potential N mineralization was closely associated with organic C and microbial biomass. Higher levels of soil organic C, microbial biomass C and N, potential N mineralization, total N, and extractable P were directly related to surface accumulation of crop residues promoted by conservation tillage management. Quality and productivity of soils could be maintained or improved with the use of conservation tillage.     

Experimental and simulated soil mineral N dynamics for long-term tillage systems in northern France

Soil N mineralization was quantified in two long-term experiments in northern France, in which no-till (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) had been differentiated for 33 years (Site 1) and 12 years (Site 2). Both sites had the same soil type but differed in crop rotation. N mineralization kinetics were assessed in situ in bare soil in both systems for 254 days (Site 1) and 555 days (Site 2) by taking frequent measurements of water and nitrate contents from soil layers and using the LIXIM calculation model. The N mineralization potential was also determined in soil samples incubated under controlled laboratory conditions. Small or non-significant differences in water and nitrate contents between NT and CT were apparent within the soil profiles on both sites. Net mineralization did not differ significantly between sites or tillage treatments. The amount of N mineralized from August 2003 to April 2004 was 67 ± 10 kg N ha⁻¹ on Site 1 and 74 ± 5 kg N ha⁻¹ on Site 2, and 161 ± 6 kg N ha⁻¹ from August 2003 to February 2005 on Site 2. The kinetics of N mineralization versus normalized time (equivalent time at constant temperature of 15 °C and water content at field capacity) were linear during the shorter period (254 days corresponding to 120 normalized days). The slope (N mineralization rate) did not differ significantly between treatments and sites, and the average rate was 0.57 ± 0.05 kg N ha⁻¹ nd⁻¹. The kinetics were non-linear on Site 2 over the longer period (555 days corresponding to 350 normalized days). They could be fitted to an exponential model with a slope at the origin of 0.62 kg N ha⁻¹ nd⁻¹. The N mineralization kinetics obtained in laboratory incubations for 120–150 normalized days were also almost linear with no significant differences between treatments. Assuming that mineralization took place in the ploughed layer (in CT) or over the same soil mass (in NT) they were in good agreement with the kinetics determined in situ on both sites. The calculated water drainage below the sampled profile was slightly greater in NT due to lower evaporation. The calculated leached N was slightly higher in NT than CT on Site 1, but did not differ between treatments on Site 2. It is concluded that N mineralization and leaching in NT and CT were similar, despite large differences in N distribution within the soil profile and a slight difference in organic N stock.     

Effect of tillage intensity on N mineralization of different crop residues in a temperate climate

To evaluate the effect of tillage intensity on the N mineralization pattern of winter wheat residues, sugar beet residues, Italian ryegrass and maize residues undisturbed soil samples were taken from six sites under different tillage management. Site NT_K had been managed for 10 years under reduced tillage (RT), whereby the last 4 years the crops were sown using direct seeding (NT). Site RT_CSE had been managed for 20 years under reduced tillage (RT) and site RT_H for 3 years. For each site under RT a nearby site under conventional tillage (CT) was selected (CT_K, CT_CSE and CT_H). On site NT_K and site RT_CSE a significantly higher amount of SOC in the 0–10 cm was accumulated compared to the respective CT sites. Between site RT_H and site CT_H no such significant difference was found. However, the content of microbial biomass C (MB-C) and the β-glucosidase and urease activities were higher on all RT sites compared to the respective CT sites. This indicates that these microbiological and biochemical parameters seem to be very sensitive for alterations in management intensity. After 98 days, more N was immobilized under NT_K than under CT_K by adding winter wheat residues (expressed as kg ha⁻¹ and as % of total added N). This higher immobilization potential can be explained by a higher microbial activity and a change in microbial population. Under RT_CSE and RT_H net N immobilization of the winter wheat residues was found, but the pattern was less pronounced than for NT_K. However, when expressed as % of total N added, N immobilization of winter wheat residues was higher under CT than under RT, which indicates that high C:N residues when incorporated, decompose more slowly under RT than under CT. Similar results were found comparing the N mineralization pattern of maize residues under RT_H and CT_H. The residues of sugar beet and Italian ryegrass at site CT_H released N more rapidly and to a higher extent, 74.1% and 66.2%, respectively (expressed as % of total N added) than under RT_H at the end of the incubation. The slower mineralization of N rich crop residues under RT compared to CT means that there is less potential risk for nitrate leaching to occur, which may result in a higher N efficiency in RT compared to CT.     

No-till effects on organic matter, pH, cation exchange capacity and nutrient distribution in a Luvisol in the semi-arid subtropics

No-till (NT) system for grain cropping is increasingly being practised in Australia. While benefits of NT, accompanied by stubble retention, are almost universal for soil erosion control, effects on soil organic matter and other soil properties are inconsistent, especially in a semi-arid, subtropical environment. We examined the effects of tillage, stubble and fertilizer management on the distribution of organic matter and nutrients in the topsoil (0–30 cm) of a Luvisol in a semi-arid, subtropical environment in southern Queensland, Australia. Measurements were made at the end of 9 years of NT, reduced till (RT) and conventional till (CT) practices, in combination with stubble retention and fertilizer N (as urea) application strategies for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping.

In the top 30 cm depth, the mean amount of organic C increased slightly after 9 years, although it was similar under all tillage practices, while the amount of total N declined under CT and RT practices, but not under NT. In the 0–10 cm depth, the amounts of organic C and total N were significantly greater under NT than under RT or CT. No-till had 1.94 Mg ha⁻¹ (18%) more organic C and 0.20 Mg ha⁻¹ (21%) more total N than CT. In the 0–30 cm depth, soil under NT practice had 290 kg N ha⁻¹ more than that under the CT practice, most of it in the top 10 cm depth. Microbial biomass N was similar for all treatments. Under NT, there was a concentration gradient in organic C, total N and microbial biomass N, with concentrations decreasing from 0–2.5 to 5–10 cm depths.

Soil pH was not affected by tillage or stubble treatments in the 0–10 cm depth, but decreased significantly from 7.5 to 7.2 with N fertilizer application. Exchangeable Mg and Na concentration, cation exchange capacity and exchangeable Na percentage in the 0–10 cm depth were greater under CT than under RT and NT, while exchangeable K and bicarbonate-extractable P concentrations were greater under NT than under CT.

Therefore, NT and RT practices resulted in significant changes in soil organic C and N and exchangeable cations in the topsoil of a Luvisol, when compared with CT. The greater organic matter accumulation close to the soil surface and solute movement in these soils under NT practice would be beneficial to soil chemical and physical status and crop production in the long-term, whereas the concentration of nutrients such as P and K in surface layers may reduce their availability to crops.     

Mineralization Dynamics of Nitrogen and Phosphorus in Areca Catechu L.–Based Traditional Agroforestry System

Areca catechu L.–based agroforestry system is practiced by local farmers in which a variety of crops are cultivated along with trees to maximize harvest security. Most farmers do not use inorganic fertilizers to improve crop yields, mainly because they cannot afford to purchase these fertilizers, and for this reason cycling of nutrients through the decomposition of plant residues becomes an important phenomenon in this type of agroforestry system. In this context, a study was carried out to estimate in situ nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) mineralization as influenced by soil type and management system. Net N and P mineralization rates were studied on the basis of final concentrations of ammonia, nitrate, and P in soil using a buried‐bag technique for one cropping cycle to examine temporal and depth variations across the three different sites (Harmutty, Nirjuli, and Doimukh). A significant variation in N mineralization was recorded among the three sites. Seasonal changes in N and P mineralization were also observed. The Harmutty site had highest rates of N mineralization during the rainy season and immobilization during spring. Phosphorus mineralization rate was higher during autumn at Doimukh and during winter in Harmutty and Nirjuli sites, whereas greater immobilization was recorded during the rainy season. The Harmutty site recorded a greater ammonification rate during September and immobilization during November and March months, the Nirjuli site recorded maximum ammonification during January and immobilization during November and March, and the Doimukh site had greater immobilization during March and ammonification during January. Nutrient dynamics may prove productive if managed properly in synchronization with mineralization that could result in fairly good crop productivity.     

Fate of nitrogen from crop residues as affected by biochemical quality and the microbial biomass

Net mineralization of N from a range of shoot and root materials was determined over a period of 6 months following incorporation into a sandy-loam soil under controlled environment conditions. Biochemical “quality” components of the materials showed better correlation with net N mineralization than did gross measures of the respiration and N content of the soil microbial community during decomposition. The quality components controlling net N mineralization changed during decomposition, with water-soluble phenolic content significantly correlated with net N mineralization at early stages, and water-soluble N, followed by cellulose at later stages. C-to-N and total N were correlated with net N mineralization towards the end of the incubation only. Cumulative microbial respiration during the early stages of decomposition was correlated with net N mineralization measured after 2 months, at which time maximum net N mineralization was recorded for most residues. However, there was no relationship between microbial-N and net N mineralization. Biochemical quality factors controlling the C and N content of the residue remaining at the end of the incubation as light fraction organic matter (LFOM) were also investigated. Both C and N content of LFOM derived from the residues were correlated with residue cellulose content, and the chemical characteristics of LFOM were highly correlated with those of the original plant material. Incorporation of low cellulose, high water-soluble N-containing shoot residues resulted in more N becoming mineralized than had been added in the residues, demonstrating that net mineralization of native soil organic matter had occurred. Large amounts of N were lost from the mineral-N pool during the incubation, which could not be accounted for by microbial immobilization.     

A comparison of base media used for the incubation of plant residues in laboratory experiments

Abstract

Laboratory incubation experiments designed to measure potential rates of decomposition and N mineralization from plant residues typically use either sand or soil as a base medium for incorporation of the materials. Few studies have addressed the effects of base media on decomposition and N mineralization, or the interaction between media and incubated materials. This experiment compared the decomposition and net N mineralization rates of four plant residues incubated in the laboratory in both sand and soil base media. Initially, CO₂‐C evolution was greater from residues incubated in die soil, while net N mineralization was greater with the residues in sand. After 11 weeks, cumulative net N and C mineralized from residues incubated in either medium were more similar, but differences between media were still present. The form of N recovered differed between the media, with nitrification absent or occurring at a low rate in the sand. Differences in the rate and extent of decomposition and net N mineralization from plant materials were evident. These differences could influence the interpretation of results from this type of experiment.