Volatile and water-soluble inhibitors of nitrogen mineralization and nitrification in a ponderosa pine ecosystem

Summary Bioassay experiments were performed to test for inhibition of the processes of nitrogen mineralization and nitrification by organics in the forest floor of a ponderosa pine ecosystem. Water-extractable organics in the forest floor were tested by applying filtered extracts to the assay soil. The extract decreased nitrate production by 17.0% and decreased net mineralization by 4.1%. Inhibition by volatile organics was tested by placing vials containing forest floor or selected terpenoids of ponderosa pine in sealed jars containing the assay soil. Nitrate production was inhibited by 87.4% and 100%, and net nitrogen mineralization was inhibited by 73.3% and 67.7% in the jars with forest floor and terpenoids, respectively. Organics which are partially water-soluble and are volatile (such as terpenoids) would be very effective inhibitors of nitrogen cycling processes.