Influence of decomposition of roots of tropical forage species on the availability of soil nitrogen

Immobilization of mineral N induced by decomposition of roots of four tropical forage species (Stylosanthes guianensis, Centrosema sp., Andropogon gayanus and Brachiaria decumbens) in an Oxisol was studied under laboratory conditions. Root materials had a high lignin content (12–20%) but total polyphenol content was small (<0.8%). Roots, at 2.5 and 5.0 g kg⁻¹, and 10 mg N kg⁻¹ of -labelled ammonium sulphate (20.3 at.%) were thoroughly mixed with the soil which was maintained at field capacity for 117 d. Decomposition of the roots (as monitored by CO₂ evolution) was initially rapid and the legume materials (S. guianensis, Centrosema sp.) with their lower C-to-N ratio and lignin content, decomposed more quickly than the grass roots (A. gayanus, B. decumbens). After 8 d of incubation the rate of CO₂ evolution decreased and was similar for all root materials. CO₂ evolution from the decomposing roots in all cases fitted closely (R²>0.99) a double exponential equation defining two compartments of root carbon of differing susceptibility to decomposition. The equation predicted that between 43% (Centrosema) and 62% (Brachiaria) of root carbon would not be decomposed even at infinite time under incubation conditions. Mineral N in the soil was immobilized rapidly at the start of the incubation, and the immobilization was greatest with the higher rate of application of root material. Although the C-to-N ratio of legume roots was narrower their higher degradability stimulated greater immobilization of soil mineral N than the grass roots. The results are discussed with reference to N immobilization and carbon sequestration in planted pastures of tropical South America.