Spatial and temporal fluctuation in biomass, nitrogen mineralizing reactions and mineral nitrogen in a soil cropped to barley

1992 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. L. Burton ◽  
W. B. McGill
Keyword(s):  
N Mineralization ◽  
Indirect Evidence ◽  
Single Step ◽  
Model Systems ◽  
Net N Mineralization ◽  
Control Mechanisms ◽  
Hordeum Vulgare L ◽  
Mineral N ◽  
Enzyme Content ◽  
Text Content

We compared changes in components of the N-mineralization cascade ranging from the very specific, such as a deaminase, to the highly integrated, such as biomass in a Black Chernozemic seeded to barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under field conditions at Edmonton. Changes in enzyme content were related to soil [Formula: see text] to determine if the microbial environment changed sufficiently to exert feedback control on N mineralizing reactions and thereby to be detected. Histidase and protease were chosen as model systems for depolymerization and deamination respectively because information exists on their control in pure culture studies, on histidine content and control of histidase in soil, and assay procedures are available for soils. We observed an inverse relationship of labile histidase activity with [Formula: see text] in soils with high [Formula: see text] content and low [Formula: see text] ratio. This relationship provides indirect evidence for [Formula: see text] control of histidase content, but emphasizes that it is only one element of a complex control mechanism. Conversely, enzyme content was not rate limiting to net N mineralization, or sensitive to common control mechanisms. Biomass-C, an integrative measure of substrate supply, potential biological activity and enzymatic activity, describes net mineral-N production better than do indices of any single step. Regular spatial variability is exhibited by [Formula: see text] (and [Formula: see text]). [Formula: see text] is a product of mineralization; a substrate for immobilization, nitrification, plant uptake, and other reactions; and may also be a regulator of activity, or synthesis, of some enzymes. It is intriguing that none of the variables that influence mineral N, such as enzyme activity, biomass, or respiration, varied spatially in a statistically identifiable manner, yet [Formula: see text] did. Key words: Nitrogen mineralization, enzyme content, biomass, protease, histidase, ammonium regulation

Factors controlling N mineralization, nitrification, and nitrogen losses in an Oxisol amended with sewage sludge

Soil Research ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 519 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Sierra ◽  
S. Fontaine ◽  
L. Desfontaines
Keyword(s):  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
Field Experiment ◽  
Water Content ◽  
N Mineralization ◽  
Initial Period ◽  
Factorial Experiment ◽  
Net N Mineralization ◽  
N Losses ◽  
Mineral N ◽  
The Difference

Laboratory incubations and a field experiment were carried out to determine the factors controlling N mineralization and nitrification, and to estimate the N losses (leaching and volatilization) in a sewage-sludge-amended Oxisol. Aerobically digested sludge was applied at a rate equivalent to 625 kg N/ha. The incubations were conducted as a factorial experiment of temperature (20˚C, 30˚C, and 40˚C) soil water (–30 kPa and –1500 kPa) sludge type [fresh (FS) water content 6230 g/kg; dry (DS) water content 50 g/kg]. The amount of nitrifiers was determined at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. The incubation lasted 24 weeks. The field study was conducted using bare microplots (4 m) and consisted of a factorial experiment of sludge type (FS and DS) sludge placement (subsurface, I+; surface, I–). Ammonia volatilization and the profile (0–0.90 m) of mineral N concentration were measured during 6 and 29 weeks after sludge application, respectively. After 24 weeks of incubation at 40˚C and –30 kPa, net N mineralization represented 52% (FS) and 71% (DS) of the applied N. The difference between sludges was due to an initial period of N immobilization in FS. Nitrification was more sensitive than N mineralization to changes in water potential and it was fully inhibited at –1500 kPa. The introduction of a large amount of nitrifiers with FS did not modify the rate of nitrification, which was principally limited by soil acidity (pH 4.9). Although N mineralization was greatest at 30˚C, nitrification increased continuously with temperature. Nitrogen mineralization from DS was well described by the double-exponential equation. For FS, the equation was modified to take into account an immobilization-remineralization period. Sludge placement significantly affected the soil NO-3/NH+4 ratio in the field: 16 for I+ and 1.5 for I–, after 11 weeks. In the I– treatment, nitrification of the released NH+4 was limited by soil moisture because of the dry soil mulch formed a few hours after rain. At the end of the field experiment, the estimated losses of N by leaching were 432 kg N/ha for I+ and 356 kg N/ha for I–. Volatilization was not detectable in the I+ microplots and it represented only 0.5% of the applied N in the I– microplots. The results showed that placement of sludge may be a valuable tool to decrease NO-3 leaching by placing the sludge under unfavourable conditions for nitrification.

scholarly journals Mid-Term Effects of Forest Thinning on N Mineralization in a Semi-Arid Aleppo Pine Forest

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 1470
Author(s):  
Inmaculada Bautista ◽  
Luis Lado-Monserrat ◽  
Cristina Lull ◽  
Antonio Lidón
Keyword(s):  
N Mineralization ◽  
Nutrient Dynamics ◽  
Pinus Halepensis ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Plant Cover ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Net N Mineralization ◽  
Mineral N ◽  
Silvicultural Treatments ◽  
Randomized Block Design

In order to assess the sustainability of silvicultural treatments in semiarid forests, it is necessary to know how they affect the nutrient dynamics in the forest. The objective of this paper is to study the effects of silvicultural treatments on the net N mineralization and the available mineral N content in the soil after 13 years following forest clearings. The treatments were carried out following a randomized block design, with four treatments and two blocks. The distance between the two blocks was less than 3 km; they were located in Chelva (CH) and Tuéjar (TU) in Valencia, Spain. Within each block, four experimental clearing treatments were carried out in 1998: T0 control; and T60, T75 and T100 where 60%, 75% and 100 of basal area was eliminated, respectively. Nitrogen dynamics were measured using the resin tube technique, with disturbed samples due to the high stoniness of the plots. Thirteen years after the experimental clearings, T100, T75 and T60 treatments showed a twofold increase in the net mineralization and nitrification rates with respect to T0 in both blocks (TU and CH). Within the plots, the highest mineralization was found in sites with no plant cover followed by those covered by undergrowth. These results can be explained in terms of the different litterfall qualities, which in turn are the result of the proportion of material originating from Pinus halepensis Mill. vs. more decomposable undergrowth residues.

scholarly journals Nitrogen Availability in Biochar-Amended Soils with Excessive Compost Application

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen-Chi Tsai ◽  
Yu-Fang Chang
Keyword(s):  
N Mineralization ◽  
Nitrogen Availability ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Inorganic Nitrogen ◽  
Clay Content ◽  
N Availability ◽  
Net N Mineralization ◽  
Mineral N ◽  
Mineralization Potential ◽  
The Impact

Adding biochar to excessive compost amendments may affect compost mineralization rate and nitrogen (N) availability. The objective of this 371-day incubation study was to evaluate the effects of four proportions of woody biochar (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0%) from lead tree (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de. Wit) biochar produced at 750 °C through dynamic mineral N and N mineralization rates in three rural soils (one Oxisol and two Inceptisols). In each treatment, 5% poultry–livestock manure compost was added to serve as an excessive application. The results indicated that the biochar decreased available total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) (NO3−-N+NH4+-N) by on average 6%, 9% and 19% for 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0% treatments, respectively. The soil type strongly influenced the impact of the biochar addition on the soil nitrogen mineralization potential, especially the soil pH and clay content. This study showed that the co-application of biochar and excessive compost benefited the agricultural soils by improving NO3−-N retention in agroecosystems. The application of biochar to these soils to combine it with excessive compost appeared to be an effective method of utilizing these soil amendments, as it diminished the net N mineralization potential and reduced the nitrate loss of the excessive added compost.

scholarly journals Nitrogen release kinetics of organic nutrient sources in two benchmark soils of Indo-Gangetic plains

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 1123-1128
Author(s):  
Manpreet S. Mavi ◽  
B. S. Sekhon ◽  
Jagdeep Singh ◽  
O. P. Choudhary
Keyword(s):  
N Mineralization ◽  
Crop Residues ◽  
Release Kinetics ◽  
Farmyard Manure ◽  
Early Period ◽  
Organic Amendments ◽  
Net N Mineralization ◽  
Mineral N ◽  
N Accumulation ◽  
Mineralization Potential

An understanding of the mineralization process of organic amendments in soil is required to synchronize N release with crop demand and protect the environment from excess N accumulation. Therefore, we conducted a laboratory incubation experiment to assess nitrogen mineralization potential of crop residues (rice and wheat straw) and organic manures (poultry manure, farmyard manure, cowpea and sesbania) in two benchmark soils (Typic Haplustept and Typic Ustifluvents) of semi-arid region of Punjab, India, varying in textureat field capacity moisture level at a constant temperature of 331°C. Mineralization was faster during first 7 days of incubation in Typic Haplustept and upto 14 days in Typic Ustifluvents which subsequently declined over time. In both soils, net N mineralization continued to increase with increasing period of incubation (expect with crop residues) and was significantly higher in Typic Ustifluvents (54-231µg g-1) than Typic Haplustept (33-203 µg g-1). Compared to unamended soils, percent N mineralized was highest is sesbania (35-40 %) followed by cowpea (32-37 %) and least in wheat (10-11 %) after 42 days of incubation. Thus, sesbania and cowpea may preferably be used to meetthe large N demand during early period of plant growth. Further, mineralization rate constants (k) also indicated that availability of mineral N was significantly higher with application of organic amendments than unamended control treatments in both soils. Therefore, it may be concluded that considerable economy in the use of inorganic N fertilizer can be employed if N mineralization potential of organic inputs is taken into consideration.

scholarly journals Effect of compaction on microbial activity and carbon and nitrogen transformations in two oxisols with different mineralogy

2011 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 1141-1149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sérgio Ricardo Silva ◽  
Ivo Ribeiro da Silva ◽  
Nairam Félix de Barros ◽  
Eduardo de Sá Mendonça
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Microbial Activity ◽  
Soil Compaction ◽  
N Mineralization ◽  
Organic N ◽  
Net N Mineralization ◽  
Mineral N ◽  
Organic C ◽  
Soil Microbial ◽  
Controlled Conditions

The use of machinery in agricultural and forest management activities frequently increases soil compaction, resulting in greater soil density and microporosity, which in turn reduces hydraulic conductivity and O2 and CO2 diffusion rates, among other negative effects. Thus, soil compaction has the potential to affect soil microbial activity and the processes involved in organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling. This study was carried out under controlled conditions to evaluate the effect of soil compaction on microbial activity and carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) mineralization. Two Oxisols with different mineralogy were utilized: a clayey oxidic-gibbsitic Typic Acrustox and a clayey kaolinitic Xantic Haplustox (Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo ácrico - LVA, and Latossolo Amarelo distrófico - LA, respectively, in the Brazil Soil Classification System). Eight treatments (compaction levels) were assessed for each soil type in a complete block design, with six repetitions. The experimental unit consisted of PVC rings (height 6 cm, internal diameter 4.55 cm, volume 97.6 cm³). The PVC rings were filled with enough soil mass to reach a final density of 1.05 and 1.10 kg dm-3, respectively, in the LVA and LA. Then the soil samples were wetted (0.20 kg kg-1 = 80 % of field capacity) and compacted by a hydraulic press at pressures of 0, 60, 120, 240, 360, 540, 720 and 900 kPa. After soil compression the new bulk density was calculated according to the new volume occupied by the soil. Subsequently each PVC ring was placed within a 1 L plastic pot which was then tightly closed. The soils were incubated under aerobic conditions for 35 days and the basal respiration rate (CO2-C production) was estimated in the last two weeks. After the incubation period, the following soil chemical and microbiological properties were detremined: soil microbial biomass C (C MIC), total soil organic C (TOC), total N, and mineral N (NH4+-N and NO3--N). After that, mineral N, organic N and the rate of net N mineralization was calculated. Soil compaction increased NH4+-N and net N mineralization in both, LVA and LA, and NO3--N in the LVA; diminished the rate of TOC loss in both soils and the concentration of NO3--N in the LA and CO2-C in the LVA. It also decreased the C MIC at higher compaction levels in the LA. Thus, soil compaction decreases the TOC turnover probably due to increased physical protection of soil organic matter and lower aerobic microbial activity. Therefore, it is possible to conclude that under controlled conditions, the oxidic-gibbsitic Oxisol (LVA) was more susceptible to the effects of high compaction than the kaolinitic (LA) as far as organic matter cycling is concerned; and compaction pressures above 540 kPa reduced the total and organic nitrogen in the kaolinitic soil (LA), which was attributed to gaseous N losses.

Plant residue and cropping system effects on N dynamics in a Gray Luvisolic soil

2000 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. 277-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Broersma ◽  
N. G. Juma ◽  
J. A. Robertson
Keyword(s):  
N Mineralization ◽  
Crop Residues ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Cropping System ◽  
Plant Residue ◽  
Plant Residues ◽  
Net N Mineralization ◽  
Hordeum Vulgare L ◽  
N Dynamics ◽  
Total N

Soil samples from differing cropping systems were amended with 15N-labeled plant residues having varying carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratios to quantify N dynamics in a Gray Luvisolic soil. For non-amended cropping systems a significantly greater amount of total N was mineralized from the continuous legume (CL) than from the continuous grass (CG), barley/forage (BF) rotations, or continuous barley (CB) cropping systems. The addition of the fababean (Vicia faba L.) plant residue resulted in net N mineralization from most of the cropping systems. After 20 wk, 14.0%, 10.5% and 7.1% of the 15N was mineralized from fababean, barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and fescue (Festuca rubra L.) amended residues, respectively, when averaged across cropping systems. Key words: Crop residues, cropping systems, Gray Luvisol, N mineralization, 15N, soil amendments

Soil resources and the growth and nutrition of tree seedlings near harvest gap – forest edges in interior cedar–hemlock forests of British Columbia

2006 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael B Walters ◽  
Cleo C Lajzerowicz ◽  
K David Coates
Keyword(s):  
Soil Water ◽  
Seedling Growth ◽  
N Mineralization ◽  
Forest Edge ◽  
Organic N ◽  
Tree Seedlings ◽  
Net N Mineralization ◽  
Soil N ◽  
Forest Edges ◽  
Mineral N

Observations of tree seedlings with chlorotic foliage and stunted growth near harvest gap – forest edges in interior cedar–hemlock forests inspired a study addressing the following questions: (1) Do seedling foliar chemistry, foliar nitrogen (N) versus growth relationships, and fertilizer responses suggest N-limited seedling growth? (2) Are patterns in soil characteristics consistent with N limitation, and can interrelationships among these characteristics infer causality? Our results suggest that seedling growth near gap–forest edges was colimited by N and light availability. Soil mineral N and dissolved organic N (DON) concentrations, in situ net N mineralization, and water generally increased from forest to gap, whereas N mineralization from a laboratory incubation and total N and carbon did not vary with gap–forest position. Interrelations among variables and path analysis suggest that soil water and total soil N positively affect DON concentration and N mineralization, and proximity to mature gap–forest edge trees negatively impacts mineral N concentration and water. Collectively, our results suggest that soil N levels which limit seedling growth near gap edges can be partially explained by the direct negative impacts of gap–forest edge trees on mineral N concentrations and their indirect impacts on N cycling via soil water, and not via effects on substrate chemistry.

scholarly journals Nitrogen mineralization of legume residues: interactions between species, temperature and placement in soil

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. e1101
Author(s):  
Miguel Oliveira ◽  
Dragan Rebac ◽  
João Coutinho ◽  
Luís Ferreira ◽  
Henrique Trindade
Keyword(s):  
Faba Bean ◽  
N Mineralization ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
N Availability ◽  
Net N Mineralization ◽  
Legume Species ◽  
Mineral N ◽  
Lower Carbon

Aim of study: To assess the interactive effects of legume species, residue placement and temperature on the net nitrogen (N) mineralization dynamics in a sandy loam soil.Area of study: Northern PortugalMaterial and methods: Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp), faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.) residues were incorporated or applied to the soil surface at typical field yields in Europe and incubated in aerobic conditions for up to 240 days, either at 10ºC or 20ºC. Initial chemical characteristics of the soil and residues were determined. Net N mineralization was estimated at eight time intervals.Main results: Cowpea residues caused no negative changes in soil mineral N contents and were able to release the equivalent of 21-45 kg N ha-1 in 240 days. Net N immobilization (up to 17 kg N ha-1) was observed throughout most of the trial in soil with faba bean and pea residues. Differences in mineralization patterns could be attributed to the higher quality (lower carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratios) of cowpea. Surface placement increased net N mineralized by as much as 18 kg N ha-1. The sensitivity of N mineralization to changes in temperature and residue placement varied with legume species, likely due to effects associated with differences in C:N ratios.Research highlights: Adding cowpea residues to soil is suitable when high N availability is immediately required. Faba bean or pea residues are better suited for conservation of soil N for later release.

Nitrogen mineralization, nitrate leaching and crop growth after ploughing-in leguminous and non-leguminous grain crop residues

1994 ◽  
Vol 123 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. S. Francis ◽  
R. J. Haynes ◽  
P. H. Williams
Keyword(s):  
N Mineralization ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Net N Mineralization ◽  
Soil N ◽  
Mineral N ◽  
N Content ◽  
Leaching Losses ◽  
N Yield ◽  
Leguminous Crops ◽  
N Fertility

SummaryA field experiment was conducted in Canterbury, New Zealand to investigate the effect of six leguminous and non-leguminous grain crops on soil N fertility over a 12 month period (March 1989 to March 1990). All crops had an overall negative N balance during their growing season. A greater amount of soil N was removed by barley, rape and lupins (104–119 kg N/ha) than by field beans, field peas or lentils (50–74 kg N/ha).Net N mineralization was measured in all treatments between residue incorporation and the start of winter. With the exception of the lupins, accumulation of mineral N in the soil profile before the start of winter drainage was greater following leguminous (mean 124 kg N/ha) than non-leguminous crops (mean 80 kg N/ha).Cumulative apparent leaching losses over the autumn/winter were largely a reflection of the mineral N content of the profile before the start of drainage. Excluding lupins, leaching losses declined in the order fallow > legumes > non-legumes (110 > 72 > 37 kg N/ha respectively). The anomalous results for the lupins were attributed to the incorporation of a large amount of woody residues after harvest which may well have resulted in extensive net N mineralization occurring later in the autumn.Over a 12 month period, all treatments showed a decline in N fertility (110–160 kg N/ha), although compared with barley, the total loss of soil N was 10–40 kg N/ha less following leguminous crops.Growth of the following spring wheat test crop was affected by the preceding crop. Grain yield, grain N yield and total N yield were significantly related to the mineral N content of the soil at the end of leaching, and to a measure of net N mineralization during the growing season of the test crop.

Leaf-litter production and soil organic matter dynamics along a nitrogen-availability gradient in Southern Wisconsin (U.S.A.)

1983 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Knute J. Nadelhoffer ◽  
John D. Aber ◽  
Jerry M. Melillo
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Soil Organic Matter ◽  
Leaf Litter ◽  
N Mineralization ◽  
N Uptake ◽  
Mineral Soil ◽  
Litter Production ◽  
N Availability ◽  
Net N Mineralization ◽  
Mineral N

Annual net N mineralization in the 0–10 cm mineral soil zone of nine forest stands on silt–loam soils was measured using a series of insitu soil incubations from April 1980 through April 1981. Differences in soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics among sites were shown with net N mineralization ranging from 0.54 to 2.10 mg N mineralized•g SOM−1•year−1. This variation was not related to percent N in SOM. Net N mineralization varied seasonally with maximum rates in June and very low rates in winter. Nitrification rates were constant from May through September despite fluctuations in soil ammonium pools. Nitrification was greater than 50% of annual net N mineralization at all sites. N uptake by vegetation, as estimated by net N mineralization plus mineral N inputs via precipitation, with minor corrections for mineralization below the incubation depth and for mineral N losses to groundwater, ranged from 40.3 to 119.2 kg N•ha−1•year−1. Annual leaf and needle litter production ranged from 2.12 to 4.17 Mg•ha−1•year−1 and was strongly correlated with N uptake (r = 0.938, P < 0.01). N returned in leaf litter was also correlated with N uptake (r = 0.755, P < 0.05). Important feedbacks may exist between N availability and litter quality and quantity.

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