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Effect on Runoff and Erosion of Improved Aggregation Resulting from the Stimulation of Microbial Activity
Author(s) -
Peele T. C.,
Beale O. W.
Publication year - 1942
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1942.036159950006000c0030x
Subject(s) - soil conservation , citation , library science , surface runoff , agriculture , sociology , computer science , mathematics , history , archaeology , ecology , biology
r I "'HE functions of microorganisms in the formaA tion of water-stable aggregates have been investigated by several workers (4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, and i?). The available evidence indicates that the mycelium of fungi serves as a binding agent, and Peele (12) demonstrated that the mucus of bacteria can act as a cementing agent in the formation of waterstable aggregates. It is probable that many of the substances synthesized by bacteria can serve as binding agents in the production of aggregates. The effectiveness of bacteria and fungi in producing waterstable aggregates is influenced by the species of organisms present, the available organic materials, and other factors. There is much experimental evidence indicating that high aggregation is associated with low credibility of soils, but there are few quantitative data showing that improved aggregation in a given soil caused a reduction in runoff and erosion. Information on this point is usually complicated by the mechanical effects of plant growth or undecomposed organic residues. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine the effects on runoff and erosion of soil structure changes induced by the stimulation of microbial activity. Microbial activity was stimulated by the addition of sucrose to the soil and the effects on soil structure were determined by aggregate analyses, porosity measurements, percolation tests, and infiltration determinations.