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Stachybotrys atra , an Effective Aggregator of Peorian Loess
Author(s) -
Downs S. C.,
McCalla T. M.,
Haskins F. A.
Publication year - 1955
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/sssaj1955.03615995001900020017x
Subject(s) - straw , loess , news aggregator , incubation , moisture , chemistry , cellulose , food science , biology , biochemistry , organic chemistry , inorganic chemistry , paleontology , computer science , operating system
Twelve cellulose‐decomposing fungi were tested for aggregating ability with Peorian loess containing ground straw at a concentration of 1%. Of the 12 fungi, Stachybotrys atra was the most effective soil aggregator. Under laboratory conditions used, it produced from 2 to 30 times more aggregation than any of the other fungi tested. Studies were made of the influence of various environmental factors on the degree of aggregation effected by S. atra . An incubation time of 1 week was sufficient for a relatively high degree of aggregation. In comparison, longer periods resulted in only slightly improved aggregation. Varying the temperature between 20° and 28° C. had no appreciable effect on the aggregation by S. atra . Approximately equivalent aggregations were attained at the moisture levels of 20, 25, and 30%, which were definitely superior to the 10 and 15% levels. Alfalfa and straw, either separately or as a mixture, were satisfactory sources of energy material for S. atra . The aggregation obtained with alfalfa, however, was somewhat higher than that obtained with straw.