Premium
Organic Matter Decomposition as Influenced by Oxygen Level and Method of Application to Soil
Author(s) -
Parr J. F.,
Reuszer H. W.
Publication year - 1959
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/sssaj1959.03615995002300030018x
Subject(s) - aeration , decomposition , oxygen , straw , organic matter , chemistry , incubation , environmental chemistry , zoology , environmental science , inorganic chemistry , organic chemistry , biology , biochemistry
Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the rate of decomposition of straw added to soil as a localized placement or mixed thoroughly with the soil when aerated with N 2 ‐O 2 gas mixtures containing 0, 2.5, 5.0 and 21% oxygen. Rates of decomposition and total decomposition were followed by determination of CO 2 formed. Early decomposition rates were somewhat lower with localized placement of the straw, but after 6 weeks of incubation there was little difference between the two methods of placement in total amount of straw decomposition. Total decomposition after 6 weeks with 5.0, 2.5, and 0% oxygen in the aerating gas was equal to about 86, 70, and 13%, respectively, of that taking place when the aerating gas contained 21% oxygen. After 30 days of aeration at a 0% oxygen level, changing the aerating gas to a 21% oxygen level brought about a very rapid rise in the rate of decomposition.