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Nitrification as Affected by Temperature and Moisture Content of Mulched Soils
Author(s) -
Parker D. T.,
Larson W. E.
Publication year - 1962
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/sssaj1962.03615995002600030015x
Subject(s) - water content , soil water , environmental science , nitrification , agronomy , moisture , field capacity , soil science , nitrogen , chemistry , geology , biology , geotechnical engineering , organic chemistry
In the temperature range of 16° to 20°C., a 2°C. differential in soil temperature had a measurable effect on the rate of conversion of NH 4 ‐N to NO 3 ‐N. However, as soil temperature increased to the range of 25° to 30°C. or as the supply of NH 4 ‐N became limiting, differences in NO 3 ‐N production resulting from small differences in soil temperature were not observed. In field soil, very early in the season when soil temperature was in the range of 16° to 20°C., mulched soil was 1° to 2°C. cooler than bare soil. During this period greater accumulation of NO 3 ‐N could occur in bare than in mulched soil as a result of the temperature difference. As measured in the laboratory, NO 3 ‐N production was retarded at soil moisture tensions below 50 cm. of water. At still higher moisture levels, considerable mineral N was lost from the soil. Measurements in the field showed that the soil moisture content of mulched soil exceeded that of bare soil. For short periods of time the moisture level of mulched soil was high enough to cause retarded nitrification and loss of N.