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Gamma Radiation Compared with Steam and Methyl Bromide as a Soil Sterilizing Agent
Author(s) -
Eno Charles F.,
Popenoe Hugh
Publication year - 1964
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/sssaj1964.03615995002800040024x
Subject(s) - loam , sterilization (economics) , organic matter , bromide , chemistry , moisture , environmental chemistry , muck , water content , radiochemistry , environmental science , soil science , soil water , inorganic chemistry , organic chemistry , foreign exchange , geology , geotechnical engineering , monetary economics , economics , foreign exchange market
Red Bay loamy fine sand and Everglades muck were sterilized with gamma radiation, steam, and methyl bromide. Exchangeable NH 4 + ; extractable N, P, and S; moisture equivalent; cation‐exchange capacity; and organic matter were measured. None of the sterilization treatments significantly altered cation‐exchange capacity. Steam significantly increased the amounts of N, P, and S extracted and the organic matter content values, compared to the check and the other two soil treatments; it also significantly decreased the moisture equivalent percentage. Gamma ray and methyl bromide sterilization generally increased the release of N, P, and S above the check. There was also a strong indication, based on the N data, that sterilization by gamma rays disrupted the soil organic materials more than methyl bromide. Finally, the intensity of all these factors is most closely associated with the organic matter content of the soil. Therefore, a sand, for example, would not be altered nearly as much as a loam or an organic soil.