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Readily Oxidizable Carbon: An Index of Decomposition and Humification of Forest Litter
Author(s) -
Hu Lily,
Youngberg C. T.,
Gilmour C. M.
Publication year - 1972
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/sssaj1972.03615995003600060034x
Subject(s) - humus , forest floor , decomposition , litter , carbon fibers , environmental chemistry , total organic carbon , chemistry , environmental science , hardwood , soil science , ecology , soil water , organic chemistry , biology , materials science , composite number , composite material
The forest floor is an important component of the forest ecosystem. The reactions taking place at this interface between the organic horizons and the mineral soil are strategic. The rate of CO 2 evolution from the forest floor is indicative of the biological activity occurring in the organic horizons and is also indicative of the readily available energy material present. The amount of CO 2 evolved over a 28‐day period was determined for the F‐layers (decomposing material) and H‐layers (humified material) from hardwood, conifer, and mixed hardwood conifer forests in the northeastern United States. Total CO 2 evolved appeared to be indicative of the level of readily oxidizable carbon in the material and its state of decomposition and humification. A more rapid method of evaluating decomposition and humification appeared desirable. Water soluble carbon was determined on the same materials used for the CO 2 evolution study plus fresh litter from some of the same stands. The values for soluble carbon compared very favorably with those from CO 2 evolution determinations. It was thus concluded that the more rapid soluble carbon determination is a useful index of state of decomposition and humification.