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Amino Acid Distribution in Forest Humus Layers in British Columbia
Author(s) -
Lowe L. E.
Publication year - 1973
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/sssaj1973.03615995003700040029x
Subject(s) - amino acid , hydrolysis , chemistry , proline , decomposition , leucine , humus , acid hydrolysis , glycine , soil water , biology , organic chemistry , biochemistry , ecology
Amino acid distribution was studied in hydrolysates from L, F, and H horizons at seven sites under different vegetation. Hydrolysis in an autoclave for 6 hours was found comparable to a 24‐hour hydrolysis under reflux, but was more rapid and convenient and gave better precision in estimates of individual amino acid levels. Amino acid distribution was generally similar to that reported for mineral soils, but with increasing decomposition (L→F→H), the proportions of glutamic acid, proline, and leucine decreased relative to glycine. Increasing decomposition was also associated with increasing hexosamine levels. Amino acid‐N content of horizon samples ranged from 0.07% to 0.95%, with L horizons under deciduous cover showing higher levels than corresponding horizons of coniferous or sphagnum sites. Basic amino acid‐N accounted for 19 to 27% of total amino acid‐N, and showed no consistent change with increasing degree of decomposition.