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An Automated Microcosm System for Studying Soil Ecological Processes
Author(s) -
Hantschel Ralph E.,
Flessa Heiner,
Beese Friedrich
Publication year - 1994
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/sssaj1994.03615995005800020023x
Subject(s) - microcosm , environmental science , hordeum vulgare , straw , soil respiration , soil water , ecology , agronomy , soil science , environmental chemistry , chemistry , biology , poaceae
Soil ecological processes are characterized by high temporal and spatial variability. To evaluate effects of soil management and environmental parameters on single processes, it is necessary to investigate several replicates of each soil type under controlled laboratory conditions. We developed a microcosm system in which 64 disturbed or undisturbed soil columns, each controlled individually, may be evaluated. The technical design of the automated microcosm system demonstrates the broad applicability of the system. For demonstration the effects of the herbicide terbuthylazin (TA) on microbial respiration in microcosms treated with and without barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) straw are shown. Even high amounts of the herbicide applied did not reduce the CO 2 release by the soil organisms. The C source added with the barley residues did not change this result significantly.