Title: | Decomposition and soil nitrogen availability in Chihuahuan Desert field microcosms |
Author: | Fisher, F. M.; Freckmand, W. D.; Whitford, W. G. |
Abstract: | The results suggest that organic matter turnover in root microcosms was more rapid than in litter microcosms. Mass loss from annual roots was higher but N loss was lower than from perennial roots. Bacteria plus yeast mass in annual-root microcosms was lower, nematode populations were higher, and soil inorganic N was less than in perennial-root microcosms. The addition of annual roots reduced inorganic N concentrations below that of the unamended controls and the other substrate treatments in month 6 and 9 samples indicating that annual-root decomposition led to N immobilization or denitrification. The addition of litter or perennial-roots increased soil inorganic N concentrations above the unamended control in the month 9 samples. The decomposition of N-poor annual plant roots may significantly reduce N availability in desert ecosystems. |
URI: | http://bva.colech.edu.mx/xmlui/handle/123456789/HASH01c469d2d9ec6bea1b195375 |
Date: | 2012-03-09 |
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Observatorio Ambiental de El Colegio de Chihuahua (COLECH)
Biblioteca Virtual Ambiental del Estado de Chihuahua (BVA)
Correo electrónico: bva@colech.edu.mx