Nutrient Management Research Database
General Information
Research Title
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Summary/Abstract from Original Source
Integrating information on nitrogen (N) mineralization potentials into a fertilization plan could lead to improved N use efficiency. A controlled incubation mineralization study examined microbial biomass dynamics and N mineralization rates for two soils receiving 56 and 168 kg N ha−1 in a Panoche clay loam (Typic Haplocambid) and a Wasco sandy loam (Typic Torriorthent), incubated with and without cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)residues at 10 and 25°C for 203 days. Microbial biomass activity determined from mineralized carbon dioxide (CO2) was higher in the sandy loam than in clay loam independent of incubation temperature, cotton residue addition and N treatment. In the absence of added cotton residue, N mineralization rates were higher in the sandy loam. Residue additions increased N immobilization in both soils, but were greater in clay loam. Microbial biomass and mineralization were significantly affected by soil type, residue addition and temperature but not by N level.
Research Highlights
Design and Methods
- This lab incubation investigated changes in mineralization rates and soil microbial behavior stimulated by fertilization, cotton residue incorporation, and temperature.
- Mineralization of background soil N can inform nutrient management planning, helping to limit costs of N fertilization.
- However, predicting mineralization rates has proven difficult, limiting the ability of growers to reliably utilize this potential source of N.
- Application of plant biomass with high C:N ratios can result in immobilization, a process where microbes take up soil N and limit its availability to plants.
- Two soil types were included in the study: a clay loam and a sandy loam.
Results
- Total microbial activity was higher in the sandy loam than in the clay loam across both soil types and for all amendment treatments.
- The application of cotton residue increased N immobilization rates. This effect was more pronounced in the clay loam.
- Without cotton residue addition, mineralization rates were higher in the sandy loam.
- Rates of N fertilization studied (50 lbs N/ac and 150 lbs N/ac) did not alter N mineralization rates.
- This study highlights the importance of considering texture when incorporating potential N mineralization
Additional Information
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