| publication name | Mineralization of organic carbon and nitrogen in semi-arid soils under organic and inorganic fertilization |
|---|---|
| Authors | Abdelhafez, A. A., Abbas, M. H. H., Attia, T. M. S., El Bably, W., & Mahrous, S. E. |
| year | 2018 |
| keywords | |
| journal | Environmental Technology and Innovation |
| volume | 9 |
| issue | Not Available |
| pages | 243-253 |
| publisher | Not Available |
| Local/International | International |
| Paper Link | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2017.12.011 |
| Full paper | download |
| Supplementary materials | Not Available |
Abstract
Although compost is added to soils to improve their nutritive status and properties; yet upon its decomposition, considerable amounts of CO2 might be emitted to the atmosphere causing hazardous environmental risks. Investigating the mineralization of compost applied to a sandy soil and a silty clay one of low organic-C content in the green house for 90 days under soil moisture contents of 75 or 100% of FC was considered. Efflux rate of CO2 decreased considerably for one day in the sandy soil after application of the compost; beyond which showed an almost constant rate. In the silty clay soil, the efflux rate decreased obviously to achieve non detectable value 3 days later. Even in soils amended with mineral N-fertilizer, CO2 emissions were valued while decreased with time. By the end of the incubation time, the rate of C-mineralization was significantly higher in the sandy soil compared with the silty clay one. Increasing soil moisture content from 70 to 100% of the field capacity led to further increases in rates of CO2 efflux as well as org-C mineralization. The amount of N mineralized in the sandy soil was 1.7 times higher than its content in the silt clay one at the FC and 1.1 times in case of 70% of FC. In conclusion, a reversible equilibrated process between decomposition of soil organic matter and buildup of more stable organic components might exist at the same time.