Authors
AMA Fernando, K Giller
Publication date
1993
Publisher
Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya: Peradeniya
Description
Potential and heterotrophic nitrification rates were investigated in three soils. two Brazilian soils ofpH4. 7, andlone British soil ofpH6. 5. Two methods were compared; a slurry-based system, and a perfusion system.
There was a retardation ofnitrate-N production in the high pH British soil when measured by the slurry method, probably due to the accumulation of protons and nitrite. The perfusion was found to be the best means of quantifying both potential and heterotrophic nitrification rates, regardless of soil/microbial properties. The perfusion system most closely measured nitrification rates as they would occur in the field. Its advantage was confirmed by the relatively short time needed jot nitrification to proceed at• an equilibrium rate. The slurry system did not seem suitable for quantifying nitrification rates in soils where nitrifying activity is adapted to a highpH*
Scholar articles