Humus Formation: Effect of C:N Ratio. (5322)
Authors:
M. Meyerhoff* - Kansas State University S.J. Thien - Kansas State University
Abstract:
Humus is formed as a result of the decay of organic matter in the soil. Microbes use nitrogen in the organic matter for energy to perform the decay. When the microbes deplete the inorganic nitrogen in the organic matter and surrounding soil the begin to use carbon contained in the organic matter for food.
This carbon is given off as carbon dioxide resulting in less carbon available for the formation of humus.
By adding nitrogen to the soil and lowering the C:N ratio we believe that we can feed the microbes, halting or delaying their use of carbon as a food source. By doing so, we can increase the amount of carbon available for humus formation,increasing the amount of humus formed.
Speaker Information: Matthew Meyerhoff, Kansas State University, Dept of Agronomy 1022 Throckmorton, Manhattan, KS 66506; Phone: (785) 532-7258; E-mail: [email protected]
Session Information: Monday, November 1, 2004, 8:00 AM-10:00 AM Presentation Start: 8:00 AM (Poster Board Number: 0943)