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Document Type

Thesis

Date of this Version

9-1960

Citation

Thesis (M.S.)—University of Nebraska—Lincoln, 1960. Department of Agronomy.

Comments

Copyright 1960, the author. Used by permission.

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the role of aerobic and anaerobic conditions in the processes of mineralization of organic matter in wet meadow soils.

It was reasoned that since the organic matter was the main source of many nutrients in these soils, any change in the environment to cause increased aerobic or anaerobic conditions would in turn affect the soil microbial population activity and subsequent release of mineralized nitrogen, phosphorous and sulfur. The investigation involved two phases. One phase was a greenhouse study in which growth and nutrient uptake by sudan grass were used to investigate the influence of saturating wet meadow soils. Plants grown under saturated conditions were compared with those grown in the same soil under aerated conditions. The other phase involved a series of soil incubation studies in which aerobic and anaerobic conditions were maintained under constant temperature conditions. The influence of these environments on the decomposition of the soil organic matter was determined by measurement of the ammonium and nitrate forms of nitrogen as well as extractable phosphorus. Data obtained were used to determine the speed of reaction in the processes of ammonification and nitrification of these soils.

Advisor: Leon Chesnin

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