Nitrification potential of secondary-succession upland oak forests: 2. Regulation of ammonium-oxidizing bacteria populations

Journal Article · · Soil Science Society of America Journal; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj1990.03615995005400030048x· OSTI ID:5512347

Donaldson, J M ^[1]; Henderson, G S ^[2]

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1. Dept. of Agriculture, Otto, NC (USA)
2. Univ. of Missouri, Columbia (USA)

Field plots were treated with NH{sub 4}-N and Ca(OH){sub 2} to test the hypothesis that NH{sub 4} and pH control nitrification in these soils. The most probable number (MPN) of autotrophic NH{sub 4}-oxidizing bacteria were estimated in treated and control soils at five dates within a 1-yr period. Sampling dates coincided with periods of significant phenological development of the vegetation. The effect of the treatments on the population of NH{sub 4}-oxidizers was used to assess the treatment effect on soil nitrification potential. The results suggested that soil NH{sub 4} is a major factor regulating populations of these microorganisms; however, numbers of NH{sub 4}-oxidizers in both treated and untreated soils vary significantly with date of sample collection. The seasonal responses of these microorganisms indicate that vegetation affects NH{sub 4}-oxidizer populations, perhaps through the production and release of inhibitory compounds.

• OSTI ID: 5512347
• Journal Information: Soil Science Society of America Journal; (United States), Journal Name: Soil Science Society of America Journal; (United States) Vol. 54:3; ISSN SSSJD; ISSN 0361-5995
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540210* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Basic Studies-- (1990-)
ALKALINE EARTH METAL COMPOUNDS
AMMONIUM COMPOUNDS
AUTOTROPHS
CALCIUM COMPOUNDS
CALCIUM HYDROXIDES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
ECOSYSTEMS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
HYDROXIDES
INHIBITION
NITRIFICATION
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PH VALUE
POPULATION DYNAMICS
SEASONAL VARIATIONS
SOILS
VARIATIONS