Effect of injections of propane into soil on crop growth

Journal Article · · Agron. J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5603887

Johnson, D R; Herbek, J H; Eastin, J D; Frederick, L R; Stritzel, J A; Colville, W L

Liquid propane (C/sub 10/H/sub 3/) was injected into the soil of plots for Zea mays (L.), Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, and Glycine max (L.) Merr. with an anhydrous ammonia applicator at rates of from 0 to 376 liters/ha (0 to 40 gal/A). Gaseous propane was injected into greenhouse and growth chamber pots of soybeans and sorghum at equivalent rates. Propane injections produced a small decrease in corn leaf nitrogen percent. No significant influence on corn yield was noted. Sorghum was not affected by propane injections. Soybean root nodulation was increased by propane injections. Propane had no effect on nodulation where nitrogen fertilizer was added and had no effect on soybean yields. Additional laboratory studies using a closed system showed that microbial activity and nitrogen immobilization were directly related to the propane gas concentration in the soil. Propane may have been used as a source of energy by the microorganisms which then immobilized the soil inorganic nitrogen. 7 references, 5 tables.

• Research Organization: Iowa State Univ., Ames
• OSTI ID: 5603887
• Journal Information: Agron. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Agron. J.; (United States) Vol. 61; ISSN AGJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560303* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Plants-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ALKANES
CEREALS
DATA
DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIPS
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
GLYCINE HISPIDA
GRASS
GROWTH
HYDROCARBONS
INFORMATION
LEGUMINOSAE
MAIZE
METABOLISM
MICROORGANISMS
NITROGEN FIXATION
NUMERICAL DATA
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PLANT GROWTH
PLANTS
PROPANE
SOILS
SORGHUM
TOXICITY
YIELDS