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The Decomposition of Partridge Pea and its Influence on Nitrification¹

ABSTRACT

Comparative decomposition rates of alfalfa, wheat straw, and whole partridge pea, or its various plant parts taken separately, were determined by measuring weight losses during laboratory incubations. Effects of these plant materials on nitrification rates in soil were also determined.

The alfalfa lost the most weight by decomposition during a 32-week period. The loss in weight of straw also exceeded that of the whole plant of partridge pea. The nitrification rate with partridge pea added was lower than that with untreated soil. Partridge pea leaves increased nitrification, but the pods or stalks decreased it.

The nitrate content of field plots previously grown to partridge pea was higher than that of plots without a legume, but not as high as in plots previously in sweet clover.

¹ Contribution by the Soil Conservation Service-Research, U.S.D.A., and the Department of Agronomy, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, cooperating. Published with the approval of the Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station, as paper No. 538, Nebraska Journal Series, and with the approval of the Chief of Research, Soil Conservation Service. Presented before Section III, Soil Science Society of America, State College, Pa., August 29, 1951.

² Formerly graduate student, now member of faculty of Agriculture, University of Puerto Rico, and Bacteriologist, respectively. The writers are indebted to F. L. Duley and J. C. Russel for their suggestions and the use of their plots in this study.