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Organic Matter Decomposition as Influenced by Oxygen Level and Method of Application to Soil¹

ABSTRACT

Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the rate of decomposition of straw added to soil as a localized placement or mixed thoroughly with the soil when aerated with N₂-O₂ gas mixtures containing 0, 2.5, 5.0 and 21% oxygen. Rates of decomposition and total decomposition were followed by determination of CO₂ formed.

Early decomposition rates were somewhat lower with localized placement of the straw, but after 6 weeks of incubation there was little difference between the two methods of placement in total amount of straw decomposition.

Total decomposition after 6 weeks with 5.0, 2.5, and 0% oxygen in the aerating gas was equal to about 86, 70, and 13%, respectively, of that taking place when the aerating gas contained 21% oxygen. After 30 days of aeration at a 0% oxygen level, changing the aerating gas to a 21% oxygen level brought about a very rapid rise in the rate of decomposition.

¹ Journal Paper No. 1326 Purdue University Agr. Exp. Sta., Lafayette Ind. Contribution from the Dept. of Agronomy. Part of a thesis submitted by the senior author in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the M.S. degree.

² Instructor and Associate Microbiologist, respectively.

Received for publication August 29, 1958. Accepted for publication November 25, 1958.