HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Allison, F. E. Articles by Murphy, R. M. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Allison, F. E. Articles by Murphy, R. M. Agricola Articles by Allison, F. E. Articles by Murphy, R. M.

Comparative Rates of Decomposition in Soil of Wood and Bark Particles of Several Hardwood Species¹

ABSTRACT

The decomposition rates of the finely-ground woods and barks of 9 species of hardwoods were determined in the laboratory at two nitrogen levels. Carbon dioxide was measured at frequent intervals during periods varying from 72 to 580 days. The following species were studied: black oak, white oak, red oak, post oak, hickory, red gum, yellow poplar, chestnut, and black walnut. During the first 60 days an average of 30.3% of the wood carbon was released as CO₂ in the absence of fertilizer nitrogen, and 45.1% was released in its presence; the corresponding values for the barks were 22.4 and 24.5%. The variations in the rates of CO₂ release from the woods were not great, but hickory and black walnut barks decomposed much slower than the other barks. The hardwoods were attacked much more readily than most of the softwoods used in an earlier study, and consequently more nitrogen was required by the microorganisms that decomposed them. There were no indications that any of these wood products was toxic to the decay organisms.

¹ Contribution from the U. S. Soils Laboratory, Soil and Water Conservation Research Division, ARS, USDA, Beltsville, Md.

² Soil Scientists.

Received for publication December 4, 1961. Accepted for publication January 19, 1962.