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Nitrogen Gradients and Nitrification Associated with Decomposing Corn Plants and Barley Straw in Soil¹

ABSTRACT

Ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate concentrations and pH were measured in 5-mm increments of soil over a 50-mm distance from decomposing layers of corn plants (Zea mays L.) and barley straw (Hordeum vulgare L.) that contained from 1.00 to 2.10% N. During 16 days of incubation, corn plants containing 2.05% N produced an ammonia concentration of 1.3 meq/100 g of soil in the layer near the plant material and inhibited nitrification. At 1.78% N the maximum ammonia concentration was approximately 0.55 meq/100 g of soil and nitrification proceeded almost without inhibition. At 1.27% N, a nitrogen deficiency existed and nitrate moved from the soil into the plant material. Similar gradients of a lesser magnitude were found in soil near decomposing layers of barley straw. Plant materials with the higher N contents increased adjacent soil pH, whereas those with lower N contents had less influence.

¹ Contribution from the Snake River Conserv. Res. Center, Northwest Branch, SWCRD, ARS, USDA, Kimberly, Idaho; Idaho Agr. Exp. Sta. cooperating.

² Research Soil Scientist.

Received for publication October 24, 1966. Accepted for publication January 6, 1967.