Nitrogen Mineralization in Texturally Contrasting Soils Subjected to Different Organic Amendments under Semi-Arid Climates
Author(s)
Date Issued
2023
Type
article
Volume
12
Issue
5
Journal
Abstract
Nitrogen (N) is the prime essential nutrient for agricultural productivity, and its deficiency
is overcome through the application of fertilizers. However, the rate of N mineralization from organic
N sources is an important process to be monitored for efficient N use and sustainable agricultural
management. Laboratory incubation studies were conducted for a period of 150 days to measure
N mineralization (Nmin) from different organic amendments (OA) in texturally contrasting soils
collected at three locations: SL1 (Bahawalpur, sandy loam), SL2 (Bahawalnagar, sandy loam), and
SL3 (Rahim Yar Khan, sandy clay loam). A second study was also carried out for 25 days to monitor
pH dynamics and ammonia volatilization from the same three OA-treated soils. The results showed
that there was no significant difference in net Nmin between the soils for poultry manure (PMO)
and feather meal (FMO), even if there was a substantial Nmin observed for PMC + FMO followed
by poultry manure compost (PMC) at SL2 and SL3 soils. This might have happened due to higher
microbial biomass carbon (257), nitrogen (61), fungal colonization (88 cfu g1 soil) and enzyme
activity (79) in SL3 soil receiving PMC + FMO after 150 days of incubation. However, the firstorder
kinetic model (R2 = 0.86–0.95) better explained the Nmin in all three soils amended with OA
(PMC + FMO). The soil pH had more pronounced effects on Nmin in all three soils. A non-significant
amount of ammonia volatilization was recorded regardless of the initial pH, buffering capacity, and
texture variability of the soils. Further study on the particle size of OA and soil pH is warranted to
determine the actual effect of OA on Nmin.
Subjects
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Name
2023_10 Javeed et al Land.pdf
Description
articolo
Size
1.33 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
63f01a736201137d6d6ab114c3163bee