Role of plant residues in determining temporal patterns of the activity, size, and structure of nitrate reducer communities in soil.

ABSTRACT: The incorporation of plant residues into soil not only represents an opportunity to limit soil organic matter depletion resulting from cultivation but also provides a valuable source of nutrients such as nitrogen. However, the consequences of plant residue addition on soil microbial communities involved in biochemical cycles other than the carbon cycle are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the responses of one N-cycling microbial community, the nitrate reducers, to wheat, rape, and alfalfa residues for 11 months after incorporation into soil in a field experiment. A 20- to 27-fold increase in potential nitrate reduction activity was observed for residue-amended plots compared to the nonamended plots during the first week. This stimulating effect of residues on the activity

SUBMITTER: Cheneby D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2976265 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature