Abstract
Some characteristics of nitrification in 41 humus samples of Dutch heathlands were studied. Most of the acid humus samples (30) showed accumulation of nitrate during a 4-week incubation of field-moist material. In these samples net nitrate production was completely blocked by 0.06% acetylene indicating that nitrification was probably of a chemolithotrophic nature. From a comparison of the net production of nitrate in humus suspensions at pH 4 and pH 6 a differentiation into four patterns could be made:
-
I.
No nitrate production at either pH value studied (12 samples)
-
II.
Acid-sensitive nitrate production (3 samples)
-
III.
Acid-tolerant, pH-dependent nitrate production (10 samples)
-
IV.
Acid-tolerant, pH-independent nitrate production (16 samples)
The results show that acid-tolerant, chemolithotrophic nitrification is widespread among Dutch heathland soils. Absence of potential net nitrate production in humus samples is most likely caused by limitations in the supply of ammonium or oxygen.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Explore related subjects
Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
Adams J A 1986 Identification fof heterotropic nitrification in strongly acid larch humus. Soil Biol. Biochem. 18, 339–341.
Berendse F 1988 De nutriëntenbalans van droge zandgrond-vegetaties in verband met eutrofiëring via de lucht. Deel 1: Een simulatiemodel als hulpmiddel bij het beheer van vochtige heidevelden. OABO, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Bertru G and Goma Tchimbakala J 1985 Influences des composés hydrosolubles des litières sur l'activité d'une population de Nitrobacter cultivée en chémostat. Rev. Ecol. Biol. Sol 22, 433–440.
Clays-Josserand A, Lensi R and Gourbière F 1988 Vertical distribution of nitrification potential in an acid forest soil. Soil Biol. Biochem 20, 405–406.
DeBoer W and Laanbroek H J 1989 Ureolytic nitrification at low pH by Nitrosospira spec. Arch. Microbiol. 152, 178–181.
DeBoer W, Klein Gunnewiek P J A, Troelstra S R and Laanbroek H J 1989a Two types of chemolithotrophic nitrification in acid heathland soils. Plant and Soil 119, 229–235.
DeBoer W, Duyts H and Laanbroek H J 1989b Urea stimulated autotrophic nitrification in suspensions of fertilized, acid heath soil. Soil Biol. Biochem. 21, 349–354.
Hankinson T R and Schmidt E L 1988 An acidophilic and neutrophilic nitrobacter strain isolated from the numerically predominant nitrite-oxidizing population of an acid forest soil. Appl. Environm. Microbiol. 54, 1536–1540.
Hynes R K and Knowles R 1982 Effect of acetylene on autotrophic and heterotrophic nitrification. Can. J. Microbiol. 28, 334–340.
Killham K 1987 A new perfusion system for the measurement and characterization of potential rates of soil nitrification. Plant and Soil 97, 267–272.
Lache D-W 1976 Umweltbedingungen von Binnendünen-und Heidegesellschaften im Nordwest Mitteleuropas. Scripta Geobotanica 11, 96 p.
Mulder J 1988 Impact of Acid Atmospheric Deposition on Soils: Field Monitoring and Aluminum Chemistry. Doctoral thesis. Agricultural University, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Rice E L 1984 Allelopathy. Acad. Press, New York, USA.
Robertson G P 1982 Factors regulating nitrification in primary and secondary succession. Ecology 63, 1561–1573.
Troelstra S R, Wagenaar R and DeBoer W 1990 Nitrification in Dutch heathland soils. I. General soil characteristics and nitrate production in undisturbed soil cores. Plant and Soil 127, 179–192.
Vitousek P M, Gosz J R, Grier C C, Melillo J M and Reiners W A 1982 A comparative analysis of potential nitrification and nitrate mobility in forest ecosystems. Ecol. Monogr. 52, 155–177.