The immobilization of mineral nitrogen in soils by different organic materials

Abstract

Using the soil percolation technic, the immobilization of mineral N with various organic compounds was studied. The magnitudes of the temporary immobilization of mineral N and eventual loss of total N were dependent on the type of carbon source, amt. of CO2 present, and inversely on the amt. of soil present. Also the N-immobilizing mechanism was poisoned by azide but not by iodoacetate or chlorate. These results suggest that a heavy metal enzyme and a CO2-assimilative process are involved.