THE TRANSFORMATION OF PHOSPHORUS DURING THE DECOMPOSITION OF PLANT MATERIALS

Abstract

During the early stages of decomposition of all plant materials considerable amts. of organic P are synthesized by micro-organisms from the inorganic P compounds. As decomposition progresses the organic P compounds are gradually mineralized, the rate of mineralization depending upon the maturity of the plant rather than upon the nature of the plant. Addition of soluble inorganic phosphates to composts of mature straw increases the rate of decomposition of the straw accompanied by the synthesis of considerable amts. of organic P compounds. When no inorganic phosphate is added there is practically no liberation of P in a soluble form for a period of 4 months. A definite ratio exists between the organic N and the organic P in the humus resulting from the decomposition of the plant material.