The effects of zinc and copper on soil nitrification

Abstract

The effects of Zn and, Cu on soil nitrification can be studied quantitatively by the percolation technique. The toxic effect of either element is less on an organic than on a mineral soil. Na diethyldithiocarbamate poisons soil nitrification. The poisoning is reversible by Cu and partially reversible by Mn. The results may form the basis of a direct soil test for trace-element deficiencies.