Effect of Manure Application, Aeration, and Soil pH on Soil Nitrogen Transformations and on Certain Soil Test Values

Abstract

Nitrate production under aerobic conditions was directly related to rate of manure application, period of incubation, and soil pH but was stopped under anaerobic conditions. Average recovery by chemical analysis of N applied as manure to a Plainfield sand at relatively high rates and incubated for 37 weeks was 77% for aerobic conditions and 24% for anaerobic conditions. The addition of manure tended to increase soil pH and the contents of organic N, available P and exchangeable K, Ca, and Mg, particularly at the higher rates. They also increased the field moisture capacity of a Plainfield sand. However, on an acid Ella loamy sand the two highest rates of manure caused a reduction of the values for field moisture capacity, apparently the result of formation of a waxy material that tended to repel water absorption.