I am presently working on some indices of soil microbial activities in an organically managed peach orchard. Soil microbial activities is found to be increased in subsurface soil (21-40 cm) to a great extent over the surface soil (0-20 cm) in the treatment containing soil mulch. Can anybody provide me some evidence through published articles?
Eventhough I have not performed nor did I have any handy relevant literature available on the subject under dicussion, I presume (based on emperical findings) that mulching materials add to soil organic matter, which eventually account for food (nutrients) to soil to soil microbes consequent upon minerilization. Furthermore, soil moisture holding capacity as well as structure and aeration are improved via organic matter addition. All of these are indices requred for upsurge in soil microbial population.
I hope this small piece will be of help to your question. Wishing you a successful research.
how did you measure microbial activities? in subsurface horizons is lower gas exchange than in surface horizons (and diff.physical properties - mainly lower porosity).. When you "add" oxygen (after sampling) your microb.activities will be bigger. Teoretical.
No direct experience, but organic degradation products would be mobile down the profile through preferred pathways provided that there is water flow
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Agriculture
- Soil Science