THE EFFECT OF NATURAL GAS ON THE GROWTH OF MICRO-ORGANISMS AND THE ACCUMULATION OF NITROGEN AND ORGANIC MATTER IN THE SOIL

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Abstract
When a natural gas escapes slowly from a pipe line into moist soil, certain microorganisms will make a vigorous growth when temp. conditions are favorable. Dark colored residues accumulate in soils exposed to natural gas and remain for several years after the gas leak is repaired. Studies on the N content of soils affected by natural gas leaks indicate that a marked increase of N has occurred. Species of Clostridium which can fix N under anaerobic conditions were isolated from some of these soils. A marked increase in growth of vegetation occurs in soils where gas leaks have been repaired, indicating that the N, which is added to these soils, is readily oxidized to a form which can be used by plants.

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