THE INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE ON THE NITRATE CONTENT OF SOIL IN THE PRESENCE OF DECOMPOSING CELLULOSE

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Abstract
Fallow soils and soils growing tomato plants were maintained at constant temp. ranging from 10[degree] to 35[degree] C. Some of the soils were treated with CaCO3, CaSO4, and 1% cellulose. Both poor and rich (compost) soils were employed. The fallow soils were analyzed for nitrates weekly for 7 weeks. Dry weight of the tomato plants was determined. The addition of cellulose resulted in loss of nitrate in all soils at all temp. during the first half of each expt. At higher temp., and during the latter half of the expt., the nitrate content of the rich (compost) soil made a considerable recovery. The addition of CaCO3 prevented nitrate loss in the poor soils and stimulated nitrate increase in the rich soils, CaSO4 was without effect. Yield was reduced in the presence of cellulose in poor soils, whereas in rich soils the low nitrate level was still sufficient for plant growth. Plant growth was stimulated by CaCO3 at high temp. both in presence and absence of cellulose. The yield was depressed by CaSO4.

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