THE EFFECT OF CELLULOSE ADDITIONS AND MOISTURE LEVEL ON MYCOFLORA OF SOIL

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Abstract
The fungus flora developing in cellulose-amended and non-amended soils of neutral pH at moisture levels of 60, 70, and 80% water-holding capacity (WHC) was investigated. A distinct, successive development of three species, Staphylotrichum coccosporum, Coccospora agricola, and Sependonium sp., was observed in soil held at 60% WHC. More species developed in soil held at 70% WHC, and they could effectively coexist during cellulose decomposition. S. coccosporum developed in smaller numbers at 80% WHC than at 60 and 70% WHC. Sepedonium sp. was associated with cellulose decomposition only at 80% WHC. Species of Trichoderma, Monilia, and Fusarium developed better at high moisture levels. It was concluded that available inoculum and the moisture of soils of similar pH values are major factors in determining composition of the microflora of cellulose-amended soil.