A Sequential Extraction Procedure for Studying the Distribution of Organic Fractions in Forest Humus Layers

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Abstract
A procedure is described for the separation of nine organic matter fractions from F and H horizons of forest floor materials formed under different vegetative cover. The extracts employed (and fractions obtained) were ethanol:benzene (A), dilute mineral acid (B), cold 0.1 N NaOH (H-1, F-1, F-2), and hot NaOH (H-2, F-3, F-4), with unextracted organic matter comprising the final fraction. Distribution between the fractions of carbon, and polysaccharides was investigated. Considerable variation was observed in the distribution of fractions among sites, and both between and within horizons. The significance of the fractions is discussed. It was concluded that the procedure was suitable for studying differences in distribution of organic fractions of forest floor materials, but required further modification for examination of the composition of fulvic fractions.

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