Abstract
The availability of iron and manganese in alluvial (clay loam) and calcareous (sandy-clay loam) soils was studied through the decomposition course of organic matter applied as composted straw, at varying periods of composting, or as crude straw added directly to be humified within the soil. Straw, either composted or crude, was applied at a rate of 2% organic matter on a dry weight basis. Iron and manganese sulphate were added to both soils at rates of 100 ppm Fe or 20 ppm Mn. Composted or humifying straw generally improved the availability of iron and manganese in both soils, especially after the first two months. The humifying straw favoured the availability of the elements in the calcareous soil, but the composted straw was generally better in the alluvial soil. Addition of the minerals produced no considerable changes in the available contents in both soils.
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