Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of common diterpenes (colophony, abietic acid) and triterpene (beta-sitosterol) on carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) transformations in soil under birch (Betula pendula L.). Samples were taken from the organic layer at two study sites, Kivalo (N-poor soil) and Kerimaki (N-rich soil), and incubated with the above-mentioned terpenes in laboratory conditions. Carbon dioxide evolution (C mineralization), net N mineralization, nitrification, and N and C in microbial biomass were measured. All these terpenes increased C mineralization, but decreased net N mineralization. The potential to decrease net N mineralization depended on amount of terpenes, with a stronger effect at a higher amount. Net nitrification in Kerimaki soil (N-rich soil) decreased but was not completely inhibited by terpenes. Effect of terpenes on soil microbial biomass C and N was not so clear, but they tended to increase both. Our study suggests that higher terpenes can act as a carbon source for soil microbial communities.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
