Nitrogen Transformations in Soils I. In Sandy Soil under Barley and Peanut in a two Years' Rotation

Abstract

Summary Nitrogen transformations and bacteriological changes were studied in sandy soil, cropped to barley and peanut in a two years' rotation. Total bacteria, streptomycetes, aerobic cellulose-decomposers, as well as the bacteria concerned in the nitrogen cycle, increased in the soil under both crops. The carbon increased in the soil to 370% within two years without the addition of organic manures. The soil gained nitrogen under peanut, but not under barley. More than 50% of the nitrogen fertilizer was lost through leaching under both crops. Within the tAvo years, the nitrogen gains amounted to 170.34 kg. N/feddan: 11.1% of it under barley and 88.9% under peanut crops.