Abstract
Soil microbial biomass carbon (C mic) and respiration were measured in soils from two long-term field experiments with recent sewage sludge applications. A moderately contaminated sludge was applied as received from the sewage treatment plant and after additional metal contamination. Generally, the low metal sludge had beneficial effects on C mic and on the soil microbial activity. Higher heavy metal contamination of soils resulted in a substantial decrease in C mic. The ratio C mic C org even decreased when low metal sludge was applied. Soil respiration and especially the respiration per unit biomass ( qCO 2) increased with increasing amounts of heavy metals. Concomitantly the contribution of fungi to soil respiration increased. Judging from these results the qCO 2 appears to be a sensitive indicator of effects that are resulting from the effects of heavy metals on the soil microflora.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
