Soluble nitrogen forms in sand soil of Pallag: a quantitative report.

Ida Kincses,Jesus R. Melendez,Gerardo Cuenca Nevarez,Lenin Ramírez-Cando,Viviana Talledo Solórzano,Diego Burbano-Salas,Juan Morales Arteaga,Zsolt Sándor,Daniel Lowy,Benito Mendoza

doi:10.12688/f1000research.25260.2

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) is a crop macronutrient of major importance, which affects both plant growth and yield. In this paper we discuss the humus content (%) and various soluble N forms (NO 3-, total N, nitrate-N, ammonium-N, and organic nitrogen) available in humus sand soil samples originating from the Pallag Experimental Station of Horticulture at the University of Debrecen, Hungary. We found 45.4% nitrate-N and 13.8% nitrite-N of total N content present in the soil. Considering the percentage distribution of soluble N forms present at the Pallag Experimental Station, we recommend using this soil in further pot experiments, given that this has optimal nutrient supply capacity. In addition, we examined possible statistical correlations between humus% and N forms.

Highlights

Nitrogen (N) is a crop macronutrient of major importance, which affects both plant growth and yield
Regarding conclusions about the test soil suitable for use, there was a misunderstanding, so we tried to clarify in the text, as well; we meant that test soil could be used in pot experiments, according to its characteristics described in the study, which seemed to be confirmed by the total element contribution in test plant
Nitrogen is present in soils as inorganic nitrogen and organic nitrogen[5]

Summary

Introduction

Nitrogen (N) is a crop macronutrient of major importance, which affects both plant growth and yield. Regarding conclusions about the test soil suitable for use, there was a misunderstanding, so we tried to clarify in the text, as well; we meant that test soil could be used in pot experiments, according to its characteristics described in the study, which seemed to be confirmed by the total element contribution in test plant (tomato) The latter is the topic of our forthcoming study (we do not present these results here). Some pollutant N forms (e.g., nitrite) are present in soil, so nitrogen conversions may indirectly affect human health and load the environment[1] For this reason, quantifying studies aim to better understand nitrogen form ratios in soil and contribute to reaching sustainable agriculture practice. Jakab published a similar study[7] quantifying another vital element for plants, phosphorus, in soil from the same region

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