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Effect of Gamma Radiation on Growth and Metabolism of Microorganisms in an Organic Soil¹

ABSTRACT

Samples of Rifle peat were irradiated with gamma rays from a Co⁶⁰ source at doses of 2, 8, 32, 64, 128, and 250 kiloroentgens (kr.). The irradiated samples were incubated for 54 days, and periodic determinations were made on the rate of CO₂ evolution, P and N mineralization, pH changes, and development of bacterial and fungal populations.

The radiation doses employed had no significant effect on development of the bacterial population, pH, mineralization of P, and evolution of CO₂. Growth of the fungal population and ammonia utilization was increasingly inhibited by doses of 8 to 250 kr.

Gross changes in the metabolism of the soil microflora did not take place. Higher dose levels than those used in this study apparently are required for the sterilization of organic soils.

¹ Published with approval of the Director, Ohio Agr. Exp. Sta. as Journal Paper No. 99-57. Presented before Div. III, Soil Science Society of America, Atlanta, Ga., Nov. 21, 1957.

² Research Associate, Department of Botany, University of Michigan, and Assistant Professor, Ohio Agr. Exp. Sta. and Ohio State University, respectively.

Received for publication June 17, 1958. Accepted for publication July 3, 1958.