HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Allison, F. E. Articles by Klein, C. J. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Allison, F. E. Articles by Klein, C. J. Agricola Articles by Allison, F. E. Articles by Klein, C. J.

Comparative Rates of Decomposition in Soil of Wood and Bark Particles of Several Softwood Species¹

ABSTRACT

The rates of decomposition of 10 kinds of finely-ground woods and the corresponding barks at two nitrogen levels were determined in the laboratory by measuring CO₂ evolution over periods varying from 53 to 800 days. The following species were studied: California incense cedar, cypress, redwood, western larch, eastern hemlock, red fir, white fir, Douglas-fir, red cedar, and Engleman spruce. The woods and barks of all of these species were considerably more resistant to biological attack than is shortleaf pine sawdust. California incense cedar, cypress, redwood, eastern hemlock, and red cedar, were decomposed to the extent of < 7% during a 2-month period. The comparative resistance of woods and barks to decay varied for individual species but the average values for the 10 species were similar. Due to the slow rates of decomposition, the soil was able to furnish adequate available nitrogen for maximum rates of decomposition for all of the wood products, and supplemental nitrogen was not needed.

¹ Contribution from the Soil and Water Conservation Research Division, ARS, USDA, Beltsville, Md.

² Soil Scientist and former Physical Science Aid, respectively.

Received for publication August 8, 1960. Accepted for publication September 20, 1960.