Studies on the mechanism of biological nitrogen fixation

Summary

During decomposition of glucose by the mixed flora of the soil, a considerable part (over two-thirds) of the sugar is converted into gaseous forms in the course of the first four days. The residue is present in water-soluble forms, chiefly as organic acids. The latter are largely utilised for the fixation of nitrogen.

The water-soluble products left after the decomposition of surgar, if inoculated with the mixed flora of the soil, can fix nearly two-thirds as much nitrogen as the original surgar itself. The solid sediment (including the major part of the organism), when left by itself, does not fix any appreciable quantity of nitrogen.