Abstract
The application of mineral N fertilizers may influence biologically mediated processes that are important in nutrient transformations and availability. This study was conducted to assess the effect of N application on microbial activities in irrigated and non-irrigated winter wheat systems. Carbon decomposition and microbial biomass C in soils with three N application rates (0, 150, and 300 kg N ha−1 as urea) were measured over 40 days in a laboratory incubation experiment. Carbon, N, and P contents in the soil under the irrigated wheat were higher than those in the soil under the non-irrigated wheat. The reverse trend was observed for soil pH and Ca and Mg contents. However, soils from the two systems had similar C/N ratios. Carbon decomposition and microbial biomass C in the soil under the irrigated wheat increased significantly (p <0.05). Increasing rates of N fertilizer resulted in higher C decomposition and microbial biomass C levels in both soil systems. Results indicate that different wheat cropping systems affect soil properties that will then have an impact on C turnover in the soil. Moreover, the irrigated wheat system favors soil conditions required for a faster C turnover. In conclusion, it is likely that due to positive effects on microbial activity, N fertilization will increase nutrient cycling and, subsequently, crop productivity will improve in N-poor soils.
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I wish to thank the research department of Shahre Kord University for the financial support of the study reported in this paper.
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Raiesi, F. Soil properties and N application effects on microbial activities in two winter wheat cropping systems. Biol Fertil Soils 40, 88–92 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-004-0741-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-004-0741-7