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Cellulose and lignin degradation in forest soils: Response to moisture, temperature, and acidity

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Abstract

The concentration of lignin in plant tissue is a major factor controlling organic matter degradation rates in forest ecosystems. Microbial biomass and lignin and cellulose decomposition were measured for six weeks in forest soil microcosms in order to determine the influence of pH, moisture, and temperature on organic matter decomposition. Microbial biomass was determined by chloroform fumigation; lignin and cellulose decomposition were measured radiometrically. The experiment was designed as a Latin square with soils of pH of 4.5, 5.5, and 6.5 adjusted to 20, 40, or 60% moisture content, and incubated at temperatures of 4, 12, or 24°C. Microbial biomass and lignin and cellulose decomposition were not significantly affected by soil acidity. Microbial biomass was greater at higher soil moisture contents. Lignin and cellulose decomposition significantly increased at higher soil temperatures and moisture contents. Soil moisture was more important in affecting microbial biomass than either soil temperature or soil pH.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Bacteriology and Biochemistry, University of Idaho, 83843, Moscow, Idaho, USA

    Paula K. Donnelly & Don L. Crawford

  2. Department of Forest Science, Oregon State University, 97331-5705, Corvallis, Oregon, USA

    James A. Entry & Kermit Cromack Jr

Authors
  1. Paula K. Donnelly
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  2. James A. Entry
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  3. Don L. Crawford
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  4. Kermit Cromack Jr
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Donnelly, P.K., Entry, J.A., Crawford, D.L. et al. Cellulose and lignin degradation in forest soils: Response to moisture, temperature, and acidity. Microb Ecol 20, 289–295 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02543884

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02543884

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