Abstract
In an incubation study the effect of moisture content on CO2-C production from manure at 25°C was determined. Different non-linear regression models were applied to describe cumulative CO2-C evolution and a simple first-order model gave the best curve fit. Derived data from the curve fitting procedure were plotted against moisture content. A linear relationship between moisture content and microbial activity up to 50% of the water-holding capacity was followed by a curvilinear response between 50% of WHC and saturation. Equations describing the effect of moisture on dry matter decomposition are given.
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Murwira, H.K., Kirchmann, H. & Swift, M.J. The effect of moisture on the decomposition rate of cattle manure. Plant Soil 122, 197–199 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02851975
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02851975