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Mulch and Nutrient Cycling: Research Results
(See complete research results at: http://ohioline.osu.edu/sc186/sc186_14e.html )
Mulching with composted yard waste and ground wood pallets has a dramatic effects on soil organic matter, microbial activity, and nitrogen cycling according to Ohio State Agriculture Research & Development Center.
Research results were apparent after only one season. Both mulches increased organic matter content of the soil relative to the bare soil control, with the yard waste mulch having the most substantial effect. Both mulches also increased microbial biomass as indicated by increased microbial nitrogen and a doubling of soil respiration (Figure 3). These results are consistent with the hypothesis that soil microbes are carbon limited, and that the addition of organic carbon can increase microbial biomass in the soil.
Previously increased plant growth in response to mulching has been attributed primarily to conservation of soil moisture and weed suppression. In this study, neither of the mulches had any effect on soil moisture or average soil temperature, and plots were fastidiously weeded, so these variables were not a factor. Rather, the primary effects of mulches were conclusively linked to the impacts of their C:N ratio on microbial biomass and nutrient cycling as they decomposed. Clearly, understanding the dominating influence of soil microbes on nitrogen availability is key to understanding the dynamics of soil fertility.
Mulch and Nutrient Cycling: Research Results
(See complete research results at: http://ohioline.osu.edu/sc186/sc186_14e.html )
Mulching with composted yard waste and ground wood pallets has a dramatic effects on soil organic matter, microbial activity, and nitrogen cycling according to Ohio State Agriculture Research & Development Center.
Research results were apparent after only one season. Both mulches increased organic matter content of the soil relative to the bare soil control, with the yard waste mulch having the most substantial effect. Both mulches also increased microbial biomass as indicated by increased microbial nitrogen and a doubling of soil respiration (Figure 3). These results are consistent with the hypothesis that soil microbes are carbon limited, and that the addition of organic carbon can increase microbial biomass in the soil.
Previously increased plant growth in response to mulching has been attributed primarily to conservation of soil moisture and weed suppression. In this study, neither of the mulches had any effect on soil moisture or average soil temperature, and plots were fastidiously weeded, so these variables were not a factor. Rather, the primary effects of mulches were conclusively linked to the impacts of their C:N ratio on microbial biomass and nutrient cycling as they decomposed. Clearly, understanding the dominating influence of soil microbes on nitrogen availability is key to understanding the dynamics of soil fertility.
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