Nitrogen mineralization of Canavalia ensiformis in a Red Ferralitic soil of Havana

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Gloria M. Martín

Abstract

To determine the amount of nitrogen released or
immobilized during Canavalia ensiformis decomposition, two
experiments were carried out in a Ferralsol soil. In the first
experiment, carried out under laboratory conditions, the
aerobic incubation method was used (at constant temperature
and humidity) and Canavalia ensiformis mineralization rate
was evaluated, compared with two checks: the control (soil)
and a treatment that received 75 ppm N-urea. In the second
experiment, conducted under pot (5 kg) conditions with corn
plants, Canavalia ensiformis mineralization was studied alone
or in presence of mineral fertilizer (ammonium sulfate), also
compared against a control (soil) and mineral fertilizer. Results
indicate that under aerobic incubation conditions, the period
of N immobilization extends for 75 days; after that, net mineral
nitrogen begins to be detected. Under pot conditions, with
daily fluctuations of temperature and humidity, N mineralization
is verified 15 days after corn germination, 26 days after green
manure incorporation, which suggests that the daily
oscillations of temperature and humidity and the presence of
corn plants can accelerate green manure decomposition.

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How to Cite
Martín, G. M. (2013). Nitrogen mineralization of Canavalia ensiformis in a Red Ferralitic soil of Havana. Cultivos Tropicales, 25(3), 83–88. Retrieved from https://ediciones.inca.edu.cu/index.php/ediciones/article/view/497
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Original Article

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