Straw Decomposition

Smith, J. Hamilton and Douglas, Clyde L. (1967) Straw Decomposition. University of Idaho Current Information Series No. 57. University of Idaho College of Agriculture. 2 pp.

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Abstract

When straw is plowed into moist warm soil,
the straw almost immediately begins to decompose.
Billions of microorganisms that are always
living in fertile soils use the straw for energy and
mineral nutrients that they require for growth
and reproduction. Nitrogen is one of the nutrients
and it is frequently in short supply in straw. During
straw decomposition the microorganisms use
the nitrogen and conserve it very efficiently while
much of the carbon in the straw is used and given
off as carbon dioxide. Under conditions of extreme
nitrogen deficiency, decomposition may be
slowed from lack of nitrogen.

Item Type:	Technical Bulletin
NWISRL Publication Number:	0093
Subjects:	Mass Import - unclassified
Depositing User:	Dan Stieneke
Date Deposited:	20 Nov 2010 21:58
Last Modified:	27 Oct 2016 15:42
Item ID:	1147
URI:	https://eprints.nwisrl.ars.usda.gov/id/eprint/1147