Comparative Effects of Propylene Oxide, Sodium and Autoclaving on Selected Soil Properties

Skipper, Horace D. and Westermann, Dale T. (1973) Comparative Effects of Propylene Oxide, Sodium and Autoclaving on Selected Soil Properties. Soil Biology & Biochemistry. 5(4):409-414.

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Abstract

Samples of soil (25 g) were treated with 1 or 2 ml of propylene oxide, 400 or 800
parts/10⁶ of sodium azide, or autoclaved for 1.5 or 3.0 h. Soil sterilization was achieved by the
propylene oxide and autoclaving treatments. Sodium azide inhibited the bacteria and actinomycetes
and drastically reduced the fungal population. The autoclaving treatment decreased
the soil pH 0.2 unit, while propylene oxide and sodium azide treatments increased it 0.5-1.1
units. Extractable manganous—Mn was increased 2- to 3-fold by all treatments except for a 90-
to 120-fold increase in an autoclaved soil; extractable Ca was not affected; and the extractable
K changes were slight. Total extractable N was increased 10-20 parts/10⁶, and available P was
generally increased by the treatments. Propylene oxide induced the least chemical alterations
upon sterilization and is considered an appropriate sterilant to study chemical transformations
in soils; but, germination and growth of wheat and alfalfa were retarded in propylene oxide
treated soil.

Item Type:	Article
NWISRL Publication Number:	0165
Subjects:	Soil Mass Import - autoclassified (may be erroneous)
Depositing User:	Dan Stieneke
Date Deposited:	20 Nov 2010 21:50
Last Modified:	07 Mar 2017 23:18
Item ID:	91
URI:	https://eprints.nwisrl.ars.usda.gov/id/eprint/91