Summary
This field-based study examined how sustained manure application influences nitrogen cycling dynamics in subtropical soils. The research suggests that long-term manuring enhances both gross nitrogen mineralization and the soil's capacity to immobilise ammonium, likely through improvements in soil organic matter status and microbial community function. Such effects may improve nitrogen availability and reduce leaching losses in subtropical cropping systems.
UK applicability
Whilst conducted in subtropical conditions, findings on organic matter-driven nitrogen cycling are potentially relevant to temperate UK soils, particularly for farms adopting long-term manure strategies. Differences in temperature, rainfall and microbial communities mean direct application of rates and timescales would require UK-specific validation.
Key measures
Gross nitrogen mineralization rates; ammonium immobilization rates; soil microbial biomass and activity indicators; soil organic carbon and total nitrogen content
Outcomes reported
The study measured soil gross nitrogen mineralisation rates and ammonium immobilisation capacity under long-term manuring regimes. It assessed how sustained organic matter inputs alter key nitrogen cycling processes in subtropical soil.
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