Canadian Forest Service Publications
Influence de l'urée sur l'ensemble des composés azotés d'un humus forestier in vitro. 1971. Gonzalez, A.; Hubert, G. s.n., S.l. Rapport d'information Q-F-X-17. 30 p.
Year: 1971
Issued by: Laurentian Forestry Centre
Catalog ID: 15305
Language: French
Series: Information Report (LFC - Québec)
Availability: PDF (download)
Abstract
After treatment with urea and calcium carbonate, the main forms of nitrogen were followed in forest humus. The experiment was carried out in vitro with an undisturbed block of humus taken in a balsam fir stand (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill).
Various forms of nitrogen were studied qualitatively and quantitatively, these were obtained from: A) the block of humus, B) the hydrolysis of humic material, C) the water of drainage and D) volatile losses above the experimental set up.
A strong mobilization of humic compounds was observed, especially during the second week following treatment. The ammonium formed and drained was maximum during the first week. However, loss by drainage does not appear to be significantly related to the total amount of nitrogen in the block, therefore it is possible that the presence of urea stimulates the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen.
Small qualitative changes were observed in the products of hydrolysis. Volatile losses reached their highest level during the first week after the treatment (15 mg N-NH3/week per block of humus treated with an equivalent of 400 lb/acre of N-Urea). The presence of calcium carbonate increased significantly the volatile losses.
