Nitrogen and carbon mineralisation of different Meliaceae derivatives
Marcolini, G; Toselli, M; Quartieri, M; Gioacchini, P; Baldi, E; Sorrenti, G; Mariani, S
| HERO ID | 4132636 |
|---|---|
| In Press | No |
| Year | 2016 |
| Title | Nitrogen and carbon mineralisation of different Meliaceae derivatives |
| Authors | Marcolini, G; Toselli, M; Quartieri, M; Gioacchini, P; Baldi, E; Sorrenti, G; Mariani, S |
| Journal | Plant Soil and Environment |
| Volume | 62 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Page Numbers | 121-127 |
| Abstract | Among Meliaceae derivatives, neem cake is usually used as a fertilizer; however its origin and industrial processing are often unknown, so that its effect on soil fertility is not predictable. In this study, the effect of soil incorporation of 6 commercial neem cakes and leaves of Melia azedarach L. on nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) dynamics was investigated in a 118-day laboratory incubation experiment. Neem cake at a rate of 8 g/kg of soil and melia leaves at 16 g/kg were incorporated into the soil and their net N and C mineralisation were evaluated 2 h after application and at day 1, 2, 6, 12, 26, 54 and 118, by analysing a 50-g soil sample placed in 250 glass jars. The apparent net N mineralisation was well predicted by N concentration and C/N ratio of derivatives. The derivatives with a C/N ratio <24 caused a net N mineralisation, whereas those with a C/N ratio >= 24 caused net N immobilisation. C mineralisation ranged between 15% and 25% and was not related to chemical composition of the derivative. Neem cake with a C/N ratio < 24 can be used to add N, while neem cake with a C/N ratio > 24 can be used to reduce soil mineral N. |
| Wosid | WOS:000372584500004 |
| Is Certified Translation | No |
| Dupe Override | No |
| Is Public | Yes |
| Keyword | ammonium-N; Azadirachta indica; CO2; extractable organic C; nitrate-N |