ISSN:
1573-5117
Keywords:
ammonification
;
aquatic macrophyte
;
decomposition
;
Nasturtium officinale
;
nitrification
;
nitrogen
;
stream ecology
;
watercress
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract We examined the decomposition of watercress in the laboratory at 10° and 20 °C, and in the field. Rates varied from 0.058 g g−1 day−1 in the laboratory to 0.115 g g−1 day−1 in the field. There was a rapid generation of particles of size 〈500 µm. It is thought that washout of these from the litterbags in the field accounted for high field decomposition rate. Formation of dissolved nitrogen compounds during decomposition followed a time series from NH inf4 sup+ to NO in2 sup− to NO inf3 sup− withdissolved organic nitrogen accumulating at the end of decomposition. Ammonification rates were 480 and 657 g NH4-N g−1 (dry wt) day−1 and nitrification rates on the decomposing tissue were 640 and 571 µg NO3-N g−1 (dry wt) day−1 at 10° and 20 °C respectively. Fifty-six per cent of the initial plant N was regenerated as NO3-N 21% as DON and 25% remained as refractory particulate N.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00008772
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