Importance des relations "résidus végétaux - communautés microbiennes" sur les processus de décomposition dans un sol ferrugineux tropical (Sénégal : effet de la disponibilité de l'azote

The relationship between organic residues and the microbial communities in a tropical sandy soil and its effects on CO2 and mineral N respiration were studied, taking into account the effect of the composition of the residues as well as the genetic and catabolic diversity of the microbial communities involved in this process. The experiments were carried out in controlled laboratory conditions and showed that the biochemical composition of the residues determined the activity (C and N respiration, enzyme activities) and the microbial biomass. However, the formation of complexes between the nitrogen released during decomposition and other components of the organic residues (phenols) slowed the process. The fungal community was the most sensitive to the addition of litter at the same time as mineral nitrogen. The addition of litter stimulated the decomposition of the organic matter in the soil (priming effect) to a degree that varied depending on the composition of the residues. The effect of the catabolic diversity of the microbial community was particularly evident during the initial hours of decomposition.