DEATH OF WOODY ORNAMENTALS ASSOCIATED WITH LEAKING NATURAL GAS

This study was conducted in order to determine whether or not natural gas leaking into the soil was harmful to plants. On the basis of facts which were presented, it was concluded that natural gas leaking into the soil not only displaced the soil air to some extent but provided an energy source for natural gas utilizing bacteria. The rapid uptake of natural gas resulted in the development of anaerobic soil conditions. Under these anaerobic conditions, the microorganisms transformed sulfates into hydrogen sulfide. The hydrogen sulfide inhibited root respiration and nutrient uptake with the ultimate result being the death of the woody plants growing in the soil. Nitrous oxides which formed under the anaerobic conditions by microbial action was an additional stress factor. 32 references.