Gross N transfer rates in field soils measured by 15N-pool dilution

Abstract A micro-plot 15N-tracer experiment was established in three different soils of a long-term soil fertility field experiment. The nutrient-poor loam sand has been subjected to various treatments over the years and this has resulted in different organic C (0.35% – 0.86%), microbial biomass (38.3 – 100.0 µg C mic g−1 soil), clay and fine silt contents. Using the 15N-pool dilution technique, we assessed gross N-transfer rates in the field. Gross N mineralization rates varied strongly among the three plots and ranged between 0.4 and 4.2 µg N g−1 soil d−1. Gross nitrification rates were estimated to be between 0 and 2.1 µg N g−1 soil d−1. No correlation between gross N mineralization rates and the organic matter content of the soils was established. However, gross nitrate consumption rates increased with increasing soil C content. The 15N-pool dilution technique was successfully used to measure gross N transfer rates directly in the field.