Effect of Injections of Propane into Soil on Microbial Activity

Johnson, D. R.; Frederick, L. R.

Effect of Injections of Propane into Soil on Microbial Activity

1971

Johnson, D. R. | Frederick, L. R.

Soil samples were incubated in air atmosphere containing 0, 10,000, 50,000, and 500,000 ppm propane gas (Ca₃H₈) by volume. Carbon dioxide evolution was used a measure of soil microbial activity. Soil N immobilization was determined by measuring soil inorganic N. Carbon dioxide evolution and N immobilization were directly related to the Calls concentration. Carbon dioxide evolution over time was characterized by (1) initial delay of 2 to 4 weeks, (2) an accelerated period, and (3) a decrease in activity caused by a shortage of Increasing the C₃H₈ concentration shortened the delay period and accelerated CO₂ evolution and N immobilization. The C₃H₈ was used as a source of energy by microorganisms that immobilized the soil inorganic N. The use of C₃H₈ as an energy source for microorganisms has potential usefulness in studying basic soil microbiological problems relating to soil nutrient transformations because the C₃H₈ itself can be easily removed and does not interfere with subsequent analyses.

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