A modified method for measuring microbial biomass in soils. | [Gomal University Journal of Research • 1994]

Author(s):

1. M. Qasim Khan: Soil Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan

2. M. Aslam Khan: Soil Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan

3. M. Subhan: Soil Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan

Abstract:

Soil biomass was measured in nine different soils which were collected in fresh condition. Fifty g of fresh samples were taken in glass beakers. Half of the samples were fumigated with chloroform for 18 hours and half unfumigated. The fumigated samples were then inoculated with 1 g of fresh soil and the beakers containing fumigated and unfumigated samples were placed in 1.5 litre Kilner Jars together with 25 ml of 1 M NaOH. Blanks were also included. The samples were incubated for a period of 20 days at 25 °C. Carbon dioxide evolved was measured two times (0 to 10 and 10 to 20 days) and the biomass calculated from the CO2-C evolved from the fumigated samples over 0 to 10 days period minus CO2-C evolved from the unfumigated samples over 10-20 days period. Fumigated with chloroform increased the CO2 evolution in all soils. It was 2-3 time more than unfumigated soil samples. The amount of biomass carbon in the soils ranged from 159 to 1439 mg C per Kg of soil. It was more in the soils having high organic matter content and total percent nitrogen.

Page(s): 61-66

DOI: DOI not available

Published: Journal: Gomal University Journal of Research, Volume: 14, Issue: 1, Year: 1994

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