A modified method for measuring microbial biomass in soils.

M. Qasim Khan; M. Aslam Khan; M.  Subhan

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A modified method for measuring microbial biomass in soils.

Author(s)

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

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

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.

Publication Details

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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