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Microbial biomass and organic matter turnover in wetland rice soils

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Abstract

A decline in rice yields has been associated with intensification of rice production. In continuously irrigated systems this has been attributed to a decline in soil N supply. Nutrient mineralisation and immobilisation is constrained by the quantity and nature of the organic substrates and the physico-chemical environment of the soil system itself. A flooded soil is very different from an aerobic one; electron acceptors other than oxygen have to be used. The transition to continuously anaerobic conditions associated with the intensification of wetland rice systems affects their organic matter turnover and may adversely affect their productivity.

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  1. J. L. Gaunt

    Present address: Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, UK

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Natural Resources Institute, Central Avenue, ME4 4TB, Chatham Maritime, Kent, UK

    J. L. Gaunt

  2. International Rice Research Institute, PO Box 933, 1099, Manila, Philippines

    J. L. Gaunt, H. -U. Neue, K. G. Cassman, D. C. Olk, J. R. M. Arah & C. Witt

  3. Scottish Agricultural College, West Mains Road, EH9 3 JG, Edinburgh, UK

    J. R. M. Arah

  4. Institut für Angewandte Mikrobiologie, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Senckenbergstrasse 3, D-35390, Giessen, Germany

    C. Witt & J. C. G. Ottow

  5. Rothamsted Experimental Station, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, UK

    I. F. Grant

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  1. J. L. Gaunt
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Gaunt, J.L., Neue, H.U., Cassman, K.G. et al. Microbial biomass and organic matter turnover in wetland rice soils. Biol Fertil Soils 19, 333–342 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00336104

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