Abstract
Some characteristics of nitrification in 41 humus samples of Dutch heathlands were studied. Most of the acid humus samples (30) showed accumulation of nitrate during a 4-week incubation of field-moist material. In these samples net nitrate production was completely blocked by 0.06% acetylene indicating that nitrification was probably of a chemolithotrophic nature. From a comparison of the net production of nitrate in humus suspensions at pH 4 and pH 6 a differentiation into four patterns could be made:
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I.
No nitrate production at either pH value studied (12 samples)
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II.
Acid-sensitive nitrate production (3 samples)
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III.
Acid-tolerant, pH-dependent nitrate production (10 samples)
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IV.
Acid-tolerant, pH-independent nitrate production (16 samples)
The results show that acid-tolerant, chemolithotrophic nitrification is widespread among Dutch heathland soils. Absence of potential net nitrate production in humus samples is most likely caused by limitations in the supply of ammonium or oxygen.
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