The effect of soil temperature and moisture on organic matter decomposition and plant growth

The effect of soil temperature and moisture on plant growth and mineralisation of organic residues was investigated using 15N-labelled soybean residues and temperature-controlled tanks in the glasshouse. Treatments were arranged in a factorial design with: three soil temperatures (20, 26 and 30 degrees C), two soil moisture regimes (8% (-800 Kpa) or 12% (-100 Kpa)), soybean residues added (enriched at 1.82 atom % 15N excess) or no residues; and either sown with ryegrass or not sown. Pots were sampled six weeks after planting and 15N-enrichment and delta13C of the plant and soil fractions were determined. Soil inorganic N was also periodically measured. Available inorganic N increased significantly with addition of residues and generally decreased with increasing temperature. Plant dry matter decreased significantly with increase in soil temperature and increased with increasing moisture. Root-to-shoot ratio declined with increased temperature and moisture. Percentage nitrogen derived from residues (%Ndfr) increased linearly with increased temperature and moisture. Delta13C decreased linearly with increasing temperature and decreasing moisture status. There was a significant correlation between transpiration and dry matter production, but there was no correlation between water use efficiency and delta13C. The results suggest that C: N ratio of the root material effects the root turnover and in turn the water supply capacity of the root system.