Nutrient release from decomposing Lotus corniculatus residues in relation to soil pH and nitrogen levels

The rate of biomass decomposition, organic matter loss, and nutrient release from litter of Lotus corniculatus grown with or without N were studied using the litter-bag technique. The experiments were carried out at two sites in northern Greece with soil pH of 7.8 and 5.6, respectively. Applied N increased biomass decomposition and total N release in the neutral soil and decreased organic matter loss and total N release in the acid soil. Nitrogen application increased P, Na and Mg release in the neutral soil and decreased Ca release in the acid soil. Without N application nutrient release was greater in the acid than in the neutral soil. Soil acidity appeared to have important consequences for how elements cycle through litter and soil, probably because of reduced faunal and microbial decomposition and increased levels of organic matter. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.