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Effects of SO₂ and NO₂ on Nitrification in Soil¹

ABSTRACT

Nitrification in Lima loam, pH 7.2, was not affected by continuous exposure of the soil to 0.5 ppm of SO₂ or to brief exposures to higher SO₂ levels. Such treatment did not increase the levels of soluble K, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, and Al. Intermittent exposure of Hudson silty clay loam, pH 5.0, to SO₂ reduced the rate of nitrate formation. Continuous fumigation of the acid soil with 10 ppm of SO₂ decreased the rate of nitrification, and continuous fumigation with as little as 1.0 ppm increased the quantity of soluble Mn and Fe. Continuous fumigation of Lima loam with 5 ppm NO₂ inhibited the rate of ammonium disappearance, led to greater rates of nitrate formation, and resulted in nitrite accumulation. Nitrite at a level of 30 µg N/g of soil also reduced the rate of ammonium disappearance. The results demonstrate that nitrification in certain soils could be inhibited in areas acutely polluted with SO₂ and NO₂.

Key Words: air pollution • extractable cations • fumigation

¹ Contribution from the Lab. of Soil Microbiol., Dep. of Agron., Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY 14853. This work was supported by funds from the USEPA under grant no. R-803691. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the USEPA.

² Former Postdoctoral Research Associate and Professor of Soil Science, respectively. Present address of senior author is Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, IL 60064.

Received for publication November 9, 1977.