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effect on the soil physical properties, rapid root death that results in dead gelatinous organic matter swells in the presence of water during decomposition and plugs the soil macropores (air-filled pores), causing low oxygen levels in the root zones
), shrinkage of the substrate ( Bruckner, 1997 ), and organic matter decomposition and physical breakdown of particles ( Bollen and Glennie, 1961 ; Nash and Laiche, 1981 ). Most research on the physical properties of substrates has used peatmoss or PB, the two
N, and soil nitrate concentrations were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance to test the effect of the treatments on growth, foliar N, and soil fertility. The means were separated by a least significant difference test with α < 0.05. Pairwise
percent remaining on a 1.5-mm sieve after five dipping cycles. Soil measurements were analyzed by each set of plots and sampling time separately using analysis of variance by the Mixed procedure of SAS ( SAS Institute Inc., 1997 ). Proc Mixed was used to
improvement in germination or growth of rare Zamia spp. in containers. Providing the proper balance of aeration, water retention, nutrient-holding capacity, and decomposition rate are among the key factors that must be considered in evaluating a cycad
) have been linked to decreases in SOC from the rapid oxidation of the most readily decomposable pool of SOM. Stable SOM, also known as humus, is derived in part from heterogeneous plant matter retained on the soil surface, and the soil humus
factor affecting soil N availability, N uptake, and crop productivity ( Hargrove, 1986 ; Paustian et al., 1992 ; Ranells and Wagger, 1996 ). Thus, given the differences in C and N concentrations, and decomposition speed between livestock compost and HV
surfaces. The sources of organic matter contributing to hydrophobic organic coatings are diverse and may include waxes, fatty acids, and lignin (a recalcitrant polymer of phenols) from plant leaves and other decomposing organic matter, plant root exudates
mulches, cover crops, and organic fertilizers such as compost may add large amounts of organic C (OC) to the soil. Decomposition and nutrient release from these additions can enhance soil quality by increasing soil C, N, and microbial biomass and changing
-based substrates by Jackson et al. (2009) , who suggested it is likely a result of plant roots filling the substrate voids created by decomposition and thus preventing the loss of volume by microbial degradation. Table 1. Analysis of variance for physical