ABSTRACT


Angela Urbina de Alcayaga1, Eulogia San Martín V.2 y Roger Schaefer3
 

The present section of this study evaluated the mineralization of organic carbon and nitrogen under normal conditions in a "ñadi" soil. The method used allowed to isolate the effect of those variables that act limiting factors on the processes studied, namely temperature, moisture, nutrient availability, root nitrate extraction, water runoff, and animal removal.
The surface level showed the widest seasonal fluctuations, and also the highest activity level.
Seasonal modulation showed maximum nitric nitrogen accumulation in spring, and minimun accumulation in winter, periods that coincide with highest and lowest temperatures.
Carbon mineralization is a gradual process, implying the continuous movement of reserve forms.

Keywords:
1Ing. Agr., Centro de Apoyo Suelo y Riego, Estación Experimental La Platina, Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (INIA), Casilla 5427, Santiago, Chile.
2Ing. Agr., Proyecto de Estudios y Reconocimiento de Suelos Chilenos FAO-UNDP, Departamento de Agrología, DICORA, Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero.
3Doctor en Ciencias, Experto FAO - Naciones Unidas. Laboratorio de Ecología Vegetal, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de París, Francia.