A method for determining the degree of humification of soil organic matter

Abstract

(1) Hydrogen peroxide oxidises or renders soluble a portion of the organic matter of soils. It appears to be without action on fibrous organic substances such as cellulose and lignins. Humified material seems to be oxidised completely or brought into a water soluble state.(2) Treatment with hydrogen peroxide is proposed as the basis of a method for estimating the approximate degree of humification of soil organic matter.(3) Among the soils examined, the highest degree of humification is found in peats and uncultivated soils. It is possible that the degree of humification is correlated with the prevalence of anaerobic conditions.