The Decomposition of Green Manures in Soil

Abstract

SummaryFour plant materials of widely different origin and age were used as green manures mixed with soil for decomposition studies under laboratory conditions.Provided the conditions of temperature, moisture, aeration, and micro-flora, are optimal, the decomposition depends upon the chemical constituents of the plant materials. It is shown that the soluble carbohydrates, hemicelluloses and cellulose are the compounds mainly responsible for the loss of total organic matter during decomposition.