RESEARCH PROJECT TOPIC ON ORGANIC MATTER DECOMPOSITION, GREENHOUSE GASES, MICROBIAL BIOMASS IN SOIL AND COMPOST

ABSTRACT

The decomposition of organic matter involves four component processes: photooxidation, leaching, comminution, and mineralization. Decomposition is most commonly measured as respiration rate, as the ratio of litter input to litter standing crop, or as the rate of litter disappearance. The decomposition rate typically is higher in mesic than in arid ecosystems. Decomposition generally can be modeled as a multiple negative exponential decay function over time, with decay constants proportional to the quality of litter components. Decomposition affects microbial biomass and has effects on mineralization. A better understanding of soil organic matter (SOM) is vital for the development of effective soil conservation practices.   Hence, this study seeks to examine the organic matter decomposition, greenhouse, gases, and microbial biomass in soil and compost.

 

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

 

Soil has a huge potential to store carbon as soil organic carbon (SOC) in organic matter and mitigate the rising carbon dioxide levels in the air.  Soil organic matter (SOM) is the organic matter component of soil, consisting of plant and animal remains at various stages of decomposition, cells and tissues of soil microbes, and substances that soil microbes synthesize. The decomposition of organic matter plays a crucial role in the food web’s energy and nutrient cycles and is a major contributor to ecosystem respiration (Smith and Smith, 2012). Life on Earth depends on carbon, and decomposer organisms use the oxidation of carbon molecules to produce energy (Smith and Smith, 2012). During the decomposition process, the majority of the nutrients that the organisms need are also made available. Thus, energy and nutrients are redistributed in and between ecosystems due to the movement of organic matter and its breakdown (Smith and Smith, 2012).    The biochemical conversion of complex organic molecules into simpler organic and inorganic molecules occurs during the decomposition of organic matter together with the physical disintegration of the substrate (Chapin et al., 2011). Without changing the substrate’s molecular structure, detritivore-mediated fragmentation and consumption, for example, increases the substrate surface and adds to the pool of fine specific organic matter. Additionally, the biochemical reaction takes place in external substrates as well as during invertebrate digestion. The process is frequently referred to as “microbial breakdown” because it is predominantly the consequence of microbial activity (Chapin et al., 2011).

 The decomposition processes are known to be influenced by climatic conditions (Conant et al., 2011). At least in the short term, the increased temperature has a direct stimulating effect on microbial and enzymatic activity, while increasing water availability accelerates decomposing microorganisms by raising the water layer on soil particles and hence the diffusion rate (Chapin et al., 2011). The change in the decomposition rates in terrestrial surface ecosystems can be largely explained by climate variables in terms of temperature and moisture, such as precipitation (Djukic et al., 2018). A better understanding of soil organic matter (SOM) is vital for the development of effective soil conservation practices.  In this context, criticism of recent developments in the soil concept has been aimed at more clearly defining the role of soil organic matter (SOM) in increasing agricultural productivity and environmental quality (Sojka and up Church, 1999).

1.2 Statement of Problem

 

The subsoil is home to numerous underground ecosystems that are hampered by a lack of light and, consequently, photosynthetic activity. Bad agricultural practices can result in emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Soil erosion, tillage, over-application of inorganic fertilizers, fallow land, mono-cropping, waterlogging, and compaction, all reduce the Soil organic carbon in the soil. A process known as the decomposition of organic matter involves the biochemical and primarily physical breakdown of complex organic compounds into more basic organic and inorganic components. Organic matter decay plays a significant role in ecosystem respiration, which coupled with photosynthesis regulates the net carbon emission from ecosystems. Due to variables like low species variety and abundance, low microbial biomass, nutrient-poor environments, less noticeable temperature change, and increased interior humidity, it is crucial to understand the elements that regulate the dynamics of the decomposition processes.

As a result of the above problem, this study intends to examine Organic matter decomposition, greenhouse, gases, and microbial biomass in soil and compost.

1.3 Research Questions

• What are the Physicochemical characteristics of cultivated and uncultivated soils in Nigeria?
• What is the distribution level of  Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) and total soil nitrogen (TSN)  based on location, land use, soil texture, and depth of soil?
• Do soil organic Carbon (SOC) and total soil nitrogen (TSN) affect soil aggregation and other soil parameters?
• What are the differences in soil depths, textures, and Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) pools between cultivated and uncultivated soils?

1.4 Objectives of the Study

This study’s primary objective is to examine Organic matter decomposition, greenhouse, gases, and microbial biomass in soil and compost.

Other objectives include:

 

• Evaluate the Physicochemical characteristics of cultivated and uncultivated soils in Nigeria.
• Assess the distribution of Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) and total soil nitrogen (TSN)  based on location, land use, soil texture, and depth of soil.
• Analyze how Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) and total soil nitrogen (TSN) affect soil aggregation and other soil parameters.
• Recognize the differences in soil depths, textures, and Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) pools between cultivated and uncultivated soils.

ORGANIC MATTER DECOMPOSITION, GREENHOUSE GASES, MICROBIAL BIOMASS IN SOIL, AND COMPOST. GET MORE SOIL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS

 

 

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