Journal
BIOGEOCHEMISTRY
Volume 154, Issue 2, Pages 211-229Publisher
SPRINGER
DOI: 10.1007/s10533-021-00793-9
Keywords
Depolymerization; Particulate organic matter; Mineral associated organic matter; Microbial physiology; Fertilizer
Funding
- Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada
- USDA NIFA Agriculture and Food Research Initiative [2011-67003-30343, 2017-67013-26254, 2015-35615-22747]
- US Department of Energy, Office of Biological and Environmental Research, Subsurface Biogeochemical Research program [DE-SC0019477]
- NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program [DGE1450271]
- USDA NIFA Hatch [1023682]
- New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station
- NIFA [2017-67013-26254, 914658, 2011-67003-30343, 688460] Funding Source: Federal RePORTER
- U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) [DE-SC0019477] Funding Source: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
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This study proposes a framework that unifies modern understanding of the cycling of bioavailable N, including ON depolymerization and solubilization, N sorption and desorption, and microbial ON turnover. By considering the balance between these processes, insight can be gained into the sources and transformation mechanisms of bioavailable N.
Soil organic nitrogen (N) is a critical resource for plants and microbes, but the processes that govern its cycle are not well-described. To promote a holistic understanding of soil N dynamics, we need an integrated model that links soil organic matter (SOM) cycling to bioavailable N in both unmanaged and managed landscapes, including agroecosystems. We present a framework that unifies recent conceptual advances in our understanding of three critical steps in bioavailable N cycling: organic N (ON) depolymerization and solubilization; bioavailable N sorption and desorption on mineral surfaces; and microbial ON turnover including assimilation, mineralization, and the recycling of microbial products. Consideration of the balance between these processes provides insight into the sources, sinks, and flux rates of bioavailable N. By accounting for interactions among the biological, physical, and chemical controls over ON and its availability to plants and microbes, our conceptual model unifies complex mechanisms of ON transformation in a concrete conceptual framework that is amenable to experimental testing and translates into ideas for new management practices. This framework will allow researchers and practitioners to use common measurements of particulate organic matter (POM) and mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM) to design strategic organic N-cycle interventions that optimize ecosystem productivity and minimize environmental N loss.
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