Simulation of protozoa-induced mineralization of bacterial carbon and nitrogen

Abstract

The objectives of this study were (i) to simulate bacterial-protozoan interactions and flows of C and N in clay loam Orthic Black Chernozemic soil under laboratory conditions; and (ii) to quantify the flux of C and N (inputs and outputs) through various pools using the simulation model. It was possible to produce a model that fitted the data observed for the soil. In the first 12 d protozoa directly increased total CO2-C evolution by 11% and increased NH4-N mineralization 3-fold, compared to soil containing only bacteria. Mineralization of C and N was rapid when bacterial numbers were increased as a result of glucose addition. -from Authors