KMnO4 determination of active carbon for laboratory routines: three long-term field experiments in Austria
M. Tatzber A B C D , N. Schlatter A , A. Baumgarten A , G. Dersch A , R. Körner A , T. Lehtinen A , G. Unger A , E. Mifek A and H. Spiegel A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Department for Soil Health and Plant Nutrition, Institute for Sustainable Plant Production, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Spargelfeldstraße 191, 1220 Vienna, Austria.
B Unit of Soil Ecology, Institute of Forest Ecology and Soils, Federal Research and Training Centre for Forests, Natural Hazards and Landscape (BFW), Seckendorff-Gudent Weg 8, A-1131 Vienna, Austria.
C Division of Radiation Protection, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Spargelfeldstraße 191, 1220 Vienna, Austria.
D Corresponding author. Email: michael.tatzber@ages.at; michael.tatzber@gmx.at
Soil Research 53(2) 190-204 https://doi.org/10.1071/SR14200
Submitted: 23 November 2013 Accepted: 22 October 2014 Published: 25 February 2015
Abstract
Recent studies show that a labile soil carbon (C) fraction determined with potassium permanganate (KMnO4) reflects the type of soil management. The present study combines the method for determining the active C (AC) pool with an alternative titration of the 0.02 m KMnO4 solution with sodium oxalate (Na2C2O4) for routine laboratory analyses. Three long-term field experiments investigated: (i) different cropping systems and 14C-labelled organic amendments, (ii) three different tillage systems, and (iii) the application of four different kinds of compost. The results showed the depletion of AC in the permanent bare-fallow system of the 14C-labelled field experiment. When calculating the ratio AC/total organic C (TOC), the depletion of the AC/TOC curve reflected a priming effect, in accord with previous work. We obtained significant positive correlations of AC with TOC, total nitrogen (Nt), humic acid-C and remaining 14C-labelled material. The AC in the tillage systems experiment was significantly (P < 0.05) different between all three tillage treatments at 0–10 cm depth, and the ratio AC/TOC also revealed a significant difference between minimum and conventional tillage treatments at 10–20 cm. For the compost field experiment, significant differences occurred between plots fertilised solely with N and plots receiving organic amendments. The AC/TOC ratio of the sewage sludge amendment was significantly lower than in all other systems. Correlations of AC with TOC for all samples of the different long-term field experiments revealed different behaviours in different soil types. The correlations of AC with Nt showed higher coefficients than with TOC. The applied methodology has a potential for sensitive and reliable detections of differences in soil organic matter characteristics.
Additional keywords: 14C label, compost, cropping systems, SOM, tillage systems, titration.
References
Awale R, Chatterjee A, Franzen D (2013) Tillage and N-fertilizer influences on selected organic carbon fractions in a North Dakota silty clay soil. Soil & Tillage Research 134, 213–222.| Tillage and N-fertilizer influences on selected organic carbon fractions in a North Dakota silty clay soil.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Bhattacharyya R, Kundu S, Srivastva AK, Gupta HS, Prakash V, Bhatt JC (2011) Long term fertilization effects on soil organic carbon pools in a sandy loam soil of the Indian sub-Himalayas. Plant and Soil 341, 109–124.
| Long term fertilization effects on soil organic carbon pools in a sandy loam soil of the Indian sub-Himalayas.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3MXjt1Wjsro%3D&md5=dcf1ecf24878d773c0bcb05c88aac0afCAS |
Blair GJ, Lefroy RD, Lisle L (1995) Soil carbon fractions based on their degree of oxidation, and the development of a carbon management index for agricultural systems. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 46, 1459–1466.
| Soil carbon fractions based on their degree of oxidation, and the development of a carbon management index for agricultural systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Blair N, Faulkner RD, Till AR, Poulton PR (2006) Long-term management impacts on soil C, N and physical fertility. Part I: Broadbalk experiment. Soil & Tillage Research 91, 30–38.
| Long-term management impacts on soil C, N and physical fertility. Part I: Broadbalk experiment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Bruun TB, Egay K, Mertz O, Magid J (2013) Improved sampling methods document decline in soil organic carbon stocks and concentrations of permanganate oxidizable carbon after transition from swidden to oil palm cultivation. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 178, 127–134.
| Improved sampling methods document decline in soil organic carbon stocks and concentrations of permanganate oxidizable carbon after transition from swidden to oil palm cultivation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3sXhsVKktLzF&md5=9d6c87163744430b19b9374834cab37eCAS |
Culman SW, Snapp SS, Freeman MA, Schipanski ME, Beniston J, Lal R, Drinkwater LE, Franzluebbers AJ, Glover DJ, Grandy AS, Lee J, Six J, Maul JE, Mirsky SB, Spargo JT, Wander MM (2012) Permanganate oxidizable carbon reflects a processed soil fraction that is sensitive to management. Soil Science Society of America Journal 76, 494–504.
| Permanganate oxidizable carbon reflects a processed soil fraction that is sensitive to management.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC38XktFOhs7g%3D&md5=eb8d3b67b38f3d0717c9f2788adc4191CAS |
Culman SW, Snapp SS, Green JM, Gentry LE (2013) Short- and long-term labile soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics reflect management and predict corn agronomic performance. Agronomy Journal 105, 493–502.
| Short- and long-term labile soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics reflect management and predict corn agronomic performance.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3sXhtV2nsL7O&md5=39f6b9a049c825b88ebef1b8b4aa04ccCAS |
FAO (2006) ‘World reference base for soil resources.’ A framework for international classification, correlation and communication. World Soil Resources Reports, 103. (FAO: Rome)
Fontaine S, Mariotti A, Abbadie L (2003) The priming effect of organic matter: A question of microbial competition? Soil Biology & Biochemistry 35, 837–843.
| The priming effect of organic matter: A question of microbial competition?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3sXktFCqtro%3D&md5=4f3704accf7416eb8464a6d29855d9ccCAS |
Fowler RM, Bright HA (1935) Standardization of permanganate solutions with sodium oxalate. Journal of Research of the National Bureau of Standards 15, 493–501.
| Standardization of permanganate solutions with sodium oxalate.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaA28XhtVWnug%3D%3D&md5=ff3dd0a37704324e63b45edc61a64de2CAS |
Grandy AS, Salam DS, Wickings K, McDaniel MD, Culman SW, Snapp SS (2013) Soil respiration and litter decomposition responses to nitrogen fertilization rate in no-till corn systems. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 179, 35–40.
| Soil respiration and litter decomposition responses to nitrogen fertilization rate in no-till corn systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3sXhs1WisL7E&md5=329c3caaa8e1dafaa355ae7f0c42cc9eCAS |
Huckaba CE, Keyes FG (1948) The accuracy of estimation of hydrogen peroxide by potassium permanganate titration. Journal of the American Chemical Society 70, 1640–1644.
| The accuracy of estimation of hydrogen peroxide by potassium permanganate titration.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaH1cXivFCksA%3D%3D&md5=87b49cc7d98b19fe8c346ad056e6fbedCAS | 18915785PubMed |
Jander G, Jahr K-F, Knoll H (1973) ‘Maßanalyse—Theorie und Praxis der klassischen und der elektrochemischen Titrierverfahren.’ (Walter de Gruyter: Berlin, New York) [in German]
Jobbágy EG, Jackson RB (2000) The vertical distribution of soil organic carbon and its relation to climate and vegetation. Ecological Applications 10, 423–436.
| The vertical distribution of soil organic carbon and its relation to climate and vegetation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Jokela W, Posner J, Hedtcke J, Balser T, Read H (2011) Midwest cropping system effects on soil properties and on a soil quality index. Agronomy Journal 103, 1552–1562.
| Midwest cropping system effects on soil properties and on a soil quality index.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3MXhtlWrs73K&md5=1bb249102a7e41fda97574c08d043c83CAS |
Kleber M, Nico PS, Plante A, Filley T, Kramer M, Swanston C, Sollins P (2011) Old and stable soil organic matter is not necessarily chemically recalcitrant: Implications for modeling concepts and temperature sensitivity. Global Change Biology 17, 1097–1107.
| Old and stable soil organic matter is not necessarily chemically recalcitrant: Implications for modeling concepts and temperature sensitivity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Kolthoff IM, Meehan EJ, Kimura M (1971) Hydrogen peroxide formation upon oxidation of oxalic acid in presence and absence of oxygen and of manganese (II). I. Manganese (VII), cerium (IV), chromium (VI), and cobalt (III) as oxidants. Journal of Physical Chemistry 75, 3343–3349.
| Hydrogen peroxide formation upon oxidation of oxalic acid in presence and absence of oxygen and of manganese (II). I. Manganese (VII), cerium (IV), chromium (VI), and cobalt (III) as oxidants.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaE3MXlsVChtLs%3D&md5=2798e8855bb4f9914bca8be41772198fCAS |
Kuzyakov Y, Friedel JK, Stahr K (2000) Review of mechanisms and quantification of priming effects. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 32, 1485–1498.
| Review of mechanisms and quantification of priming effects.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXntFSmu78%3D&md5=772c9447feaa31b7a35a26f7aa5947bcCAS |
Li C-F, Yue L-X, Kou Z-K, Zhang Z-S, Wang J-P, Cao C-G (2012) Short-term effects of conservation management practices on soil labile organic carbon fractions under a rape-rice rotation in central China. Soil & Tillage Research 119, 31–37.
| Short-term effects of conservation management practices on soil labile organic carbon fractions under a rape-rice rotation in central China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Lucas ST, Weil RR (2012) Can a labile carbon test be used to predict crop responses to improve soil organic matter management? Agronomy Journal 104, 1160–1170.
| Can a labile carbon test be used to predict crop responses to improve soil organic matter management?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC38Xhtleitb%2FN&md5=f1bfc8c6693c701593cafd1936e92242CAS |
McBride RS (1912) The standardization of potassium permanganate solution by sodium oxalate. Journal of the American Chemical Society 34, 393–416.
| The standardization of potassium permanganate solution by sodium oxalate.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaC38XhtVartg%3D%3D&md5=a8d7ccbc014e412155dda2507923bc07CAS |
Melero S, López-Garrido R, Murillo JM, Moreno F (2009) Conservation tillage: Short- and long-term effects on soil carbon fractions and enzymatic activities under Mediterranean conditions. Soil & Tillage Research 104, 292–298.
| Conservation tillage: Short- and long-term effects on soil carbon fractions and enzymatic activities under Mediterranean conditions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Mirsky SB, Lanyon LE, Needelman BA (2008) Evaluating soil management using particulate and chemically labile soil organic matter fractions. Soil Science Society of America Journal 72, 180–185.
| Evaluating soil management using particulate and chemically labile soil organic matter fractions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1cXht1Ogurs%3D&md5=b71b73dbc4573f68b37c3aab2a8176dfCAS |
Ngome AF, Becker M, Mtei KM, Mussgnug F (2011) Fertility management for maize cultivation in some soils of Western Kenya. Soil & Tillage Research 117, 69–75.
| Fertility management for maize cultivation in some soils of Western Kenya.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Oberländer H-E, Roth K (1972) The transformation of 14C-labelled green manure in soil: A three years’ outdoor pot experiment. Journal für Landwirtschaftliche Forschung 25, 295–318.
Oberländer H-E, Roth K (1974) Ein kleinfeldversuch über den abbau und die humifizierung von 14C-markiertem stroh und stallmist. Journal für Landwirtschaftliche Forschung 25, 111–129.
ÖNORM (2006) ‘ÖNORM L 1084: Chemical analyses of soils—Determination of carbonate.’ 1 April edn (Austrian Standards Institute: Vienna)
ÖNORM (2013) ‘ÖNORM L 1080: Chemical analyses of soils—Determination of organic carbon by dry combustion with and without consideration of carbonates.’ 15 March edn (Austrian Standards Institute: Vienna)
Panettieri M, Knicker H, Berns AE, Murillo JM, Madejón E (2013) Moldboard plowing effects on soil aggregation and soil organic matter quality assessed by 13C CPMAS NMR and biochemical analyses. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 177, 48–57.
| Moldboard plowing effects on soil aggregation and soil organic matter quality assessed by 13C CPMAS NMR and biochemical analyses.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3sXhsVKkurrF&md5=17236ebb1c76dcdbdbf677797d105c22CAS |
Quincke JA, Wortmann CS, Mamo M, Franti T, Drijber RA (2007) Occasional tillage of no-till systems: Carbon dioxide flux and changes in total and labile soil organic carbon. Agronomy Journal 99, 1158–1168.
| Occasional tillage of no-till systems: Carbon dioxide flux and changes in total and labile soil organic carbon.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXovFajtb4%3D&md5=88532afdeff1d5f8c1422bbfb738ebccCAS |
Ros M, Pascual JA, Garcia C, Hernandez MT, Insam H (2006a) Hydrolase activities, microbial biomass and bacterial community in a soil after long-term amendment with different composts. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 38, 3443–3452.
| Hydrolase activities, microbial biomass and bacterial community in a soil after long-term amendment with different composts.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD28XhtFSksrfL&md5=10195385b8629ba9a288a336c2dc1360CAS |
Ros M, Klammer S, Knapp B, Aichberger K, Insam H (2006b) Long-term effects of soil compost amendment on functional and structural diversity and microbial activity. Soil Use and Management 22, 209–218.
| Long-term effects of soil compost amendment on functional and structural diversity and microbial activity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Sharma KL, Kusuma Grace J, Mandal UK, Gajbhiye PN, Srinivas K, Korwar GR, Hima Bindu V, Ramesh V, Ramachandran K, Yadav SK (2008) Evaluation of long-term soil management practices using key indicators and soil quality indices in a semi-arid tropical Alfisol. Australian Journal of Soil Research 46, 368–377.
| Evaluation of long-term soil management practices using key indicators and soil quality indices in a semi-arid tropical Alfisol.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1cXns1OktL4%3D&md5=1df097b6933f2bf08bf0c935f63209d2CAS |
Skoog DA, West DM, Holler JF, Crouch SR (2004) ‘Fundamentals of analytical chemistry.’ 8th edn (Thomson Learning: Belmont, CA, USA)
Solvay Chemicals Inc. (2008) Determination of hydrogen peroxide concentration (20% to 70%)—Technical Data Sheet. Solvay & Cie., Method FN 1167/01. Solvay Chemicals Inc. Available at: www.solvaychemicals.us/SiteCollectionDocuments/tds/HH-121.pdf
Spiegel H, Pfeffer M, Hösch J (2002) N dynamics under reduced tillage. Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science 48, 503–512.
| N dynamics under reduced tillage.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD38Xpsl2rsbw%3D&md5=488ea3ecce9e33d8778d7f7c0407157aCAS |
Spiegel H, Dersch G, Hösch J, Baumgarten A (2007) Tillage effects on soil organic carbon and nutrient availability in a long-term field experiment in Austria. Bodenkultur 58, 47–58.
Stiles CA, Hammer RD, Johnson MG, Ferguson R, Galbraith J, O’Geen T, Arriaga J, Shaw J, Falen A, McDaniel P, Miles R (2011) Validation testing of a portable kit for measuring an active soil carbon fraction. Soil Science Society of America Journal 75, 2330–2340.
| Validation testing of a portable kit for measuring an active soil carbon fraction.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3MXhsVKjs7nE&md5=25b5c104b100372ddb46b2beaf126ed0CAS |
Tatzber M, Stemmer M, Spiegel H, Katzlberger C, Haberhauer G, Mentler A, Gerzabek MH (2007) FTIR-spectroscopic characterization of humic acids and humin fractions obtained by advanced NaOH, Na4P2O7, and Na2CO3 extraction procedures. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science 170, 522–529.
| FTIR-spectroscopic characterization of humic acids and humin fractions obtained by advanced NaOH, Na4P2O7, and Na2CO3 extraction procedures.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2sXpvFCqsr0%3D&md5=edb07100223a09733ddc13738e53c1fbCAS |
Tatzber M, Stemmer M, Spiegel H, Katzlberger C, Haberhauer G, Gerzabek MH (2008) Impact of different tillage practices on molecular characteristics of humic acids in a long-term field experiment—An application of three different spectroscopic methods. The Science of the Total Environment 406, 256–268.
| Impact of different tillage practices on molecular characteristics of humic acids in a long-term field experiment—An application of three different spectroscopic methods.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1cXht1Shs7fM&md5=66c96ff7a46c2103f63fad8cca7907dbCAS | 18789814PubMed |
Tatzber M, Stemmer M, Spiegel H, Katzlberger C, Zehetner F, Haberhauer G, Roth K, Garcia-Garcia E, Gerzabek MH (2009a) Decomposition of 14C-labeled organic amendments and humic acids in a long-term field experiment. Soil Science Society of America Journal 73, 744–750.
| Decomposition of 14C-labeled organic amendments and humic acids in a long-term field experiment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1MXlsFyls74%3D&md5=03518608bec9ef7ee32ad6ef5334e33dCAS |
Tatzber M, Stemmer M, Spiegel H, Katzlberger C, Zehetner F, Haberhauer G, Garcia-Garcia E, Gerzabek MH (2009b) Spectroscopic behaviour of 14C-labeled humic acids in a long-term field experiment with three cropping systems. Australian Journal of Soil Research 47, 459–469.
| Spectroscopic behaviour of 14C-labeled humic acids in a long-term field experiment with three cropping systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD1MXpvF2ktLY%3D&md5=e8a62873e1abe3a83301baac68fd99f8CAS |
Tatzber M, Mutsch F, Mentler A, Leitgeb E, Englisch M, Gerzabek MH (2011) Capillary electrophoresis characterisation of humic acids: application to diverse forest soil samples. Environmental Chemistry 8, 589–601.
| Capillary electrophoresis characterisation of humic acids: application to diverse forest soil samples.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3MXhsFCitLnP&md5=54980bc8832459b0c397567f74ce2dceCAS |
Tatzber M, Stemmer M, Spiegel H, Katzlberger C, Landstetter C, Haberhauer G, Gerzabek MH (2012) 14C-labeled organic amendments: Characterization in different particle size fractions and humic acids in a long-term field experiment. Geoderma 177–178, 39–48.
| 14C-labeled organic amendments: Characterization in different particle size fractions and humic acids in a long-term field experiment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 23482702PubMed |
Tirol-Padre A, Ladha JK (2004) Assessing the reliability of permanganate-oxidizable carbon as an index of soil labile carbon. Soil Science Society of America Journal 68, 969–978.
| Assessing the reliability of permanganate-oxidizable carbon as an index of soil labile carbon.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2cXktV2gu78%3D&md5=ad26b7a896c0789f372d6912564f125cCAS |
Treadwell WD (1943) ‘Kurzes lehrbuch der analytischen chemie, II. Band: quantitative analyse.’ 11th edn. (Franz Deuticke: Vienna) [in German]
Verma BC, Datta SP, Rattan RK, Singh AK (2010) Monitoring changes in soil organic carbon pools, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur under different agricultural management practices in the tropics. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 171, 579–593.
| Monitoring changes in soil organic carbon pools, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur under different agricultural management practices in the tropics.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3cXhtlCgt7%2FL&md5=42fc2504a91bc91801c691545657e701CAS | 20069448PubMed |
Vogel AI, Jeffery GH, Bassett J, Mendham J, Denney RC (1989) ‘Vogel’s textbook of quantitative chemical analysis.’ 5th edn (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.: New York)
von Lützow MV, Kögel-Knabner I, Ekschmitt K, Matzner E, Guggenberger G, Marschner B, Flessa H (2006) Stabilization of organic matter in temperate soils: Mechanisms and their relevance under different soil conditions—A review. European Journal of Soil Science 57, 426–445.
| Stabilization of organic matter in temperate soils: Mechanisms and their relevance under different soil conditions—A review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Weil RR, Islam KR, Stine MA, Gruver JB, Samson-Liebig SE (2003) Estimating active carbon for soil quality assessment: A simplified method for laboratory and field use. American Journal of Alternative Agriculture 18, 3–17.
| Estimating active carbon for soil quality assessment: A simplified method for laboratory and field use.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Wienhold BJ, Varvel GE, Johnson JMF, Wilhelm WW (2013) Carbon source quality and placement effects on soil organic carbon status. Bioenergy Research 6, 786–796.
| Carbon source quality and placement effects on soil organic carbon status.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3sXntF2jsrY%3D&md5=9406ff14108b884f11dcafb39df6cfcaCAS |
Zeller A, Öberländer HE, Roth K (1968) A field experiment on the influence of cultivation practices on the transformation of 14C-labelled farmyard manure and 14C-labelled straw into humic substances. In ‘Isotopes and radiation in soil organic-matter studies. Proceedings Series International Atomic Energy Agency’. Vienna. pp. 265–274. (International Atomic Energy Agency: Vienna)
Zimmerman AR, Gao B, Ahn M-Y (2011) Positive and negative carbon mineralization priming effects among a variety of biochar-amended soils. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 43, 1169–1179.
| Positive and negative carbon mineralization priming effects among a variety of biochar-amended soils.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3MXkvFagt7c%3D&md5=fc30de2666cc2b6808e2d5e9871c6311CAS |
