ABSTRACT
Available-N and organic-N estimation in chilean soils

Carlos Rojas W.1
 

A greenhouse experiment using corn as an indicator plant was developed (Zea mays). In orderto estimate organic and available nitrogen seven representative soil samples (0-20 cm) of chilean soils were included in order to obtain nitrogen yield and correlate this index with several biological indexes which are able to produce acid or alkaline hydrolysis. Among major results obtained it is necesary to remark the high determination coefficients for aerobic N mineralized by 14 days at 30 ºC and those of hydrolyzable-N obtained with 1 M NaOH and 0,26 M phosphate borate sodium solution. Potentially mineralizable N was properly simulated through potentially hydrolyzable N obtained with fractioned hydrolyzis using 0,26 M phosphate-borate sodium solution.

Keywords: soil, corn, greenhouse, organic nitrogen, available nitrogen.
1 Estación Experimental La Platina (INlA). Casilla 439, Correo 3, Santiago, Chile.