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Nitrification in high temperatures periods in presence of ammonia substrate

Kogias Ioannis

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Summary

The object of this diplomatic research is the effect of high temperature on the N cycle. Specifically, during the process of nitrification, which takes place in the soils, depending on the time exposure of the soils, to the specific temperature, and the presence of nitrogen fertilizer.Temperature is a key factor in nitrification. Due to global warming, the occurrence of high temperatures, especially in the summer months, is becoming more frequent. Understanding the action of microorganisms, which oxidize NH3 to ΝΟ3-, at high temperature values is essential to optimize agricultural production to avoid excess use of ammonium substrates, which can lead to harmful effects, both for the environment and the human body.During the experiments, we exposed soil microcosms to various temperatures, with a temperature range from 30 oC to 50 oC, simulating heat conditions at laboratory level, inside incubation chambers. We studied the changes in the concentrations of ΝΟ3-, with the Cadmium method, and of ΝΗ4+, with the Nessler method, at temperatures of 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 oC, for the time period, ranging from one to two weeks.The results showed that higher concentrations of ΝΟ3- are achieved at temperatures lower than 40 oC. They also showed that at 50 oC the nitrification process is not suppressed, but then more ΝΗ4+ is produced. Finally, the ideal time to add NH3 substrate, during the agricultural cultivation of these soils, in weather conditions of high temperature, is at the end of the first week.

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