Re. Hantschel et al., AN AUTOMATED MICROCOSM SYSTEM FOR STUDYING SOIL ECOLOGICAL PROCESSES, Soil Science Society of America journal, 58(2), 1994, pp. 401-404
Soil ecological processes are characterized by high temporal and spati
al variability. To evaluate effects of soil management and environment
al parameters on single processes, it is necessary to investigate seve
ral replicates of each soil type under controlled laboratory condition
s. We developed a microcosm system in which 64 disturbed or undisturbe
d soil columns, each controlled individually, may be evaluated. The te
chnical design of the automated microcosm system demonstrates the broa
d applicability of the system. For demonstration the effects of the he
rbicide terbuthylazin (TA) on microbial respiration in microcosms trea
ted with and without barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) straw are shown. Even
high amounts of the herbicide applied did not reduce the CO2 release
by the soil organisms. The C source added with the barley residues did
not change this result significantly.