Microbiological activity of soddy-podzolic soil and decomposition of organic fertilizers in the autumn-winter period

The data on the migration of the nitrogen compounds obtained in field lysimetric experiments and the results of microbiological investigations are presented. The changes in the number and activity of microorganisms in loamy-sandy soddy-podzolic soils of Lithuania caused by the application of different organic fertilizers in the autumn-winter period were revealed. The activity of microorganisms is found to continue in the winter during thaws; however, during this period, the population and activity of some groups changes. The most active are ammonifying and nitrifying bacteria and actinomycetes. At this time, the activity of bacteria performing humification is suppressed.