Seasonal changes in microbial biomass in soils cropped with palmarosa (Cymbopogon martiniiL.) and Japanese mint (Mentha arvensisL.) in subtropical India

摘要

Changes in microbial C, N, and P were investigated for 1 year in two soils with similar physicochemical properties but supporting different crops under subtropical conditions. One was cropped with palmarosa (Cymbopogon martiniiL.) and the other with Japanese mint (Mentha arvensisL.). Both the season and the type of cropping had a significant influence on changes in the soil microbial biomass. In general, soil microbial biomass C, N, and P were highest in summer months and lowest in midwinter. Soil microbial biomass levels and microbial C:N and C:P ratios were higher and N:P ratios lower under palmarosa soil than under mint.