306 



Manures, Composts, Green Manures 



or as ammonia, is closely connected with the general processes of 

 decomposition of the organic constituents in the manures. The 

 nature and activities of the microorganisms in the manures are also 



20 



10 







A. Total material 



A. Hemicellulose 



A. Cellulose 



A Lignin 



AN. Total material 



AN. Hemicellulose 



AN Cellulose 



AN. Lignin 







100 



400 



500 



200 300 



Days 



Fig. 121. Course of decomposition of alfalfa plant: A = aerobic, AN = an- 

 aerobic (from Tenney and Waksman). 



dependent on and are closely connected with the transformation of 

 the organic and inorganic complexes. The rate of decomposition 

 of stable manures, the liberation of the nitrogen into available forms, 

 and the formation of humus, all depend upon the nature and abun- 

 dance of the three components of the manures; namely, the bedding 

 or litter, solid excreta, and urine. 



