Intensity of some nitrogen transformations in soils experimentally contaminated with crude oil

Intensity of ammonification, nitrification (NH4-N oxidation to N02-N) and denitrification (reduction of NO3-N to NO2-N) was studied in soils experimentally contaminated with oil and control soils. Studies were carried out on 144 experimental plots of total area 1 ha. Half of the plots were cultivated in the usual way, the other half - intensively. Each of the 2 combinations comprised plots fertilized only with NPK, NPK and manure, and with NPK, manure and additionally inoculated with bacteria - decomposing petroleum hydrocarbons. Rye, barley, a mixture of legumes and cereals, and potatoes were cultivated in all plot combinations. Intensity of ammonification, nitrification and denitrification was determined in soil samples collected in spring, 24 months after soil contamination with petroleum. Ammonification was most intensive in soil samples collected from plots polluted with crude oil, fertilized with NPK and manure, inoculated with bacteria strains decomposing petroleum, in which rye was cultivated. NH4-N oxidation to N02-N was most intensive in soil samples collected from plots which had not been contaminated with oil, fertilized with NPK and manure, in which potatoes were cultivated. The highest reduction of N03-N to NO2-N was observed in soil polluted with oil, fertilized with NPK, in which potatoes were planted and cultivated in the usual way.