Transformations of sup(15)N labelled urea applied to a soil with maize strain incorporation under continuous flood

A greenhouse experiment with deep placed sup(15)N-labelled urea was conducted in an Aluvial soil in which maize straw was incorporated. The transformations of total-N, NH sub(4) sup(+) -N, and NO sub(3) sup(-) -N, - were investigated under continuous flooded conditions in soil planted or not to rice. Total -N and inorganic-N levels decreased in both conditions. The rapid inorganic decrease in planted soil would be mainly due to assimilation by the rice plants. However losses occurred in all cases. Such losses increased in the absence of rice plants and seemed to be mainly to nitrification - denitrification mechanisms although NH sub(3) volatilization could also be involved. Dry matter yield and N-uptake by rice increased with increasing rate of N-application. Maize straw was an important source of N for rice. N losses are modified by the incorporation of maize straw. (author)