EFFECT OF FROST ACTION AND STORAGE OF SOIL AT FREEZING TEMPERATURES ON THE FREE AMINO ACIDS, FREE SUGARS AND RESPIRATORY ACTIVITY OF SOIL

Abstract

The effect of freezing and duration of storage of frozen soil on free amino acids and sugars was evaluated. Freezing caused a marked increase in the total amount of free amino acids and sugars extracted. The level of free amino acids and sugars, in frozen soil, remained fairly constant up to a storage period of 6 weeks, after which a prominent decrease occurred. Essentially there was no difference between single freeze-thaw and multiple freeze-thaw cycles. In general, soil respiration and dehydrogenase activity paralleled the level of extractable free amino acids and sugars.