Effect of different nitrogen fertilizers on Dissolved organic nitrogen and Dissolved inorganic nitrogen in two Alfisols in the north of Iran

Dissolved Organic nitrogen (DON) is an important constituent of Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM). It has a considerable effect on total dissolved soil nitrogen and it is very important as a nitrogen source of many aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Dissolved inorganic nitrogen, which is another form of total soil dissolved nitrogen, includes NO3, NO2 and NH4, which is very important for plant nutrient. Soil managements such as fertilizer application affects the flux and concentration of DON and DIN in soils. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different N-fertilizers application on DON and DIN content of two Alfisols located in near the Caspian Sea in the north of Iran. An experiment carried out using complete randomized design with factorial arrangements. Four level of N-fertilizers (Urea, Ammonium nitrate, Ammonium sulfate with Control)) and six different times (0, 7, 14, 28, 42, 60 day) with three replications in two different soils. Changes in DON, DIN, pH and soil respiration were monitored during the period of 60 days. The results showed that dissolved organic nitrogen decreased significantly by N- fertilizer application in both soil samples however, NO3, NO2 and NH4 increased. Ammonium sulfate showed the maximum effect on DON reduction and it can be due to the pH reduction. Changes in DON during the experiment varied from 11 to 75 % in both soil. At the end of experiment, NO3 + NO2 formed a major part of total Dissolved nitrogen in soils.