DRIFT and HR MAS NMR characterization of humic substances from a soil treated with different organic and mineral fertilizers

In this study, using DRIFT and HR MAS NMR, we analyzed the humic substances isolated from a soil treated, over 40 years, with different organic, mineral and organic plus mineral treatments and cultivated with maize as the main crop. As expected, the structure of humic substances was very complex but by combining both techniques (DRIFT and HR MAS NMR) additional information was obtained on aromatic and aliphatic components, the most recalcitrant parts of these macromolecules. In so doing we wanted to investigate the relationship between HS structure and long-term management practices. An elevated content of lignin, aminoacids, peptides and proteins was observed mainly for farmyard manure treatments with respect to mineral or liquid manure amendments; this supports how the different management practices have greatly influenced the humification process of cultivated soils.

► DRIFT and HR MAS NMR study on the humic substances isolated from a soil treated with amendments.
► Detailed structural information provided by 1D and 2D HR MAS NMR spectra of HS.
► Importance of humication processes in the protection of SOC from acid or enzymatic hydrolysis.