RATES OF GENERATION OF HYDROGEN AND METHANE IN SOILS AS A FUNCTION OF MOISTURE-CONTENT

The generation of hydrogen and methane by samples of the A(plow) + A horizons of a Southern Chernozem was studied in the laboratory at moisture levels between 40 percent and waterlogging, both with and without added glucose (5 ppt). In the absence of added glucose, the soil produced little hydrogen. The final amount of hydrogen produced in the presence of glucose increased markedly with the moisture content. In the case of methane generation, the plot was U-shaped both with and without added glucose; the minimum occurred at a 60 percent moisture content. The effect of carbohydrates on methane generation in the soil is discussed.