Processes Influencing Dissolved Organic Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Sulphur in Soils

The influence of different plant and soil processes on the concentrations of soluble organic forms of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur in soil and drainage waters is reviewed. Current knowledge about soluble organic matter is restricted mainly to dissolved organic carbon. Comparable information about soluble organic nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur in processes such as eutrophication, plant uptake and decomposition is limited. Data are presented to highlight the potential sources of soluble organic components together with a discussion of their likely fate within the soil profile. the implications of changes in land use and management practices on dissolved organic matter are discussed.