The effect of amending soil with wood compost on the decay rate of wood wafers in contact with the unsterile soil, as measured by radial compression strength loss, was explored. It was found that the addition of composted wood to the soil significantly increased the wood decay rate. The reason for this acceleration in wood decay is not entirely clear, but appears to be at least partially associated with the fungal inoculum provided by the wood compost. These results indicate that this method may be useful in the development of accelerated soil contact decay tests.

Download document (131 kb)
free for the members of IRG. Available if purchased.

Purchase this document