Published online by Cambridge University Press: 27 March 2009
1. The attack on the organic matter of different soils using varying strengths of hydrogen peroxide has been investigated.
2. Starting with the most dilute peroxide, a complex of constant composition is oxidised in increasing amount.
3. Above a certain strength of peroxide there is no further attack on the nitrogenous compounds of the organic matter, but a progressive decomposition of non-nitrogenous carbon compounds or complexes.
4. The fraction oxidised up to the point at which no further decomposition of nitrogenous matter occurs is termed the “oxidisable complex”, and, whilst apparently specific for a given soil, varies somewhat in composition in different soils.