Organic acids in a flooded soil receiving added rice straw and their effect on the growth of rice

Abstract

The plow layer of a flooded soil is generally characterized by low redox potential and low oxygen tension. Under such conditions, organic acids are known to be produced by the anaerobic decomposition of organic matter (3, 4, 9–11, 16–19, 21, 24, 26). Rice plants grown in pady fields, especially in poorly drained ones, might be subject to the toxic effect of reduced products. The organic acids accumulated in the soil would inhibit nutrient uptake by rice plants.