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Abstract: Conversion of N into stable organic forms through microbial activities is one of the goals of mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) composting. Two methods for quantifying N transformation during composting are proposed. The first, fumigation extraction, estimates the quantity of readily available N immobilized in living cells. The second, chemical fractionation, estimates the quantity of N converted into microbial products and immobilized in very stable organic forms. Analyses of conventional composts and environmentally controlled composts indicated that most of N conversion was obtained during phase I. High temperature (65-80°C) during phase I solubilized some N by lysis of microbial cells and increased the production of NH4+ and NH3. The degradability of straw cell-wall polysaccharides also increased. NH3 clearing and its chemical action at high temperatures could be an important factor explaining the rôle of phase I in obtaining nutritional selectivity in mushroom composts.
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