Chloride ion as nitrification inhibitor and its biocidal potential in soils

The accumulation of chlorine ion in soils and plants due to the continued use of potassium chloride triggers a series of physiological disorders in plants and microorganisms deserving special attention. This study aimed to evaluate the inhibition potential of chloride ions added to soils as ammonium chloride (AC) and/or KCl in the reaction of soil nitrification. The experiment was conducted under laboratory conditions. The soil was incubated for 21 days at 70% of maximum water retention capacity at 25 °C. The addition of AC, combined with KCl, decreased nitrate concentration in the soil. The increase of Cl content in the soil with the use of AC resulted in an inhibition of soil nitrification. The agricultural potential of using AC as N source was shown in many crops, although, caution regarding excess is recommended, which results in a build-up of salt in the soil and causes injury to the root system and microorganisms.