Spectral chemistry and decomposition characteristics of a range of organic amendments

Spectral chemistry (processed spectra and where relevant integrated regions), elemental analysis and respiration characteristics of 85 organic amendments incubated in a sand matrix. The samples comprise 50 composts, six manures, 10 plant residues and 19 biosolids. Samples were analysed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mid-infrared (MIR) and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, as well as elemental analysis by dry combustion. Incubations were conducted in a sand matrix under controlled conditions for 18 months, with CO2 levels monitored and a double first-order exponential decay model fitted to produce four parameters (size of the fast [Cf] and slow [Cs] pools, and their modelled turnover rates [f and s respectively]). Collectively, these data were generated to understand how the chemical composition of organic amendments affects their decomposability. For full details see Baldock et al. (2021) Linking decomposition rates of soil organic amendments to their chemical composition. Soil Research