This study is aimed at evaluating the effect of heavy metals on soil microbial processes. The effects of Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) at different concentrations were investigated over a period of eight weeks. Chloride salts of Pb and Cd were added singly and in combination to soil samples at room temperature (27°C) in different polythene bags. Samples were taken from the bags at two weeks interval and measurements were taken of the rate of microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN). The results showed that there was a significant decrease in the microbial biomass for all treated soils from the second week to the sixth week. But there was an observed increase in microbial biomass Nitrogen on the eight week. On the 6thweek, 40mgkg-1Cd gave the most significant decrease (16µg/g) and 1000mgkg-1 Pb gave the least significant decrease (70µg/g) of MBN.
SOIL MICROBIAL BIOMASS NITROGEN IN RELATION TO PLANT NITROGEN UPTAKE UNDER PADDY SOILS
