Microcosm experiments on element transfer

Transfer of elements in microcosms is illustrated using results from multifactorial experiments with microcosms of increasing complexity. Major factors affecting element transfer from detritus to roots are rate of leaching and the nature of the leachate, microbial immobilization, and release of elements, and the primarily mechanical action of fauna on detritus and microflora. Effect of mineral soil on mineral transfer under the conditions of the experiments were only minor. Use of radionuclides in the experiments and of systems analysis of the data provides coefficients of gross transfer and predictions of transfers under conditions other than those of the experiments.