The use of 13C-NMR for studies of wheat straw decomposition

13C-NMR was used to study the field decomposition of surface retained and incorporated wheat straw. Results showed decreasing proportions of straw carbon as carbohydrate and increasing proportions of aromatic compounds during straw decomposition. These changes were greater for the surface retained straw, however greater relative microbial contamination of incorporated straw may have affected results. The cost of 13C-NMR may lessen its role in studies of this nature.