Comparative studies on the decomposition of rice straw and straw compost by plant pathogens and microbial saprophytes in soil

Respiration was compared between Pseudomonas caryophylli and P. putida , between Streptomyces scabies and S. sp., and between Rhizoctonia solani and Trichoderma viride when they decomposed rice straw and straw compost in soil. The maximum rates of respiration and the cumulative CO sub(2) evolution during the 0-60 d period of incubation were similar between the two bacteria, between the two actinomycetes, and between the two fungi when they decomposed rice straw in soil. Rice straw is able to provide energy and nutrients for both pathogens and saprophytes. When the six microorganisms decomposed straw compost in soil, the maximum rates of respiration and the cumulative CO sub(2) evolution during the 0-60 d period of incubation were low in comparison with the straw decomposition, and hence similar between the pathogens and the saprophytes. It is assumed that a well-matured straw compost is safer than straw in relation to soilborne disease.