Publikasjoner
NIBIOs ansatte publiserer flere hundre vitenskapelige artikler og forskningsrapporter hvert år. Her finner du referanser og lenker til publikasjoner og andre forsknings- og formidlingsaktiviteter. Samlingen oppdateres løpende med både nytt og historisk materiale. For mer informasjon om NIBIOs publikasjoner, besøk NIBIOs bibliotek.
2006
Forfattere
Tor Håkon SivertsenSammendrag
An interpretation of the scientific principle is presented and shortly discussed, containing the concepts of classification of physical phenomena, parameterization, `physical laws", construction of hypotheses and testing. Then the concept of continuity of the real number system ispresented. The Navier-Stokes equations , the equation of continuity, and the energy equations are interpreted , looking at the concepts of molecular diffusion and convective flow, and the physical content of the `physical laws" of conservation of mass, conservation of momentum and conservation of energy. The construction of the Reynolds equation is discussed by looking at the parameterization in time and space of fluid flow of different temporal and spatial scale. Turbulence is then interpreted as phenomena of fluid dynamics on a smaller scale than the scale of the system for making measurements in each operational situation. The discussion is completed by looking once more at the content of the `physical laws" of of conservation of mass, conservation of momentum and conservation of energy. References: Tennekes, H., & Lumley, J.J., (1972). A first course of turbulence. The MIT Press, Cambridge, Massachusets, and London, England. Yaglom, A.M., & Monin, A.S., (1987), statistical Fluid Mechanics, The MIT Press, , Cambridge, Massachusets, and London, England. Siveertsen, T.H.,(2004) Invitation to Conceptual Discussions Concerning the Scope of the Scientific Method and Classification of Meteorological Phenomena and Meteorological Parameters, P 185-190, Selected Papers of the International Conference `Fluxes and Structures in Fluids", St. Petersburg, Russia, June 23-26, 2003, Moscow, IPM RAS, 2004 Sivertsen, T.H.,(2004), Discussing the Concept of Continuity of Continuum Mechanics, P 190-193, Selected Papers of the International Conference `Fluxes and Structures in Fluids", St. Petersburg, Russia, June 23-26, 2003, Moscow, IPM RAS, 2004 Sivertsen, T.H., (2004), Discussing the Concept of Turbulence and a Proposal of a Classification System of Fluid Dynamical Parameters, P 193-196, Selected Papers of the International Conference `Fluxes and Structures in Fluids", St. Petersburg, Russia, June 23-26, 2003, Moscow, IPM RAS, 2004 Sivertsen T.H., 2005, Discussing the scientific method and a documentation systems of meteorological and biological parameters, Physics and Chemistry of the Earth Special Issue: Agrometeorology 2003, Vol 30/1-3 pp 35-43 Sivertsen, T.H, 2005, ", Reflections on the Theme of Classifying, Documenting and Exchanging Meteorological Data", Atmospheric Science Letters, Vol.6 , Issue 3, p 171-175, John Wiley & Sons
Forfattere
Berit NordskogSammendrag
Tidlig på 1990-tallet endret norsk salatproduksjon seg fra å være hovedsakelig veksthuskultur til å bli en viktig frilandskultur. Som følge av intensivert produksjon på friland økte sjukdomsproblemene, og spesielt salatbladskimmel (Bremia lactucae) har forårsaket store tap. Dette arbeidet er gjennomført som del av flere prosjekter hvor det har vært fokus på overlevelse og spredning, samt kontroll av salatbladskimmel, i tillegg til en generell kartlegging av soppsjukdommer i salat på friland. Særlig for salatbladskimmel er det stor risiko for utvikling av resistens mot soppmidler og tap av resistens i salatsorter. Det er derfor viktig å gjennomføre integrert plantevern (IPV), som inkluderer varsling, slik at antall sprøytinger holdes på et minimalt nivå samtidig som tidspunktene for sprøyting tilpasses i forhold til infeksjonsperioder. Utbredelse og forekomst av B. lactucae er svært varierende, men dette er det viktigste patogenet i norske salatfelt på grunn av skadepotensialet ved ukontrollerte epidemier. Andre patogener som anses å være av økonomisk betydning i norsk salatproduksjon er Septoria lactucae, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Pythium tracheiphilum, Alternaria spp., Botrytis cinerea og Rhizoctonia solani. Salatbladskimmel opptrer på ulike tidspunkt og steder hvert år, men denne sjukdommen finnes oftest i de mest intensive produksjonsområdene for salat. De uforutsigbare angrepene av B. lactucae kan være en indikasjon på at sporer som kommer inn med luftstrømmer langveisfra er en smittekilde. I tillegg kan variasjonen blant isolater av B. lactucae bidra til økt seleksjon og tap av resistens i salatsorter. Effekten av lys på sporulering ble studert for bedre å forstå hvordan B. lactucae påvirkes av lange dager og korte netter om sommeren i Norge. Vi fant at sporulering styres av en døgnrytme, og at den direkte effekten av lys eller mangel på lys er av mindre betydning enn tidligere antatt. To varslingsmodeller, PlantPlus (PP) og Modell-Analys (MA) har blitt testet i salatfelt på sensommeren i Norge. Begge modellene er brukbare alternativer til faste sprøyteintervaller. Antall behandlinger var litt lavere for PP, mens MA medførte en svak økning i antall behandlinger sammenlignet med 10-dagers intervaller. Kunnskapen som kan trekkes ut av feltforsøkene, i tillegg til fangst av sporer i salatfelt, har gitt oss verdifull informasjon i forhold til mulige forbedringer av MA modellen. Justerte kriterier forbedret presisjonen i MA modellen, og medførte at andel dager med riktig varsling av sporulering økte fra 66 % til 78 %. Disse studiene har bidratt til en bedre forståelse av epidemiologien til B. lactucae og til forbedringer av en eksisterende varslingsmodell. De andre sjukdommene som er påvist i studiet er kanskje ikke like ødeleggende som salatbladskimmel, men er likevel ofte av økonomisk betydning i salatproduksjonen.
Sammendrag
This document contains a summary of some techniques that can be used for CO2 monitoring considering a field laboratory site with an injection depth in the order of hundreds of meters. We will mainly focus on seismic: 3D and 4D surface seismic, acoustic image, multicomponent (MC) seismic, microseismic monitoring, boreholebased seismic, 4D cross-hole seismic surveying, 4D vertical seismic profiling (VSP); acoustic sonar bathimetry techniques; gravimetric techniques; electrical or electromagnetic techniques: electrical resistance tomography (ERT), ground penetrating radar, borehole radar, magnetotellurics; but geochemical techniques are included, like isotope methods, geochemical tracers, water chemistry. Finally, soil gas techniques and remote sensing methods area also described in this document. Storage of CO2 in geological formations is feasible on industrial scale. At the same time there is a requirement from Environmental and Health Authorities for documentation of subsurface behaviour of CO2. In this document we summarize different approaches for monitoring of subsurface migration, leakage and chemical reactions of CO2. We suggest performing studies at different scales including laboratory and field experiments. The methods we suggest has special emphasize on early detection of small amounts of CO2 migration. Of that reason the main focus of this report is on indirect geophysical monitoring (viz seismic, electrical and electromagnetic methods). To document subsurface reactions we also include geochemical methods. We suggest including ecological monitoring as an integrated part of the field experiments. Ecological monitoring will provide detection (or confirmation) of moderate CO2 leakage to the soil surface, and at the same time quantify effects on the vegetation of potentially leakages from geologically-stored CO2. In order to add value to the monitoring program, we recommend initiating simulation of monitoring experiments as early as possible in the project. Simulation of monitoring experiments should then be coupled to inverse flow simulations in order to optimize the monitoring program. Finally, monitoring of two specific field sites is suggested: The Brumunddal sandstone, and the Svelvik ridge in the outlet of the Drammensfjord. The preliminary budget for monitoring a field experiment on each side is 27.3 and 30.2 million NOK respectively. Recommendations for further work include: " Geological characterization of storage site and surrounding area. " Production of geological and numerical flow models of storage site and surrounding area. " Simulation of CO2 injection into the geological formation to identify potential migration and thus leakage points. This includes physical and chemical changes of the reservoir rock and surrounding strata. " Risk assessment to identify features, events and processes that might lead to the migration of CO2 and potential leakage. " Establish monitoring based on step 3 and 4 above. This includes monitoring of subsurface and surface area surrounding the storage site. " History matching of observations and simulation results (and if necessary modification of monitoring acquisitions).
Forfattere
Hege HovdSammendrag
I områder med storskalalandbruk er de udyrka sonene langs eng- og åkerkanter viktige leveområder for mange ville planter og dyr. Imidlertid har antallet kantsoner blitt sterkt redusert i mange slike områder de siste tiåra. Dette studiet er gjennomført i et intensiv dyrka jordbrukslandskap i Stjørdal, Nord-Trøndelag. Det beskriver floraen i to hovedtyper kantsoner: mellom to oppdyrka arealer (eiendomsgrenser) og mellom oppdyrka arealer og veg (vegkanter). Effekter av skjøtsel og ulike økologiske faktorer på kantsonefloraen er identifisert. I tillegg er det undersøkt om mangfoldet av plantearter i eksisterende eng kan økes ved å skape nye kantsoner. Eiendomsgrensene og vegkantene var veldig ulike med hensyn til sammensetning og antall plantearter på grunn av ulike økologiske forhold og ulik kantskjøtsel. De fleste vegkantene ble slått hvert år, mens eiendomsgrensene var uslåtte. Eiendomsgrensene var ofte dominert av noen få høytvoksende generalister og inneholdt busker og trær. I vegkantene vokste lave og ofte lite konkurransedyktige plantearter, blant anna flere som er vanlige i tradisjonelt drevne semi-naturlige enger. Seks av de undersøkte økologiske og skjøtselmessige faktorene på virka kantsonefloraen: tykkelsen av strøsjiktet, kantens bredde og helning, fuktighetsgraden samt produksjonstypen på tilgrensende areal (Gras eller korn) i undersøkelsesåret og i tidligere år. I nyskapte og uslåtte kantsoner ble vegetasjonen raskt dominert av kveke (Elymus repens). Nyskapte kantsoner som ble slått hvert år ble kolonisert av flere nye plantearter, men de fleste artene var generalister eller trær. Innsåing av gras og urter i de nye kantsonene førte til et høgere antall flerårige, konkurransesvake urter og økte mangfoldet av plantearter i stripene sammenligna med enga rundt. I studieområdet er flere av kantsonene i ferd med å gro igjen på grunn av manglende bruk eller skjøtsel. I forhold til lokalt biologisk mangfold er det derfor viktigst å ta vare på de kantsonene som fremdeles er lysåpne med lavtvoksende vegetasjon. De kan fungere som habitat for lysavhengige og konkurransesvake engplantearter som i dag er i tilbakegang på grunn av mangel på tilgjengelige leveområder. Å skape nye habitater for slike arter er vanskelig i dette området på grunn av svært fruktbar jord. Det gjør det spesielt viktig å ta vare på de artsrike kantsonene som fremdeles finnes. I denne sammenhengen er vegkantene de mest verdifulle habitatene i dag. Jevnlig skjøtsel, f.eks. slått, er nødvendig for å ta vare på mangfoldet av planter i vegkantene.
Sammendrag
Freezing and thawing influence the transport potential and pathways for contaminants by altering the soil physical properties. Firstly, soil frost delays or impedes infiltration of rain and meltwater, reducing the transport rate of dissolved contaminants. But at the same time, particle bound contaminants may be mobilised because the reduced infiltration capacity increases surface runoff and erosion risk. Secondly, freezing water expands and imposes mechanical stresses on the soil, which may cause aggregate breakdown and facilitate particle detachment and transport. The influence of repeated freezing and thawing on aggregate stability of different soils is poorly documented for Nordic winter conditions. The purpose of this study (Kværnø and Øygarden, subm.) was to quantify the effect of variable freeze-thaw cycles and soil moisture conditions on aggregate stability of three soils: Silt, structured clay loam (Clay A) and artificially levelled silty clay loam (Clay B). These soils are representative of two erosion prone areas in South-eastern Norway. Field moist surface soil was sieved into the fraction 1- 4 mm, and packed into cylinders. The water content of the soil was adjusted, corresponding to matric potentials of -0.75, -2 and -10 kPa. The soil cores were insulated and covered, and subjected to 0, 1, 3 or 6 freeze-thaw cycles: freezing at "15"C for 24 hours, and thawing at 9"C for 48 hours. Aggregate stability was measured in a rainfall simulator (representing rainfall) and a wet-sieving apparatus (representing surface runoff). The aggregate stability of Silt was found to be significantly lower than of Clay A and Clay B. Clay A and Clay B had similar aggregate stabilities, even if it was expected that the artificially levelled Clay B would have lower stability. Freezing and thawing decreased the aggregate stability for all three soils, but the effect was more severe on the silt soil. There was no evident effect of water content on the aggregate stability, probably due to experimental limitations. The wet-sieving apparatus resulted in less aggregate breakdown than the rainfall simulator. Rainfall impact seemed to be more detrimental than wet-sieving the more unstable the soil was, that is, after many freeze-thaw cycles, and on silt soil. The results indicate that freezing and thawing is an important factor influencing the erosion risk of the studied soils. In the future, climate change is expected to give more unstable winters with more freezing and thawing events. Combined with more precipitation as rainfall during the winter period both runoff and erosion will probably increase, possibly resulting in heavier loads of particulate bound contaminants to surface waters. The results are also helpful for improving predictions of contaminant fate and transport, as most of the existing hydrological and soil erosion prediction models do not satisfactorily describe soil processes occurring under Nordic winter conditions. This study focused on arable soils with conventional agricultural management, where plant nutrients and pesticides pose a threat to water quality. It would be useful to conduct similar experiments on soils where other organic and inorganic contaminants are of concern, e.g. on soils where sewage sludge and compost have been applied, and soils in road cuttings and on contruction sites. References Kværnø, S.H. & Øygarden, L. submitted: The influence of freeze-thaw cycles and soil moisture on aggregate stability of three soils in Norway.
Sammendrag
Freezing and thawing influence the transport potential and pathways for contaminants by altering the soil physical properties. Firstly, soil frost delays or impedes infiltration of rain and meltwater, reducing the transport rate of dissolved contaminants. But at the same time, particle bound contaminants may be mobilised because the reduced infiltration capacity increases surface runoff and erosion risk. Secondly, freezing water expands and imposes mechanical stresses on the soil, which may cause aggregate breakdown and facilitate particle detachment and transport. The influence of repeated freezing and thawing on aggregate stability of different soils is poorly documented for Nordic winter conditions. The purpose of this study (Kværnø and Øygarden, subm.) was to quantify the effect of variable freeze-thaw cycles and soil moisture conditions on aggregate stability of three soils: Silt, structured clay loam (Clay A) and artificially levelled silty clay loam (Clay B). These soils are representative of two erosion prone areas in South-eastern Norway. Field moist surface soil was sieved into the fraction 1- 4 mm, and packed into cylinders. The water content of the soil was adjusted, corresponding to matric potentials of -0.75, -2 and -10 kPa. The soil cores were insulated and covered, and subjected to 0, 1, 3 or 6 freeze-thaw cycles: freezing at "15"C for 24 hours, and thawing at 9"C for 48 hours. Aggregate stability was measured in a rainfall simulator (representing rainfall) and a wet-sieving apparatus (representing surface runoff). The aggregate stability of Silt was found to be significantly lower than of Clay A and Clay B. Clay A and Clay B had similar aggregate stabilities, even if it was expected that the artificially levelled Clay B would have lower stability. Freezing and thawing decreased the aggregate stability for all three soils, but the effect was more severe on the silt soil. There was no evident effect of water content on the aggregate stability, probably due to experimental limitations. The wet-sieving apparatus resulted in less aggregate breakdown than the rainfall simulator. Rainfall impact seemed to be more detrimental than wet-sieving the more unstable the soil was, that is, after many freeze-thaw cycles, and on silt soil. The results indicate that freezing and thawing is an important factor influencing the erosion risk of the studied soils. In the future, climate change is expected to give more unstable winters with more freezing and thawing events. Combined with more precipitation as rainfall during the winter period both runoff and erosion will probably increase, possibly resulting in heavier loads of particulate bound contaminants to surface waters. The results are also helpful for improving predictions of contaminant fate and transport, as most of the existing hydrological and soil erosion prediction models do not satisfactorily describe soil processes occurring under Nordic winter conditions. This study focused on arable soils with conventional agricultural management, where plant nutrients and pesticides pose a threat to water quality. It would be useful to conduct similar experiments on soils where other organic and inorganic contaminants are of concern, e.g. on soils where sewage sludge and compost have been applied, and soils in road cuttings and on contruction sites. References Kværnø, S.H. & Øygarden, L. submitted: The influence of freeze-thaw cycles and soil moisture on aggregate stability of three soils in Norway.
Forfattere
E. Shutova F. E. Wielgolaski S. R. Karlsen O. Makarova N. Berlina T. Filimonova E. Haraldsson P. E. Aspholm L. Flø K. A. Høgda Paul Eric AspholmSammendrag
The phenophases first greening (bud burst) and yellowing of Nordic mountain birch (Betula pubescens ssp. tortuosa, also called B. p. ssp. czerepanovii) were observed at three sites on the Kola Peninsula in northernmost Europe during the period 1964"2003, and at two sites in the transboundary Pasvik-Enare region during 1994"2003. The field observations were compared with satellite images based on the GIMMS-NDVI dataset covering 1982"2002 at the start and end of the growing season. A trend for a delay of first greening was observed at only one of the sites (Kandalaksha) over the 40 year period. This fits well with the delayed onset of the growing season for that site based on satellite images. No significant changes in time of greening at the other sites were found with either field observations or satellite analyses throughout the study period. These results differ from the earlier spring generally observed in other parts of Europe in recent decades. In the coldest regions of Europe, e.g. in northern high mountains and the northernmost continental areas, increased precipitation associated with the generally positive North Atlantic Oscillation in the last few decades has often fallen as snow. Increased snow may delay the time of onset of the growing season, although increased temperature generally causes earlier spring phenophases. Autumn yellowing of birch leaves tends towards an earlier date at all sites. Due to both later birch greening and earlier yellowing at the Kandalaksha site, the growing season there has also become significantly shorter during the years observed. The sites showing the most advanced yellowing in the field throughout the study period fit well with areas showing an earlier end of the growing season from satellite images covering 1982"2002. The earlier yellowing is highly correlated with a trend at the sites in autumn for earlier decreasing air temperature over the study period, indicating that this environmental factor is important also for autumn phenophases.
Sammendrag
I vassdragsforvaltningen er det ofte behov for å kartlegge hvor mye næringsstoffer som kommer fra diffuse kilder. Før man tok i bruk stabile isotoper, var det vanskelig å finne ut av dette. For å spore kilder til nitrat (NO3-) i avrenning er det utviklet metoder for å analyse forekomsten av de stabile isotopene 14N, 15N, 16O og 18O i nitrat som på forhånd er isolert fra vannprøver. Isotopene 15N og 18O er varianter av de vanlige 14N og 16O atomene. Forholdet mellom disse (15N:14N og 18O:16O) i en prøve angis i forhold til internasjonale standarder, som deltaverdier ("15N og "18O) og med promille (") som enhet. De internasjonale standardene er knyttet til "15N i luft og "18O i sjøvann. I løpet av 2003 og 2004 brukte vi denne isotopmetoden til å analysere ni bekkestasjoner i jordbruksfeltene Mørdre på Romerike og Skuterud i Ås kommune. Nedbørfeltene varierte i størrelse fra 6 til 449 dekar og inkluderer flere ulike nitrogenkilder. Vi undersøkte om det, ved hjelp av relativt begrenset prøvetaking (3-6 prøver per lokalitet), var mulig å klassifisere de dominerende nitratkildene til bekkene. Aktuelle kilder var skog/utmark der mye av nitratet kommer fra atmosfæren, jordbruksmark med nitrat fra kunstgjødsel og jordbruksmark gjødslet med husdyrgjødsel. Isotopanalysene viste tydelig forskjell mellom markslagstypene skog og jordbruk. Videre hadde bekkene i Mørdre jevnt over høyere "15N verdier enn Skuterud (figur x2). Dette indikerer at Mørdrefeltet er mer påvirket av husdyrgjødsel og eventuelt også punktkilder enn Skuterud. Videre tydet isotopsammensetningen i ett av jordbruksfeltene fra Mørdre på at det foregikk denitrifikasjon (mikrobiell omdannelse av nitrat til nitrogengass) i deler av feltet eller i bekken. Ellers viste de rene jordbruksbekkene i stor grad overlappende isotopsignaler, selv om feltene som ble gjødslet med husdyrgjødsel skilte seg ut på noen av prøvetakingsdatoene. Isotopteknikken som er beskrevet ovenfor er arbeidskrevende og tolkningen av data kan være vanskelig. Årsaken er at variasjoner i klima, vannføring/dreneringsveier og mikrobiell aktivitet kan påvirke isotopsammensetningen i nitrat. Dette gjelder ikke minst på nedbørfeltnivå, hvor det ofte også er en kompleks sammensetning av markslagstyper og ulike nitrogenkilder. Man må derfor tolke resultatene fra slike analyser med varsomhet, og aller helst i sammenheng med grundige vannkjemiske undersøkelser og prosessmålinger i feltene. Sammensetningen av de stabile isotopene i nitrat har vist seg å være meget nyttige ved studier av enkeltprosesser eller transportmekanismer for nitrat under kontrollerte feltforhold (se eksempel fra nitrogenfjerning i fangdammer nedenfor). Bruken av isotopverktøy i forbindelse med slike studier forventes derfor å øke i tiden framover.
Forfattere
Ricardo Holgado Stig Andersson Christer MagnussonSammendrag
Cereal cyst nematodes, Heterodera spp. are known world-wide as parasites of cereals and grasses. Surveys of cereals in Norway have revealed that nematodes belonging to the H. avenae complex occur throughout the country, and that H. avenae (oat cyst nematode) is the most common species followed by H. filipjevi (rye cyst nematode). H. avenae and H. filipjevi are of economic importance in Scandinavia. H. avenae has two common pathotypes, Ha 11 and Ha 12. Work in Sweden, however, has detected the three additional pathotypes H. avenae- Knislinge, H. avenae- Ringsåsen and H. avenae- Våxtorp. These pathotypes were detected also in the Norwegian surveys. In Sweden H. filipjevi has two pathotypes, "East" and "West". In Norway, only the pathotype "West" has been detected so far. Nematode management practices must be based on the knowledge of the population dynamics, the population density required to cause economic damage, and the measures capable of reducing or keeping the population density below the threshold for economic damage. Crop rotation and the use of cultivars with resistance are important measures for controlling cereal cyst nematodes. For several years it has been known that resistance to cereal cyst nematodes may be found in some commercial cultivars, although no conscious breeding for resistance has been attempted. In 2004 and 2005 a majority of cereal cultivars on the Norwegian market were tested for susceptibility/resistance towards H. avenae pathotype Ha 11, H. avenae pathotype "Våxtorp" and H. filipjevi pathotype "West" The test program included 30 cultivars of barley, 23 cultivars of oats and 6 cultivars of summer wheat. The objective of this work was to increase our knowledge on cultivar selection for farmers. Resistance against Ha11 was found in 5 barley, 3 oat cultivars and in 1 wheat cultivar. Resistance against H. avenae pathotype "Våxtorp" was not present in barley, but 4 oat cultivars, and 1 wheat cultivar were resistant. For H. filipjevi "West" resistance was not detected in wheat, but in 6 barley and 13 oat cultivars. In Norway management systems based on careful nematode identification and good knowledge on appropriate resistant cultivars are in operation. Resistant barley is generally recommended when nematode populations are high due to its high tolerance compared to resistant oats. Farmers implementing this program have reported increased cereal yields on the average of 1000 kg /ha. It has been calculated that by implementing this program in full the county of Vestfold could make an economic gain of 800 000 " annually.
Sammendrag
Chemical recalcitrance of specific molecules is one of the factors governing organic matter stabilization in soils. Little is known about the relationship between the chemical nature and the dynamics of soil organic matter at the long-term scale. Lignin molecules are abundant in plant tissues and are generally considered as slowly biodegradable in soils. In a previous study, using compound specific isotopic tracer techniques applied to agricultural lands converted from C3 to C4 cropping, we showed that lignin turnover was faster than that of total organic carbon. Lignin dynamics was well described by a two-pool model, distinguishing lignins in fresh plant residues and those more closely associated to the soil matrix. These two pools may be transformed into non-lignin products, which includes CO2, microbial biomass and chemical substances, which are no longer recognized as lignin derivatives. The aim of the present work was to study the nature and dynamics of these non lignin products formed during lignin degradation in a laboratory incubation of 13C-labelled lignin with soil. Maize plants were grown for 1 month under 13C enriched CO2. The lignins of leaves and stems were isolated after treatment with cellulolytic enzymes and solubilization in dioxane:water (1:9). The Milled Maize Lignin (MML) obtained had a 13C abundance of 1.4 %. Solid-state 13C NMR spectroscopy of MML before analysis showed that the isolation method produces a lignin-cellulose complex, as indicated by the presence of some polysaccharides (the 60-115 ppm region represented about 40 % of total C of isolated lignins). Lignins were incubated with soil (1 mg lignin/g soil) at 20°C in sealed glass jars and analyzed after 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 48 weeks. A control sample was incubated without lignin. We monitored the mineralization, solubilization and incorporation in the microbial biomass of lignin C by measuring 13C enrichments in respired CO2, water-soluble fractions, and fumigated biomass, respectively. Lignins remaining in incubated soils were quantified by CuO oxidation and the 13C contents of vanillyl, syringyl and cinnamyl units (VSC) were measured. After 4 months, 3% of the 13C of the labelled lignin was mineralized. This mineralization rate was less than that found by Martin and Haider (1979) for DHP lignins but more than the 5% per year found in situ by Dignac et al. (2005). Less than 0.5% of incubated lignin C was water soluble and 0.5 % was incorporated into the soil microbial biomass. The main part (96%) of incubated MML remained in soil. We used compound-specific isotopic analysis of the CuO oxidation products and pyrolysis analysis to estimate the proportion of intact lignins remaining in the soil.