Molecular weight distribution and partial characterization of organic nitrogen constituents in a sodium pyrophosphate extract of soil organic matter.

Abstract

A 0.1; Na4P207 extract of soil organic matter pre- treated to remove clays, fats and waxes was fractionated into 6 average mol. wt. groups (O-5,000, 5-10,000, lO- 20,000, 20-50,000, 50-150,000, and greater than 150,000) by gel filtration using Bio-Gel P (spherical polyacrylamide gels). Components of these groups were further separated by continuous-flow paper electrophoresis and those tubes containing high total nitrogen were examined by thin-layer chromatography. Separation was accomplished using Silica Gel G adsorbent on thin—layer chromatographic plates developed by ascending chromatography in n-Butanol + glacial acetic acid + 1'-120 + agsct (50:80:10s2) solvent system. Visual techniques recommended for detection of amino acids and their derivatives, heterocyclic nitrogen and amines, sec-aliphatic and alicyclic amines were applied to these chromatograms. Disc electrophoresis using an acrylamide gel (5%) and Buffalo black stain for proteins and polypeptides was attempted on some of the unhydrolysed electrophoretic tubes and on partial hydrolyzates of two high nitrogen containing tubes.Equivalent conductance determined on the original extract after passing it through Bio-Gel 2-2 (100-200 mesh)

A 0.1; Na4P207 extract of soil organic matter pre- treated to remove clays, fats and waxes was fractionated into 6 average mol. wt. groups (O-5,000, 5-10,000, lO- 20,000, 20-50,000, 50-150,000, and greater than 150,000) by gel filtration using Bio-Gel P (spherical polyacrylamide gels). Components of these groups were further separated by continuous-flow paper electrophoresis and those tubes containing high total nitrogen were examined by thin-layer chromatography. Separation was accomplished using Silica Gel G adsorbent on thin—layer chromatographic plates developed by ascending chromatography in n-Butanol + glacial acetic acid + 1'-120 + agsct (50:80:10s2) solvent system. Visual techniques recommended for detection of amino acids and their derivatives, heterocyclic nitrogen and amines, sec-aliphatic and alicyclic amines were applied to these chromatograms. Disc electrophoresis using an acrylamide gel (5%) and Buffalo black stain for proteins and polypeptides was attempted on some of the unhydrolysed electrophoretic tubes and on partial hydrolyzates of two high nitrogen containing tubes.Equivalent conductance determined on the original extract after passing it through Bio-Gel 2-2 (100-200 mesh)