The objective of this work was to evaluate the utilization of short term air dried soil samples in a determination of soil microbial biomass (SMB-C), by a fumigationextraction method, and soil microbial basal respiration (BR). Zero time or 24 hours rewetting incubation period before fumigation procedure gave values of SMB-C similar to those of the control for the Podzolic soils, Allic RedYellow Latosol and Organic soil. Low Humic Gley and Vertisol soils gave values of SMB-C similar to those of the control for periods of incubation equal or higher than 24 hours. Planosol (sandy soil) and Rendzina soils gave values of SMB-C similar to the control for periods of incubation equal to 72 and 168 hours, respectively. For the majority of soil tested, zero time or 24 hours rewetting incubation period before BR incubation procedure gave higher respiration values than those of the control, and decreasing to values similar to those of the control for 72 and 168 hours of rewetting incubation period at 60% of the water holding capacity. In conclusion, the evaluation of SMB-C in short term air dried and rewetted soil samples is feasible according to proper moisture levels and periods of pre-incubation.
carbon; soil fumigation; soil moisture
