Ammonoxidised lignins as slow nitrogen-releasing soil amendments and CO₂-binding matrix.

Nitrogen (N) is a major nutrient element controlling the cycling of organic matter in the biosphere. Its availability in soils is closely related to biological productivity. In order to reduce the negative environmental impact, associated with the application of mineral N-fertilizers, the use of ammonoxidised technical lignins is suggested. They can act as potential slow N-release fertilisers which concomitantly may increase C sequestration of soils by its potential to bind CO₂. The idea of our study was to combine an improved chemical characterisation of ammonoxidised ligneous matter as well as their CO₂-binding potential, with laboratory pot experiments, performed to enable an evaluation of their behaviour and stability during the biochemical reworking occurring in active soils.