The nitrogen distribution in soils formed under widely differing climatic conditions

Amino acids, amino sugars and ammonia were determined in 6N HCl hydrolyzates of soils formed under arctic, cool temperate, subtropical and tropical climates. Soils from warmer climates yielded relatively more amino acids and amino sugars but less NH₃ than did those from colder regions. The amino acid composition of all soils, however, was remarkably similar, resembled that of lake sediments and was somewhat similar to that of bacteria, suggesting the importance of microorganisms in their formation. Climate appears to have little effect on the amino acid composition of soils.