Biochemical responses to soil management practices

Abstract

The use of land for agricultural purposes is one of the main causes of soil degradation, and there is therefore worldwide interest in quantifying the loss of soil quality generated by agricultural operations. Soil enzyme activities are increasingly used as indicators of soil quality because of their relationship to decomposition and nutrient cycling, ease of measurement, and rapid response to changes in soil caused by both natural and anthropogenic factors. The enzyme activities show higher sensitivity to the agricultural practices than do physical–chemical properties, and, thus are useful for monitoring of the trends in soil over time and as early indicators of management-induced changes in soil quality. Numerous experiments show that the traditional soil cultivation generates many changes in soil properties and the associated changes in biochemical activity. In quantitative terms, the enzyme activities in soils under intensive cultivation are lower than in soils from undisturbed ecosystems. Soil biochemical activity reflects not only soil properties but also tillage operations, cropping practices, fertilization, liming, and other agricultural treatments.