Enzyme activity, glomalin, and soil organic carbon in agroforestry systems

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate enzyme activity, glomalin-related soil proteins (GRSP), soil chemical attributes, and total organic carbon (TOC) in two Agroforestry systems (AFS) (AFS-1 and AFS-2), in a traditional agriculture area (TA), and secondary forest (SF) area in Paraty (RJ). Soil samples (from 0 to 5 cm depth) were collected during the rainy and dry seasons. AFS improves and/or maintains soil chemical indicators based on pH increase, reduces aluminum saturation and maintains soil nutrient content (Ca, Mg and K), when compared with SF. The contribution of organic material and the biodiversity of the AFS provide the maintenance of the total organic carbon content of the soil. AFS maintain the activity of the enzymes protease, β-glucosidase, acid phosphatase, and total enzyme activity (FDA), and the production of glomalin-related soil protein at levels similar to those observed in SF, especially during the rainy season.