The effect of environmental factors on total soil DNA content and dehydrogenase activity

Abstract

The aim of the study was a statistical evaluation of the impact of selected soil factors - water potential (pF), total organic carbon content (TOC) and land use - on the total DNA content and dehydrogenase activity (DHA) in Mollic Gleysol. Additionally, we wanted to establish the interrelations between two of the most important biological parameters in soli: activity of intracellular dehydrogenases and total DNA content. Soil originating from the surface layer of the control site displayed higher DHA (c.a. by 57%) and DNA content (c.a. by 25%) as compared to an cultiavted meadow. Our results also indicate a significant (p < 0.05) positive relationship between the soil DNA content and DHA. Importantly, intensive and systematical agricultural soil usage resulted in the reduction of its DHA and DNA content.