Enzyme Activities As Affected by Fertilization, Organic and Inorganic Amendments in Different Soils.

Abstract

Soil is a fundamental resource in the agricultural production system and monitoring its fertility is an important objective in the sustainable development of agro-ecosystems. In order to evaluate soil fertility, changes in its physical, chemical and biological properties must be taken into account. Among the biological features, soil enzymes are often used as index of soil fertility since they are very sensitive and respond to changes in soil management more quickly than other soil variables. Thus, the objective of this work was to review some of the aspects that are connected with using soil enzymes as indicators of agricultural practices impact (e.g., soil fertilization, crop rotation, tillage) and soil fertility. The results that are discussed in the works listed in the bibliography showed no consistent trends in enzymatic activity as being dependent on farming management practices that have stimulated, decreased or not affected this activity. The influence of inorganic fertilization and organic amendments on the soil enzyme activities depended on the dose of this amendment, the time of its application, the content of harmful substances (e.g., heavy metals), the soil type and climatic conditions.