Maize rhizosphere soil stimulates greater soil microbial biomass and enzyme activity leading to subsequent enhancement of cowpea growth

Abstract

Rhizosphere from different plant species can influence differently the soil microbial biomass and activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of rhizosphere of maize and cowpea on soil microbial biomass and enzymes. Soil samples adhered to the roots of maize were collected at 45 (flowering) and 75 (senescence) days; while for cowpea, soil samples were collected at 35 (flowering) and 60 (senescence) days. Soil microbial biomass C was highest in soils from the rhizosphere of maize. The activity of dehydrogenase and β-glycosidase were highest in soils from the rhizosphere of maize, while phosphatase was higher in soils from the rhizosphere of cowpea. This study concluded that soils from rhizosphere of maize presented higher soil microbial biomass and enzyme activity in comparison to soils from rhizosphere of cowpea.