Microbial biomass and enzyme activities on soil monitoring sites in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany

Abstract

Apart from soil chemical parameters like pH-values, Corg-content and heavy metal amounts, microbial parameters like the microbial biomass, several enzyme activities of different nutrient cycles and the luminescence inhibition were estimated on 68 soil monitoring sites differently used in Saxony-Anhalt (Germany). The microbial biomass, the metabolic quotient, the Cmic/Corg-ratio, the luminescence inhibition, and the enzyme activities ß-glucosidase, protease and arylsulphatase are among the chosen parameters ideal for the microbiological soil quality monitoring. The pH-value was the primary determinant physico-chemical factor in establishing microbial communities. Grassland and forest soils accumulate in particular carbon and are especially suitable for a carbon sink. According to the German soil protection law (BBodSchG) 11 of the 68 studied soil monitoring sites showed increased amounts of heavy metals. The measured microbial parameters were hardly influenced by the heavy metal amounts.