Abstract
Phosphatase activity has been studied in acid soils with high organic matter content in Galicia (NW Spain) using the method of Sarathchandra and Perrott (1981). Only acid phosphatase activity was found. Activity was maximum at pH 5–6, appeared to be heavily dependent on organic matter content, and except in layers of förna underwent virtually no seasonal changes. The depthwise distribution of phosphatase activity suggested that the enzyme originated mainly in litter and was progressively inhibited as it penetrated the soil. Various possible inhibition mechanisms are discussed, and the possible role of Al 3+ is emphasized. The importance of phosphatase activity for the soil P cycle was reflected by its significant correlation with the most labile soil phosphate fractions, especially resin-extractable P.
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