The Level of Luvisols Biochemical Activity in Midfield Shelterbelt and Winter Triticale (xTriticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus) Cultivation

Renata Jaskulska

doi:10.3390/agronomy10111644

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the usage of Luvisols under the midfield shelterbelt and in the cultivation of winter triticale, together with the influence of physicochemical properties on enzymatic activity. Soil samples were collected in spring, summer, and autumn from the depth of 0–15 cm along the following measurement transect: midfield shelterbelt (S), the border between the shelterbelt and the triticale field (B), cultivated field at a distance of 50 m from point B (F50), and cultivated field at a distance of 100 m from point B (F100). The activities of dehydrogenase (DHA), acid phosphatase (PAC), and alkaline phosphatase (PAL) were determined, and a water retention curve (pF) was established. The pH, soil organic carbon (SOC) content, and total nitrogen (Ntotal) were also measured. The analysis of the activity results for DHA, PAC, and PAL showed that the triticale soil had a higher level of enzyme activity than the midfield shelterbelt soil during the entire growing season. The soil under the triticale cultivation was slightly acidic, and the shelterbelt soil was very acidic. It was observed that the timing of soil sampling had an impact on the activity of the studied enzymes. The highest levels of DHA, PAC, and PAL activity were found in summer. The midfield shelterbelt demonstrated greater water retention than the winter triticale. The SOC content and Ntotal were higher in the shelterbelt than in the winter triticale field.

Highlights

Midfield shelterbelts are important from the point of view of the landscape’s natural balance [1].Vegetation from natural succession forms the so-called pioneering phytocoenoses in the shelterbelts, which provide protection against the erosive effects of weather conditions, including intense rainfall and winds
This study aimed to demonstrate the variability of the activity level of dehydrogenases and acid and alkaline phosphatases combined with the physicochemical properties of the soil
Significant differences in physicochemical and biochemical properties were observed in soil samples from four measurement points located along the measurement transect: S, B, F50, and field within 100 m (F100)

Summary

Introduction

Midfield shelterbelts are important from the point of view of the landscape’s natural balance [1].Vegetation from natural succession forms the so-called pioneering phytocoenoses in the shelterbelts, which provide protection against the erosive effects of weather conditions, including intense rainfall and winds. The soil under shelterbelts has very good water absorption, which reduces surface runoffs [2,3]. It is not ploughed, and its lumpy structure remains intact. The total inflow of organic matter to the soil consists of the fall from trees and shrubs, undergrowth, and dying roots and parts of plants [8]. Dead roots and plant debris enrich the soil with organic matter, growth substances, and growth inhibitors [9,10]. Midfield shelterbelts create favorable microclimatic conditions, improve the functioning of agricultural physiocoenoses, and protect soil and water resources [11,12]

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