Effect of different soil usage on microbial properties in soils of Central Serbia

Abstract

Aim of the study was to examine the effects of soil use on soil microbial properties at five locations in Central Serbia. The study included 42 samples of soil under certified organic system, 8 samples under conventional system, and 30 samples of abandoned soils. The number of examined microbial groups was assessed using the indirect dilution method followed by plating of soil suspension on different selective media, while dehydrogenase activity was measured spectrophotometrically. The number and activity of microorganisms at the tested plots primarily depended on the soil pH. The acidic soil reaction caused more rapid fungal growth and lower presence of actinomycetes and Azotobacter sp. There were no significant alterations in the number of microorganisms, ammonifiers and fungi under the specific soil use system. Significantly higher dehydrogenase activity was recorded in the abandoned soils and soils under organic systems compared to the conventional farming.