Methods of Soil Enzymology

Abstract

A variety of methods were developed to measure soil biological activity. All these methods are not suited to produce generally accepted results, but they give relative information about the ecological status of soil. Soil enzymatic activity assays is only one way to measure the ecosystem status of soils. Soil enzymology is nowadays of practical importance because the influence of agrochemicals, industrial waste, heavy metals, as well as soil fertility management can be measured. Especially the search for urease inhibitor is of practical interest in order to reduce ammonia losses from soils (Schaller, 2009). Soil Enzymology. Book · January 2011 with 77 Reads. How we measure 'reads'. Soil enzymes are one of the vital key mediators involved in nutrient recycling and the decomposition of organic matter and thereby in maintaining soil quality and fertility. This Soil Biology volume covers the various facets of soil enzymes, such as their functions, biochemical and microbiological properties and the factors affecting their activities. Enzymes in the rhizosphere, in forest soils, and in volcanic ash-derived soils are described. Soil enzymes covered include phosphohydrolases, lignocellulose-degrading enzymes, phenol oxidases, fungal oxidoreductases, keratinases, pectinases, xyla