Effect of agricultural practices on enzyme activities

Abstract

In agriculture production system, soil enzymes are important indicators of soil quality. Measurements of soil quality parameter changes are essential for assessing the impact of soil and crop management practices. Soil enzyme catalyst various crucial reactions necessary for the life processes of soil microorganisms which result in the transfer of organic matter into inorganic matter thus helping in launch of nutrients for plant increase and nutrient cycling. The overall enzyme activity in soil consists of various intracellular and extracellular enzymes that originate from microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi) or from plants and animals. These enzymes may include amylase, arylsulphatases, glycosidase, cellulose, chitins, dehydrogenate, phosphates, protease and urease. In the dynamic climate change era, the influence of climate change on soil productivity can be assessed by monitoring soil enzyme activities as well as changes occurring in soil properties. Thus, knowledge of soil enzymes is essential to design and evaluate new sustainable crop management practices.