Abstract

Influence of organic manure on soil microbial and enzyme activities

Author(s): N.Reddi Prasanna, T.Sumathi, D.V.R.Sai Gopal, G.Narasimha

The effect of organic manure on the native soil was investigated in the present study. Supplementation of organic manure to the soil alters the physico-chemical, biological and enzyme properties of the soil. These alternations include decreases in soil PH from7.9 to 7.4, increase in electrical conductivity 0.36 to 1.21 (µmohs/cm), water holding capacity 0.36 to 0.38 ml/g of soil of control and test soils respectively. There is increase in soil texture like sand, phosphorous and potassiumin the test soil. Enzyme activities such as cellulase and dehydrogenase were assessed in both the soil sampleswith and without amendment of respective substrates (carboxy methyl cellolose and tri phenyl tetrazolium chloride). Accumulation of end products, glucose and formazone from the substrates in the soil were estimated at periodic intervals. Celluase and dehydrogenase enzyme activities were relatively higher in soil amended with organic manure and respective substrate than control.