| In order to meet the increasing needs of food, fiber, and fuel, management practices that enhance the soil health must be sought out. The two studies conducted examined the effects of management practices on soil enzyme activities and active carbon concentration. A forested ecosystem in Oregon was examined following nutrient treatments on forest plots. The effects of tillage, residue management and time on soil enzyme activities and active C were measured in a greenhouse study from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR, USA. In both studies, beta-glucosidase, arylsulfatase, acid phosphatase, and active carbon were analyzed in soil samples. Results in the Oregon study included no statistically significant differences between treatments; however, the control treatment for each enzyme and active C was numerically greater than other treatments. In the greenhouse study, beta-glucosidase, arylsulfatase, and acid phosphatase were significantly different among incubation times. There was a significant interaction between time and tillage for active carbon with conventional tillage measuring greater active carbon concentration than no till. Results from these studies may help producers monitor management practices to improve the quality of their managed soils. |
