The Level of Luvisols Biochemical Activity in Midfield Shelterbelt and Winter Triticale (xTriticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus) Cultivation

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the usage of Luvisols under the midfield shelterbelt and in the cultivation of winter triticale, together with the influence of physicochemical properties on enzymatic activity. Soil samples were collected in spring, summer, and autumn from the depth of 0–15 cm along the following measurement transect: midfield shelterbelt (S), the border between the shelterbelt and the triticale field (B), cultivated field at a distance of 50 m from point B (F50), and cultivated field at a distance of 100 m from point B (F100). The activities of dehydrogenase (DHA), acid phosphatase (PAC), and alkaline phosphatase (PAL) were determined, and a water retention curve (pF) was established. The pH, soil organic carbon (SOC) content, and total nitrogen (Ntotal) were also measured. The analysis of the activity results for DHA, PAC, and PAL showed that the triticale soil had a higher level of enzyme activity than the midfield shelterbelt soil during the entire growing season. The soil under the triticale cultivation was slightly acidic, and the shelterbelt soil was very acidic. It was observed that the timing of soil sampling had an impact on the activity of the studied enzymes. The highest levels of DHA, PAC, and PAL activity were found in summer. The midfield shelterbelt demonstrated greater water retention than the winter triticale. The SOC content and Ntotal were higher in the shelterbelt than in the winter triticale field.

Relationship among Soil Biophysicochemical Properties, Agricultural Practices and Climate Factors Influencing Soil Phosphatase Activity in Agricultural Land

“…APase activity exhibits seasonal variations (Figure 9, Table S19), with higher activity recorded during periods of increased plant growth. In contrast, APase activity tends to be lower during drier cropping periods when human activities in agroecosystems are more pronounced [203].…”