Partition of enzyme contribution by plants and microorganisms under different soil organic matter level

Abstract

The plant and microbial contribution towards different plant beneficial enzyme activities (dehydrogenase, esterase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and phytase) was partitioned under four arid crops (pearl millet, clusterbean, mung bean, moth bean) at critical growth stage. The experiment was conducted at Aridisol under five different organic matter levels. The results showed phytase mainly contributed by the microorganisms especially under the soil having rich in organic matter. Acid phosphatase was contributed more by plants than microorganisms, while most of the alkaline phosphatase was contributed by microorganisms. The organic matter helped to improve in the root activity which influenced the esterase and dehydrogenase build up in the rhizosphere. Organic matter up to 4% level may influence dehydrogenase activity. It also enhanced esterase activity, which was more under pearl millet. There was little variation in alkaline phosphatase activity among the three legumes tested. In general, more alkaline phosphatase activity was noticed under pearl millet.