ß-Glucosidase Activity of Forest Soil as an Indicator of Soil Carbon Accumulation

In this research study, ss-glucosidase activity was used to assess differences occurring in soils as a result of the influence of different tree species. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) on the enzymatic activity of ss-glucosidase, selected biochemical properties, as well as physical and chemical characteristics of soil. Sample plots were located in central Poland, in the Przedborz forest district (51.09.59.50 degrees N, 20.00.24.25 degrees E). The test area was dominated by Cambisols (WRB 2002). Twenty research plots were established: 10 plots under pine and 10 plots under oak. The pH, soil texture, and organic carbon, nitrogen and base cation contents, ss-glucosidase activity, and microbial biomass carbon, respiration were determined in the soil samples. The highest activity of ss-glucosidase in this study was reported in the soils of pine stands. In the case of pine trees, the enzymatic activity is probably due to a simultaneous interaction of mycorrhizal fungi in the roots of pine trees with fungi present in genetic horizons which are rich in acidic decomposition products of organic matter derived from surface humus. The rate of organic substances transformation depends largely on the quality of soil organic matter, which is related to species composition of forest stands. We noted a significant correlation between ss-glucosidase activity and carbon content, C/N ratio and acidity of soil. The profile distribution of ss-glucosidase activity in the estimation of soil profiles decreased rapidly with soil depth.