Soil microbiological and biochemical properties for assessing the effect of agricultural management practices in Estonian cultivated soils

A set of soil microbiological and biochemical properties was used to assess the influence of agricultural practices such as rotation, usage of pesticides, and fertilizers on the three most widespread soil types (Calcaric Regosols, Calcaric Cambisols and Stagnic Luvisols) in the fields of horticultural farms throughout Estonia. Microbial biomass, dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase activity were significantly higher in Calcaric Regosols, whereas measured soil chemical parameters showed practically no difference among soil types. Multivariate exploratory analysis of soil biochemical and microbiological parameters clearly distinguished soils with different management practices when the effect of soil type was taken into account in data analysis. Activity of dehydrogenase, potential nitrification, N-mineralisation, and microbial biomass contributed most strongly to the differentiation of soils from differently managed fields. Soils managed according to organic farming principles were generally characterized by elevated microbiological parameter values, but at the same time the variation of those parameters among soils from these fields was also highest. The application of organic manure positively affected microbial biomass, N-mineralisation, potential nitrification, dehydrogenase and acidic phosphatase activity. Data analysis indicated that the amount of mineral nitrogen fertilizers added over time has a stronger effect on microbial biomass than the amount added in a given year. Legume-based crop rotation increased soil respiration and microbial biomass. (c) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.