Bio-indicators of soil fertility in sugar cane rotation

ABSTRACT

The relationship between soil biological activity and soil fertility was studied under sugar cane rotation to find out whether or not the biological activity of the soil can be used as an index to soil fertilityThe results showed differences in soil enzyme activities [dehydrogenase, invertase, phosphatase and urease] at the different locations according to soil fertility levelA significant positive correlation between the enzyme activities and organic matter content was foundOn the other hand, a significant positive correlation was found between the enzyme activities and the microbial populations as well as CO2 evolution playing an important role in the release of essential nutrients for plantTherefore, enzyme activities can be used as an index to soil fertility level