Anthony Kumi, Ramble Ankumah, and Victor Khan. Tuskegee University, 302 Milbank Hall, Tuskegee, AL 36088
The effect of activities on soil quality is important to assessing the impact of these processes on the major functions of the soil, especially in its role in the cycling of C, N and P. Recently soil enzyme activity and evaluation of microbial diversity in soils have been proposed as possible indicators of soil quality. Plasticulture (Agriplastic mulch) is the science and technology of the use of plastics in the Agricultural industry in green houses as mulches and as row covers. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different Agriplastic mulching materials on selected soil enzyme activity. The influence six different Agriplastic mulching materials on soil acid and alkaline phosphatase, phosphodiesterase, and aryl sulfatase in soils planted with a sweet potato variety TU- 892 (Ipomoea batatas) were evaluated at the George Washington Carver Agriculture Experiment Station. Soil from the treatment was collected from the top 5 to 10 cm and air dried before enzyme activity measurements. Two Soil samples at two different times were taken from completely randomized designed plots of four (4) replications and seven treatments in terms of types of Agriplastics used for these analyses. The treaments were: i) Bare soil,ii) black paper, iii) black material/degradable, iv) black material/white, white material/black, vi) black material and vii) clear material. Phosphomonoesterases (Acid and Alkaline) activity was determined using a modification of the assay method of Eivazi and Tabatabai (1977). Phosphodiesterase activity was determined using a modification of the assay method of Brownman and Tabatabai (1978). Arylsulfatase activity was determined using a modification of the assay method of Tabatabai and Bremner (1970). Results showed the phosphatases may be more sensitive than arylsulfatase in evaluating landuse effects on soils.
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