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Microbiological and enzymatic properties of soil deposits originating from wind erosion
Author(s) -
Sonnleitner Renate,
Schinner Franz
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of plant nutrition and soil science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.644
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1522-2624
pISSN - 1436-8730
DOI - 10.1002/jpln.200321131
Subject(s) - silt , soil water , organic matter , environmental science , biomass (ecology) , microorganism , erosion , environmental chemistry , soil organic matter , agronomy , soil science , chemistry , ecology , geology , biology , bacteria , geomorphology , paleontology
Abstract A characterization of deposits originating from wind erosion of agriculturally managed soils in eastern Austria with the main soil types Chernozems and Allochthonous Calcaric Fluvisols was conducted using measurements of microbial counts, soil respiration, soil microbial biomass, and several enzyme activities. The deposits were rich in organic matter, silt‐ and clay‐sized mineral particles, and had high water‐holding and cation exchange capacities. Microbial counts, biomass, and enzyme activities of the deposits covered ranges frequently reported for agriculturally managed soils. Metabolic quotients indicated reduced energetic efficiences of deposit associated microbial communities. Microorganisms might suffer from stress imposed by habitat destruction, drifting, and unfavorable physical conditions in the deposits. Shifts in microbial communities or properties of organic materials in the deposits might also result in high metabolic quotients. It will be the subject of further study to clarify causal relationships.