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ARS Home » Plains Area » Lubbock, Texas » Cropping Systems Research Laboratory » Wind Erosion and Water Conservation Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #216061
Title: Soil Enzymes

Author
item Acosta-Martinez, Veronica
item KLOSE, SUSANNE - UNIV OF CALIFORNIA-DAVIS

Submitted to: Encyclopedia of Soil Science
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/1/2008
Publication Date: 11/17/2008
Citation: Acosta Martinez, V., Klose, S. 2008. Soil Enzymes. Encyclopedia of Soil Science. 1(1):1-5.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The functionality and resilience of natural and managed ecosystems mainly rely on the metabolic abilities of microbial communities, the main source of enzymes in soils. Enzyme mediated reactions are critical in the decomposition of organic matter, cycling of nutrients, and in the breakdown of herbicides and pollutants. This chapter describes the groups, locations and role of enzymes in soils, and the relationship between soil enzyme activities and soil properties, soil management and pollution.