Assessing soil microbial community biomass and enzyme activity in cover crop rhizosphere soil
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Cover crops improve soil health, yet their rhizosphere-level effects are understudied. This study examined microbial biomass and extracellular enzyme activity in bulk and rhizosphere soils of legumes, grasses, and a legume-grass mix. Soil samples were analyzed for microbial composition (PLFA) and enzyme activity (colorimetric bench-scale assays: β-Glucosidase, arylsulfatase, acid-phosphatase). Cover crop soils had higher microbial biomass, enzyme activity, and bacterial and fungal levels than bulk soil, suggesting dynamic plant-microbe interactions. No significant differences were found between cover crop species, likely due to early crop development. Future research should evaluate cover crops’ long-term soil health effects at later growth stages.
Author: Zakolski, Elena
Language: English
Subfield: Soil Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDGs: Life on land, Zero hunger
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7064315580
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