Title | Denitrification: enzyme content and activity in desert soils |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 1990 |
Authors | Peterjohn WT |
Journal | Soil Biology and Biochemistry |
Volume | 23 |
Pagination | 845-855 |
Date Published | 1990 |
Accession Number | JRN00120 |
Call Number | 00461 |
Keywords | article, articles, denitrification, enzyme content, journal, journals, soil carbon, soil nitrogen, soil, denitrifying enzymes |
Abstract | The content of denitrifying enzymes in upland desert soil was strongly associated with indices of N and C availability. Combinations of several predictors could explain 71% of the variance in enzyme content in Chihuahuan desert soils and 87% of the variance in soils from various deserts in the southwestern U.S.A. A significant fraction of the enzyme content in wet desert soil is derived form a persistent pool of enzymes capable of tolerating extended periods of desiccation. The synthesis of new denitrifying enzymes appears to involve a complex interaction between available C, N, and soil moisture. The activity of denitrifying enzymes in desert soil was optimal at a pH of 7.0 and a temperature of 40 C. The Q10 for denitrification was 1.74, and the activation energy was bout 41 kJ mol-1. In addition, enzyme activity in freshly wet soil was not limited by NO-3 availability, and only slightly limited by the availability of C. Thus, wet desert soil appears to provide optimal conditions for several variables that can influence denitrification. |
URL | files/bibliography/JRN00120.pdf |
DOI | 10.1016/0038-0717(91)90096-3 |