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Acid Phosphatase Activity in Soils of the Appalachian Region

Appalachian Soil and Water Conserv. Res. Lab., P.O. Box 867, Beckley, WV 25802-0867

*Corresponding author.

ABSTRACT

Acid phosphatase (AP) activity was determined in 14 hill land soils of the Appalachian region. Soil samples were obtained from surface (A or Ap) and subsurface (E, BA, Bt, or Bw) horizons during spring, and subsamples were stored field-moist at 4 °C and air-dry (AD) for 36 wk prior to determination of AP activity. The average AP activities of surface and subsurface horizons stored field-moist at 4 °C were 1.7 to 1.9 times higher than those of AD samples. The average AP activity of air-dry surface horizons was 3.3 times higher than that of subsurface horizons. Significant positive relationships were found between the AP activities of AD and 4 °C samples, and total C and N content of soils. Positive relationships were observed between AP activities and various forms of soil P. The original soil moisture content by weight or volume and percent water-filler pores (% WFP) were significantly related to AP activities of surface soil horizons. Each soil type has its own inherent level of phosphatase activity.

Contribution from the Appalachian Soil and Water Conserv. Res. Lab.

Received for publication March 9, 1987.