Biochemical fertility index and enzyme activity of mid-laterite soils in coconut-growing systems in Kerala (AEU 9)

Abstract

Natural processes such as nutrient mineralization, organic matter production, soil fertility, and cycling are regulated by enzymes. The biological, chemical, and physical characteristics of the soil are closely related to them. The purpose of the experiment was to measure the levels of various enzymes found in soil in five different cropping systems involving coconut: Coconut+Fodder, Coconut+Banana, Coconut+Pepper, Coconut+Tuber, and Coconut+Vegetable. These systems were grown using either organic or conventional farming methods. The enzymes included dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, glucosidase, protease, amylase, and catalase. The biologically productive agricultural system in Kerala's mid-laterite soils (AEU 9) is another important consideration. The levels of dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase, and catalase were higher in coconut + bananas grown under an organic farming system. The levels of glucosidase and amylase were higher in coconut + peppers grown under an organic farming system. The levels of protease were higher in coconut + tubers grown under an organic management system. Organic farming settings revealed that banana and coconut cropping were the most successful of all the cropping systems tested.