Investigation on effect of forest plantation of Alnus ghutinosa L. (Gaertn.) and Pinus taeda L. on soil microbial activity and biomass (case study: Geisom site, west of Guilan province, Iran)

Biological property is a best indicator for soil quality identification due to its relationships with soil nutrient cycle, respiration, microbial biomass and enzymes activity. The aim of the research was to study the influence of two even-aged and adjacent stands of loblolly pine (Alnus glutinosa L. (Gaertn.) and alder (Pinus taeda L.) on activity of dehydrogenase and urease enzymes, microbial biomass and some of the soil chemical and physical properties at west of Guilan province. Soil sampling was made up to 20 cm depth of soil surface (0-10 and 10-20cm). Dehydrogenase and urease enzymes activities and microbial biomass were measured, using the substrate reaction method and application of spectrophotometer device. The tested soil properties consisted of: texture, bulk density, mean particle density, moisture content, pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The results showed that there were significant differences between the two stands in respect to amounts of dehydrogenase and urease enzymes, microbial biomass, carbon, nitrogen and potassium. The amount of urease and dehydrogenase enzymes, microbial biomass, organic carbon and nitrogen in alder stand was more than in the loblooly Pine stand. There were significant correlations between the enzymes density and microbial biomass, organic carbon, nitrogen, pH, potassium, soil texture and soil porosity. Overall, it might be concluded that the alder stand provided better condition for organic matter and microbial production and microbial biomass development and activity.