The activity of enzymes and microbial biomass in Rhizosphere of Juniperus excelsa trees with and without regeneration

One of the major problems in Juniprus excelsa habitats in Iran is the lack of regeneration, which threatens their revival and future. The dispersion of these regenerations is not similar under all of the trees. The soil and its components play a significant role in their formation. Plant roots and microorganisms produce soil enzymes. Their existence in different cycles of soil releases and makes the essential elements for the plants and regenerations available. This experiment was carried out to study and compare the possible role of soil enzymes in rhizosphere of Juniperus tree with and without regeneration in Chaharbagh habitat in Gorgan. Samples were obtained from rhizosphere soil of the trees with and without regeneration. The activity of acid and alkaline phosphatase, dehydrogenase, urease, and the microbial biomass enzymes were measured using reaction with substrate by the means of spectrophotometer. The results indicated that the activity of these enzymes and the microbial biomass were more in the rhizosphere of trees with regeneration compared to those without regeneration. This may be due to the existence of more microorganisms such as mycorrhizal fungi in the root of these trees and better absorption of food substances.