ASSESSMENT OF SOIL ENZYME ACTIVITIES AND THEIR CORRELATION WITH BIOTIC AND ABIOTIC COMPONENTS IN COASTAL REGION OF GUJARAT

Abstract

This study evaluates soil chemical profile, bacterial diversity and a total number of halophytes from three regions,
Southern Gulf of Kachchh (SGK) (A, B), South coastline (SC) (C, D) and Northern Gulf of Kachchh (NGK) (E, F). Soil
enzymes related to C, N, and P were performed by the chemical and zymological method; while bacterial species were
identified through 16s rRNA technique. Results showed that all the sites showed moderate to high alkaline conditions and
sodic nature due to high concentration of sodium and chloride ions. The greatest bacterial and halophytes diversity were
observed in soil sample of SGK followed by SC and NGK. Soil components and enzymes showed carbon and the associated
enzymes positive correlation obtained at all sites (P < 0.001). Except the nitrate reductase soil N showed a positive
correlation with protease and urease activity in soils (P < 0.05). The correlation PCA result observed total variance 74.48
% in biplot which indicates with B and D sites highesr, A and F moderate and E and F least nutrient components obtained
from a different region. The correlation between enzymes and related nutrients components disclosed maximum positive
correlation for B and D (P < 0.001), negative correlation for E and F and both correlation variability at C and A sites (P <
0.001, P < 0.05). These results indicate a moderate saline condition higher number of halophytes, significant enzymatic and
microbial activities were found which essential for nutrient recycling process in the coastal ecosystem.