Impacts of hydrological conditions on the activities of soil enzymes in temperate floodplain forest sites

Context The development and survival of floodplain forests are dependent on the occurrence seasonal flooding that provides soil moisture nutrient availability suitable for microorganisms, which main sources enzymes involved in decomposition mineralisation organic matter. Aims We compared enzyme activities a forest Lower Vistula Valley, Poland, cut off 80 years from river by artificial embankment, two other located close vicinity subjected to flooding. hypothesised inhibiting inflow water will alter mineral conditions, decreasing activity extracellular enzymes. Methods Enzyme activity, content, pH were monitored 3 upper level (0–30 cm). β-glucosidase, acid phosphatase, alkaline nonspecific dehydrogenase determined spectrophotometry. Key results Inhibition floods decreased moisture, concentrations carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, as well Conclusions Forest site depth, but not season, had significant effects chemical biological features. Soil significantly positively correlated with levels total available carbon/nitrogen ratio. Implications This information is essential protection restoration riverine habitats destroyed human activity.