Impact of indigenous microorganisms on soil microbial and enzyme activities

The effect of Indigenous microorganisms (IMO’s) on the native soil was investigated in the present study. Supplementation of IMO’s suspension to the soil alters the physico-chemical, biological and enzyme properties of the soil. These alternations include decreases in P from 7.2 to 6.8, increase in electrical conductivity 0.36 to 1.21 (μmohs/cm), water holding capacity 0.36 to 2.2ml/g of soil of control and test soils respectively. There is increase in soil texture like clay, phosphorous and potassium in the test soil. Enzyme activities such as protease and urease were assessed in both the soil samples with and without amendment of respective substrates (casein and urea). Accumulation of hydrolytic products tyrosine and ammonia from the substrates in the soil was estimated at periodic intervals. Protease and urease enzyme activities were relatively higher in soil amended with IMO’s and respective substrate than control.