Enzymatic Stoichiometry in Soils from Physiognomies of Brazilian Cerrado

Author(s)

Ferreira Araujo, Ademir Sergio ; Bonifacio, Aurenivia ; de Araujo Pereira, Arthur Prudencio ; Medeiros, Erika Valente ; Araujo, Fabio Fernando ; Mendes, Lucas William

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE AND PLANT NUTRITION; v. 22, n. 2, p. 8-pg., 2022-04-04.

Abstract

The enzymatic stoichiometry allows assessing microbial C, N, and P acquisition, being used to indicate a nutrient limitation in soils. This study evaluated the enzymatic stoichiometry in soils from different physiognomies of the Brazilian Cerrado, trying to indicate a possible nutrient limitation in these areas. The enzymes beta-glucosidase (BG), urease (U), and acid phosphatase (AP) were assessed in soil samples from three different physiognomies of Cerrado, namely, Campo Graminoide (CG), Cerrado Stricto Sensu (CSS), and Cerrado (CD). The activities of BG/U, BG/AP, and U/AP were used for calculating the enzymatic C/N, C/P, and N/P ratios, respectively. In addition, the vectors L and A, which are indirect indicators of P and N limitation to microbes, were assessed in soils. The enzymatic stoichiometry varied between physiognomies and seasons, with values of BG/U, BG/AP, and U/AP ratios being higher in the wet than the dry season. When comparing among physiognomies, the values of BG/U and BG/AP ratios increased from CG to CSS and CD. The vector A decreased from CG to CSS and CD. Together, the stoichiometry of enzymes approach and the analyses of vectors L and A suggest that soils from the different physiognomies of Cerrado could be P-limited. Thus, it requires further studies on P dynamics in Cerrado soils. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/12890-4 - Rhizosphere microbiome of the drought tolerant common bean
• Grantee: Lucas William Mendes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Research Program on Global Climate Change - Young Investigators