MICROBIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY AND PRODUCTIVITY OF SOIL IN PLUM ORCHARD

Abstract

Microorganisms population, as major soil component, is very significant indicator of soil fertility, i.e. the process of soil degradation. Microbial population density and enzyme activity of microorganisms may be highly reliable practical indicators which can suggest the answer to the question concerning conditions that favour plant production. The influence of different NPK fertiliser rates on microbiological activity of the alluvial soil planted with plum culture has been studied over a 3-year period. The effect of the mineral fertiliser used was determined 3 times over the growing season and was monitored through determinations of the number of different groups of microorganisms and proteinase activity in the soil. The 3-year results suggest that the effect of the applied fertilisers was induced by numerous factors, which primarily refers to climate effects and its specific elements, the activity of the plant itself and its root metabolism, as well as the effect of soil specificities, i.e. its structural, chemical and agro-chemical properties. Taking into account biological properties of soil, plum production, economic and environmental indicators of the results of the stated treatments, the rate of 600 kg ha(-1) can be recommended for growing plum under the stated environmental conditions.