Effect of rotation, nitrogen fertilization and management of crop residues on some chemical, microbiological and biochemical properties of soil

A long-term experiment, which started in 1971 near Perugia, central Italy, was performed to investigate the effect of different crop residue management practices and rotation systems on some soil properties. Twenty years after the beginning of the experiment, chemical (organic C, total N, humified organic C, humic and fulvic acids), microbiological and biochemical parameters (microbial biomass, global hydrolase activity, dehydrogenase and catalase activities) were investigated. Two crop residue management practices were used in the experiment, i.e. removal (RCR soils) and burial (BCR soils). These treatments were factorially combined with eight rotation systems, i.e. five maize-wheat rotations of different lengths (M-1W, M-2W, M-3W, M-4W and M-5W) and three continuous wheat systems with different fertilization inputs, from 150 to 250 kg N ha^–1. Soil samples were collected in the spring of 1991 for chemical determinations, and in the spring and autumn of 1992, 1993 and 1994, for microbiological and biochemical determinations. All soil chemical, microbiological and biochemical parameters investigated showed significant differences depending on the management of the crop residues. The BCR soils showed more favourable characteristics. In contrast, few significant effects were observed in relation to rotation and N-fertilization treatment. Significant correlations were found between organic-C content and all microbiological and biochemical parameters, as well as between the microbiological and biochemical parameters themselves, indicating that organic-C content plays an important role in determining the level of soil enzyme activity and, consequently, of soil fertility. This experiment showed that burying crop residues in soil can be considered good agronomic practice, which may help limit the gradual depletion of soil organic matter and improve the chemical properties of the soil. Received: 11 January 1996     

Influence of inorganic fertilizers and organic amendments on soil organic matter and soil microbial properties under tropical conditions

 Soil organic matter level, mineralizable C and N, microbial biomass C and dehydrogenase, urease and alkaline phosphatase activities were studied in soils from a field experiment under a pearl millet-wheat cropping sequence receiving inorganic fertilizers and a combination of inorganic fertilizers and organic amendments for the last 11 years. The amounts of soil organic matter and mineralizable C and N increased with the application of inorganic fertilizers. However, there were greater increases of these parameters when farmyard manure, wheat straw or Sesbania bispinosa green manure was applied along with inorganic fertilizers. Microbial biomass C increased from 147 mg kg^–1 soil in unfertilized soil to 423 mg kg^–1 soil in soil amended with wheat straw and inorganic fertilizers. The urease and alkaline phosphatase activities of soils increased significantly with a combination of inorganic fertilizers and organic amendments. The results indicate that soil organic matter level and soil microbial activities, vital for the nutrient turnover and long-term productivity of the soil, are enhanced by use of organic amendments along with inorganic fertilizers. Received: 6 May 1998     

Short-term effects of organic municipal wastes on wheat yield,microbial biomass,microbial activity,and chemical properties of soil

The objectives of this work were to (a) investigate the short-term effects of applications of mineral fertilizer, municipal solid waste (MSW) compost, and two sewage sludges (SSs) subjected to different treatments (composting and thermal drying) on microbial biomass and activity of soil by measuring microbial biomass C, adenosine 5′-triphosphate content, basal respiration, and dehydrogenase, catalase, urease, phosphatase, β-glucosidase, and N-α-benzoyl-l-argininamide-hydrolyzing activities and (b) explore the relationships between soil microbiological, biochemical, and chemical properties and wheat yields under semiarid field conditions by principal component analysis. The additions of MSW compost, SS compost, and thermally dried SS did not affect significantly soil microbial biomass, as compared to mineral fertilization and no amendment. However, microbial activity increased in organically amended soils, probably due to the stimulating effect of the added decomposing organic matter. Changes in soil microbiological and biochemical properties showed no significant relationships with wheat yields, probably because plant growth was primarily water-limited, as typically occurs in semiarid regions.     

Changes in Biological Properties in Soil Amended with Rock Phosphate and Waste Mica Enriched Compost using Biological Amendments and Chemical Fertilizers Under Wheat-Soybean Rotation

The main aim of this research work is to prepare an enriched compost using rice straw mixed with rock phosphate, waste mica and Aspergillus awamori and to study their effect on changes in microbial properties in soils with and without chemical fertilizers under wheat-soybean rotation. Data revealed that significant increase in microbial biomass carbon (MBC), dehydrogenase activity, phosphatase activities, and microbial biomass phosphorus (MBP) in soil were maintained in enriched compost than ordinary compost after both the crops. Significant increase in MBC, dehydrogenase activity, phosphatase activities, and MBP were found in surface soil. The maximum microbial activities were observed in the treatment receiving 50% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) + enriched compost at 5 t ha^?1 indicating that integrated use of chemical fertilizers and enriched compost significantly improved the biological properties of soil under wheat–soybean rotation thereby enhanced soil fertility and crop production.     

Organic matter, microbial biomass and enzyme activity of soils under different crop rotations in the tropics

Soil organic matter level, soil microbial biomass C, ninhydrin-N, C mineralization, and dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase activity were studied in soils under different crop rotations for 6 years. Inclusion of a green manure crop of Sesbania aculeata in the rotation improved soil organic matter status and led to an increase in soil microbial biomass, soil enzyme activity and soil respiratory activity. Microbial biomass C increased from 192 mg kg^–1 soil in a pearl millet-wheat-fallow rotation to 256 mg kg^–1 soil in a pearl millet-wheat-green manure rotation. Inclusion of an oilseed crop such as sunflower or mustard led to a decrease in soil microbial biomass, C mineralization and soil enzyme activity. There was a good correlation between microbial biomass C, ninhydrin-N and dehydrogenase activity. The alkaline phosphatase activity of the soil under different crop rotations was little affected. The results indicate the green manuring improved the organic matter status of the soil and soil microbial activity vital for the nutrient turnover and long-term productivity of the soil. Received: 7 January 1996     

Microbiological and enzymatic properties of soil deposits originating from wind erosion

A characterization of deposits originating from wind erosion of agriculturally managed soils in eastern Austria with the main soil types Chernozems and Allochthonous Calcaric Fluvisols was conducted using measurements of microbial counts, soil respiration, soil microbial biomass, and several enzyme activities. The deposits were rich in organic matter, silt‐ and clay‐sized mineral particles, and had high water‐holding and cation exchange capacities. Microbial counts, biomass, and enzyme activities of the deposits covered ranges frequently reported for agriculturally managed soils. Metabolic quotients indicated reduced energetic efficiences of deposit associated microbial communities. Microorganisms might suffer from stress imposed by habitat destruction, drifting, and unfavorable physical conditions in the deposits. Shifts in microbial communities or properties of organic materials in the deposits might also result in high metabolic quotients. It will be the subject of further study to clarify causal relationships.     

土地利用和轮作方式对旱地红壤生化性质的影响

研究不同土地利用和轮作方式对旱地红壤肥力的影响对提高红壤质量具有十分重要的指导意义。本研究以湖南省桃源县的林地、大豆-油菜轮作、玉米-休闲轮作土壤为研究对象,明确了林地、农地土壤及农地不同轮作方式对土壤化学和生物性质的影响。结果表明,林地土壤的pH、有机碳、速效养分、微生物生物量碳及酶活性(纤维素酶、酸性磷酸酶、转化酶、蛋白酶)均显著高于农地土壤;大豆-油菜轮作土壤的pH、养分含量、微生物生物量碳含量及其微生物熵在大多数情况下高于玉米-休闲轮作,但轮作处理对各酶活性的影响并不完全一致。这种不一致性可能与不同酶对由不同利用和轮作方式导致的土壤性质差异的敏感性不同所致。土壤有机碳和pH与各生物指标均呈显著正相关关系,表明提高该地区的土壤有机碳含量对于维持土壤的生化性质具有重要的作用。     

Mikrobiologische Beurteilung biologischer Bodendekontaminationsverfahren im Modellversuch

Microbiological control of the biological decontamination of soils Five agricultural soils which were contaminated with n-tetradecane, 5-methyl-3-heptanone and naphthalene were used to follow the biological clean-up process of these soils. The hydrocarbon content, the microbial biomass (substrate-induced respiration), dehydrogenase activity and N-mineralisation were monitored for 20 weeks in the contaminated and control soils. Dehydrogenase activity followed similar patterns within various soils, the values being lowest at the beginning of the experiment and highest during the following weeks. N-mineralisation of four contaminated soils was reduced at the start of the experiment, but was increased afterwards. The influence of contamination on microbial activities was detected even after elimination of the hydrocarbons. The addition of compost of bark and pieces of bark increased the biological cleanup process of the Calcic Chernozem contaminated with 3,8% (w/w) fuel oil. The addition of both organic materials reduced the decontamination rate of the Haplic Chernozem. The ratio of N-mineralisation to microbial biomass of the Calcic Chernozem increased with the addition of compost of bark and pieces of bark, but decreased with the same treatment of the. Haplic Chernozem. The results of this study suggest that microorganisms immobilize nitrogen in the Haplic Chernozem ammended with pieces of bark to a great extent during the whole experiment. The high N-immobilization and the adsorption of hydrocarbons to the added organic material may be the main cause of the slow decontamination of the Haplic Chernozem.     

Effects of past and current crop management on soil microbial biomass and activity

Because soil biota is influenced by a number of factors, including land use and management techniques, changing management practices could have significant effects on the soil microbial properties and processes. An experiment was conducted to investigate differences in soil microbiological properties caused by long- and short-term management practices. Intact monolith lysimeters (0.2 m² surface area) were taken from two sites of the same soil type that had been under long-term organic or conventional crop management and were then subjected to the same 2.5-year crop rotation [winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), maize (Zea mais L.), lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.), and rape (Brassica napus L. ssp. oleifera)] and two fertilizer regimes (following common organic and conventional practices). Soil samples were taken after crop harvest and analyzed for microbial biomass C and N, microbial activity (fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis, arginine deaminase activity, and dehydrogenase activity), and total C and N. The incorporation of the green manure stimulated growth and activity of the microbial communities in soils of both management histories. Soil microbial properties did not show any differences between organically and conventionally fertilized soils, indicating that crop rotation and plant type had a larger influence on the microbial biomass and enzyme activities than fertilization. Initial differences in microbial biomass declined, while the effects of farm management history were still evident in enzyme activities and total C and N. Links between enzyme activities and microbial biomass C varied depending on treatment, indicating differences in microbial community composition.     

Ability of different plant species to promote microbiological processes in semiarid soil

In semiarid climate soils, the establishment of a plant cover is fundamental to avoid degradation and desertification processes. A better understanding of the ability of plants to promote soil microbial processes in these conditions is necessary for successful soil reclamation. Six different plant species were planted in a semiarid soil, in order to know which species are the most effective for the reclamation of semiarid areas. Six years after planting, the rhizosphere soils were studied by measuring chemical (pH, electrical conductivity, total organic carbon and other carbon fractions), physical (% of saggregates), microbiological (microbial biomass carbon and soil respiration), and biochemical (dehydrogenase, phosphatase, β-glucosidase and urease activities) parameters. In general, in all the soil–plant systems plant nutrients, organic matter and microbial activity increased compared to the control soil. For some species, such as Rhamnus lycioides, the increase in the total organic carbon content (TOC) in the rhizosphere zone was almost 200%. A positive correlation was found between TOC and water-soluble carbon (p<0.001); both parameters were negatively correlated with electrical conductivity. Microbial biomass carbon and soil respiration were highest in the rhizosphere of Stipa tenacissima (98% and 60%, respectively, of increase on soil control values) and Rosmarinus officinalis (94% and 51%, respectively, of increase on soil control values). These microbiological parameters were correlated with the percentage of stable aggregates (p<0.01). Enzyme activities were affected by the rhizosphere, their values depending on the shrub species.     

Increased rice yield in long-term crop rotation regimes through improved soil structure,rhizosphere microbial communities,and nutrient bioavailability in paddy soil

Soil in short-term crop rotation systems (STCR) is still in the initial development stage of farmland soil, whereas after long-term crop rotation treatment (LTCR), soil properties are significantly different. This study compares STCR (4 years) and LTCR (30 years) rice-rice-fallow, rice-rice-rape rotation practices under the same soil type background and management system. To reveal ecosystem mechanisms within soils and their effects on rice yield following LTCR, we analyzed the physical, chemical, and microbiological properties of soils with different rotations and rotation times. Relative to STCR, LTCR significantly reduced soil water-stable aggregate (WSA) content in the <?0.053-mm range, while >?2 mm WSA content significantly increased. Soil organic matter increased in fields under LTCR, mainly in >?2 mm, 2–0.25 mm, and <?0.053 mm soil WSA in 0–10 cm soil layer. LTCR was associated with significantly increased total soil organic matter, at the same time being associated with increasing the amount of active organic matter in the 0–20 cm soil layer. The two crop rotation regimes significantly differed in soil aggregate composition as well as in soil N and P, microbial biomass, and community composition. Relative to STCR, LTCR field soils had significantly higher soil organic matter, active organic matter content, soil enzyme activities, and overall microbial biomass, while soil WSA and microbial community composition was significantly different. Our results demonstrate that LTCR could significantly improve soil quality and rice yield and suggest that length of rotation time and rice-rice-rape rotation are critical factors for the development of green agriculture.     

Invertebrate communities (Annelida and epigeic fauna) in three types of Estonian cultivated soils

The abundance and diversity of invertebrate communities (annelids and epigeic fauna) in three types of cultivated soils were studied. Soil biota communities in the three most widespread soil types in Estonia (Calcaric Regosols, Calcaric Cambisols and Stagnic Luvisols) are influenced by environmental conditions, the factors connected to soil texture including moisture, organic matter content and pH being the most essential, and by the intensity of agricultural practice. Potentially high biological activity and low intensity of agricultural human activity of Calcaric Regosols occurs in parameters of communities of organisms not sensitive to soil which dries off, i.e. epigeic fauna living on the soil surface and preferring dry and warm habitat; temporarily dried off soil is not a suitable habitat for Oligochaeta. Both groups of Oligochaeta (earthworms, enchytraeids) appear to prefer Calcaric Cambisols where soil moisture conditions are more stable. The abundance of invertebrate communities is the highest and the diversity is the lowest in Stagnic Luvisols. Some trends occurred in community characteristics along the soil surface following a hypothetical gradient; the number of carabids per trap and diversity of spiders decreased from the edge to the centre of the field. The results presented here on spatial variability in distribution of soil organisms are preliminary.     

半干旱退化土壤中施入城市垃圾的长期效应研究

The addition of municipal solid wastes (MSW) is considered as a possible strategy for soil rehabilitation in southeast Spain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term (17 years) effect of five doses of MSW addition on the microbiological, biochemical, and physical properties of semiarid soil. Increased values of several parameters that serve as indicators of general microbiological activity, such as, basal respiration, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) or dehydrogenase activity;microbial population size (microbial biomass C), and extracellular hydrolase activity related to macronutrient cycles, such as, urease, β-glucosidase, and N-α-benzoyl-L-argininamide protease, were observed in the amended soils. The highest MSW doses showed the highest values in these hydrolase activities. The incorporation of municipal waste resulted in a more dense development of the plant cover, 50% greater in higher doses than in the control treatment, which generated a substantial increase in several C fractions. Total organic carbon reached 12 g kg^-1 soil with the highest MSW doses, compared to 4.30 g kg^-1 soil in the control treatment. The physical properties of the soil were also improved, showing greater percentage of stable aggregates and water holding capacity. Positive correlation coefficients between C fractions and parameters related to microbial activity and aggregate stability were observed. Although these improvements were greater in the soils receiving the highest doses of organic amendment, the increases were not proportional to the amount added, demonstrating the existence of a threshold, above which an increase in the amount of organic matter added is not reflected in an increase in the soil's physical, biochemical, and microbiological properties. However, the addition of municipal solid wastes proved its suitability for improving soil quality, thereby indicating the potential of such an amendment, to prevent desertification in Mediterranean areas such as those studied.     

Soil carbon sequestration,plant nutrients and biological activities affected by organic farming system in tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze) fields

There is growing interest in investigations into soil carbon (C) sequestration, plant nutrients and biological activities in organic farming since it is regarded as a farming system that could contribute to climate mitigation and sustainable agriculture. However, most comparative studies have focused on annual crops or farming systems with crop rotations, and only a few on perennial crops without rotations, e.g. tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze). In this study, we selected five pairs of tea fields under organic and conventional farming systems in eastern China to study the effect of organic farming on soil C sequestration, plant nutrients and biological activities in tea fields. Soil organic C, total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg), available nutrients, microbial biomass, N mineralization and nitrification were compared. Soil pH, organic C and total N contents were higher in organic tea fields. Soil microbial biomass C, N and P, and their ratios in organic C, total N and P, respectively, net N mineralization and nitrification rates were significantly higher in organic fields in most of the comparative pairs of fields. Concentrations of soil organic C and microbial biomass C were higher in the soils with longer periods under organic management. However, inorganic N, available P and K concentrations were generally lower in the organic fields. No significant differences were found in available calcium (Ca), Mg, sodium (Na), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) concentrations between the two farming systems. These findings suggest that organic farming could promote soil C sequestration and microbial biomass size and activities in tea fields, but more N-rich organic fertilizers, and natural P and K fertilizers, will be required for sustainable organic tea production in the long term.     

Microbiological degradation index of soils in a semiarid climate

Soil degradation and desertification affect many areas of the planet. One such area is the Mediterranean region of SE Spain, where the climatological and lithological conditions, together with the relief of the landscape and anthropological activity, including agricultural abandonment, are responsible for increasing desertification. It is therefore considered to be of extreme importance to be able to measure soil degradation quantitatively. The aim of this study was to make a microbiological and biochemical characterisation of different soil catenas in SE Spain, including in a wide range of plant cover densities in an attempt to assess the suitability of the parameters measured to reflect the state of soil degradation and the possibility of using the parameters to elaborate a microbiological degradation index (MDI) valid for use in semiarid climates. For this, several indices related with the organic matter content (total organic carbon, TOC, water-soluble carbon, WSC, and water-soluble carbohydrates, WSCh), with the size of microbial populations (microbial biomass carbon, MBC) and related activity (respiration and enzymatic activities) were determined in the soils of three different catenas in different seasons of the year. The values of these parameters were seen to be closely related with the degree of vegetal cover, forest soils with a high cover value showing the highest indices. There was a highly significant positive correlation (p<0.01) between the TOC and WSC content, and other parameters such as MBC, ATP, dehydrogenase activity and the activity of different hydrolases (urease, protease, phosphatase and β-glucosidase). The results show that the parameters analysed are a good reflection of a soil's microbiological quality since the soils with the worst characteristics (saline and with low organic matter and nutrient content) showed the lowest values. The study provides a soil degradation index based on its microbiological properties: MDI. This index is a function of the following five parameters, which showed the greatest weight in the factorial analysis made with all the parameters analysed: dehydrogenase activity, WSCh, urease activity, WSC and respiration.     

The Humus Content and Soil Biological Properties as a Function of Organic and Mineral Fertilization

There is a growing recognition for the need to develop sensitive indicators of soil quality that reflect the effects of land management on soil and assist land users in promoting sustainability of agro-ecosystems. Three soil enzymes (dehydrogenase, phosphatase and invertase) microbial biomass as biological variables and soil organic matter content (SOM) were investigated relative to fertilization and soil fertility (estimated by crop yield) at a long-term fertilization trial (Keszthely, Hungary). 0-34.7-69.4-104.1t farmyard manure (FYM) ha m 1 5 yr m 1 and the corresponding amount of mineral fertilizers (NPK) were applied in two different crop rotation systems. There were four straw and/or stalk incorporating treatments in the second crop rotation 'B'. Enzyme activities, microbial biomass and the amount of SOM were generally higher in the fertilized soils than in the unfertilized soils. The type of amendments (mineral, FYM or mixed) had significant effects only on the amount of SOM. The correlations among the biological variables and the crop yield were generally low (r < 0.250. The differences in field management resulted only in the invertase activity.     

Microbial biomass activities in urban soils in two consecutive years

Ecological soil functions are protected in Germany. Thus, for the sustainable use of urban soil resources data on the function of soils to serve as a habitat are required. Soil microbial biomass and activities were studied in two surface horizons in two consecutive years at nine sites in Stuttgart, Germany, differing in land use. Microbial biomass (chloroform‐fumigation extraction, substrate‐induced respiration) and microbial activities (potential N mineralization, potential ammonium oxidation, and enzyme activities of dehydrogenase, urease, arylsulfatase, and phosphatase) were determined in 2001 and 2002. DIN/ISO standard methods were applied as far as they were available. Furthermore, soil chemical properties were determined in the 2001‐samples. Large differences in chemical and microbiological properties among surface horizons were found. Concentrations of microbial biomass and microbial activities were, however, often comparable to agricultural or forest surface soils. The lowest microbial biomass and activities were observed at a highly disturbed railway area where vegetation was missing and total organic C (TOC) had been altered by anthropogenic organic particles. In contrast, microorganisms were promoted at vegetated sites and where organic impurities were negligible. As TOC was altered by obscure organic matter, total N (TN) and not TOC closely correlated with soil microbiological properties. Biomass and activity generally decreased with depth, but mixing of organic matter resulted in more uniform depth distribution of microbial properties in one garden soil. In 2002, microbial biomass and activity were often lower compared to 2001, but interpretation of this difference hampered as the number of samples taken was probably not sufficient to address the spatial variability in soil properties. Additional studies are needed to develop simple and cost‐effective procedures for the evaluation of ecological quality of urban soils by combined efforts of city planners and soil scientists.     

保护地菜田与稻麦轮作田土壤微生物学特征的比较

比较分析了位于长江三角洲嘉兴市的三类主要水稻土(漏水型水稻土、爽水型水稻土和囊水型水稻土)由稻麦(或油菜)轮作改为多年连作露地蔬菜和大棚蔬菜后一些土壤微生物学特征的变化,以衡量土壤质量演变的趋势。结果表明,与稻麦(油)轮作土壤相比,蔬菜地土壤微生物区系发生了极大的变化,细菌数量显著减少,真菌和放线菌数量却显著增加;硝化细菌和反硝化细菌数量随土壤类型不同呈不同的变化。多年连作露地蔬菜和蔬菜大棚保护地土壤中微生物生物量碳和总磷脂(TPL)含量显著低于稻麦轮作土壤,土壤中脱氢酶活性也显著低于稻麦轮作土壤。Biolog分析表明,蔬菜大棚保护地土壤中微生物能利用的碳源显著少于露地蔬菜和稻麦轮作土壤,而后两者间无显著差异。说明由稻麦(油)轮作改为多年连作大棚蔬菜后土壤微生物群落结构、功能的多样性明显下降,土壤质量的稳定性和可持续利用性土壤的长期生产力也将大大降低。土壤微生物数量、活性及群落结构和功能多样性的下降主要与蔬菜栽培特别是大棚蔬菜栽培的旱作与稻麦水旱轮作的生态环境条件的变化和前者的过量施用精有机肥和高效NPK复合肥导致的土壤氮、磷富集、有机质下降、次生盐渍化和酸化有关。     

有机无机肥配施对麦-稻轮作系统土壤微生物学特性的影响

采用盆栽试验研究了不同比例有机无机肥配施对连续4茬麦-稻轮作后土壤微生物学特性的影响。结果表明,与对照相比,单施化肥处理促进了土壤微生物生物量碳、氮和微生物熵的增加,提高了土壤蔗糖酶、蛋白酶、脲酶活性,降低了过氧化氢酶活性,提高了放线菌的数量,但对土壤细菌、真菌数量的影响不明显;有机无机肥配施处理的土壤微生物生物量碳、微生物生物量氮、微生物熵、土壤酶活性及3大类土壤微生物数量显著高于单施化肥及对照处理;土壤微生物生物量碳、微生物生物量氮、微生物熵和3大类微生物数量随着有机肥配施比例的提高而增加,以配施30%有机肥处理的最高;土壤酶活性综合指数以配施20%有机肥处理的最高。可见,化肥配施有机肥特别是配施中高量有机肥更有利于改善土壤微生物学特性,提高土壤生产能力。     

Soil microbial activity after restoration of a semiarid soil by organic amendments

Unsuitable agricultural practices together with adverse environmental conditions have led to degradation of soil in many Mediterranean areas. One method for recovering degraded soils in semiarid regions, is to add organic matter in order to improve soil characteristics, thereby enhancing biogeochemical nutrient cycles. In this study, the effect of adding the organic fraction of urban wastes (both fresh and composted) on different carbon fractions and on microbiological and biochemical parameters (microbial biomass C, basal respiration and different enzymatic activities) of a degraded soil of SE Spain has been assessed in a 2 year experiment. Three months after the addition of the organic material, spontaneous plant growth occurred and the plant cover lasted until the end of the experiment. Organic soil amendment initially increased the levels of soil organic matter, microbial biomass, basal respiration and some enzyme activities related to the C and N cycles These values decreased but always remained higher than those of the unamended soil. The results indicate that the addition of urban organic waste is beneficial for recovering degraded soils, the microbial activity of which clearly increases with amendment. The incorporation of compost seemed to have a greater positive effect on the soil characteristics studied than the incorporation of fresh organic matter.