Microbiology and fertility in coconutbased mixed farming and coconut monocropping systems

Abstract

Soil microflora, enzyme activities and microbial biomass in the root zone and rhizosphere of coconut-based mixed farming and coconut monocropping systems were studied. Bacterial counts were higher in the rhizosphere of coconut and Napier grass of mixed farming than in coconut monocropping. The microflora and enzyme activities decreased with the increase in soil depth. Urease, dehydrogenase and phosphatase enzyme activities were greater in the rhizosphere soil than in the root zone soil. The soil microbial biomass and the concentration of N and available P and K were higher in the mixed farming system.