SOIL ENZYMATIC ACTIVITY AS A BIOINDICATOR OF MICROELEMENT DYNAMICS IN IRRIGATED SIEROZEM SOILS UNDER SEMI-ARID CONDITIONS

Abstract

This study focuses on the role of soil enzymatic activity as a sensitive bioindicator of microelement dynamics in irrigated sierozem soils under semi-arid environmental conditions. Particular emphasis is placed on the interaction between soil microorganisms, enzyme systems, and trace elements such as Fe, Zn, and Cu. Soil enzymes, including dehydrogenase, urease, catalase, and phosphatase, play a critical role in nutrient cycling and organic matter transformation. Their activity reflects the intensity of biochemical processes occurring in the soil ecosystem. In this research, soil samples were collected from different depths (0–20, 20–50, 50–100, and 100–200 cm) and analyzed using standard biochemical and physicochemical methods.The results demonstrate a strong correlation between enzyme activity, humus content, and microelement availability.