Influence of tillage on cellulolytic activity in various agroecosystems

Abstract

The soil also represents a habitat for various organisms, which have a determining role in its functioning and evolution, in this way the soil is defined as an active biological system, with multiple functions, being indispensable for maintaining life and ecological balance. Due to its heterogeneous structure and the variability of physicochemical conditions, the soil shelters complex communities characterized by significant taxonomic and functional diversity. Soil microorganisms are an essential component of pedological and geoecological systems, playing a fundamental role in maintaining fertility, ecosystem functionality and environmental stability. They include bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, algae and protozoa, which actively participate in biochemical processes in the soil. The density, diversity, and composition of soil microbiota depend on a set of factors: depth (determining oxygen penetration); soil structure; mineral composition; amount of organic matter (available food), temperature, moisture, and vegetation (involved in complex interactions with local microbiota). The lucerne variant indicates high cellulolytic activity, where litter decomposition, expressed as % of initial mass, amounted to 82.4% for the May-June period. Cellulolytic activity shows lower values for the June-July period compared to May-June, the reason being higher temperatures of 25-30 ºC and lower precipitation compared to May- June. They ensure nutrient recycling, maintain fertility and contribute to environmental stability. In the context of sustainable agriculture and environmental protection, the conservation of microbial biodiversity is a strategic priority.