Crop rotation effects on soil organic matier and soil microbial properties

Changes in soil organic matter level, microbial biomss C, carbon mineralization and various soil enzyme activities were studied in a crop rotation experiment. It was found that soil organic C and total N level increased by taking three crops or including green manure in the rotation than taking two crops. Microbial biomass C and dehydrogenase activity was highest in pearlmillet-wheat-green manure rotation and was lowest in pearlmillet-wheat rotation. However protease activity was found to be highest in soyabean-wheat-cowpea rotation.