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Arylsulphatase activity of different latosol soils of Ghana cropped to cocoa (Theobroma cacao) and coffee (Coffea canephora var. robusta)

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Summary

A study was undertaken to investigate arylsulphatase activity in 15 soils cropped to cocoa (Theobroma cacao) and coffee (Coffea canephora var. robusta) in Ghana. The arylsulphatase activity was correlated positively and significantly with organic C, total N, and cation exchange capacity, and correlated negatively with acetate soluble sulphate. The enzyme was deactivated at an incubation temperature of over 60°C. Preheating and oven-drying of soils decreased arylsulphatase activity. Addition of 1.0 ml toluene during the assay resulted in a sharp decline in arylsuphatase activity. The addition of trace elements at a concentration of 1 ppm caused a reduction in soil arylsulphatase activity compared with that of the untreated samples.

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Appiah, M.R., Ahenkorah, Y. Arylsulphatase activity of different latosol soils of Ghana cropped to cocoa (Theobroma cacao) and coffee (Coffea canephora var. robusta). Biol Fert Soils 7, 186–190 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00292581

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00292581

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