AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES AND BIOLOGICAL-ACTIVITY IN SOIL

In this paper we discuss the response of microorganisms, both in bioma ss and activity, to management practices and changes oi-natural enviro nment. Results confirm that different land use induces in a short time large changes in soil organic matter content. with strong influence o n soil microbial biomass. The study on the effect of different tillage shows that the microorganisms present in the rhizosphere of maize and soya have less carbon in the biomass but higher metabolic activity th an microorganisms in the bulk soil, probably due to their superior met abolic needs.