Use of biochemical indexes and changes in organic matter dynamics in a Mediterranean environment: a comparison between soils under arable and set-aside managements

The aims of this study were to evaluate the influence of different agronomi c practices on organic matter turnover and on microbiological activity of t wo soils of the Castelporziano Tenuta Reserve. The first of the two soils i s arable, currently cultivated with oats, while the second is a set-aside s oil which has been semi-reforested in the last ten years. Results revealed that set-aside soil was characterised by slower organic ca rbon turnover and better humification efficiency with respect to the arable soil. This study confirms that the restoration practice can establish a se lf-sustaining plant and microrganisms community, which is naturally evolvin g in the direction of the original, stable ecosystem. (C) 1999 Elsevier Sci ence Ltd. All rights reserved.