Investigation of alkali phosphatase enzyme activity ofgaziantep agricultural soils

In this study, which was carried out to determine the alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity in the soils of agricultural production areas in Gaziantep and to determine the effects of some selected soil general properties on ALP enzyme activity, soil samples were taken from 24 dry farming areas, 12 irrigated farming areas, and 9 fallow agricultural areas. With ALP enzyme activity in the soil samples, the pH, EC, SOM, lime, soil texture, phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) contents of the soils were analyzed. As a result of the study, it has been determined that the soils are in the class of unsalted and very calcareous with slightly alkaline reaction. Also it has been determined that these soils, which are insufficient in terms of SOM content, are rich in P and K. Moreover, the mean ALP enzyme activity was found to be 334.12±123.83 µg p-NP.gr top-1.s-1. The ALP enzyme activities according to land use was fallow > Irrigated agriculture > dry farming. In Gaziantep, which has an arid and hot climate with little annual precipitation, statistical analyzes could not detect significant relationships between ALP enzyme activity and selected soil general properties, and P and K. In this study, where climatic conditions are thought to be effective on ALP enzyme activity in soils, it will be possible to increase the SOM content of soils with the use of appropriate organic fertilizers. Key Words: Alkaline phosphatase, Selected soil general properties, Nutrients, Agriculture, Gaziantep.