Effects of metsulfuron-methyl on amylase, urease, and protease activities in two soils

Abstract

Effects of metsulfuron-methyl on the activities of amylase, urease, and protease in loamy sand (Sungai Buluh series) and clay loam soil (Lating series) were evaluated for up to 28 days. Metsulfuron-methyl at 5· 0 µg/g caused a reduction in amylase and urease activities for the entire period of study, especially at 28 days of incubation. A similar trend was observed in Lating series soil where the lowest activities of amylase and urease were attained at Day 28 in the presence of 5 ·0 µg/g of metsulfuron-methyl. The protease activity in either Sungai Buluh or Lating series soil decreased during the 7 days of incubation compared with that of the control, but a recovery trend was obvious at all concentrations from Day 14 onwards.