Environmental factors affect the response of microbial extracellular enzyme activity in soils when determined as a function of water availability and temperature

Abstract Microorganisms govern soil carbon cycling with critical effects at local and global scales. The activity of microbial extracellular enzymes is generally the limiting step for soil organic matter mineralization. Nevertheless, the influence of soil characteristics and climate parameters on microbial extracellular enzyme activity (EEA) performance at different water availabilities and temperatures remains to be detailed. Different soils from the Iberian Peninsula presenting distinctive climatic scenarios were sampled for these analyses. Results showed that microbial EEA in the mesophilic temperature range presents optimal rates under wet conditions (high water availability) while activity at the thermophilic temperature range (60°C) could present maximum EEA rates under dry conditions if the soil is frequently exposed to high temperatures. Optimum water availability conditions for maximum soil microbial EEA were influenced mainly by soil texture. Soil properties and climatic parameters are major environmental components ruling soil water availability and temperature which were decisive factors regulating soil microbial EEA. This study contributes decisively to the understanding of environmental factors on the microbial EEA in soils, specifically on the decisive influence of water availability and temperature on EEA. Unlike previous belief, optimum EEA in high temperature exposed soil upper layers can occur at low water availability (i.e., dryness) and high temperatures. This study shows the potential for a significant response by soil microbial EEA under conditions of high temperature and dryness due to a progressive environmental warming which will influence organic carbon decomposition at local and global scenarios.