Influence of Distance from Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) Shelterbelts on Dehydrogenase Activity in Arable Soils

Biological activity of soils can be measured on the base of their dehydrogenase activity, mainly influenced by soil organic carbon content. The aim of the paper was to evaluate the effect of distance from shelterbelts plantet with black locust trees on level of dehydrogenase activity in arable soils of Proszowice Plateau derived from loess. Soil samples were taken from area of 20 × 24 m with different soil type (brown soil proper, from layer of 0–25 cm of arable soil. Sixty mixed soil samples were collected from area in growing distance (up to 24 m) from shelterbelt. The highest dehydrogenase activity was measured in samples taken up to 2 m from black locust trees. Dehydrogenase activity amounted 12.48 cmH × kg × 20 h in these zone. Level of measured activity was the lowest in zone 12–14 m (2.91 cmH × kg × 20 h). It were state statistical differences between dehydrogenase activity in zone 0–2 m and in the rest zones. Level of dehydrogenase activity was strongly influence by organic carbon content and C/N ratio.