Enzyme Activities and Microbial Community Evaluation of Featured Geomorphologic North Carolina Soils.

The three distinct land regions of North Carolina (Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and Blue Ridge Mountains) contain uniquely different geographical features often used to classify the diverse soils and landscapes in the state. The goal of this project is to conduct soil and microbial analyses to gain improved understandings of soil-microbial interactions involved in elemental nutrients cycling and soil health. Sixteen soil samples (0 -10 cm) were collected along the east-west transect of North Carolina for soil, enzyme, and microbial community analyses. Initial physiochemical assays indicated that soil moisture content ranged from 4 to 120 % and pH values ranged from 4 to 6. Total carbon and nitrogen tests were conducted, as these are elements essential for plant growth and proper soil functionality. Selected enzyme activities of β-Glucosidase, β-Glucosaminidase, and Acid Phosphatase were assayed to determine the activity status of enzymes related to soil carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous cycling. Data suggested that soils from the coastal plains and mountains had higher enzyme activities compared to piedmont region soils. Biolog (Biolog Inc.) was performed to elucidate biochemical properties and taxonomic identities of detected bacteria. This study builds upon new found knowledge and seeks to increase the importance of understanding how microbes drive many essential processes in North Carolinian soils.