Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Various enzymes can often be found in soil; they may be secreted directly from
microorganisms, for example cellulases, or they are liberated on the disintegration of
some bacteria or other. The enzyme urease, which catalyses the conversion of urea in-
to ammonium carbonate, may often be detected in soil. It is essential to the utilization
of urea fertilizers. Bacterial enzymes are also important in the breakdown of pesti-
cides in the soil (see
chapter 9
).
