Influence of terms and methods of storage on changes in enzyme activity of meadow chernozem-like soil on Zeya-Bureya plain

The analysis of the biological and enzymatic properties of soils is an important aspect of soil ecology, but the results of studies can be strongly influenced by the storage conditions of the samples. Variation in storage methods and duration studies reduces the ability to accurately interpret data and compare results. This work presents a study of the influence of various storage conditions and time on the results of the activity of enzymes of hydrolase class (urease, phosphatase), and oxidoreductases class (catalase, peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase) of meadow chernozem-like soil of the Zeya-Bureya plain. For the research, a laboratory experiment was performed, in which naturally moist and air-dry samples were taken and stored under various conditions: room temperature (+23 – +25 °С), low positive temperature (refrigerator, +10 °C), negative temperature (freezer, –10 °С) within 7, 28, 90 and 365 days. As a result, we found that drying soil samples immediately after sampling increases the activity of urease, phosphatase, peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase. Storage conditions do not significantly affect the activity of enzymes. To assess the actual enzymatic activity, we recommend using naturally moist soil samples immediatel y after sampling; to assess potential enzymatic activity, drying the soil and storing it for no more than 7 days are recommended. The results of this study provide useful information on the impact of sample storage conditions for researchers of enzyme activity in similar climates and contribute to further consideration and discussion of the implications of sample storage.