Use of biochemical indexes and changes in organic matter dynamics in a Mediterranean environment: a comparison between soils under arable and set-aside managements

The aims of this study were to evaluate the influence of different agronomic practices on organic matter turnover and on microbiological activity of two soils of the Castelporziano Tenuta Reserve. The first of the two soils is arable, currently cultivated with oats, while the second is a set-aside soil which has been semi-reforested in the last ten years. Results revealed that set-aside soil was characterised by slower organic carbon turnover and better humification efficiency with respect to the arable soil. This study confirms that the restoration practice can establish a self-sustaining plant and microrganisms community, which is naturally evolving in the direction of the original, stable ecosystem.