Fungal and bacterial enzyme activities in Alnus nepalensis D. Don

Fungal and bacterial numbers and their enzymes activities in terms of enzymes, namely cellulase, amylase and invertase were estimated in two forest stands of alder (open and closed forest). The fungal and bacterial population numbers were higher in the closed forest than in the open ones. Consequently, the different enzyme activities were also greater in the closed forest. A correlation coefficient was calculated between fungal population numbers, bacterial population numbers, moisture content, pH, total nitrogen, weight loss, cellulose and total sugars and the enzymes activities. Invertase activity showed a positive correlation (P < 0.05) with litter soluble sugars and total nitrogen but negatively with weight loss. Amylase and cellulase activities were correlated significantly with fungi and bacteria and moisture content of litter. Cellulase also correlated significantly but negatively with the cellulose (P < 0.01). The results of the investigation indicated that changes in forest canopy has an effect on fungal and bacterial population numbers and microbial enzymes activities.