Soil is a dynamic ecosystem that sustains a diverse community of organisms, enhancing its vitality and functions. Biochemical processes within the soil contribute to its active nature, with enzymes produced by organisms and plants playing roles in reactions. Phosphatases hydrolyze organic phosphorus to plant‐available phosphate ions. However, the activity of phosphatase enzymes in Nepalese soils remains poorly understood. To address this gap, a study was conducted to determine phosphatase enzyme activity variation across agro‐ecological zones in central Nepal. A total of 225 georeferenced soil samples (75 samples from each zone—high‐hills, mid‐hills, and Terai) were collected from various sites within central Nepal. Standard analytical methods were used to assess the activity of phosphatase enzymes. Additionally, 122 environmental covariates were collected, and a quantile regression random forest model was used for spatial predictions. The results showed variation in the activity of phosphatase enzymes, including acid phosphomonoesterase (AcPM), alkaline phosphomonoesterase (AlPM), phosphodiesterase (PD), phosphotriesterase (PT), and inorganic pyrophosphatase (IPP) across the agro‐ecological zones. Predominance of AcPM (1051.55 μg pNP g −1 dm h −1 ), PT (52.36 μg pNP g −1 dm h −1 ), and IPP (916.25 μg PO 4 3− ‐P g −1 dm h −1 ) activity was noted in the high‐hills, while AlPM (329.14 μg pNP g −1 dm h −1 ) and PD (86.08 μg pNP g −1 dm h −1 ) activities were dominant in the mid‐hills. The spatial distribution map, prepared using measured point data and environmental covariates, reflected similar patterns. The Terai region, characterized by longer drought periods and lower soil moisture, exhibited comparatively lower enzyme activity. Overall, the high‐hills exhibited the greatest capacity to release phosphate ions (H 2 PO 4 − and HPO 4 2− ) from organic P pools, followed by the mid‐hills and then the Terai. Therefore, the use of organic nutrient sources to increase phosphorus availability is more significant in the hilly areas compared to the plains.
Khadka et al. (Thu,) studied this question.