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An inter-laboratory comparison of multi-enzyme and multiple substrate-induced respiration assays to assess method consistency in soil monitoring

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Abstract

The use of indicators in soil monitoring schemes to detect changes in soil quality is receiving increased attention, particularly the application of soil biological methods. However, to date, the ability to compare information from different laboratories applying soil microbiological techniques in broad-scale monitoring has rarely been taken into account. This study aimed to assess the consistency and repeatability of two techniques that are being evaluated for use as microbiological indicators of soil quality: multi-enzyme activity assay and multiple substrate-induced respiration (MSIR). Data were tested for intrinsic (within-assay plate) variation, inter-laboratory repeatability (geometric mean regression and correlation coefficient) and land-use discrimination (principal components analysis). Intrinsic variation was large for both assays suggesting that high replicate numbers are required. Inter-laboratory repeatability showed diverging patterns for the enzyme assay and MSIR. Discrimination of soils was significant for both techniques with relatively consistent patterns; however, combined laboratory discrimination analyses for each technique showed inconsistent correspondence between the laboratories. These issues could be addressed through the adoption of reliable analytical standards for biological methods along with adequate replication. However, until the former is addressed, dispersed analyses are not currently advisable for monitoring schemes.

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Acknowledgements

The work was funded by the UK Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). We thank Christian Poll and Ellen Kandeler, Universität Hohenheim, for liaison regarding the enzyme fluorimetry.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Natural Resources Department, School of Applied Sciences, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, UK

    Rachel E. Creamer, Pat Bellamy, Jim Harris, Mark Pawlett, Dote Stone & Karl Ritz

  2. The Macaulay Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH, UK

    Helaina I. J. Black, Clare M. Cameron & Colin D. Campbell

  3. CEH Lancaster, Lancaster Environment Centre, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4AP, UK

    Paul Chamberlain, Nisha Parekh & Jan Poskitt

  4. Teagasc, Johnstown Castle Environment Centre, County Wexford, Ireland

    Rachel E. Creamer

  5. Department Soil and Environment, Swedish University Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden

    Colin D. Campbell

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  1. Rachel E. Creamer
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  2. Pat Bellamy
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  3. Helaina I. J. Black
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  4. Clare M. Cameron
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  5. Colin D. Campbell
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  6. Paul Chamberlain
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  7. Jim Harris
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  8. Nisha Parekh
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  11. Dote Stone
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  12. Karl Ritz
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Correspondence to Rachel E. Creamer.

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Creamer, R.E., Bellamy, P., Black, H.I.J. et al. An inter-laboratory comparison of multi-enzyme and multiple substrate-induced respiration assays to assess method consistency in soil monitoring. Biol Fertil Soils 45, 623–633 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-009-0374-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00374-009-0374-y

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