The measurement and distribution of urease activity in a pasture system

Summary Urease activities of soil, litter and plant components of a pasture sward were measured by two methods. The type, height and age of the pasture sward can influence urease activity of the underlying soil. Urease activity of the above-soil plant and litter components is less per unit area of sward (7% of total sward activity) than that of associated soil to 20 cm (93%), although urease activity of the non-soil component is about 9 fold greater per unit mass than that of an equal mass of soil. The implications of the presence of this highly active and accessible urease on transformation and loss of nitrogen on swards topdressed with urea is discussed.