Soil cellulase, chitinase, and protease activity in Eriophorum vaginatum tussock tundra at Eagle Summit, Alaska

Cellulase, chitinase, and protease activities were examined in Eriophorum vaginatum tussocks at Eagle Summit, Alaska. Changes in the activities were recorded for tussocks of differing relative plant composition. Highest total activity was found in tussocks with at least 50% (relative surface) cover by mycorrhizal colonized shrubs. Total enzyme activity declined in tussocks as the variety of plants decreased. The lowest enzyme activity was found in the moss dominated tussock. Changes in the nature of cellulose hydrolysis suggested that decomposition may be primarily regulated by litter composition in some cases and soil environment in others.