Some Variables Affecting the Measurement of “Catalase Activity” in Soil

Abstract Hydrogen peroxide decomposition rates were measured on five soils after incubation with and without added organic matter and bentonite. The measurement was affected by soil type, addition of organic matter, addition of bentonite and drying of the sample. The two‐factor interactions of soil × organic additive, soil × added bentonite, soil × drying, organic additive × bentonite and bentonite × drying were highly significant. The three‐factor interaction of soil × organic additive × bentonite was significant. The reaction rate was greatly increased by incubation with powdered milk but only partly lowered by autoclaving.