Soil enzymes are a group of enzymes found in soil . They are excreted by soil microbes such as fungi , bacteria and archaea , and play a key role in decomposing soil organic matter into humus , in the process releasing nutrients essential for the growth of plants . Some soil enzymes such as ureases may be inhibited by ingredients in fertiliser to delay release of the nutrients over an extended period.[ 1] [ 2] [ 3] [ 4] [ 5]
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^ Dotaniya ML (2019). "Chapter 33: Role of Soil Enzymes in Sustainable Crop Production.". Enzymes in Food Biotechnology . Academic Press. pp. 569– 589. doi :10.1016/B978-0-12-813280-7.00033-5 . ISBN 9780128132807 . S2CID 135225616 .