ENZYME ACTIVITY IN THE BOGS OF THE ALTAI MOUNTAINS
The transformation of organic matter and the mobilization of macro- and microelements in peat bogs are carried out by the enzymes extracted by living organisms and which exist in the adsorbed state of the peat. Therefore the enzyme activity gives a complete picture of biological conditions of peat bogs. The characteristics of peat properties in peat deposits of the bogs of the Altai Republic and their enzyme activity are discussed. A considerable variability of general technical peat properties in the Altai Republic has been revealed. A rich floristic composition of mountain bogs determines peat properties: a high degree of decomposition and the composition of peat organic matter in the Northern Altai. It has been found that more intensive processes of organic matter humification occur in the peat deposits of eutrophic peat type (Turochakskoye bog) as compared to mesotrophic peat type (Kutyushskoye bog) which is confirmed by the values of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase enzymes. Down the peat deposits of both mesotrophic and eutrophic types the peroxidase activity increases. The total catalase activity in peat deposits of eutrophic (Turochakskoye) and mesotrophic (Kutyushskoye) bogs changed in the range of 1.58-17,87 mL O2/g*2 min; the variation limits of polyphenol oxidase activity in peat deposits make up respectively 0.16-3.50 mg 1.4-benzoquinone / g*30 min and 0.0-2.56 mg 1.4-benzoquinone / g*30 min; variation limits of peroxidase make up 2.5-27.3 mg 1.4-benzoquinone / g*30 min. Enzymatic processes of various orientation are active to the bedrock in the peat profile of both bog types of the Altai Mountains. Seasonal dynamics of enzymatic processes in the peat deposits of bogs of mesotrophic and eutrophic types are determined by the weather conditions of the growing season and are mainly characterized by their spring-autumn peak of activity.