2.) Determine the relationships between nutrient conditions and microbial

 enzyme activities among all four hydrologic units of the Everglades.

 3.) Determine the validity of different enzyme models in predicting potential

 decomposition among different litter qualities and in varying nutrient

 conditions.

 4.) Determine the effects of a simulated drought on enzyme activities in WCA-

 3A and ENP-Taylor Slough (ENP-TS) cores.

 The overall hypotheses for this study were: (i) Deeper water slough habitats exhibit

accelerated potential decomposition due to substrate quality differences; (ii) Nutrient

loading generally enhances microbial enzyme activities; and (iii) Decreased water levels

result in an enhancement of enzyme activities, suggesting greater potential decomposition

based on perceived soil quality.