as a result of higher perceived C quality. These findings are based primarily on the use of

the EICQ model in predicting potential decomposition rates as well as the apparent lignin

influence on carbon mineralization. Increases in C quality with decreased water level

appear to be especially apparent in the 0 to -10 cm layer in the organic peat dominated

WCA-3A, where microbial activity is usually relatively limited due to anaerobic

conditions. The increase of N mineralization in the dry treatments of the 0 to -10 cm

layer in both areas points to decreased 02 limitation. This points to overall increased

microbial productivity, especially since the enzyme used in this study (LEU) to assay for

N mineralization also has the capacity to function in the mineralization of C. Lastly, the

higher organic matter WCA-3A soils respond greater to drought conditions with

significantly higher N mineralization and EICQ in the dry treatments which was expected

due to a higher organic matter content.

 The results from enzyme studies are usually presented solely in terms of activity

per period or treatment. The use of cumulative enzyme activities, expressed either as

slopes representing the rate of change over time or as net cumulative activities conveys

information regarding trends in terms of time series studies. These cumulative activities

are usually expressed in relation to litter mass loss rates in decomposition studies.

However, this study demonstrates the validity of using these comparisons, especially

when significant differences between treatments are relegated to later time periods.

 Due to the constraints of this study it is impossible to accurately model the effects

of a prolonged dry-down. However, many of the differences between wet and dry

treatments were becoming increasingly contrasting with time. The current trend suggests

that a longer incubation period would result in larger EICQ and N mineralization