Activity measurements of selected soil enzymes ( cellulase , glucosidase , amidohydrolase , phosphatase , arylsulfatase ) involved in carbon , nitrogen , phosphorus , and sulfur cycling in the biosphere , hold potential as early and sensitive indicators of soil ecological stress and restoration , These measurements are advantageous because the procedures are simple , rapid , and reproducible over time . Enzyme activities are sensitive to short - term changes in soil and kind - use management . Enzyme activities have also been observed to be closely related to soil organic matter proposed as an index of soil quality .