Adsorption, desorption and activity of acid phosphatase on various soil colloidal particles and pure clay minerals were studied. Higher adsorption amounts and low percentage of desorption of acid phosphatase were found on fine soil clays (<0.2 microm). Electrostatic force and ligand exchange are the major driving forces that are involved in the adsorption of enzymes on soil clays. More enzyme molecules were adsorbed on soil clays in the presence of organic components. However, enzymes on organic clays were more easily released. One-third of the enzyme on goethite was adsorbed via ligand exchange process. Some other interactions, such as van der Waals force, hydrophobic force and hydrogen bonding may be more important in the adsorption of enzyme on kaolinite and the enzyme in this system cannot be easily removed. Coarse clays (0.2-2 microm) and inorganic soil clays had higher affinities for enzyme molecules than fine clays and organic clays, respectively. The activity of enzyme bound on soil clays was inhibited and the thermal stability was increased in the presence of organic matter. Data obtained in this study are helpful for a better understanding of the interactions of enzymes with inorganic and organic constituents in soil and associated environments.