Physicochemical properties of tropical forest top soil in relation to depth in western Nepal

Abstract

Soil fertility, an important factor which determines the growth of plants depends on the concentration of N, P, and K organic and inorganic materials, micronutrients and water. Lack of nutrient inputs is a major factor in soil degradation. Understanding of soil chemical reaction and processes is essential for developing innovative resource management strategies, and understanding and regulating the behaviour of the terrestrial ecosystem at regional and global scale (Tale and Ingole, 2015). Information on soil properties with regards to forest soil-depth are important for sustainable management of forest. Soil productivity, health, sustainability, sequestration and emission potentials can be assessed by quantifying SOC (Vashum et al., 2016). Vertical distribution of SOC in relation to vegetation and land use is less understood (Jabbagy and Jackson, 2000). The soil carbon studies conducted in Nepal mainly focused on its relation with land use (Awasthi et al., 2005; Bajracharya et al., 2004, 2015; Dahal and Bajracharya, 2012). The tropical forest soils of western Nepal are less studied. Hence, the present study aims to investigate the top soil physiochemical properties in the tropical forests of western Terai region of Nepal in relation to depth. Physicochemical properties of tropical forest top soil in relation to depth in western Nepal