Status Of Soil Chemical Properties As Affected By Seasonal Variation In The Sub-Tropical Forest Zone Of Western Himalaya

Abstract

The forest ecosystem plays a crucial role in maintaining the inter-related complexity between vegetation and soil. Anthropogenic pressure, not only reduces the forest biodiversity but also leads to the deterioration of the soil quality. Thus, it is essential to understand the soil condition to promote the growth of the forest ecosystem. The current study analyzes the physicochemical properties of soils under pine forest stand, by collecting the samples at three different soil depths (0-10 cm, 10-20 cm, and 20-30 cm). The study mainly focused on the available soil cations (sodium, calcium, and potassium) because they act as an immediate source for vegetation. The main objective of the present study was to determine the variation in soil available cations (K+, Ca+ , and Na + ) concentration along with the soil depth during different seasons. Seasonal alterations occurred in the soil's chemical attributes, influenced by ecological changes occurred in vegetation. Results showed seasonal fluctuations in soil pH, EC, and soil cations during the study period. Results also showed that variation in potassium and calcium concentration during different seasons does not differ significantly on the other side variation in sodium concentration differs significantly during different seasons. Sodium and calcium content also showed significant differences among the different sites.