IMPACT OF DIFFERENT FOREST TYPES ON SOIL QUALITY IN SHIMLA DISTRICT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH
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Date
2021-12
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UHF,NAUNI
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The present investigations entitled, “Impact of different forest types on soil quality
in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh” was carried out in six different forest types viz;
forests under the
Department of Environmental Science, College of Forestry, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of
Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni Solan H.P during the year 2020-2021. Detailed analysis was
done to assess soil quality based on physical, chemical and biological properties (13 soil
parameters) utilized multivariate approach in Principle Component Analysis. The bulk
density of soil under different forest types ranged from 1.21-1.63 gcm-3 while, particle
density under different forest types ranged high under Deodar forest. Soil porosity varied
from 38.68 to 46.31 % in all the six forest types. SOC was maximum (2.31%) under Deodar
forest, while minimum (1.62%) under Chir pine forest. The available nitrogen, phosphorous
and potassium content was ranged high under deodar forest with 434.47 kg ha-1, 39.35 kg ha-
1and 459.65 kg ha-1 respectively. The soil bacterial counts, fungal count and actinomycetes
count under different forest types ranged from 68.21 to 78.69 (x 106 cfu g-1), 5.96 to 8.69 (x
103 cfu g-1) and 59.10 to 71.01(x103 cfu g-1) respectively and was found maximum under
deodar forest. The SQI for different forest types ranged from 0.70 to 0.99 with maximum
value of 0.99 under Deodar forest. The soil quality of Deodar forest (SQI >0.75) fallen under
high quality, while Chir pine was in medium category (0.50<SQI<0.75). Thus, chir pine
forest floor needs duff layer for soil health improvement and sustainability