Studies on soil physico-chemical properties at different locations and elevations of Quercus leucotrichophora forests

Abstract

The present investigation entitled “Studies on soil physico-chemical properties at different locations and elevations of Quercus leucotrichophora forests” was carried out during the year 2018-19 to know the soil physico-chemical properties in Chail forests of district Solan, Kufri forests of district Shimla, Sarahan and Churdhar forests in Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh with three elevations i.e., E1 (1800 m) in each. Composite samples were collected from 15 cm depth for soil and biochemical analysis. Among locations, the thickness of forest litter layer, microbial activity, available K and P content showed a decreasing trend as: Kufri forest soils > Chail forest soils > Churdhar forest soils > Sarahan forest soils. Among elevations, the thickness of forest litter layer and Organic C followed the trend as: E3 > E2 > E1 whereas, soil pH, bulk density, available N, P and K content fell as E1 > E2 > E3. Maximum available N, soil EC and Bulk density was found in Chail forest. Kufri forest soils have shown best results for all soil parameters.