| Forest soil |
· Decomposition rate of litter is faster under broadleaf forests compared to coniferous forests.
· The coniferous forest soil is characterized by a thicker L or F layer, lower organic carbon content & soil pH where in broadleaved forest soil has a very thin L or F layer, consisting higher carbon content & pHs.
· The return of nutrients such as C, N & P through litter fall in broadleaved species is faster than in coniferous species.
· Coniferous species tends to reduce concentrations of available cations such as Mg++, Ca++, Na+, K+ etc and increase Al+++, & Mn++ in soil.
· Nitrification rate is almost nil under coniferous forest & the ammunification rate is lower than under broadleaved forest.
Need to study forest soil separately………………………….
· Soil is defined as unconsolidated outer layer the earth crustes, ranging from a few cm to more than 3meters. It can be also be defined as a natural body composed of a mixture of organic & mineral materials in which plant grow.
· Forest soil contain some properties which are not found in other soils, it is considerably different in some physical , chemical & biological properties from those soils which are put to agricultural & other land uses.
· The unique characteristics of forest soil are---the presence of well developed forest floor with litter layer & organic matters, deep rooting activities by trees, well recognized microbial activities.
· The tree canopy also provides shades for the forest soil & thus helps to maintain a uniform temperature & moisture condition.
· The physical condition of both surface & sub-surface flow of water are different in forest soils from cultivated soils. In case of forest soil, the infiltration is higher while reducing the surface runoff & resulting soil erosion & nutrient loss.
· Forest ecosystem maintains a dynamic process of nutrient cycle which may be absent in cultivated soils.
· Agricultural practices & other land uses are not suitable because of forests are located on infertile soils, on rocky & hilly land, on flooded land & saline areas etc.
· Forest soils are managed for multiple functioning of the ecosystem such as forest mgt, wildlife mgt, ecotourism, biodiversity, watershed mgt etc.
From the above discussion it is clear that forest soils have different biological, physical & chemical properties from other type’s soils & are subjected to intense production & protection pressure. Therefore, these soils should be studied separately with much care.
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| Prepared by Rasel 23 |
