Study the Comparing Soil Fertility in Bamboo Plantations and Mixed Bamboo Forests in the Region of Chhattisgarh

Author: Neha Soan, S.S. Dhuria and Priti Singh

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Abstract

The study conducted to compared soil fertility parameters in bamboo plantations and mixed bamboo forests across three districts (Raigarh, Bilaspur and Korba) of Chhattisgarh, India. Analysis of pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), and available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) showed significant variation across soil depths and land use systems. Soil samples were collected from pure bamboo plantations and mixed bamboo forests at 10 cm, 20 cm and 30 cm depth. Analysis of pH (5.0-8.0), electrical conductivity (0.3-0.8 dS/m), organic carbon (0.15-0.89%), and available nitrogen (200-320 kg/ha), phosphorus (4-24 kg/ha) and potassium (190-370 kg/ha) showed significant variation across soil depths and land use systems. Overall, mixed bamboo forests exhibited lower pH (5.0-6.0) and higher EC (0.5-0.8 dS/m) compared to plantations (pH 6.0-8.0, EC 0.3-0.7 dS/m). OC was highest in deeper layers (0.8-0.9%) of plantations but more varied (0.15-0.8%) across depths in mixed forests. Available N trended higher (250-320 kg/ha) in upper layers of both systems. P levels were generally higher (15-24 kg/ha) at shallower depths in plantations but more variable (4-18 kg/ha) in mixed forests. K availability was also higher (260-370 kg/ha) in upper layers of plantations but less uniform (190-340 kg/ha) in mixed forests. The study demonstrates that soil fertility is influenced by depth, land use and their interactions, highlighting the need for tailored soil management practices in these systems.

Keywords

Bamboo plantations, Mixed bamboo forests, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K)

Conclusion

This study provides a comparative analysis of key soil fertility parameters across bamboo plantations and mixed bamboo forests in three districts of Chhattisgarh, India. The results demonstrate significant variation in soil pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, and available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium across different soil depths and land use systems. In general, mixed bamboo forests exhibited more acidic pH and higher electrical conductivity compared to pure bamboo plantations, indicating differences in nutrient dynamics. Organic carbon accumulation was higher in deeper layers of plantations but more varied across soil depths in mixed forests, highlighting the role of species diversity. Available nitrogen and phosphorus were found to be higher in the upper layers of both systems, underlining the influence of root activity and organic matter decomposition. Potassium availability was also greater in upper layers of plantations but more heterogeneous in mixed forests. Overall, the interactions between soil depth, land use patterns and plant biodiversity appear to govern soil fertility status in these systems. Bamboo plantations with mono-species stands displayed more uniform nutrient distributions linked to shallow and dense root systems. In contrast, mixed bamboo forests with diverse vegetation showed more spatial variability in soil nutrients, governed by complex plant-soil relationships. The findings underline the need for tailored soil management practices targeted to specific depths and vegetation in bamboo-based agroforestry systems. Further long-term studies analyzing more soil parameters across diverse environments can provide deeper insights into the drivers of soil fertility in these economically and ecologically important ecosystems. Leveraging this knowledge can help enhance productivity and environmental sustainability of bamboo plantations and mixed forests

References

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How to cite this article

Neha Soan, S.S. Dhuria and Priti Singh (2023). Study the Comparing Soil Fertility in Bamboo Plantations and Mixed Bamboo Forests in the Region of Chhattisgarh. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(5a): 717-725.