Effect of multipurpose tree species on soil Physico-chemical properties and available nutrients in subtropical region of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

The study was intended to explore the status of soil physico-chemical properties under MPTs. The study revealed higher nutrient contents at surface layer D1 (0– 15 cm) which decrease with the increase of soil depth. The soil under the MPTs showed pronounced changes. The pH were recorded maximum under Melia composita and lowest under Ulmus villosa. The EC were recorded maximum under Albizia lebbeck and minimum under Melia composita and Toona ciliata. The organic carbon varied significantly under MPTs and maximum Organic–C was observed under Ulmus villosa at both depths and minimum under Albizia chinensis. As regard to the available nutrients, i.e. available N, P and K were observed maximum under Albizia lebbeck, where as these were recorded minimum under Ulmus villosa.