Soil physico-bio-chemical properties under different agroforestry systems in Terai region of the Garhwal Hiamalayas

Abstract

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of different agroforestry systems on soil physico-chemical and biological properties. The results revealed that different agroforestry tree species showed the positive impact on soil physic-chemical and biological properties in comparison to sole agriculture cropping system. At 0-15, 15-30 and 30-45 cm soil depth lowest soil bulk density (1.25, 127 and 128g/cm3), particle density (2.62, 266 and 2.71 g/cm3) and pH (6.50, 6.90 and 6.80) was recorded under Populus deltoids, Anthocephalus cadamba and Madhuca indica based agroforestry systems respectively. Soil organic carbon content was recorded highest (1.06, 0.90 and 0.84%) under Quercus. leucotrichophora at 0-15, 15-30 and 30-45 cm soil depth. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content were also higher under Q. leucotrichophora based agroforestry system. In soil biological properties, the highest bacterial and fungal colony was also recorded under Quercus. leucotrichophora based agroforestry system. So, in this study, Quercus. leucotrichophora based agroforestry system found superior for the enhancement in soil fertility over the other tree based agroforestry systems as well as open cropping system.