Vertical characterization of soil under seabuckthorn (Hippophae salicifolia L.) in relation to age for sustainable development of cold arid Himalayas

Abstract

Cold deserts of Himachal Pradesh support Hippophae L (seabuckthorn), which is a multipurpose plant. Seabuckthorn is a nitrogen fixer and can be used as an option to reclaim degraded lands. The present study was conducted to know about the soil fertility and its vertical distribution as affected by the seabuckthorn plantations of different ages. Soil samples were collected at Khangsar village at three depths, i.e., 0-15 cm, 15-30 cm and 30-45 cm, from one year to five years old seabuckthorn plantations and chemically analysed for pH, organic carbon, available N, P, K, S, exchangeable Ca, Mg and micronutrient cations following standard procedures. All the available nutrients organic carbon was higher in upper layer of soil in seabuckthorn plantation except available K, which was higher in control. With the increase in age, the increase in contents of all the available nutrients was observed and highest content was found in five years old plantation. All the nutrients were higher in seabuckthorn plantation as compared to control.