Characterization of soil profile in Sal forest of Nayagarh district in Odisha

Abstract

The important physical and chemical properties of soil profile were studied under natural Sal forest near Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Nayagarh of Odisha. Soil samples were collected from 0-15, 15-30, 30-45,45-60, and 60-75cm depths of exposed soil profile in Sal forest. Soil samples were air-dried, ground, passed through 2mm sieves and preserved for necessary physical and chemical analysis. Soil texture at different layers of the profile varied from sand to sandy loam. Sand, silt and clay content varied from 8.8 to 11.4% respectively in the profile. Bulk density of the soils varied from 1.42 to 1.48 g/cm3 at different layers of the profile. Particle density remained constant (2.66g/cm3) across the profile. Pore space varied between 44.4-46.7% and water holding capacity from 29.8 to 34.2% in different layers of the profile. Soils at different layers of the profile were moderately to slightly acidic (5.64-5.89). Electrical conductivity of the soil ranged from 0.417-0.419 dS/m in all the layers. Percent organic carbon was low in the profile varying from 0.134 to 0.345%. Mineralizable N, available P and available K in different layers of the profile under natural Sal forest varied from 43.8 to 62.5mg/kg, 0.57 to 1.41mg/kg and 51.7 to 77.5 mg/kg respectively. All those nutrients changed inconsistently with soil depth. These light texture soils with low fertility status need application of nutrient management regime for improving soil fertility for intercropping with medicinal, horticultural and other plant species for best utilization of these forest lands.