Vol. 13 No. 3
Effect of different land use system and altitude on soil organic carbon and soil fertility of Siang river basin in Arunachal Pradesh, India
Author(s): A. Tasung and N. Ahmed
Abstract: The land use (LU) change from forest to cropland and orchards are major causes that decrease soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil fertility of Siang river basin area. Hence proper understanding of the SOC storage in the process of LU system change, altitudinal zones and vertical distribution is crucial for planning and designing appropriate LU system. We examined the vertical distribution of SOC under different land use types and altitudinal zones aspects in Siang river basin of Arunachal Pradesh. Soils were sampled based on slope and soil properties. The results showed that LU system significantly influenced mean SOC per cent following an order forest>mandarin > rice-fallow system. An inverse effect was found in SOC across the altitudes and soil depths. LU system influence the mean soil available N content significantly and followed the order forest=mandarin>rice-fallow while mean soil available P, K, S and B content followed the order forest>mandarin>rice-fallow land use systems. Variation in altitude zone affected the mean soil available N, P, K, S and B content in the order low>high altitudes. Soil depth variations influenced the soil available N, P, K, S and B content in the order 0-15 >15-30 cm. Two factor interaction effects between LU systems, altitudes and depth was also studied. The two factor interaction effect was significant for SOC, soil pH, soil EC, soil available N, P, K, S and B. In all land use systems, SOC showed no significant relationship with soil pH whereas soil SOC was significantly and positively correlated with soil EC, soil available pool of N, P, K, S and B. Across the altitudes, soil available N, P, K, S and B was positively and significantly correlated to SOC whereas soil pH an EC showed no significant relationship. Our study indicates that appropriate LU system and management practices according to altitude zone and slope will improve the SOC sequestration and soil productivity.
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