Physico-chemical Properties of Soils under <I>Pinus patula</I> in Eastern Himalayas

Abstract

Physical and chemical properties of three soil profile were studied under the Pinus patula plantations of eastern Himalayas. Interrelationships of these soil proflies have been discussed and compared to that of Western and Central Himalayas. It has been tried to find out that how leaching proceeds in the process of getting maturity of soil profiles as the forest becomes old. Attempts Were made to classify the soil type of this region. In short the soil is brown in colour with sandy loam texture which undergoes in the process of podsolizatlon. It is also called Inceptisol which shows little evidence of eluviation and illuviation. Organic matter decompose slowly due to the cool and humid climate. This results relatively higher (38.31) Carbon-nitrogen ratio. Effect or forest cover on soil properties shows that Pinus patula soils are poor in mineral concentrations.