Ectomycorrhizal Status and Soil Characteristics of Deodar forest in Central Himalayan Region of Nainital Hills

Abstract

Seasonal distribution of ectomycorrhizae in Deodar (Cedrus deodara) forest of Nainital hill of Central Himalayas has been assessed in relation to their soil characteristics. The occurrence of mycorrhizae in per 100g of soil was recorded to be highest in the month August and lowest in January. The per cent occurrence and attrition rate (live/dead) of ectomycorrhizae were also reported to be maximum in the month of August and minimum in January. Although no specific trend of increase and decrease in mantle thickness and Hartignet penetration was observed, however, the mantle thickness and Hartignet penetration were reported to be maximum in the months of November and May respectively. Linear regression between ectomycorrhizal counts and some of the soil characteristics have shown positively significant correlation (p < 0.001) between available P and live mycorrhizae. Negatively non-significant correlation was found between soil pH and total mycorrhizae. Moreover, positively significant correlation was observed between soil N and C : N with live mycorrhizae (p < 0.01) and that of P < 0.01 between soil moisture and live ectomycorrhizae.