Soil Nutrient Changes Under Different Ages <I>Eucalyptus</I> Monocultures

Abstract

Soil nutrient changes were studied under 5, 10, 15 and 20 years old Eucalyptus monocultures, in comparison to natural sal forest. Soil nutrient depletion under 10 and 15 years old monocultures were higher than 5 and 20 years old monocultures, in comparison to natural sal. Soil profile distribution of attribtttes showed gain in clay content and available P and loss in total K and P in all monocultures as compared to natural sal. The soil under 5 year and 20 year monocultures were less depleted because of faster mineralisation of residual organic matter in 5 years old monoculture and a gradation of soil nutrients as the monoculture aged as in 20 years old monoculture.