Effect of forest ecosystems on soil properties – A review

Forests have been the primary source to rejuvenate productivity of land by improving soil health through the action of root system and addition of organic matter through litter fall. Results of various research studies conducted under different forest ecosystems in India and abroad revealed that the decomposition of forest litter and recycling of nutrients made soil physico-chemical and biological properties favourable for plant growth. The differences in vegetation types imparted differences in soil properties. With fast growing human and livestock population in India, the pressure on limited forest resources is inevitable. Consequently, the area under forests is dwindling and also the forests are getting denuded/degraded. Hence, fast growing species of short rotation are being advocated for degraded, marginal, sub-marginal and fragile lands to meet the multiple needs of the people and industry. Evaluation of soil properties under different forest covers revealed profound impact on soil health. However, the beneficial effects of tree stands on the magnitude of improvement varied from species to species. Establishment of forest covers of suitable tree species on marginal, sub-marginal, waste/degraded lands could be a very effective and eco-friendly way of improving/reclaiming these scarce and problem land resources and also increasing area under forests.