A Comparative Analysis of Soil Physical Properties under Different Land use Systems in Aizawl District, Mizoram

Land use changes have resulted to a serious land degradation across the globe. This study aimed atinvestigating how various land use systems including jhum (J), jhum fallow (JF), teak plantation (TP), bamboo forest (BF), and dense forest (DF) affect distinct physical properties of soil like bulk density, soil texture, porosity, water holding capacity, and infiltration rate. The obtained Bulk Density of soil was found to be highest in TP, while it was lowest in DF. Textural class for all the soil is classified as sandy loam.DF shows the highest soil porosity and infiltration rate,whereas J accounts the lowest for both. Water holding capacity was found to be highest in J soils and it decreases in order for JF, TP, BF and DF soils. The results indicated that different land use systems have a considerable influence on soil physical propertieswhich may further enhance land degradation.