Micronutrients Status Under Different Tree Species Plantations in Entisol Soil and its Relationship with AMF Root Colonization

Entisol soil dominates in Chhattisgarh which do not support any vegetation because of preponderance of granular iron oxides, and nutrients and water deficiencies and poor microbial activities. In the present study secondary and micronutrients contents in entisol soil in 25 year old forest plantations comprising 09 different species have evaluated with its relationship on symbiotic Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) in roots for the screening of tree species suitable in entisol. The highest root colonization was 62% exhibited in D. sissoo and in T. arjuna while the lowest in A. indica (30%). Soil moisture ranged 10.03 to 12.3% varied significantly with different tree species at P<0.01. Sulfur and calcium content of soil found high in soil under Eucalyptus globulus plantation. Boron, Cu and Mn content were higher under D. sisoo and T. arjuna compared to other tree species plantations. A positive correlation recorded between AMF root colonization with different soil attributes viz. Mg (r² 0.037), B (r² 0.116), Cu (r² 0.210), Fe (r² 0.114), Mn (r² 0.187) and Zn (r² 0.119) was an indicative of the benefits of AMF to host tree species even in old plantations. Variations on tree species and soil parameters were observed significantly, however it was unpredictable to confirm that the particular tree species have better effects on the parameter of nutrients accumulated in rhizosphere soil and on the basis of AMF colonization in tree species plantations at this age.

Entisol soil is barren bhataland and its restoration as such is difficult due to presence of adverse soil properties.

AMF symbiosis was higher in D. sissoo, T. arjuna and Eucalyptus globulus than other tree species indicates the relevance of symbiosis in entisol soil for managing sustainable plant demands for nutrients even after its establishment especially in forest species where usually no fertilizers are applied.

The positive relationship with AMF root colonization and all the soil attributes depicts the important role of AMF for plantation program and should be encouraged as green technology for higher survival and establishment of forest plantation in wasteland soil.