Soil nutrients status in prominent agro-ecosystems of East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh

This study was conducted with an aim to analyze the spatial and temporal variability of soil C, N, P under four prominent land use pattern viz., Jhum, Agro-forestry, Forest garden and Vegetable agro-ecosystem of East Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh. Study was conducted during the year 2010–11 following standard methodology. Soil samples were collected on monthly basis from 8–10 places of every selected system from two depths (0–15 cm and 15–30 cm) in replicates. Statistical analysis revealed significant variation in soil nutrients along the sites, depth and seasons. Minimum SOC was recorded during the rainy season in all the systems while maximum in winter (Agro-forestry and Vegetable AES) and spring season (Jhum and Forest garden). Surface soil layer had significantly greater SOC and TKN concentration than the subsurface soil depth. However, available phosphorus resulted reverse trend during spring season in agro-forestry and vegetable AES. The C/N ratio ranges from 1.8 to 10 among the systems. Soil nutrients like C, N and P and other physico-chemical characteristics of soil can be used as a tool for further ecological assessment and monitoring of these land use systems to ensure food security program in Eastern Himalayan region of Arunachal Pradesh.