Characteristics of Some Forest Soils of Darjeeling Himalayan Region under Pinus patula

Three soil profiles were studied under Senchal Range, Darjeeling Forest Division, West Bengal. Formed from the same parent material, these have same plant species viz, Pinus patula but have developed over varying altitudes ranging between 2100 and 2175 m above m.s.l. Solums are very rich in humus. Translocation of sesquioxides to the lower horizon has been very significant, apparently displaying a tendency of podsolization, which in fact is not the case. Fungi and actinomycetes have greater proliferation than bacteria, irrespective of soil depth. All the microorganisms thrive best in the surface, with the population decreasing more or less down the profile. The soils are classified according to the Soil Taxonomy