The composition of clay minerals of soils in four different soil series under forests in the Garhwal Himalayas of Chakrata forest division (Uttar Pradesh), was determined by x-ray diffraction analysis which was supplemented by diagnostic properties of soil clays. The results indicate that the Kanasar (Typic Paleudults) and Budher (Humic Hapludults) soil series developed over limestone and quartzite rocks respectively, predominated by Cedrus deodara and Picea smithiana forests, contained a mixture of mica or illite, kaolinite and chlorite. On the other hand, Deoban (Typic Argiudolls) and Konain (Typic Paleudolls) soil series owing their origin to quartzite and supporting Quercus semicarpifolia and Abies pindrow as the dominant forest species, had mica, chlorite, kaolinite and mixed layer minerals.
Clay mineralogy, x-ray diffraction, soils under forests
