Effect of Forest Tree Species on Properties of Lateritic Soil

The forest tree species in the ten-year-old plantations atforestry block of Central Experiment Station. Wakawali did not change the physical properties of the soil under the canopy but the effect on the chemical properties of the soil were conspicuous. The organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium increased very markedly in the surface layer. The CEC and exchangeable cations were also found to increase due to the decomposition of organic matter added through leaf litter. Calcium was the dominant among the cations. In general, the soils under the forest cover showed higher nutrient status.