Effect of Slope Aspects and Altitude on Some Soil Characteristics in Garhwal Himalayas

In order to understand the effect of aspect and altitude on the soil properties, a detailed investigation was carried out in the soils of Tehri Garhwal of Uttarakhand. Six pedons, representing north and south slope aspects at three altitudes on steep slopes were selected for the present study. Soils developed on northern slopes are darker in colour due to organic horizons on mineral soil surface containing high amounts of clay having low bulk density, high water holding capacity, high cation exchange capacity and organic carbon content than pedons of southern slopes. Vegetation played a dominant role in the soil profile development of the pedons of northern slopes. The soils developed on northern aspects were taxonomically found to be Mollisols and those on southern aspects were Inceptisols.