Varying Trends and Characteristics in Soil Properties in Transition Ecosystems a Case Study of the Tonle Sap Riverbank to Paddy Fields

Abstract

Aims: To assess whether rural settlement areas (RSA) function as transitional zones between the temporarily flooded forests and paddy fields. Study Design: Chhnuktrou commune, Kampong Chhnang province, Cambodia was selected. Place and Duration of Study:101 samples were collected form the study area. Soil samples were selected with 4 types of land use (Riverbank, flooded forest, Rural settlement areas, and paddy fields). Soil samples were collected in all plots in the dry season at the same depth level (0-10cm). Methodology: All the samples analyzed the soil physicochemical such as Bulk density, soil particle size, pH and Electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic matter and C stocks. The experiment was carried out in the soil laboratory at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia. Results: The results revealed a fertility gradient from the riverbank to the paddy fields, with higher clay contend and carbon concentrations observed in riverbank and flooded forest. Interestingly, RSA exhibited distinct soil properties with localized enrichment in clay and carbon, most likely driven by anthropogenic factors such as waste accumulation and sediment redistribution. Conclusion: These findings emphasize the unique pedological characteristics of RSA and underscore the importance of considering them in land-specific soil management strategies within floodplain landscapes.