Effect of Eucalyptus Based Agroforestry Systems on Soil Properties in Different Land Use Patterns in Upper-gangetic Plains of Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

The present study was conducted during kharif season 2022 and 2023 at the Padila Nursery, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Eco-Rehabilitation Centre, Prayagraj, U.P. to compare the distribution of chemical properties and nutrient status of soil in two different depths under seven land use systems viz., T1:Eucalyptus+Mentha+Tulsi, T2:Eucalyptus+Mentha, T3:Eucalyptus+Tulsi, T4:Eucalyptus Sole, T5:Mentha+ Tulsi Sole, T6:Mentha Sole and T7:Tulsi sole. Before transplanting of the medicinal plants (mentha and tulsi) and after harvesting, the soil sampling was performed to determine the soil parameters like organic carbon and the minerals content. Eucalyptus based agroforestry system performed better as compared to sole crop in respect of various soil chemical properties and available nutrients status in soil at different soil depths. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium content and organic carbon were higher in the agroforestry system as compared to the open farming system. In both experimental year, the average maximum available N, P, K and organic carbon at 0-15 cm (240.23 kg/ha, 28.85 kg/ha, 135.53 kg/ha and 0.88 gm/kg respectively) and 15-30 cm (227.07 kg/ha, 25.35 kg/ha, 125.52 kg/ha and 0.55 gm/kg respectively) was observed in T3: Eucalyptus + Tulsi. A high soil pH was found in an open farming system and lower pH in an agroforestry system. The maximum soil pH for both experimental year was found in the T5: Mentha + Tulsi Sole with the average value of 7.62 in 0-15cm depth and 7.67 in 15-30 cm depth. Overall, this study determines the effect of eucalyptus based agroforestry systems on soil nutrients.