Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

Vol 27, Oct Suppl. Issue, 2021; Page No.(248-252)

SEASONAL VARIATION OF SOIL RESPIRATION IN DRY DECIDUOUS FOREST OF PALAKONDALU HILLS, SOUTHERN EASTERN GHATS, ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA

C. Venkata Ramana and M. Sridhar Reddy

Abstract

The objective of the study was to estimate seasonal variation in soil respiration (SR) rate and its relationship with soil microclimate variables. The field experiments was carried out during 2018 August to 2019 July to record the monthly soil respiration (SR) rate, soil moisture, soil temperature and soil organic carbon in the study site. Significant seasonal variation in SR rates was recorded similar trend in soil moisture levels and soil organic content was also observed. SR was found to be higher in rainy season (148.7 CO2mg/m2/h) followed by summer season (135.9 CO2 mg/m2/h) and winter season (121.8 CO2mg/m2/h). A significant positive relationship between monthly SR rate and soil moisture was observed. SR rates featured no significant negative relationship with soil temperature and a weak positive relationship with SOC. The study indicates that the rate of soil respiration was mainly influenced by soil moisture levels followed by soil temperature.