Ramesh Kumar Yadav and S.K. Verma
Abstract
Understanding the influence of different land-use practices on soil physicochemical properties is crucial for improving land productivity and designing sustainable management strategies. This study assessed variations in physical, chemical, and nutrient properties of soils under six major land-use systems: agriculture, agroforestry, forest patch, garden, grassland, and woodlot in the Avadh region of the Eastern Gangetic Plains, Uttar Pradesh. Soil samples were collected at two depths (0-15 cm and 15-30 cm) using both disturbed and undisturbed sampling methods, with three replications per land-use type. Undisturbed cores were analyzed for bulk density, particle density, and total porosity were determined from undisturbed cores, while composite samples were analyzed for pH, EC, organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur. Statistical analysis indicated notable variations among the land-use systems. Results revealed significant variations across land-use systems. Forest patches, woodlots, and agroforestry systems maintained superior soil physical conditions, exhibiting lower bulk density and higher total porosity compared to agriculture and garden lands, where continuous tillage increased compaction. Soil chemical properties also differed markedly. The forest patch and woodlot soils exhibited the highest organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur due to continuous litter deposition and minimal disturbance. In contrast, agricultural soils showed the lowest nutrient levels, reflecting intensive cultivation, educed biomass return, and rapid organic matter depletion. Soil pH ranged from slightly acidic to neutral across the region, increasing with depth, while organic carbon and nutrient contents consistently declined with soil depth under all land uses. Overall, the findings indicate that tree-based systems, particularly forest patches, woodlots, and agroforestry, significantly enhance soil quality, whereas continuous cultivation adversely affects soil structure and fertility.