Abstract

A study was carried out to find out the effect of teak plantation on soil characteristics in Trichur Forest Division, Kerala, India. A linear transect starting from evergreen forest and passing through moist deciduous forest and teak plantations was taken. Five sub-plots of 50m x 50m were laid out randomly in each vegetational type, each sub-plot separated from the other by about 50m. One soil pit was taken from every sub-plot and samples from 0-15, 15-50 and 50-100 cm layers were collected. Analyses were carried out for particle-size separates, soil pH, water holding capacity, Fe2 O3, organic carbon, total N, P and S. Gravel contents were also determined. On comparing soil properties in the three vegetational types, it was observed that silt, clay, water holding capacity, total N and S were highest in evergreen soils while moist deciduous forests had the highest gravel, organic carbon and total P values. Teak soils possessed highest values for sand, soil pH, Fe2 O3 and Al2