Abstract

This paper evaluates the suitability of Ochlandra travancorcia Benth., (reed bamboo) for sustaining the health of degrading soils in Western Ghats of Kerala. Large number of surface soil samples were collected from predominently reed growing areas of the state and important soil properties were studied. Results indicate that the soils under reed are endowed with high content of organic carbon and this makes the morphological and physico-chemical properties very conducive for plant growth. High diversity of soil fauna is observed in these soills, majority of them having significant role in litter decomposition. The low soil erodibility status, high efficiency in soil nutrient enrichment through leaf litter and better socio-economic aspects also proclaim that reed bamboo can be used as an economically and socially viable plant for effective soil management in critical areas of Western Ghats in Kerala