Abstract

Soil properties in different layers (0-20, 20-40, 40-60 and 0-60 cm) in Paraserianthes falcataria plantations in Kerala were subjected to factor analysis. Out of the 11 variables studied (gravel, sand, pH, organic carbon, exchange acidity, exchangeable bases, total N, P, K, Ca and Mg), factor analysis identified four factors which accounted for more than 72 percent variation in these variables in each layer. The four factors were a textural component, an organic matter component, an acidic component and a nutrient component. Certain factors in 0-20 cm, 20-40 cm and 40-60 cm layers were common with those in the 0-60 cm layer. The study also indicated that it is more advisable to interpret the different factors in the 0-60 cm layer rather than those in individual layers