Abstract:
An analysis of soil physico-chemical properties and growth parameters under some dominating vegetations was done during July 2018 - June 2019. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design having seven naturally dominating tree species such as
Shorea robusta, Tectona grandis, Mallotus philippensis, Xantolis tomentosa, Acacia nilotica, Bambusa bambos and
Bambusa bambos (Dwarf) with three replications. The analysis revealed that soils under
Acacia nilotica possessed highest bulk density (1.42 g/cm
3) whereas
Mallotus philippensis had lowest (1.27g/cm
3). Particle density of soil under
Xantolis tomentosa was recorded highest (2.61 g/cm
3) while
Bambusa bambos (Dwarf) registered minimum (2.44 g/cm
3). Maximum pH and electrical conductivity were resulted under
Acacia nilotica (8.20 and 0.045 dSm
-1 respectively) whereas minimum pH under
Shorea robusta (5.89) and minimum EC under
Bambusa bambos (Dwarf) (0.005 dSm
-1). The soil organic carbon under
Bambusa bambos claimed highest (13.85 g/kg soil) while
Shorea robusta secured minimum (5.44 g/kg soil). With regard to growth,
Tectona grandis excelled in height (37.35m) whereas
Bambusa bambos (Dwarf) achieved minimum height (3.95 m). Average clump diameter of
Bambusa bambos was significantly higher (108 cm) and lowest value (12.61 cm) was recorded under
Xantolis tomentosa.
Bambusa bambos generated highest basal area per hectare (47.53 m
2/ha) while
Xantolis tomentosa registered the lowest (2.27 m
2/ha). The results indicated that dominance of different vegetations within the same climatic condition is due to variation in soil properties and those properties should be taken into account for recommending the suitable species for a particular site.