SOIL PROPERTIES IN TEAK, BOMBAX AND EUCALYPT PLANTATIONS OF TRICHUR FOREST DIVISION, KERALA

Abstract

This paper highlights the nature and properties of soils in monocultures of teak, eucalypt (uncoppiced and coppiced), and mixed stands of teak and bombax plantations. Among the soil properties studied, viz bulk density, particle size separates, soil pH, organic carbon, exchangeable bases and exchange acidity, the chemical properties differed in these plantations in comparison to physical properties. The relatively low values for pH, organic carbon, exchangeable bases and exchange acidity in teak and eucalypt (uncoppiced and coppiced) in relation to teak and bombax plantations necessitate positive measures in the former plantations to preserve and enhance the fertility of the land.