Variation in Soil Micronutrient Status in Teak Plantations of Different Age Classes with in a Rotation Period in Relation to Natural Forest in Kerala

摘要

A study was carried out in moist deciduous forest and teak plantations of different age classes within a rotation period in the Vazhachal Forest Division, Kerala to assess the micronutrient status of soils and the variation with age in a rotation period. Among micronutrients studied viz, iron, copper, manganese and zinc, iron content first increased and then decreased with age in plantations. The plantations had significantly higher amonut of copper than that in natural forest while the difference in zinc content from natural forest nonsignificant. Manganese in soils of both natural forest and plantations showed no specific pattern of variation. Organic content and pH of the soil was also determined and a significant correlation observed between organic carbon and iron, copper and zinc.