Nutrient recycling under monoculture conditions in the tropical forest ecosystems

Abstract

A study has been made on the forest soils of the Kulathupuzha range in Kerala State with a view to determine the extent to which the morphological, physical and chemical characters of these soils are affected by eucalyptus, teak and rubber plantations. The soils collected from several locations and from adjacent natural forests were studied for their physico-chemical properties including profile description and root disribution . Plant and leaf litter samples were also collected from these locations and subjected to detailed chemical analysis to estimate the quantity of nutrients available for recirculation and to follow the effect of each vegetation on the nutrient status of the soil.