Distribution of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur in the soil in a multiple habitat system in India

• DOI: 10.1071/sr08087
• Publication Date: 2009-03-31T08:13:51Z
• Authors: B. Anjan Kumar Pr...; Rachna Chandra; P. A. Azeez
• Keywords: Litter; Soil horizon; Soil carbon; Soil test

We measured the background level and spatial variation of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S) associated basic soil parameters along depth profile for 3 years, in habitats (woodland, wetland, grassland), Keoladeo National Park (KNP), an important water fowl reserve a world heritage site India. The study examined soils at 5 depths (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 1.0 m) i.e. from 2003 to 2005. Total organic C (TOC), total N (TN), available P (TAP), S (TAS), irrespective habitat type year, were found be highest litter layer, gradually declining with depth. Elemental ratios (C : N, P, S) followed same trend, whereas ratio increased down profile. high layer suggest relatively low mobilisation decaying detritus layer. All variables studied varied significantly among layers (GLM-ANOVA, < 0.05). Principal component analysis (PCA) showed 4 components based on examination scree plot. first accounted 27.1% variance characteristics samples, reflecting influence such as TOC, pH. second 23.5% variance, dissolved solids (TDS) TAS. elemental was pointed by third component, 14.2% variance. fourth 13.6% indicating TN. Thus, PCA that 78.4% data can qualified P/soil P/C, TDS/TAS, ratio, TN, respectively.