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Are there studies on soil fertility beneath forest covers, particularly in the north-west Himalayas?

My meta-analysis focuses on soil carbon sequestration in mountain ecosystems. For the north-western Himalayas, I find fragmented studies but not a clear synthesis on how bedrock, tree species, and altitude interact to shape nutrient pools over time. I need to know if comprehensive longitudinal or comparative studies exist to cite.

 

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By Joshna Answered 2 years ago

Yes, there is a solid body of work, though it's often region-specific. I've collaborated on studies in Himachal and Uttarakhand. The consensus is that these forests, particularly deodar and oak stands, develop thick organic horizons (O-layers) that foster high SOC, nitrogen, and microbial biomass compared to adjacent grasslands or degraded lands. However, the key finding is the role of litter quality: broadleaf forests often support faster nutrient cycling than coniferous ones. I would recommend searching the work of researchers from FRI Dehradun and the G.B. Pant Institute they have published detailed soil profiles and nutrient budgets for these ecosystems.

 

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