Abstract

The results of chemical analysis of the soil samples collected from the plantation of multipurpose tree species revealed that the growth of multipurpose tree species significantly influenced the chemical properties and moisture status of the soil. The soil pH was acidic under Emblica officinalis. The top soils under Pterocarpus marsupium showed highest salt accumulation and available P. The K status of soil was highest in the top soils under Casuarina equissetifolia. Litter production was maximum under Acacia auriculiformis and Paraserianthes falcataria. The soil under Paraserianthes falcataria and Acacia auriculiformis consistently showed higher organic carbon and total nitrogen. These attribute contributed to the increase in soil fertility. The soil moisture status under the tree cover was significantly superior to those without tree cover. The soil moisture under tree canopies varied and the results were not consistent. But it was comparatively higher in the case of fast growing multipurpose tree species like Paraserianthes falcataria and Acacia auriculiformis.

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