Abstract
Cherrapunjee has ragged terrains and deep slopes. Barren rocks without any vegetation cover are dominating feature of the area. Study on soil physico-chemical properties done for re-establishment of vegetation in near future. Soils were shallow, coarse textured, less fertile in terms of available nutrient (N, P, K and Ca, Mg), and are acidic. Soil erosion is severe. Dominant plant species are Saccharum spontanum, Neyraudia reynaudiana, Setaria glauca, Axonopus compressus, and Imperata cylindrica. Some dicotyledonous species such as Trifolium repens, Robustum spp, Schima wallichii, Eugenia sp., Musanda sp. Toona ciliata, Pandanus odoratissimus, Erythrina arborescens, Myrica esculenta, Pinus kesiya, Alnus nepalensis, Exbucklandia populania etc. were observed as natural vegetation in patches. Soil conservation practices such as bench terrace, stone bunding, grassed water ways etc. can be adopted. Soil erosion could be controlled by developing grasses and pasture land. Planting nitrogen fixing herbs and shrubs at the initial stage may be done for buildup of soil nutrient and organic matter. Soil mulching along with the fertilizer treatment may prove effective for initial establishment of plantation.
Keywords
Fertilizer treatment, Terrains, Soil Conservation, Re-Establishment, Vegetation, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya, Bio-Rejuvenation