Research Article | Published: 07 January 2021

Characteristics and Carbon Sequestration Potential of Lateritic Forest Soils under Different Management Systems in West Bengal, India

Samar Kumar Banerjee, Samar  Kumar Gangopadhyay, Tridib Kumar Sahoo and Saikat Banerjee

Indian Journal of Forestry | Volume: 43 | Issue: 2 | Page No. 101-106 | 2020
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2021-FLS86Q | Cite this article

Abstract

Lateritic soils of West Bengal supporting Sal (Shorea robusta Gaertn. f.) under different management systems viz., by Forest Protection Committee (FPC), Forest Department and without any management were studied to characterize the soils and their carbon sequestration potential. Soils were medium to high in bulk density, low in pH, low to medium in organic carbon, low in clay content and cation exchange capacity. The study reveals that the soils managed FPC contain higher carbon stock in comparison to that of plantation stand (managed by Forest Department) and degraded forest soils (all are in a contiguous area). The FPC management improves the soil health with comparatively high organic matter content which in turn lowers the bulk density, making the soil porous with higher moisture and nutrient holding capacity which ultimately enhances the carbon sequestration of soil. These results will be useful to the planners, forest managers and administrators.

 

Keywords

Carbon sequestration, Forest soil, Lateritic region, Management systems, Sal tree, Soil health, West Bengal

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How to cite

Banerjee, S.K., Gangopadhyay, S.K., Sahoo, T.K. and Banerjee, S., 2020. Characteristics and Carbon Sequestration Potential of Lateritic Forest Soils under Different Management Systems in West Bengal, India. Indian Journal of Forestry, 43(2), pp.101-106. https://doi.org/10.54207/bsmps1000-2021-FLS86Q

Publication History

Manuscript Received on 12 August 2020

Manuscript Revised on 16 September 2020

Manuscript Accepted on 28 September 2020

Manuscript Published on 07 January 2021

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