Spatial Variability of Soil Properties and Phytosociological Study Under Different Aged of Tectona grandis Stands in and Around Balaghat (M.P.)

The spatial variability of soil properties and phytosociological study under different age series plantations of T. grandis at Balaghat (M.P.) was studied. The effect of trees on soil pH and organic carbon is promient under older plantations. Site I (1936) and site II (1948) exhibited better soil properties than site III and IV. Variability of soil pH and org. C in perpendicular transects (N-S and E-W) showed more variations and heterogeneity at site I and site III. Directional variations do not show any definite pattern. Effect of individual tree on soil pH was significant at site II and III but it decrease with distance from main stem , while organic carbon exhibited a significant decrease at site I. Site I and II showed over all more heterogeneity followed by other sites. Phytosociological parameters. Like IVI and coefficient of dominance were higher at site I as compared to other sites. Diversity index value (H) and number of tree soecies were maximum at site II. Species diversity was directly related with soil heterogeneity.