Mineralogical Studies in some Soils of North Bihar Afforestation Areas

Quantitative and qualitative mineralogical studies were carried out on soil samples collected from North Bihar afforestation areas, especially those of Champaran District. The data on mineralogical composition of fine sand fractions of the soils bearing poor as well as good stands of forest plantations have been presented and discussed in order to gain more complete knowledge of the mineral reserves and to correlate the same with the growth status. In general, the light minerals form the bulk of the suite. The proportion of garnet is the highest among the heavy, minerals. From the general assemblage the minerals appear to be mosty, characteristic of the metamorphic rocks. Apparently, no direct correlation between the mineral content and the growth status was observed.