Impact of Anthropogenic Pressure on Physico-chemical Characteristics of Forest Soils of Kashmir Himalaya

The present study was carried out during the years 2017–2018 and assessed the impact of anthropogenic activities on the physico-chemical characteristics of soil in the Kashmir Himalaya. At disturbed sites anthropogenic activities like deforestation, grazing, tourism, urbanization, traffic etc. are seen prominent and their effect on soil environment resulted in less vegetation cover and exhibited diminution in organic matter. There was a significant increase in moisture content (21.13 ± 1.51), organic carbon (2.65% ± 0.52%), available nitrogen (493.790 ± 2.105 kg/ha), and potassium (432.727 ± 1.738 kg/ha) at undisturbed area Baerabal Harwan. However, there was a reduced pH (5.39 ± 0.230) and available phosphorus (18.993 ± 1.370) at undisturbed area in contrast to disturbed sites. Significantly higher values of Fe, Cu, Zn and Ni were found in disturbed areas (46.33 ± 0.16, 3.972 ± 0.001, 2.224 ± 0.003 and 1.7033 ± 0.002 ppm) respectively. The present findings could be helpful in formulating conservation strategies of soil at disturbed areas that are affected by anthropogenic activities which effects the soil microbial health of the forest soils. The study therefore indicated the need for employing best forest management and effective enforcement with vigorous reforestation programmes and would be a way forward towards mitigating the ongoing deterioration of the plant–soil system, sustaining forest productivity and soil fertility in the long run, and protecting people’s livelihoods.