Comparative assessment on physico-chemical properties of coal mining affected and non-affected forest soil at Changki, Nagaland Semy Khikeya*, Singh M.R. Centre for Biodiversity, Department of Botany Nagaland UniversityLumami-798 627, India *E-mail:khikeyasemy@gmail.com
Online published on 9 March, 2021. Abstract Coal mining activities along the forested hills and plains of various districts in Northeast India has caused substantial environmental damages altering the landscape and soil properties as well. The present study aims to evaluate the soil physico-chemical parameters of the coal mining affected forest (CMAF) and non-affected forest (NAF) at Changki, Nagaland, India. Soil samples were collected at varying depths from September, 2018 to August, 2019 covering the four seasons viz., winter, spring, summer and autumn. The soil parameters such as soil organic carbon, pH, porosity, soil moisture, particle density, exchangeable potassium, available nitrogen, available phosphorus and cation exchange capacity were higher in NAF soil in all the seasons. Comparative analysis between the results of the two sites indicates deteriorated soil quality and altered soil properties in the affected forest as the rejuvenating process is hampered while the soil nutrient availability and organic carbon composition in the NAF indicates fertile soil status. Top Keywords Changki, Coal mines, Disturbed forest, Soil quality, Seasonal values. Top |