SOIL NUTRIENTS AND ORGANIC CARBON VARIATIONS IN FOREST ANDPASTURE ECOSYSTEMS OF THE GODAVARI RIVER BELT, TELANGANA

Abstract

This study investigates the variations in soil physico-chemical and chemical properties between forest and pasture landuse
systems (LUS) in the Godavari River Belt of Nirmal District, Telangana to assess the soil fertility status. Soil samples from
both LUS were analysed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), calcium carbonate (CaCO3 ), macronutrients
(N, P, K, S) and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, B).The soils of the study area are neutral to slightly alkaline (6.51-8.42), nonsaline
in nature (0.12- 0.80dS m-1)and medium to high in organic carbonstatus (7.3 -11.70 g kg-1) in all land use systems.Results
revealed that forest soils exhibited significantly higher OC (7.9 -11.1 g kg-1), nitrogen (208.62 - 249.72 kg ha-1), and micronutrient
concentrations compared to pasture soils, attributed to greater organic matter input and minimal disturbance. In contrast, pasture
soils showed slightly elevated pH (6.77 - 8.42) and CaCO3 (4.21 - 5.36 g kg-1), likely due to reduced organic turnover and grazing
pressures.Strong positive correlations were observed between OC and nutrient availabilityindicating that nutrient levels are high
due to presence of organic carbon,while pH and CaCO3 negatively influenced micronutrient solubility. These findings underscore
the critical role of forests in maintaining soil fertility through organic matter retention. The study highlights the need for sustainable
pasture management practicessuch as organic amendments and controlled grazingto mitigate soil degradation in the Godavari
River Belt.