Effect of soil-erosion on chemical properties of some soil-series in NWFP,Pakistan
2004
Khan, F. | Ahmad, W. | Bhatti, A.U. | Khattak, R.A.,NWFP Agricultural Univ.,Peshawar (Pakistan). Dept. of Soil and Environmental Sciences
Taking into consideration the severity of erosion, the present research workwas conducted during 1999-2000 to determine the effect of past soil-erosion onthe chemical properties of some eroded soil-series of Malakand Agency andadjacent areas of district Charsadda. Six soil-series were selected, includinguneroded to slightly eroded Guliana series, slightly eroded Sakhakot, Mansookaand Bahtar series, moderately eroded Missa series and severely eroded Rajarseries. The soil-samples collected were analyzed for pH (1:5), organic matter (OM),lime content, AB-DTPA extractable P and K. The pH and EC of the eroded soils(Rajar series) were significantly higher (P less than 0.01) than slightly andmoderately eroded soils. Lime content increased significantly (P less than 0.01)with severity of erosion. Organic matter and available P decreased only in Ap andB horizons, with increasing level of erosion. Available K content decreasedsignificantly in Ap-horizon of severely eroded soils, but in B and C horizons thereduction was non-significant. This study concluded that increasing extent oferosion adversely affected the chemical properties of the soils, and the chemicalproperties of Bahtar series were observed to be changing from slightly erodedtowards those of moderately eroded soils (Missa series). To control the adverseeffects of erosion, conservation strategies, such as afforestation, deep tillage,terracing, improvement of field-bunds, addition of organic matter and water-harvesting techniques, are suggested in all these soils. More research needs tobe carried out for the selection of proper cropping-system and land-managementin these areas.
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