Characterization of some eroded soil series in Malakand agency anddistrict Charsadda [Pakistan]

Three pits were dug up to the depth of C-horizon in each series for thepurpose of replication. Both core samples and disturbed samples were collectedfrom Ap. B and C-horizon. The data collected on soil properties showedconsiderable variation in slightly moderately and severely eroded series. Soiltextural analysis showed that sand content decreased while clay contentincreased with severity of erosion. Silt showed a mixed variation of eitherincrease or decrease with increasing erosion level. Bulk density significantlyincreased with the erosion level and from topsoil to subsoil. Total porosity andsaturation percentage decreased with increasing the severity of erosion andfrom - topsoil to subsoil. The saturation percentage of Ap and C-horizon wereslightly greater than B-horizon of different series in moderately eroded soils.The percent available water decreased with increase in the severity of erosionand from topsoil to subsoil. The pH of the severely eroded soils was observedto be significantly higher than the slightly and moderately eroded soils in Apand C-horizon. Similarly soil. pH increased with increasing soil depth. Theelectrical conductivity slightly increased as the extent of erosion increasedbut significant increase was observed in severely eroded soils in all the Ap Band C-horizons. Organic matter showed a significant reduction with theincreasing erosion level in Ap and B-horizon while in C-horizon a nonsignificant change was observed. Organic matter content also decreased withincreasing soil depth. In Ap- horizon of some moderately eroded soil series(Missa series) organic matter content increased than the organic mattercontent of slightly eroded series (Mansooka series) due to surface applicationof farm yard manure (FYM). The available phosphorus content showed asignificant reduction with severity of erosion in Ap and B-horizon. C-horizonslight reduction in available phosphorus occurred as C-horizon was not muchexposed to application of phosphate fertilizers increased the phosphoruscontent of some moderately eroded series than slightly eroded series (Missaseries greater than Sakhakot series). Lime content showed a significantincrease with severity of erosion and in C-horizon. Available potassiumsignificantly decreased in Ap-horizon of severely eroded soil, but in B and C-horizon a non-significant reduction was observed. Correlation studies showednegative correlation between organic matter and bulk density, and positivecorrelation organic matter and available, phosphorus, and electricalconductivity and pH. Negative correlation was observed between bulk densityand saturation percentage and bulk density and available water holdingcapacity. The r2 value between bulk density and available water holdingcapacity was highly significant (P less than 0.0:1) in Ap-horizon (r2= 0.84) andB-horizon (r2= 0.53). The correlation between electrical conductivity and pHwas also highly significant in Ap-horizon (r2= 0.58) and in C-horizon (r2= 0.46)and significant (P less than 0.05) in B-horizon (r2= 0.31). The correlationbetween bulk density and saturation percentage was also highly significant inall Ap. B, C-horizon (r2= 0.82, 0.85) and 0.56 respectively). It can be thaterosion adversely affected the physical and chemical properties of the soils,which will consequently influence crop productivity. It is imperative to controlsoil erosion through scientific understanding management and conservationstrategies such as the afforestation, deep tillage, terracing, improvement offield bunds, addition of organic matter and water harvesting in the erosionprone areas of Bahatar. Missa and Raja series. Proper fertilizer management isneeded to control nutrient deficiencies and increase water and fertilizer useefficiency.