Research in Forest Soils - A Review

Soil plays an important role in forestry. Rain water running off trees gets trapped in the soil like a sponge where it is retained for trees and plants as a water source. This also serves to limit water run-off into streams and filters various minerals and impurities from the water before it hits streams and rivers. Plant life including trees is essential for maintaining the integrity of the soil. If plants are removed (deforestation due to fire) then the soil is more at risk for erosion. Hence, management of natural and plantation forest soil ecosystem is essential. Research programmes at FC&RI, Mettupalayam by the faculties and scholars are commendable and the technologies are readily accepted by the farming community. With a view to compile the research findings in forest soils emanated from the projects operated at FC &RI, the credit seminar has been planned and contemplated. Research conducted in various aspects has been categorized as follows: 1. Nutrient management studies2. Soil fertility studies under different agroforestry systems 3. Silviculture studies 4. Forest trees on soil properties 5. Studies under natural and plantation forestry ecosystem.