International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences
Seasonal dynamics and tree species affect soil microbial biomass carbon in a semi-arid forest of India
Abstract
Soil microbial biomass is an important component of soil organic carbon and plays a very crucial role in organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling. However, information on the effect of seasons and tree species on soil microbial biomass carbon is very scarce in the semi-arid region of India. We analyzed the effects of different native (Ficus religiosa, Millettia pinnata, and Vachellia leucophloea) and non-native tree species (Albizia lebbeck, Azadirachta indica, Cassia fistula, and Prosopis juliflora) along with a seasonal variation on soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) in a semi-arid forest of Delhi, India. The SMBC was determined by the chloroform-fumigation-extraction method and extracts were analyzed using Liqui TOC II Analyzer. SMBC was significantly higher during monsoon and lower during the winter season. SMBC showed a significant positive correlation with soil moisture and temperature (P < 0.05). The highest SMBC observed under Ficus religiosa (156.85 µg g-1) whereas the lowest under Azadirachta indica (8.69 µg g-1) indicates the importance of native tree species over non-native ones. The pattern showed by tree species was: F. religiosa > A. lebbeck > V. leucophloea > P. juliflora > M. pinnata > C. fistula > A. indica. The results indicate that species having a low C/N ratio in the litter should be preferred more in this region which will increase the overall microbial diversity, the soil quality and help in sustainable management of these vegetations.
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References
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