Changes in Soil Properties, Organic Carbon, and Nutrient Stocks After Land‐Use Change From Forests to Grasslands in Kumaun Himalaya, India

Summary

This study investigates the consequences of converting forested land to grassland in the Kumaun Himalayan region of India, with a focus on changes in soil organic carbon and nutrient stocks. Using field-based soil sampling across contrasting land-use types, the authors likely demonstrate that deforestation and conversion to grassland result in measurable declines in soil organic matter and key nutrient pools. The findings contribute to understanding land degradation dynamics in ecologically sensitive mountain ecosystems, where soil carbon loss has implications for both local agricultural productivity and broader carbon cycling.

UK applicability

This study is specific to the montane subtropical conditions of the Kumaun Himalaya and is not directly applicable to UK farming systems; however, the underlying principles regarding soil organic carbon loss following land-use change from woodland to grassland have broader relevance to UK upland land management and woodland-to-pasture conversion debates.

Key measures

Soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks (Mg/ha); soil nutrient stocks (N, P, K and likely micronutrients); bulk density (g/cm³); soil pH; soil texture; moisture content

Outcomes reported

The study measured changes in soil physicochemical properties, organic carbon stocks, and macro- and micronutrient stocks following land-use change from forest to grassland in the Kumaun Himalaya region. It likely quantified differences in soil quality indicators across paired or chronosequence land-use types to assess the extent of degradation or alteration associated with conversion.

Topic tags