The soil profile of each eco-system varies from the other. So we find different soil profiles of different forests, like teak, pine, bamboo etc. A forester should be well conversant with the nature and properties of soil of the forest under his jurisdiction, besides scientific management of the soil for improving its fertility. He should have complete knowledge in soil management, soil science and co-efficiencies of various soil profiles for plantation of desired species. The soil of Sal forests is generally rich in acidity. The soil is formed by regular decomposition of human and animal bodies and leafs through a bio- chemical action of the soil.
The soil is rich in minerals. Sal forests of Singbhum in Jharkhand and bordering areas in Odisha are highly enriched with different kinds of minerals, especially with hematite or iron ore. Sal prefers iron rich mineral fertilizers present in the soil to carry out its progeny and its life process.
If the top soil of Sal forests is disturbed due to exploitation of minerals, the Sal forest will suffer to a great extent leading to its extinction. The exploitation of minerals of Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj and Sundargarh forests and Saranda forests in Singhbhum has degraded the soil profile paving the way for the colossal destructions of the forest cover. Due to mineral exploration and steady balding of the forest area, the temperature of the land has shot up, which is becoming unbearable for the flora and fauna of the forest. The wetness and sun soothing character of the soil is now absent in the soil.
Most of the hill streams and springs are becoming either dry of semi -dry due to removal of evergreen or semi- evergreen forest covers of the region. The bioclimatic situations have undergone drastic changes while there have been ample alterations in the soil character and its chemical process. The status of the soil 20 year back is no longer present now.
The deficiency in soil moisture in any eco-system, including in the Sal region, degrades the soil quality and in-take of soil nutrient by the plant body. The soil -moisture requirement also varies from plant to plant. The plant grower should study first the physiognomy of a given soil before raising or cultivating any crop or plant.
Therefore, the soil fertility position should always be maintained, lest it would be detrimental to the growth of crops. The soil particles of a given eco- system are guided by the major factors like porosity and texture etc. Acidic soil has much conversional properties of organic maters than any other chemically rich soil. Too much of acidity turns the soil infertile for higher species. Practical observation is highly required in any tree or plant culture.
But the alkalinity always distempers the severity of acidity. While Sal prefers natural soil formation having acidic values, teak prefers alkaline soil.
Organic matters of soil, air and water are the main components for a plant's survival and growth. When natural process of mother soil formation is held up or becomes slow, the productivities of the land go down very swiftly. So, organic manures are added to the soil for improving the quality. The mother earth recharged or re fertilised or remanured through farm yard manure or compost is a very common practice. Odisha has a vast field for achieving bio- fertiliser. The animal carcasses or products such as bone, flesh, horn and hoof besides fish wastes from fishery harbours, fish markets and fish processing units can provide bio-fertilisers for improving the productivity of the land.
Soil improvement through scientific management, no doubt, gives a push to productivity. But proper and adequate irrigation boosts agricultural yields.
(The writer is a former senior forest officer and an environmentalist)