Influence of tree species on soil characteristics in subtropical forest ecosystem: a case study in North-West Pakistan.

Subtropical forest ecosystem encompasses about 1.7% of the total land area of Pakistan and share in country's forest cover is ~32%. A blend of imperative services is being provided by this ecosystem. Tree species control forest ecosystem and directly influence soil productivity. Soil structure and fertility status are improved by litter fall and humus formation that is greatly dependent on plant species. Present study investigated the role of dominant tree species in improving soil profile concerning subtropical forest ecosystem. The study area was district Lower Dir in North-West Pakistan. Five sites were selected for composite soil sampling to take in three forest cover types i.e. chir pine, blue pine and mixed forests. The collected soil samples were anal yzed for physical and chemical characteristics using conventional methods. Soil pH, phosphorus and potassium showed significant influence of forest cover type. Organic matter and nitrogen present in soil showed meaningful relation. However, soil EC and BD results appeared to have low influence of vegetation. Generally, vegetation enhances organic matter in soil due to plant decay and litter fall but non-significant difference was observed for forest cover type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]