Impact of Land Uses on Soil Quality and Microbial Dynamics in Eastern Indian Terai Region

Soil quality and microbial dynamics are major determining factors of soil’s ecosystem functions. The eastern Indian Terai region, situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, is known for its diverse land uses and coarse alluvial fertile soils. This study examined the impact of two distinct land uses i.e. forests and croplands on soil quality and microbial dynamics in a part of this Terai region, located within the Indian state of West Bengal. Outcomes indicated that forest soils had higher total organic carbon and better microbial dynamics in terms of biomass carbon and activity. Regular addition of fresh organic matter (by leaf and litterfall) and higher residence time of carbon in undisturbed ecology may be the causes for this. In contrast, cropland soils showed higher presence of available nitrogen and phosphorus, possibly due to injudicious application of fertilizers. Leaching and runoff losses of these elements might cause environmental degradation like nitrate contamination in water and eutrophication. This study emphasized how natural ecology like forest improves soil quality and microbial dynamics while anthropogenic managements cause soil and environmental degradations.