Effects of Anthropogenic Disturbance on Soil Characteristics in a Forest of Aizawl District, Mizoram

Objectives: Terrestrial ecosystems depend on forests for various services and functions, which are vital to biodiversity. The study examines anthropogenic impacts on soil quality caused due to anthropogenic disturbance. Methods: Three research sites (undisturbed, moderately disturbed, and highly disturbed forest stands) were selected, based on the degree of disturbance considering the canopy cover. Soil samples were collected from two depths i.e., 0-10 cm (topsoil) and 10-20 cm (subsoil) depths on the seasonal basis (pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon seasons) and analysed for various characteristics namely, bulk density, pH, organic carbon content, moisture content, and nutrient availability (potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen). Findings: With a range of 17.44 ± 0.52% to 44.13 ± 0.48%, the results showed an inverse relationship between the degree of disturbance and soil moisture. Soil bulk density values ranging from 0.71 ± 0.11 g/cm3 to 1.36 ± 0.01 g/cm3 and soil compaction increased with disturbance. The less disturbed site had a greater acidic level, with pH range of 4.59 ± 0.06 to 5.88 ± 0.03. Higher concentrations in topsoil showed a substantial variation in the organic carbon content (0.92 ± 0.03%-3.66 ± 0.19%). In contrast to disturbed stands, undisturbed stands have significantly better nutrient availability. The results demonstrate how anthropogenic disturbance impairs soil health. Novelty: Unlike many studies which focus on general forest degradation, the present study shows how anthropogenic activities like jhum cultivation and unsustainable logging have affected the soil health of Mizoram’s forests along various degree of disturbance. It also highlights how seasonal variation affects soil health. The study shows the importance of implementing sustainable forest management practices to prevent soil degradation. Keywords: Anthropogenic disturbance; Forest; Soil nutrient; Seasonal variation; Soil depth