Influence of Land Use Patterns on Microclimatic Variables in Dampa Tiger Reserve, Mizoram

Objectives: Local climatic conditions directly influence organismal performance and ecosystem functioning. Understanding spatial and temporal variations in microclimatic variables is crucial in the current rapidly changing landscapes. Thus, the present study investigates how microclimatic variables such as air temperature, relative humidity, and soil temperature vary across diverse land use systems in Dampa Tiger Reserve, Mizoram. Methods: Six land use types were selected, namely primary forest, secondary forest, shifting cultivation, and monoculture plantations of oil palm, teak, and areca nut. Midday air temperature, relative humidity, and soil temperature measurements were recorded under each land use system on a seasonal basis‒ pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon seasons. An ART analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to examine the impact of land use on the microclimatic variables. Findings: Primary forest exhibited lower temperature and higher relative humidity compared to the modified land use systems across all seasons. Air and soil temperature peaked during the pre-monsoon season, while relative humidity was at its lowest across all land use types. Primary forest showed the greatest thermal buffering during the pre-monsoon period, with temperatures 4.46°C below the seasonal mean, while the current jhum was 3°C higher than the average. Air temperature and soil temperature were strongly positively correlated (ρ = 0.82, P < 0.01), whereas relative humidity was negatively correlated with air (ρ = -0.45, P < 0.01) and soil temperature (ρ = -0.62, P < 0.01). Novelty: Unlike previous studies in the tropics focusing on single season or single variable, the present study examines how shifts in land use systems and seasons together influence the key microclimatic variables. The findings of the present study strengthen our understanding of land use change impacts on seasonal microclimatic variables and will assist decision makers and local stakeholders in making informed decisions regarding sustainable land use practices. Keywords: Land use, Microclimate, Soil temperature, Seasonal variation, Forest