Relation of Soil Bulk Density with the Soil Carbon in the Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest of Jharkhand, India

Ekta, Malabika Ray

Abstract: Bulk density is an important component of the soil as it helps in understanding the health of the soil. The present study is intended at examining the relationship between bulk density, organic matter and organic carbon content in the soils of tropical dry deciduous forest of Ranchi. Twelve sites were selected and soil samples were collected from 3 depths of soil i. e.0-30, 30-60 and 60-90 cm. Soil bulk density showed negative correlation with SOC, SOM and TC but positive correlation with inorganic carbon. It was positively significant while going down the soil profile.

Keywords: Bulk density, soil organic matter, soil organic carbon, carbon pool, soil productivity