Impact of Alien Invasive Species (Cassia spectabilis DC.) on Soil Properties in Nagarahole Tiger Reserve Akshayakumari A.*, Hareesh T.S., Sathish B.N., Nayak B.G., Devagiri G.M., Rohan P.L., Rashmitha H.R. Department of Forest Biology and Tree Improvement, College of Forestry, Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga, Ponnampet-571 216, India *E-mail: akshaya141999@gmail.com
Online Published on 20 February, 2024. Abstract The aggressive behavior of invasive alien plants has been reported to alter the plant species composition and is even observed to replace the native species. The current study was carried out to evaluate the impact of Cassia spectabilis on soil properties in D B Kuppe and Anechowkur Range of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, located in Karnataka, India. The intensity of infestation was categorized into three level viz., highly infested, moderately infested and non-infested areas. Four soil samples were collected at 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm depths randomly and composite sample was made and analyzed for soil physicochemical properties, which varied significantly between different levels of infestation across locations as well as across different depths. In both locations, the moderately infested areas recorded the highest percentage of organic matter. Soils within C. spectabilis had greater moisture content, electric conductivity, higher pH and highest percentage of organic matter than soils from other levels of infestation. But bulk density was highest in non-infested areas of C. spectabilis. Correlation analysis for tree regeneration with soil properties revealed that most of the variables were correlated with each other. Top Keywords Cassia spectabilis DC., Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, Alien invasive, Physicochemical properties, Soil properties. Top |