Physico-chemical soil attributes associated with Bambusa plantation at Rana Safari Park, Head Balloki

Abstract

Bamboo (Bambusa spp.) plantations can change soil physical and chemical characteristics. This impacts nutrient cycling, moisture retention, and soil fertility. This study evaluated soil properties under Bambusa plantations at Rana Safari Park, Head Balloki, Punjab, Pakistan. The park spans 250 acres, with roughly 200 acres covered by bamboo forest. Six representative plantation sites were sampled at standard depths to assess physical attributes, such as texture, moisture content, and saturation percentage, along with chemical attributes, including pH, electrical conductivity, and macro- and micro-nutrients. Soil analyses followed standard protocols, and we evaluated results using Redundancy Analysis (RDA). Soils showed slight alkalinity, with pH levels between 7.51 and 8.72. Electrical conductivity varied from 0.324 to 1.796 dS m⁻¹. The contents of sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺), and nitrogen (N) ranged from 11 to 47 mg g⁻¹, 14 to 32 mg g⁻¹, 3 to 38 mg g⁻¹, and 0.196 to 0.294 mg g⁻¹, respectively. Moisture content ranged from 8.35% to 29.6%, and saturation percentage varied from 33% to 45%. Textures ranged from sandy loam to sandy clay loam. The findings show that Bambusa plantations improve soil nutrient levels and water retention. They play a crucial role in soil conservation and sustainable land management in semi-arid ecosystems.