Variations in Soil Characteristics along Slope Positions of Eroded Sloppy Lands of Tehsil Sohawa, District Jhelum

Abstract

The management of eroded, sloppy soils is somewhat different from leveled lands due to variation in soil physical and chemical properties. To evaluate these properties the research work was planned on the eroded sloppy lands of Sohawa, District Jhelum (also known as Potohar). Collection of Soil samples were done from Top-slope (TS), Mid-Slope (MS) and Bottom-Slope (BS) gradients at two depths. Two catchments were selected for data collection viz. Khallabut catchment and Mohra Pari catchment. Results demonstrated a substantial difference among the physicochemical properties of top, mid and bottom slope soils. The finding of this study depicted that, electrical conductivity EC 0.0.48 dS m^-1, observed at Top Slope compared to 0.63 dSm^-1 at the Bottom Slope gradient. Furthermore phosphorus (5.40 mg kg^-1 at TS compared to 6.39 mg kg^-1 at BS), Potassium (167 mg kg^-1 at TS compared to 215 mg kg^-1 at BS), and Organic matter content (0.47 % at TS compared to 0.70 % at BS at Both sites). The silt was highest at bottom slope i.e., 31 % mainly due to siltation process transported by water erosion. As far as the middle of the slope is concerned the values for all the variables are in between the Top and bottom of the slope. The soil moisture observed 11 % and 9.2 % at Top slope at Khallbut and Mohra Pari Catchment respectively. There was significant effect of slope position on water content as it showed 44 % increase at Bottom of the slope compared to Top slope. Deterioration in physico-chemical attributes of top slope as compared to mid and bottom slopes were assumed to be due to past soil erosion effect that removed the finer soil particles including soil organic matter and other plant nutrients. This study concluded that increasing extent of erosion due to slope effect can further deteriorate soil properties. This study also suggests that the top of the slope need more care and intention of the farmer for better productivity and profit. The slope position had affected water movement from the upper to the lower slope position and this process caused variation of soil chemical characteristic formation.