Fine Root Biomass and Nutrient Concentration at Subtropical Disturbed Mixed Forest and Undisturbed Mixed Oak Forest of Manipur, North-Eastern India

Abstract

Fine root biomass and its nutrient concentration in different soil depths (0-10cm, 10-20cm and 20-30 cm) were studied in disturbed mixed Pine forest (forest site I) and undisturbed mixed oak forest (forest site II) at Senapati District, Manipur. Fine roots from both the study sites were collected by soil corer. Maximum fine root biomass were found in 1-10 cm (2037.80 gm -2 in forest site I and 2170.63 gm -2 in forest site II) throughout the year in both the study sites. Maximum fine root biomass was found in the month of December (205.65 gm -2 and 223.40 gm -2 in forest site I and site II respectively). The amount of nutrient (NPK) in fine roots varies in different soil depth in both the study sites throughout the year.