Spatial variability in soil physicochemical properties across forest disturbances in the different forest divisions of Jharkhand, India

Forests provide a wide range of ecosystem processes and services, including net primary production, climate regulation, water regulation, and nutrient cycling. However, forest ecosystems face immense pressure from various human-induced and natural disturbances, which significantly contribute to their degradation. The restoration of forests is a critical global concern, particularly in Jharkhand, India, where forests are highly vulnerable to mining activities and land degradation. The restoration and maintenance of forests are required which cannot be comprehended without understanding of soil. In this context, the present study was conducted to analyse the physicochemical properties of forest soils under forest disturbances across all forest divisions of Jharkhand. Stratification was conducted by grouping areas based on forest type (dense/moderately dense forests and open/scrub/degraded forests) in 31 forest divisions. Within each stratum, random sampling points were selected for each division. Soil samples were collected at three depths: 0–30 cm, 30–60 cm, and 60–90 cm. The collected soil samples were analysed for 12 soil parameters including, basic parameters (pH, EC and Organic Carbon), major nutrients (Available Nitrogen (AN), Available phosphorus (AP) and Exchangeable Potassium (AK)), secondary nutrients (Available Sulphur (AS)) and micronutrients (Available.) Zinc (Zn), boron (B), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu)). The result of two-way ANOVA showed a significant ( P < 0.05 ) variation in forest pH, EC and OC at disturbance as well as soil depth factors among 31 forest divisions of Jharkhand state. All the 12 soil parameters recorded a decreasing trend from NDF > MDF > DF and 0–30 > 30–60 > 60–90 cm at the disturbance and soil depth respectively. The correlation matrix among soil parameters recorded a positive relation between Fe with Mn (0.975 P < 0.001 ), EC with pH (0.243 P < 0.001) and AK to AP (0.221 P < 0.001). The calculation of recommended dose of fertilizers revealed that most forest divisions in Jharkhand require additional NPK, except for Bokaro, Chatra South, Deoghar, Giridih East, Giridih West, Jamtara, Koderma, Medininagar, Sahibganj, and Saraikela divisions. This research identifies nutrient deficiencies in the soil and provides recommendations for calculating fertilizer doses to support sustainable management practices and enhance plantation success.