Influence of vegetation and land-use changes on soil organic carbon (SOC) and nutrient status in the cold, arid climate of Ladakh Trans-Himalayan region, India

The present study investigates the influence of vegetation and land use conversion on SOC and soil nutrient status in the cold arid climate of Ladakh, Trans Himalaya. We conducted field surveys and collected soil samples from various land use categories, including agricultural land (AL), tree plantation land (TPL), pasture land (PL) and barren land (BL). The SOC and other soil quality parameters were estimated at different depth. Analysis of soil samples revealed significant variations in SOC content and nutrient level among different land use types in different sites of the study area. AL and TPL exhibited the highest levels of SOC and nutrients attributed to organic matter inputs from cultivation practices. In contrast, BL displayed the lowest levels of SOC and nutrients indicating minimal organic matter accumulation. PL exhibited intermediate levels, influenced by grazing activities and vegetation cover. Land conversion from BL to TPL and AL activates significant improvement in the level of SOC and nutrient status in the study area. This study examines how changes in vegetation cover and land-use practices impact SOC levels and soil nutrients in Ladakh's fragile environment. Findings of the study suggest a strong correlation between land use patterns and soil fertility parameters highlighting the importance of land management practices in preserving soil health in cold arid regions. Further, these findings underscore the vulnerability of plantation land to degradation and emphasize the urgent need for climate-smart, adaptive land use and management strategies to enhance carbon sequestration and improve soil health in the fragile ecosystem of Ladakh