Assessment Of Soil Nutrient Dynamics And Soil Quality Across Eastern To Western Ghtas Transition Zone From Bannerghatta To BRT Tiger Reserve

Abstract

Soil macronutrients are critical drivers of forest ecosystem productivity, resilience, and biodiversity. This study investigates soil nutrient dynamics across four protected areas (Bannerghatta National Park, Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, and Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve) in southern India. Each PA was sampled with forest, riparian, and agricultural plots, enabling a comparative assessment. We analyzed soil chemical properties (pH, EC, OC, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe) and integrated soil quality indicators through statistical and PCA-based Soil Quality Index (SQI). Results reveal clear gradients along the ecological transect, with increasing soil depth, organic carbon, and base cation availability from BNP to BRT. Riparian plots consistently showed higher fertility, while agricultural soils exhibited imbalances and nutrient depletion. The findings highlight the necessity of vegetation-specific and topography-sensitive management strategies for sustainable forest ecosystems.