The effects of teak monoculture on forest soils: a case study in Bangladesh

Abstract

Teak plantations date back to 1871 in Bangladesh. This study was designed to assess how teak monoculture has impacted the soil properties in Bangladesh. Multiple linear regression and correlation matrices were estimated to evaluate these impacts. The means of soil physicochemical properties were compared across various attributes of the plantations. Older plantations accumulated more organic carbon in the soils than the younger plantations. Excessive removal of litter from the forest floor resulted in reduced levels of N, P, K, and other nutrients in the soils. Since bulk density was continuously decreasing deeper into the soil, the penetration of mineral nutrients into the soil was low. Furthermore, moisture content in the topsoil was significantly lower than that in the bottom layers due to the exposed and dry condition of the forest floor under teak plantations. For improving depleted teak plantation soils, teak could be planted with other tree species rather than just in monocultures. In addition, the forest floor could be enriched with leguminous herbs and shrubs to improve soil health in these plantations.

Keywords

CHTs / Monoculture / Organic carbon / Soil nutrients / Teak plantation

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