Effect of vegetation change from native broadleaf forest to coniferous plantation on selected soil properties

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of vegetation change from a native broadleaf forest to a coniferous plantation on selected soil properties, including soil texture, pH, organic matter, total nitrogen (N), total phosphorus (P), exchangeable cations (Ca(2+), K(+), Na(+)), and cation exchange capacity (CEC). Results showed that the amount of clay particles, Ca(2+), and K(+) values significantly increased, whereas Na(+), total N, and organic matter and soil pH values decreased on the treatment plot after vegetation change. Soil acidity also increased and soil textural group changed from moderately fine-textured soils (clay loam) to medium-textured soils (loam) under both control and treatment plots. Organic matter, total N, and Na(+) values increased, whereas Ca(2+) concentration decreased through time on the control plot. Soil pH, total P, K(+), and CEC did not show significant changes through time on the control plot.