Uncovering the Impact of Erosion Conservation Techiques on Soil Attributes in Shivaliks of Lower Himalayas of Jammu, India

Abstract

The present study uncovering the impact of erosion conservation techniques on soil attributes in Shivaliks of lower Himalayas of Jammu. Soil erosion is considered as the main cause of land degradation in hilly areas espially in outer Himalayas. Although the problem persisted on the earth for a longer period, it has become severe in recent times due to increased man-environment interactions. The study was conducted in 2021 at the Merth village of Jammu and Kashmir, India, which is situated in the Kathua district. The catchment area investigated had a clay loam texture and a slope gradient of 3-6%, with a total area of 24.8 acres. The result shows that mean value of bulk density under various erosion control techniques was highest in overgrazing prevention (1.40g cm-3) followed by perimeter runoff control, terrace farming and contour plowing and was lowest in cover crop (1.33g cm-3). The carbon content also increased with the and was highest under cover crop. Carbon act as bridge between nutrient, water and soil. The study strongly recommends adoption of resource conservation techniques for reducing soil erosion & water conservation in submontane Shivaliks.