Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part A (2025)

Soil quality is a fundamental determinant of ecosystem health, particularly in areas impacted by mining activities, where soil degradation disrupts nutrient cycling, microbial activity, and vegetation growth. This study evaluates the seasonal variations in the physico-chemical properties of soil under different forest tree species in the Nandini Limestone Mines, Chhattisgarh, to assess their potential for ecological restoration. Soil samples were collected from four dominant plantation species—Dalbergia sissoo (S1), Azadirachta indica (S2), Tectona grandis (S3), and Albizia procera (S4)—along with a natural forest (NS) as a control, across three distinct seasons: Pre-Monsoon, Monsoon, and Post-Monsoon. The study analyzed key soil parameters, including pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (P), exchangeable potassium (K), bulk density (BD), moisture content (MC), and water holding capacity (WHC), using standard analytical methodologies. Results indicated significant seasonal fluctuations in soil properties, with Monsoon exhibiting the highest SOC (1.089% in NS), TN (0.241%), MC (26.82%), and WHC (44.23%), attributed to increased microbial decomposition, organic matter accumulation, and higher moisture availability. In contrast, Pre-Monsoon conditions resulted in the lowest SOC, MC, and WHC due to reduced soil moisture and limited biological activity. Among plantation species, D. sissoo (S1) demonstrated the most beneficial impact on soil properties, with SOC ranging from 0.82% (Pre-Monsoon) to 0.962% (Monsoon), TN (0.214%), and WHC (40.50%), highlighting its potential for enhancing soil fertility and structure. A. procera (S4), on the other hand, consistently recorded the lowest SOC (0.687% in Post-Monsoon) and nutrient levels, suggesting its limited efficacy in mine soil restoration. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between SOC, TN, and nutrient availability, emphasizing the role of organic matter in soil fertility. BD exhibited an inverse correlation with SOC and WHC, indicating that increased soil compaction negatively affects water retention and root penetration. The study underscores the importance of selecting appropriate plantation species for mine soil rehabilitation, with D. sissoo emerging as the most effective candidate due to its ability to improve soil carbon content, nitrogen availability, and moisture retention. These findings provide critical insights for sustainable land management practices, afforestation programs, and ecological restoration strategies aimed at improving soil health in degraded mining landscapes.