SEASONAL AND TEMPORAL VARIATION IN SOIL MICROBIAL BIOMASS C, N AND P IN DIFFERENT TYPES LAND USES OF DRY DECIDUOUS FOREST ECOSYSTEM OF UDAIPUR, RAJASTHAN, WESTERN INDIA

The soil microbial biomass of soil is being increasing recognized as sensitive indicator of soil quality. Its knowledge is fundamental for sustainable environment management. The soil microbial biomass C, N and P were studied in four different land uses of dry tropical forest of Udaipur, Rajasthan, Western India to assess the influence of abiotic, physico-chemical variables and difference in different land uses (mixed forest, butea plantation, grassland and agricultural lands) on the seasonal variation in soil microbial biomass. Microbial biomass C, N and P were highest during rainy season and lowest during winter in all the four different land use with the exception of microbial N which was lowest in summer in mixed forest and butea plantation. Microbial biomass C and N were shown to be significantly correlated to the abiotic and physico-chemical variables of the soil, such as soil temperature, relative humidity, soil moisture, organic C, total N, clay, and pH. Present study clearly shows that land use has a significant effect on microbial biomass C, N and P in soil by altering natural soil characteristics under the same ecological conditions.