A Study on Some Important Soil Properties of Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh, India

Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary located in Niwari district of Madhya Pradesh remains unexplored and calls for recording of both soil and floristic data to ensure better management and conservation. It is important to study the soil because soil characteristics determine the plant diversity and forest productivity which provides food security to wildlife and influences environmental stability. In the present work, soil samples were collected from sites located within and around the sanctuary and were analysed for some important properties, micronutrients and macronutrients. The slightly acidic soils present in different locations in the sanctuary are predominated by sandy loam texture and reddish to red colour of soil. Soil organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur were present in low range. Boron was found to be optimum, iron was present in marginal concentration, zinc was found to be deficient, copper in high concentration and manganese ranged from marginal to high. These results indicate that the low range of macronutrients and a few micronutrients can pertain to a low plant diversity in the sanctuary. The forest soils are neglected as they are self sustaining but some interventions like reforestation can be made to improve their productivity The preliminary knowledge of soil properties of this natural vegetation can be helpful in planning better productivity of the soil and consequently, it will indirectly improve the living conditions of the wildlife residing in it.The study of floristic and phytosociological studies are also complimented by soil studies.

@article{shreya2026,
  author  = {Shreya Tripathi* and Prem L. Uniyal},
  title   = {{A Study on Some Important Soil Properties of Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh, India}},
  journal = {Journal of Bioresearch},
  year    = {2026},
  volume  = {1},
  number  = {1},
}