Spatial and vertical variation of rhizosphere soil physicochemical and biological properties in Deciduous forests of Bangladesh

Authors

  • M Azizar Rahaman Wildlife and Nature Conservation Circle, Bangladesh Forest Department, Ban Bhaban, Agargaon, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh
  • Mohammad Ashraful Alam Ecology, Environment and Natural Resource Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
  • Md Latiful Bari 2Food, Nutrition and Agriculture Research Division, Centre for Advanced Research in Science, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
  • Ashfaque Ahmed Ecology, Environment and Natural Resource Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Dhaka, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v54i4.86582

Keywords:

Physicochemical properties, Bhawal and Madhupur Sal forests, Soil respiration, Microbial activity, Vertical distribution

Abstract

Soil physicochemical and biological properties are key determinants of ecosystem functioning in tropical deciduous forests. This study investigated the spatial and vertical variability of soil characteristics and microbial activity in the Bhawal (BNP) and Madhupur (MNP) Sal forests of Bangladesh. Rhizosphere soil samples were collected from two depths to analyze physicochemical and biological parameters. Two-way ANOVA, correlation, regression, and NMDS analyses were applied to evaluate variation and interrelationships. Significant spatial and vertical differences (p <0.001) were observed, where Madhupur exhibiting higher OC, TN, CEC, and microbial activity than Bhawal. Upper soil layers showed greater microbial abundance and respiration, while deeper layers had higher sodium but lower biological activity. Regression analysis identified OC, TP, and Na as key positive predictors of soil respiration, whereas CEC had a negative influence. NMDS ordination distinguished samples by site and depth, emphasizing the dominant role of nutrient and microbial factors in soil variability. Overall, soil heterogeneity in the Sal forests is primarily governed by organic matter and microbial processes, with anthropogenic disturbance reducing fertility in Bhawal.

Bangladesh J. Bot. 54(4): 967-975, 2025 (December)

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Published

2025-12-30

How to Cite

Rahaman, M. A., Alam, M. A., Bari, M. L., & Ahmed, A. (2025). Spatial and vertical variation of rhizosphere soil physicochemical and biological properties in Deciduous forests of Bangladesh. Bangladesh Journal of Botany, 54(4), 967–975. https://doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v54i4.86582

Issue

Vol. 54 No. 4 (2025)

Section

Articles

License

© Bangladesh Botanical Society

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