Conversion Effects on Soil Aggregate Stability under Different Land Uses

Abstract

One of the main causes of soil structural degradation is land use change, which has a direct impact on aggregate stability, a crucial sign of soil resilience, quality, and long-term productivity. This study evaluated how the conversion of forests to agriculture affected the stability of soil aggregates in Kashmir's Kupwara area. A total of 120 soil samples were gathered, 60 of which came from agricultural lands and the other 60 from forest sites. Together with a few supporting soil metrics, such as pH, electrical conductivity (EC), bulk density, particle density, porosity, organic carbon, calcium carbonate content, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and accessible nitrogen, aggregate stability was assessed using the wet sieving method. The findings demonstrated that, in contrast to agricultural soils, which were more susceptible to structural failure under outside influences, forest soils had noticeably greater aggregate stability. Reduced organic matter inputs and the results of intensive management techniques were closely linked to the deterioration in soil stability in farmed areas. These results demonstrate how the transition from forest to agricultural speeds up structural deterioration, increasing the likelihood of erosion and fertility loss. Therefore, it is crucial to support sustainable land management techniques in order to preserve soil aggregation, fertility, and ecosystem services in delicate temperate landscapes. The findings highlight the need for conserving forest ecosystems and adopting sustainable soil management practices in agricultural lands to prevent further structural degradation. Future research should focus on integrating conservation tillage, organic amendments, and land-use planning strategies to restore soil aggregation and enhance long-term soil resilience in fragile temperate ecosystems.