Throughfall and stemflow nutrient flux in deodar and oak forests, Garhwal Himalaya, India

Abstract

A study to understand the throughfall and stemflow chemistry under deodar and oak forests of Garhwal Himalaya was conducted during 2014–2015. Total rainfall during experimental period was 1473.8 mm and estimated interception loss was 34.018% for deodar forest, 24.85% for oak forest. Stemflow represented the minimum proportion of gross rainfall, i.e. 0.321% in deodar forest and 0.463% in oak forest. pH of throughfall and stemflow in both deodar (6.087 and 6.47 respectively) and oak forests (6.75 and 7.03 respectively) was significantly more acidic than the gross rainfall (7.15). Electrical conductivity was recorded higher in deodar stemflow (231.89 μs/cm) and throughfall (102.75 μs/cm) compared to oak forest (172.92 μs/cm and 83.83 μs/cm respectively). Net nutrient leaching and stemflow were considerably higher from oak forest than deodar forest. Oak forest has better water yield capacity than deodar forest as the interception loss was higher in deodar forest. The idea of sustainable agriculture may be possible surrounding such forests as the need for chemical fertilizer and water can be met by the nutrient-rich soil, available soil moisture and surface water.