Effects of rainwater harvesting and afforestation on soil properties and growth of Emblica officinalis while restoring degraded hills in western India G. Singh*, A. U. Khan, Ashok Kumar, N. Bala and U. K. Tomar Arid Forest Research Institute, Division of Forest Ecology, New Pali Road, Jodhpur-342005 (Rajasthan), India. Accepted 30 May, 2012
Effect of rainwater harvesting (RWH) structures like Contour trench (CT), gradonie (GD), box trench (BT), V-ditch (VD) and afforestation with Emblica officinalis Gaertn (planted in August, 2005) were studied in 20% slopes with a view to improve soil status, plant growth, sequester carbon and rehabilitate hills for local benefits. Soil pH and EC decreased and percent soil, SOC, NO3-N and PO4-P increased in June 2010 over 2005. Enhanced soil water and nutrients in 20% and 20%), medium (10-20%) and gentle slopes (
