Soil Science

Soil Science

The Soil Science Department of KFRI typically focuses on the study and management of soil in forest ecosystems. Soils provide anchorage, hold water plus air and supply nutrients to plants. Therefore, studies on the nature and properties of soils are essential for understanding soil-vegetation interactions in forest ecosystems. The Division of Soil Science, established in December 1976, has undertaken several problem-oriented projects in the following areas:

• Taungya concerning properties, erosion and management of soils
• Studies on the nature and properties of soils in plantations across Kerala
• Effect of monoculture on soils
• Influence of site factors in plantations of various species
• Protocols for Foliar analysis to assess soil test methods for NPK
• Land degradation and restoration in the human-impacted landscapes

Furthermore, the Division has been instrumental in generating a comprehensive soil database through its advisory studies for the Kerala Forest Department. These studies, which are based on field investigations and address a wide range of queries, provide valuable insights for effective forest management.

Ongoing Research Projects

1. Monitoring Eco-Restored sites at Chembikunnu in Wadakkanchery Range.

   Project No.GOK RP 846/2022   Funding Agency: Kerala Forest Department (KFD)
   Principal Investigator: Dr. S Sandeep 

2. Developing improved management practices and eco restoration protocols for teak plantations of different site qualities in Kerala

   Project No.GOK RP 859/2023   Funding Agency: Kerala Forest Department (KFD)
   Principal Investigator: Dr. S Sandeep 

3. Seasonal variability of evapotranspiration using empirical methods and ANN in Moist and Dry Deciduous Forests of Southern Western Ghats, Kerala

   Project No.PG RP 881/2024   Funding Agency: KFRI Plan Grants
   Principal Investigator: Soorya S 

4. Case Study on Application of Terrestrial Laser Scanner and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in Forestry

   Project No.PG RP 885/2024   Funding Agency: KFRI Plan Grants
   Principal Investigator: Soorya S 

5. Monitoring Eco-restored Sites of Walayar and Ottappalam in Palakkad Forest Division

   Project No.GOK RP 888/2024   Funding Agency: Kerala Forest Department (KFD)
   Principal Investigator: Dr. Wable Pawan Shyamrao 

6. Promotion of Sustainable Teakwood use in Domestic Markets of India

   Project No.INT RP 900/2025   Funding Agency: International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO)
   Principal Investigator: Dr. S Sandeep 

Ongoing Extension projects

1. Restoration, Monitoring and Demonstration of model watershed at KFRI Field Research Centre, Palappilly

   Project No.PG EP 383/2023   Funding Agency: KFRI Plan Grants
   Principal Investigator: Dr. Wable Pawan Shyamrao 

2. 5th World Teak Conference (5th WTC) titled 'Developing Sustainable Development of the Global Teak Sector- Adapting to Future Markets and Enviornment in Kerala, India.

   Project No.INT EP 388/2024   Funding Agency: International Tropical Timber Organization(ITTO), Japan
   Principal Investigator: Dr. S Sandeep