Impact of soil conservation measures on soil properties in sukhna lake catchment

Sukhna, a recreational Lake of Chandigarh suffered from rapid siltation as its catchment at Shivalik hills are affected by severe soil erosion. Intensive soil conservation measures taken for three decades reduced silt loads but ameliorative effects in terms of soil properties were not evaluated. Comparing with an untreated comparable adjoining control watershed, the ameliorative impacts of 30 years of closure and intensive soil conservation measures were evaluated during 2008–09. The catchment was divided into 27 slopes and elevation based classes in 560 ha micro watershed. The enumeration of vegetation cover and soil analysis from each plot was carried out using standard methodology. The data on impact of soil properties is presented in this paper.