Impact of biomass extraction on soil properties and foliar nitrogen content in a community forest and a semi-protected natural forest in the central mid-hills of Nepal

The impact of biomass removal on soil physical and chemical properties was compared between a community forest (CF) and a semi-protected natural forest (MF) belonging to the same vegetation type under similar climatic conditions and topographic features in the central mid-hills of Nepal. The impact of biomass extraction on soil and foliar nitrogen contents in CF was more pronounced than that in MF. Soil bulk density was significantly lower (P < 0.05) and soil C, N, exchangeable K and Mg concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in MF compared to CF. The foliar nitrogen content of dominant trees was higher (P < 0.1) in MF than CF. It is concluded that the biomass removal deteriorated forest soil characteristics including nutrient contents, and the state of foliar nitrogen content of trees.