Samikhya Bhuyan, Gayatri Goswami Kandali, Sagolshem Kalidas Singh, Ram Swaroop Meena, Simanta Jyoti Medhi, Avicha Tangjang, Ashim Debnath, Punam Bagang, Yashi Umbrey and Bhabesh Deka
Abstract
This study focuses on the tea (Camellia sinensis), which plays a vital role in Indiaâs economic development. The objective is to evaluate the soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in tea soil in Assam and emphasize the importance of restoring SOC content through the adoption of various management practices. The study was conducted in two tea estates, one organic and one conventional, in Golaghat district, Assam. Composite soil samples were collected from different depths (0-20 cm, 20-40 cm, and 40-60 cm) in each estate. Physical and chemical properties of the soil, such as bulk density, particle density, porosity, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon content, and cation exchange capacity (CEC), were analyzed. The SOC stocks were higher in the topsoil (0-20cm) for both management systems, with higher values observed in the organic system. The decline in SOC stocks in the conventional system may be attributed to intensive tillage, organic matter uptake by tea bushes, and lack of organic inputs. In contrast, the organic system, with balanced organic fertilization and litter accumulation, promoted higher SOC content.