Assessment of Soil Physicochemical Characteristics and NDVI in Response to Forest Vegetation Types of Godawari Kunda Community Forest, Lalitpur, Nepal

Abstract

This study focused on the relationship between soil physicochemical characteristics and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) in response to forest vegetation types in Godawari Kunda community forest, Lalitpur, Nepal. It aimed to provide valuable interactions of forest ecosystems by investigating how different vegetation types influence soil properties, nutrient cycling, and NDVI. The objectives included assessing soil physicochemical characteristics in response to forest vegetation types and examining NDVI variation across forest types. A stratified random sampling method resulted in 45 plots (10 × 10 m² each) across three altitudinal ranges: Schima-Castanopsis forest at the base (1400-1600 m), Mixed Broadleaf forest (1601–1800 m), and Temperate Broadleaf forest (1801-2000 m). The results showed the highest NDVI value (0.75) in the Temperate Broadleaf forest (1801-2000 m), while the lowest NDVI value (0.36) was observed in the Schima-Castanopsis forest (1400-1600 m), corresponding to tree density variations. Significant variations in physical and chemical soil characteristics were also evident. Positive correlation was observed between soil organic carbon, available nitrogen and soil moisture with forest vegetation types and NDVI. On the other hand, soil pH and potassium levels showed negative correlations with NDVI and vegetation types. These findings offer valuable data for land-use planning, soil carbon stock assessment, and climate change studies, emphasizing the importance of soil-vegetation relationships for effective ecosystem management, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land use practices.