SOIL-PLANT COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS IN DISTURBED AREAS IN THE VICINITY OF KARACHI, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Four different vegetation types were identified in the disturbed areas in the vicinity of Karachi based on floristic and physiographic conditions. Cressa-Salsola, Prosopis, Suaeda and Senna were the mam communities in the disturbed areas. Cressa-Salsola was the most dominant community in which sodium was high (2957) with least potassium (167 ppm) and little organic matter (0.9%). Propsopis community was also dominant in the disturbed area. The soil contained high potassium (519 ppm), organic matter (1-2%) and least calcium carbonate (238%). Suaeda community was found in soil with least sand (54.1%) but high water holding cpacity (32.1%), organic matter (1.1%) and pH (8.1). Senna was the least abundant community with high sand and calcium carbonate. However, organic matter (0.7%) and sodium (700 ppm) are less in the soils of this community as compared to other communities.