Soil Carbon Fractions and Management Indexes in Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus spp.) Cultivation in the Western Himalaya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53550/ijsc.v53.i3.206Keywords:
Carbon pool, Carbon fractions, Himalaya, Pitaya, Soil healthAbstract
Soil organic carbon (SOC) fractions give key insights into soil quality, nutrient cycling, and carbon storage in agriculture and horticulture. However, little research has explored SOC fractionation and carbon dynamics in dragon fruit systems, especially regarding accession differences. This study assesses SOC fractions and carbon management indices among dragon fruit accessions in the northwestern Himalaya to establish a baseline for this emerging crop. Seven accessions—Pink Gujarat (PG), White Gujarat (WG), Yellow Gujarat (YG), Pink Bangalore (PB), White Bangalore (WB), Local Pink Pulp (LPP), and Local White Pulp (LWP)—along with open field conditions (OC) as reference, were evaluated three years after planting. SOC fractions were measured using standard protocols with the modified Walkley-Black method and different acid concentrations. Results showed significant accession-specific variation in SOC fractions (p<0.05). Accessions YG, WB, and PB had the highest very labile (3.65-3.84 mg g⁻¹), labile (2.68-2.83 mg g⁻¹), and active carbon pools (6.33-6.67 mg g⁻¹), with 46- 86% higher active pools than open field (3.58 mg g⁻¹). PG had the highest non-labile (6.08±0.36 mg g⁻¹) and passive pools (8.66±0.38 mg g⁻¹). CMI ranged from 134.93 to 212.34, with YG highest. Strong correlations between labile fractions and CMI (r=0.99) show labile pools drive management index variation. This is the first baseline of SOC fractions in northwestern Himalayan dragon fruit accessions, revealing profiles: YG, WB, PB with higher active carbon, and PG, LWP with more stable carbon. These reflect SOC status three years after planting and serve as references for future monitoring. Long-term studies are needed to see if differences impact sequestration rates and distinguish plant from soil effects. YG, WB, and PB are promising for carbon research.
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