SOIL FORMATION AND EROSION IN THE MURREE HILLS, NORTHEAST PAKISTAN

Soils at altitudes ranging from 700 to 3000 m in the Murree Hills of n ortheast Pakistan have been examined in terms of pedogenesis and erosi on. Organic accumulation varies with vegetation type and density, and the level of biological activity in the soil. Weathering is evidenced by iron release and dissolution of calcareous materials, but the devel opment of weathering-differentiated soil profiles is limited due to sl ope instability and restricted water availability. Profile differentia tion in terms of translocation of fines and sesquioxides is limited pr obably for the same reasons and also, at lower altitudes, because of a lkaline conditions. The soils are classified as Entisols and Inceptiso ls, with more acid forms predominating above about 2000 m and alkaline forms below this altitude. Rates of soil erosion are estimated to be around 150 t ha-1 y-1 on average in higher altitude areas of recent de forestation, and around 50-75 t ha-1 y-1 in areas of overgrazing at lo wer altitude. Susceptibility to erosion is high due to steep slopes, h igh silt and/or fine sand contents and low organic matter contents. Er osion control is being attempted by replanting the lower areas and by policing illegal felling of the higher, forested areas, but these meas ures have met with limited success to date due to topographic and admi nistrative difficulties.