Nutrient pool analyses
The dried soil samples were analysed at Department of Environmental Sciences and University Science Instrumentation Centre (USIC) University of Kashmir, Srinagar. Water content (%) was measured using the fresh weight to the dry weight ratio. Soil pH, Electrical conductivity (EC), Total dissolved solids (TDS) and Salinity (SAL) were determined in distilled water (1:2.5 Soil: Distilled water) (Allen 1989). Total soil organic Carbon % (TOC) was determined by Walkley-Black chromic acid wet oxidation method (Walkley & Black 1934). Total soil Nitrogen (N) content (%) was assessed using the standard method of Kjeldahl (Bremner 1965). The soil available phosphorous (P) was estimated by Olsen’s sodium bicarbonate method (Olsen 1954). In addition, potassium (K) and micronutrients such as iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) were also estimated using the double-beam atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAnalyst 600, Perkin-Elmer, USA)