Journal of Environmental Biology

Assessing edaphic factors of the habitat of the endemic pitcher plant (Nepenthes khasiana) in Meghalaya, India

A. Bhattacharya¹, S.G. Momin² and P. Sarkar³*     

¹Department of Earth Science, University of Science & Technology Meghalaya, Ri-Bhoi – 793101, India

²Department of Environmental Science, PASF-Abong Noga College, West Garo-794 001, India

³Department of Zoology, University of Science & Technology Meghalaya, Ri-Bhoi-793 101, India

Received: 11 September 2025                   Revised: 30 December 2025                   Accepted: 15 April 2026

*Corresponding Author Email: prabalsarkarindia@gmail.com                  *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9516-8663

Abstract

Aim: Nepenthes khasiana, an endemic and endangered carnivorous plant of North-east India, is largely confined to Meghalaya. Recognising the pivotal role of edaphic factors in determining plant distribution, the present study aimed to identify the key edaphic factors and heavy metals influencing the soil in pitcher plant-thriving areas of the Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya.

Methodology: Soil samples were collected from pitcher plant sites and adjacent control areas (~200 m away). Five locations per hill region were randomly selected, and ten samples were collected per location, yielding a total of 150 samples. Soil physico-chemical properties and heavy metal concentrations were analysed using standard methods. Seasonal sampling could not be conducted due to difficult terrain and weather conditions.

Results: Significant differences were observed in soil moisture, available nitrogen, and concentrations of copper, iron, manganese, and nickel (F=5.796-55.534). Correlation analysis revealed that soil moisture was strongly associated with organic carbon (r=0.666), available nitrogen (r=0.961), available potash (r=0.832), and zinc (r=0.639). Principal Component Analysis identified soil pH, organic carbon, available phosphorus, potash, nickel, and copper as major contributors influencing pitcher plant habitats.

Interpretation: Soil supporting N. khasiana were more acidic and enriched in organic carbon, phosphorus, and potash than adjacent areas, with the Jaintia Hills showing the highest nutrient levels. Overall, the soil quality, particularly nutrients and micronutrients, plays a crucial role in the conservation and management of this species.

Key words: Carnivorous plants, Edaphic factors, Nepenthes khasiana, Pitcher plant, Sustainable management

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