Raza et al., J. Anim. Plant Sci. 25(4):2015 1168 SOIL AND WATER ANALYSIS FOR MICRO-NUTRIENTS IN WETLAND’S ASSOCIATED GRASSLAND ECOSYSTEMS S. T. Raza, Z. Ali, I. Zainab, S. Sidra, A. Nimra, Z. Zona and K. Aziz Environmental Health & Wildlife, Department of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, 54590, Pakistan Corresponding Author: Email: zali.zool@pu.edu.pk ABSTRACT Soil and water degradation put crucial impact on the global ecosystems and human health. The paper focuses on the principal chemical and physical attributes serving as indicator of soil and water quality of the grassland and wetland of Makra Meadows (Elevation 3089 m) and Kallar Kahar, (Elevation 554 m) Pakistan. Soil samples were collected from the topsoil, at a depth of 30 cm and 60 cm from both locations while water samples were collected from the natural lakes present in both ecosystems. Practiced indicators considered in soil analysis at three different depths and gradients of soil embrace EC, pH, organic matter, phosphorus, potassium, and texture and percentage saturation while the water quality assessment comprised of electrical conductivity, Ca ++ and Mg ++ , Na + , Cl - , carbonates, and bicarbonates. Soil and water data is presented to provide necessary information about natural ecosystems. Key words: Soil & water quality, Ecosystem, Makra meadows, Kallar Kahar, Pakistan. INTRODUCTION An ecosystem comprises of both biotic (living beings) and abiotic factors (physical and chemical factors). Despite a wide variety of ecosystems around the globe, all ecosystems have in common their dependency upon the solar energy and the availability of a limited pool of nutrients in soil. The understanding and apprehension of a particular ecosystem is largely dependent upon the soil characteristics. The soil and water characteristics of an area are determinants of the flora of an area which in terms is useful in describing the faunal characteristics of an area. It is therefore essential to have an extensive knowledge regarding the soil structure of a particular area to assess its bio-diversity. In order to assess the ecological condition of an ecosystem, repeated evaluation is necessary. Nutrients cycle within the same ecosystem and among other ecosystems as well through bio-geochemical cycles. Soil acts as a sensitive indicator for assessment of ecological condition of a particular environment. The soil testing enables us to determine the deficiency or overabundance of the particular available nutrients. It helps us in determining nutrient supplying capacity of the soil and maintaining a specialized environment thus supporting the ecosystem (Mader, 1998; Cohen et al., 2006). Soil is a heterogeneous mixture of air, water, minerals and organic content which may vary in different soil types e.g. an average loam soil profile is comprised of 25 % air, 25 % water, 45 % mineral matter while the remaining 5 % consists of organic matter (NRCS, 2006). The soil quality can be considered as the three legged stool requiring integral balance of the environmental quality, animal -plant health and sustainable biological productivity (Karlen et al., 1997). A basic soil test determines two factors, pH and basic nutrients availability (i-e Ca, P, Mg, K, and renders assistance for soil improvements (lime or dolomite and phosphate) while the specialized soil analysis includes determination of soil salinity, Nitrogen, Aluminum, Organic carbon and micronutrients (B, Cu, Mg and Zn) (Hue et al., 1997). Soils act as a supplier of nutrients to higher vascular plants as roots keep extracting nutrients from the soil for long time periods. The soil’s nutrient supplying capacity is assessed by mixing soil with the extracting solution (mostly an acid or combination of acids) for some minutes. Most soil test values do not vary greatly from year to year. However, some soil and environmental conditions cause fluctuations in measurements such as pH and nitrate-nitrogen may vacillate due to environmental conditions (Horneck et al., 2011). The nutrient cycling between soils and trees nature of soil profiles and pH are facilitating factors to determine the site quality. Vegetation improves water retaining capacity, soil structure, infiltration rate, hydraulic conductivity and aeration thereby affecting physio- chemical properties of soil (Siddiqui et al., 2014). Makra meadows and Kallar Kahar are two famous tourist locations of Pakistan renowned for their natural beauty and stunning landscapes. Both sites contain natural lakes recharged by rain water and mountain brooks. The current study was undertaken to assess the soil and water characteristics of these two different ecosystems present at high and low altitudes and was an attempt to infer the functionality of two ecosystems frequented by tourists from all over the country. The Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences, 25(4): 2015, Page: 1168-1175 ISSN: 1018-7081