This paper presents a review on the growth of the Sal forest. It is a natural forest having a large socioeconomic value. Natural Sal forests occur mainly on sandy loam soil developed from under hilly areas in different parts of India. It is mainly found in Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh. The variation in the growth, quality, and distribution of Sal is mostly influenced by soil-site characteristics. The growth of Sal forest is highly affected by physical properties (climate, temperature, and soil texture) and chemical properties like soil nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium). The paper describes the physical and chemical properties which support the growth of the Sal forest and the knowledge of these physicochemical properties will help to design and manage the growth of Sal forest.

Keywords : Natural Sal forest, sandy-loam soil, soil properties, soil nutrients.