Analysis of the Soil Fertility Condition in Jiliba Village, Ganjam District, Odisha

Abstract

An assessment of soil fertility was conducted in Jiliba village, situated in the Bellaguntha block of Ganjam district in the North-Eastern agroclimatic zone of Odisha, India. Analysis of physical and chemical properties was conducted on soil samples obtained at a depth ranging from 0 to 15 cm. The findings indicate that the predominant soil texture in the hamlet under study consisted of sandy loam and clay loam. The soil hue ranged from Dark Grey at 10 years old to Yellowish brown at 10 years old. The pH of the soil varied from somewhat acidic (5.5-6) to neutral (6.5-7.5). The electrical conductivity of the whole research area remained uniformly below 0.74 dSm-1. Approximately 77.5% of the research region exhibited soil organic carbon (SOC) levels below 0.5%. The available nitrogen concentration was insufficient, varying from 87.8 to 150.5 kg/ha, indicating a possible requirement for nitrogen fertilization to adequately sustain crop development. The phosphorus content in Brays exhibited significant variation, ranging from 4.7 to 198.2 kg/ha, providing evidence of geographic heterogeneity in phosphorus availability throughout the hamlet. The soil potassium level exhibited significant variation, ranging from 54.6 to 435.6 kg/ha, potentially impacting the absorption of nutrients and the production of crops. The Nutrient Index readings for nitrogen (1.0) and phosphorus (1.32) were below expected levels, suggesting the necessity of implementing nutrient management strategies to enhance soil fertility. The potassium Nutrient Index value of 1.87 indicates a moderate level of potassium availability in comparison to nitrogen and phosphorus. The extractable soil sulphur from calcium chloride (CaCl2) ranged from 6.4 to 126.7 kg/ha, underscoring the significance of sulphur for crop fertilization. Modest variations in exchangeable calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) levels suggest differences in soil cation exchange capacity and nutrient availability. The micronutrient levels exhibited variation, with copper (Cu) concentration ranging from 2.026 to 4.210 parts per million (ppm), zinc (Zn) concentration ranging from 0.736 to 4.440 ppm, manganese (Mn) concentration ranging from 19.0 to 79.0 ppm, and iron (Fe) concentration ranging from 44.36 to 160.64 ppm. The concentration of boron soluble in hot water varied from extremely low to medium (0.15 to 0.68 mg/kg), suggesting different degrees of boron accessibility for plant absorption. Finally, it is essential to fill the research gaps concerning soil fertility and nutrient dynamics in order to establish sustainable agricultural practices and guarantee food security in the region.