Assessment of Physico-Chemical Properties of Soil from Different Blocks of Eluru District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

The experiment was conducted in 2023 to assess the physical and chemical properties of different blocks of Eluru district, Andhra Pradesh. Three distinct villages were chosen from each block for the study. The physical properties of Eluru district soils, soil colour, texture, bulk density(mg m-3), particle density (mg m-3), percent pore space and percent water retaining capacity and chemical properties pH, EC (dSm-1 ) at 25˚C, percent organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (kg ha-1), calcium C mol (p+) kg-1 and magnesium C mol(p+) kg at 0-15, 15-30 and 30-45 cm depth. Findings showed that in terms of depth, there was a minor rise in both bulk and particle density. The water retaining capacity of the soil and the overall physical condition of the soil was found good and supportive for plant growth. The soils of selected villages of different blocks in Eluru district were found to acidic to basic in nature due to soil minerals producing sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) upon weathering. The organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus were observed as medium to high. The potassium content was low in all locations. There was enough calcium present, however there were several regions where magnesium was lacking. The deficiency of the nutrients can be mitigated by the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers.