Assessment of Soil Fertility Status of Cuddapah Block in YSR District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

A study was conducted to examine the fertility status of soils in Cuddapah block of YSR district, Andhra Pradesh. A total Forty soil samples were collected from ten different villages of Cuddapah block at a depth of 0-15 cm and analyzed for different soil quality parameters viz., soil pH, EC, organic carbon, primary macronutrients (available nitrogen, available phosphorous, available potassium) and secondary macronutrients (calcium, magnesium and available sulphur) by using standard analytical methods in the laboratory. By considering the soil nutrient index values the soil fertility rating as low, medium and high has been given for each fertility parameter. The results revealed that the pH of the soil was found to be neutral to slightly alkaline with a mean value of 7.6. The Electrical conductivity of the soil was free from salinity with a mean value of 0.52 dSm-1. According to the nutrient index values soil samples of Cuddapah block were found to be medium in organic carbon (1.92), low in nitrogen (1.52), low in sulphur (1.00), medium in phosphorous (1.95) and high in potassium content (2.45).