ASSESSMENT OF SOIL FERTILITY STATUS OF DIFFERENT VILLAGES FROM PALAKKAD DISTRICT, KERALA

Abstract

An assessment of soil fertility status of different villages from Palakkad district, Kerala carried out 2021-22. The prime objectives of this work were to study the physico-chemical properties of soil at different depths of various sites of Attappady block of Palakkad District, Kerala to determine the availability of macro and micro nutrient on soil of these soil samples and provide Soil Health Card for farmers of the Attappady block, Palakkad District, Kerala. For the assessment 9 sampling locations were selected. Soil samples were collected with depth of 0-15 cm, 15-30 cm and 30-45 cm respectively. The Soil colour (Dry Condition) of soil varied from Brown, Dark brown, Yellowish brown, Yellowish red, Dark greyish brown, very dark brown and Brownish yellow. Soil colour (Wet Condition) of the soil varied Brown, Dark brown, Yellowish red, very dark greyish brown, very dark brown and Brownish yellow colour. Soil textural classes were sandy loam. It clearly indicated that soil has good Water Holding Capacity (54.19 to 61.80 %) and good physical condition, Bulk Density (0.938Mg m-3 to 1.365Mg m-3). Particle Density (2.124 Mg m-3 to 2.866 Mg m-3). Pore Space (50.018 % to 64.321%). The pH of soil is acidic nature (5.517 to 6.687) and the Electrical Conductivity (0.121 to 0.229 dSm-1) was suitable for all crops. Organic carbon ranged from medium to high (0.902 to 1.182 %). These soils have low Nitrogen (127 kg ha-1 to 252 kg ha-1) in all villages. Phosphorus (18 kg ha-1 to 34 kg ha-1) content is high at eight locations and medium at one location. Potassium (131.8 kg ha-1 to 383.9 kg ha-1) is low in one location and high in two locations. Calcium (5.9 cmol (p+) kg-1 to 8.6cmol (p+) kg-1) and Magnesium (1.2 cmol (p+) kg-1 to 9.8 cmol (p+) kg-1) are very sufficient in this soil. Sulphur (17 Mg kg-1 to 30.5 Mg kg-1) is high in five locations. Zinc (0.79 Mg kg-1 to 0.81 Mg kg-1) content is sufficient in this soil. There is an including awareness of the need to pay greater attention in the role of macronutrients enhancement pin the soil for good soil health and proper nutrition of plant so as to attain optimum economic yield and soil is suitable for all major tropical and sub-tropical crops.