Characterization and Classification of High Density Apple Orchard Soils of North Kashmir

Abstract

Jammu & Kashmir presents a benefit for the economy of India, since is the rich producer of fruits and vegetables and is the most important temperate fruit producing state. Apple is the oldest and commercially the most important temperate fruit and is the fourth among the most widely produced fruit. Basic needs of life can be fulfilled by maintaining high productivity of soil and having the rational use of soil as per its potentiality in order to maintain sustainability. At the same time, the sustainable use of soil resource requires extensive knowledge regarding its genesis, morphology and other properties. Despite the importance of the area for producing quality apples, high density apple were planted in 2002. However no systematic study was undertaken so far with respect to soil characterization and classification of apple orchard soils under high density plantation. Keeping all this in view, the present investigation entitled, “Characterization and classification of High Density Apple Orchard Soils of North Kashmir” was undertaken . current paper aims to contribute to the existing challenge in soil research in India. To this end 45 soil profiles were observed in orchards,- Based on homogeneous properties, e.g., age, topography, rootstock, variety only 12 profiles were selected from 45 observed profiles (purposive method of sampling). These twelve profiles were categorized into high, mid and low altitudes for detailed investigation of the soil profile properties and to classify soils of the district as per Keys to Soil Taxonomy (2015). The excavated soil profiles were exposed to a depth of 120 cm and more for studying morphological and physico-chemical characteristics. As per the results, profiles of the study area were classified from ‘ moderately deep’ to ‘very deep. A slight strong effervescence with diluted HCl was observed both in surface and sub-surface horizons profile P3, P7 and P10 located especially in mid and low altitude. The pH were ranging between 6.60 to 8.10 in the surface horizons whereas in the sub surface horizons it ranged from 6.84 to 8.50 and showed an increasing trend with depth. The EC in general showed increasing trend with depth as compared to surface horizons and was found to be in normal range in both horizons. On the basis of the U.S. Comprehensive System of Soil Classification as per Keys to Soil Taxonomy (Soil Survey Staff, 2014) and Soil Survey Manual (Soil Survey Staff, 2003), studied profiles were placed in the orders of Mollisols, Alfisols, Inceptisols and Entisols and the suborders Udolls, Udalfs, Orchrepts and Orthents. The great groups to which these soils were further classified are Argiudolls, Hapludalfs, Eutrochrepts and Udorthents respectively, on the basis of presence of the diagnostic surface and sub-surface horizons, profile development and the presence of particular moisture and temperature regime. However this study was first of its kind with an aim to evaluate the most probable path of plant nutrients added to soil. In this way, it can also support a better understanding of the soil genesis and the electro-chemical behavior. Besides, detailed study of clay mineralogy may provide a tool to classify the soils up to series level.