Delineation of Soil Physical and Chemical Properties of Mahisagar District of Gujarat, India

Abstract

The successful implementation of sustainable agriculture practices relies on maintaining a favorable physical and chemical environment in the soil. This study aimed to assess the soil properties of Mahisagar district in Gujarat, focusing on both physical and chemical aspects. A total of 180 surface soil samples (0-15 cm depth) were collected from cultivated fields in six talukas during April-May 2018. Key indicators, including bulk density, particle density, porosity, moisture-holding capacity (MWHC), electrical conductivity (EC2.5), pH2.5, free lime, organic carbon, and cation exchange capacity (CEC), were analyzed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the soil's characteristics. The results indicated that mean bulk density and particle density value of the soils of Mahisagar district was 1.32 and 2.53 Mg m-3 respectively, while porosity with a mean value of 47.97 per cent. The overall range of MWHC was with a mean value of 45.97 per cent. The soils of Mahisagar district were high in organic carbon content and non-calcareous in nature with alkaline in reaction. The mean EC2.5 value in the soils of Mahisagar district was (0.38 dS m-1). The mean CEC value was 24.47 cmol (p+) kg-1. among the exchangeable cations Ca++ and Mg++ was dominance in soil, while water soluble ions Cl- and Mg++ were found in higher proportion in Mahisagar district of Gujarat.