Fertility capability classification (FCC) of soils of a lower Brahmaputra valley area of Assam, India

Abstract

Fertility capability classification (FCC) is a system of classification which uses pedological data of soils and coverts it into capability classes based on major fertility constraints portrayed by the soils. The present study was aimed to classify the soils major landforms of a lower Brahmaputra valley region of Assam, India in to FCC classes, to suggest specific management practices in order to overcome the fertility constraints and improve the crop productivity.The major strata types used were found to be loamy top soil, 'L' and clayey top soil 'C'. The sub-strata type found were loamy sub soil, 'L' and clayey sub soils, 'C'. The major condition modifiers or the major fertility constraints were found to be Al toxicity 'a’ and 'a-', high leaching potential, 'e', low nutrient reserves 'k' and 'g' waterlogging. The paddy soils of alluvial plains were classified into La-eg and Lg+a-e. The tea growing soils of younger alluvial plains were classified into Car+e. The non-paddy soils of alluvial plains were categorized as Ca-gke. The soils of uplands and inselberg were categorized into LCae class. The study revealed that FCC classification can successfully bring out the soil fertility constraints and can be very much helpful in soil fertility management for sustainable crop productions.