Land Evaluation for Alternate Land Use Planning of Soils in Tatrakallu Village of Anantapuramu District, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Twenty-two typical pedons (14 soil series- TTK1 to TTK-14) representing major landforms of Tatrakallu village of Ananatapuramu district of Andhra Pradesh were evaluated by using qualitative and quantitative methods. Three major land capability classes (III, IV and VI) were identified with two sub classes (erosion and wetness). Crop suitability analysis revealed that the village falls under marginally suitable (S3) with limitations of soil fertility, wetness and sodicity and not suitable (N) with limitations of slope, texture shallow rooting depth, sodicity and poor nutrient status. Riquier’s parametric approach was found to be good indicator for identification of production potential. The land evaluation revealed that, suitability and productivity of these soils were highly variable, and hence their management must be site-specific. The suggestion including the crop residue retention, nutrient recycling, minimum tillage, crop rotation, cover crops and intercropping not only helps to conserve soil and water more effectively in soils but also increase organic matter content and improve fertilizer use efficiency. Farmers continued to grow groundnut, pigeonpea, chickpea and castor for many years on marginally suitable as they are not aware of suitable soils for a particular crop. Adoption of suggested ameliorative measures and land use not only improve the yield but also sustain the soil productivity.