Abstract
Potential of soil resources of Coconut Research Station, Aliyarnagar of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and one of the Centers of ICAR-AICRP (Palms), was assessed by soil profile examination and spatial variability mapping. Three soil profiles were examined, one each in A, B and C blocks of the farm, soils were studied horizon wise samples were collected, and fertility parameters were analyzed. Spatial variability of primary nutrients was mapped employing GIS techniques. Soil profile examination revealed the presence of canker nodules in the lower horizons and the depth of the soil was not a constraint for the cultivation of perennial crops. The texture of the soil varied from loamy sand to sandy clay loam. pH was alkaline and electrical conductivity was less than 2 dSm-1. The content of KMnO4-N was low, and Olsen P, NNNH4OAc-K and organic carbon were medium. Land capability class was IIIew and was highly suitable (S1) for coconut, moderately suitable (S2) for cocoa and marginally suitable (S3) for pepper. The soil taxonomic class is fine-loamy mixed, isohyperthermic Fluventic/Typic Haplustepts. Rock outcrops were noticed over 5 per cent of the area. Top soil erosion and seepage problems resulting in temporary water logging are the major fertility constraints associated with this farm. Scrupulous application of organic manures, split application of fertilizers, providing trenches in areas of water logging, etc., are the strategies to overcome the constraints, which are existing in the farm.
Highlights
Optimal land, use according to its capability, forms the basis for sustainability whilst exploitation of land beyond the yield potential leads to land degradation
Soils are characterized by a high degree of spatial variability due to the combined effect of physical, chemical and biological processes that operate with different intensities and at different scales (Gooverts, 1998)
Today is the era of climate-smart and site-specific farming, in which the nutrient inputs are tailored in accordance with the soil fertility status to meet the crop demand
Summary
Use according to its capability, forms the basis for sustainability whilst exploitation of land beyond the yield potential leads to land degradation. Irrigation water quality and profile exploration in research institutes dealing with principal crops is crucial for the correlation of data generated from various field experiments, to understand the existing soil fertility. The station is vested with the regional and national responsibilities of evolving new varieties of coconut, assessing the suitability of crops to adapt to the cropping pattern of Western Zone of Tamil Nadu and to develop integrated pest and disease management strategies for coconut and coconut-based intercrops. The present study was undertaken to examine the soil profiles of various blocks of the farm in which coconut and coconut-based intercrops are cultivated, characterize the horizons, assess the quality of irrigation water to devise comprehensive land use plan and to develop agricultural technologies for maximizing farm income
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