Abstract
The physical properties of 14 pedons representative of various soil series inthe research farms of TNAU, Coimbatore were studied during 2017-19. Thedepth of soils ranged from shallow (<65 cm) to very deep (>150cm). Soildepth was shallow in a steep slope, whereas deep soils were found in nearlylevel to very gently sloping plain. The texture of the surface and subsurfacesoils ranged from sandy clay loam to clay. The bulk density of the surfaceand subsurface soil samples ranged from 1.09 to 1.78 Mg m-3 irrespectiveof the depth. Higher bulk density has been recorded in the subsurface thanin the surface layer. The hydraulic conductivity of the pedon soil samplevaried from 0.40 to 8.69 cm hr-1 and decreased with increasing depth. Theinfiltration rate ranged from 0.80 to 13.75 cm hr-1 represented moderate tovery rapid category. Low moisture and medium-textured soil recorded thehighest infiltration rate, whereas clay dominated soil showed a low infiltrationrate. The total porosity of soil varied from 36.18 to 50.99 per cent irrespectiveof soil depth with the capillary and non-capillary porosity of 26.70 to 39.76per cent and 3.42 to 16.59 per cent respectively.
Highlights
Soil physical properties are recognized as the key to soil fertility and crop production
Soil depth was shallow in a steep slope, whereas deep soils were found in nearly level to very gently sloping plain
The results revealed that the bulk density values ranged from 0.81 to 1.71 Mg m-3 irrespective of depth
Summary
Soil physical properties are recognized as the key to soil fertility and crop production. The amount of plant nutrients present in the soil gives only a unilateral picture of its productive potential. The physical conditions of the soil, on the other hand, regulates movement and retention of air and water, microbiological activities, the emergence of seedlings, penetration of roots, timeliness of tillage operations and above all the availability of plant nutrients which is vital for better plant growth. The poor and adverse conditions of formative factors like organic matter, microorganisms, cations and soil colloids coupled with determination factors like cultivation, irrigation, weather etc., cause adverse soil physical conditions, which decreases crop growth and yield. A study was conducted to assess the physical properties of soils in TNAU farms
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