Soil Fertility Maps Research Articles

Assessment and Delineation of GPS-GIS Based Soil Fertility Maps of Instructional Farm, Malegaon Tehsil Baramati

The present investigation was conducted in the year 2023-24 at division of Soil Science, Dr. Sharadchandra Pawar College of Agriculture, Baramati with an objectives to assess the soil available nutrient status and delineation of GIS based maps of soil available nutrients. Using Arc-GIS 10, Version 10.8, fertility maps of the available macro nutrients were created. The area under the Instructional Farm had soil pH ranged from 7.11 to 8.32, categorized into the slightly alkaline to moderately alkaline categories while the EC varied from 0.21 to 1.99 dSm-1, indicating that most of the soils were non-saline. The soil's organic carbon and calcium carbonate contents ranged from 0.21 to 0.97 per cent and 1.50 to 19.75 per cent and they were classified into low to high and low to very high categories respectively. In the Instructional Farm, the ranges of available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content were 85.50 to 360.75, 23.29 to 80.08 and 202.5 to 968.68 kg ha-1 respectively. The Instructional Farm soils had very low to moderate levels of available nitrogen, moderately high to very high levels of available phosphorus and moderately high to very high levels of available potassium. The implementation of GPS-GIS-based techniques for soil sampling represents a significant advancement that will allow researchers and institute officials to track changes in soil fertility over the years. The soil fertility maps created for the Instructional Farm will be invaluable for establishing a scientifically sound fertilization schedule.

Preparation of Geo-spatial Soil Fertility Map of KVK Farm, Gariyaband, Chhattisgarh, India

The present study was carried out during the year, 2023-24 at KVK farm Gariyaband, Chhattisgarh with the objectives to study the soil available macro and micro nutrients status of KVK farm Gariyaband. GPS based surface soil samples (0-15) at random sampling of studied area in each plot with the goal to create a GPS-based soil fertility map. The soil samples were analysed by standard procedures with respect to pH, EC, OC, macronutrients (N, P, K, S) and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, and B). The pH of soils of research farm varied from 6.02-7.13 with a mean of 6.45. It indicates that the pH of the soil is in the slightly acidic to neutral range. The electrical conductivity of the soil ranged from 0.10-0.25 dSm-1 with a mean of 0.14 dSm-1. This depicts that all of the samples were in fair range (<1.0 dSm-1) with no harmful effect of soil salinity. The organic carbon ranged from 0.24-0.66 %, with mean value 0.43 %. The available nitrogen ranged from 150.44-188.16 kg ha-1, with a mean of 170.95 kg ha-1. The available phosphorus varied from 13.38-31.63 kg ha-1 with mean of 22.60 kg ha-1. The available potassium varied from 335.10-440.72 kg ha-1, with mean of 389.94 kg ha-1. The available sulfur ranged from 22.5-53.48 kg ha-1, with mean value of 35.55 kg ha-1. Among micronutrients, the available iron, manganese, zinc, copper and boron varied from 8.84-35.90 mg kg-1 (mean 20.39 mg kg-1), 6.20-27.74 mg kg-1 (mean 17.79 mg kg-1), 0.60-1.44 mg kg-1 (mean 0.86 mg kg-1), 1.04-2.74 mg kg-1 (mean 1.85 mg kg-1), and 0.52-0.98 mg kg-1 (mean 0.71 mg kg-1), respectively. All the samples were found under sufficient fertility classes for micronutrients.

Mapping Soil-crop Nutrient Dynamics in Continuous Cotton Cultivation Areas of Sangareddy District, Telangana

A soil-crop nutrient survey was conducted in Sangareddy district, Telangana during Rabi, 2023 to study the fertility status of cotton growing soils at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depth. Georeferenced soil and leaf samples were collected from 112 sites covering 23 mandals during flowering stage. Soil physical and physico-chemical properties and cotton leaf nutrient content were analysed. In the study area, bulk density, sand, silt and clay content ranged from 1.36-1.66 Mg m-3, 41.84-78.02 %, 6.74-29.60 % and 10.76-42.76 %, respectively. The soils were strongly acidic to slightly alkaline in reaction (4.25-7.98; 4.44-7.97), non-saline (0.026-0.254 dS m-1; 0.020-0.241 dS m-1) and low to high in organic carbon (2.03 to 11.52 g kg-1; 1.13 to 8.24 g kg-1) at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm depths, respectively. Soil Nutrient Status: Available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and exchangeable magnesium contents ranged from 101 to 448 kg ha-1, 7 to 41 kg ha-1, and 154 to 763 kg ha-1 at 0-15 cm depth, respectively while 91 to 319 kg ha-1, 4 to 39 kg ha-1, and 142 to 730 kg ha-1 at 15-30 cm depth, respectively. Crop Nutrient Status: Total nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium contents in the collected cotton leaves ranged from 0.53 to 3.64 %, 0.12 to 0.68 %, 0.80 to 1.84 % and 0.27 to 0.92 %, respectively. Soil Fertility Mapping: Soil fertility maps were prepared considering the low/deficient, medium and high/sufficient range of soil macronutrients (N, P, K and Mg) at the depth of 0-15 cm under QGIS 3.36.1. Soil fertility maps showed that soils of the study area were mostly low in available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus, high in available potassium and sufficient in exchangeable magnesium. Regular soil testing is crucial to monitor the variations in nutrient levels and formulation of appropriate management strategies to address it.

Soil Fertility Mapping using Geo-spatial Technique for Khapradih Farm, DKS College of Agriculture and Research Station, Bhatapara, Chhattisgarh, India

The present study aimed to assess various chemical properties and available macro and micronutrients in the soil. Collection of 101 geo-referenced soil surface samples at 100-meter intervals of the Khapradih Farm of DKS College of Agriculture & Research Station, district Balodabazar-Bhatapara of Chhattisgarh state and examined in the laboratory for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), and available macro-nutrients (N, P, K, S) and micro- nutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, B). The results showed that the soil was generally neutral in pH, with a range of 5.7 to 7.6. The electrical conductivity indicated non-saline, varying from 0.11 to 0.26 dSm-1. Available nutrients were categorized as low, medium, or high based on nutrient index values. The study revealed that the soil in the area had low levels of available N and S, medium levels of available P and K, and high levels of available Fe, Mn, and Cu. Zn was found to be in the medium category, while B was low. Significant correlations were observed between various physico-chemical properties and available macro and micro nutrients. Using ArcGIS 10.4.1, thematic maps were created, representing the spatial distribution of soil properties and nutrient status. Based on these findings, fertilizer recommendations were developed for major crops grown in the area, resulting in enhanced crop productivity. The study concludes that GPS and GIS-based tools are valuable for soil fertility mapping, monitoring, and site-specific nutrient management, leading to sustainable and optimal crop yields.

Potassium, Zinc, and Boron Nutrients Effect on Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) Yield in Wag-Lasta, Northern, Ethiopia

In Ethiopia using inorganic fertilizer started in the early 1970s. But it still depended solely on urea and DAP. Today, according to ATA and Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources K, Zn, B, S, and Cu are in deficit in Ethiopia and Amhara Region as well as in Wag-Lasta areas. But some studies conducted in Wag-Lasta and throughout the region in different crops indicate that these nutrients had no response on crop yields. So, this experiment was conducted in 2017 rain feed cropping season on five farmers’ parcels per location to verify the response of sorghum to potassium, zinc, and boron nutrients. The treatments were: NPS, NPSK, NPSZnB, and NPSZnBK, with the recommended rate of 46 and 23 kg ha-1 N and P2O5,respectivelyfor Sekota,23 kg ha-1N, andP2O5 for Lasta. Moreover, 150, 1.47, and 0.07 kg ha-1 KCl, Zn, and B, respectively used uniformly in both locations. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The collected data were analyzed by SAS software version 9.0. Analysis of variance revealed that the application of potassium, zinc, and boron had no significant effect (P ≤0.05) on sorghum yield and yield components at all sites. The exchangeable potassium content in the soil of the study sites is above the critical value level. The result disagrees with the soil fertility map which showed more than 98% of potassium deficiency and more than 80% NPSZnB deficiency. Hence, the application of K, Zn, and B nutrients had no yield advantage over the recommended N and P nutrients in the Wag-Lasta areas. Therefore, currently to increase production and productivity of crops in Wag-Lasta areas using of recommended rate of nitrogen and phosphorous with organic fertilizer sources for each district is the best option rather than using K, Zn, and B nutrients.

Geospatial Analysis of Soil Fertility in Muzaffarpur District, Bihar, India: Integrating GPS and GIS Technologies

The soil fertility maps generated using Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) serve as crucial tools for effective nutrient management decision-making. However, soil fertility data for the Minapur, Kanti, and Marwan blocks of Muzaffarpur district, Bihar, India was found to be insufficient. Therefore, a soil fertility inventory research was conducted in these three blocks to create thematic soil fertility maps. A total of 40 geo-referenced composite soil samples were collected from various locations within the study area using a handheld GPS device. The processed soil samples were analyzed for various soil fertility parameters using standard methods. Soil nutrient status and fertility maps were then created using ArcGIS software with Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation techniques. The results clearly indicated that the soil reaction was alkaline, with a pH value exceeding 7.5. The content of soil organic matter, potassium, and sulphur was found to be low to medium, while available nitrogen and phosphorus levels were recorded as very low in these blocks. Finally it is concluded that the study generated thematic soil fertility maps for Minapur, Kanti, and Marwan blocks of Muzaffarpur district, Bihar, revealing alkaline soil with low to medium organic matter, potassium, and sulphur and very low nitrogen and phosphorus levels.

Soil Fertility Mapping Using GIS in Sirur Sub-Watershed of Kundagol Taluk of Dharwad District, Karnataka, India

Aims: To identify available nutrient constraints in soils and to generate soil fertility maps using remote sensing and GIS of Sirur sub-watershed in northern dry zone of Karnataka. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Sirur sub-watershed (4D5B5j) located in Kundagol taluk of Dharwad district, Karnataka during 2022-24. Methodology: Soil samples (601) from Sirur sub-watershed in northern dry zone of Karnataka were drawn at 320 m x 320 m grid interval and assessed for fertility parameters. Analytical data was interpreted and statistical parameters like range, mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation were calculated for each parameter. Soil fertility maps were prepared for each parameter using interpolation technique. Results: Soils were neutral to alkaline in reaction and non-saline. Soil organic carbon content was low to medium. Available nitrogen and phosphorus were low to medium, available potassium was high and sulphur was medium to high. Regarding available micronutrients, iron, copper and manganese were sufficient in the soils whereas Zn was deficient in about half of the sub-watershed area and B content was medium to high. Conclusion: The major constraints in sub-watershed are low content of OC, poor status of available N, P2O5 and Zn indicating their immediate attention for sustained crop production.

Identification of Soil Fertility Constraints of Erstwhile Warangal District, Telangana, India, using GIS for their Precise Management for Sustainable Crop Productivity

The present investigation was carried out to identify soil fertility constraints and map the fertility status of erstwhile Warangal District, Telangana, India using geographic information system (GIS) and global positioning system (GPS). 241 geo-referenced surface soil samples (0-20 cm) from the study area were analyzed for their fertility parameters. Soil fertility maps were prepared for each parameter under GIS environment using Arc-GIS v 10.8.2. The soils in study area were slightly acidic to slightly alkaline in reaction (6.16 - 8.34), non saline in nature (0.14 to 1.00 dS m–1) and low to high (0.12 - 1.14%) in organic carbon (OC%) content. The soils were low in available nitrogen (136 to231 kg ha-1), low to high in available phosphorus (14.00 to 166.00 kg P2O5 ha-1) and medium to high in available potassium (199 to 997 kg K2O ha-1). The wide variation from deficient to sufficient was observed in the status of available zinc (0.13 to 2.05 mg kg-1), iron (0.09 to 11.80 mg kg-1), copper (0.14 to 2.14 mg kg-1) and manganese (0.18 to 10.30 mg kg-1). The soil fertility status in study area revealed that soil organic carbon, available nitrogen and zinc are important soil fertility constraints in the erstwhile Warangal District Telangana India. To build up organic matter, zinc content, native nitrogen and maintain nutrient balance in the soil the farmers are advised to adopt farmyard manure (FYM) and ZnSO4 application regularly.

Fluvial avulsions influence soil fertility in the Pantanal wetlands (Brazil)

River avulsions drive important changes in the Pantanal wetlands, owing to their role in the hydro-sedimentology of the region. Although relevant to numerous ecosystem services, few studies have analyzed the influence of river avulsions on soil fertility in the Pantanal. Here, we use the largest ongoing avulsion in the Taquari River (Caronal region) to evaluate the effects on soil fertility, considering two factors: avulsion stage (1) and aquatic-terrestrial succession (2). Since both factors are influenced by macrophyte abundance, an incident map was created through tasseled cap indices from Sentinel 2 images to guide sampling efforts in flooded soils. The mapped area was split into two zones of alluvial processes, the first from the apex of the Caronal lobe corresponding to the Taquari River megafan (TRM), and the second as the distal Paraguay River floodplain (PRF). Soil macro- and micronutrient levels were evaluated from 42 surface samples (0–0.2 m) distributed across the two alluvial process zones. The macrophyte map's overall accuracy (OA) was analyzed by a confusion matrix using the Sentinel 2 imagery. Finally, we used Random Forest regressions to determine the influence of response variables on soil attributes, including tassel indices, distance from the Caronal crevasse, macrophyte density, and an existing soil fertility map. The macrophyte map obtained an OA of 93 %. Some parameters such as pH (r = −0.62; R2 = 0.57), effective cation exchange capacity (r = −0.49; R2 = 0.79), Mn (r = −0.71; R2 = 0.6), Zn (r = −0.69; R2 = 0.54), and base saturation (r = −0.7; R2 = 0.93) were influenced by the distance or level of maturation of the avulsion stage in the TRM. Our scattering of soil collections was insufficient to test the terrestrialization hypothesis (2). The study results show that river channel avulsions influence the accumulation of mineral and organic nutrients in tropical floodplain soils, which has implications for fertility and biodiversity.

Study on Soil Fertility Variations, Distribution of Soil Health Report and Key Suggestions for Problems Identified for Improvement of Livelihoods in Adopted Village Narsimhulapalle, Telangana, India

The Agricultural College, Sircilla of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, as the sixth and youngest college of the University, started during the academic year 2018-19. One of the mandatory activities of the college in addition to academics is adoption of village and disseminating need based relevant technologies of the University for improvement of livelihoods of the villagers. Hence, a village by name Narsimhulapalle of Thangallapalli Mandal, Rajanna Sircilla district was adopted as part of extension activities of the college which is about 19 km from the college. Prior to the dissemination of improved technologies, the identification of existing scenario in the village with regards to soils, fertility status, crops, varieties, package of production technologies followed were taken up. Soil samples were collected with geo-positions from every farmer’s field i.e., 114 farm holds of the village, processed and tested for fertility status. Action plan was prepared based on crop grown to alleviate the livelihoods of the village. A systematic collection of demographic, socio economic conditions and livelihoods of the villagers from primary and secondary sources along with prevailing farming practices were documented. All the 114 soils of the village were deficient in N, while majority of soils were medium to high with respect to available P and K. The Soil fertility based fertilizer recommendations were advocated to every individual farmer based on their soil test report for the crop grown. Soil fertility maps were prepared and displayed in the village Panchayat. Bridging of the identified extension and research gaps was planned by proposing relevant technological interventions for the enhancement of livelihoods.

Soil fertility mapping of a cultivated area in Resunga Municipality, Gulmi, Nepal.

Soil fertility maps are crucial for sustainable soil and land use management system for predicting soil health status. However, many regions of Nepal lack updated or reliable soil fertility maps. This study aimed to develop the soil fertility map of agricultural areas in Resunga Municipality, Gulmi district of Nepal using the geographical information system (GIS) technique. A total of 57 composite geo-referenced soil samples from the depth (0-20 cm) were taken from the agricultural land of an area of 52 km2. Soil samples were analyzed for their texture, pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorous, available potassium, available boron, and available zinc. These parameters were modelled to develop a soil quality index (SQI). Using the kriging tool, obtained parameters were interpolated and digital maps were produced along with soil quality and nutrient indices. The result showed that the study area lies within the fair (0.4 to 0.6) and good (0.6 to 0.8) range of SQI representing 96% and 3% respectively. Soil organic matter and nitrogen showed moderate variability exhibiting a low status in 95% and 86% of the total study area. Phosphorous and potassium showed medium status in 88% and 75% of the study area, respectively. Zinc was low and boron status was medium in most of the area. To maintain soil fertility is by improving the rate of exogenous application of fertilizers and manures. The application of micronutrients like boron and zinc is highly recommended in the study area along with organic manures. The soil fertility map can be used as a baseline for soil and land use management in Resunga Municipality. We recommend further studies to validate the map and assess the factors affecting soil fertility in this region. Soil fertility maps provide researchers, farmers, students, and land use planners with easier decision-making tools for sustainable crop production systems and land use management systems.

Assessment and Mapping of Soil Fertility Status of Migna Kura Kebele, Wayu Tuka District, East Wollega, Oromia, Ethiopia

Soil fertility decline is a significant obstacle to Ethiopia's increased food production, but information on current soil fertility status among the study areas is inadequate. Accurate soil fertility data is crucial for implementing effective strategies and developing targeted interventions to improve agricultural productivity and food security in Ethiopia. This study was initiated in this context with the aim of mapping the spatial distribution of specific soil parameters and assessing the status of soil fertility in Migna Kura Kebele, Wayu Tuka District, East Wollega, Ethiopia, providing crucial information for agrarian development. A total of 32 samples of surface soil were drawn at Stratifying random for laboratory analysis in 2019 G.C. Maps of soil fertility status were created using ArcGIS 10.4.1 and the common Kriging interpolation technique. Clay loam and clay are the two types of soil in the research study area. The bulk density of the soil ranged from 1.13 to 1.46 g/cm3, while the total porosity ranged from 42.57 to 55.15%. The pH of the soil can range from 6.7, which is slightly acidic, to 4.91, which is strongly acidic. The range of soil exchangeable acidity levels was 0 to 2.46 cmol (+) kg-1, while the range of OC values was medium (1.79% to 3.51%). Soil total N and available P values were between very low and low (0.19 to 1.11%) and 6.71 to 13.44 mg kg-1, respectively. Exchangeable Ca, Mg, K, and Na levels in the soil ranged from 6.93 to 51.15, 2.85 to 23.63, 0.21 to 1.76, and 0.05 to 0.71 cmol (+) kg-1, respectively, while a medium to very high degree of CEC (22.19 to 77.42 cmol (+) kg-1) was observed. A moderate to very high rating was assigned to soil PBS, which ranged from 42.13 to 98.30%. Micro nutrients; Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn extractable from soil by DTPA ranged in value from 12.07 to 33.51 mg kg-1, 16.02 to 48.26 mg kg-1, 0.18 to 0.62 mg kg-1, and 0.19 to 0.62 mg kg-1, respectively. The soil fertility map was created for the following parameters: pH, OC, total N, available (P, S), CEC, PBS, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Mn; Cu, Zn, and B. According to the study's findings, the study area's soils were found to be deficient in six nutrients that limit yields: N, P, K, S, B, and Zn. he soil in the study area is affected by soil acidity; for sustainable crop production in the study area, soils should be amended with lime, organic matter, and fertilizers of N, P, S, K, B, and Zn.

Soil Fertility Mapping using Geo-spatial Technique for Khapradih Farm, DKS College of Agriculture and Research Station, Bhatapara, Chhattisgarh, India

Soil Fertility Mapping using Geo-spatial Technique for Khapradih Farm, DKS College of Agriculture and Research Station, Bhatapara, Chhattisgarh, India

Spatial Assessment and Variation of Soil Physicochemical Properties and Water Quality in the Tungi Watershed of Maharashtra, India

Aims: To thoroughly evaluate the spatial variability of soil physicochemical properties and groundwater quality of the study area by systematic collection and analysis of geo-referenced soil and groundwater samples to quantify the physical, chemical and biological attributes of the soil. The objective is to gain a comprehensive understanding of soil and water quality in the Tungi watershed, providing valuable insights to guide sustainable land and water management practices in the region.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Latur between 2020 and 2021.
 Methodology: A total of one hundred geo-referenced surface soil samples (0-30 cm) and ten groundwater samples were methodically collected from the surrounding area of soil profiles in the Tungi watershed, situated in Latur, Maharashtra. Physical, chemical and biological properties of soil evaluated using recommended standard methods.
 Results: Bulk density varied from 1.13 to 1.93 Mg m-3, particle density from 2.48 to 2.94 Mg m-3 and porosity from 22 to 58 percent. Soil pH ranged from 7.05 to 8.96 and electrical conductivity was within the permissible range. Organic carbon content of soils ranged from 0.15 to 1.05 percent, with some soils having a calcareous character (0.6 to 22.2 percent). The analysis of nutrient content revealed variable quantities with available nitrogen ranging from 53.31 to 250.88 kg ha-1, available phosphorus from 12.51 to 27.49 kg ha-1, available potassium from 106.9 to 851.5 kg ha-1 and available sulphur from 4.37 to 66.65 mg kg-1. Exchangeable calcium and magnesium quantities revealed ranges of 14.60 to 42.40 cmol(p+) kg-1 and 5.40 to 21.60 cmol(p+) kg-1, respectively. Furthermore, DTPA extractable iron varied from 4.24 to 16.38 mg kg-1, manganese from 4.76 to 25.84 mg kg-1, zinc and copper from 0.5 to 6.56 mg kg-1 and 0.72 to 15.56 mg kg-1, respectively and boron from 0.1 to 3.56 mg kg-1. Microbial population estimates revealed the dominance of bacteria over fungi and actinomycetes in the studied area. Groundwater carbonate and bicarbonate ranged from 0.01 to 0.62 m mol-1 and 6.35 to 10.24 mmol-1 respectively. The dug well, bore well and tube well water RSC ranged from 0.70 to 1.25 mmol-1.
 Conclusion: This extensive study provides helpful insights into the regional variability of physical and chemical properties in both soil and water with help of soil fertility maps, providing better understanding of soil fertilizer input and environmental conditions in the Tungi watershed.

Spatial variability analysis of soil properties of Gwalior District, Madhya Pradesh

The application of fertilizers can be optimized to maintain crop yield while reducing the amount of fertilizer input. One way to achieve this is by using soil fertility maps and fertilizer recommendations to regulate fertilizer application. In this study, statistical techniques were employed to analyze the physical-chemical quality of soils in the Gwalior region of Madhya Pradesh. The study involved collecting 95 soil samples (0-15 cm) from four blocks in the Gwalior area using GPS (Bhitarwar, Morar, Ghatigao, and Dabra), and conducting laboratory analyses. The results of the analysis showed that the pH, EC, and OC of the soil samples ranged from 7.10 to 8.90, 0.21 to 0.83 dS/m, and 0.23 to 0.98%, respectively. The soil samples also had varying levels of N, P, and K, with values ranging from 194 to 336, 6.10 to 45.00, and 69.89 to 751.30 kg/ha, respectively. The study revealed significant differences in the physicochemical properties of soil in the study area

Digital Mapping of Soil Fertility for Some Agricultural Lands by Using Fuzzy-AHP (FAHP) Techniques and GIS in Highly Calcareous Soil, Southwest Iran

ABSTRACT The increase in population and decrease in agricultural land per capita requires intelligent management to increase production per unit area and higher productivity of land use to ensure food security. In this regard, evaluation of soil fertility and productivity is a prerequisite for sustainable agricultural development. The present study sought to investigate the soil fertility status of GIS-based Fuzzy-AHP(FAHP) techniques to assess the soil fertility status of wheat crops in Shadkam plain of Fars province. For this purpose 210 study samples from topsoil were collected and the most important chemical parameters affecting soil fertility were analyzed. According to the results, the most important limiting characteristics were OC, available phosphorus and soil pH. The application of FAHP method determined 4130.01 ha, 10.82% of land very high fertility class, 7615.30 ha, 19.95% high fertility class, 23942.30 ha, 62.77% moderately fertility class, and 2452.10 ha, 6.42% low fertility class. Thus, the fuzzy-AHP model is found to be of high accuracy for predicting soil fertility in the study area. Overall, it can be concluded that the preparation of a soil fertility map separately can be an effective tool and first step in soil fertility studies and the optimal use of fertilizers.

Predicting Rice Lodging Risk from the Distribution of Available Nitrogen in Soil Using UAS Images in a Paddy Field.

Rice lodging causes a loss of yield and leads to lower-quality rice. In Japan, Koshihikari is the most popular rice variety, and it has been widely cultivated for many years despite its susceptibility to lodging. Reducing basal fertilizer is recommended when the available nitrogen in soil (SAN) exceeds the optimum level (80-200 mg N kg-1). However, many commercial farmers prefer to simultaneously apply one-shot basal fertilizer at transplant time. This study investigated the relationship between the rice lodging and SAN content by assessing their spatial distributions from unmanned aircraft system (UAS) images in a Koshihikari paddy field where one-shot basal fertilizer was applied. We analyzed the severity of lodging using the canopy height model and spatially clarified a heavily lodged area and a non-lodged area. For the SAN assessment, we selected green and red band pixel digital numbers from multispectral images and developed a SAN estimating equation by regression analysis. The estimated SAN values were rasterized and compiled into a 1 m mesh to create a soil fertility map. The heavily lodged area roughly coincided with the higher SAN area. A negative correlation was observed between the rice inclination angle and the estimated SAN, and rice lodging occurred even within the optimum SAN level. These results show that the amount of one-shot basal fertilizer applied to Koshihikari should be reduced when absorbable nitrogen (SAN + fertilizer nitrogen) exceeds 200 mg N kg-1.

Assessment of Soil Fertility Status in Paroo and Saraiyan Blocks of Muzaffarpur District of Bihar Using GPS and GIS

The experiment was conducted during 2019‒21 at Paroo and Saraiya blocks of Muzaffarpur district of Bihar, India to identify the nutrients status for crop management. Soil fertility inventory research was carried out in these two identified blocks (Paroo and Saraiyan) for generation of thematic soil fertility map. For nutrient assessment altogether 40 (forty) geo-referenced composite soil samples were collected from the various locations of the studied area using a hand-held GARMIN GPS device. The processed soil samples were used for analysis of various soil fertility parameters by using prescribed standard methods. Soil nutrient status and fertility maps were created by using ArcGIS 10.4.1 software employing Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation techniques. The results clearly indicated that the soils pH was alkaline in nature ranges from 7.4‒9.5. The mean value of Soil organic matter (0.55%) and potassium (150 to 250 kg ha-1) was found to be low to medium whereas, available nitrogen (119.9 to 319.1 kg ha-1) found 90% deficient, however, phosphorus (4.34 to 18.4 kg ha-1), and sulphur were recorded low in the blocks. However, most of the sample of micronutrients like copper (0.23 to 1.07 mg kg-1) and Iron (1.64 to 13.2 ppm) showed above critical limits while manganese, zinc deficiency were occurred in wide area. The intensive cropping system and imbalanced use of chemical fertilizer is degrading the soil quality in study area.

Soil Fertility Evaluation and Mapping of Burugamaradoddi Microwatershed of Ramanagara Taluk, Ramanagara District, Karnataka

The present investigation was conducted to know the soil fertility status of Burugamaradoddi microwatershed of Ramanagara district. The soil samples were collected from 0-15 cm soil depth from 70 locations. Soil fertility maps were prepared for pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, available nitrogen, available phosphorous, available potassium and available sulphur, exchangeable calcium and magnesium, available boron and available micronutrients viz., iron, manganese, zinc, copper and zinc. Results revealed that the soils were slightly acidic (pH: 5.35-8.32) to moderately alkaline and electrical conductivity of soil were non- saline to slightly saline. The organic carbon status ranged from low to high (0.15-0.90%), and available nitrogen was mostly low. The soil available phosphorus was low to medium; available potassium was in low to medium range and exchangeable calcium and magnesium were found in sufficient range, available sulphur was in low to high range. Regarding available micronutrients, boron and zinc were in low category and level of copper, iron and manganese were in sufficient range. The assessment of soil fertility in Burugamaradoddi micro-watershed revealed that, watershed had better soil fertility status in soil.

Adding random points to sampling grids to improve the quality of soil fertility maps

Adding random points to sampling grids to improve the quality of soil fertility maps