Soil Fertility Maps Research Articles

Разработка информационно-аналитической веб-системы для восстановления плодородия почв и рекультивации деградированных агроландшафтов

The created information-analytical web-system for the selection of the technologies for the recultivation and use of agricultural land is presented, which allows specialists to make timely scientifically based decisions to improve the condition of degraded agrolandscapes. The web system includes a database, user authorization subsystem, cloud data storage and backup subsystem. Two web interfaces have been developed: a user interface, which provides access to the view and search modes, and an administrative one, which allows, in addition to viewing and searching, to add, modify and delete records in the database after entering the username and password. The main menu of the web system consists of the following items: «Soils», «Type of degradation», «Impact», «Type of pollution», «Object», «Category», «Recommended technologies and stages». After setting the required search criteria and clicking the «Request» button, the web system retrieves the relevant records from the database. For each record, you can get short and detailed information about the object and recommended technologies for improving soil fertility, execute GIS, satellite and other maps of the desired object, view related materials in various formats (doc, xls, pdf, cdr, etc.). This web system can be linked to the different files, various software products and online services.

Soil fertility status of available phosphorus in soil through soil fertility mapping using GPS and GIS techniques of dharmaur micro-watershed Jagdalpur block, Bastar District of (C.G.) State

The present research on the soil fertility status of available phosphorus in soil by soil fertility mapping using GPS and GIS techniques of the Dharmaur microwatershed Jagdalpur block, Bastar district of C.G. The goal of the study was to quantify the soil fertility status of available phorphorus in Dharmaur micro-watershed soils through soil fertility mapping using GPS and GIS techniques. Soil fertility maps have been modified using the Geostatistical Interpolation Process Kriging technique. The soil fertility analysis of the study area will be carried out on a scale of 1:10000. Grid point based soil samples (0-15 cm) will be collected, dried, grounded and processed for part of the villages of Kumhrawand and Tekameta and surrounded by the village of Kumhrawand to the east, the village of Tekameta to the west, the river Indravati to the north and the villages of Bhadisgaon & Biringpal to the south at a distance of 100 metres.

Soil fertility status of available sulfur in soil through soil fertility mapping using GPS and GIS Techniques of Dharmaur micro-watershed Jagdalpur block, Bastar District of (C.G.) State

The present study on the soil fertility status of available Sulfur in soil by soil fertility mapping using GPS and GIS techniques of the Dharmaur microwatershed Jagdalpur block, Bastar district of C.G. was conducted during 2017-18. The focus here was to prepare soil fertility mapping using GPS and GIS techniques. Sulfur is one of the important plant nutrient among 17 essential plant nutrients. It is essential for the growth and development of all crops. Without exception most of a plants requirement of S is absorbed through the roots in the sulphate (SO4) form. Like any essential nutrient, sulfur also has certain specific functions to perform in the plant Thus, S deficiencies can only be corrected by the application of S fertilizer. A total of 382 soil samples were collected from the area covering most of Dharmaur, Kumhrawand and Tekameta villages and the study area is surrounded by Kumhrawand village to the East, Tekameta village to the West, Indravati river to the North and Bhadisgaon & Biringpal villages to the South.

Soil fertility status of available potassium in soil through soil fertility mapping using GPS and GIS techniques of Dharmaur micro-watershed Jagdalpur block, Bastar district of (C.G.) state

Soil fertility status of available potassium in soil through soil fertility mapping using GPS and GIS techniques of Dharmaur micro-watershed Jagdalpur block, Bastar district of (C.G.) state

Using fuzzy-AHP and parametric technique to assess soil fertility status in Northeast of Iran

A good understanding of the levels and distribution patterns of soil properties and/or quality indicators is a prerequisite for developing sustainable agricultural land management programs. Traditional assessments of these parameters of soil fertility status are somewhat costly, in both economics and time aspects. Different modelling techniques have been proposed as a useful tool for determination of soil quality indicators and development of soil fertility maps, but to what extent these results are reliable remains under-quantified in many regions worldwide. To address this uncertainty, Fuzzy-Analytical Hierarchy Process (Fuzzy-AHP) and Parametric analyses were conducted to ascertain the soil fertility status of a semiarid region in the Northeast of Iran for some selected crops: alfalfa, corn silage, potato, sugar beet, tomato and wheat. The Fuzzy-AHP and Parametric techniques using soil suitability indices were estimated for each crop and each soil delineation was achieved by Ordinary Kriging. The Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was used as a compensatory method to allow tradeoffs among the selected criteria. Our results demonstrated that from the Fuzzy-AHP analysis, the soil fertility indices ranged from moderate to high for production of alfalfa; from low to high for production of corn silage and sugar beet; moderate to high for production of potato and tomato; and from low to moderate for production of wheat. However, the parametric analysis showed soil fertility classes ranging from very low to high for production of all the selected crops. High correlations were also observed between soil fertility indices predicted by both models. Similarly, the capacities of both models to predict soil fertility status for production of the selected crops were also highly correlated. The preference for the cultivation of the selected crops based on the Fuzzy-AHP analysis was sugar beet > corn silage > wheat > alfalfa > tomato > potato. On the other hand, using Parametric techniques, the crops preferences for cultivation ranked as corn silage > wheat > alfalfa > sugar beet > tomato > potato. We concluded that the findings would help to develop sustainable plans of cultivation based on patterns related to soil fertility classes depending on each crop’s requirement.

Verification of Potassium, Zinc and Boron Fertilizer on Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum) in Jamma and Meket Districts of East Amhara

Soil fertility map of the region developed by ATA and Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources indicates 100% of the Jamma and Meket district shows potassium deficiency. In addition to potassium 100% of Jamma districts and more than of 98% of Meket district also shows both NPSB and NPSBZn deficiency. This study was conducted in Eastern Amhara National, Regional State of Meket and Jamma districts in the 2017 cropping season to verify crop responses to potassium, Boron and Zinc fertilizers visa- via the soil fertility map of the districts developed by ATA and Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Five sites per district were selected for the study. The test crop was wheat (Dinkenesh). The treatments were: NPS, NPSK, NPSBZn and NPSKBZn. Treatments were replicated three times per site and the design was RCBD. Recommended NP was used uniformly for all treatments. The collected data were subjected to analysis of variance using SAS version 9. The Result reveald that there was no statistical significance yield difference (p > 0.05) between potassium, boron and zinc treated plots and recommended NP plots. For all sites the finding was unrelated to the developed soil fertility map. Therefore; it is unjustified to use K, B and Zn fertilizers for the study crops and areas. Keywords: Boron fertilizer, Potassium fertilizer, soil fertility map, Zinc fertilizer DOI: 10.7176/JEES/10-3-05 Publication date: March 31 st 2020

GIS-GPS based soil fertility maps of macronutrients of village Harnas of Bhor Tehsil in Pune District

Investigation on GPS based soil fertility maps of Harnas Village of Bhor Tehsil of Pune District was undertaken with 120 geo-referenced (GPS) surface soil samples (0-22.5 cm depth) during the year 2017-2018 at Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Pune with the object to assess the soil chemical properties with available macro nutrients. The latitude and longitude of the sampling site were recorded with the handheld GPS instrument. It is observed that 97.5% soil samples belong to slightly acidic to acidic in reaction. However, the EC of soils ranged from 0.10 to 0.20 dSm-1 and soils are categorized as normal for emergence of seed. The organic carbon content of soil ranged from 0.21 to 0.71 per cent and categorized as low to high. The calcium carbonate content was medium to high and it ranged from 0.24 to 12.50 per cent.The available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium ranged 75.26 to 175.60 kg ha-1 (mean 112.43 kg ha-1), 10.16 to 33.84 kg ha-1 (mean 21.11 kg ha-1) and 117.24 to 285.70 kg ha-1 (mean 212.97 kg ha-1), respectively. The available sulphur in soils ranged from 30.38 to 33.42 mg kg-1 (mean 31.91 mg kg-1). The pH of the soil has negative and non-significant correlation with available K and S. however it has positive with significant correlation with P with ‘r’ value 0.164.*. EC of the soils showed negatively but non-significant correlation with available P and S. But positively non-significant correlation with available N and K.Organic carbon showed negatively non-significant correlation with available K. here as it has positively non-significant correlation with available N, P and S. The CaCO3 was negatively and non-significantly correlated with available N, P and K. while it is positively and non-significantly correlated with available S. respectively. The spatial distribution maps of soil were developed with help of Arc GIS 10.2 software.

Assessment of spatial variability of soil fertility status in KVK farm of Pahanda in Durg district, Chhattisgarh using Gis-Gps

The precise nutrient management is one of the most important and integral part of the modern-day agriculture. For this to happen we have to know the spatial variability of soil fertility. In this study, all soil physico-chemical properties (pH, EC, OC), Available macronutrients (N, P, K, S) and Available micronutrients (B, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) status with their spatial variability in KVK farm of Pahanda was quantified and based on their result soil fertility maps were prepared for respective nutrients using Arc-GIS software. Total 52 soil samples from soil surface (0-15 cm) collected from the study area and analyzed for these parameters. Soil reaction of the study area varied from neutral to saline range with EC below

GIS-GPS based soil fertility maps of micronutrients of village Harnas of Bhor tehsil in Pune district

Investigation on GPS based soil fertility maps of Harnas Village of Bhor Tehsil of Pune District was undertaken with 120 geo-referenced (GPS) surface soil samples (0-22.5 cm depth) during the year 2017-2018 at Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, Pune with the object to assess the soil chemical properties with available micro nutrients. The latitude and longitude of the sampling site were recorded with the handheld GPS instrument. It is observed that 97.5% soil samples belong to slightly acidic to acidic in reaction. However, the EC of soils ranged from 0.10 to 0.20 dSm-1 and soils are categorized as normal for emergence of seed. The organic carbon content of soil ranged from 0.21 to 0.71 per cent and categorized as low to high. The calcium carbonate content was medium to high and it ranged from 0.24 to 12.50 per cent. Soil pH was non-significant but positively correlated with DTPA extractable Zn but showed negatively significant correlation with Mn and Fe with the r values of -0.189*and -189* respectively, indicating that as soil pH decreases, the availability of Fe, Mn increases. Electrical conductivity had non significantly positive correlation with Cu. While, the organic carbon showed significantly positive correlation with extractable Fe (r = 0.239**) and non-significantly positive correlation with Mn, Zn and Cu. The CaCO3 found negatively and significantly correlated with exchangeable Fe and Mn with the r value of -0.176*, -212** respectively. The spatial distribution maps of soil were developed with help of Arc GIS 10.2 software.

MICRO AND SECONDARY NUTRIENT STATUS OF GEOREFERENCED SOILS OF BHADRAK, ANGUL, SONEPUR AND DHENKANAL DISTRICTS OF ODISHA

Soil fertility maps of Dhenkanal, Sonpur, Bhadrak and Angul district of Odisha were prepared by using Global positioning system (GPS) and Geographical Information system (GIS) .soils of each blocks (total 29 blocks) of above districts were collected by Gramin 76 MAPCS x MAKE GPS instruments. Total number of soil samples were collected was 1024 and 124 plant samples. The soil and plant samples were processed and analysed in the laboratory using standard methods. The data were entered in attributed table and linked with GIS software to develop a rational data base. The analogue soil fertility map was georeferenced and digitized by using ArcGIS software. Thematic layers were developed for block boundaries to prepare base map. Superimposing polygons (spatial coverage) of block unit and base map, soil fertility maps for secondary and micronutrient were prepared. Base on fertility maps, the status of organic carbon, DTPA-extractable Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and Hot water soluble Boron and secondary nutrient like Sulphur were assessed for suitability of crops. The overall conclusion was that these four districts of Odisha were deficient in Sulphur, Zinc and Boron in soil as well as plants whereas Fe, Mn and Cu in soil were found abundant. However, Cu in soil was an emerging issue now-adays and should take care of. It is advocated that the need for fertilization with Sulphur, Zinc and Boron fertilizer to enhance better crop growth and productivity.

Evaluation of fertilizer best management practices by SSNM and customized fertilizers for cassava (Manihot esculenta) cultivation in India

The field experiments were conducted to develop fertilizer best management practice (FBMP) by site specific nutrient management (SSNM) and SSNM zonation maps and customised fertilizer ratios at ICAR-CTCRI, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, during 2012–2015. The SSNM plot resulted in an average actual tuberous root yield of 36.80, 37.40 and 38.70 t/ha during 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively against a yield target of 40 t/ha. The average yield difference between SSNM and PR for the three crops grown was 5.50 t/ha (17%, P=0.001) and was similar during all the three years. On an average, plant N accumulation increased by 48 kg/ha (25%, P=0.003), P accumulation by 9 kg/ha (50%, P=0.003), and K accumulation by 39 kg/ha (20%, P=0.005). Among the three crops grown, the AEN increased by 34 kg/kg (72%, P=0.002), REN by 0.04 kg/kg (8%, P=0.003) and PEN by 55 kg/kg (58%, P=0.005). The guidelines in estimating the fertilizer N, P2O5 and K2O required by cassava based on tuberous root yield response to fertilizer N, P and K and efficiency of fertilizer N, P and K use also were developed. Soil fertility maps and agro-ecological units, SSNM zonation maps and customised fertilizer ratios were also developed for all the major cassava-growing regions in India.

Validation of Blended Fertilizers Based on Ethio-Sis Soil Fertility Map to Develop Site Specific and Crop at Halaba, Southern Ethiopia

Validation of Blended Fertilizers Based on Ethio-Sis Soil Fertility Map to Develop Site Specific and Crop at Halaba, Southern Ethiopia

GPS-GIS based soil fertility maps of Chandgad tehsil of Kolhapur district (M.S.)

The study was carried out to know the fertility status of soils of Chandgad tehsil, of Kolhapur district by using GPS-GIS technology and to correlate soil properties with the available nutrient status and also to evaluate the fertility index of Chandgad tehsil during the year 2015-2016.The pH of soils of Chandgad tehsil varied from 5.01to 7.21, most of the soils were found to be moderately acidic (57.15%) while EC varied from 0.04 to 0.70 dS m-1, the soilswere found to be normal (100 %) in salinity. The Calcium Carbonate content of soils of Chandgad tehsil varied from 0.51 to 3.07 per cent, the area was barely calcareous (33.77%), slightly calcareous (50%) and moderately calcareous (16.23%). Organic Carbon content varied from 0.31 to 1.12 per cent and categorized as low (24.02%), moderate (24.03%), moderately high (21.42%), high (19.50%) and very high (11.03%).The soil available Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium in Chandgad tehsil ranged from 143.21 to 420.26, 1.03 to 20.6 and 102.8 to 293.6 Kg ha-1, respectively. The soils were low (35.71%) and moderate (64.29%) in available Nitrogen. In respect of available Phosphorus very low (40.26%) low (46.75%) and moderate (12.99%). In case of available Potassium low (24.68%), moderate (9.74%), moderately high (36.36%) and high (29.22%). The exchangeable Calcium and Magnesium ranged from 10.00 to 25.00 and 2.25 to 12.50 cmol (p+) Kg-1, respectively. The soils were sufficient (25.32%), deficient (74.68%) and sufficient (13.63%), deficient (86.37%) in exchangeable Calcium and Magnesium, respectively. The exchangeable sodium ranged from 0.13 to 0.97 cmol (p+) Kg-1.The available sulphur varied from 5.12 to 35.93 mg Kg-1. The soils were low (26.62%), moderate (22.73%), moderately high (23.38%) and high (27.27%) in available Sulphur content.The pH was significantly and positively correlated with exchangeable Calcium and Magnesium. EC was non-significant and positively correlated with Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium and Manganese. The organic carbon was significantly and positively correlated with Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium and Sulphur. Calcium carbonate was significantly correlated with calcium, magnesium and Sulphur.The fertility index of Chandgad tehsil for Organic Carbon, available Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium was medium (2.02), low (1.32), low (0.86) and medium (1.85), respectively.

Mapping of Soil Fertility in Paddy-growing Soils of KRP Dam Catchment of Tamil Nadu Using GIS

Soil Fertility mapping are helps in reducing the cost of fertilizer and environmental risks. In KRP Dam catchment, 92 surface soil samples collected from major paddy-growing soils were used for soil fertility mapping in a GIS environment. Soil properties viz, pH ranged from highly acidic to strongly alkaline, with the maximum area being slightly alkaline (19.98%) and moderately alkaline (26.16%), -1 but soils were non-saline (<2 dSm ). Organic carbon (OC) varied from low (<0.5%) to high (>0.75%) occupied 20.01% and 44.90%, respectively. The soils were high (>-1 22 kg ha ) in available phosphorus (P), occupying 42.55% area followed by low P in 19.35% area and medium P in 18.72% area. There soils were medium to high in available potassium (K) and available sulphur (S). DTPA-Cu was found to be above the critical limit, but deficient in iron, manganese, zinc and boron. The extent and distribution of soil nutrients will help in site-specific fertilizer recommendations for paddy farming in the KRPdam catchment.

Usage of soil health card in crop management practices for doubling the farmers’ income

The data was collected from 15 selected villages from Sirsa district (Haryana), India during Rural Agricultural Work Experience program of B.Sc. (Hons.) Ag.(Final Year students) in 2017.Ninety farmers were selected, randomly. The study revealed that the 61.33 % of farmers were found aware about the SHC and farmers are found aware that ‘SHC studies soil health’ (56.34%), ‘it is a Govt. of India’s scheme’ (57.34%), ‘helped to reduce the input cost’ (53.67%), ‘give soil nutrient status’ (57.34%) and ‘it contain the soil type information’ (56.34%), ‘SHC contain the cropping pattern information’, ‘crop sequence information’ and ‘fertilizers dosages’ with 47.00 %, 47.34 % and 56.67 %, respectively. 53.66 % of farmers were aware ‘SHC helps to maintain the soil fertility’, ‘increases productivity of crops’ ‘judicious application of fertilizers’ and ‘soil-related constraints’with 53.00 %, 53.67% and 53.34 %, respectively. While, 47.00 % respondents were aware about the soil fertility map and SHC issued for three years with only 40.67 % of farmers. 56.67% of farmers had opinion that ‘SHC provides the dose of organic manure’ and ‘an idea of fertilizer’s usage pattern’ followed by ‘information about crop grown suited to soil type’ (54.44%). 53.33%farmers had opinion that ‘it helps to increase the organic matter in soil’, ‘timely management of fertilizers’ and ‘improve the quality of produce’. Further, 50.00% farmers had opinion that ‘provide the dose of farmyard manure (FYM)/ compost’ and ‘provides the dose of lime and gypsum’. These findings are of noval nature based on primary data collected directly from farmers. The study soil health is of very much importance for motivating farmers to use balanced fertilizers application for all field crops.

Assessment and Mapping soil fertility status of Potato Super Zone, Kavrepalanchowk

Potato is a staple food crop in high hills and mountains and a major vegetable throughout the country and one of the most important cash generating crops in Nepal. With the efforts undertaken by research and extension sectors, its productivity has significantly increased in last twenty years. However, this is not sufficient for increasing population of the country. Considering its potentiality for income, employment, industrial products, export and processing, appropriate technologies are urgent.Soil fertility evaluation is the most basic decision making tool for the sustainable soil nutrient management. Soil fertility studies and mapping is an effective way to diagnose soil status and recommend as per the need of the nutrient to particular crop in the area. This research aims to assess and prepare soil nutrient map of potato super zone, Kavrepalanchowk in Nepal. The specific objectives of the research were to assess soil texture, pH and organic matter status and simultaneously prepare soil fertility map of the potato super zone. A total of 202 soil samples were collected and nutrients were analyzed using standard procedure in the soil laboratory. Composite soil samples were collected from 6 to 10 different spots of the area at 0-20 cm depth by using soil auger. The GPS location of each soil sampling point was noted. The soil sampling point of each zone was determined by studying various aspects (area, slope, colour, texture, etc.) of the study area. Based on the nutrient status, nutrient maps were prepared and presented. Soil fertility maps were prepared by observing the critical nutrients required for the specific crops and by giving those nutrients certain ranking based on the nutrients role for the crop. The soil of Potato super zone was mostly found to be silty loam, moderately acidic (pH 5.9), medium in organic matter content (2.67%) and total nitrogen (0.13%), high in available phosphorus content (56 kg/ha) and available potassium (356kg/ha). There is also sandy loam, loam and silty clay loam types of soil in the area. Soil fertility maps were prepared by setting criteria based on nutrient status that were tested in the laboratory and on the basis of nutrients that are critical for each crops of the super zones. Vegetable super zone soil was found having medium (50%) and high (30%) fertility status. Based on the soil analysis report, it could be concluded that the soils of potato super zone is fair enough for cultivating potato crop at the moment.

Determination of chemical soil properties using diffuse reflectance and ion-exchange resins

The management of soil nutrients is essential for sustainable agricultural production. The time requirements for soil nutrient determinations and the high cost per sample are problems that are attributed to traditional laboratory analyses that limit the adoption of precision agriculture techniques. Such problems arise because the sample density that is required to obtain soil fertility maps is greater than that required by conventional agricultural management. The use of radiometric sensors combined with a diffuse reflectance technique is quicker and less expensive than surveying soil fertility. However, the construction of robust models for the prediction of soil chemical properties based on spectral data requires samples with standardized physical characteristics. The objective of this work was to develop a model to predict the soil phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K) contents based on a multivariate analysis using spectroscopic data in the visible and near-infrared ranges. Ion-exchange resins were used to extract nutrients from the soil, and then diffuse reflectance spectra were collected. Models were constructed using partial least squares (PLS) regression, and the ordered predictors selection (OPS) algorithm was used for the selection of variables. The coefficients of determination (greater than 90%), ratios of the standard deviation to the root mean square error (higher than 2.20), and relative error percentages (lower than 25%) were obtained using the developed models. The mean values that were predicted by the models were significantly different from those measured in the laboratory only for K ions. For the other analyzed ions, including P, Ca and Mg, no significant differences were observed at the 5% level (p > 0.05). The results indicate that the PLS–OPS models based on the diffuse reflectance of ion-exchange resins are reliable for the fast and accurate prediction of these ions.

Assessment of soil fertility index for potato production using integrated Fuzzy and AHP approaches, Northeast of Iran

Considering the important role of soil fertility and nutrient management in the modern agriculture seems to be a key step in appropriate site-specific fertilizers management for crop production. The present study was conducted to prepare a soil fertility zonation map based on soil nutrient elements including total nitrogen, available potassium and phosphorus, magnesium, manganese and iron and soil chemical parameters comprising cation exchange capacity, organic carbon, salinity and pH by integrated Fuzzy and AHP approaches for potato production in Rokh plain, northeast of Iran. In this regard the most important soil chemical parameters and nutrient elements in 0-30 cm depth of the soil was analyzed and mapped. The S-shaped fuzzy membership function was subsequently defined for each factor to fuzzify soil fertility parameters. The soil fertility map was prepared by weighing factor layers by the AHP approach and summation of factor layers by IDW interpolation function in GIS. The values of the soil fertility index in the scale of 0 to 1 ranged from 0.104 to 0.574, classified the study area in very low (922.90 km 2 ), low (566.10 km 2 ) and moderate fertility (14.86 km 2 ) classes which comprises 61.37%, 37.64% and 0.99% of the surface area, respectively. A regression between soil fertility values and potato yield in the study area revealed a high correlation (R 2 = 0.91) between the observed results which validate the zonation of the fertility classes in the region.

Soil Fertility Mapping of Different VDCs of Sunsari District, Nepal Using GIS

Soil fertility degradation has become a major problem for agricultural management in Nepal. A detailed soil fertility status of different VDCs of Sunsari district was investigated during 2015 and soil related crop production constraints were identified for proper utilization of agricultural land. Total 131 numbers of geo-referenced (GPS based) composite surface soil samples (0-15 cm) were collected from eleven Village Development Committees of Sunsari District. The sample points were recorded with a differential global position system and mapped using Geographic Information System (GIS). Soils were analyzed for mechanical composition, pH, organic matter, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, potassium and micronutrients like Boron, Zinc, Copper and Iron. About 38.9% soils were found to be silty clay loam, 20.6% were silty clay, 19.1% were clay loam and 21.4% were of other textural classes. Most of the soils were acidic and only few were neutral and slightly alkaline in nature. Soil Organic matter varies from 3.57% to 0.28% with a mean value of 1.53 %. The mean total nitrogen, available phosphorus, potassium was found to be 0.08%, 44.37 kg/ha and 128.04 kg/ha respectively. The mean hot water extractable Boron, DTPA extractable Copper, Zinc and Iron was found to be 0.14, 0.06, 0.15 and 10.71 mg/kg respectively. Thematic maps were prepared for each soil parameters using ArcGis10.1 software and ordinary Kriging interpolation was used in order to predict values for not sampled locations. The fertility maps provide the readymade source of information about soil fertility status and serve as the decision making tool for successful raising and development of crops. It can be concluded from the above study that GPS and GIS based soil fertility maps helps farmers, scientists, planners and students in providing soil test based fertilizer recommendation for intensive and sustainable site specific crop production.Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 6(2): 142-151

Soil Fertility Assessment and Mapping of Regional Agricultural Research Station, Parwanipur, Bara, Nepal

Soil fertility assessment is a key for sustainable planning of a particular area. Thus, the present study was conducted to assess the soil fertility status of the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Parwanipur, Bara, Nepal. The study area is situated at the latitude 27°4’40.9’’N and longitude 84°56’9.85”E at 75masl altitude. Altogether 76 soil samples were collected based on the variability of land at 0-20 cm depth. The texture, pH, OM, total N, available P2O5, K2O, Ca, Mg, S, B, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn content in the samples were determined following standard analytical methods. Arc-GIS 10.1 was used for soil fertility mapping. The soil structure was angular blocky, and varied between grayish brown (10YR 5/2) and dark grayish brown (10YR 4/2) in color. The sand, silt and clay content were 24.41±0.59%, 54.57±0.44% and 21.03±0.32%, respectively and categorized as silt loam and loam in texture. The soil was moderately acidic in pH (5.67±0.09), low in organic matter (0.74±0.04%) and available Sulphur (0.8± 0.1 ppm). The total nitrogen (0.06±0.001%), available boron (0.59±0.08ppm) and available zinc (0.51±0.05ppm) were low. Furthermore, available potassium (50.26±2.95ppm), available calcium (1674.6±46.3ppm) and available magnesium (175.43± 8.93ppm) were medium. Moreover, available copper (1.36±0.06 ppm) and available manganese (16.52±1.12 ppm) were high, while, available phosphorus (77.55±6.65 ppm) and available iron (85.88±7.05 ppm) were found high. It is expected that the present study would help to guide practices required for sustainable soil fertility management and developing future agricultural research strategy in the farm.