Typic Haplustept Research Articles

Characterization and Classification of Soils of Bharuch Taluka in Bharuch District of Gujarat

A detailed soil survey was undertaken at 1:10000 scale to describe, characterize, classify and evaluate the soils of Bharuch taluka, Bharuch district, Gujarat. Old and recent basaltic alluvial plains are the major landforms of the area. A total of 74 pedons, representing old (41 pedons) and recent (33 pedons) alluvial plains were studied. The soils were correlated and three soil series viz. Umraj, Derol and Singdot were identified. The Umraj belong to a very fine, smectitic Typic Haplusterts covers 30,839 ha (48.5 %) area, whereas Derol and Singdot a fine, smectitic Vertic Haplustepts and fine, mixed, Typic Haplustepts covers 20,604 ha (32.5 %) and 4,164 ha (6.6 %) area, respectively. The sand, silt and clay in the soils varied from 8 to 31, 24 to 49 and 23 to 67 per cent, respectively. The soils were very deep, neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 7.3 to 8.4) with low to medium in organic carbon content (0.14 to 0.58 %), low to high in calcium carbonate (1.9 to 16.5 %) with medium to high CEC [39.4 to 62.0 cmol (p+) kg-1] and high base saturation (67.4 to 92.0 %). Soils were assessed as highly to moderately suitable for major crops (cotton, pigeonpea, maize, sugarcane, wheat and chickpea).

Characterization and Classification of Soils from Different Topographic Positions under Sugarcane Plantation in South Sulawesi, Indonesia

The varied topography will influence the soil formation. This study aims to characterize and classify the soil selected on different topography positions of the sugarcane plantation area. The research was conducted in sugarcane plantation area of Camming, District of Bone, South Sulawesi, which was carried out from November 2017 to March 2018. This study used a descriptive method, observation and description of the nine soil profiles at three transects. Each transect consisted of three profiles points located in different positions, consisting of summit, backslope, and valleys. Each horizon soil samples were analyzed for their physical, chemical and micromorphology characteristics in the laboratory. Soil classification system was done by using soil taxonomy to the level of subgroups. The results showed that an average rainfall annual on the research location was 2.200 mm per year. Soil characteristics such as soil solum, cation exchange capacity, and sum of basic cations tended to increase in parts of the valley than in the back and summit. The primary mineral from the sand fraction included quartz, calcite, biotite, opaque, and orthoclase found especially in the position of the back and valley. The pore types consisted of vugh and packing void pores. Pedofeature type of soil was generally in the form of concretions and nodules that showed the process of oxidation and reduction. The soil type in the study area was classified into Typic Haplustepts and Typic Haplustalf.

Simulation of Grain Yield, Seasonal Evapotranspiration, Global Warming Potential and Yield Gap Analysis of Wheat Under Varied Water and Nitrogen Management Practices Using InfoCrop Model

Simulation models can serve as useful tools in taking critical decisions with respect to optimization of input use in agriculture. A field experiment was conducted during 2009–2010 and 2010–2011 to study the effect of irrigation and N interaction on yield and input use efficiency in wheat (cv HD 2932) and to validate an indigenous generic simulation model “InfoCrop” to predict grain yield and actual evapotranspiration of wheat in a sandy loam soil (Typic Haplustept) of Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Wheat was grown with four levels of N, i.e., 0, 30, 60, 120 kg N/ha, and four irrigation levels, i.e., rainfed, and irrigation to meet 30, 60 and 100% soil moisture depletion from field capacity. It was observed that the model could account for 82% variation in the observed grain yield. The root mean square error between the observed and simulated grain yields of wheat was to the tune of 14.2% of the mean observed grain yield of wheat. The predictability of the model was better for irrigated treatments than for the rainfed treatment. There is a scope for improving the water balance module of the model to improve the predictability of actual evapotranspiration of wheat. It was also observed that the global warming potential during wheat growth increased with the increase in the water application. This clearly indicates a trade-off between the wheat production and global warming potential estimated by the model. Thus, global warming potential can be reduced through efficient use of water and nitrogen.

Transformations and Availability of Iron to Wheat as Influenced by Phosphorus and Manganese Fertilization in a Typic Haplustept Soil

ABSTRACTAn investigation was conducted using Typic Haplustept, sandy loam soil, to investigate the interactive effects of phosphorus (P) and manganese (Mn) fertilization on native iron (Fe) pools in soil and their availability to wheat (cv. PBW-343) crop. Phosphorus fertilization moved Fe from residual mineral fraction of Fe to manganese oxides (MnOX), organic matter (OM), amorphous (AMPOX), and crystalline (CRYOX) Fe and Al oxide fractions. However, Mn application decreased specifically adsorbed (SAD)–Fe and CRYOX–Fe but increased OM–Fe and mineral fraction of Fe. Available Fe in soil decreased as Olsen P and P:Mn ratio increased in the soil. Higher Olsen P (>60 mg P kg−1soil) reduced mean Fe uptake by shoot. P content and P:Mn ratio in soil as well as in root and shoot were inversely related to Fe concentration in both the plant parts. The role of soil Fe associated with oxides and organic matter was found most notable in Fe nutrition of wheat.

Bioindicators and nutrient availability through whole soil profile under orange groves after long-term different organic fertilizations

We investigated long-term (18 years) effects of three organic (cow manure (CM), poultry manure (PM), compost from agro-industry orange wastes (OW)) and one inorganic fertilization (IF) on various soil biological indicators (microbial biomass C, soil respiration, total phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs), total bacteria, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi) and nutrient contents (total and extractable organic C, total and mineral N, available P and K) along the profile of a Typic Haplustept under orange Mediterranean orchards. All fertilizers were added on the same N content basis (190 kg N ha−1 per year). Variables related to carbon cycling gradually worsened with depth, regardless of treatment, but at any soil depth they improved according to IF OW > PM > IF. Organic manures favoured Gram-negative bacteria, especially between 35 and 55 cm depth, whereas Gram-positive bacteria flourished better under inorganic fertilization up to 55 cm. Organic fertilizers increased microbial biomass C, compared with IF, with CM being the most efficient, i.e. inducing the greatest C use efficiency, in turn coupled with a greater amount of fungi compared to bacteria. This is crucial from the environmental viewpoint, since fungi better contribute to soil C storage. PLFAs signatures of microbial communities reflected the differences in resources availability determined by soil depth and fertilizer type; indeed, fungi and Gram-negative bacteria responded more promptly to nutrient contents than other microbial groups. Oligotrophic conditions in deeper soil horizons increased the metabolic quotient, an indicator of stress conditions.

Dynamics and temperature sensitivity of soil organic carbon mineralization under medium-term conservation agriculture as affected by residue and nitrogen management options

In the scenario of global climate change, the enhancement and stabilization of soil organic carbon holds prime importance. In this context, conservation agriculture (CA) based practices i.e., diversified cropping systems and permanent bed (PB) holds great potential. In this article, we have compared the dynamics of soil organic carbon under mustard and wheat based systems [MMuMb, maize-mustard-mungbean and MWMb, maize-wheat-mungbean)] planted on PB, with and without residue (PB + R and PB - R) along with four nitrogen (N) management options [Un-fertilized, N through prilled urea (PU), N through sulphur coated urea (SCU), and N through neem coated urea (NCU)]. After 5-years of experimentation, to assess the medium-term impact of full CA (PB + R) in comparison to partial CA (PB-R) on SOC dynamics under mustard and wheat based systems with diverse N sources, we had conducted an incubation study at three temperature levels (27, 32 and 37 °C) in a sandy loam soil (Typic Haplustept) of north-western Indo- Gangetic Plains (IGP) of India. Wheat-based cropping system (MWMb) resulted in higher values of less labile, non-labile as well as total SOC, as compared with mustard-based system (MMuMb). On the other hand, MMuMb registered higher amount of very labile and labile SOC, with enhanced decay rate. The cumulative C mineralization (Ct) was 11–17% higher under MMuMb compared with MWMb, from all the soil depths at 27 °C. Retention of crop residue in PB increased total SOC by 11.5 to 19.5% compared with PB-R, across the soil depths. The Ct were significantly higher under full CA plots with lower decay rate (Kc), as compared to plots under partial CA. Application of N fertilizers registered a significant hike in total SOC compared to un-fertilized control plots. At the same time, the coated N sources i.e., SCU and NCU failed to cause any significant improvements in total SOC as compared with uncoated PU plots. On the other hand, coated urea treated plots registered significantly higher C mineralization compared with uncoated PU plots. Between the two coated urea products, the NCU application registered significantly higher C mineralization compared with SCU across the sampling events and temperature regimes from all the soils layers. Cropping system or residue addition/removal did not affect temperature sensitivity of SOC mineralisation. At the same time, addition of N-fertilizers, irrespective of sources lowered the Q10 compared with no-N fertilization.

Characterization, Classification and Evaluation of Soils in Semi-arid Region of Mahanandi Mandal in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh

Ten representative pedons from surroundings of Mahanandi mandal in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh were studied for their morphological and physicochemical properties, and nutrient status. These soils were deep to very deep, neutral to moderately alkaline (pH 7.3–8.3), non-saline (0.19–1.00 dS m−1), low to medium in organic carbon (0.2–7.5 g kg−1) and low to high in CEC [4.31–52.11 cmol(p+)kg−1 soil]. Soils were low to medium in available nitrogen (62.7–545.7 kg ha−1), low to high in available phosphorus (2.7–65.7 kg ha−1), high in available potassium (149–1125 kg ha−1) and deficient to sufficient in available sulphur (1.3–79.2 mg kg−1). The DTPA extractable Zn (0.02–4.97 mg kg−1), Fe (0.46–22.56 mg kg−1), Cu (0.02–0.55 mg kg−1) and Mn (0.27–30.80 mg kg−1) were deficient to sufficient. Pedon 2 having argillic (Bt) horizon was classified as Typic Haplustalfs and other pedons with cambic horizon (Bw) were classified as Fluventic Haplustepts (pedons 1, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 10), Aridic Ustorthents (Pedon 5), Typic Haplustepts (Pedon 3) and Vertic Calciustepts (Pedons 7).

Effect of Tillage, Residue and Nitrogen Management on Soil Water Dynamics and Water Productivity of Wheat in an Inceptisol

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season for two consecutive years (2014–15 and 2015–16) on wheat crop in a sandy loam soil (Typic Haplustept) at the research farm of Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi with the objective of studying soil water dynamics and water productivity of wheat under different tillage, residue and nitrogen (N) management practices. The treatments comprising of two levels of tillage as main plot i.e. conventional tillage (CT) and no tillage (NT), two levels of residue as subplot i.e. maize residue @ 5 t ha−1 (R+) and without residue (R0)), and three levels of N as sub-sub plot i.e. 60, 120 and 180 kg N ha−1, representing 50% (N60), 100% (N120) and 150% (N180) of the recommended dose of N for wheat, respectively were evaluated in a split-split plot design with three replications. Results showed that there was increase in the profile moisture storage by 7.7 per cent under crop residue mulch. The evaporative flux was lower by 23.9 per cent but deep percolation flux was higher by 8.3 per cent under mulching than without mulch treatment. The water productivity of wheat was not influenced by tillage but increased significantly with the increase in N levels. During high rainfall year, the effect of crop residue mulch on water productivity was not significant but it increased significantly during low rainfall year.

Forms and Distribution of Potassium in Some Selected Soils of Sahibganj District, Jharkhand, Developed from Rajmahal Trap

Distribution of different forms of potassium (K) was investigated in four representative pedons viz. P1: Lilatanr series (Lithic Ustorthents), P2: Rangamatiya series (Typic Haplustepts), P3: Jetkumarjari series (Vertic Endoaquepts) and P4: Dakshin Balua series (Typic Ustifluvents) developed from Rajmahal trap occurring on various landforms in Borio block of Sahibganj district, Jharkhand. The soils were moderately acidic to moderately alkaline in the surface (pH: 6.0 to 7.9), fine in texture (clay: 25.1 to 53.5%), low in soluble salt content (EC: 0.05 to 0.50 dS m−1), medium to high in organic carbon (OC) (7.3–8.6 g kg−1), and adequate in available K (surface mean 568 kg ha−1). Water soluble K, exchangeable K, non-exchangeable K, lattice K and total K in the soils varied from 0.021 to 0.130, 0.2 to 1.011, 0.10 to 0.839, 36.35 to 86.43 and 38.46 to 88.21 cmol(p+)kg−1, respectively. The profile weighted mean (PWM) of different forms of K revealed the sequence: total K [56.87 cmol(p+)kg−1] > lattice K [55.95 cmol(p+)kg−1] > non-exchangeable K [0.469 cmol(p+)kg−1] > exchangeable K [0.410 cmol(p+)kg−1] > water soluble K [0.046 cmol(p+)kg−1]. The overall contribution of water soluble K, exchangeable K, non-exchangeable K and lattice K to total K were 0.081, 0.721, 0.825 and 98.38%, respectively. Based upon PWM-K, the water soluble K and exchangeable K in the pedons followed the sequence: P4 > P3 > P2 > P1 and P4 > P3 > P1 > P2, whereas nonexchangeable K, lattice K and total K followed the sequence: P4 > P2 > P3 > P1, suggesting maximum quantity of the forms of K in soils of flood plain and minimum in those of foot hills. Vertical distribution of different forms of K revealed no definite trend except water soluble K which showed somewhat gradual decrease down the depth of the pedons. Highly significant positive correlation existed between exchangeable K and available K (r = 0.993**), non-exchangeable K and lattice K (r = 0.864**) and lattice K and total K and (r = 0.999**). A regression equation viz. total K = 32.47 non-exchangeable K = 42.88 (R2 = 0.752) is also proposed.

Soil hydrophysical properties under different nutrient management practices, their relationship with soil organic carbon fractions and crop yield under pigeonpea-wheat sequence

Soil physical degradation is one of the serious production constraints in the Indo-Gangetic Plain region. The present investigation was undertaken to study the effect of different nutrient management practices involving the use of fertilizer NPK alone or in combination with Farm Yard Manure (FYM), sulphitation pressmud (SPM), or induced defoliation (ID, imposed in pigeonpea through foliar spray of 10% urea solution at physiological maturity) on soil hydrophysical properties of a Typic Haplustepts under pigeonpea-wheat sequence, in a field experiment that continued for 5 years at IARI, New Delhi. Fertilizer NPK at recommended rate to both the crops resulted in a significant increase in macroaggregates, mean weight diameter, geometric mean diameter, water-stable aggregates, and saturated hydraulic conductivity in surface soil. Conjoint use of fertilizers, organic manures, and ID also decreased soil bulk density (0–15 cm) significantly over control. Effectiveness of organics and ID in improving soil physical environment was in the order: FYM > ID > SPM.

Polymer coated novel controlled release rock phosphate formulations for improving phosphorus use efficiency by wheat in an Inceptisol

Non-renewable nature of rock phosphate (RP) reserves coupled with low use efficiency of applied phosphorus (P) fertilizers in the soil system results in irreversible loss of huge quantity of P to the environment. The technology of controlled release fertilizers which harmonizes crop demand and release of P from fertilizers are promising to prevent the loss as well as improve the P use efficiency. This article aimed to synthesize and assess some polymer coated novel controlled release rock phosphate formulations to synchronize P release with crop demand and increasing P recovery by wheat. Polymer coated novel products were synthesized by partially acidulating RP with sulphuric and phosphoric acids followed by coating with polyvinyl alcohol and liquid paraffin @ 2 and 3% levels of coating. These products were characterized through X-ray diffraction, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Phosphorus release pattern from novel coated fertilizers were monitored under controlled conditions in a laboratory incubation experiment at different moisture and temperature regimes. The products were also evaluated for their P supplying capacity to wheat in a greenhouse experiment. Results emanated from incubation study in a P-deficient Typic Haplustept revealed higher release of P at 20% moisture regime and 30 oC temperature. Phosphoric acid based coated products produced greater biomass yield than commercial diammonium phosphate and sulphuric acid formulated products. Product coated with polyvinyl alcohol @ 2% coating released P gradually that synchronized well with the plant P demand and resulted in greater biomass yield, P uptake and recovery by wheat than that of liquid paraffin and 3% level of coating. It can be concluded that novel technology of controlled release RP formulations using different coating agents could be exploited commercially as the alternative to water soluble P-fertilizers for enhancing P use efficiency.

Effect of organic amendments and sulfur on chemical and biological properties of a sodic soil

Saline soils cause concern in the productive systems of arid and semi-arid regions of the planet, since they cause a decrease in crop yield due to the osmotic effect, the presence of excess exchangeable Na which causes degradation of the soil structure, and the effect of the specific ion (Na, Cl, B) that can cause toxicity and imbalances in the nutrition of plants. Therefore, it is necessary to look for management alternatives to improve the productivity of these soils. To this end, we evaluated the effect of the application of <em>Prosopis juliflora</em> green manure (GM), palm oil residue vermicompost (VERM) and mineral sulfur (S°), on the chemical and biological properties of a Typic Haplustept sodium soil cultivated with <em>Zea mays</em>, using 3 t of organic matter ha<sup>-1</sup> of GM or VERM and 1.4 t ha<sup>-1</sup> of S° as unique treatments or mixed applications. The biological properties of soil microbial biomass (BMS), soil microbial respiration (RMS) and the activity of the enzymes phosphatases (alkaline and acid), protease and hydrolytic activity of the soil through the hydrolysis of fluorescein diacetate (FDA) were determined; as well as some chemical properties of the soil associated with sodicity. The effect on the biological properties of the soil depended on the type of amendment used and its composition, due to the differences found between treatments. In general, the application of organic amendments positively affected the RMS, BMS and the hydrolytic activity of the soil, while the application of S° increased the BMS but decreased the RMS and the enzymatic activity of phosphatases, proteases and hydrolases. The chemical variables studied also showed significant differences between treatments, with the presence of S° presenting significant differences in the greatest number of variables. In conclusion, applications of organic amendments mixed with S° positively affect the biological and chemical properties of sodium soils of the Colombian Caribbean region, since BMS is stimulated and sodium saturation is reduced.

Pedogenesis of spatially associated red and black soils in Purna valley from semi-arid region of Central India

Abstract Eight representatives spatially associated red and black soils in Purna valley from the semi-arid region of Central India were studied through mineralogical, micromorphological and geochemical investigations to infer pedogenic transformations during changing climatic phase. The morphology of soils showed that dissected alluvial plains over the basaltic landforms consists predominantly of dark reddish brown to dark yellowish brown soils with iron/calcium carbonate nodules (Typic Haplustepts), and lithological discontinuities (Typic Ustifluvents) whereas, pediplains and alluvial plains have clayey, dark brown, sodic, slickensided (Bss) horizons enriched with CaCO3 nodules (Typic Haplusterts). Buried Natrustalf on alluvial fans and floodplains has strong brown natric (Btn) horizons with distinct ferriargillans and abundant CaCO3 nodules. Ferriargillans in Alfisols indicates prevalence of humid climatic phase in the past during which alteration of plagioclase feldspars to smectites could have occurred, thereafter termination of humid phase and an onset of semi-arid climatic phase had favored drier non-leaching environment which has resulted in the preservation of smectites in Vertisols. The randomness in soils are expressed as entropy index which showed that physical mixing in subgroups of Vertisols and sodium enriched argrillic horizons in Alfisols were the indicators of altered pedogenesis at steady state. The formation of CaCO3 (pedogenic carbonates) and the concomitant development of sodicity during arid climatic phase were indicators of strong alkalinity and base accumulation in soils as a mark of aridity in red and black soils of the valley. The chemical index of alteration, weathering index, and entropy index were served as good indicators for assessing intensity of chemical weathering rate with respect to hydrology and topography. The study demonstrates that how the morphological, physical, chemical, mineralogical and micromorphological data were useful in assessing pedogenetic processes in spatially associated red and black soils of Purna valley.

Fenugreek productivity and N and P balance sheet with varying fertilizer levels, biofertilizers and brassinosteroid in Typic Haplustepts

A field study was carried out at Ajmer, Rajasthan with three fertilizer levels and three biofertilizer inoculations (Rhizobium, PSB and Rhizobium + PSB) in main plots and three concentrations of brassinosteroid ( BR) in sub-plots of a split plot design. 100 % RDF, co-inoculation of Rhizobium and PSB and BR 0.50 ppm produced a pooled seed and haulm yields of 2245 and 5236, 2085 and 4941, and 2098 and 4891 kg/ha, respectively, which were significantly superior to their preceding treatments. Interaction of fertility levels and biofertilizers was also found significant. A combination of 100 % RDF + dual inoculation, being on a par with 80 % RDF + dual inoculation, gave the highest seed, haulm and biological yield. Data on actual soil nitrogen and phosphorus status after crop harvest or E values (kg/ha) showed an improvement in both nutrients at 60 to 100 % RDF. Among different bio-fertilizer inoculations, the order of mean E values (kg/ha) for N were co-inoculation > Rhizobium > PSB but order for mean E values for P was co-inoculation > PSB > Rhizobium . Among brassinosteroid, the order for mean E values of N and P (kg/ha) was BR 0.50 ppm (170.09 and 8.88) > BR 0.25 ppm (168.37 and 8.80) > water spray (165.90 and 8.68). Data on actual mean gain or loss (G=E-initial soil nutrient status) of N and P showed a positive balance under all three kinds of treatments.

Soil organic carbon stock variation with climate and land use in shale derived soils

Anthropogenic activities, urbanization and industrialization cause an increase in the atmospheric carbon dioxide. Current focus of the soil scientists and the environmentalists is to quantify the carbon stocks and its flow in the agroecological system which is one of the main causes of global warming and climate change. The information on the distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in the soil profiles in relation with changing climate is barely sufficient. Objective of this study was to quantify the effect of climate and land on the equilibrium of SOC stocks in soil profiles with development. Murree soil series (Typic Hapludolls) in humid climate and under coniferous forest, and Tirnul soil series (Typic Haplustepts) in semiarid climate under cultivation, were selected. Triplicate soil profiles were selected for each of the soils and sampled at genetic horizons level. Cumulative SOC stocks in Typic Hapludolls soil profiles (95 Mg ha-1) were significantly greater than Typic Haplustepts (30 Mg ha-1). The Typic Hapludolls had significantly greater SOC stock at each horizon level under humid climate. This research concludes that soils under forest and humid climate had higher SOC stocks as compared to the soils under semiarid climate and cultivation.

Characterization, Classification and Evaluation of Soils in Semi-arid Ecosystem of Chillakur Mandal in SPSR Nellore District of Andhra Pradesh

Seven typical pedons representing major landforms in semi-arid ecosystem of Chillakur mandal in SPSR Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh viz., plains and uplands developed from granite-gneiss and alluvium parent material under varying land uses were studied for their morphological characteristics, physical and chemical properties and soil genesis. These soils were slightly acidic to moderately alkaline (pH 6.10 to 8.50) in reaction, non-saline, moderately deep to very deep, and had isohyperthermic temperature and ustic soil moisture regime. Texture, organic carbon (OC), cation exchange capacity (CEC) and base saturation ranged from sand to clay loam, 1.2 to 6.1 g kg−1, 4.70 to 25.52 cmol(p+)kg−1 soil and 54.0 to 98.2 per cent, respectively. Soils were low to medium in available N (59 to 439 kg ha−1 and P (8 to 30 kg ha−1), low to high in available K (78 to 327 kg ha−1) and high in available S (15 to 40 mg kg−1). The DTPA extractable Zn was deficient, whereas DTPA extractable Cu, Fe (except pedon 7) and Mn were sufficient. Pedons 1, 3, 4 and 7 were grouped under Entisols due to absence of sub-surface diagnostic horizon and were classified as Typic Ustorthents and Typic Ustipsamments whereas pedons 2, 5 and 6 were placed under Inceptisols due to presence of cambic (Bw) sub-surface diagnostic horizon and classified as Typic Haplustepts. All soils of the study area fall in agricultural land under land capability classes III and IV having limitations of slope and erosion. On the basis of major soil constraints and potentials, suitable land use plan for Chillakur mandal was suggested.

Land Resource Inventory (LRI) for development of sustainable agricultural land use plans using geospatial techniques: A case study of Pata Meghpar village, Jamnagar district, Gujarat

The soil and land resource inventory at village, as basic unit, are providing baseline data on soils, their constraints and potentials for crop production. Considering this fact, Pata Meghpar village (22013’14’’ to 22016’09’’ N latitude and 70029’16’’ to 70032’59’’ E) in Jamnagar district of Gujarat with an area of 1683 hectares was selected for land resource inventory on 1: 10000 scale for land use planning activity. The soils developed on Deccan trap geological formations with distinct basaltic landforms appear at an elevation of 100 meters above mean sea level near Und river. The landform analysis of study area was carried out with the visual interpretation of Indian Remote Sensing Satellite P6 LISS-IV data of April 2012 in conjunction with cadastral map. The four basic landforms identified are isolated upland (119.3 ha & 7.1%), ravinous land (409.6 ha & 24.3%), very gently to gently sloping plains (543.9 ha & 32.3%) and nearly level plains (610 ha & 36.2%). The detailed soil survey was carried out and identified seven soil series with 10 phases. The soil series Pata Meghpar-1(Loamy, Lithic Ustorthents) and Patameghpar-2 (loamy-skeletal, Lithic Ustorthents) occurring on isolated upland are very shallow, excessively drained, brown loam (7.5YR 4/4) to dark yellowish brown (10YR 3/4), gravely loam and slightly alkaline (pH 7.27.8). The Pata Meghpar-3 (fine-loamy, Typic Ustorthents) on ravinous lands are moderately shallow, excessively drained, strongly calcareous, dark yellowish brown (10YR 3/4), weak fine sub-angular blocky structure, slightly alkaline to moderately alkaline (pH 7.7 to 8.6). The Pata Meghpar-4 (fine, Typic Haplustepts) and Pata Meghpar-5 (fine, Vertic Haplustepts) occurring on very gently to gently sloping plain are moderately deep (50-75cm), moderately well drained, slight to moderately calcareous, very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2), moderate, medium, sub angular blocky structures and moderate to strongly alkaline (pH 8.1 to 8.8). The Pata Meghpar-6 (fine, Leptic Haplusterts) and Pata Meghpar-7 (fine, Typic Haplusterts) occurring on nearly level plains are deep, clayey, moderately well drained, very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) to very dark gray (10YR 3/1), weak fine angular blocky to moderate medium angular blocky structure, moderately calcareous and moderately alkaline (pH 8.0–8.5). The baseline resource data are useful for deriving soil-landscape relationships in basaltic terrain at village and forms the basis for upgrading management packages for sustainable crop production at farm level.

VARIATION OF DEHIDROGENASE ENZYME AKTIVITY AND DIFFERENT PEDOGENETIC DEVELOPMENT ON WEATHERED BASALTIC TOPOSEQUENCES

Enzymes play the most important role in the decomposition and deterioration of organic matter inthe soil. Most of the microbial activity in the soil is determined by measuring the activities of theenzymes. The aim of this study is to examine the changes in dehydrogenase enzyme activity indifferent pedological development soils formed on the same parent material, but with differentslopes, land cover and land use under semihumid climatic conditions. It was carried out on the soilformed on the basaltic parent material in different topographical positions within the Dağköy area ofEngiz district, which is located at the south of the Samsun-Bafra Highway. In this study,dehydrogenase enzyme activity was assessed in order to reveal the biological properties of the soilof the study area and it was investigated the dehydrogenase enzyme activity in terms of soilbiological property. For this aim, six soil profiles formed on weathered basaltic parent material andlocated on toposequence of north-south transect were described according to genetic horizon andclassified as Lithic Ustorthent, Vertic Haplustept, Typic Haplustept and Typic Haplustert. I

Evaluation of nutritional quality of manures: Impact on yield and uptake of nutrients in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and soil properties under Typic Haplustepts

A field study was carried out to assess the effect of different organic manures (Vermi-compost, sheep manure and farmyard manure) and Rhizobium inoculation on yield and uptake of nutrients in fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L.) and soil properties during 2011-12 and 2012-13. Result revealed that yield of fenugreek enhanced by the application of organic manures and seed inoculation with Rhizobium. However, yield obtained with farmyard manure was highest as compared to other inputs and control. The per cent yield increased with these manures and Rhizobium was 11.45, 20.83, 22.22 and 35.42 with Rhizobium, sheep manure, vermi-compost and FYM, respectively. Chlorophyllcontent and uptake of macro and micronutrients in fenugreek and soil available macronutrients were more with FYM. Total chlorophyll content was more at 90 days followed by 30 and 60 days. Uptake pattern of nutrient indicated that N, K, Fe, Mn and Cu accumulation was more in straw than seed. Contrary to it, P and Zn accumulation was more in seed than straw. Straw yield and availability of micronutrients except Mn did not influence either by manures orseed inoculation with Rhizobium. Soil organic carbon was only higher with sheep manure and FYM. Regardless, it has been cited in some of the literature that vermi-compost is always better than any other farm manures, however our results are warranted. The nutritional value of FYM was the best and vermi-compost was found poorest among the commercially available manures used in this study.

Characterization of selected cotton growing soils of Wardha district, Maharashtra

Nine cotton growing soils located on Deoli, Wardha, Karanja, Ashti tehsils of Wardha district, Maharashtra was characterized. Horizon-wise soil samples were collected and studied for morphological, physical and chemical properties. The soils were brown to very dark gray in colour, shallow (31 cm) to very deep (150 cm), silty clay loam to clay in texture, imperfectly to well drained and most of the soils had sub-angular blocky structure in the B horizon with a few of them having pressure faces and slickensides. The soil had mildly alkaline to strongly alkaline, all these soils were non-saline, organic carbon was low and decreased with depth, high CEC with calcium as dominant cation on exchange complex. These soils were classified as Typic Haplusterts, Typic Calciusterts, Typic Haplustepts, Typic Calciustepts and Lithic Ustorthents at subgroup level.