GIS-based soil fertility mapping in agro ecological units of central part of Kerala, India
Author Affiliations
- 1Soil Science Department, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Kerala, India
- 2Soil Science Department, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Kerala, India
Int. Res. J. Environment Sci., Volume 10, Issue (2), Pages 24-37, April,22 (2021)
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate and map the fertility status of soils in Thrissur District located at central part of Kerala, comprising six agro ecological units. A total of 5120 surface soil samples (0-15cm) were collected (one soil sample @ 1ha) along with associated informations on farmers name, soil type, fertilizer application, irrigation etc. The collected samples were air dried and sieved through 2mm sieve. The analyzed soil data were classified as low, medium and high categories based on soil fertility ratings, and parkers nutrient index was calculated. Each agro ecological unit was characterized based on soil nutrient index value with respect to each soil parameter such as pH, EC, OC, N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S. In the study area soil pH varied from acidic to slightly alkaline (2.9 -7.7). Soil reaction index was neutral in northern coastal plain and acidic in all the others. Salt index was normal in six AEUs. Among the six agro ecological units, status of N, P and K was high in northern and southern high hills. Acute deficiency of K and S was well observed in northern central laterite. High accumulation P was observed in all the agro ecological units.
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