Collection, Characterization and Soil Health Assessment of KVK Khatuali (Muzaffarnagar-II)

Abstract

Study on the Collection and Characterization in Soils of KVK Khatuali was conducted during 2021-22. Soil samples were collected and brought to the laboratory. Results of this study indicate that the texture of the study area was sandy loam. Soils are neutral to slightly alkaline in nature with low EC and poor Organic matter percentage. And it is reported that hydraulic conductivity of KVK soil is moderate to moderately rapid .Soils are low in available nitrogen and potassium and medium in available phosphorus status. Cationic micronutrients such as Iron, copper and zinc contents were found deficient in range, whereas manganese content was found to be sufficient. Soil pH was significantly and positively correlated with electrical conductivity (r = 0.631 & 0.820), calcium (r = 0.771 & 0.681) and Cation exchange capacity(r = 0.782 & 0.858) in surface and subsurface soil respectively. A significant and positive correlation was observed between soil organic carbon with available nitrogen(r = 0.613 & 0.915), available phosphorus(r = 0.425 & 0.904 ), available potassium(r = 0.585 & 0.807) and available sulphur(surface r = 0.291 r = 0.796) And all the cationic nutrients are positively and significantly correlated with soil organic carbon i.e., Fe(r = 0.599 & r = 0.715) , Mn (r =0.643 & 0.839), Zn(r =0.576 & 0.790) and Cu ( r = 0.623& 0.759) in surface and subsurface soil respectively. Based on the study of characterization of soil and fertility status, the soils of study area were found to be poor in soil health with several limitations and it needs special managements to improve soil health and crop production