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Abstract

International Journal of Agricultural and Applied Sciences, June 2020, 1(1): 18-21

ISSN: 2582-8053

https://doi.org/10.52804/ijaas2020.114

Research Article 

 

Soil nutrient status under different agroclimatic zones of Jammu region, India

Sanjay-Swami*

Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu,  Main Campus, Chatha-180 009, Jammu, J&K

E-mail: sanjayswamionline@gmail.com

 

*Present address:

School of Natural Resource Management, College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, Central Agricultural University, Umiam (Barapani)-793103, Meghalaya, India

(Received: 22/04/2020; Revised: 16/05/2020; Accepted: 28/05/2020)

 

ABSTRACT

In the North Western Himalayas, particularly Jammu region, where 85% of people depend on agriculture and allied sectors, 70% of agriculture is rain-fed. Various factors, especially land use pattern and variations in climatic conditions affect the soil fertility and nutrient contents. However, information on essential nutrients in the soil across the region is meager. An attempt has been made to study the soil nutrient status under different agro-climatic zones of Jammu region. Seven hundred seventy surface soil samples (0-15 cm) from sub-tropical, intermediate and temperate zones of Jammu region were collected and analyzed for soil texture, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), CaCO3, CEC, available macro nutrients (N, P, K, S) and micronutrients (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn). The results indicated large variation within the soils of each zone. The amount of all the available nutrients was more in the soils of temperate zone than those of other zones. The soils of sub-tropical zones were low in available N, P, S and Zn and to some extent in K. Organic matter content, clay and silt content of the soil vis-à-vis cation exchange capacity were found to be the main factors controlling the available nutrient content of the studied soils.

Keywords: Soil fertility, macro and micronutrients status, agro-climatic zones, Jammu region.