Assessment of Micronutrient Content and Strategies for Improvement of Micronutrient Status in the Soils of Bhandara Tehsil, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

The study was undertaken to determine the available micro-nutrient status of the Bhandara tehsil of Maharashtra with the help of GPS-based one hundred-and-five soil samples during the period of 2021-2022 from paddy growing fields. Samples were analyzed at the Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry Section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur. The results revealed that soils were clay loam to sandy clay loam in texture. The study area was slightly acidic to slightly alkaline and non-saline in reaction. The mean values of 0.42 mg kg-1, 5.44 mg kg-1, 6.39 mg kg-1, 0.98 mg kg-1, and 0.90 mg kg-1 for Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu and B respectively, were recorded. The soil nutrient index values showed that available Zn was low; available Fe was moderate; available Mn and B were moderately high; and available Cu was high. The farmers of the study area mostly adopt improper nutrient management practices which might have resulted in poor fertility status in the area.  Taking these things into consideration, a data-driven Decision Support System (DSS) on micronutrient management in soil has been given. To address this problem, farmers of Bhandara tehsil may use micronutrient fertilizers or implement soil management practices that promote the uptake and availability of micronutrients to plants.