Assessment of Physico-Chemical Properties of Soil from Different Blocks of Namchi District of Sikkim, India

Abstract

The present study was carried out at Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry (U.P.), during the year 2023-2024. The soil samples were collected at three depths: 0-15 cm, 15-30 cm, and 30-45 cm, from nine different villages of three different blocks under Namchi district A total of 27 soil samples were collected and analyzed for their physical and chemical parameters by using the standard Laboratory Technique. The result showed that the soil color varied from light brown to dark brown in dry condition and red to reddish brown/dark red in wet condition. The soil texture of Namchi, Temi and Sikkip blocks were mainly sandy clay loam. The Bulk Density reported 1.1 -1.29 Mg m-3, particle density reported 2.1- 2.6 Mg m-3, percent of pore Space varied 45-47.6%, water holding capacity ranged from 45-49.3 %.  The composition of available nitrogen ranged from 312kgha-1-200khha-1, available phosphorus ranged from15kgha-1- 26kgha-1 and available potassium ranged from 243kgha-1-309kgha-1.  Results suggest that farmers should adopt appropriate soil management techniques, such as crop rotation and conservation tillage, which will contribute to maintain the soil’s physical characteristics to ensure the sustainability of agricultural practices and the long-term health of the soil.