Assessment of Physico-chemical Properties of Soil from Various Regions of Different Taluk of Pathanamthitta District in the State of Kerala, India

Abstract

The assessment of Physico-Chemical Properties of Soil from Various Regions of Different Taluk of Pathanamthitta District of Kerala in 2023-24 was a valuable endeavour. A total of 27 samples were collected at profile depths of 0-15, 15-30, and 30-45. It is interesting to note the variations in soil colour between dry and wet conditions, ranging from light brown to dark reddish brown.The soil textural class was identified as Sandy clay Loam, and the sand, silt and clay percentage varied from 45.18% to 50.64%, 17.21% to 20.70%, 30.91% to 34.61%. Bulk Density was varied from 1.08 Mg m-3 to 1.28 Mg m-3. The Particle Density varied from 2.02 Mg m-3 to 2.55 Mg m-3. The Pore Space (%) ranged from 40.18% to 50.62%. The Water Retaining Capacity (%) ranged from 39.19 to 48.98%. The pH value ranged from 4.9 to 6.9. The Electrical Conductivity ranged from 0.03 to 0.30 dS m-1. The value of total Organic Carbon (%) varied from 0.16 to 1.68 %. The available Nitrogen content of soil ranged from 119.45 to 286.07 kg ha-1. The available Phosphorus content of soil ranged from 13.23 to 64.20 kg ha-1. Available Potassium content of soil ranged from 100.80 to 382.40 kg ha-1. Exchangeable Calcium content of soil ranged from 1.7(meq 100g-1) to 9.1(meq 100g-1). Exchangeable Magnesium content of soil ranged from 0.23 (meq 100g-1) to 0.74(meq 100g-1). The Sulphur content of soil ranged from 0.03 to 0.44 kg ha-1. The findings revealed minor increases in bulk and particle density with depth, yet the overall physical condition of the soil seems favourable for plant growth. It is evident that the soils are slightly acidic but meet the acceptable EC limit. The high levels of Organic Carbon are promising, while Nitrogen is lower and Phosphorus and Potassium levels are moderate to high. However, secondary nutrients like Calcium, Magnesium, and Sulphur are relatively low. Nutrient levels appear to be influenced by soil depth, with leaching due to higher precipitation levels in the area contributing to nutrient deficiencies. The results suggest that improvements can be made by implementing strategies such as cover crops, green manure, legume cultivation, mulching, and specific cropping systems to address leaching concerns.