Assessment of Physico-Chemical Properties of Soils from Different Locations Across Various Districts of Madhya Pradesh in the Narmada River Belt

Abstract

Rising population pressure and increasing food demand are intensifying the need for sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in regions like Madhya Pradesh, where diverse agro-climatic conditions and intensive cropping systems prevail. However, imbalanced nutrient management, excessive reliance on chemical inputs, and declining organic matter have led to soil degradation, reduced fertility, and compromised crop productivity. This underscores the importance of evaluating soil physico-chemical properties and nutrient dynamics under different cropping systems and management practices to ensure long-term soil health and sustainable crop production. The present study focuses on evaluating the nutrient status and physico-chemical properties of soils under different cropping systems in Madhya Pradesh, India. Soil samples were collected from 45 locations across four districts, viz., Anuppur, Jabalpur, Dindori and Narsinghpur under monocropping and various cropping systems using both organic and inorganic inputs over 3–5 years. The study focused on analysing key soil properties such as pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon and the availability of major nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Results of the study revealed that the soil pH of the different locations ranged from slightly acidic to alkaline (6.45–9.45), while values of electrical conductivity were within normal limits, indicating low salt content. The organic carbon content of soils was low in most areas (mean 0.62%), likely due to limited use of organic matter. Available nitrogen content of soils varied from 200.70 to 288.51 kg ha-1, with more than half the samples (57.77%) falling in the low available nitrogen category, and available phosphorus content of soils ranged from 7.96 to 18.25 kg ha-1, with most soils (60%) showing a medium level. However, the soil available potassium ranged between 144.78 and 391.98 kg ha-1, with 55.55% of soils obtained in low available potassium content. This indicates the importance of region-specific soil management and nutrient replenishment practices to support sustainable crop production and improve soil health in Madhya Pradesh.