Assessment of Soil Nutrient Status of Selected Villages of Kamareddy District in Telangana State, India

Abstract

Soil health deals with the assessment of soil physical, chemical and biological indicators, which represent the current soil condition of specified area as they range from nutrient concentrations to complex soil microbial communities. Timely assessment of soil fertility status and soil nutrient status plays an important role in the implementation of best management practices. This study aimed to assess the nutrient status of selected villages of Kamareddy district of Telangana. A total of 76 samples were analysed from farmers' fields from Kardpalley, Demi Kalan and Kazhriwadi villages of Kamareddy district, Telangana. The study area comes under a tropical climate with wide temperature ranges. The majority of samples recorded low organic carbon (< 0.5%), organic matter (<1.0%), and soil available nitrogen (<280 kg ha-1). Soil pH ranged between 6.02-8.40, 100% samples in all the villages were non-saline (< 1 dS m-1). Soil available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium ranged between 90-363 kg ha-1, 11-34 kg ha-1, and 143-664 kg ha-1, respectively. The P and K contents were medium, high and low, suggesting that site-specific nutrient management and regular soil testing help prevent excessive and unnecessary application of nutrients. It is concluded that site-specific fertilizer recommendation and regular soil testing is recommended for nutrient balance during the crop growth period to prevent unnecessary application of fertilizers. Adequate incorporation of crop residue/organic manure improves soil organic matter content.