Assessment of Soil Suitability for Horticultural Crops in the Bada Micro Watershed (4D4F2j05) of Haveri District, Karnataka, India

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to assess the land suitability of forest, barren land, agricultural and horticultural land use systems within the Bada micro watershed of Haveri district, which lies in the Northern Transition Zone (Zone 8) of Karnataka. Utilizing a base map (1:7,920) in conjunction with satellite imagery total of eight profiles, two from each land use system were identified and excavated. The morphological attributes of soil profiles were recorded and horizon wise soil samples were analyzed for their physical and chemical properties by employing standard procedures. Subsequently, the potential of these land use systems for the cultivation of key horticulture crops, namely chilli, tomato, coconut, mango, sapota and guava were assessed by using the limitation method by considering oxygen availability to roots, nutrient availability, rooting conditions, soil toxicity and erosion as primary criteria. The crop suitability maps were generated by utilizing ArcGIS software. The results indicated that across the forest, agriculture and horticulture land use systems suitability for crops were classified from moderately suitable (S2) to marginally suitable (S3). In the study area, 90.34%, 90.34%, 39.45%, 50.89%, 84.06% and 84.06% of the total area was classified as moderately suitable (S2) for the cultivation of chilli, tomato, coconut, mango, sapota and guava, respectively. Conversely, 1.36%, 1.36%, 52.25%, 39.45%, 6.28% and 6.28% of the study area identified as marginally suitable (S3) for these crops, respectively. Whereas, the barren land use (1.36% of total geographical area) was classified as not suitable (N) for mango, sapota and guava cultivation due to pronounced physical limitations that affecting the rooting of crops. Conversely, the barren land exhibits marginal suitability (S3) for the production of chilli, tomato and coconut. These outcomes provides an essential baseline information for identifying specific soil constraints and support the formulation of sustainable crop production strategies within the study region.