Characterisation and Classification of Rubber Growing Soils of Kerala, India

Abstract

Aims: Is to detailed Land Resource Inventory at block level. The objective of the study was the characterization and classification of soils of the Elamdesam block, Idukki district Kerala. Place and Duration of Study: Soil survey done and soil samples were brought from Elamdesam block, in the year 2016 and laboratory characterization and soil classification was done in National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Regional Centre, Hebbal, Bangalore Methodology: Using base maps soil profiles and auger observations from selected transects were studied in such a way that soil survey and mapping observations have been taken in all landform units and the location of soil profiles was recorded using GPS. Horizon-wise morphological properties were described following USDA soil survey manual (Soil Survey Staff 2014). Soil samples were collected horizon-wise, air dried and processed (2 mm sieve) for various analyses following standard methods. Twelve soil series were identified in the block using the method employed by Reddy (2006). Soil map prepared manually followed by in GIS environment. Results: The study revealed that, the soils were very deep to very shallow, well drained to somewhat poorly drained, brown, dark brown, reddish brown, dark reddish brown, dark yellowish brown, yellowish brown, dark gray, yellowish red and red in colour. Soils are non-gravelly to gravelly; clay content is 11.37 to 41.60 percent in the surface soil and ranges from 8.95 to 63.52 per cent in the subsoil. The cation exchange capacity ranges 5.94 to 15.12 cmol (+) kg–1 in the surface soil and 2.48 to 14.47 cmol (+) kg–1 in the subsoil. Base saturation is 6 to 44 per cent in the surface soil and ranges from 2 to 55 per cent in the subsoil. The organic carbon content is medium to very high and it ranges 0.89 to 3.34 per cent. Soils acidity ranges extremely acid to moderately acid. Based on the morphological, physical and chemical characteristics soils were classified as Ustic Haplohumults, Humic Dystrustepts, Ustic Kandihumults, Lithic Ustorthents and Oxyaquic Haplustepts. Conclusion: Soils in the foot hills, high hills and midlands and low land region of rubber growing soils of Kerala qualify as Ultisols or Inceptisols. The information generated can help the researchers, farmers and planners to comprehend the natural resources of Elamdesam block for future planning.