Chemical Status of Different Agro-Ecological Units of Kerala: A Comprehensive Study

Abstract

A study was carried out in selected panchayats/municipalities of the four agro-ecological units (AEUs), AEU 8 (Southern laterites), AEU 9 (South central laterites), AEU 10 (North central laterites), and AEU 11 (Northern laterites) of Kerala to assess the electrochemical properties such as pH and electrical conductivity (EC) and chemical properties like available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) by following one-way ANOVA. The main objective of the study was to document the soil fertility status of the study area. The perusal of the data revealed that most of the collected soils were strongly acidic and moderately acidic in nature, with the lowest mean value of 5.42 pH being noticed in south central laterites (AEU 9), whereas the highest mean value of 6.21 recorded in northern laterites (AEU 11). The mean values of EC of the four AEUs varied from 0.03 to 0.10 dS m-1 and were found to be within the critical limit. Regarding N, the mean values varied from 219.97 to 259.88 kg ha-1. The available P was high in 96% of the soil samples tested. It was noticed that 83% of samples were under the medium category for available K. Liming the soil to correct its acidity could enhance microbial activity, which in turn could improve the utilisation of N fertilisers that are applied. Furthermore, balanced fertilisation will boost soil health, increase nutrient use efficiency, and enhance the productivity of the study area.