Depth Wise Distribution of Soil Physico-Chemical Properties and Nutrients Across a Toposequence Located at KVK Farm, Sakhigopal, Odisha, India

Abstract

This study aims to identify soil-related constraints for crop production and provide insights for soil management by analyzing soil profiles across different topographic positions (upland, medium land, and lowland) at KVK farm, Sakhigopal, Puri located in the East and Southeastern Coastal Plain Agro-Climatic Zone of Odisha. The profiles were evaluated for key physico-chemical properties and nutrient contents, revealing significant variations influenced by topography. The results showed that the soil's physical and chemical properties and available nutrient status showed distinct variations among the pedons. Among soil physical properties, the sand percentage, bulk density, and particle density increased with soil depth. Whereas, the clay percentage, total porosity, and water-holding capacity decreased with soil depth. Soil pH ranged from 6.32 to 7.50 and the electrical conductivity was recorded below 1 dSm-1. The organic carbon content ranged from 8.6 to 10.3 g kg-1. In general, soil pH, base saturation, and exchangeable cations increased with soil depth. On the other hand, soil organic carbon content and exchangeable acidity decreased with soil depth. Available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur contents decreased with soil depth. However, in general, their concentrations increased along the slope (towards low land), which may be attributed to increased levels of organic carbon and clay contents in the lower topographic positions owing to high moisture content and higher cropping intensity. The findings of this study provide valuable insights regarding soil property characterisation across a transect for sustainable land use planning.