Influence of Different Land Use Systems on Soil Physico Chemical Properties in the Arid Region of Western Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Soil physico-chemical properties are important indicators of soil quality and are greatly influenced by land use systems, particularly in arid regions where climatic conditions limit soil development. The present study was conducted to evaluate the influence of different land use systems on soil physico-chemical properties in the Balesar block of Jodhpur district, Rajasthan, India. A total of 60 surface soil samples (0–15 cm) were collected from irrigated cropland, rainfed cropland, and pasture land, with 20 samples from each land use system. The samples were analyzed for bulk density (BD), particle density (PD), water holding capacity (WHC), soil pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and organic carbon (OC) using standard laboratory procedures. Results showed that soils of the study area were slightly to moderately alkaline in reaction, with pH ranging from 7.36 to 8.32. Irrigated cropland recorded higher pH and EC compared to rainfed and pasture lands, indicating accumulation of soluble salts under irrigated conditions. Bulk density was lowest in irrigated soils, whereas rainfed soils showed comparatively higher values, suggesting the effect of organic matter and management practices on soil compaction. Water holding capacity was higher in irrigated and pasture soils than in rainfed soils, while organic carbon content was generally low in all land use systems due to arid climatic conditions. Correlation analysis revealed negative relationship between bulk density and organic carbon, while water holding capacity showed positive association with organic carbon, indicating the role of soil organic matter in improving soil physical properties. The study concludes that land use systems significantly influence soil physico-chemical properties in the arid region of western Rajasthan, and improved management practices such as irrigation and organic matter addition can enhance soil quality and sustainability.