Physical and Chemical Properties of Soil of Different Villages of District Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

The research was conducted to assess the physical and chemical properties of soils from twenty-one villages of Solan district, Himachal Pradesh within its geographical coordinates ranging from the latitude 30°44’53” to 31°22’01” N and longitude 76°36’10” to 77°15’14” E, during 2023-2024, India. The villages represent diverse landforms, including contour farming, plains, and slopes. Soil samples were collected from two depths, 0-15 and 15-30 cm, and analysed them using standard laboratory protocols. The predominant soil texture was sandy loam, bulk density ranges from 1.22 to 1.39 Mg m-3, particle density from 2.42 to 2.67 Mg m-3, and percent pore space varied between 40.50% and 46.68%, while the percent water holding capacity ranges from 37.65% to 45.53%. Soil pH ranged from 6.61 to 7.47. Electrical conductivity was measured between 0.18 and 0.34 dS m-1, indicating non-saline conditions. Organic carbon content was medium 0.30% to high 0.61%. The available nitrogen content ranged from 232.68 to 279.64 Kg ha-1, available phosphorus from 37.23 to 64.54 Kg ha-1, and available potassium from 262.14 to 365.34 Kg ha-1. These findings provide valuable insights into the soil health of the region, with implications for agricultural practices and land management.