Spatial Variability of Soil Chemical Properties within a KVK Farm of Budgam in Lesser Himalayas

Abstract

Assessing the spatial variability of soil chemical properties is essential for optimizing crop productivity and ensuring sustainable land management. This study evaluated the spatial distribution of key soil fertility indicators at KVK Farm, Budgam, in the Lesser Himalayas. A total of 21 soil samples were collected from a 0–30 cm depth across different land uses and analyzed for organic carbon (OC), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Results revealed moderate variability for OC, N and K, while P showed high variability (>50%). Spatial variability maps generated using geostatistical techniques and GIS tools indicated that land use significantly influences soil fertility. All the studied soil properties (OC, N, K, P) exhibited patchy distribution, with excess accumulation in some areas and deficiencies in others. These findings highlight the need for site-specific nutrient management to optimize fertilizer use and enhance soil fertility. Precision agriculture approaches can improve resource utilization and promote sustainable agricultural practices in similar agroecosystems.