Soil Fertility Status of Patarghat Block in Saharsa District of Agro-Climatic Zone-II of Bihar

Abstract

A soil nutrient status inventory work was carried out in some villages of Patarghat block in Saharsa district. Results shows that soil texture of the soil under investigation was loamy land. Soil pH value ranged between 6.12 to 7.57 and electrical conductance remained less than 0.38 dSm-1. Soil organic carbon ranged between 4.25 to 7.12 g kg-1. Available nitrogen content in these soil was found to be between 185 to 292 kg ha-1. Available phosphorus content varied from 20.10 to 37.26 kg ha-1. Available potash content varied from 138 to192 kg ha-1. CaCl2 extractable soil sulphur varied from 0.70 to 10.25 mg kg-1 renders the soil deficient in S. Hot water soluble boron content ranged from 0.22 to 0.47 mg kg-1. All the figures in lower range was found in upland soils while the higher value of all the parameters were found in low land. There was an increasing trend with respect to soil reaction, soil organic carbon, N, P, K, S and B from upland which is due the washing down of basic cations, organic matter and plant nutrients from upland and subsequent deposition in low land give rise to the higher value in low lying areas. Clay content was found to be positivity correlated with all the parameters except phosphorus. Significant positive correlation of organic carbon, nitrogen, potassium, and boron with soil pH. Similarly, soil organic carbon was positively correlated with clay, macro and micro nutrients.