Vol. 11, Issue 8 (2022)

Author(s):
R Himabindu, T Sukruth Kumar, T Anjaiah, RVT Balazzii Naaiik and T Shashikala

Abstract:
Livestock are an important asset and livelihood option for poor people in rain fed areas. Fodder crops are the plant species that are cultivated and harvested for feeding the animals in the form of forage, silage and hay. A survey was carried out in forage growing soils of Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district of Telangana state. Seventy five representative surface soil samples (0-15 cm) were collected and analysed for their salient characteristics viz., pH, EC, OC, free CaCO₃, available N, P₂O₅, K₂O and micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn). Soil fertility maps were prepared for macronutrients. Results revealed that, soil pH ranged from 6.14 to 8.55. The soils were non-saline (0.06 to 1.14 dS m^-1). The organic carbon ranged from 1.88 to 11.24 g kg^-1. Free Calcium Carbonate content ranged from 1.23 to 20.64 per cent. With regard to available nutrients, the values varied from 100.3 to 260.8 kg N ha^-1 for nitrogen, 8.6 to 88.5 kg P₂O₅ ha^-1 for phosphorus, 86.9 to 394.5 kg K₂O ha^-1 for potassium. Among the micronutrients 9.4, 10.6 soils samples were deficient in available zinc and iron. Further, the soils were not deficient in Cu and Mn content.