Vol. 10, Issue 11 (2021)

Author(s):
Samadrita Paul, Narendra Swaroop, Tarence Thomas and Akshita Barthwal

Abstract:
An experiment was conducted in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj during 2020-21 to assess the physical and chemical properties of soils in the West Tripura district of Tripura. Soil samples were collected from nine different Villages of West Tripura District at three profile depths, viz. 0-15cm, 15-30cm and 30-45cm. Twenty-seven sampling points were selected for the analysis. The results revealed that the soil colour varied from yellowish brown to Reddish brown colour in the dry condition while Pale brown to Dark yellowish brown colour predominated in the wet condition. The texture in Mohanpur and Dhukli was mostly clay loam while in Jirania, the texture was Sandy clay loam. The water holding capacity varied from 42.85 to 65.65% and pore space percentage from 42.69 to 94.45%. The bulk density values ranged from 0.95 to 1.27 Mg m^-3, particle density from 2.5 to 4.0 Mg m^-3, specific gravity from 1.57 to 2.73. The pH ranged from 3.1 to 7.1, electrical conductivity from 0.01 to 0.12 dS m-1. High organic carbon values were obtained which ranged from 0.6 to 1.65% as a result of decades of organic farming practices adopted by the farmers. Available nitrogen ranged from 105.52 to 538.50 kg ha^-1, available phosphorus from 20.33 to 55.65 kg ha^-1 and available potassium content ranged from 71.33 to 233 kg ha^-1. Exchangeable calcium varied from 0.06 to 2.68 cmol (p+) kg^-1, exchangeable magnesium from 0.04 to 2.6 [cmol (p+) kg^-1], and the available sulphur ranged from 7.38 to 65.47 kg h^-1.