Vol. 10, Issue 11 (2021)

Author(s):
Amjad A, Tarence Thomas, Narendra Swaroop, Anurag Kumar Singh, Mohammed Aasim, Iska Sreenath Reddy and Himanshu Harit

Abstract:
An Assessment of Physico-chemical Properties of soil of ‘Malappuram District’ an allied area of Kerala was carried out in 2020-21. The prime objectives of this study were to carried out the physico-chemical properties of soil at different depths of various sites of Malappuram District, to determine the nutrient status of these soil samples and provide Soil Health Card for farmers of the Malappuram District, Kerala. For the assessment 9 sampling sites were selected. Soil samples were collected with depth of 0-15cm, 15-30cm and 30-45cm respectively. Soil textural classes were sandy loam. The study revealed that Bulk Density ranges from 1.03 Mg m^-3 -1.33 Mg m^-3, Particle Density ranges from 2.01 Mg m^-3-2.57 Mg m^-3, Pore space ranges from 42.21%-59.45%, Water Holding Capacity from 59.99%-72.06%. The pH value ranged from 5.33-6.53 and Electrical Conductivity ranged from 0.13 dS m^-1-0.21 dS m^-1. Organic Carbon ranged from 0.50%-0.87%. Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P) and Potassium (K) ranged from 107 kg ha^-1-180 kg ha^-1, 8.6 kg ha^-1-18.3 kg ha^-1 and 39 kg ha^-1-117.33 kg ha^-1 respectively. Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg) and Sulphur (S) ranged from 9.06 cmol (p⁺) kg^-1-16.8 cmol (p⁺) kg^-1, 1.8 cmol (p⁺) kg^-1-11.9 cmol (p⁺) kg^-1and 18.6 kg ha^-1-67.6 kg ha^-1respectively. It clearly indicated that soil has good Water Holding Capacity and good physical condition. The pH of soil is acidic nature and the Electrical Conductivity was suitable for all crops. Organic Carbon ranged from medium to high. These soils have low Nitrogen, Potassium and Phosphorous ranged from low to medium. Calcium and magnesium are very sufficient in this soil. Sulphur is varying medium to high, most of the samples are high in Sulphur content. There is an including awareness of the need to pay greater attention in the role of macronutrients enhancement in the soil for good soil health and proper nutrition of plant so as to attain optimum economic yield and soil is suitable for all major tropical and sub-tropical crops.