Delineation of Soil Physical and Chemical Properties of Mahisagar District of Gujarat, India
Nilesh S. Paragi *
Regional Research Station, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Kothara, India.
Bhavik J. Prajapati
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, India.
M. B. Viradiya
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, India.
Radha Chaudhary
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Randheja, Gandhinagar, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The successful implementation of sustainable agriculture practices relies on maintaining a favorable physical and chemical environment in the soil. This study aimed to assess the soil properties of Mahisagar district in Gujarat, focusing on both physical and chemical aspects. A total of 180 surface soil samples (0-15 cm depth) were collected from cultivated fields in six talukas during April-May 2018. Key indicators, including bulk density, particle density, porosity, moisture-holding capacity (MWHC), electrical conductivity (EC2.5), pH2.5, free lime, organic carbon, and cation exchange capacity (CEC), were analyzed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the soil's characteristics. The results indicated that mean bulk density and particle density value of the soils of Mahisagar district was 1.32 and 2.53 Mg m-3 respectively, while porosity with a mean value of 47.97 per cent. The overall range of MWHC was with a mean value of 45.97 per cent. The soils of Mahisagar district were high in organic carbon content and non-calcareous in nature with alkaline in reaction. The mean EC2.5 value in the soils of Mahisagar district was (0.38 dS m-1). The mean CEC value was 24.47 cmol (p+) kg-1. among the exchangeable cations Ca++ and Mg++ was dominance in soil, while water soluble ions Cl- and Mg++ were found in higher proportion in Mahisagar district of Gujarat.
Keywords: Soil survey, soil physical properties, soil chemical properties, soil fertility
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References
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