Spatial Heterogeneity of Soil Micronutrients in Shivalik Foothill Zone of Himachal Pradesh: A Cross-Site Investigation of Soil Fertility
Arshdeep Singh Atwal *
Department of Soil Science and Water Management, College of Horticulture & Forestry (Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry), Neri, Hamirpur, H.P. 177001, India.
Renu Kapoor
Department of Soil Science and Water Management, Regional Horticulture Research & Training Station, Jachh, Kangra, H.P. 176201, India.
Rakesh Sharma
Department of Soil Science and Water Management, College of Horticulture & Forestry (Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry), Neri, Hamirpur, H.P. 177001, India.
Swapana Sepehya
Department of Soil Science and Water Management, College of Horticulture & Forestry (Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry), Neri, Hamirpur, H.P. 177001, India.
Aarush Lal
Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture (CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya), Palampur, Kangra, H.P. 176062, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Agricultural soils are subjected to constant management practices which influences their nutrient status. Further, micronutrients play a crucial role in determining optimal crop growth and yield for majority of the commercial crop roster. Keeping this under consideration, an investigation was carried out for micronutrient status of soils of Indora block of district Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. Ninety-nine representative soil samples (0-20cm) were collected from the farms primarily growing cauliflower in 400m2 area (minimum). The profile samples were analyzed for DTPA micronutrients by method Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) which was found to be sufficient in Cu and Fe. However, for DTPA-extractable Zn and Mn it varies from 1.12 to 4.30 and 2.04 to 7.20 mg kg-1. These findings emphasize the importance of soil testing and site-specific nutrient management to address potential deficiencies, optimization of crop productivity in the region and promote policy making protocols for the local farming community.
Keywords: Micronutrients, spatial variability, soil fertility, nutrient status, sustainability, soil survey