Vol. 10, Issue 7 (2021)

Author(s):
Debasish Choudhury, Tarence Thomas and Tarun Kumar

Abstract:
The research study was undertaken in 2020-2021 with a goal to assess the fertility status of the soils from Deomali-hill range valley region, Koraput, Odisha with major focus on primary nutrients. 27 composite soil samples were collected from 9 villages at depths of 0-15 cm, 15-30 cm and 15-30 cm. The data exhibited that soil reaction of the soil samples was found to be “acidic to neutral”. The organic carbon was found to be in “low to medium” varying from “0.11 to 0.53%”. The electrical conductivity was less than 1 dS m^-1, hence the soils were “safe for crop production”. The available nitrogen content resided in “low” range with values ranging from “87.80 to 263.80 kg ha^-1”. The available phosphorous content of the study area was found to be in “low to medium” range with values ranging from “1.79 to 14.33 kg ha^-1”. The available potassium content was found to be in “low to high” range, varying from “53 to 361 kg ha^-1”. About 88.88% soil samples were found to be “deficient in available sulphur”. The Nutrient Index (NI) values were found to be 1, 1.22 and 2 for the entire Deomali Hill-Range Valley Zone respectively for available nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Hence, the soils were characterized as “low-low-medium” (LLM) based on the nutrient index calculated available nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. This fertility study would help the farmers to undertake appropriate management practices to achieve optimal yield by while exploiting the inherent nutrient capacity present in the soil.