Vol. 11, Special Issue 8 (2022)

Author(s):
B Jayasree, MVS Naidu, KV Naga Madhuri, BP Bhaskar, G Karuna Sagar and P Lavanya Kumari

Abstract:
Six typical pedons in semi-arid region of Palamaner division in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh were studied for their morphological, physico-chemical and chemical characteristics to evaluate the suitability of soils for growing rice, groundnut, maize and finger millet. The soil belongs to Inceptisols, Entisols and Alfisols. All the pedons (P1 to P6) were not suitable (N) for rice, marginally suitable (S3) for groundnut and moderately suitable (S2) for maize and finger millet. The soil suitability criterion varies from crop to crop and soil to soil. The soils in the study area exhibited major limitations viz., steep slope, wetness (excessive drainage), physical soil characteristics like texture, depth and soil fertility characteristics such as pH, organic carbon and CaCO3. Suitable conservation and remedial measures were suggested to improve the soil productivity on sustainable basis without deteriorating the soil quality. Potential land suitability classes were also suggested based on the possible improvement measures for these soils.