Fertility status of soils of Panchayat Samiti, Merta (Distt. Nagaur) and recommendations for raising crop production.

摘要

A detailed study was undertaken in Panchayat Samiti, Merta, Distt. Nagaur (Rajasthan, India) to assess the soil fertility status. The 200 surface soil samples (0-20 cm depth) were analysed for soil physico-chemical properties, available nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur and DTPA extractable micronutrients. Nutrient index values 1.02, 1.99 and 2.92 were obtained with respect to available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium indicating low fertility status for available nitrogen, medium for available phosphorus and high for available potassium. Available sulfur content of soil varied from 5.1 to 17.8 mg/kg with an average value 10.3 mg/kg. Ninety-two and 72% soil samples were found to be deficient in Zn and Fe, respectively. Eight percent soil samples were found to be deficient in Cu, while no sample was found to be deficient in case of Mn. Deficiency of micronutrients in Merta Panchayat Samiti followed the order Zn > Fe > Cu. Deficiency of two or three micronutrients in combination was sparsely distributed. There is a need to apply nitrogenous fertilizer at high rates to boost up crop yield in the area.