Characterization, Classification and Fertility of Bangalore Blue Grapes Growing Soils of Karnataka

摘要

A study was carried out to characterize and classify major Bangalore Blue grapes-growing soils of Karnataka and to assess the inherent fertility of these soils for cultivation. Four locations were selected on the basis of concentration of Bangalore Blue grapes-growing areas of Karnataka and delineated based on the variability of agro-climate with the help of land resource map and report of Karnataka state, generated at 1 : 2,50,000 scale by ICAR - NBSSLUP, Bangalore. The regions included Bangalore North - GKVK farm and Bangalore North-Rajankunte with Doddaballapur and Hosakote belonging to eastern dry zone of Karnataka, which are endowed with hot moist semi-arid tropical climate at an elevation of 850-900 m above MSL that exclusively produces 52,240tonnes of Bangalore blue grapes from 2,791 ha per year for a long while. Soil profiles were studied at these selected sites. The major Bangalore blue grapes-growing soils of Karnataka are generally dark red. deep, non-gravelly and well drained, sandy clay or clayey in texture with moderate, medium and sub-angular blocky structure. Soils were slightly acidic to neutral in reaction and low to medium in soil organic carbon status. Cation exchange capacity and base saturation varied from low or medium andmoderate or high, respectively. The major taxa of the soils identified at sub-group level of soil taxonomy are Rhodic Kandiustalfs, Kandic Paleustalfs, Typic Rhodustalfs and Typic Haplustalfs in the order of soil development. The study along with assessed fertility status could evolve the soil test based application of OM, nitrogenous and K containing fertilizers as a routine mechanism in developing a decision support system for successful cultivation of Bangalore blue grapes variety in eastern dry zoneof Karnataka.