Distribution of available macro and micronutrients in cashew growing soils of Dakshina Kannada District of Coastal Karnataka.

Abstract

Available macro and micronutrient status of soils of cashew growing regions of Coastal Karnataka was carried out in Dakshina Kannada district to help in determining the potential of the soils to supply nutrients for crop growth. Six pedons viz., Pala hillock, NRCC-Shanthigodu, Muchipadavu, Mulia, ARS Ullal and Palikudel were studied throughout the major cashew growing areas of Dakshina Kannada district representing the major climatic zones. The macro and micronutrients status of collected soil samples were analyzed by using standard analytical procedures. Results indicated that the available nitrogen status was found to be varying from low to medium in all the pedons. Further, the soils were low in available phosphorus, low to medium in available potassium and low to medium in available sulphur. Among the DTPA extractable micronutrients, iron and manganese were sufficient in most soils, available copper was sufficient and available zinc was deficient. The available macronutrient and micronutrient status was found to decrease with increasing depth of the soils. Phosphorus and zinc were highly deficient in all the pedons.